The 2019 Muzzy Bowfishing Classic is officially in the books, marking the most successful turn-out in the tournament’s history. Competitors from across the country descended on Lee S. Jones Park in Eddyville, Kentucky, to bowfish the prime waters of Kentucky Lake and Barkley Lake, as well as the Tennessee River and Cumberland River. In total, a record-breaking 93 boats (previous high was 87) hit the water at 6 p.m. on July 13 for one night of bowfishing, hoping to help reduce the area’s burgeoning population of rough fish.
This year’s participants were on the mark, shooting thousands of pounds of non-desirable fish species. In true sportsman-like fashion, all fish were removed from the water and donated to a local pet food processing facility. More than 14,000 pounds of rough fish were weighed in just as part of the Big 20 category. (Teams entering the Big 20 can weigh in their 20 biggest fish.)
After the weigh in on the morning of July 14, Team Mountain Men dominated the field taking home first-place honors for both the Big 20 and Largest Silver Carp categories with 519.35 pounds for the Big 20, and 23 pounds for the Silver Carp.
Team Nock Deep’s 43.2-pounder was the biggest fish taken, while Team G String grabbed the numbers pot with a mind-blowing one-night haul of 630 fish.
In total, more than $20,000 in cash and prizes were earned. Podium finishes are as follows:
BIG 20
- 1st - $10,000 - Mountain Men
- 2nd - $5,000 - Descaling Bowfishing
- 3rd - $2,500 - OCD Bowfishing
NUMBERS
- 1st - $5,000 - G String Bowfishing
BIG FISH POT
- $3,700 - Nock Deep
BIG SILVER POT
- $1,510 - Mountain Men
Outdoor personalities Tim Wells, Chuck Belmore, Jon Justice, Melissa Bachman and Catchin’ Deers joined in the weekend’s festivities to interact and entertain scores of participants, spectator-guests and family members during the weekend’s various other field games, meet and greets and activities.
For a glimpse at what goes into being a competitor in a high-level event such as the 2019 Muzzy Bowfishing Classic, check out the video below.
