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The World's Largest Bottom-Fishing Tournament kicked off on April 21st out of Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Dauphin Island. The tournament only costs $5 per day per angler with each angler having a chance to win over $550,000 in cash prizes. Participants can purchase tickets at any tackle shop or marina in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, or Dauphin Island.

As the weather turns warmer, many Alabamians will head out on the water during the next few months. We encourage all boaters to visit this page to download the "Boating Safety Checklist" and review it with your family and friends.

Gulf State Park now offers 11 new cottages. These cottages are within walking distance of Gulf State Park Golf Course and two & a half miles from the beautiful snow-white beaches of Alabama. All cottages are located along the northern shore of Lake Shelby. Reservation information may be found on the Alapark Web site.

Bass fishing is particularly good at Wilson Lake right now. Wilson Lake is located in northern Alabama near the towns of Florence and Muscle Shoals. The reservoir extends upstream for 15 miles to Wheeler Dam and covers 15,500 acres. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and catfish are targeted most often by anglers on Wilson Lake.

Fishing is fun for kids of all ages. The Community Fishing Program provides quality fishing opportunities for many that do not have such opportunities. Community Fishing Events provide a wonderful opportunity to bring families together to teach youngsters to fish. Other events are provided for disabled or for seniors. Since June 1995, over 439 Community Fishing Events have been held in Alabama for 87,360 participants.