The Chattanooga area is no stranger to bass fishing tournaments on the Tennessee River. However, most regional fishing competitions use conventional casting rods and baits.
That's where the first annual Chattanooga Bass Bug Classic is different: Anglers are using fly-fishing equipment hoping to hook the big one.
Sponsored by Choo Choo Fly and Tackle and Outdoor Chattanooga, the two-day tournament serves as a fundraiser for fishing programs run by the Chambliss Children's Home and Shelter. Choo Choo Fly and Tackle general manager Ben Austin said he hopes the money raised will allow the children a better opportunity to get outside and go fishing.
"We want raise awareness and give the children the chance to be exposed to nature and fly-fishing," said Austin, also the tournament director.
The field for the first-ever tournament includes 20 anglers from four states, including Alabama and North and South Carolina.
The weigh-in site is at the TVA Raccoon Mountain boat ramp off Highway 41.
After the first day, Mac McGee and Frank Duff of Chattanooga lead with a total of 10.55 pounds.
The tournament, which is free and open to the public, concludes today with the final weigh-in at 2:30 p.m.
Cantrells go for titles
Points leader Dakota Cantrell is leading the National Bass Fishing Trail championship tournament after two days on Wheeler Lake at Rogersville, Ala., with 18.41 pounds. The eighth-grader at Monteagle Elementary seems a lock for the season championship and national junior angler of the year, and his father also seems to be headed for angler-of-the-year honors.
Gene Cantrell was in a three-way for second in the adult points standings, six points out of first, and is fifth in the tournament and way ahead of the other season leaders. He has 23.15 pounds with one day to go.
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