It's Time for the Tournament to Make Some Common Sense Decisions
As we get into the hottest part of the summer, it is time for the tournaments coming to our great lake to make some common sense decisions about their tournament. The lake water is not warm, it's hot and the bass will easily die if not treated correctly; there is very little oxygen in the water and the bass suffer easily when they are caught. So I have some advice for the good folks putting on tournaments and enjoying our great lake.
Please consider changing some of the ways you always act, some of the times you always fish and some of the treatment you always give the fish. We want our lake to stay healthy and the bass need some consideration. The first thing that comes to mind is the number of fish caught by each angler, just because you have always had a 5 fish catch doesn't mean you can't change it to a 3 fish per angler catch to help keep more fish from dying. The live wells are small and with 2 anglers each trying to put 5 fish in a boat is just not healthy for the fish.
The hottest part of the day is from noon to 3pm and can easily be changed and every angler still get a fair shot at winning the tournament , it only makes sense to reduce the hours to maybe be off the water at 1pm. Not only is it easier on the bass in the hot live wells but it is easier on the health of the fisherman.
Make sure every angler in your tournament has working live wells, if they don't work, those individuals should not be allowed to fish, this criteria occurs at all pro tournaments why not for your club or organization. Make each angler carry enough ice to continue to add ice to the live wells in this extreme heat, the cooler the water in the live well the better chance the bass have in living. Lastly treat the weigh in with the intent that all fish will live, if you do that you will take good care of the fish I know it. Keep them in water, keep them aerated and work at keeping them alive.
Fish Lake Guntersville Guide Service
www.fishlakeguntersvilleguideservice.com
Email: bassguide@comcast.net
Call 256 759 2270
Captain Mike Gerry