Cherokee County has reeled in a prize-winning catch with Weiss Lake officially being added to the Alabama Bass Trail!
We spoke with Theresa Hulgan, the Executive Director of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, regarding that designation:
Weiss Lake as long been known as the “Crappie Capital of the World” – however, Cherokee County has more than its fair share of bass fishermen as well and with a concentrated team effort among those interested in bringing a high-profile tournament to the area the sport is about to rise to a whole new level locally:
Not only is this good news for anglers, but for everyone in Cherokee County. The economic impact will be substantial with an influx of visitors coming into the area not only during the tournament itself but in advance of the actual date to fish and scout the lake in preparation for the competition.
The timing worked out beautifully, with a year’s worth of promotion occurring prior to the inaugural event the turnout should be huge. There will reportedly be around 225 boats for the first tournament.
Work is already underway at Leesburg Landing, as Mayor Ed Mackey moves forward with a number of improvements and upgrades at the site.
There will be a huge new paved parking lot with over 100 spaces, as well as a graveled area for overflow parking and three new boat launches which will be constructed in preparation for the first tournament.
We’ll have more with the mayor regarding those projects in the coming days.
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The Alabama Bass Trail currently features 11 of Alabama’s premiere bass-fishing areas and stretches from the mountains of North Alabama south to the Mobile Delta.
Currently, Trail areas include Lake Guntersville, Wheeler Lake, Lay Lake, Pickwick Lake, Lewis Smith Lake, Neely Henry Lake, Logan Martin Lake, Lake Jordan, the Alabama River, Lake Eufaula and the Mobile-Tensaw River.
The Alabama Bass Trail is a cooperative effort between Governor Robert Bentley’s office, the Alabama Tourism Department, the Alabama Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources, and the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association.
The Alabama Bass Trail features 11 of Alabama’s premiere bass-fishing lakes and stretches from the mountains of North Alabama south to the Mobile Delta. With a mild climate, mineral rich reservoirs, affordable lodging and dining, as well as public access to boat ramps and marinas, Alabama is a year-round destination for anglers from across the country.
“Don Logan and I first discussed the concept of promoting the great fisheries in Alabama in my office. The launch of the Alabama Bass Trail is the realization of that goal. Anglers from around the nation will be encouraged to come and fish where the pros fish. I firmly believe the Bass Trail will grow into a successful model that neighboring states will want to emulate.”
Dr. Robert Bentley
Governor of Alabama
“I congratulate the Alabama Mountain Lakes Association on accepting the responsibility to develop and operate the Alabama Bass Trail in association with the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society. You will have a wealth of cooperation from local businesses, organizations and governments. This effort will significantly increase the visibility of our state with anglers around the country. Our agency will assist you in every way possible.”
Lee Sentell, Director
Alabama Tourism Department
“When visitors enter our state they are greeted by a sign that says “Alabama the Beautiful.” Nothing defines that beauty more than does Alabama’s waterways. Regardless of your fishing expertise, we invite you to “Get Hooked” at one of the eleven lakes and rivers on the new Alabama Bass Trail. Whatever your idea of fishing is, you will find it in Alabama.”
Tami Reist, President & CEO
Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association
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How can you participate with the Alabama Bass Trail?
Becoming a partner positions your organization with a strong team of tourism and fishing industry professionals poised to leverage a robust national campaign that will increase the visibility of the communities surrounding the 11 bass trail lakes and our state. A strategic advertising and marketing program that includes national print, online, television and radio advertising as well as promotional events and other communications opportunities throughout the year will provide the Alabama Bass Trail and its partners a platform to promote our state as a year-round fishing destination, to provide educational opportunities for our youth anglers, and to enhance our current conservation program by improving fish habitat and cleaning up our lakes and rivers.
The AlabamaBassTrail.org web site has been designed to be an angler’s one-stop shop for booking an Alabama fishing vacation. The web site provides the latest fishing reports, detailed lake maps that include boat ramp and marina locations, areas of vegetation and structure, current weather conditions, information on local guides, campgrounds and an online hotel-booking engine. Anglers can purchase their fishing license, determine the driving distance between lakes and check the water levels provided by the power companies all from the comfort of their homes. The AlabamaBassTrail.org web site will be the vehicle for raising awareness and interest in bass fishing throughout Alabama.
In conjunction with the website, new media and social media outlets will be used daily to reach thousands of anglers eager to fish the fertile waters of Alabama.
Partnerships are tailored to your company’s needs and interests. Opportunities are available for Founding Partners, Conservation and Education Partners, Writer’s Events Partners and general donations.
For more information on how you can become a partner with the Alabama Bass Trail, contact Kay Donaldson at 855-934-7425 or email her at kay@alabamabasstrail.org.
