Our Pro, Sarah Parvin, alongside her father Dennis Olive, have built an impressive 5.27-acre pond nestled in the mountains of North Alabama. Initially, it was meant to grow trophy bass much like other ponds in the South, and for years, they did that.
But one day in June 2018, a series of unfortunate events would lead to a tragic fish kill. The only fish to survive would be coppernose bluegill fry.
Those fish would soon show unique potential and change everything they knew about pond management. "Dad and I realized we had an opportunity to do something different that few had attempted. Grow the biggest coppernose bluegill anyone has ever seen. We decided to pursue this effort wholeheartedly" says Parvin.
Bluegill, The First Fish.
The bluegill is often the first fish many anglers catch. Some even call it the ‘gateway tug.’
The nostalgia that surrounds the bluegill should be honored and celebrated. The belief of the spirit of fish stories are significant in pushing the sport of fishing forward. "From reaching the youth or inspiring others to try something different for the first time dad and I are proud to be ambassadors of these bluegills. We are honored to able to share our fish story in real time."
They have faced many obstacles along the way, but have never strayed from the goal. The amount of work it takes to manage a pond at this level is not for the faint of heart. "We have become obsessed with these mighty fish and that’s what it takes. Not a day goes by that we aren’t at work at The Slab Lab. My dad and I work shoulder to shoulder to ensure these fish have every chance to reach their true, untapped potential and that those genetics are available to be passed on for future efforts for conservation purposes."
Sarah and Dennis emulate our values conservation efforts with aquatic life and waterways, we're proud to be partnered with them.
"The first fish that started it all for me is still the first fish that starts it for others and my hope is it will always be that way. Will we be the first to grow a coppernose to an unprecedented size? I believe so!"
