Big Al has eluded anglers for a fourth year in a row, but the $86,000 Hot Springs Fishing Challenge, which wrapped up at 5 p.m. Friday, was still a success, organizers say.
The $10,000 grand prize white bass was released on April 30 into Lake Hamilton, but has joined the ranks of his predecessors, Big Al I-III, in eluding capture.
"Four years in a row Big Al has gotten away from us," said Steve Arrison, CEO of Visit Hot Springs. "But, I think it was still a success with what we paid out."
As of July 27, Visit Hot Springs had paid out $22,000 in prize money with 17 fish caught -- a record in the event's history.
"It's really something," Arrison said. "Not only did we pay out $5,000 this year, but we did it twice with a $5,000 fish caught on both lakes. We had several visitors reel in winners, which is what we like to see. I think that shows the visibility the program is bringing to lakes Hamilton and Catherine and the great fishing we have in Hot Springs."
The challenge awarded $16,500 out of a pool of $75,000 in prize money in 2014. In 2013, $9,500 was paid out, and $10,250 was paid in 2012.
This year, the stakes were raised when 11 $1,000 bonus fish were released each Tuesday, and their locations made public. Only one bonus fish was caught, and Arrison said this will be a factor in determining what changes will be made in 2016 should Visit Hot Springs and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission host the event for a fifth year.
"As we always do, we'll evaluate the challenge in another month or so," he said. "And we want to hear from the public. Any comments, just let us know. But it seemed to be successful, and I think you can tell from the stories. We had the one caught below the dam of the Caddo River, 32 miles away from where it was released, and the lady from Louisiana who was dancing after she caught hers. It's a good program and it's garnered a lot of attention for us."
The end of the challenge does not mean the end of big-money angling on area lakes, however. The Forrest Wood Cup arrives on Lake Ouachita, with an expo at the Hot Springs Convention Center and daily weigh-ins at Bank of the Ozarks Arena, Aug. 20-23, bringing 50 pro bass anglers from across the country to compete for the $500,000 prize.
"I'm no fisherman, but I think between this and the FLW Cup coming up in August, our name is getting out there for all the great fishing we have," Arrison said.
Local on 08/04/2015