Visit Hot Springs has partnered with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to host a competition that could turn a prize fish into a cash prize.
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Visit Hot Springs has partnered with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to host a competition that could turn a fish into a cash prize.
This competition has brought anglers like Charles Keller to Lake Hamilton almost every day, and after more than 60 years he has a great catalog of catches and lessons to share.
“Now, if a fish hits it, you’ll feel the hit of the pole,” Keller said, “you’ve got to be patient. Oh, patience is a virtue.”
Last week, his patience was tested during a fishing trip with a friend.
“He caught about 12 fish and I only caught one and made one cast and lost several,” he described.
However, in the next cast, Keller said something.
“When I picked it up, I could see a pink tag sticking out of it. I looked at the tag and it said Hot Springs money fish. And on the other side it said to call this number,” he said.
Then Keller called and Alexis Hampo from Visit Hot Springs was on the other end of that phone call.
“I’m holding the Fish phone right now. I can’t leave it alone because I get too nervous,” Hampo said. “You never know when someone is going to call.”
He explained that 24/7 fish phone responsibility has been a years-long tradition in Hot Springs.
“You call that number on the tagged fish and it will put you in touch with the right people to come out and verify that catch,” Hampo added.
The purpose of the fish phone revolves around an annual fishing challenge in Hot Springs with $110,000 worth of fish swimming in Lake Hamilton and Lake Catherine.
“There are 66 fish tagged between the two lakes. There are four different species of fish that we have tagged,” Hampo said. “(Visit Hot Springs) has been partnering with Arkansas Game and Fish for a while to really encourage people during the summer months to get out on our beautiful lakes and enjoy fishing.”
Prizes range from $500 to $20,000, and their most recent winner saw their patience pay off by winning a fish tagged at $5,000.
“It’s taken me sixty-two years to catch a fish with money, but it’s worth it,” Keller described.
He hopes to dial the fish’s phone again this season as the competition runs through the end of July.
For now, just enjoy each cast in between.
“You’re not going to catch a fish every cast. You may not catch a fish for a couple of hours. But if you just go out, relax, have fun and enjoy the beauty of nature, that’s worth more than anything else.” , Keller. explained.
With dozens of tagged fish still swimming in Lake Hamilton and Lake Catherine, anglers can try their luck anytime through July 31.
You can find more information about the Fish phone and the competition by clicking here.
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