Jerry E Miller Yantis mayor
Mayor Jerry E. Miller is planning this year’s Catfish Classic in memory of his longtime friend Ken Freeman of Ken Freeman Outdoor Promotions who passed away in late 2017. Ken was instrumental is getting the successful all-catfish tournament started on Lake Fork four years ago. “He will be missed but his memory will live on in this tourney and the men, women and children who will fish it this year”. You can sign up for two days of fun, unforgettable fishing on one of Texas’ best lakes, and large cash prizes for the biggest catfish caught during the May 5 and 6 tournament. You can also join in the Yantis Catfish Parade at 5:30 pm on Saturday May 5 from Yantis First Baptist Church, and then at 6pm enjoy a downhome Texas BBQ with live music by “The C” in the Yantis school cafeteria. Proceeds will benefit the Yantis Fire Department.
Cash payouts will total $25,000. There are several ways to win….with seven hourly paybacks each day for biggest fish caught that hour, with overall paybacks for the top seven biggest fish caught in the tournament, and with biggest fish caught by females, senior citizens and youth 17 and under. Additionally, numerous prizes of fishing equipment will be supplied by Mrs. Laura Freeman. The awards will be held at 3:30 pm Sunday at The Minnow Bucket. You must be present to win.
Adults and children can fish in boats, on the bank or from a pier or dock. Members of school fishing teams are also welcome. If you are fishing a distance from the weigh-in station, be sure to put your fish in a cooler for transport because fish must be alive when weighed in. You can fish from 7am til 3pm. Weight scales open at 8am and close at 3pm both days.
In order to fish in the tournament, you must register. Early registration forms are available in Yantis and Sulphur Springs retail locations, at the City of Yantis offices and at the Minnow Bucket Marina on Lake Fork. Cost is $100 per person for both days, and $75 for one day. Kids 12 and under fish free. Early registration is open through Wednesday May 2. Mail entries to Yantis Catfish Classic, 201 Walnut St, Yantis Tx 75497. Late or day-of registration will be done on-site at the Minnow Bucket Marina. With questions, contact Tournament Director Mayor Jerry E. Miller at 903-850-9500.
