Anglers from all over the country are in Byrdstown this weekend for the 40th annual Dale Hollow Bass Classic.
Teams of two compete over two days to reel in the best bass possible. Byrdstown Mayor Sam Gibson said the chamber of commerce started the event to bring more tourism to the area.
“This is the 40th anniversary of this tournament, and it was started because, you know, fishing in Byrdstown, Dale Hollow Lake being right here, fishing in Byrdstown is one of the most popular things,” Gibson said.
Gibson said the tournament has become popular and has consistently attracted anywhere from 50-120 teams each year. Gibson said the tournament always has a huge economic impact on the community.
“Anytime that you have something that you bring people to Dale Hollow Lake, the economic impact is wonderful for the people because, especially a two-day tournament,” Gibson said. “A two-day tournament means that some people are gonna come in and they are going to spend a night here, and when it’s a two-day tournament, they are going to have a meal or two here in Pickett County, and so you know, spend a little money on gas. So it has a very good economic impact.”
Gibson said he is expecting a great turnout for the tournament this year. Gibson said he also hopes the tournament will bring attention to the other great things in Byrdstown and Pickett County to visitors.
“We try to do a better job all the time of promoting Pickett County,” Gibson said. “We’ve got a lot of things here. You know, we’ve got Cordell Hull, we’ve got Alvin C. York, we’ve got Pickett State Park, we’ve just got so many things here for people to enjoy while they are here.”
Gibson said the tournament will have cash prizes. The two-day tournament will kick off at 7am on Saturday.
