Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/1196538
electronics, how to catch off-structure, the seasonal patterns of the lake," he says. "I try to give them a different perspective about fishing." Laws says about 20% of the fish in Lake Martin are near the bank, while about 80% are at least 15 feet away from the shoreline, beyond the reach of the average fisherman not using a boat. He used to fish with live bait in either circumstance, but several years ago went solely artificial as Laws began making his own lures, which he now sells in stores around the lake. (He sells stylish jewelry fashioned from lures, which is another story.) Captaining a 20-foot aluminum G3 to fish for bass or crappie, or piloting a wheelchair-accessible pontoon boat to search for stripers, Laws charges $75 per hour for a minimum two-hour trip on Lake Martin. He'll usually take out two or three fishermen on the bass boat and four or five out on the pontoon. A lot of times, the charter is a family outing to have Laws navigate the many fingers and islands around the lake, or point out the mansions lining the shores. Sometimes he'll offer a discount to a dad or grandad to encourage them to take their kids on an excursion. "I'd rather have them out on the water a few hours than playing video games," Laws says. "My dad spent a lot of time with me out on the water. I did with my kids, too. I want to pass it on." BASHAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE Just beyond downtown stands a unique facility dedicated to improving the environment, including 42 wooded acres and two creeks around a new sky-blue building filled with colorful artwork. The Bashan Institute of Science, declaring its mission "for the benefit of mankind," was established in 1999 by Israel native Yoav Bashan and his wife, Luz de- Bashan, from Bogota, Columbia. In 2016, both doctorate-holders began working in their new headquarters. It is highlighted by a central patio beneath a wood-trussed skylight roof that illuminates plants growing alongside a winding sidewalk leading to the offices and laboratories on either side. Yoav died in 2018 before the husband-and-wife team had fully settled into their new facility. Luz continues as president and scientist-in-residence for the nonprofit organization academically affiliated with Auburn University and part of the Alabama Extension Service. The institute has a branch in Mexico. 29 29 Laws makes lures that are sold in stores around Lake Martin. Bashan Interior hallway of unique Bashan Institute headquarters features artwork and live plants.