Sparrow proudly points out that despite the brackishwater destination being a new concept for many of the Alabama members , the state ’ s contingent held its own in the event .
“ Our anglers overcame the Mississippi boys on the delta , and we retained the State Pride Award for another year ,” he says .
Youth Initiatives
Alabama also maintains an ambitious , two-pronged tournament program geared toward budding bass fans .
“ We run TBF Junior and High School Fishing trails , with advancement to the Junior World Championship , High School Fishing National Championship and High School Fishing World Finals ,” he says .
Junior and High School Fishing events are held simultaneously on one lake .
“ The combined format makes it a lot easier for our volunteers because we don ’ t have to run so many events , and the youths get to pick which tournament they want to fish , provided they are eligible for that particular event ,” Sparrow explains .
To further boost youth participation , Alabama recently launched a regional tournament approach , splitting the state in half with southern and northern trails . Each has three qualifiers , and everyone will come together for a mid-state championship in April .
“ The goal was cutting travel to make it more convenient for young anglers to fish ,” Sparrow explains . “ We ’ re already
seeing a big rise in registrations to our early events in the south , and an overall 40 percent increase in high school clubs in direct response to the new system .”
Conservation , Charity
Along with tournament programs , ABF is active in conservation and charitable pursuits .
“ On the conservation side , we ’ re involved in re-licensing the R . L . Harris Hydroelectric Project on the Tallapoosa River ,” Sparrow notes .
The project affects the dam , spillway and powerhouse that impound 9,870-acre Harris Lake , along with important fish and wildlife habitat upstream .
“ Our representatives are on the committee and work groups studying the re-licensing process , making sure everything is on the up and up to protect the lake , the fishery , wildlife refuges and local communities ,” he explains .
ABF members also assist with a number of charity events each year , such as fundraisers for schools .
“ We also partner with Airport Marine in Alabaster to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama ,” Sparrow says . “ Each season , TBF members registering for our tournament trail have a one-time opportunity to donate $ 100 to the charity . Those who do are entered in a program that rewards the top-finishing angler in the program with a $ 250 bonus at each qualifier and $ 500 at the state championship . It ’ s a win-win for everyone involved , and raises an average of $ 1,800 to $ 2,000 a year for Ronald McDonald House .” n
Fish Like a Pro .
Pledge to
PITCH IT .
Protect our lakes and rivers by recycling your worn-out soft-plastic baits at every FLW tournament . Just look for the FLW
Foundation , Keep America Fishing Pitch It recycling container . It ’ s a simple action with a big impact .
Visit pledgetopitchit . org & FLWFishing . com / foundation
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