ALABAMA S Bass Anglers Information Team 2007 B.A.I.T. Annual Report

Transcription

1 ALABAMA S Bass Anglers Information Team 7 B.A.I.T. Annual Report Club Tournament Reports p.-, 9-, Monthly Tournament Statistics p.-8, -8 8 Boating Access p.8 Alabama s Angler Recognition Program p. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Fisheries Section North Union Street Montgomery, Alabama B.A.I.T. Survey Results Tournament Permitting p.8

2 B.A.I.T. Bass Anglers Information Team 7 Annual Report By Damon Lee Abernethy Fisheries Development Coordinator Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Funded in part by the Federal Aid to Sport Fish Restoration Program Alabama DJ/WB Project F-8

3 CONTENTS 7 B.A.I.T. REPORT Statewide Club Tournament Results» p. -, 9-, 9-7 Results from nearly club tournaments held in the state of Alabama during 7 Monthly Tournament Stats» p. -8, -8 Catches reported for all major reservoirs with at least reports Boating Access» p. 8-9 Find out what s going on in your area Angler Recognition Program» p. - This program is only in its first year but has gained the popularity of many Alabama trophy anglers. Most lakes still have vacant records! Tournament Permits» p. 8 Do you need a permit to conduct a tournament on your lake? 7 B.A.I.T. Survey» Throughout Report Find out how other anglers answered the survey ON THE INTERNET Reservoir Reports Angler Recognition Program B.A.I.T. Program Limits and Regulations Boating Access WILDLIFE WILDLIFE & & FRESHWATER FRESHWATER FISHERIES FISHERIES FISHERIES FISHERIES SECTION SECTION OFFICES OFFICES MONTGOMERY MONTGOMERY Stan Cook, Chief of Fisheries Stan Cook, Chief of Fisheries Nick Nichols, Asst. Chief of Fisheries Nick Nichols, Asst. Chief of Fisheries Joe Addison, Asst. Chief of Fisheries Joe Addison, Asst. Chief of Fisheries Damon Abernethy, Fisheries Development Damon Abernethy, Fisheries Development () -7 () -7 DISTRICT I DISTRICT I Pickwick, Wilson, Wheeler, Smith, the Bear Pickwick, Wilson, Wheeler, Smith, the Bear Creek Lakes Creek Lakes Keith Floyd, Supervisor Keith Floyd, Supervisor Phil Ekema, Biologist Phil Ekema, Biologist 8 Harris Station Rd. 8 Harris Station Rd. Tanner, Ala. 7 Tanner, Ala. 7 () - () - DISTRICT II DISTRICT II Guntersville, Weiss, Neely Henry, Logan Guntersville, Weiss, Neely Henry, Logan Martin, Harris Martin, Harris Dan Catchings, Supervisor Dan Catchings, Supervisor Rob Andress, Biologist Rob Andress, Biologist Fish Hatchery Rd. Fish Hatchery Rd. P. O. Box 8 P. O. Box 8 Eastaboga, Ala. Eastaboga, Ala. () 8-8 () 8-8 DISTRICT III DISTRICT III Aliceville, Bankhead, Demopolis, Gainesville, Aliceville, Bankhead, Demopolis, Gainesville, Holt, Lay, Tuscaloosa, Warrior Holt, Lay, Tuscaloosa, Warrior Jerry Moss, Supervisor Jerry Moss, Supervisor Jay Haffner, Biologist Jay Haffner, Biologist 8 McFarland Blvd. 8 McFarland Blvd. Northport, Ala. 7 Northport, Ala. 7 () 9-7 () 9-7 DISTRICT IV DISTRICT IV Harding, Jones Bluff, Jordan, Martin, Mitchell, Harding, Jones Bluff, Jordan, Martin, Mitchell, Thurlow, Yates, West Point Thurlow, Yates, West Point Chris Greene, Supervisor Chris Greene, Supervisor Graves Lovell, Biologist Graves Lovell, Biologist 8C Glynwood Dr. 8C Glynwood Dr. Prattville, Ala. Prattville, Ala. () 8- () 8- DISTRICT V DISTRICT V Claiborne, Coffeeville, Miller s Ferry, Mobile Claiborne, Coffeeville, Miller s Ferry, Mobile Delta Delta Dave Armstrong, Supervisor Dave Armstrong, Supervisor Ben Ricks, Biologist Ben Ricks, Biologist 9 Battleship Pkwy. 9 Battleship Pkwy. P. O. Box 7 P. O. Box 7 Daphne, Ala. Daphne, Ala. () - () - DISTRICT VI DISTRICT VI Eufaula, Gantt, Point A Eufaula, Gantt, Point A Ken Weathers, Supervisor Ken Weathers, Supervisor Michael Holley, Biologist Michael Holley, Biologist Plaza Dr. Plaza Dr. Enterprise Ala. Enterprise Ala. () 7-97 () 7-97 Alabama Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Fisheries Section N. Union St., Montgomery, Ala. () -7

4 7 B.A.I.T. Summary In spite of the record drought, 7 might be the best year for bass fishing in the State of Alabama since the Division of Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries began keeping records in 98.Alabama Alabama s s bass fishermen caught more fish, larger fish, and weighed in more m cumulative weight than during any of the previous years of B.A.I.T. reporting. Even the number of hours required to catch a five-pound bass was the lowest since the Largemouth Bass Virus Disease (LMBV) swept through the state in 998, and is rapidly approaching the pre-lmbv average of 8 hours. The following summary outlines the most m important points from the 7 B.A.I.T. Report. Aliceville was the top lake in the overall quality indicator rankings Aliceville, Pickwick, Mitchell, Guntersville, Wheeler, Martin, and a Smith all improved in the overall quality indicator rankings Aliceville, Pickwick, Wilson, Jordan, and Mitchell were the top five lakes in the overall quality indicator rankings Guntersville, Aliceville, Pickwick, Harris, and Eufaula were the top five big bass lakes in Alabama Statewide B.A.I.T. Statistics.89 Number of bass caught per angler-day. Pounds of bass caught per angler-day.8 Average weight of bass caught 7 Hours required to catch a pound bass.7 Weight of the largest bass caught Number of bass 8 pounds and larger 7 Number of bass pounds and larger

5 INTRODUCTION & METHODS USED The printing of the 7 B.A.I.T. Annual Report marks the twenty-second year of the B.A.I.T. Program. The objective of the program since its inception has been to gather information on bass populations by combining the efforts of bass club members and state fisheries biologists. The B.A.I.T. Program summarizes catch data on reservoir bass populations that are collected and provided to us by participating clubs. This information is used by state fisheries biologists in combination with data from other sources as a basis for fisheries management decisions. Bass anglers use the report to establish future tournament sites, or to locate a reservoir that provides a particular type of fishing. Through 7, we have summarized,8 tournament reports. Anglers have spent,,8 hours collecting data for this program. They have contributed data from,8 bass that weighed 9, pounds. This report also contains information related to the Alabama Division of Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Boating Access Maintenance and Development Program which maintains over boating access areas statewide. The accomplishments made by this program during 7 may be of particular interest to tournament bass anglers and their organizations. In addition, the new Angler Recognition Program administered by the Alabama Division of Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries is in its first year of existence, and details of this program can be found here as well. Every year, we attempt to maintain the support of the previous year s clubs and to enlist the support of new clubs through public meetings, news releases and letters. Participating club officers or tournament directors are sent the previous year s annual report and tournament report postcards to be completed following each tournament. Clubs are assigned individual numbers to insure confidentiality. As tournament cards are received, they are checked for accuracy and entered into a computer database. Club officers are contacted when data are suspected to be erroneous. We compile and analyze the data following receipt of December tournament reports. Statewide tournament results are sorted by reservoir and by club. To rank reservoirs, five fishing quality indicators were used: percent of successful anglers (percent ofanglers with one or more bass at weigh-in), average bass weight, number of bass per angler-day, pounds of bass per angler-day, and hours required to catch a bass five pounds or larger. Since the length of a fishing day varies between tournaments, an angler-day is defined as one angler fishing for ten hours. In this report, an angler-day may simply be referred to as a day of fishing. A minimum of five tournaments for an individual reservoir is considered necessary for minimum confidence in each reservoir dataset. Reservoirs with five or more tournament reports are ranked for each of the quality indicators. Values are assigned to each rank and an overall rank is determined for each reservoir by summing the values of the five quality indicators. This ranking system is intended to be a quick reference for club tournament site selection. It does not constitute a best and worst list of Alabama reservoirs and should not be interpreted that way. Tournament results were also broken down by month for each reservoir with more than reports. This section was intended to aid clubs in scheduling tournaments since the quality of fishing can vary considerably from one season to the next on any given reservoir. It also allows anglers to better understand their chances of achieving a particular goal on a given (i.e., catching a big bass) lake by studying in detail how anglers performed during each month of the year. When studying this section of the report, be aware that some months are represented by only one tournament, which may not be a good indicator of the overall quality of fishing during that month. In the 7 BAIT Survey, bass fishermen were asked for their opinion on the following subject. What percentage of the bass population in Alabama dies from natural causes each year? Percent (%) Alabama s bass fishermen responded in the following way - % - % - % - % The death from natural causes, or natural mortality rate, will typically range from -% for largemouth bass populations in Alabama. Natural mortality refers to death of fish from sources such as disease, predation, inadequate environmental conditions, and old age. Separating natural mortality from fishing mortality is important in determining the need for length and bag limits. Changes to statewide creel and length limits for any particular water body are generally not needed unless fishing mortality is greater than natural mortality. Fisheries that receive little pressure, or high catch and release, generally do not need restrictive regulations because the force of natural mortality would deplete fish that could be kept by anglers. Michael Holley District VI Fisheries Biologist Enterprise, Ala. () 7-97

6 STATEWIDE CLUB TOURNAMENT RESULTS Bass clubs submitted 8 tournament reports during 7, up from in (Tables and ). Furthermore, Alabama based clubs reported % more tournaments in 7 than in. Club representatives did an excellent job filling out the cards and few reports were rejected due to incomplete or erroneous information. We want to again, thank all of the participants of the B.A.I.T. Program and urge them to keep up the good submitted or more reports. Ten contributors submitted only one report. A list of clubs contributing tournament results for the 7 B.A.I.T. Report is presented in Table. Average catch rates in 7 for both number (.89) and pounds (.) of bass per angler-day were the highest since the B.A.I.T. Program began in 98. Compared to, seven lakes improved in overall fishing success in work! Forty-two Alabama clubs provided data in 7. Two hundred and three reports from Alabama waters were received from Dr. Carl Quertermus of the University of West Georgia, who summarizes tournament data from the Georgia Bass Federation; and another 7 reports were received from Biologist Larry Pugh, with the Mississippi Division of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Without their support, several Alabama reservoirs would not have been well represented in the quality indicator rankings (Table ). Once again, we must stress that reports from more locations increase the capability of the summaries to reflect actual fish population conditions and not just a good or poor day's fishing by one or two clubs. In 7, tournament reports were received for bodies of water that were fished 8,98 hours. B.A.I.T. anglers caught,99 bass that Alabama s Top Tournaments For Big Bass in 7 CLUB LAKE DATE No. >lbs. B.A.I.T. Ala. Div. III Guntersville Mar. 7 th North Alabama Tournament Anglers Guntersville Mar. 7 th 8 Black Warrior Bass Trackers Guntersville May th 7 North Alabama Tournament Anglers Guntersville Jul. th Pipemill Bassmasters Guntersville Jun. 8 th Marietta Bassmasters Guntersville Apr. st Haralson Hawg Hunters Guntersville Jun. rd West Alabama Bass Fisherman Assn. Millers Ferry May 9 th Tri Rivers Bass Club Guntersville Apr. th Team Trails of Miss. E. Miss. Div. Aliceville Mar. th Alabama s Top Tournaments For Average -Fish Weight in 7 7. The most notable improvements were on Pickwick and Wheeler, which finished nd and 9th, respectively, in the overall ranking (Table ). Although average size of bass increased slightly on Wheeler, most improvements on these lakes were a direct result of an increase in the numbers of fish caught rather than an increase in fish size. More tournament reports in 7 were received from Guntersville (7), West Point (), and Eufaula (). Harris, Logan Martin, the Mobile Delta, Neely Henry, Smith, and Weiss each had or more tournament reports (Table ). A good distribution of reports provides more representative catch statistics from which meaningful summaries can be prepared. All club representatives should understand that every tournament report is important if this CLUB LAKE DATE WEIGHT Gordon Co. Bassmasters Weiss Apr. 7 th. lbs. B.A.I.T. Ala. Div. III Wheeler Apr. st.9 lbs. Pipemill Bassmasters Guntersville Jun. 8 th.8 lbs. Clay Co. Bass Busters Lay Nov. 7 th.9 lbs. Team Trails of Miss. E. Miss. Div. Aliceville Mar. th.9 lbs. Team Trails of Miss. E. Miss. Div. Aliceville Apr. 8 th.8 lbs. Dallas Bass Anglers Harris Jan. st. lbs. Outcasters Bass Anglers Logan Martin Mar. th. lbs. Pipemill Bassmasters Jordan Apr. th. lbs. Pipemill Bassmasters Mitchell Jan. th.7 lbs. weighed, pounds (Table ). A total of 7 bass five pounds and larger were reported for an overall catch rate of one bass five pounds or larger for every 7 hours of fishing. Tournament anglers weighed in bass eight pounds and larger in 7. The largest bass caught in 7 came from Lake Guntersville and weighed.7 pounds. With 7 bass weighing five pounds or larger, Guntersville led this category. Other top lakes for big bass included Aliceville, Pickwick, Harris, and Eufaula. Of the clubs or organizations that submitted data during 7, submitted five or more tournament reports. Seventeen clubs program is to continue to be successful. Of the reservoirs from which reports were received, had five or more tournament reports (Table ). The following comments deal with these reservoirs, which are ranked by quality indicators in Table. The percent of successful anglers (those with one or more fish) ranged from % at Smith to 9% at Logan Martin. The average weight of bass caught ranged from. pounds at Harding to.88 pounds at Guntersville (Table ). Catch rates expressed as bass per angler-day ranged from.7 at Eufaula to. at Aliceville. Catch rates as pounds per angler-day ranged from.8 in

7 the Mobile Delta to 8. at Aliceville. The statewide average weight for bass caught on all reservoirs was.8 pounds. Overall, Aliceville accumulated more quality indicator points () than any other reservoir in Alabama, replacing Jordan from. Pickwick (97) jumped from fifteenth to second while Wilson (7) appeared at number three. Readers should note that the primary intent of Table was not to determine the overall best reservoir, but to characterize the fishery of each reservoir. Anglers should first review the quality indicator that is most important to them. The overall rating would be used to narrow choices. For example, if an angler wanted to have the best chance to catch a bass greater than pounds, then Guntersville would be the first choice, followed by Aliceville and Pickwick. Clubs interested in having all its members catch good quality stringers would look at the pounds per angler-day rankings to find that Aliceville, Pickwick, and Logan Martin lead the way. If catching lots of bass is important, Aliceville would provide the best opportunity based upon its bass per angler-day ranking, followed by Martin and Logan Martin. Bass data, as expressed in the B.A.I.T. report from reservoirs with harvest restrictions or length limits, will be biased since the data is a function of the restrictions. Length limits are imposed to increase the number of fish below a minimum length or within a specified length range (slot limit) which should eventually result in a greater supply of bass above the limit. Because all minimum lengths and length ranges will be above the - inch limit fished in most tournaments, the restrictions will reduce the total harvest in numbers and In the 7 BAIT Survey, bass fishermen were asked the following question. If anglers harvested every bass they caught under - inches from a slot lake would it harm the population? Here s how anglers responded: NO (7.%) YES (.8%) NOT SURE (8.%) followed by an explanation of why slot limits are used to improve fishing on some Alabama lakes. Length limits remained in effect during on West Point (- inch minimum on largemouth bass), Wilson (-inch minimum on smallmouth bass), Guntersville (-inch minimum on all black bass), Eufaula (-inch minimum on largemouth bass), Demopolis (-inch minimum on all black bass), Pickwick (-inch minimum on smallmouth bass), Little Bear Creek (- to -inch slot on largemouth bass), Smith (- to -inch slot on all black bass), and Harris (- to -inches on largemouth bass). In spite of the record drought, 7 turned out to be the best year for bass fishing in the State of Alabama since the Division of Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries began keeping records in 98. Alabama s bass fishermen caught more fish, larger fish, and weighed in more cumulative weight than during any of the previous years of B.A.I.T. reporting. Even the number of hours required to catch a five pound bass were the Typically, lakes which have slot limits have high rates of bass recruitment. In other words, the abundance of small bass in these systems is increased due to high rates of survival. Slot limits are implemented to encourage the harvest of bass below the lower bounds of the regulation (e.g. inches), thereby reducing competition and increasing the growth rates of the remaining fish. In large water bodies, it is virtually impossible for anglers to over-harvest these smaller size bass since they encounter only a portion of the population. It is much more likely that anglers would not be able to take enough bass from these type lakes to make a positive impact than it would be for them to harm the population by harvesting too many fish. J. Chris Greene District IV Fisheries Supervisor Prattville, Ala. () 8- lowest since the Largemouth Bass Virus Disease (LMBV) swept through the State in 998, and is rapidly approaching the pre-lmbv average of 8 hours. A trend that first appeared in the 998 B.A.I.T. data that has been a major concern ever since is the dramatic decrease in angler s catch rate of bass over five pounds from reservoirs throughout the State. The average number of hours (effort) needed to catch a five-pound and larger bass dramatically increased beginning in 998, and reached its peak of 87 the following year. From 999 through 7, the amount of effort has decreased from 87 hours possibly pounds. However, those fish weighed in will be larger (longer) by virtue of the minimum length or slot limit. In the B.A.I.T. Report, length limit lakes should rank high for average weight and near the bottom for percent success and bass per angler-day. For instance, bass per angler-day averaged.89 statewide in 7; but for Guntersville, it was.8. Statewide average weight was.8 pounds for all reservoirs; but at Eufaula, Demopolis, and Guntersville, average weight was.,., and.88 pounds, respectively. These average weights were higher primarily cause anglers must release the smaller fish due to the minimum length limits. to 7 hours (Figure ), a trend that is continuing to show improvement. The decrease in large fish in Alabama occurred regardless of the river system, reservoir size, reservoir location, or type of management. Regionally this phenomenon was also documented in Arkansas, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. It is now generally accepted among fisheries biologists and researchers that this decrease in the number of larger fish being caught by anglers can be attributed largely to the impact on bass populations of the Largemouth Bass Virus Disease (LMBV). Although there have been no recent outbreaks, we are continuing to cooperate with researchers at Auburn University and other agencies to assess the presence of this virus in

8 Alabama bass populations and to monitor any further fish mortalities The graphs throughout this report provide a historical record of how caused by this pathogen. The decreasing amount of effort required to your favorite waters have performed in the B.A.I.T. Program. A few words of catch large bass in Alabama since 999, is a hopeful trend; and this has caution - these graphs are not restricted to bodies of water with five or more been interpreted by many of the researchers monitoring this disease as an tournaments. Data points for some years may be represented by only a few indication that our bass populations are beginning to adapt to this new tournaments. However, those situations are restricted to those water bodies pathogen. There are that generally have In the 7 BAIT still indications that Because of my passion for bass fishing and for not been included Survey, bass fishermen studying the dynamics of fish populations, I have been this disease is in the quality were asked the eagerly anticipating the opportunity to examine the 7 continuing to impact following question. B.A.I.T. data. All year, I ve paid close attention to the indicator rankings results of my own fishing trips and have tried to relate it to our bass populations in Table. what I ve seen on the job, and how both have been by elevating natural Overall, do you affected by the record drought of 7. Secondly, think fishing has Since mid-april, I ve felt that my angling success mortality rates above when comparing been better in 7 has been sporadic. I ve generally blamed it on reduced what was observed flows, low water levels, lack of adequate shoreline cover, water bodies, be than it was last and of course, jet-skis. My fish appeared scattered and prior to its introduction; year? aware that the disoriented, with my best areas producing only a fraction but it is hoped that in time, our bass populations will develop a greater resistance to this disease. In addition, fisheries management Here s how anglers responded: of the fish they had in the past. So, it was easy for me to count myself among the 8% who perceived a decline in the quality of fishing in 7. However, after analyzing this year s B.A.I.T. data, I was surprised to learn that the overwhelming majority of us were completely wrong! The 7 season was, in fact, the best year for anglers participating in this program since it began years ago - a quick review of this report makes that very clear. So, the question now becomes, what aspect of scales on the vertical axes have maximum ranges that vary. You can use these graphs to predict future fishing by looking bass fishing would cause me and many others to perceive biologists and fisheries YES (9.%) a decline when, in reality, there was a significant for trends. pathologists from NO improvement in the quality of bass fishing statewide? Good luck across the Country are (8.%) NOT SURE Hopefully, future surveys will help to answer this question. (9.%) fishing, and don t now working together forget to take a to learn more about child with you and this disease as quickly introduce him or as possible in hopes followed by comments her to your sport. from an Alabama of determining Our children are Fisheries Biologist and strategies to minimize Fisheries Development our future anglers member of the Coordinator its impact on our largemouth bass Prattville Bass Anglers: Montgomery Office () -88 and stewards of Alabama s fisheries. To aid us in resources. To this effort, please report any unusual bass die-offs to your district fisheries office, and never move fish from one body of water to another. obtain more information on Alabama s fisheries resources, visit the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Internet Homepage: Bass Eight Pounds and Larger from 7 B.A.I.T. Tournament Reports Date Organization Lake Weight Jan. Cullman Bassmasters Guntersville 8.7 lbs. Jan. 7 Clay Co. Bass Busters Harris 8. lbs. Feb. 7 Bass Fishing League Guntersville 8.88 lbs. Feb. 7 Bass Fishing League Guntersville. lbs. Feb. Bassmaster Classic Lay 8. lbs. Feb. Bass Fishing League Guntersville 8.9 lbs. Mar. 7 Clay Co. Bass Busters Harris 8. lbs. Apr. Airport Marine Trail Guntersville.7 lbs. Apr. Airport Marine Trail Guntersville 8. lbs. Apr. Gilbertown Bass Club Coffeeville 8. lbs. May Bassmaster Series Wheeler 9. lbs. Jun. 9 Bass Fishing League West Point 8. lbs. Jun. Ala. BASS Fed. Nation Mitchell 8.8 lbs.

9 MONTHLY TOURNAMENT STATISTICS In this section, reservoirs with at least reports are discussed in detail and often refer to the monthly tournament results. Table provides monthly catch information for all reservoirs with at least reports. Eufaula We received tournament reports from this reservoir that were held from January through November, with the majority () occurring in April. A total of tournament anglers fished for,87 hours to catch,89 bass that averaged. pounds (Table ). Average size of bass has been slowly decreasing since 99, primarily because of reduced fertility levels in the Chattahoochee River watershed. However, it may also be a function of the increased abundance of the smaller spotted bass in anglers creels. Spots now make up about % of all bass weighed in during tournaments at Lake Eufaula. Although most tournament activity occurred in the spring, the best fishing seemed to take place from July through October, with better catch rates, and only slightly smaller fish than during the springtime. Coincidentally, the percentage of largemouth bass in anglers creels was generally highest during the fall. It took the average angler about days of fishing to catch a bass over five pounds; a figure that was fairly constant throughout the year. Guntersville Forty-seven tournament reports were received from this reservoir that were held during every month of the year, with the majority (7) occurring in March and May. A total of 7 tournament anglers fished for 7,88 hours, catching, bass that averaged.88 pounds (Table ). The average number of fish weighed-in by each angler was.8, with an average bag weight of.99 pounds. Seventy-six percent of Guntersville s bass fishermen weighed-in at least one fish. Anglers creels were comprised of largemouth bass (9%), spotted bass (8%), and only a few smallmouth bass. March offered anglers the best opportunity to catch bass over five pounds, with almost half the annual total being caught during that month. Anglers fished for an average of only three days to catch a bass over five pounds in March. January, February, June and July were also productive months for big bass. August through December had the lowest catch rates for big bass. Fifty-six percent of the spotted bass were caught from September through November. Overall, June was probably the best month for bass fishing at Guntersville. During that month, anglers had the highest catch rates, the second highest number of bass over five pounds, and weighed-in an average of 9. pounds per angler. Harris (Wedowee) During 7, we received tournament reports from this reservoir that were held throughout the year, with the majority () occurring in January and August. A total of 9 anglers fished for,9 hours, catching, bass that averaged. pounds (Table ). Although catch rates declined from to 7, they were still far above the -year average at.97 fish per day. Average bass weight has continued to increase, reaching its highest level yet (. pounds). Harris was a popular tournament destination throughout the year, and catches were made up of mostly spotted bass (87%). Catch rates were highest during the fall and winter, but the heaviest weights were caught during winter. More largemouths were caught in May and June than in any other months. Bass over five pounds were caught throughout the year, but the largest bass were caught from January through March. Harris has a - to -inch slot limit on largemouth bass, which is intended to help reduce an overabundance of small bass all competing for the same size prey. Slot limits are rarely effective unless anglers are willing to remove fish below the slot. Harris anglers have made great strides toward removing the sub-slot fish and harvested bass at rates almost four times the statewide average in 7. However, additional harvest will continue to improve this fishery; so if you or your club plans to visit this lake in the future, please do your part to reduce the abundance of small fish and keep the sub-slot fish after each tournament. Logan Martin Twenty-nine tournaments were held from March through December, 7, with March being the most popular month ( tournaments). Four hundred seventy five anglers fished for, hours, catching,9 bass that averaged. pounds each (Table ). Catch rates have continued to increase and reached their highest level ever (.8 fish per day) in 7. The average size of bass (. pounds) was only slightly below the - year average of.8 pounds. Anglers averaged. pounds apiece at tournament weigh-ins in 7, making it the best year on Logan Martin since this program began in Cropwell Creek on Logan Martin Lake was stocked with 9, Florida largemouth bass 98. Furthermore, during spring, 7. almost every competitor weighed-in at least one fish, with only 8% of anglers catching no fish. Although there didn t appear to be a bad time to go to this lake in 7, the period from March through July had the highest catch rates, while the largest average weights per day occurred in the spring and fall. Bass over five pounds were caught during June and July for an overall catch rate of for every days fished. Additionally, the Alabama Division of Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries stocked 9, Florida largemouth bass for genetic enhancement into Cropwell Creek (Town & Country) in May bringing the two-year total to about.7 million fish.

10 Mobile Delta During 7, we received 7 tournament reports that were held during every month except November, with the majority () occurring in March and July. A total of anglers fished for, hours, catching 78 bass that averaged.7 pounds (Table ). Average bass weight (.7 pounds), bass per angler (.9), and weight per angler (.8 pounds) all dropped in 7. Only % of Mobile Delta bass anglers weighed-in at least one fish. The 7 season was not among the best Smith For the first time ever, more than reports were received for this reservoir, making it much easier to detect changes in its bass fishery. Twenty-one tournaments were reported during 7, showing that 8 anglers fished for, hours, catching, bass that weighed,9 pounds. The average weight of bass from Smith Lake was.89 pounds, the average number of bass caught per day was., and the average weight of anglers creels during tournaments was. pounds - all drastic years for bass fishing in the Mobile Delta, but most quality indicators were near the -year average. Over 99% of angler s creels contained largemouth bass, with spotted bass being present only once during a tournament in October. March was the best month overall with 8% of anglers catching at least one fish and most anglers caught almost fish per day that averaged.8 pounds each. Fishing was poorest from May through August with catch rates around one fish per day and weights of. pounds per day. Two In the 7 BAIT Survey, bass fishermen were asked. Do you think fishing styles/techniques are the reason for recent increases in the catches of spotted bass? Here s how they responded: NO (8.%) YES (.9%) NOT SURE (9.%) Not only new fishing styles and techniques, but new equipment too, is playing a role in increased catches of spotted bass. The new Sonar/GPS mapping units are opening up new and unmolested populations of spotted bass to anglers. Deep, fish-holding habitat can now be located easier with these sonar/gps units. Presenting vertically fished finesse rigs; such as the shaky head worm and dropshot rig to these deep-water fish with spinning tackle and fluorocarbon line is resulting in successful catches. Furthermore, power fishermen are learning that they can adapt to these finesse approaches to remain competitive when conditions are tough. Deep diving crankbaits are reaching deeper fish while slow-rolling heavy spinnerbaits at depths of feet or more are hammering big spots both day and night. The fishhead spin is another lure that is being used successfully to catch suspended spots. In addition, nighttime fishing is becoming more popular on heavily pressured lakes where spots are often the more aggressive species. New styles, techniques, and equipment are definitely reasons why anglers are catching more spotted bass. improvements since. Furthermore, the percentage of competitors with no fish at the weigh-in dropped from % in to % in 7. Even more impressive was the number of fish over five pounds caught from the lake. In, it took the average bass fisherman days of fishing to catch a bass over five bass larger than five pounds were caught from the Mobile Delta during 7. Neely Henry Thirty-one followed by comments from an Alabama Fisheries Biologist and member of the Lake Guntersville Bassmasters. District I Fisheries Biologist Tanner, Ala. () - pounds, opposed to only 9 days in 7. Smith Lake has a - to - inch slot limit on all black bass, tournaments took place which is not during 7. Four hundred seventy three bass anglers fished for,9 hours to catch,7 bass that averaged.9 pounds each. Tournaments were reported during every month except March and April. The summer months were the most popular times to fish this reservoir, with 7 tournaments being reported from July to September. The ratio of spots to largemouths was : and changed little during the year. Most quality indicators were among the highest recorded since 98. Bass averaged almost. pounds apiece, anglers averaged catching over bass per day, and the average weight per day was.8 pounds. No month or season stood out as being particularly good or bad; fishing just appeared steady throughout the year. uncommon with deep infertile impoundments where there is an overabundance of small bass all competing for the same size prey. Slot limits like this one are intended to encourage the harvest of small bass, and are rarely effective unless anglers are willing to remove fish below the slot. This helps to reduce competition among the smaller, more abundant fish, which allows the remaining fish to reach larger sizes. In recent years, Smith Lake anglers have become more open to removing the sub-slot fish, and have harvested bass at rates more than twice the statewide average of %. Still, during 7, only % of the bass caught during Smith Lake tournaments were removed from the lake; so there is still a long way to go. If you or your club plans to visit Smith Lake in the future, please do your part to help improve the quality of its bass fishery and keep your sub-slot bass after each tournament. 7

11 Weiss We received tournament reports from this reservoir that were held from February through October, with the majority () occurring in June. A total of tournament anglers fished for,9 hours to catch, bass that averaged.8 pounds (Table ). Bass fishing at Weiss appeared to decline slightly from, but still ranked as one of its best years, with nearly 8% of anglers catching at least one bass, weighing-in an average of.7 fish that weighed. pounds. The time required to catch a bass over five pounds increased slightly from days in to 7 days in 7. Throughout most of the year, the largemouth to spot ratio was about :. February and March offered anglers the best opportunity to catch a big bass, but overall catch rates were poor (- fish per day) during that period. Fifteen bass over five pounds were caught during 7. West Point We received tournament reports from this reservoir that were held during every month except December. The majority of tournaments (8) occurred in May. A total of tournament anglers fished for, hours to catch,88 bass that averaged. pounds (Table ). Almost 8% of anglers caught at least one bass and weighed-in an average of. fish that weighed.9 pounds. During the last ten years, catch rates at West Point have tripled, but average bass weight has decreased by %. As with other reservoirs in the Chattahoochee River watershed, reduced fertility levels and an increase in abundance of the more aggressive spotted bass has resulted in a fishery dominated by spots. In 7, close to 8% of the bass weighed-in by West Point anglers were spotted bass. However, in spite of the abundance of spotted bass, big largemouths are still common in this reservoir. West Point has consistently been ranked as one of Alabama s top five lakes for producing big bass. Although catches of bass over five pounds fell by over % in 7, it was probably related to extremely low water levels during the drought (only one bass over five pounds was caught after July st). TOURNAMENT PERMITS During 7, several tournament organizations inquired about the need for tournament permits in Alabama. The Alabama Division of Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries does not require tournament organizations to secure tournament permits for any of their events. However, the Alabama Marine Police requires a Marine Event Permit for any event (including bass tournaments) with more than boats participating. Applications can be obtained from the Alabama Marine Police free of charge by calling () -77, and must be completed and submitted to them at least days prior to the event. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also requires a Special Use Permit for bass tournaments with more than boats which are held on any of their reservoirs. Corps permits must be submitted days prior to the event, and can be obtained from your local project office or from their website at: 8

12 Table. Statewide summary of tournaments for bass clubs participating in the 7 B.A.I.T. Program. No. of tournaments No. of anglers No. of anglers w/ at least fish No. of anglers w/ a limit of fish Total hrs. fished Total bass caught % largemouth % spotted bass % smallmouth Percent of bass released alive Total lbs. of bass Avg. bass weight Bass over lb. Bass over 8lb. Avg. big bass weight % success (anglers w/ at least fish) Bass per day Pounds per day Hrs. to catch a bass over lb. Days to catch a bass over lb. Lake Aliceville Bankhead Harding Cedar Creek Claiborne Coffeeville Demopolis Eufaula Gainesville Guntersville Harris Holt Jones Bluff Jordan Lay Logan Martin Martin Mobile Delta Millers Ferry Mitchell Neely Henry Pickwick Smith Tuscaloosa Warrior Weiss Wheeler Wilson West Point Yates Grand Total a day is defined as one angler fishing for hours 9

13 Table. Ranking by quality indicators for all reservoirs with five or more tournament reports in the 7 B.A.I.T. Program. Percent Average Bass Bass per Pounds per Hours per Rank Success Weight Angler-Day Angler-Day Bass > lbs. Overall value Logan Martin Guntersville Aliceville Aliceville Guntersville Aliceville Martin Pickwick Martin Pickwick Aliceville Pickwick 97 Aliceville Eufaula Logan Martin Logan Martin Pickwick Wilson 7 Mitchell Aliceville Pickwick Mitchell Harris Jordan 7 Harding Demopolis Mitchell Wilson Eufaula Mitchell 7 Jordan Jordan Wilson Jordan Millers Ferry Guntersville 7 7 Pickwick Smith Wheeler Guntersville Weiss Logan Martin 7 8 Lay Wilson Lay Martin Wilson Lay 7 9 Neely Henry Weiss Jordan Wheeler Neely Henry Wheeler Wheeler Mitchell Jones Bluff Lay Smith Martin Weiss Lay Neely Henry Jones Bluff Lay Weiss Harris Wheeler West Point Weiss West Point Harris Wilson Jones Bluff Harding Harris Wheeler Neely Henry West Point Holt Harris Neely Henry Jones Bluff Jones Bluff Jones Bluff Millers Ferry Weiss West Point Demopolis Eufaula 7 Guntersville Harris Millers Ferry Demopolis Jordan Demopolis 7 Demopolis Neely Henry Smith Smith Harding West Point 8 Eufaula West Point Demopolis Millers Ferry Logan Martin Smith 9 Millers Ferry Logan Martin Guntersville Harding Mobile Delta Millers Ferry Holt Mobile Delta Holt Eufaula Mitchell Harding 9 Mobile Delta Martin Mobile Delta Holt Martin Holt 8 Smith Harding Eufaula Mobile Delta Holt Mobile Delta

14 Table. Tournament summary for bass clubs participating in the 7 B.A.I.T. Program. No. of tournaments No. of anglers No. of anglers w/ at least fish No. of anglers w/ a limit of fish Total hrs. fished Total bass caught % largemouth % spotted bass % smallmouth Percent of bass released alive Total lbs. of bass Avg. bass weight Bass over lb. Bass over 8lb. Avg. big bass weight % success (anglers w/ at least fish) Bass per day Pounds per day Hrs. to catch a bass over lb. Days to catch a bass over lb. Cl ub No Grand Total a day is defined as one angler fishing for hours

15 Table. Clubs supporting the 7 B.A.I.T. annual report. Cl ub Name Address City State Zip Code Representative Phone AL-TN BASS CLUB EDWARDS DR. LAWRENCEBURG TN 8 JONATHAN EDWARDS 9-7- APCO 7 HWY. 87 CALERA AL 7 RICHARD BROWN -- BAIT Di v. I 7 COLLEGE ST., APT. SOMMERVILLE GA 77 HERBERT DODD BAIT Div. III 88 HWY. 7 ROGERSVILLE AL DANNY HEARD -78- BAIT Di v. IV 7 COLLEGE ST., APT. SOMMERVILLE GA 77 HERBERT DODD BAY AREA BASSMASTERS 88 MICHIGAN AVE FAIRHOPE AL ELMER VICK BF GOODRICH BASS ANGLERS LEE RD. OPELIKA AL 8 ARTHUR HERNDON -79- BIRMINGHAM BASS CLUB 9 RIVER VIEW DR. BIRMINGHAM AL WILLIAM McCREE -8-9 BIRMINGHAM BASSMASTERS 78 DIANNE DR. McCALLA AL MIKE LINN BLACK WARRIOR BASS TRACKERS SUMMERFIELD DR E TUSCALOOSA AL CHARLIE TIDMORE --99 BLUFF CITY BASSMASTERS FIVE MILE RD. EUFAULA AL 7 JIM HOWARD --9 BROTHERHOOD OF ANGLERS T.T. 7 KENSINGTON LN. NORTHPORT AL 7 JASON PHILLIPS --78 CLAY COUNTY BASS BUSTERS FOREST DRIVE HEFLIN AL KEITH MORROW -9- CULLMAN BASSMASTERS CO. RD. 78 BREMEN AL MARK JONES -9-9 DEMOPOLIS H.S. F.F.A. 7 HWY 8 W. DEMOPOLIS AL 7 CLIFTON McNIGHT FISHERS OF MEN - SOUTH ALA. P.O. BOX E. BREWTON AL 7 ALLEN COUCH FIVE FLAGS BASS CLUB 77 MUSCODA ST. PENSACOLA FL WAYNE LASSITTER GEORIGA BASS FEDERATION BIOLOGY DEPT., MAPLE ST. CARROLLTON GA 8 CARL QUERTERMUS GILBERTOWN BASS CLUB P.O. BOX 8 GILBERTOWN AL 98 MIKE THORN -8-8 I.L.B.C. BASS TRAIL 8 WATERMELLON RD. NORTHPORT AL 7 SAM DAVIS -7-7 KOWALIGA 7 N. ANN AVE. TALLASSEE AL 78 HANK GOLDEN -8-7 LAKE GUNTERSVILLE BASSMASTERS 8 LITTLE DR SW HARTSELLE AL PHIL EKEMA -7- MAGNOLIA BASS CLUB 9 U.S. HWY CUBA AL 97 MICHAEL DENNIS -99- MISS. DIV. WILDLIFE, FISHERIES & PARKS TUPELO MS LARRY PUGH MOBILE BASSMASTERS 9 GOVERNMENT BLVD. MOBILE AL 9 BOB STEELE --9 NORTH ALABAMA TOURNAMENT ANGLERS 9 LISA DR. ATHENS AL STAN SHERROD --8 NORTHPORT BASS CLUB 8 BUSTER TIERCE SPUR NORTHPORT AL 7 ROBERT FINDLAY -9- NUCOR STEEL ORCHARD MILL ROAD COTTONDALE AL A. CHAMPION -- OUTCASTERS BASS CLUB 7 CO. RD. 8 SECTION AL 77 BIG STEVE TURNER -7-9 PIPEMILL BASSMASTERS SPRING TRAIL WARRIOR AL 8 BILLY J. LAWSON PRATTVILLE BASS ANGLERS 7 WHIPPOORWILL CT. DEATSVILLE AL TIM BAKER RED BIRD BASS LAWNWOOD DR. MONTGOMERY AL 8 LEE ZEIGLER -8-9 SAWYER LODGE #9 F&AM 78 CO. RD. WEDOWEE AL 78 DONNIE STRAIN SEMMES SOUTHERN COMFORT BASS CLUB 7 PONDEROSA DRIVE SEMMES AL 7 DANNY HEATHCOE -9-9 SOUTHWIRE COMPANY SOUTHWIRE DRIVE CARROLLTON GA 9 STEVE HARPER SMITH LAKE DAM TOURNAMENT 79 CO. RD. 9 CRANE HILL AL WAYNE COLE TEAM TRAILS OF MISS. (WEST ALA.) P.O. BOX FAYETTE AL TRISH SOWINS TEAM TRAILS OF MISS. (NE ALA.) 9 W. PASADENA AVE. MUSCLE SHOALS AL JAMES BYRD TEAM TRAILS OF MISS. (WEST MISS.) 7 TVA RD. WEST POINT MS 977 GENE BROWN -9-8 TEAM TRAILS OF MISS. (EAST MISS.) P.O. BOX FAYETTE AL TRISH SOWINS TMT ANGLERS LEACH DR. BIRMINGHAM AL LANCE GRANGER TRI-RIVERS BASS CLUB DUSTY TRAILS DEATSVILLE AL DAN SPIRES W EST ALABAMA BASS FISHERMANS ASSN. P.O. BOX GORDO AL JEFF GILLIAM --8 WILDCAT TEAM TOURNAMENT CO. RD. 78 BREMEN AL MARK JONES -9-9

16 Table. Statewide summary of bass tournaments by month for bass clubs participating in the 7 B.A.I.T. Program. No. of tournaments No. of anglers No. of anglers w/ at least fish No. of anglers w/ a limit of fish Total hrs. fished Total bass caught % largemouth % spotted bass % smallmouth Percent of bass released alive Total lbs. of bass Avg. bass weight Bass over lb. Bass over 8lb. Avg. big bass weight % success (anglers w/ at least fish) Bass per day Pounds per day Hrs. to catch a bass over lb. Days to catch a bass over lb. Month JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Grand Total a day is defined as one angler fishing for hours

17 Table. Summary of bass tournaments by lake and month for bass clubs participating in the 7 B.A.I.T. Program. Lake Month No. of tournaments No. of anglers % success (anglers w/ at least fish) Total hrs. fished Total bass caught % largemouth % spotted bass % smallmouth Percent of bass released alive Total l bs. of bass Avg. bass weight Bass over lb. Bass over 8lb. Avg. big bass weight Bass per day Pounds per day Hrs. to catch a bass over lb. Demopolis JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Eufaula JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Guntersville JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Harding JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC a day is defined as one angler fishing for hours

18 Table. Cont'd. Lake Month No. of tournaments No. of anglers % success (anglers w/ at least fish) Total hrs. fished Total bass caught % largemouth % spotted bass % smallmouth Percent of bass released alive Total l bs. of bass Avg. bass weight Bass over lb. Bass over 8lb. Avg. big bass weight Bass per day Pounds per day Hrs. to catch a bass over lb. Harris JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Jordan JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Lay JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Logan Martin JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC a day is defined as one angler fishing for hours

19 Table. Cont'd. Lake Month No. of tournaments No. of anglers % success (anglers w/ at least fish) Total hrs. fished Total bass caught % largemouth % spotted bass % smallmouth Percent of bass released alive Total lbs. of bass Avg. bass weight Bass over lb. Bass over 8lb. Avg. big bass weight Bass per day Pounds per day Hrs. to catch a bass over lb. Martin JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Millers Ferry JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Mitchell JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Mobile Delta JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC a day is defined as one angler fishing for hours

20 Table. Cont'd. Lake Month No. of tournaments No. of anglers % success (anglers w/ at least fish) Total hrs. fished Total bass caught % largemouth % spotted bass % smallmouth Percent of bass released alive Total lbs. of bass Avg. bass weight Bass over lb. Bass over 8lb. Avg. big bass weight Bass per day Pounds per day Hrs. to catch a bass over lb. Neely Henry JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Pickwick JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Smith JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Weiss JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC a day is defined as one angler fishing for hours 7

21 Table. Cont'd. Lake Month No. of tournaments No. of anglers % success (anglers w/ at least fish) Total hrs. fished Total bass caught % largemouth % spotted bass % smallmouth Percent of bass released alive Total lbs. of bass Avg. bass weight Bass over lb. Bass over 8lb. Avg. big bass weight Bass per day Pounds per day Hrs. to catch a bass over lb. West Point JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Wheeler JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Wilson JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC a day is defined as one angler fishing for hours 8

22 Pounds or Number Hours Bass / Day Pounds / Day Hrs. / lb. Bass Figure. Annual catch for B.A.I.T. tournaments Year

23 POUNDS OR NUMBER COFFEEVILLE POUNDS OR NUMBER DEMOPOLIS POUNDS OR NUMBER 8 7 EUFAULA Figure. Annual quality indicators for Coffeeville, Demopolis, and Eufaula, through 7.

24 POUNDS OR NUMBER POUNDS OR NUMBER POUNDS OR NUMBER 8 GAINESVILLE GUNTERSVILLE HARDING Figure. Annual quality indicators for Gainesville, Guntersville, and Harding, through 7.

25 POUNDS OR NUMBER POUNDS OR NUMBER POUNDS OR NUMBER HARRIS JONES BLUFF JORDAN Figure. Annual quality indicators for Harris, Jones Bluff, and Jordan, through 7.

26 POUNDS OR NUMBER POUNDS OR NUMBER POUNDS OR NUMBER 7 LAY LOGAN MARTIN MARTIN Figure. Annual quality indicators for Lay, Logan Martin, and Martin, through 7.

27 POUNDS OR NUMBER POUNDS OR NUMBER POUNDS OR NUMBER 7 MILLERS FERRY MITCHELL MOBILE DELTA Figure. Annual quality indicators for Millers Ferry, Mitchell, and the Mobile Delta, through 7.

28 POUNDS OR NUMBER POUNDS OR NUMBER POUNDS OR NUMBER NEELY HENRY PICKWICK SMITH Figure 7. Annual quality indicators for Neely Henry, Pickwick, and Smith, through 7.

29 POUNDS OR NUMBER WARRIOR POUNDS OR NUMBER POUNDS OR NUMBER 7 WEISS WEST POINT Figure 8. Annual quality indicators for Warrior, Weiss, and West Point, through 7.

30 POUNDS OR NUMBER 7 WHEELER POUNDS OR NUMBER 7 WILSON Figure 9. Annual quality indicators for Wheeler and Wilson, through 7. 7

31 Alabama s s Boating Access Program The Alabama Division of Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries maintains public boating access areas on most of the State s public reservoirs and waterways. The Boating Access Program, or Capital Development, is a four-man crew based out of Marion, Ala., whose responsibilities include building, maintaining and repairing boat ramps, parking areas, boarding piers, and signage. Alabama s Boating Access Crew has long been regarded as one of the Southeast s premiere boat ramp construction teams, and has pioneered ideas which have modernized the art of boat ramp construction. Their innovative ideas have been duplicated by numerous state and federal agencies throughout the Country. During 7, this crew was responsible for many significant improvements to boating access in Alabama. Among them was the replacement or addition of docks at Waterloo (Pickwick), Minky Creek (Guntersville), Selma Landing (Miller s Ferry), Mt. Vernon (Mobile Delta), Flint Creek (Wheeler), Thomas Mill Creek (Eufaula), and Mud Creek (Guntersville). Parking lots were paved or repaired at Leesburg (Weiss), Gordon (Chattahoochee River), Parker s 8 Bridge (Sipsey Fork), and Waterloo (Pickwick). Boat ramps were repaired at Road End (Harris), Moundville (Warrior), Gordon (Chattahoochee River), Foster s Ferry (Warrior), and Beeswax (Lay). A new boat ramp was constructed near downtown Cordova (Cane Creek), and ramps were extended at Elk River (Wheeler), Pace s Point (Martin), and both ramps at Kowaliga Bridge (Martin). Their efforts to extend ramps on lakes most affected by the drought will continue as long as water levels remain low. However, ramp extensions require - weeks, and may only be extended feet

32 at a time which gives an additional vertical depth of about ½ feet. Most bass boats require feet of depth to launch safely. Not all boat ramps are good candidates for extensions. In many cases, the depth in front of the existing ramp may be too shallow to extend the ramp. For every feet in length, there must be at least feet of depth. In some locations, ramps are near deep water channels where the depth feet beyond the end of the ramp may exceed - feet, prohibiting a quick and cost effective ramp extension. If the drought continues into 8, ramps that were extended in October and November of 7 may be in danger of becoming too shallow to launch. At their lowest 7 levels, Lake Martin was down feet ( feet below normal winter pool), Lake Harris was down feet ( feet below normal winter pool), and Smith Lake was down 9 feet ( feet below normal winter pool). During winter draw-downs, the primary focus of the Alabama Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Boating Access Crew will be on these three lakes due to the severe impacts of the drought on these reservoirs. Future plans include the construction of several docks on Guntersville and Jordan; ramp renovations and extensions at Smith, Harris, and Lay; new ramps at Coffeeville, Smith, Coosa River, and Tallapoosa River; parking lot renovations at Guntersville, Wheeler, and Eufaula; and the possible acquisition of existing ramps in several locations in South Alabama. Boat Ramp Extensions Made Easy!... S.B. Pope measures the depth prior to a ramp extension while Mike Hale (left) and Steve Taylor (right) prepare to add gravel to achieve the proper slope of %. The last feet of an existing boat ramp is cut off and carefully pushed into place by Tim Brewer (backhoe operator). The resulting void is ready to be reinforced with rebar and filled with fresh concrete. 9

33 Participation in this program is open to anyone licensed to fish in the State of Alabama, and who catches their fish from Alabama waters. Application requirements and procedures can be obtained by viewing the website at water/record/. To request an application, contact Damon Abernethy by at or by phone at () -88. Bill Wilmoth of Pensacola, Fla., caught these HUGE bluegill while fishing at Escambia County Lake (also known as Leon Brooks Hines Lake) during May. The lake is open to the public and daily fishing permits can be obtained at the lake s full service tackle shop, which also has boat rentals available. Michael Brasher of Moody caught this lb. oz. spotted bass on November th while drifting live threadfin shad in Rabbit Branch on Logan Martin.

34 Participation in this program is open to anyone licensed to fish in the State of Alabama, and who catches their fish from Alabama waters. Application requirements and procedures can be obtained by viewing the website at water/record/. To request an application, contact Damon Abernethy by at or by phone at () -88. David Lockhart of Jasper holds the current Smith Lake Record largemouth bass. The fish measured ½ inches in length and weighed just over pounds. David caught the fish at night on June rd, 7. Blake Gowen of Decatur caught this lb. oz. largemouth bass from Guntersville on March rd. Gary Guthrie of Jasper caught this lb. oz. largemouth bass from Smith Lake on April th. Gary s fish stood as the Smith Lake Record for nearly two months before being broken by a larger fish. Aubrey Boothe of Coker holds the new Lake Record largemouth bass from Oliver Reservoir on the Black Warrior River. The fish measured ½ inches in length and weighed lbs. oz. Aubrey caught the fish on a crankbait on December th,. This State Record Black Crappie weighed lbs. oz. and was caught by Shelley Meadows of Mentone. Shelley s fish established a three-way tie for the largest black crappie caught from Alabama waters. Jeanette McKelvey of Moulton caught this 7 lb. oz. smallmouth bass while fly fishing with her husband during a Mayfly hatch on Wheeler Lake, August nd.

35 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to thank the independent Alabama bass clubs, the Georgia Bass Federation, and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks for their genuine interest in this program and their willingness to take a proactive approach to managing bass fisheries in Alabama s reservoirs. Without their cooperation, assistance, and enthusiasm, this program would not be possible.

36 The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, or disability in its hiring or employment practices nor in admission to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. This publication is available in alternative formats.

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