Trout Masters is the name of an NC outfitting group and annual fishing tournament taking place in the Wilson's Creek district of Pisgah National Forest in Western North Carolina. The invitation only tournament takes place on the opening day of trout fishing season, normally the first Saturday in April, but has since been moved to June due to extreme weather conditions in early April. Entrants begin fishing Thursday morning through Saturday evening. Wilson's creek is stocked by the North CarolinaFish Hatcheries division of N.C Game and Wildlife Commission. The river is stocked with Rainbow, Brook, and Brown trout. Unlike most fishing tournaments which judge by weight of catch, Troutmasters fish are judged by length from tip to tail. By catching the longest fish, the Troutmasters winning fisherman is awarded ownership of the coveted Troutmasters trophy until the next tournament. The trophy is engraved with the names of previous winners. Other traditions unique to the tournament include the Mezcalopening ceremony, taking place on the Thursday evening prior to the fishing tournament. The ceremony begins with a reading of "The Mystique of Mezcal", followed by a sampling of the liquor. Tournament participants may also elect to read a short passage of their own. A horseshoe tournament was added to the weekend's festivities in 2002. "The Golden Horseshoe" tournament is composed of two-man teams, competing in "best of three" matches. The rules include a beer can a top the post that count for additional points if knocked off or pierced through. The tournament uses a double elimination format, with the championship match normally taking place on Saturday afternoon. Trout Masters 2020 Jason "Winston" Osborne 2019 Derrick Paige 2018 Jason "Bru" Smith 2017 Jason "Winston" Osborne 2016 Derek Paige 2015 Rob Horton 2014 Scott Perry 2013 Rob Horton 2012 Scott Perry 2011 Gibby Bates 2010 Jason "Winston" Osborne 2009 Rob Horton 2008 Jason "Winston" Osborne 2007 Jason "Bru" Smith 2006 Rob Horton 2005 Gibby Bates 2004 Jason "Bru" Smith 2003 Teddy P 2002 Teddy P 2001 Foo Foo 2000 Jason "Bru" Smith Golden Horseshoe Champions 2020 Jeff Bernia and Tyler Owens 2019 Mother Nature 2018 Sean and Chris 2017 Jason "Winston" Osborne and Mark Del-Colle 2016 Bru and Hensley 2015 Jonathan Reekes and Tony Sweet Tea Watkins 2014 Winston and Rob Hensley 2013 Winston and Rob Hensley 2012 Scott Perry and Mark Del-Colle 2011 Scott Perry and Mark Del-Colle 2010 Brad Rice and Scott Franklin 2009 Scott Perry and Mark Del-Colle 2008 Bru and Rob Horton 2007 Bru and Rob Horton 2006 Franklin and Brad R 2005 Franklin and Tony G 2004 Franklin and Brad R 2003 Teddy P and Joe 2002
