Reel 'em in

April 10, 2008 11:11 am

— By Brad Hicks / Staff Writer
The operators of an area pay lake are hoping fishing enthusiasts will take the bait and take part in a catfish tournament to be held this weekend at the site’s new trophy lake.
Fish are stocked weekly. Rosetta Belew, co-owner of Wally’s, said the supply of fish in the lake is stocked weekly and kept consistent and constant. Bluegill, Shad, Carp and Crappie can be caught and, as fish go out, more are put back in.
“We weigh the fish as they go out so we know how much we’re losing and so we know how much to stock,” she said.
In November, the digging of the site of a new trophy lake was completed. Walter Belew, co-owner of Wally’s, said the project started during last year’s drought.
“That was a good time to dig a lake,” he said jokingly.
Walter said this new addition will house some of the largest catfish that can be caught in the area.
“They’ll range anywhere from 15 pounds and up,” he said.
The trophy lake was stocked with approximately 700 pounds worth of catfish on Wednesday. Belew said the new lake has seen around 1,000 pounds of fish introduced to it just this week.
The trophy lake is being stocked with blue, channel and yellow catfish. It is obvious that Walter wants the new trophy lake to provide the best experience for catfish enthusiasts He was hesitant to put a 14-pound whopper into the trophy lake, as he said it was a little small.
Fishermen looking to land one of the mammoth catfish will have their chance this coming weekend as Wally’s Pay Lake hosts a catfish tournament. The tournament will be from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Prizes will be given throughout the evenings and a prize for largest catch will be given with this prize amount to be determined by the number of entrants. The entry fee is $25.
The Belews said that Wally’s Pay Lake should have even more to offer in the future, as the addition of a third lake is planned, as well as a new playground area for children.
“What makes this lake different than some of the other lakes in the area is that it’s easily accessible,” Rosetta said. “We’re very family-oriented.”
Wally’s Pay Lake, located in Laurel County, is now in its fourth season of operation and caters both the diehard and casual anglers. There is also free camping available with paid admission. Wally’s is open seasonally from late April through November.
For information on the tournament or Wally’s Pay Lake, call (606) 528-8333.

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