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Toadfest Recap: Classy Massey Drops 116"

Life is what you make it and so is tournament kayak fishing. Gear purchased, research done, money spent, and fish caught cannot match the friendships, bonds, and life changing experiences one can forge by this remarkable sport. OKA angler Josh Massey is a living, breathing example of the words previously stated. This stories headline reads: Classy Massey Drops 116, However, there is much more to this story than meets the eye. 

Josh Massey is a 31 year old combat veteran who just recently relocated to Okmulgee, OK and was in a rough spot as 2020 began. Massey had just left a 10 year relationship and to make matters worse all his fishing poles and tackle had been stolen out of his truck. "Needless to say things were not going my way. I got back to church before Covid-19 hit and started a new road to Christ. With no girlfriend and being a disabled veteran I figured I would turn all the negative in my life into a positive with fishing." And that is exactly what Massey did, hitting the road most mornings and fishing throughout the day. 

Massey started the process of rebuilding his gear and set out to stretch his fishing legs in the HUK B.A.S.S Nation Kayak Series. Massey then met good buddy John Finnell. "John Finnell was a blessing from the lord. We fished together a couple of times a week and he would reach out to his fishing buddies and help me rebuild all my gear." Through this network Massey was able to build new relationships with new friends. Another friend Massey gives credit to is OKA angler Josh Barlow. "My good buddy and brother from another mother, one of the best kayak fisherman in Oklahoma, Josh Barlow invited me to go on a week long fishing trip to one of the best lakes in OK to start Toadfest." Massey excepted this invite, this trip allowed Massey to get his mind off of bad things. Interestingly enough this is when Josh Barlow lit up the tourneyx leader board by catching 106".



Massey spent over 50 days on the water with a big fish mentality and learned something new everyday. "I caught hundreds of fish in the 2 months we had to fish with some of the best days I have ever had fishing, with 4 days over 100", and 2 days back to back 100" and the best single day 103.75" ." Massey has a Facebook page titled "Josh Massey - Fishing for Freedom" , where people can follow his journey. "First and foremost I want to thank the Lord Jesus Christ for giving me the the ability and opportunity to be outside everyday and to do what I love to do and that is fish for big fish. I also want to give a big thank you to my supporters Torrent Lure Company, X-iii Custom Bait, BassKwondo, and Honey Creek Outdoors, Tulsa Kayak, and the OKA for being the elite kayak series in Oklahoma."  

- Tight Lines


Place Winners

1st Place: Josh Massey - 116" - $1,504

2nd Place: Josh Barlow - 111.75" - $752

3rd Place: Danny Bowen - 110.50" - $526

4th Place - Tou Vue - 110.25" - $338

5th Place - Chris Metcalf - 106" - $263

6th Place: Kong Xiong - 105.75" - $75

7th Place: Randy Creason - 105.25" -  $75

8th Place: Mike Ring - 105" - $75

9th Place: Houa Xiong - 104.75" - $75

Big Bass: Josh Effinger - 24" - $880










  
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