Giant lifelike fish statue planned for downtown Eufuala

The city known as the Bass Fishing Capital of the World will be getting a new trophy to show off by the end of the year — a 11-foot statue of a largemouth bass, intended to be a draw for tourists heading into town.

Eufaula mayor Jack Tibbs said he hoped the statue would be a great photo opportunity for visitors that “should bring lots of attention to our city, the Big Bass Capital of the World.” The project was funded with private donations and a grant from the Alabama tourism department.

“Main Street Eufaula is very excited about this new adventure and the fact that it has turned into a destination featuring the new Splash pad, Big Bass and the Walking trail,” said Main Street Eufaula Director Ann Sparks.

“We can now promote this area of downtown with our State of Alabama Welcome Centers. We are developing rack cards to advertise with out-of-town guests, promote to incoming and potential conventions, fishing tournaments, family reunions, and the list goes on.”

The city commissioned Replica Plastics of Dothan to create the statue, reported the Eufaula Tribune.

“It’s going to be a lifelike, colorful painting. It’ll look exactly like a fish. It’s going to be really cool,” said Sparks.

She said she expects the statue to be completed by Thanksgiving.

This story was originally published September 19, 2017 at 2:56 PM with the headline "Giant lifelike fish statue planned for downtown Eufuala."