POWERGRAMS

43 placed fifth out of 258 teams at Smith Lake. When the pandemic hit, Parks organized an online fishing tournament that drew hundreds of entrants who submitted photos of their measured catches. He was inspired to offer the virtual event when the Auburn team was practicing for a tournament only to find out it was canceled. Parks worked with Fishing Chaos, one of the Tigers' many team sponsors, to put the tourney together. "We wanted to create something that would allow everyone to be involved and be able to compete, yet still be safe," said the senior who has a double major in supply chain management and information systems management. Until he receives his diploma, Parks intends to keep spending "a good bit of time out on Lake Martin" and he may even post a "Gone Fishin'" sign before posting that Auburn sheepskin on an office wall. "I would like to take fishing to the next level," he said of casting a net for the pro tours. "That's what I hope to do as soon as I graduate." Nighttime is the Right Time Almost every night from October through March, Wade Lucas can be found at the end of his Lay Lake dock waiting for "grandpa" to bite. His best catch has been a 70-pounder but his ultimate goal is landing a record- setting catfish. "I want to catch an 80-, 90-, 100-pound catfish," said the 67-year-old. Lucas often fishes on the banks of Lay or from a kayak, although he sometimes "noodles" for the big cats with his hands. He also enjoys running the rapids across the Southeast in his rafts and canoes. "You've got to know what you're doing or you might not be home for supper," he said of the dangerous whitewater. He's caught striped bass in Smith Lake but prefers his home waters. "I've caught tons of fish this year," he said, noting 2020 may have been a high mark in his 52 years of angling that began under the direction of his uncle in Georgia. Lucas' latest fishing success is rooted in buying $700 worth of deep-sea fishing rods and reels because big fish kept breaking his small poles and lines. Now he delights in the familiar anglers' dance of wearing down their aquatic prey. "When you miss a big one you just want to throw up," Lucas said. "I get mad and don't want to ever fish again but then I get over it. I love fishing – it's in my blood." The Auburn University Bass Fishing Club won the 2019 national championship. Lucas with one of his big catfish catches from Lay Lake. Christopher Goodman, 8, son of Martin Dam Hydro Manager Chris Goodman, talked with Lucas about his fishing adventures.

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