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CINCINNATI (WXIX) — The owner of a lake in Cleves is reminding fishermen of the rules ahead of its 4th of July competition, including a ban on sonar technology during competitions.
Ronnie Towe has managed Lake Julie Ann for close to 30 years and says the lake draws regular competitors who fish for bragging rights based on the weight of their catch.
“A lot of fishermen purchase sonar balls,” Towe explained. These devices can detect fish, including larger ones, underwater.
To ensure fairness during competitions, Towe has prohibited the use of sonar balls. “You want to make it fair for everybody,” he said.
He added that this rule has not caused issues among patrons, as ownership of such devices is uncommon among his regular visitors.
Towe said the lake draws a consistent crowd of familiar faces each weekend.
“You’ll get the same people around this lake on Friday and Saturday,” he said. “Everybody knows everybody.”
Most fish in competition weigh in at over 40 pounds, Towe said.
“You get to make a lot of friends and that’s the best thing,” Towe said. “You’re definitely not getting rich.”
The 4th of July competition at Lake Julie Ann is scheduled for Friday and Saturday.
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