Dale Hollow Lake to Host 2 Weeks of Fishing Tournaments

Starting October 19th there will be two weeks of fishing tournaments on Dale Hollow Lake.

Byrdstown-Pickett County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Billy Robbins said this will draw in around 800 people between the two tournaments. The community has to pay to host these tournaments. Although, Robbins said the pay off should be worth it according to Fishing League Worldwide.

“We’ve had estimates from the FLW, you know how things are, they’re giving us an impact number of somewhere around $1,000,000 for the area,” Robbins said. “By the time you’ve got lodging in place with all the way around the area and eating and visit and all that, if we get a half of that I’d be happy.”

The October 19-24 tournament is a Renegade Bass Fishing tournament, the October 26-31 tournament is Fishing League Worldwide. Robbins said fishing tournaments could be big business for the area, since Dale Hollow Lake holds seven of the top ten small mouth bass records.

“We’re trying to develop and capitalize on our great asset which is Dale Hollow Lake,” Robbins said. “We’re trying to be the bass fishing lake of the United States.”

The further into the year, the less tourism occurs. Robbins said the key is creating reasons for people to visit after Labor Day.

“It’s already shown up in rentals and places to stay, we’re already seeing that, they’re coming in,” Robbins said. “It’s extending our season for tourism and we’re really happy about it.”

Robbins said the host fee is paid for by multiple community entities. Including, Local businesses and banks, Pickett County, Byrdstown and the chamber of commerce.