Preparation for the 2014 Classic
With the announcement of the 2014 Bass Master Classic coming to Guntersville, I believe the lake needs work to bring the best results for the visiting fisherman. Those of us on the lake fishing day in and day out see the problems; I submit to you that there is plenty to be done to prepare the lake for the heavy fishing traffic we will see over the next year and a half.
As I have said many times before Lake Guntersville is not what it used to be, and the number of out of town folks coming to fish the lake before, after and during the classic will increase substantially. I submit the lake is not ready and our town leadership on both ends of the lake needs to take some immediate action to insure the best results.
If we don't have an extremely cold winter the grass on the lake will stop up boat paths and the back waters and make it really difficult for the visitors over the next year to fish the lake and get the results we are use to. The hydrilla grass is rooted in 12 ft. of water and deeper and this is a problem not only for the spectator but it will limit the fisherman from having great catches. Guntersville grassy areas needs to be managed, "not eradicated" if the TVA is not going to do it then the surrounding towns and counties need to manage the lake by limiting the grass growth, time is up, passing the buck to TVA is great but the lake cannot wait on them. Keeping the lake open from end to end is paramount or the fish will bury in the grass and make it extremely frustrating to catch fish for the visitors as well and Classic participants. The towns and surrounding counties will benefit from the visitors with tax revenue and they need to take the lead while fighting for TVA to do their job.
Lastly restocking the lake during this year's spawn, will keep the average fisherman catching fish, it will put smiles on their faces and help the thousands that will come to try their luck as we prepare for the Classic. Hear my warning: if the fisherman coming here cannot have good days on the water before the Classic it will cost us. Small fish are easier to catch and it will satisfy the average fisherman if they are successful prior to the Classic.
Fish Lake Guntersville Guide Service
www.fishlakeguntersvilleguideservice.com
Email: bassguide@comcast.net
Phone: 256 759 2270
Captain Mike Gerry