Rome Georgia is one of those great places where even strangers feel at home. Georgia’s Rome oozes with southern hospitality. Of course there is a famous one in Italy and another in New York, but the folks in northwest Georgia like to call their city “Georgia’s Rome” to distinguish it from the others. Distinguishable it is.
That southern hospitality will be on display on July 30 and 31 when the Bass Pro Shops Big Cat Quest (BCQ) comes to town. Travelling anglers are welcomed by the local anglers, but nothing is held back when the competition starts. It is a known fact that the locals know the water better and are likely to end up in the winner’s circle.
The BCQ chose Rome because of the good catfishing in the Coosa River. Ken Freeman, event organizer described the Rome event as a grassroots series that culminates at the end of the year in a national tournament to crown a champion.
“The thing about this tournament,” explained Freeman, “is that we provide a small town atmosphere where local anglers are able to participate in a national event and possibly qualify for a national championship. It also helps to get the towns involved in the bigger picture of promoting catfishing.”
The three-time BCQ Angler of the Year says it short and sweet. “I love to fish the Coosa River at Rome,” declared Larry Muse. “The Coosa has a nice slow current and very laid back fishing. The local anglers are tough dedicated anglers. They will provide plenty of tough and top notch competition at the tournament. Rome always treats the anglers well and welcomes them with open arms. There are a lot of nice folks there in Rome.”
If last year is any indication, flathead catfish will likely be in the mix for the winner. Team Boatwright won the 2015 affair with more than 90 pounds of Coosa River flatheads. The family team of Troy, Angie and Dylan Boatwright plied last year’s murky waters to claim the first place honors with 91.55 pounds. It was the first time a BCQ tournament had been won with all flatheads.
Then, interestingly enough, the second place team of Kenneth Williams and Aaron Churchill also weighed in all flatheads. They had a five fish stringer that weighed 74.5 pounds. Anglers just may want to have some live or fresh cut bream on hand for this year’s tournament.
The third place in 2015 was the father/son team of George and David Harrison. Their five fish weighed 65.6 pounds. George and David won the Big Cat Quest in Rome in 2014. If they fish this year they will sure be tough competition.
Fourth Place and big fish went to Donnie Fountain and Jeremy Stoker last year. They had five fish that weighed 63.90 pounds. They won big fish honors with a 32.55-pound blue catfish. Fountain, like many other anglers, like cut skipjack for bait except on the Coosa. On the Coosa he prefers shad.
Donnie’s twin brother Lonnie Fountain was in the catfishing news recently. Fishing with Jonathan Long, he won the BCQ Apalachicola River event near Blountstown, FL with 186.30 pounds. Those Fountain boys are always factors to contend with. Congrats to Lonnie and Jonathan on the win.
Anglers must launch their boats on the Coosa River and/or its tributaries in the state of Georgia. Launch time is 6:00 PM Saturday. Anglers are allowed to fish in Weiss Lake in Alabama and other Bama’ waters but must launch in the state of Georgia.
Registration for the Best Five Fish tournament will be held on July 30, 2016 (day of the tournament) from 2:00 PM until launch time at 6:00 PM. Registration and weigh-in will be held at the Kroger Parking lot, 1476 Turner McCall Blvd., Rome, Georgia 30161. The scales will open at 10:00 PM on Saturday, July 30, 2016. All teams must be in line by 1:00 PM on July 31, 2016.
The Host Hotel is the Quality Inn. Call 1-(706)-291-7797 for lodging reservations. The facility has double parking spaces and hookups for some boats (these are limited). The hotel is located at 40 Grace Dr SE, Rome, GA 30161.
Underlining what others say about Rome, Freeman commented, “There is no better people to work with in the USA. From the largest city we visit to the smallest place we go, Rome is a first class act. It is a great place for anyone to stop in for a visit while travelling, or better yet make it a destination.”
If you have any questions about BCQ contact Ken Freeman at 731-234-1888. Follow the BCQ Website and the BCQ Facebook Page for more information, updates, results and photos from the tournament.
For information on visiting the area you can browse the website at Georgia’s Rome.