Conservation News

North Carolina Fishing Trail expands

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Lake Thom-a-Lex is the latest to receive habitat enhancements designed to help anglers learn seasonal patterns and catch more bass. Bill Frazier, North Carolina B.A.S.S. Nation Conservation Director, worked with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) and Boy Scout Daniel Pell on this latest project. Daniel’s Eagle Scout project included the construction on “Tarantula Blocks,” a larger cousin of the popular “spider block.” They were made from flexible plastic drain pipe cemented into concrete blocks. Daniel also built “BASSJax” from recycled/repurposed PVC and polyethylene pipe that would have otherwise gone to a landfill. Frazier assisted in mapping the lake using the Lowrance Insight Genesis mapping application to identify prime locations for habitat enhancement. Each location was marked with a numbered buoy and brochures are available to explain how fish relate to cover and structure at different times of the year. Habitat enhancement is a key element in the B.A.S.S. Conservation agenda and getting youth groups or individuals involved in projects provides opportunities to teach them about the importance of conservation. <p> Daniel Pell puts a cap on a BASSJax after filling with rock to anchor, and all the BASSJax built and ready to deploy.
Lake Thom-a-Lex is the latest to receive habitat enhancements designed to help anglers learn seasonal patterns and catch more bass. Bill Frazier, North Carolina B.A.S.S. Nation Conservation Director, worked with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) and Boy Scout Daniel Pell on this latest project. Daniel’s Eagle Scout project included the construction on “Tarantula Blocks,” a larger cousin of the popular “spider block.” They were made from flexible plastic drain pipe cemented into concrete blocks. Daniel also built “BASSJax” from recycled/repurposed PVC and polyethylene pipe that would have otherwise gone to a landfill. Frazier assisted in mapping the lake using the Lowrance Insight Genesis mapping application to identify prime locations for habitat enhancement. Each location was marked with a numbered buoy and brochures are available to explain how fish relate to cover and structure at different times of the year. Habitat enhancement is a key element in the B.A.S.S. Conservation agenda and getting youth groups or individuals involved in projects provides opportunities to teach them about the importance of conservation.

Daniel Pell puts a cap on a BASSJax after filling with rock to anchor, and all the BASSJax built and ready to deploy.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission provided buoys for the project. Daniel Pell and NC B.A.S.S. Conservation Director lining up deployment team on subsurface structures to be enhanced.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission provided buoys for the project. Daniel Pell and NC B.A.S.S. Conservation Director lining up deployment team on subsurface structures to be enhanced.
Mark Fowlkes, NCWRC Piedmont Habitat coordinator, loads the deployment boat.
Mark Fowlkes, NCWRC Piedmont Habitat coordinator, loads the deployment boat.
Daniel waiting to launch in deployment boat with tarantula blocks. Mark dropping a tarantula on the yellow buoy marking the spot.
Daniel waiting to launch in deployment boat with tarantula blocks. Mark dropping a tarantula on the yellow buoy marking the spot.
Structures were placed in specific locations identified with Lowrance Insight Genesis mapping.
Structures were placed in specific locations identified with Lowrance Insight Genesis mapping.
Sonar and DownScan image showing tarantula blocks.
Sonar and DownScan image showing tarantula blocks.
Sonar and DownScan images showing BASSJax.
Sonar and DownScan images showing BASSJax.

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