(Nashville, Tennessee...) Todd Harrell, bassist for rock band 3 Doors Down, and his pro bass angler father Bobby Harrell were crowned the winners of Saturday’s 5th Annual Porter Wagoner Memorial Artists & Anglers Memorial Fishing Tournament. They also took home the prize for Big Fish with a nice 3.71 lb. largemouth. Ironically, 3 Doors Down lead singer Brad Arnold won the tournament in 2010, proving that the band knows how to fish! A total of 21 boats braved thunderstorms and wind soon after launching from Elm Hill Recreation Area.
Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits weighmaster George Braswell brought each team on stage at Bass Pro Shops Opry Mills location where the Harrell/Harrell team weighed in five fish for a total of 11.28 pounds. Pro angler Chad Morgenthaler and new artist Chelsea Rae placed second with 8.15 pounds, and Phoenix Bass Boat Pro Gary Clouse and former Trailer Choir member Crystal Hoyt followed a close third with 8.03 pounds. The Clouse/Hoyt team also won the award for “Big Crappie” at .71 pounds.
In addition to bragging rights and trophies, prizes for the top three finishers and Big Bass team included Costa Del Mar sunglasses, Shimano fishing reels, TFO fishing rods, Gary Yamamoto Custom Bait gift packs and gear. The team with the largest crappie received a $1500 fishing prize package courtesy of Paul Alpers and Crappie Masters.
All fish were safely released back into the water.
Primary sponsors for the event include Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits, Costa Del Mar Sunglasses, Shimano, Temple Fork Outfitters, Texas Roadhouse Restaurants, Camp Chef and AFTCO.
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Porter Wagoner, who in addition to being one of the most popular stars ever to grace the stage of the Grand Old Opry, was an avid bass fisherman. In his spare time, he could often be found fishing on local lakes. His daughter, Denise, has fished every year of the event in his honor.
May 8, 2012
(Nashville, Tennessee...) Todd Harrell, bassist for rock band 3 Doors Down, and his pro bass angler father Bobby Harrell were crowned the winners of Saturday’s 5th Annual Porter Wagoner Memorial Artists & Anglers Memorial Fishing Tournament. They also took home the prize for Big Fish with a nice 3.71 lb. largemouth. Ironically, 3 Doors Down lead singer Brad Arnold won the tournament in 2010, proving that the band knows how to fish!
