New Madrid hosts pro catfish tournament Saturday

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- While the pros are trying to catch some prize-winning catfish, there is plenty for the public to catch during Saturday's Cabela's King Kat Tournament and Festival.

New Madrid Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Christina McWaters noted this year's event is bigger, offering a wider range of activities for children and adults.

The professionals will cast their lines into the Mississippi River beginning at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, however, youngsters can sleep in a bit longer before taking part in the youth fishing rodeo at the lagoon off Route WW. Registration is from 8 to 9 a.m. with the fishing rodeo scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., arts, crafts and food vendors will line Main Street. Also planned throughout the day are children's games and activities at the parking lot located across from the Bank of New Madrid.

A stage is set up on Main Street for live entertainment from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.

The stage will also be the site for the Catfish Callin' Contest, from 11 to 11:30 a.m. McWaters said this free event should be fun to watch and encourages participants to be imaginative in their catfish calling.

Girls up to age will participate in the Little Miss King Kat Pageants, scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. These will take place on the Cabela's stage.

The highlight of the day for anglers and non-anglers is the tournament weigh-in. The teams can bring in up to five live fish for weigh-in, which is expected to begin about 3 p.m. All anglers must be in the weigh-in line by 4 p.m. Following the weigh-in, all fish are released.

"We hope you all will come out and join us this Saturday," said McWaters.