Well the 2nd Annual Ice Bowl has come and gone. Again this year cat fishermen showed up from all over Va & NC to participate in what is quickly becoming THE winter catfish tournament to attend. Not only was the competition stiff between the states but each boat captain was doing his best to end up on top of the mountain at the end of the day.

 

47 boats participated in this year's event (25 Va & 22 NC), with a total of 109 anglers. Both the number of boats as well as the total number of anglers were up from the 2009 event.

 

When the horn sounded for the launch boats headed in every direction. When the wakes settled there were boats anchored up from the far southern parts of the lake all the way to the Buffalo area. Many of them brought fish to the scales which is a testament to the fishery found at Kerr Lake.

 

When the weigh-in began it was a trade off for top team weight as each state's captains placed their catch on the scales. Despite the efforts of Team NC's Keith Wray and Mike Haynes, a little over half way thru the weigh-in Team Va began to pull ahead and the final blows were landed when Team Va's Daniel Burton, Curtis Walker and Michael Conner came to the scales.

 

Team Va not only won the NC vs Va contest by 82.76lbs but Michael Connor won the overall with a 48.16lb blue. 

 

The prize money and bragging rights were not the only way anglers could walk away a winner. Around $2000 in door prizes were given out at the awards ceremony. Items ranged from gift certificates to Bobcat's Lake Country, to free nights at the Best Western Clarksville, to a Frisky Swimmer Bait Tank from Addiction Outdoors, to an Arctic Armour Rain Suit & Delco Battery from Angler's Choice and much more. Special thanks to Warren Westin from The Catfish Showdown for donating the pa system and scales used during the weigh-in.

 

During the weigh-in and prize giveaways anglers and spectators alike were treated to some great hot food courtesy of Angler's Choice.

 

The 2010 Ice Bowl topped the 2009 event and there was a large time to be had by all. Work has already begun for the 2011 event which will be held again in January. The Launch site will be determined by Team Va soon. All the info concerning the 2011 Ice Bowl will be posted on www..addictionoutdoors.com as it becomes available. Stay tuned for more info and make sure to mark your calendar for the 2011 Ice Bowl as it promises to be even bigger and better.