Fishing is not only recreational time to release stress, but it is also a sport. The Collegiate Bass Anglers Team of UTM know first hand how to make your fishing experience a successful one.
“Fishing is easy; it’s the catching part that’s hard,” said Jonathan Garrison, Senior Bass Anglers Team Alumni.
Although fishing is allowed all year long with the proper permits, early spring and early fall are the best seasons.
“During this time, it is the time of the spawning, meaning the fish are reproducing,” said Powley.
CBAT competes against approximately 200 colleges across the nation and finished 10th this past year in the ACA school rankings.
“Fishing is a baptism by fire; some don’t have a chance to go fishing much, but we take beginners and allow them to fish in our club tournaments. Some of the beginners have advanced to national tournaments,” said Dylan Powley, Marketing Major and CBAT President.
To make your fishing experience a success there are a few items you will need: a life jacket, a tackle, rod, reel, bait, hooks, bug spray, food and drink.
“There isn’t a need for a cell phone in your check list, if it’s a good location you want have any service,” said Garrison.
A technique of fishing is going out to see if the fish are biting. There are many factors that could play a part in getting the fish to bite. One factor may be the type of bait that you choose to use, live or artificial.
“With live bait there’s less work, you don’t have to work the bait you can let it sit,” said Garrison.
Good locations for fishing are The Reelfoot Lake, which is known for their crappie fish, Martin City Pond, known for their catfish and bass, and the Kentucky Lake, which is known for their bass fish.
The Kentucky Lake has bass tournaments every weekend and it is open to the public.
“Fishing is a get away. I’ve dedicated a majority of my life to it. It doesn’t matter what I’m going through when I’m out on the bank my thoughts are geared towards fishing,” said Powley.
To learn more about the Collegiate Bass Anglers Team of UTM, contact Dylan Powley at matdpowl@ut.utm.edu.
