Grand Champions Frank Duff (left) and Mac McGee (right)
The 2nd annual Chattanooga Bass Bug Classic, which is a fly fishing only bass tournament, was held this past week on the Nick-a-Jack section of the Tennessee River. This year, the tournament was held on June 10-11, and anglers launched from the TVA Raccoon Mountain boat ramp at 6:30 A.M. both mornings and fished until 2:30 P.M. During the tournament anglers saw lower water, warm temperatures, and the annual willow fly hatch on the river. In spite of these events, there was still good fishing and good numbers of fish for this unique fly fishing only event.
The two title sponsors of the tournament were Choo Choo Fly and Tackle and Outdoor Chattanooga. In addition, there were various other local business sponsors, as well as fly fishing companies who contributed prizes and awards. Part of the proceeds from the tournament are given to the Chambliss Children’s Home and Shelter who attempt to preserve family unity and to help prevent the dependency, neglect, abuse and delinquency of children by responding to the community's childcare needs.
In addition to a cash payout to placing teams, here are the results and prizes for this year’s tournament:
1st place Grand Champions: Local anglers Mac McGee and Frank Duff with a two day team total of 23.7 lbs.
(Prizes: Local Artist Harriet Chipley Original Watercolor Painting, Scott fly rod, and names inscribed on the Chattanooga Bass Bug Classic trophy)
2nd place: David Newsom of Memphis, TN and Stephen Chazen of Birmingham, AL with a two day team total of 18.2 lbs.
(Prizes: Atlanta Artist Paul Puckett Original Tennessee River Painting, and a Sage Fly Rod)
3rd place: Michael Yelton of North Carolina and Jake Howard of Columbia, SC with a two day team total of 17.5 lbs
(Prizes Murfreesboro Artist Dan Sharley limited edition print, and a St. Croix fly rod)
Big Fish: Mac McGee with a 3.5 lb largemouth bass
(Prizes: Dan Sharley limited edition print)
Arrangements and planning for the 3rd annual Chattanooga Bass Bug Classic have already begun, and the dates for next year’s tournament will be announced in the near future. The dates and tournament details can be found on the official website of the Chattanooga Bass Bug Classic at: chattanoogabassbugclassic.com OR at choochooflyandtackle.com.