The World Catfishing Championship

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The World Catfishing Championship (WCC) was first created nearly 25 years ago alongside the historic Catfish Derby in Savannah, Tennessee, on the Tennessee River; the oldest catfishing event in the nation. At the time, it was the vision of Ken Freeman, an energetic angler who dedicated himself to shining a spotlight on the sport. Through his efforts and especially his well-known tournament trail, the Bass Pro Big Cat Quest, Ken helped bring catfishing into the national conversation during the early 2000s.

To me, the WCC was always the “tournament of tournaments.” Twenty years ago, when I was just starting out, it represented the pinnacle of competition, something larger than life. Unfortunately, about ten years ago, Ken passed away, and the event was handed down to his colleague and friend, outdoor radio host J.R. Sweat. J.R. carried the torch for several successful years, but his demanding schedule and advancing age limited his ability to grow the event to its full potential.

That’s when I felt called to step up and help JR to preserve this event. In 2022, I partnered with J.R. to help breathe new life into the WCC, working to restore it to the prestige and excitement I remembered from my early years as an angler. We saw promising growth in both 2022 and 2023, but sadly, J.R. also passed away during that time. At that point, I realized the responsibility of carrying the World Catfishing Championship legacy forward now rested in my hands.

Today, I am on a mission to bring the WCC to a new level of competition and recognition, creating an event that inspires anglers the same way it inspired me two decades ago. So, combining the National Catfish Expo with the World Catfishing Championship, I believe, brings the community together and ensures the WCC will thrive for future catfish anglers to enjoy.

  But as I look toward the future and think about the importance of sustaining this tradition for the next generation, I’ve chosen not to do it alone. I’ve teamed up with Damian and Krystal Clark, a young, determined, and energetic couple who share the same passion and vision for catfishing. Together, we will ensure this event not only thrives today but continues to grow long after I retire.

The World Catfishing Championship is more than just a tournament. It is a tradition, a legacy, and the most coveted title in the sport of catfishing. And now, it’s time to take it to the next level.

Steve Douglas

Dear Anglers,

We are proud to officially welcome you to the World Catfishing Championship, presented by the National Catfish Expo, the ultimate stage for competitive catfishing. This event was created with one purpose: to give competitive anglers an event title to reach for and take catfishing tournaments to the next level.

For years, catfish anglers have pushed themselves and their gear to the limits in pursuit of giants. Now, for the first time, the best of the best will come together on the mighty Ohio River in Owensboro, Kentucky, to compete for the most prestigious title in the sport.

The World Catfishing Championship is more than just another event, it’s a new standard for competitive angling. With big stakes, elite competition, and national recognition, this tournament gives anglers something more to strive for:

        A true world title that represents the highest honor in catfishing.
        Unmatched payouts and prestige that elevate the sport.
        The chance to etch your name in history as a world Champion.

 “In our inaugural season, participation will be open to the first 100 boats to compete for the title of World Champion. Beginning with the 2027 season, however, entry will be limited to anglers who qualify through one of five nationwide qualifying events (to be announced soon). This structure ensures that only the most determined and skilled anglers will earn the opportunity to compete for the most prestigious title in catfishing — the World Championship.”

2026 WORLD CATFISH CHAMPIONSHIP

These rules have been implemented to ensure fairness, safety, conservation, and

significant care for the fish caught. It is the goal of this event to move our sport

forward as an example for all to follow.

The tournament is capped at 100 boats plus up to 20 promotional spots.

Entry Fee: $1,500.00

1. Entries made and paid for are prohibited from being sold, bartered, or

given away without the expressed written consent of a tournament official.

All entries are final!

2. Good sportsmanship is expected of all individuals before, during, and after

the tournament event. This applies to social media and elsewhere. Failure

to follow good sportsmanship may result in disqualification.

3. All state and federal rules will be observed. It is up to the anglers to

determine what license or licenses may be needed.

4. Any violation could result in an automatic disqualification.

5. Any disorderly conduct will be reason alone for disqualification.

6. Two-man Teams only

7. Must be 18 years of age to participate.

8. A life vest is encouraged to be worn at take-off and while underway at all

times.

9. Fish may only be caught by Rod and Reel method only.

10. A maximum of 3 fish per boat will be allowed at the weigh-in. Only 2 fish

34 inches or over and 1 under will be allowed.

11. Teams are allowed to have as many rods on board as needed. However,

only 6 rods are allowed in the water at any given time.

12. No snagging will be allowed.

13. No fishing outside the boat.

14. No foul-hooked fish will be accepted.

15. No alcoholic beverages, marijuana, or illegal substances are allowed onboard

or used during tournament hours.

16. No chumming.

17. No fishing in intentionally baited holes.

18. All tournament boats must maintain a distance of 50 yards between each

other while anchored and 50 feet while drifting. This includes all boats.

19. Buddy fishing or sharing of information during tournament hours, including

techniques, baits, location, etc., is strictly prohibited.

20. ALL fish handled at weigh-in are encouraged to be handled with a gripper

and gloves. Weigh slings are encouraged. Larger fish are encouraged to be

handled by 2 anglers.

21. Dropping of fish at the weigh-in is discouraged.

22. Placing of ALL fish into the weigh totes must be completed with care. No

Throwing or mishandles will not be tolerated.

23. No dead fish will be allowed on the weigh-in stage,  this will disqualify your

team. Note to all anglers: All catfish being weighed, must be alive, alert and healthy. The National Catfish EXPO and the World Catfishing Championship does not deem "but his gills are still moving" as a live healthy catish and will be considered a dead fish.

24. No culling of fish once the competing boat has been removed from the

water.

25. Ties will be determined by who has the biggest fish.

26. Any protests must be made before the awards ceremony and must be in

writing. We will not accept any protests thereafter.

27. This is a catch-and-release tournament. All live fish must be released

healthy and alive. They may not be taken home with tournament

participants.

28. Anglers who consider their catch to be possible record will have the sole

responsibility for caring for the fish until the proper authorities are notified

and arrive for verification purposes. Once verified, the fish must be

released alive and healthy.

29. Social media live feeds are allowed and encouraged. However, caution

must be used not to reveal too much relevant information when going live

during the tournament hours. (see rule # 19)

30. Onboard live wells must be no less than 50 gallons, employ an electric

freshwater circulating pump, and include proper aeration. OXYGEN USE IS

ENCOURAGED.

31. All weigh-ins will take place using a scale that will be calibrated and zeroed

out between all weigh-ins.

32. If there are more than 3 fish in the live well at weigh-in, it will result in

disqualification.

33. Captain’s meeting is mandatory on May 14th, 2026, at 6:00 pm at the

Owensboro Convention Center. This is where registration will take place.

34. Tournament hours: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, lines in water prior to 7:00 am will

be cause for immediate disqualification. NO AM BOAT CHECK-INS.

35. Boats cannot be launched until 5:00 AM both days on Friday, May 15th, 2026

and on Saturday, May 16th, 2026.

36. Pre-fishing ends 5:00 pm in Thursday, May 14th, 2026.

37. Trailering is allowed!.... Launching and recovery will take place at any boat

ramp between Shawnee town, IL, at Blackburn ramp in Morganfield, KY.

42461. And Brandenburg boat ramp in Brandenburg, Ky. 40108.

38. All boats must be at the weigh-in by the required time. No exceptions.

39. No gear or anchors past the red line at any dam.

40. Upon your entry into the tournament, you agree to and are placed under

the Waiver/Release for the World Catfish Championship event.

2026 WORLD CATFISH CHAMPIONSHIP

WAIVER/RELEASE FOR World Catfish Championship:

By entering the World Catfish Championship event, you attest to having read the accompanying

event information and understand the policies of the event. I know that fishing on the river is a

potentially hazardous activity. I should not enter unless I am medically able and properly

trained. I assume all risks associated with my voluntary participation in this event, including but

not limited to falls, potential drowning, the effects of the weather, including extreme

temperatures, boat traffic, and all conditions on the river, all such risks being known and

appreciated by me. Knowing these facts, and in consideration of your accepting my entry, I, for

myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, or anyone else who might claim on my behalf,

covenant not to sue and WAIVE, RELEASE, AND DISCHARGE World Catfish Championship, The National Catfish Expo and the city of Owensboro, KY. And all sponsors, officials, workers or volunteers, their representatives, successors or assigns for ANY AND ALL claims or liability, whether foreseen or unforeseen, for death, personal injury or property damage arising out of, or in the course of my participation in this event. 

I further grant full permission to the above-mentioned sponsors, organizers, and or

agents authorized by them, to use any photographs, videotapes, motion pictures, recordings, or

other records of the event for any reasonable purpose.

A Polygraph exam will be given.

NOTE: There will be someone at the weigh-in site throughout the tournament. If

you have a large fish or a fish that will not survive until 3:00 pm, you may bring your

fish to be weighed and recorded. We will then release the fish, and you can

continue to fish. Once the weight has been recorded and the amount of fish you

may not cull when you come back in.

Any giveaways: winners must be present to win.