Cabela’s King Kat Tournament Trail Results of Marion/Moultrie, the Santee Cooper Lakes, Feb. 25, 2006.

Saturday, Feb. 25th the Cabela’s King Kat Tournament Trail held the first qualifying event in 2006 at The Santee State Park, Lakes Marion/Moultrie, in Santee, South Carolina. These anglers were competing not only for cash and prizes, but the opportunity to qualify for the 2006 Cabela’s King Kat Classic to be held on Alabama’s Pickwick/Wilson Lakes at Sheffield, Alabama on October 13-14, 2006.      

Topping out in first place in the 111 angler field was the one man team of Rayford Hillard of Cross, SC weighing in a total of 138.9 pounds and taking home a check for $2,500.00. Hillard who kept the crowd in question on where and how he caught his fish will now advance to the Cabela’s King Kat Classic in October.

Taking second place was the team of Steve Shipley of Santee, SC and Tom Weaver of Rock Hill, SC with a weight of 113.45 pounds. Steve and Tom were fishing the upper lake using cut shad in only 4 feet of water. The team received $1,225.00 for second place.

In third place were Frank Drose and Frank Drose of Manning, SC with a weight of 111.25 pounds and taking home $900.00. This team was catching fish in 40 feet of water using shad and thread fins.

Cliff and Sharron Strength of Grey Court, SC took fourth place with 97.15 pounds. The team was fishing the lower lake using shad in 25-30 feet of water. They received a check for $600.00 for fourth place. Cliff and Sharron also captured big fish of the event with a 33.85 pound catfish, receiving a new Minn Kota Trolling Motor for big fish of the event.

Fifth place went to the team of Brian Thornhill of Bonneau, SC and Michael Hoover of Monks Corner, SC with 74.55 pounds. The team was using cut bait on the lower lake in 40 feet of water.

Tournament Director Richard Williams would like to thank Model/Actress Kelcey McMinn for her help with the awards. Kelcey is 16 years old, in modeling school and will be heading to California next month to audition for a TV show. She is also featured on www.sctraveler.com and www.lakejocassee.com  .You can view Kelcey's portfolio at www.newfaces.com/kelcey.

Williams would also like to thank all who endured the heavy rains throughout the day in the event and congratulate the top 20 teams who will now advance to the Cabela’s King Kat Classic to be held on Pickwick/Wilson Lakes at Sheffield, AL.

Santee is one of the top fisheries in the nation. For more information on Santee visit South Carolina Traveler at www.sctraveler.com  Special thanks go out to the businesses supporting South Carolina Traveler at the February qualifier: Howard Johnson Express, The Yankee Clipper, Jose's Performance Outboard, Buddy's Eutawville, Mr. Dan's Subs, Crossed Oars Tavern, Aces High, Smith's Chevron, Coasters & The Santee State Park.