How We Got Here
Following the die-off of Striped Bass, during drought conditions of the mid 1980s, the TWRA stocked Percy Priest Lake with Cherokee Bass, which most now simply call Hybrids. The impoundment exhibits poor oxygen saturation during the heat of summer, and the hardier fish tolerate that condition better than Stripers, making them a good choice.
A group of dedicated fishermen, who enjoyed catching Hybrids, organized what is now the Percy Priest Hybrid and Striper Club in 1988. The group was small, and early meetings were held in a member’s garage. Membership size and those in leadership roles have changed many times since the early days. And the club has played a vital role in improving fishing in local waters.
The PPHSC has assisted in studies where weight, length, and in some cases the age of fish landed by members are recorded on pleasure and tournament trips. This data has been used by the TWRA to adjust the stocking process, returning Striped Bass to the lake. And there are now many thousands of each species available for fishermen to catch in Percy Priest, and an abundance of trophy sized Stripers in the Cumberland River.
For the first eight years of the club, only Hybrids were allowed to be weighed in during tournament competition. In 1996, the club voted to accept Stripers; but they only counted at half weight. A year later, they were accepted at full weight in tournaments. Roughly half of our tourneys are held on the Cumberland, where we target the larger fish.
In the early 2000s, the club established our conservation fund. This money is used to purchase high quality fish food, which is delivered directly to the hatchery.
We have also taken many underprivileged children fishing, introduced more anglers to the thrill of catching Hybrids and Stripers, and assisted in other events for children of fallen soldiers. We hold raffles and auctions, and our popular tournament series provides friendly competition and raises money to fund all of these activities.
Our goal is to expand our area of service as we continue to grow and enjoy Fellowship and Fun along the way!
