What's Ahead for Guntersville
With an Aquatic State Management Board being established to manage the grass issues on the Tennessee River chain in the State of Alabama including Guntersville Lake one has to wonder what is ahead. Rep Wes Long has been working to secure state input to come up with a plan to "monitor and coordinate the management, treatment and regulation of aquatic plants" on Lake Guntersville and all Tennessee river lakes in the state. He has successfully passed a bill that sets up a board to basically come up with ways to treat the lake and take over for the disengagement of TVA duties to manage the lake weeds.
No one, fisherman and boaters alike, disagree that the weeds need to be managed properly to utilize the lake for all concerned. My question is; what does this really mean to the fisherman; it this truly a management plan that allows the lake to continue to be one of the best bass fishing lakes in the country? My fear is as all state programs seem to start with good intentions, they end with complete denial of their intended mission or purpose. While I have to believe that Rep. Long heart is truly in the right place, I see this as drain on money and resources for the state long term and the mission changes over time to a grass eradication program. As the board becomes weary over money and becomes influenced by the more affluent boaters we see the mission change and all of a sudden our lake takes a turn for the worse and becomes only a memory of what it once was.
I think this year is proof that with high water and reasonable winter temperatures that the grass will manage itself; and that someone dedicated to maintaining the fishing on Guntersville becomes part of this appointed board to ensure the mission is beneficial to all. Fishing industry is our tax revenue and without it we will all pay higher taxes as it creates over 70% of all taxes collected in our community.
Fish Lake Guntersville Guide Service
www.fishlakeguntersvilleguideservice.com
www.facebook.com/FishGuntersville
Email: bassguide@comcast.net
Phone: 256 759 2270
Captain Mike Gerry