5th Annual Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Bass Tournament
March 2020, Volume 111
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Bassin' In The Boot's mission is to give back to the sport of bass fishing by offering a venue for those in the industry to get out the word for what they bring to the community. We love bringing you stories about individuals overcoming difficulties and turning something negative in to a positive. Burt Poche and family have done just that in creating the Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Bass Tournament.
Dylan Kyle Poche loved being in the outdoors hunting and fishing, but especially fishing. He played on sports teams locally and found his real passion lay with bass fishing. Once he found this, his attention turned to joining the Natchitoches Central High School fishing team.
Dylan knew he had found his niche when he placed 2nd in the TBF Louisiana High School Fishing State Championship on Caddo Lake in 2013. Soon after in 2015, he found himself fishing in the High School World Finals in Pickwick Alabama. He and his fishing partner, Reagan Maxey, placed 17th out of over 100 boats.
Dylan was well on his way to becoming an accomplished angler and wanted to pursue the dream of fishing professionally. First he would be attending Northwestern State University and fishing for the Demon Bass Team. In late January 2016, Dylan fished his first pro event, finishing 4th in the BFL Cowboy Division at Cypress Bend.
However, his dream was cut short on the night of January 31, 2016. While enjoying a night of fishing and bonfires, a tragic and horrific series of events led to Dylan’s death.
The death of a child is every parent’s worst nightmare. There are no words to express the pain and suffering and nothing can fill the void left in the hearts of family and friends. Dylan’s legacy will live on in the Annual Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Bass Tournament held on Toledo Bend.
The Fishing Around the World Movement is another way to honor Dylan. After his death a memorial of rocks were created at the Sibley Lake boat launch where he lost his life. Many people would sign rocks or write messages to Dylan.
The movement caught on and continues today. To keep it moving simply write Dylan’s name or initials DKP on a rock along with the phrases “Still Fishin’” or “Gone Fishing” and toss it in the waters where you are fishing.
The memorial tournament is held each year to raise money for the Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Foundation, Inc. The 2019 tournament saw over 220 teams take to Toledo Bend, where Kelly Owens and Brent Broussard bested the field with just over 27.5 pounds. Finishing a very close 2nd was Cory Chustz and Beau Landry with a sac of 5 bass weighing 27.25 pounds. Rounding out the top 3 places was a 24.27 pound bag brought to the scales by Cody Beasley and John Hoare.
Talking with Burt Poche he told me “We gave $20k in scholarships last year and 232 teams fished the tournament. We paid back $28k to 33 teams and prizes.” That is an amazing legacy being carried on by the family and friends of Dylan. Burt is expecting even more teams this year weather permitting.
Memorial rocks placed in memory of Dylan. The Fishing Around the World Movement is a special way of memorializing Dylan by spreading his #StillFishing spirit.
Ever the outdoorsman, Dylan takes in the views while on the water enjoying his passions and chasing his dreams.
2019 1st place winners Kelly Owens and Brent Broussard.
There are many ways you can help with this legacy. You can fish the tournament being held March 28, 2020 this year on Toledo Bend launching out of Cypress Bend in Many, La. The entry fee is $180 per boat (team or individual) with an optional $20 Big Bass pot. Payout will be a guaranteed $10,000 for 1st place, $5000 for 2nd, and 3rd place will receive $3000. Places will be paid for every 7 entries.
You can register online at http://www.dylankylepoche.com until March 26, 2020. Register in person Friday, March 27 from 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm or on tournament morning from 4:30 am to 7:00 am at Cypress Bend Boat Launch.
Raffle tickets, merchandise and other memorabilia can be purchased on the website as well. I know the Bassin’ in the Boot community will want to get involved with this great cause and to help the Poche family continue the memory of Dylan and his passion for bass fishing. From the Dylan Kyle Poche website “Although, Dylan was only on this earth for 18 short years, the legacy that he has left behind will live on for many years to come.”
If you’d like to donate to the Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Foundation you can make checks payable to “Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Foundation.” They can be deposited at any Hancock Whitney Bank Location or mailed to
Hancock Whitney Bank
Attn: Dylan Kyle Memorial Foundation
315 Royal Street
Natchitoches, LA 71457-5708
If you’d like to contribute directly to The Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Foundation, you can send a check directly to
Northwestern State University
The Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Foundation
NSU Foundation
Attn: Jill Bankston
535 University Parkway
Natchitoches, LA 71497
Bassin’ in the Boot will be at Cypress Bend on March 28 and we hope you choose to be there as well to use our passion, Dylan’s passion, to come together and be part of something special. In Dylan’s memory let’s #GeauxBassin
The entry form can be downloaded at the link below.
Find out more by going to the website below or check out the event on Facebook by clicking below.
