On Saturday, October 22, the Obion County Anglers traveled to Pickwick Landing in Counce to fish the national qualifier with Major League Fishing (MLF).
Very rarely does an open tournament with a chance to qualify for the MLF national tournament happen so close to home. The Obion County Central High anglers decided they wanted to go even though this would be the first time back on the waters of Pickwick since a tragic accident several years ago. It was a beautiful fall morning as 57 boats from all over the south, including Knoxville and as far as Georgia gathered in the marina. The coolness in the air didn’t stop the OC Anglers as they prepared to blast-off.
Of the 12 teams from Obion County, there were two teams that placed in the top 5 which qualified them to be able to participate in the national tournament that will occur during the summer of 2023 in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Evan McCloud and Jayden Robbins with boat captain Travis McCloud won 2nd place during this qualifier. “Fishing was tough, we caught all 5 fish in the last hour and half of the tournament,” McCloud said. Their team weighed in a full sack of 5 fish with a total weight of 12lbs. 1oz. They are making plans to represent Obion County Schools during the National MLF Tournament in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Jon-Paul McTurner and Harrison Carson with boat captain Jeremy Carson won 5th place in this qualifier as well. “We caught our fish in the morning on wood and docks and a few rock ledges. The wind and big boats coming by made it difficult to fish,” McTurner said. They weighed in 3 fish with a total weight of 6lbs. 4 oz. They too are making plans to travel to Wisconsin to represent Obion County Schools.
Angler coach, Julia Wright, and her Co-Coach, husband Kenneth Wright, said they are so excited about this opportunity for the team.
Photo: From left, Jon-Paul McTurner, Harrison Carson, Jayden Robbins, and Evan McCloud with their awards presented to them at the Major League Fishing Tournament held on October 22, 2023, at Pickwick Landing in Counce, TN.
Both of the two teams will represent Obion County Schools in the National Tournament in La Crosse, Wisconsin during the summer of 2023.