Annual EZ3 Catfish Tournament

In 2016, the next generation of anglers running the shop decided to start a new tradition, the EZ3 Catfish Tournament. The concept of a catfish tournament lasting for two months was unheard of and took off like a Blue Cat ripping a White Shad on a Carolina Rig! The shop realized the potential of the Neuse river when the first years largest Flathead was brought to the scales in a pick up truck and horse trough! That year, fish were kept out front in an old truck toolbox for all to view…

That old toolbox has now evolved into a custom built live well developed specifically for large fish. The custom well has seen its fair share of huge fish over the years. Boasting storage of two healthy and released State Record fish.

A 78.9 lb. Flat Head, caught by Tyler Barnes, was the first record fish kept alive in the tank. The monster Flatty was caught on July 20th, 2020; recorded as a State Record, and released back to the body of water it was caught in - The Neuse River! Tyler obviously won the Big Fish Category that year.

A 127.1 lb. Blue Cat, caught by Rocky Baker, came to the certified scales late on a July eve in 2021. He and his co-angler, Justin Clifton, netted the State Record Fish in the Roanoke River. Although they were in the EZ3, the fish was inadmissible due to being caught outside the Neuse. This absolute monster was also kept alive and driven back to the Roanoke after certification to swim away!

Seven days later, a State Record Channel Cat was brought into the certified scales. This fish was unfortunately beyond resuscitation. Also caught in the Neuse River, the record breaking fish weighed-in at 26 lbs.

Since 2016, the development of the Tournament has gone from a simple 5 Largest Fish Challenge to a two division tournament designed with both the weekend recreational angler, and the regular tournament fishermen. Women and children have always been encouraged and provisions have developed for both. With separate “Trash Fish”, “Wild Cat”, “Big Three”, “Big Cat Fever Challenge”, “SP8-48”, “SP8-28”, “Tagged Fish” and “Lady Angler” side pots - there is plenty to do with-in the two month time frame. The EZ3 has even tagged, released, and tracked tournament caught fish, offering prizes to anglers for catching tagged fish when applicable. Always evolving, the EZ3 has developed a following of respectful anglers and prides itself in the Live Release of these beautiful fish back into NC waters for the next angler to enjoy!