By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Buchanan, Tenn.–Some 150,000 pure Florida bass fingerlings arrived today at Paris Landing State Park, thanks to a project initiated by the Henry County Tourism Authority in conjunction with Benton County officials.
A total 300,000 bass fingerlings from the American Sportfish Hatchery in Montgomery, Ala., will be released into Kentucky Lake and the Tennessee River, with 150,000 going to each county.
On hand for today’s release were Henry County Mayor Brent Greer, Benton County Mayor Brett Lashlee, Paris Mayor Carlton Gerrell, Vice Mayor Jackie Jones and other local, county officials, plus TWRA personnel.
The release boats were manned by members of the Henry Co. and Benton Co. high school fishing teams, as well as the Bethel University fishing team.
The second delivery will be held at noon May 28 in Benton County.
The plan to replenish local waters with bass, which have been declining in recent years, was brought to Henry and Benton County officials last year by Charlie Ingram of Humphreys Co. and Bob Cathey of Paris, who have been spearheading the project.
Greer said it is a three-year program, with 300,000 bass to be stocked each year for three years.
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Top photo: TWRA personnel greet the American Sportfish Hatchery as it arrives with the fish delivery.
Benton County Mayor Brett Lashlee and Mike Stockdale of Benton County talk things over with Earl Bentz, owner of Caymas Boats;
The Henry Co. High School Fishing Team and advisors Drew Williams and Monte Starks on the way to help with delivery of the fish.
Photos by Shannon McFarlin