Alabama Bass Fishing Success at 22 Year High

CONTACT: Damon Abernethy

334-242-3471

damon.abernethy@dcnr.alabama.gov

 

“The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) has reported fishing tournament results from participating bass clubs in the Bass Angler Information Team (BAIT) Report for 22 years,” said Biologist Damon Abernethy. “The year 2007 was one of the best bass fishing years since the program began in 1986 despite the record drought that did not appear to have a negative impact on bass fishing in Alabama’s reservoirs.”
 

Aliceville Lake in west central Alabama topped the quality indicator rankings this year. Pickwick, Wilson, Jordan and Mitchell rounded out the top five lakes to fish for bass in 2007. “We expect excellent bass fishing to continue through 2008,” added WFF Director M. N. “Corky” Pugh.

 

Additional information the BAIT Report contains includes:

·        In 2007, bass fishermen caught more fish, larger fish and weighed in more cumulative weight than during 21 previous years.

·        The average bass at a club tournament weighed 1.8 pounds.

·        The average club angler fished for 31 days to catch a bass over 5 pounds.

·        For big bass, Guntersville, Aliceville, Pickwick, Harris and Eufaula lakes provided the best chance to catch a bass larger than five pounds.

·        Photos of new lake record bass for Oliver Reservoir on the Black Warrior River and for Smith Lake.

·        Photos of Certified “Master Angler” and “Trophy Angler” catches.

 

 Alabama is well known for its excellent bass fishing. What is not so well known is that serious bass anglers help the WFF manage this valuable resource. Many bass clubs throughout Alabama and other states submit the results of their club tournaments in Alabama to the WFF. When tournament results are combined, the data help state biologists monitor the bass fishing quality in Alabama. Bass clubs that wish to join the program may contact Damon Abernethy at 334-242-3471 or damon.abernethy@dcnr.alabama.gov.     

 

Birmingham Bassmasters member Mike Linn said, “We have found the annual BAIT Report to be a tremendous asset in understanding the fisheries in Alabama and in assisting our tournament selection committee with the tough tournament decisions.” Pat Dye, President of the North Alabama Tournament Anglers Bass Club, agrees, “The BAIT Program supplies a tremendous amount of useful information on our local and state fisheries that really helps when a bass club makes their upcoming tournament schedule.”

 

The complete results of the BAIT Reportwww.outdooralabama.com/fishing/
freshwater/where/reservoirs/quality. are available on the Outdoor Alabama Web site at

 

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.OutdoorAlabama.com .