For years, Wheeler Lake has been known to locals as a hot spot for a variety of fishing–catfish, bass, crappie and more. With the addition of Ingalls Harbor, weekend anglers and pro anglers are also experiencing this fishing mecca and Decatur and Morgan County are benefiting from the revenue generated during multi-day tournaments. In 2013, Decatur and Ingalls Harbor hosted 10 regional and national tournaments pumping much needed revenue into our hotels, restuarants, gas stations, and other local businesses. The Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail brought its district championship to the River City for two days of competitive fishing November 8-9, 2013. Approximately 250 anglers from Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Kentucky began arriving as early as November 4 to participate in the official practice days before the tournament got underway.
Fishing tournaments will be an integral part of the CVB’s efforts in 2014. Twenty-two tournaments are lined up bringing in
A nice Wheeler Lake smallmouth bass.
– SFN photo
thousands of anglers to test their skills on Wheeler Lake. Beginning in March, there will be tournaments held each month through November, and often they will arrive before a tournament to scout a location.
The Alabama Bass Trail is bringing its new tournament series for amateur anglers to Wheeler Lake in May. Registration is already closed with four hundred anglers registered to compete.
The Myles Reed Fishing Tournament, Heartland Anglers, Extreme Bass Series, and FCA Bass Anglers Classic are all making their first appearance at Ingalls Harbor. And there are several local tournaments that are returning to Wheeler Lake including the Alabama Bass Nation, Homeland Security Bass Tournament, and the Hooked on Decatur Bass Tournament.
The American Bass Anglers, who conducts the largest and most prestigious tournament trail for weekend anglers, will be in the River City in November for its Ray Scott Championship, formerly known as the Weekend Bass Series Championship.
Melinda Dunn and her staff at DMCVB deserve an ATTA-BOY! They do a tremendous job for Decatur/Morgan County and the entire North Alabama area.
