BYRDSTOWN-The streak of big smallmouth is still alive after last weekend’s tournament held here at Star Point Resort.
Each tournament so far this season has seen a fish over 21 inches long carried to the scales, and last Saturday night was no exception.
Raymond and Amanda Manis weighed in a 3.97-pound ‘over’ to win the event and $400 with a total of 5.12 pounds.

Second place went to Rusty and Brayden Leffew (3.32 lbs./$300) and third was claimed by Pat and Makayla Cope (3.02 lbs./$200).
There was a tie for fourth, as both Cody Atkinson and John Howard, and Cody Warren and Blake Hargis tallied 2.83 pounds each. They split the final paid position worth $100.
This week, the series returns to action with their first “Major” event of the season featuring longer hours (7 p.m.-3 a.m.) and a larger entry fee of $100.
The normal tournaments are fished from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. and feature a $40 entry fee. They also pay out a big fish of the year pot at the end of the season.

Watson Memorial
set next Saturday
CELINA-The 10th Annual Kevin Watson Memorial fishing tournament will blast off here at Horse Creek Dock at 7 p.m. next Saturday night (June 16) and those fishing are encouraged to arrive earlier (5:30 p.m.) to enjoy a meal provided by volunteers featuring Dale Hollow Lake catfish in return for the participants’ donation through their entry fee.
Door prizes will also be given away 6:30 p.m. before fishing begins.
Those taking part will be competing for “bragging rights” and the chance at first, second, and third place trophies, but 100% of their $25-per-man entry fee will be used to fund a $1,000 scholarship in Watson’s honor to be given to a local student each year.
The event will follow the “any species” format–where smallmouth, largemouth, and Kentucky spotted bass are eligible to weigh in, and it will feature a five-fish limit adhering to lake rules. The weigh-in will be held at 1 a.m.
Participants will have the chance to win a little money this year thanks to a big-fish side-pot for both smallmouth and ‘green fish’ (largemouth or spot). A $5 entry fee for the smallmouth pot and another $5 for the ‘green fish’ pot will be collected from each angler wanting to participate.
Another feature of the event goes along with the fun atmosphere. Unlike most tournaments, teams can have as many fishermen in the boat as they want–three or four man teams are welcome.
For more information about the Watson Memorial, call Horse Creek at 931-243-2125.

Results sought
DALE HOLLOW-Any tournament director wishing to have their tournament dates announced or results reported in the HORIZON should contact the newspaper by email at [email protected] or call editor Thomas Weaver at 931-243-4710.
Deadline for submissions is noon on Mondays for each edition.