PAA Kicks Off Fishing Season On Douglas Lake

Day 1 Weigh Ins – Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Jefferson County is knee deep in boats this weekend, as The Professional Anglers Association kicked off the fishing season on Douglas Lake. Ninety nine anglers were on Douglas Lake in hopes of making the cut and lading the big one. The three day tournament is sponsored by Bass Pro Shop and has drawn some big local names like Ott DeFoe and David Walker who were both registered to participate in this weekend’s competition. Easter weekend’s event marks the first time that the Professional Anglers Association has hosted an event on Douglas Lake, though area has been a stop for other processional tournaments in the past couple of years. Adele Sensing, Director of Tourism for Jefferson County, was on hand this weekend to keep the event running smoothly which is quite a task in warm weather and even more difficult when East Tennessee weather takes a downward turn. Douglas Lake is quickly gaining a reputation for excellent bass fishing and that makes it attractive for large tournaments. This is only the first of three fishing tournaments that will take place on Douglas Lake this Spring. Two tournaments are scheduled for April, with the Bass Master Southern Open launching on April 4, 2013 and B.A.S.S. Nation Southern Divisional Championship coming to town on April 22, 2013.