Clay Co Crappie Tournament Begins Thursday With Local Clubs And Professionals

The MidWest Crappie Invitational Tournament kickoffs in Clay County Thursday with 130 boats already in town ready for the competition.

Dale Hollow and Cedar Hill Marina Owner Dennis Wilbert said it is the first Dale Hollow Shootout hosted at his boat docks as well as state park locations.

“Guy up in Northern Ohio Dan Elko it was his brain child,” Wilbert said. ‘He approached me about it and I just fell in love with the idea bringing all these crappie clubs together. About half way through it, we decided to throw it out there to the pros.”

Wilbert said the tournament is a new concept for crappie fishing. Wilbert said top level professional fishermen will be with local clubs across the nation. Wilbert said the first two days will be the qualifier for the top 25 fishing in the final round Saturday.

“So they can kind of intermingle and the crappie club guys can learn from the pros,” Wilbert said. “Then the pros can come in here and enjoy. We are trying to get them here and show them what we have to offer. They are all in town. They have been practicing since last Friday.”

Wilbert said the invitational also brings in a fishing show with over 30 booths at the Clay County Fairgrounds. Wilbert said from poles to bait, fishermen can find anything that has to do with crappie. Wilbert said the vendors will be open daily from noon until 8:00 p.m.

Wilbert said in the future, he wants to host his own tournaments in the fall and spring.