The fish at Dale Hollow Lake won’t stand a chance this weekend as Byrdstown hosts its annual fishing tournament.
Byrdstown Mayor Sam Gibson said more than 100 boats participate in the tournament each year. Gibson said the town puts on the tournament to bring more people to the area.
“We just want to get people into Byrdstown to get them to come in and enjoy Dale Hollow Lake and Byrdstown, because if they are here and they enjoy the trip, they are gonna come back, and that’s the reason we put these on and the reason we do this,” Gibson said.
Gibson said fishermen from all over the southeast come to participate in the tournament. Gibson said with more people coming to the Dale Hollow, it provides economic benefits to the town and the county.
“Anytime people come to your county to visit, especially for a two-day tournament, they are gonna spend some money,” Gibson said. “Even though we are not out to make money in the tournament itself, we want our business people and our supporters and sponsors of this tournament we want them to benefit from these types of tournaments.”
Gibson said the tournament is designed to have teams of two.
“We have a lot of parent and child partners, it gives you an opportunity to fish with your kids and your other family members, brothers, uncles, whatever,” Gibson said. “We also have a lot of husband and wife combinations that fish together also, so this gives people an opportunity to fish with someone that they are comfortable with.”
Gibson said at the end of each day, teams will weigh five fish to determine the placings. Gibson said the tournament spans over two days, and cash prizes will be awarded for each day. Gibson said there will be multiple ways to earn cash prizes outside of getting a high placement..
The tournament runs Saturday and Sunday. Gibson said teams can sign up the day of the tournament or by calling City Hall.
