Westside Bass Club of Tuscaloosa, Alabama is
devoted to the promotion of bass fishing and Christian
fellowship. The club was founded in 1986 with 10 members, and
has tripled in size to 32 members. The friendly competition on
the water can only be matched by the camaraderie both on and off
the water.
We fish nine tournaments
during the year throughout Alabama, culminating
in a classic tournament. At our yearly banquet trophies are
awarded to the top fishermen and roses are presented to their
wives.
It is our desire to promote bass fishing to our youth and to
give back to our community. Each spring Westside sponsors our
annual Kids Catfish Derby. This event is made possible by the
hard work of all our members, as well as the generous support of
our sponsors around Tuscaloosa. We believe that exposing our
youth to fishing early in life will lead to a positive,
wholesome hobby that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. Our motto is
“Hooked On Fishing, Not On Drugs.”
We install nets in a large area of Lake
Lurleen, and stock the area with 4,000 pounds of catfish. We
supply all of the rods, reels and bait, and
provide instruction and fellowship to all the children in
attendance. The wives of our members serve grilled hotdogs,
drinks and snacks. Prizes are awarded in all age divisions. We
have had as many as 500 children in attendance, however even
this year, with tropical storm Arlene approaching our area, we
still had a turnout of 300 children.
We support the PVA (Paralyzed Veterans of
America), by sponsoring fees and expenses for our honorary
member, Derrick Hardy, to attend their tournament.
We are a BASS Federation club. Our club is
also active in SABBA and
Anglers Paradise. Many of our club members may be spotted on the
Anglers Paradise Television show on Saturday mornings.
Westside Bass club always welcomes new
members, both boaters and non-boaters. Dues are $50 annually and
$10 per tournament fee. (College students fish for half-price
dues and fees.) For more information, please contact club
president Jimmy Horton (205) 752-1272, or club secretary Dan
Bojo (205) 333-5488; or visit the club website at
www.westsidebassclub.tripod.com .
