While Lake Eufaula is widely acclaimed as the “Bass Capitol of the World,” it was crappie that helped Blakely Sweatt reel in the winner for this year’s Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association “Best Fish Photo Contest.”
According to a recent release, Sweatt is a seven-year-old girl with special needs.
The winning photo came from Sweatt fishing with her grandparents on the Barbour County lake. She reportedly hauled in several crappie throughout the day, and Danny Waters, her grandfather, submitted the photo.
Waters described Blakely as an enthusiastic young girl who never meets a stranger and loves to be outdoors, especially with a fishing rod in her hand. Waters and his wife have a fishing camp on Lake Eufaula and often spend weekends in the Black Belt with their four grandchildren.
“There is nothing better than being outdoors with family. These grandchildren are the light of our lives, and we love experiencing the bountiful beauty of nature with them whenever we can,” stated Waters. “Blakely does not allow her special needs to slow her down, she is active and passionate about life, and we were all thrilled when she won the contest.”
Sweatt won a half-day guided fishing trip on Lake Eufaula led by local expert Tony Adams of “Gone Fishing with Tony,” as well as a package of lures and hooks donated by Tru-Turn and Blakemore. The total value of the package was reportedly $350.
“We love seeing families and youngsters enjoying the vast recreational opportunities available within the Black Belt, especially during these times,” said Pam Swanner, director of the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association. “Spending time in the great outdoors is so important, and the Black Belt is the perfect place to encourage a love and appreciation for nature. ALBBAA thanks all of the contestants who entered photos this year and is pleased to honor Blakely for her fish!”
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Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
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