Catfish Festival wraps up; no tagged fish caught but one angler wins $250 from Hocker Insurance

Tue, 07/10/2012 - 2:41pm — John Embry

David Hocker of Hocker Family Insurance presents Todd McDaniel with a $250 check for catching the largest catfish during the fishing tournament.

The 2012 Green River Catfish Festival came to an end on Saturday night with a brief closing ceremony. Although no tagged fish were caught, one angler came away with a $250 check from Hocker Family Insurance. Todd McDaniel won the prize after catching an 8-pound catfish during the tournament. For years, Hocker Family Insurance has paid out the guaranteed prize to the tournament fisherman who snags the biggest catfish - tag or no tag.

Pageant winners Raven Brooks, Katie West, and Conley Moore

Jamie Chaney with Fishin' for the Little One winners Landis Merritt, Andy Hawkins, and John Kirby.

In other closing business, Landis Merritt, Andy Hawkins, and John Kirby were recognized for in the Fishin' for the Little One competition.

Also present was a group from Morgantown's Sister City - Tatsuruhama (Ishikawa), Japan. They were recognized by Morgantown Mayor Linda Keown. The group had spent the last couple of days visiting the city and festival with local residents serving as hosts.

Chamber President Jamie Chaney and Festival Chairman Randell Gaskey during closing ceremonies.

2012 Green River Catfish Festival pageant assisted during closing ceremonies. They are Raven Brooks (Miss Catfish), Katie West (Miss Teen Catfish), and Conley Moore (Miss Pre-Teen Catfish).

Morgantown Mayor Linda Keown with one of the guests from Sister City Tatsuruhama, Japan.