Polecat Catfish Tournament Starts New Season with BoardSafe Docks
March has arrived, bringing longer days, more sunshine, and the return of warm-weather river adventures. In Loudon County, Tennessee, just southwest of Knoxville, anglers are especially excited to launch their boats at an updated TWRA location with an updated boat ramp, gangway, and courtesy dock on the Tennessee River.
The Loudon community kicked off its Polecat Catfish Tournament season on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the newly improved TWRA boat ramp and courtesy dock, located at 29302 Loudon Highway, Loudon. While “Polecat” isn’t its official name, the community has affectionately adopted the title, and everyone knows it. The site now features a single-lane boat ramp, an aluminum gangway, and a floating courtesy dock, all of which received much-needed upgrades. A newly paved parking lot for cars, trucks, and trailers completes the improvements.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) operates the launch in partnership with the Loudon County Parks and Recreation Department, and collaborated with BoardSafe Docks to design, manufacture, and install the accessible gangway and floating courtesy dock.
Given these updates, it was fitting for the Polecat Catfish Tournament to launch its season at this revitalized location. I had the chance to speak with John Stringfield, the tournament’s director, about what the improvements mean to the local fishing community.
A tradition of fishing and fellowship
Not knowing much about competitive catfishing, I did some research on the group’s Facebook page and had an insightful conversation with John. One thing became clear: he and his fellow anglers are thrilled with the site improvements. “This new site means so much to all of us. We’re like family," John told me. "Not only do we help and support each other on the water, but in life."
The Polecat Catfish Tournament began as a local event sponsored by G-Daddy’s Bait and Tackle Shop, a family-owned business that had long supported Loudon fishermen. They hosted monthly tournaments until age and health concerns led them to pass the torch. Enter John Stringfield, an avid fisherman and long-time tournament participant, who stepped up as tournament director about two and a half years ago.
Since taking over, John has expanded the tournament from six boats and 14 participants to nine boats and 20 anglers, who must participate in 10 out of 16 individual events to be considered for the Angler of the Year competition. Last year, almost 100 anglers competed in single-day tournaments. Some competitors drive over an hour to take part, drawn by the camaraderie and love of the sport. The tournament now boasts 12 local sponsors; a strong testament to its growing impact on the community.
Fishing, for John, is more than just a pastime. As a child, he learned to fish from his father, gaining valuable life lessons along the way. "Fishing taught me patience, perseverance, and an appreciation for my surroundings," he shared. Over time, those lessons evolved into lifelong friendships, built on countless hours spent together casting lines on the water.
A commitment to conservation
Beyond competition, the Polecat Catfish Tournament emphasizes environmental stewardship. Participants follow strict regulations to ensure fish are handled responsibly. Live wells are required to keep catfish healthy until weigh-ins, and all fish are carefully recorded before being released back into the water.
Many of these anglers recognize local catfish by size, weight, and distinctive markings, a testament to their deep connection to the sport and the ecosystem. The group also supports Operation Vets for Nets and youth angler programs, sharing their passion for fishing with veterans and young outdoor enthusiasts.
Running the tournament takes teamwork. Volunteers assist with registration, record-keeping, photography, live-well checks, weigh-ins, and measurements, ensuring everything runs smoothly. It's a true community effort, all brought together by a shared love of fishing.
As my 10-minute interview turned into a 45-minute conversation, John's passion became undeniable. He is dedicated to growing the tournament, fostering connections, and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the sport as much as he does. Thanks to the improvements at the Polecat Boat Launch, and community support from its sponsors and volunteers, the group is poised for another great season—one where fishing isn’t just about the catch, but about the community it brings together and the friendships that are formed. More information on this group is available on their Facebook page: Polecat Catfish Tournament.
However, you don’t have to be a tournament catfisher to come out and enjoy the new Polecat Launch. All good stewards are welcome to come out and connect with nature and test their fishing skills at this and other TWRA locations. More information on fishing is available at this link: Fishing In Tennessee.
BoardSafe Docks offers commercial aluminum fishing piers, accessible courtesy docks, and adaptive kayak launches that can be customized to suit our customer’s needs. Our piers, gangways, and bridges are designed for marine applications in lakes, marshes, rivers, and other bodies of water. BoardSafe designs and manufactures numerous products that meet the highest construction requirements. Our accessible products offer universal access to all. Contact us at BoardSafe Docks or give us a call at 610-899-0286 to learn how we can help improve your recreational experiences along the water. #AccessYourAdventure
BoardSafe's Floating Docks Welcome Paddlers of All Abilities
Kayaking: A Fun but Intimidating Sport for Beginners
Let’s be honest—kayaking can feel overwhelming for first-time paddlers. Concerns about stability, getting in and out of the kayak, staying upright, and mastering the correct paddle stroke can make the experience seem daunting. These challenges often lead to initial awkwardness, sore muscles, and hesitation. However, the thrill of paddling, the connection with nature, and the camaraderie among fellow kayakers keep people coming back for more.
The Appeal of Paddling
Why do so many people gravitate toward kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding? Simply put—it’s fun! At BoardSafe Docks, we focus on education, safety, and accessibility so that everyone can enjoy time on the water. Paddling offers a unique combination of relaxation and excitement. Many paddlers find that being at water level, surrounded by nature, is personally rewarding. Ask anyone returning from a paddling trip, and they’ll likely share stories that created lasting memories. When people recall a memory of something “fun” or special in their life, it often includes several key elements: 1) interacting with nature or the outdoors, 2) bonding with family and friends, and 3) participating in a first-time or new activity. Paddling on the water checks all the boxes and adds to its appeal.
How First-Time Kayakers Get Hooked
Try this experiment: Ask five people if they remember catching their first baseball, tossing their first football, or shooting their first hoops in basketball. Few will recall those moments. Now, ask if they remember their first kayaking experience—you’ll likely get an enthusiastic response. Kayaking creates vivid, joyful memories; once people experience it, they’re eager to return to the water.
Kayaking Basics for Beginners
Here are some essential tips to ensure a successful first-time paddling experience.
- Stability Most kayaks, especially sit-on-top models, are designed to be highly stable, making it easier for beginners to maintain balance.
- Accessibility With proper instruction and calm water conditions, kayaking is enjoyable for people of all fitness levels.
- Choose the right waterway A lake or pond with minimal wind and boat traffic is the perfect place to start. Novice paddlers should try to avoid large rivers with strong currents.
- Pick a stable kayak Sit-on-top models are generally the easiest to start in.
- Take a lesson A beginner class with a qualified instructor can help you learn proper entry and exit techniques, paddle techniques, and maneuvering to avoid muscle fatigue.
- Wear a life jacket Always use a personal flotation device (PFD), stay hydrated, carry a safety whistle, and never paddle alone. Safety is paramount to your experience and enjoyment.
- Dress appropriately Wear layers suited for the weather and apply sunscreen.
- Use an accessible kayak launch for improved safety and an improved launching experience BoardSafe’s Accessible Kayak Launch enhances the paddling experience because of its specially designed features. Its features are designed for adaptive paddlers who need them; however, the system offers universal access for everyone looking to get out and enjoy the water. Find a BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch near you here: BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch Locations.
Staying Safe on the Water
Kayaking is generally safe, but preparation is key. If you’re renting equipment, consider going with a guide who knows the local waters and conditions. Other useful tips include:
- Learning to enter and exit the kayak takes practice, especially on moving water; that’s the benefit of launching from BoardSafe’s Kayak Launch.
- Learning how to maneuver your vessel (turn, move sideways, and paddle backward) is essential.
- Be aware of tides and currents, and never kayak alone.
- Visit KayakPaddling.net for key paddling techniques.
- The American Canoe Association offers a Paddlesports Online Course in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard. This mobile-friendly program takes about 20 minutes to complete, and upon passing, you’ll receive a certificate and be ready to paddle with more confidence!
BoardSafe Docks: Making Water Access Easier for Everyone
At BoardSafe Docks, we specialize in creating customized solutions for water entry challenges. Unlike one-size-fits-all designs, our launches are tailored to each waterway to ensure true accessibility. Whether you're a beginner or an adaptive paddler, our systems provide safe, reliable universal access to the water. Let us help design the perfect launch for your needs! Contact us for a free consultation at 610-899-0286 or through our website, Sales & General Inquiry - BoardSafe Docks.
