They’re Back!

Staff Photo by Angie Stanley

Lake watchers may have noticed an influx of brightly colored boats this week in the Douglas Lake area. The B.A.S.S. Nation fishing tournament has, again, found its way to the waters surrounding Historic Dandridge. 386 boats were entered in the tournament, each looking to bring home the prize. Early morning starts and late afternoon weigh ins were the bookends to hours spent on the lake searching for the big catch. Tuesday evening, anglers were welcomed to Dandridge and Jefferson County with a dinner and reception at the Dandridge Activity Center. Douglas Lake has become a regular stop for professional anglers and it is always an interesting sight to witness the energetic start of a tournament. It is equally exciting to view the weigh in process at the end of the day. Cool, rainy weather didn’t appear to stop the fish from biting or hinder the anglers, as they trolled the depths of Douglas. The Point Marina hosted the three day event, which will have its final weigh in on Friday. Fishing tournaments have become a recognizable sign that signals lake season in Jefferson County and the start of tourist season, a much anticipated time for local businesses.