CAIRO — Before anglers could register to reel in the biggest bass in a Tired Creek Lake fishing tournament, the guidelines were drawn.  

Lake Authority members discussed the prospect of fishing tournaments at a June 7 meeting.  

The authority unanimously approved establishing fees for fishing tournaments at Tired Creek Lake. 

Tournament fees approved were: 

• 10-20 boats – $150 

• 21-30 boats – $200 

• 30 or more boats – $250 

A minimum 30-day notice to hold a tournament at the lake also was set. 

Prior to approval, Lake Authority Chairman LaDon Toole said the authority should “really consider” setting guidelines for fishing tournaments. 

“I want to see tournaments come to the lake,” he said. 

Brandon Smith, leader of the GA Boys Tournament Trail, suggested recommendations for bass fishing tournaments to the Lake Authority. 

A “hot topic,” Smith said a permit for any club or group to hold a fishing tournament at Tired Creek Lake should be mandatory. The permit should include the number of boats and anglers expected, start and weigh-in times, along with the stipulation all bass are released after weigh-in.  

“Bass fishing is a popular sport, and it’s growing,” Smith said. “You have a money-making machine sitting out there.” 

In other business, the Tired Lake Authority: 

• Approved increasing the non-resident yearly fishing permit from $100 to $200. 

• Made a recommendation to the Grady County Board of Commissioners for spraying Tired Creek Lake to remove weeds; the low bid received was $200 per acre and approximately 300 acres would be sprayed. 

• Approved a $1,800.75 salary for a fish survey to be conducted. 

• Approved recommending to the commission hiring an additional lake employee for 30 hours a week and retaining county attorney Jennifer Herzog as Lake Authority legal counsel after a closed session on personnel.  

Reporter Jordan Barela can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1826.