[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]Electric-only lakes are quickly becoming the go-to destination for fishing clubs across the country. Elco has been helping boaters enjoy a clean, quiet cruising experience with its line of electric motors for more than 100 years, and now the team is getting ready to cast its first line in an electric-only fishing tournament by partnering with the Dixie Jon Boat Bass Anglers to host the Dixie Duel Open. Scott Edwards, a member of the Dixie Jon Boat Bass Anglers, shared some insight on the Dixie Duel Open and the benefits of fishing on electric-only lakes.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
Scott: I’m an avid fisherman, tournament angler and member of the Dixie Jon Boat Bass Anglers. For the last 20 years or so we’ve been competing in fishing tournaments on electric-only lakes throughout North Georgia. I currently use an Elco EP-9.9 electric outboard motor for competitions. I’m a big fan of Elco’s technology, so I jumped at the chance to help them sponsor and organize the Dixie Duel Open.
Q: What is the Dixie Duel Open?
Scott: It’s an electric jon boat bass tournament that will take place on Saturday, June 6, on Lake Varner, which is in Covington, GA. Elco is sponsoring the tournament, and the Dixie Jon Boat Bass Anglers are serving as the host club. I’m really excited about the tournament because we already have a full field of 80 participants lined up to compete and the Pursuit Channel will be providing TV coverage. Hopefully, this will spread awareness about all the great electric-only fishing groups in the country and get more people out on the water.
Q: Why is the tournament only open to electrically propelled boats?
Scott: Having everyone use electric motors helps keep the water clean and the fish healthy. It’s also the law – there are no gas- or diesel-powered boats allowed on Lake Varner because it’s a water supply reservoir for the local county. With electric motors, you don’t have any fuel containers onboard, so there’s no chance of an accidental spill contaminating the water. The cleaner water also makes for a healthier environment for the fish. You have a much better chance of catching big bass thanks to the quality of the water.
Q: Are there many electric-only lakes?
Scott: In North Georgia alone, there are probably between 15 and 20 electric-only lakes, and there are countless more located across the state. These lakes are all very different, and some of them are much shallower than the lakes where any kind of boat is allowed on the water. Fishing on these different kinds of lakes can really help you hone your skills. In fact, some of the best fishermen I’ve ever competed against only fished on electric-only lakes.
Q: What makes the Dixie Duel Open unique compared to other tournaments?
Scott: This is going to be much more than a tournament. We’re going to have a couple boats rigged with Elco electric motors, so spectators can go for a ride while the competitors are out on the lake. We’ll also have refreshments, tents from some of our sponsors and a few raffles. We’ve got great prizes for the competitors, too. The winning team will receive an Elco EP-9.9 electric outboard motor. Whoever wins that motor is going to be very happy. It’s the only water-cooled electric outboard on the market, which means you don’t have to worry about the motor overheating like you do with air-cooled models.
What I think is most exciting is that the tournament is going to be covered by the Pursuit Channel, which is part of the Adventure Outdoors TV network. I can’t think of another electric jon boat tournament that’s been covered on a national level before.
Q: Will we see Elco sponsor more tournaments?
Scott: It’s possible. We’re looking at putting together an entire series of electric jon boat tournaments, but we’re still figuring out the schedule. We also have a lot of different locations to pick from. There are more electric-only clubs popping up all over the country – it’s getting popular everywhere!
The Dixie Duel Open will take place on Saturday, June 6, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Lake Varner in Covington, GA. For more information on the event, please contact Scott Edwards at sedwards@leonfarmer.com. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]