Competing in our first tournament the Ice Bowl 2025 Catfish Tournament

Coop and I dive into our first ever fishing tournament-the Ice Bowl 2025. What started as an ambitious challenge turned into an unforgettable adventure, filled with triumphs, surprises, and a few obstacles along the way. With 194 boats competing for the top spots, it was an intense day on Kerr Lake, and we had to get a bit creative to make sure we stood a chance in the competition.
From the very beginning, we realized that we were entering uncharted waters-literally. As first-time tournament anglers, we quickly understood that fishing on such a large scale was a completely different experience from our usual trips. The Ice Bowl brought together some serious talent, with seasoned pros and avid anglers all vying for the top prize.
One of the first challenges we faced was figuring out where to launch our boat. Kerr Lake is massive, and with nearly 200 boats all launching around the same time, it was clear that finding a good spot could be tricky. The main ramps were packed, and it seemed like every place we turned had a boat already lined up. That’s when we got a huge break, thanks to Big Mike, a local legend in the fishing community. Big Mike clued us into a little-used ramp that wasn’t on the radar for most of the competitors. This hidden gem made all the difference and gave us the edge we needed to get out on the water faster than most.
Despite the tough conditions, we kept our heads in the game and fished hard. After several hours of searching for the right spots and trying different techniques, we managed to land five solid fish. While it wasn’t a massive haul, it was enough to get us into the rankings and show that we had what it took to compete. When the dust finally settled, we ended up finishing 41st out of 194 boats. We were incredibly proud of our finish, especially considering it was our first time ever participating in a tournament like this.
Looking back on the day, there were so many highs and a few lows, but the whole experience was a blast. The boat troubles, the freezing cold, and the crowded waters were all just part of the adventure. The Ice Bowl was a learning experience, and we gained so much from it-about the tournament scene, about ourselves as anglers, and about the camaraderie of the fishing community. It’s clear that tournament fishing has officially hooked us, and we can’t wait for more challenges ahead.
We also want to highlight the amazing community of anglers that we met throughout the day. From Big Mike’s secret ramp to the friendly competition on the water, everyone was supportive, encouraging, and ready to share tips and stories. It was clear that the Ice Bowl wasn’t just about winning-it was about coming together as a community of anglers who all share a passion for fishing. We met absolute legends that day including @FieldstoWater @DieterMelhorn @4REEL_FISHING_LLC @Not_itfishing @F.O.A.C-G and special thanks to Rooster who went out of his way to show up to weigh ins just to say hello.
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As always, support those who support us.
Alpha Boardz ~ www.alphaboardz....
Triple City Anglers ~ www.triplecity... Code: FKC10
Smackdown Rod Holders ~ smackdowncatfi...
CatCall Tackle ~ www.catcalltac... Code: FKC10
Minotaur Hooks ~ www.minotaurho... Code: COOP10
YoloTek ~ yolotek.com/?r...

[@ScottieScott-q8s]

Hey brother that lowes boat is a fish catching Machine. That's Team SEXY MULLET ..BTW we wasn't the smallest boat thankfully. Awesome video.

[@Rob_California]

Good stuff guys, thanks for taking us along the journey!

[@Shades.Out.Fishing]

that was a really good video guys I was entertained the entire time so keep up that work & can’t wait for the next one!

[@TheCatfishCowboy]

Congrats guys

[@larrybre6458]

Great video Mike and Coop. Thanks for taking us with you on your journey

[@darrylpruitt5430]

Great video!! Like the live well made one very similar with the same canna tote

[@fishinwithbigmike2674]

We were catfisherman icicles. 😂😊

[@FishingKnotCatching]

Yes we were. Thanks again for the inside scoop on that ramp. That helped tremendously.

[@catfishregulators2727]

I didn't mean to drive up behind yall and scare ya awesome video

[@FishingKnotCatching]

haha, no that was awesome. We were just talkin trash, it was funny as hell though. Great times, cant wait till the next one.

[@Not_itfishing]

😂 Coop playing with the pacifier rig at the end. Good job guys that lake has put a hurting on us every time we have finished it.

[@FishingKnotCatching]

Coop actually was using both of them last night. No worries, his crazy but might also use them for the LFTL Championship this weekend. Thanks again for those. They are awesome and definitely needed on the Potomac!

[@Not_itfishing]

@ cant wait till he catches a fish with them.

[@ChrisPowell-mn3kf]

Way to go guys

[@FishingKnotCatching]

Thanks.

[@cross-eyedcatfishing6952]

Nice job guys! See ya next year

[@FishingKnotCatching]

You sure will. We are looking forward to it already.

[@Mack-fishing]

Congrates guys gotta show them guys the dmv

[@FishingKnotCatching]

Thanks Mack we did what we could. Got something for them next year though!

[@BrentE65]

Fish don’t look 👀 at the boat they go for your bait. Good luck guys.

[@FishingKnotCatching]

FACTS...

[@glennmeadows6892]

A brother a man gotta eat lol he's growing 😅😅

[@FishingKnotCatching]

That's the game plan. Let's Grow!

[@BrentE65]

Bob Barker from Wimberley Texas relying on UA-cam fishing. Can’t get on tiktok