The best came to compete, and they showed why they were the area's top anglers.

The seventh annual Ohio River Rat Invitational Fishing Tournament was held Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5-6, at the Ashland, Ky., boat dock.

More than 20 boats and 40 local anglers competed for the first place and Big Bass Cash prizes in the two-day event.

Each day four place prizes were awarded and a Big Bass prize. On the second day, an overall prize was awarded to the angler with the most weight for both days.

First place winner on the first day was Greg Mowery of Ironton. He also had the Big Bass of the day.

On the second day, Dan Matthews and Bill Turvey were the first place winners as well as the Big Bass.

The overall winner for the tournament was Mowery with a total weight of 12 pounds, 43 ounces.

The tournament coordinators were Mike Drummond and Chuck Yaniko. Sponsors were Pepsi, which provided refreshments for the family cookout, Holliday's BP on State Route 243 in Deering, Rt. 52 Auto Parts in Wayne, W.Va., and the Texas Roadhouse of Ashland.

Ohio River Rat Tournament

TeamsWeights:

Greg Mowery12.43

Dan Mathews & Bill Turvey11.35

Earl Evans & Belinda White9.27

Ricky Burnette & Charlie White7.01

Troy Pennington & Brian Davidson6.39

Brian Hatfield & Steve Bentley4.84

Doug Pack & Estel Jordan4.77

Pete Russell & Dave Voglesong4.56

Tim Frye & Bobby Gilley4.52

Don Malone & Daniel Malone4.22

Doug Perry & Steve Latocha3.22

Rich Fitzpatrick & John Fitzpatrick3.80

Barry Hayward & Jeff Hayward3.80

Darrell Fannin & Allen Priode3.48

Mike Drummond & Chuck Yaniko3.36

Jeff Dyer & Deddie Frye2.85

Jeff Lewis & Jeff Lewis Jr.2.72

Billy Back & Mike Back1.15