Troup County accommodated hundreds of anglers at Pyne Road Park over the weekend as a result of the Georgia Bass Nation High School Fishing Tournament, according to a press release from Troup County.

As the first tournament of the season for Georgia High School Bass Nation, Callaway High School and West Georgia Ambassadors served as the hosts. The tournament had a record breaking turnout of fishing teams, which resulted in a total of 205 boats. Each boat allowed for two students and one boat captain. The teams consisted of high school and junior high school anglers from across the state of Georgia. Local participants Houston Gaddy and Nathan Odom from Callaway High School placed ninth and qualified for state.

On Saturday, Pyne Road Park hosted all 410 tournament participants, along with their friends and families. Although food was donated to the anglers from a local restaurant, participants purchased fuel locally as well as parking passes directly from Pyne Road Park. Troup County Parks and Recreation held a raffle drawing for participants with direct funds allocated from Pyne Road Park parking costs as a way to give back to the anglers who participated in the tournament.

While this was the first year that the tournament was held at Pyne Road Park, the event was a huge success for the county, as it brought tourism opportunities to the area, including West Point Lake. The event generated large crowds, including participants and spectators, in addition to providing exposure to local services and amenities.