special to The Star



Crappie and bass fishermen have long known the value of placing brush and trees in lakes to provide cover for minnows and young fingerlings.

Game fish have always been associated with structure when fishermen take to the water and begin their battle plan with the fish of their choosing. In recent years, catfishermen have also realized that their favorite quarry also resides around these cover sites.

As reservoirs age and the flooded timber and brush rots away, this protective cover becomes more and more important. With these factors in mind, the Okatibbee Lake Project Office is sponsoring a “Trees for Fish” Day this Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon with a “rain day” scheduled for Feb. 28.

Volunteers are invited to meet at Collinsville Picnic Shelter, where Christmas trees, wire, and weights have been stockpiled. Those who can are encouraged to bring Pontoon boats or ATVs to assist in the placement of weights and trees.

Volunteers are asked to bring extra life jackets for those in boats and ATV riders should bring helmets.

A lunch with be provided at the Collinsville Picnic Shelter and give away items will be handed out to participants.

For more information on this event, contact Gary Hardin, Steve Reaves or Scott Payne at the Okatibbee Lake Field Office at (601) 626-8431 or (601) 409-0514.