The North Alabama Catfish Trail Invites all Anglers to
First Creek Boat Ramp
With some Alabama catfish anglers worried about not having a tournament trail close to home, Lisa Haraway created the North Alabama Catfish Trail (NACT).
Many long hours of work, many emails, and many phone calls will pay dividends this weekend as the North Alabama Catfish Trail holds its first event out of First Creek Boat Ramp on Wheeler Lake.
Boat check-in and livewell inspection begin at 5:30 am at the First Creek Boat Ramp on Wheeler Lake. Fishing time will be 7:00 am to 4:00 pm with all boats due in the weigh-in line by 4:30 pm for the January 29 2022 event.
Three-person teams will be searching for a limit of 3 fish to bring to the scales. The heaviest weight will determine the winner and only team that will ever claim victory at the first North Alabama Catfish Trail.
The event is an American Catfishing Association (ACA) affiliated Division 3 tournament. The association with ACA makes member anglers eligible to compete and enjoy the challenge of fishing against anglers in other areas of the country. Participating ACA members become eligible for thousands of dollars in cash and prizes, including the chance to win a new SeaArk boat.
Haraway, an avid tournament angler herself, is fulfilling her dream of becoming a tournament director and supporting the sport of catfishing with the launch of this tournament.
“The opportunity opened up and anglers gave me the inspiration to follow my dream,” explained Haraway. “I have many anglers backing me and I definitely have the drive to do this. So I decided this was my time to follow my dream and give back to the anglers.”
Haraway’s main objective is to see the trail grow in a way that contributes positively to the growth of catfishing as a sport.
“In my first year as a director I want to run a tournament trail that everyone feels welcomed at,” explained Lisa. “I want the anglers to come out, have a great time fishing, and at the same time I want to promote the sport of catfishing.”
Her more specific goals include promoting Catch-Photo-Release (CPR), proper and safe fish handling, and conservation of the resource. She also plans to promote catfishing in general by recognizing youth and lady anglers at each event in a family-friendly atmosphere.
“I am so excited that it is all coming together,” said Haraway. “So much so I can’t sleep. I’m trying to make sure I got everything ready and haven’t forgotten something. I am hoping I don’t disappoint my anglers.”
She is expecting some anglers that are new to tournament catfishing. Several have contacted her and plan to attend fulling her wish to grow the sport. 
“I am thrilled that I have so much support from the anglers, sponsors, and my hometown,” concluded Haraway as the tournament date nears. “I’m packing the trailer and making a list of the few things I still need. I just hope the anglers have a great time!”
All anglers are invited to join the fun and be a part of Haraway’s first event. A full set of rules can be found on the trail’s Facebook page.
An arctic cold front is expected to come through on Friday making it a very cold weekend. So dress accordingly. In the case of inclement weather, all boat captains and their team members are responsible for deciding if it is safe to launch and compete.
Mark your calendars for the next event on February 26th, out of Safety Harbor on Wilson Lake.
For more information about the North Alabama Catfish Trail and sponsorship opportunities contact Lisa Haraway at 256-263-2085 or by email at lisaharaway@gmail.com.
