Boatbuilder plans electric-only fishing tournament

As part of the upcoming Earth Day weekend, Carolina Electric Boats is holding its first all-electric fishing tournament April 23 on Lake Wheeler in Raleigh, N.C.

The purpose of the event is to raise awareness and support for renewable, sustainable practices on our waters while participating in what has traditionally been a fossil-fuel-powered pursuit.

"We fully intend on making this tournament an annual event in the years to come," Carolina Electric Boats president Frank Jones said in a statement. "One of our founding principles is the belief that boating can be both fun and safe for our environment and we think that having an electric-only fishing tournament on the day after Earth Day is a great way to show that.

"With the growing number of bodies of water across the country being protected from the emissions of oil and gas from outboard engines, we contend that electric-powered boats will play a major role in getting folks out on the water while protecting our environment," he added. "We're holding this tournament to say thank you to our boat owners and to show how fun and functional electric boats can be."

Founded in 2005, the company is based in Benson, N.C.