Manny the Bass
A 12-foot jumping largemouth bass statue in downtown Eufaula, Alabama. A proud tribute to the "Bass Capital of the World."
A Tale of Two Mannys
Inspired by Tom Mann, founder of Mann's Bait Company. The original statue stood at Tom Mann's Fish World.
The current statue is a 2010 fiberglass replica, commissioned by the city to replace the original that fell into disrepair.
Main Street Catch
Located at the intersection of East Broad St. & Randolph Ave.
Jumping from a planter box in the street
24/7 Photo Op
Bass Capital of the World
Manny isn't just a statue; he's a symbol of Eufaula's deep connection to the shores of Lake Eufaula. He celebrates the economic and cultural impact of the fishing industry, paying homage to the days when Mann's Bait Company was the city's largest employer.
"A fiberglass tribute to the legendary catches of Southeast Alabama."
Height
12 Feet Tall
Material
Fiberglass Replica
Commissioned 2010
A big fish story that's actually true. Welcoming visitors to Eufaula since 2010.
History & Background
Manny — a 12-foot tall fish sculpture — is one of Alabama's most entertaining roadside attractions, a cheerful ambassador for the state's rich fishing culture and its tradition of waterside leisure. Alabama's waterways include thousands of miles of rivers, over a million acres of lakes and reservoirs, and extensive Gulf Coast waters, making it one of the premier fishing destinations in the eastern United States. The state's waters support remarkable diversity — freshwater species like largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, and catfish, plus Gulf Coast species like red snapper, flounder, and speckled trout.
Giant fish sculptures, like giant peanuts and giant peaches, are part of the American roadside tradition that peaked during the age of automobile travel. They function as community totems — announcing to the traveling world what a place is about and what it's proud of. A 12-foot fish says: this is fishing country, this is a place that celebrates the outdoors and the abundance of its waters, and we have a sense of humor about our identity. These sculptures become beloved local landmarks that residents feel genuine affection for over the years.
Alabama's fishing culture is genuine and deep. The state hosts major professional bass fishing tournaments, including stops on the Major League Fishing and Bassmaster circuits. Lake Guntersville in North Alabama is consistently ranked among the best bass fishing lakes in the United States. Wheeler Lake, Weiss Lake (the "Crappie Capital of the World"), and dozens of smaller water bodies attract anglers from across the region. For many Alabama communities, fishing is not just recreation but identity — a way of life passed from grandparents to parents to children that connects people to the waters that define their landscapes.
Nearby Attractions
Lake Guntersville State Park
Situated on 69,100-acre Lake Guntersville — Alabama's largest lake — this state park offers world-class bass fishing, eagle watching (one of the largest concentrations of wintering bald eagles in the Southeast), boating, hiking, and an excellent resort lodge. The lake's clear water and abundant underwater structure support exceptional largemouth bass populations that draw tournament anglers and recreational fishers year-round.
Gulf State Park (Gulf Shores)
Alabama's Gulf Coast, while modest in length compared to neighboring states, offers excellent beach recreation, saltwater fishing, and wildlife. Gulf State Park provides beach access, a fishing pier (one of the longest in the Gulf), nature trails through coastal dune habitat, and excellent birding opportunities during fall migration. The Gulf waters support excellent offshore and nearshore fishing for red snapper, amberjack, and other species.
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
Located along the Tennessee River in northern Alabama, Wheeler is Alabama's oldest and largest national wildlife refuge. Tens of thousands of sandhill cranes winter here, along with ducks, geese, and shorebirds along the Pacific Flyway's eastern cousin. The refuge's freshwater wetlands support excellent fishing for catfish, crappie, and bass. An observation building provides views of crane and waterfowl concentrations during winter months.