MLF Takes Responsibility for a Guntersville Fish Kill, Putting Fish Care at Big Youth and College Events Under Review

Major League Fishing said at least some of the 75 to 100 dead fish WAFF counted near a Lake Guntersville boat ramp were likely left behind by competitors in its recent college and high school tournaments there, and called that many deaths unacceptable. MLF said its events have historically run about a 98% live-release rate and that it is reviewing the circumstances and its fish-care procedures. Pro angler Slick Johnson told WAFF that 89-degree water and long waits to weigh fish likely drove the losses; MLF has not named a cause or announced specific changes.