The recent Twisted Cat Outdoors Fishing Tournament in Perryville turned into a historic event, setting not one but two new records and leaving a lasting impression on participants and spectators alike.
A Phenomenal Event in Perryville
Originally scheduled for early July but postponed due to dangerous river conditions, the tournament finally kicked off on August 10th. The excitement was palpable, especially for Perry County Heritage Tourism Director, Trish Erzfeld, who expressed her enthusiasm for what she hopes will become an annual event. “The catfish tournament was phenomenal,” Erzfeld stated, noting that it was the first of its kind in Perryville, and its reception was overwhelmingly positive.
Record-Breaking Catches and Cash Prizes
Out of the 35 participating teams, one stood out for its extraordinary achievement. The local duo of Justin Borgfield and John Spatafora not only landed the biggest fish of the tournament, a whopping 98 pounds, 28 ounces, but they also shattered the previous record for the total weight of the three-fish limit, bringing in an astonishing 191 pounds, 6 ounces. This incredible feat earned them a total of $4,700 in prize money, including $500 for the largest single catfish and $4,200 for their first-place finish.
A Diverse and Welcoming Event
The tournament attracted 85 anglers from 11 different states, including Texas, Iowa, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Mississippi. This diverse participation highlighted Perryville’s growing reputation as a prime location for competitive fishing. Erzfeld proudly shared how impressed the visiting anglers were with the hospitality and warmth of the local community, which added to the event’s success.
More Than Just Winners
While the top three teams took home cash awards, all participants had the opportunity to catch some impressive fish. Erzfeld mentioned that even those who didn’t place were content with their experience, taking home valuable lessons in sportsmanship and fishing. The camaraderie among the anglers was evident, with one competitor humorously recounting how he told his daughter, “Whatever you catch is what you weigh,” as they lined up to weigh in a less-than-impressive catch.
Setting New Standards
Perryville set multiple firsts for the Twisted Cat tournament. Notably, the first boat to return was the event’s winner, a rare occurrence in competitive fishing where many teams typically wait until the last moment to submit their catches. The town also set records for both the largest and smallest fish weighed, with the smallest being a mere 0.09 pounds—just enough to be held with one hand.
A Bright Future Ahead
The success of the tournament has laid a strong foundation for future events in Perryville. With high hopes of making this an annual tradition, the community is already looking forward to next year’s competition. If this year’s record-breaking event is any indication, Perryville is on its way to becoming a key destination in the competitive fishing circuit.
As Erzfeld summed it up, the tournament was not just about the fish caught but the connections made and the lessons learned. Whether it’s the thrill of the catch or the spirit of sportsmanship, Perryville’s fishing tournament has set the bar high for future events.
Image/Source: republicmonitor
