Two days ago, about 700 catfish were released in a netted area in Clark’s Hill Lake to prep for the grand opening of a new fishing access point.
The fishing pier is located near the popular Modoc boat launch and is accessible by wheelchair. Families celebrated its opening on Saturday by gathering to fish for the 1,000 pounds of hungry Catfish.
Thirty members from several unions within the Augusta Building and Construction Trades Council volunteered their time and trade skills to complete the project, valued at about $116,600. In total, they volunteered 386 labor hours, valued at approximately $20,460. Dale Cullum, business manager for Insulators Local 92, was the project manager who helped come up with the project idea in 2019. It was delayed several years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.
The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance, which brings together skilled union members for hands-on conservation projects, helped put on banquets in the Augusta area to raise funds for the materials. At these events, union affiliates and members donate money through auctions and raffles.
“It seems strange because these guys spend their money and then spend their time for these conversation projects, but that’s what they do for the community,” said Charles Fenwick, parks manager.
The rest of the funds were provided via a handshake agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which manages the Modoc and Clarks Hill recreation areas.
Fenwick said the fishing dock was previously located in the nearby Clarks Hill Recreation Area in shallow water about two-to-three feet deep. But although four million people visit the lake each year, he only ever saw two or three people using it.
“It was sort of stuck in a corner and few people used it,” he said. “Now it’s near a very popular boat ramp where it’s highly visible and will receive much more traffic from park visitors.”
Following the dedication event at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning, Black Water Fishing & Bait Co. provided bait for the celebratory fishing and The Herring Hut provided lunch.
“We’re outdoors people so when I heard about this opportunity, I thought, ‘Why don’t I try to get some of my grandchildren out here?’ And I got seven of them out here,” said Doug Chrisco.
The new fishing pier location is close to the Modoc oxygen system, which helps attract fish, said Scott Hyatt, Thurmond Dam operations project manager.
This is the 327th conservation project for the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance, which is based in Spring Hill, Tenn. and has 14 employees who travel around the U.S., said Walt Ingram, CEO of the organization.
“Volunteers make it work for us,” he said. “We’re the vehicle and they’re the engine and the fuel.”
