On Saturday, April 9, Lakeside Landing hosted the Alabama Student Angler Bass Fishing Association tournament, drawing in participants from across Alabama. The park was filled with spectators gathered to watch as hundreds of young anglers spent the day on the water. 

210 teams registered for the event, with one to three anglers per boat. A Wetumpka team won first place out of the teams and first place for the Big Fish competition. 

“This is my favorite lake in the state to fish on,” Stewart Lucas, one of the team’s anglers said. “It’s the best top water lake, and the fish fight hardest here.”

Lucas’ teammates agreed that the lake was one of their favorites. Lucas said whenever he got the chance; he came to Logan Martin and spent the day on the water.

Having people that interested in the lake means a lot for Pell City. Chamber of Commerce Director Lisa Gaither said she believes that the lake is one of the best economical assets the area has. 

“Anytime people come to Pell City to fish on the lake or just spend time near the water, they help our economy,” Gaither said. “If they spend the weekend here, they stay at our hotels. And even if they’re just in Pell City for the day, they shop, get gas and eat meals at local businesses.” 

Gaither estimated that there were up to 1,000 people in Pell City last weekend for the fishing tournament, which the Chamber sponsored. According to Gaither, area hotels have reported over 80 rooms were sold for the weekend. 

Bringing crowds to Pell City is something the Gaither hopes to continue doing in the future.

“The Chamber is here to serve the Pell City businesses,” Gaither said. “Hosting events is very lucrative for our businesses and we want to continue to provide them with the additional customers that events bring in.”

That business brought in by events goes further than just the day of the event. With fishing tournaments being held on Logan Martin, fishers will come out throughout the year to practice on the lake.

“As the lake becomes a popular fishing destination, people will pre-fish before tournaments and travel here to fish for fun,” Gaither said. “Those visitors create residual income for our local businesses. Logan Martin is a great resource and the Chamber hopes to utilize that to benefit and increase local commerce.”