Anglers competing in the Alabama Bass Trail Tournament Series’ South Division are keeping a close watch on weather forecasts for Eufaula, looking for signs of an early spring.
The team tournament series visits Lake Eufaula March 15. The purse is $33,000, including $10,000 for first place. Entry fee is $250;
“If the long-range forecasts are any indication, it going to warm up and the fishing is going to be fantastic for the tournament,” said Jack Tibbs, Mayor of Eufaula. “The water is already starting to warm up and the bite is getting better.By the time of the tournament, the big fish should have moved up and really be turned on. I’m really looking forward to it.”
The tournament is expected to pump about $500,000 in the economy of the Eufaula area.
The huge economic boost it will provide the town in not the only reason Tibbs is looking forward to the Eufaula tournament. He also competes in the Bass Trail’s South Division.
“I’m really excited about this tournament,” he said. “It’s probably going to be the biggest event of the year on Lake Eufaula in terms of the number of boats.
I expect the lake to really show out for that tournament. There are going to be some big fish caught. When people all over the country read and hear about how well this tournament went, they are going to want to come here and fish.”
South Division angler Scott Luster of Prattville expects the Eufaula tournament will be a slugfest.
“It could take over 20 pounds just to get a check,” Luster said. “It’s probably going to take 25 to 29 pounds to win. There could be some bags over 30 pounds.”
Luster is among the anglers keeping a close watch on long-range forecasts for the Eufaula area and trying to predict what the weather is going to be like for the tournament.
“Barring another really bad cold snap, the lake is going to get better and better and should be close to perfect for the tournament. I’m really looking forward to fishing on Eufaula that weekend.”
Luster expects many bass will be spawning during the tournament and bed fishing could play a role in winning.
Tibbs said Lake Eufaula lends itself to a variety of fishing techniques.
:We’ve got shallow water, deep water, grass, riprap and docks,” Tibbs said. “No matter how you like to fish, you are going to be able to do it during this tournament and catch some big bass. It’s going to be a awesome tournament.”
The tournament will be staged out of Lake Point State Park, 104 Old Hwy. 165, Eufaula. 
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