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