GILBERTSVILLE, Ky. – Tournament anglers on Pickwick Lake near Florence, Ala., and the area’s bass population will benefit from a new portable weigh-in unit to be funded by the Wal-Mart FLW Tour and FishAmerica during the upcoming $1 million Forrest Wood Open on Pickwick Lake June 21-24.
The $5,000 portable unit will improve fish handling and expedite healthy releases during numerous local bass tournaments held on the lake each year.
Housed at McFarland Park, the unit will comprise a trailer outfitted with a stage and three holding tanks filled with water that have been treated with an antibacterial agent. When an angler checks in his or her catch, the bass will be submerged in the first holding tank until they are weighed on the adjacent scales. After being weighed, the bass will immediately be put in one of two release tanks until they are placed back in the lake. Reducing handling time and using an antibacterial water treatment reduces stress on the fish so they may thrive when released.
Funding for the project is the result of a partnership between the FLW Tour, the world’s foremost professional bass fishing series, and FishAmerica Foundation, the conservation arm of the American Sportfishing Association, that will provide $35,000 to benefit fisheries visited by the FLW Tour.
“Since water quality and fish habitat are excellent at Pickwick Lake, construction of a modern weigh-in facility is the perfect project for us to fund,” said Tom Marshall, managing director of FishAmerica, which is headquartered in Alexandria, Va. “Just as important, Operation Bass and FishAmerica emphasize proper handling and care prior to any weigh-in at Pickwick to help ensure the future of the resource.”
Part of FishAmerica’s charter is to enhance fish populations and improve opportunities for sportfishing. The new weigh-in unit meets both these criteria, Marshall said.
Funding for the project was requested by Florence in conjunction with the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries to replace an outdated station currently owned by the city.
“McFarland Park is used quite heavily for local and national bass tournaments,” said Keith Floyd, district fisheries supervisor. “We figured this project would have more direct benefit to anglers and bass than habitat placement, which is usually temporary.”
In the past 17 years, FishAmerica has received donations from fishing tournaments, tackle manufacturers, boat and engine companies, and individuals that enabled it to fund nearly 600 fishery enhancement projects in 50 states and Canada. FishAmerica grant recipients have donated more than 1 million volunteer hours to improve fisheries.
“As an industry leader, we are proud to take this extra step toward the preservation of our nation’s fisheries,” says Charlie Hoover, chief executive officer of Operation Bass Inc. “These irreplaceable natural resources benefit the environment, local communities and millions of outdoor enthusiasts nationwide.”
Located south of Savannah, Pickwick Lake was created by the Tennessee Valley Authority in December 1937 when a new dam across the Tennessee River was first closed. The resulting lake covers more than 43,000 acres at normal maximum pool level and encompasses portions of Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama.
For more information about the FishAmerica Foundation, visit the American Sportfishing Association’s Web site at www.asafishing.org.