Inaugural KY vs. IN catfish tournament raises more than $8k for Friends of Sinners

July 27, 2021 | 12:07 am

Updated July 26, 2021 | 9:26 pm

Graphic by Owensboro Times

The Rod Rippin’ Catfish Trail hosted the inaugural “Rumble on the River” fundraising tournament at English Park over the weekend, with more than $8,000 being raised to benefit Friends of Sinners.

Friends of Sinners a local Christ-centered drug recovery program. 

The executive director of the Rod Rippin’ Catfish Trail is Damian Clark, who is also an alumnus at Friends of Sinners. In addition to raising funds for Friends of Sinners, the group looked to settle the debate of who has the best anglers — Kentucky or Indiana.

Kentucky ended up winning the tournament and had the No. 1 overall team.

The idea was conceived by Aaron Wheatley, who organizes the “Monsters on the Ohio” event — one of the world’s largest catfish tournaments. He pitched the idea to Clark and his team with the Rod Rippin’ Catfish Trail, where it gained traction and evolved into much more than just a tournament.

The Rod Rippin’ Catfish Trail is known regionally as a premiere leader in catfish tournaments on the Ohio River. They host eight tournaments annually from as far west as Shawneetown, Illinois, and as far east as Leavenworth, Indiana.  

“I’m passionate about (Friends of Sinners) because I’ve watched God impact my life through the place,” Clark said prior to the tournament. I went from homeless to owning my own concrete company and running catfish tournaments all down the Ohio (River).”

Clark and Friends of Sinners plan on making the tournament an annual event.

July 27, 2021 | 12:07 am

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