May 10, 2017
For Immediate Release
8th annual Catch‐A‐Dream Bass Classic on Ross Barnett raises $52,000
The 8th annual Catch‐A‐Dream Bass Classic, held on Ross Barnett Reservoir on May 7, was a resounding
success, generating over $52,000 for the Catch‐A‐Dream Foundation. A total of 214 boats blasted off at
safe light from the Hwy 43 Landing on Ross Barnett Reservoir under clear skies and calm winds. The
weather could not have been more perfectly comfortable for anglers, volunteers working the
tournament, or for spectators, but the fishing conditions were tough. Despite the fact that most of the
very best anglers on Ross Barnett were fishing, the bite was poor and the combination of high
barometric pressure and the fish transitioning from spawn to summer patterns proved challenging for
most anglers.
Only 78 boats weighed in fish (a record low for this tournament; typically 140‐160 boats weigh in) and a
total of 539 lbs of fish crossed the scales (another record low; typically anglers weigh in 1300‐1600 lbs of
fish.) It has traditionally taken 18‐20 lbs of fish to win the Overall Prize, and last year 72 boats registered
at least 10 lbs. This year, with the tough conditions, only 22 boats brought in 10 lbs or more, but one
boat managed to outdistance all others by over 3 lbs.
Ed Dunnaway and Hayze Hutzel, fishing as a “Buddy Team” (1 adult and 1 youth) weighed in at 18.55 lbs,
taking the Overall purse of $4,000. Donald and Bridgett Adcock, a “Couples team” (1 adult male and 1
adult female) placed 2nd with 15.30 lbs.
The “Big Bass” prize was claimed by Randy Thomas and Mike Barnes with a 7.55 lb lunker. Adam Varner
and Chris Beale captured the “Safety Team” division crown with 12.17 lbs.
Special thanks go to the 400+ anglers who battled stubborn fish, the dozens of volunteers who worked
tirelessly behind the scenes to make it happen and the sponsors who provided the funds and support to
help Catch‐A‐Dream burst the $50,000 bubble once again. Presenting sponsor, Bass Pro Shops hosted
the Saturday night registration dinner, sponsored by Big River Shipbuilders, Simmons Catfish and Penn’s
Restaurant, while Woodmen of the World cooked and served their famous pulled pork BBQ at the
weigh‐in site. Kroger and Entergy weighed in as Corporate Sponsors, and Entergy also provided an army
of volunteers to assist. Sponsors Page
Full results can be found at Prizes Page
The 2018 Bass Classic is set for May 6, 2018.
For more information:
662‐324‐5700
bassclassic.catchadream.org
