HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, Arkansas — Lucky fishing fans will have a shot at $110,000 in prizes — including $20,000 for anyone who lands Big Al — when the 13th $110,000 Hot Springs Fishing Challenge begins May 1 on Lakes Hamilton and Catherine in Hot Springs.
Big Al is the grand prize fish named after Al Capone, who frequented Hot Springs in the days when the city was a haven for gangsters.
“We’ve been doing this for 12 years — we missed one year during the covid pandemic — and it’s always been a great showcase for the great fishing we have in our four area lakes,” Visit Hot Springs CEO Steve Arrison said. “While Big Al has eluded even the most skilled anglers every year except one, we’ve always had a great deal of fun with out of state visitors and residents alike.
“We’re expecting more anglers to have big fun looking to land Big Al or one of the other 65 prize fish that will be tagged and released into Hamilton and Catherine by our partners at the Game and Fish Commission’s Andrew Hulsey Hatchery. The fun will begin at 6 a.m. May 1 and end on July 31 at 5 p.m. We’ll have Big Al worth $20,000, one fish worth $10,000, four worth $5,000, 40 worth $1,000 and 20 worth $500.
“The $500 fish will double to $1,000 each during the Game and Fish Commission’s statewide Free Fishing Weekend June 7 through June 9. During that weekend everyone is invited to go fishing in Arkansas even if they don't have a fishing license.”
Arrison said the tagged fish will be largemouth bass, bluegill, red ear sunfish and channel catfish. Each prize fish will have a distinctive tag, and those who catch them are reminded not to remove the tag and to call the Visit Hot Springs Fish Phone at the phone number on the tag.
For more information contact Steve Arrison at 501-321-2027.
