Fish and fortune await at Merritt Reservoir’s Catfish Classic

VALENTINE, Neb. - Merritt Reservoir is one of the top places in Nebraska to fish, according to Nebraska Game and Parks. It's also home to the state record channel catfish.

“I really enjoy fishing, and I wanted to bring something to Valentine to bring more people in,” Tooth and Whisker Outdoors Owner Tyler Brown said.

Brown is spearheading this weekend’s Sandhills Catfish Classic Fishing Tournament at Merritt. Dozens of people will be headed to the reservoir on Sept. 14, hoping to not only catch a big fish, but thousands of dollars in prizes.

“First place will be $4,000 guaranteed,” Brown said.

Last year the tournament paid out a total of $16,000 in prize money, and this year Brown expects an even bigger turnout. Dozens of teams are already on the hook, but latecomers can still register Saturday morning. To enter, you need to pay $125 per team.

“Sign-up is at 6:00 a.m., so people can still come in and get entered to go,” Brown said.

With big fish and big prizes on the line, Brown hopes the tournament will reel in more than just catfish.

“Use my expertise to bring more people to Valentine,” Brown said.

If you would like to register, you can call Brown at 402-875-0524.