Chris Phillips & Mitchell Scott Win Lake Bob Sandlin
Thomas Cambell Sr is smiling from heaven.
I wanted to take a moment to share some highlights and insights from the recent Quad
State Thomas Cambell Memorial Fishing Tournament held at Bob Sandlin. It was a truly
special event, and I’m sure Thomas Cambell Sr is smiling from Heaven seeing the spirit and
camaraderie among all the participants.
The excitement kicked off Friday night when 57 teams packed into Double C Outdoors for
registration, filling the room with laughter and stories about the fantastic weather and
impressive catches during practice. Afterward, everyone gathered at the Hampton Inn in Mt
Pleasant, Texas for a complimentary meal, a lively raffle, and a review of the tournament
rules. Many teams were left buzzing with confidence, eager for the next day and boasting
about the creel size limits.
As seasoned tournament anglers know, weather has a way of shaking things up on
competition days. Day one started off chilly, with drizzle and temperatures in the 50s. The
wind quickly intensified, shifting from a gentle southern breeze to a strong northern gust.
But did these 57 teams give up? Not a chance! They showcased resilience, adapting to
every challenge thrown their way. By the 3 pm weigh-in, 48 teams arrived with sacks in
hand, and 17 teams boasted a kicker over four pounds. The competition was fierce,
requiring at least a 14 lb. minimum to break into the top five. Congratulations to KC Doyle
and Robert Hawkins of the Bass Hookers, who brought in a remarkable 8.76-pound kicker
to secure Big Bass honors for the day.
Day two threatened to be problematic with a potential fog delay, but thanks to a terrific call
by tournament director Jimmy Brown, everything went smoothly. As the teams launched,
conditions reversed completely—bluebird skies and gentle southern winds. While post-
frontal weather can be tough on anglers, this group proved their skill once again. The 2 pm
weigh-in saw several impressive bags between 10 and 15 lbs., but Chris Phillips and
Mitchell Scott of the Metro Area Bass Club wowed the crowd with a stunning 19.26 lb.
sack—a standout achievement anywhere in the country.
Special thanks go out to the surrounding counties for their warm hospitality and generous
sponsorship. We especially appreciate Double C Outdoors, Vaughn Catfish, Hampton Inn,
Quality Inn, Sure Stay Inn, Kistler Rods, Ark Rods, Casey Starks and Victor Hawkins, as well
as all those who contributed to making this event memorable.
Here’s how the top finishers stacked up:
1. Metro Area Bass Club: Chris Phillips – Mitchell Scott (31.85 lb.) $5000.002. Metro Area Bass Club: Tyrone Phillips (31.58 lb.)
3. Fishing Tradition Bass Club: Victor Hawkins – Melvin (30.35 lb.)
4. Dallas Bass Hookers: KC Doyle – Robert Hawkins (26.92 lb.)
5. Metro Area Bass Club: Eugene Moore III – Eugene Moore Jr. (26.03 lb.)
6. Osprey Bass Club: Pat Henderson – Cameron Henderson (25.64 lb.)
7. Fishing Tradition Bass Club: Willie King – John Johnson (25.52 lb.)
8. Dallas Bass Hookers: Ed Larkin – Siran Bailey (24.21 lb.)
9. Metro Area Bass Club: Mike Loggins – Byron Shell (23.73 lb.)
10. Fishing Tradition Bass Club: Mark Perkins – June Perkins (23.38 lb.)
Looking ahead, Greers Ferry in October promises to be an ideal event for youth and
families. It’s a wonderful opportunity for fun and fellowship—reminding us that teaching
someone to fish is a gift for a lifetime. As you plan for the 2026 Greers Ferry Tournament,
consider renewing your membership with one of the participating clubs, recruiting a new
member, and marking your calendar early. Take advantage of Quad State discounts at the
hotels or explore the abundance of Airbnb’s and cabins in the local communities for a
comfortable stay.
Thank you again, Mr. Thomas Cambell Sr, for your vision and legacy, and thanks to everyone
who helped make this tournament such a success. Hope to see you all at future events!
Written by Melvin Dunn