I use an eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod with an Abu 6500C3 reel with a line counter, he says. Alewives. Vernon. Wilson Lake is an all-around fishing destination, including one of the best places in Alabama to go crappie fishing. What is the biggest fish caught in the world? Anglers looking to chase flatheads should work near the bank above the dam and target likely locations, such as near the mouths of Coon Creek and Sougahatchee Creek. I spool my reels with 80 lb test yellow Vicious braided line. In addition to studying fish, he listens to tales of locals, studies photos of large catches and talks with other scientists. Here are some of the best fishing lakes in Alabama: Lewis Smith Lake Located in the northwest part of the state, Lewis Smith Lake is a popular destination for bass fishing. Application must be submitted on an official application form within three months of the catch (request a form by dialing 1-334-242-3471). April and May are the prime time. great white sharkWhat Was the Largest Fish Ever Caught? (Contributed by Zeb Hogan). A fisherman reported seeing a 20-foot-long creature with large fins slithering near the banks at Ball Play Creek before it slipped beneath the surface. Your Guide to Quintessential AL Foods. What is the best time of year to catch striped bass? You will find boating, kayaking and fishing here. Yates Reservoir) is a 1,980-acre body of water filled with various fish, including blue, channel, and flathead catfish. Boat Rental: YES The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. No matter what species of catfish you hope to catch at Lake Martin, your best bet is to stick with a bottom rig baited with live shad, minnows, or small sunfish. Where is the best catfishing in Alabama? 22 pounds, 4 ouncesOfficial Largemouth World Record: George Perrys Undefeated Bass. All Rights Reserved. Anglers can catch some catfish from the docks, but most anglers there are fishing for panfish and using nightcrawlers or even crappie pellets under a cork when a surprise catfish strikes. There are numerous different species of fish to find on this body of water. What is the largest catfish ever caught in the United States? Alternative locations anglers can target include the cuts on the northern portion of the lakes western shoreline. The cut that ends at Madwind Road is an excellent example of this. At Smith Lake dam you have water over 200 ft. in places. Bluegills | Duck River Lake When we made our first stop, we landed the huge fish after about an hour., We caught the big fish in 52 feet of water just downstream of Elk River, he adds. As mentioned, the dam is always an excellent choice. They cant be simply lipped and lifted into the boat. On the Alabama River, some of the best catfishing occurs on the William Bill Dannelly Reservoir, better known as Millers Ferry Lake, near Camden. Catching three to five-pound cats is fun, and theres no better main ingredient for a fish fry than fillets from this size fish. In 1877, reports appeared in The Gadsden Times of sightings of serpents in the Coosa River, a tributary of the Alabama River. A good pair of leather gloves is also a good idea when holding up a monster catfish. With blue catfish regularly caught over 50 pounds, Wilson Lake has deeper holes in its lower half, and the upper end features a strong current due to Wheeler Dam. Ive seen one, Hogan said. Smith Lake is a huge reservoir located on the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River, about 20 miles north-west of Birmingham. Read the story of the Alabama State Fossil here. Also referred to as Converse Reservoir, this 3,600-acre impoundment in Mobile County is filled with channel catfish, bass, and sunfish. William D. Webb, B'ham This means gorgeous, blissful privacy and stunning natural scenery. Alabama Catfish Prospects for Summer During summer, blue and flathead catfish offer anglers an opportunity to [] The best catfish angling on the Coosa River is at Lay Lake and Lake Mitchell. 205-435-4009. For us anglers who want to go after the mega-catfish, there are some things we can do to improve our chances. A net that is too small or rotten and not up to the strain of landing a heavy fish is a recipe for disaster. For instance, when Captain Brian recently caught his 75 pounder, the actual fight lasted less than ten minutes. Bottom rigs baited with minnows, cut bait, or liver are a great choice here. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Bassett Creek, Wash. Co. The station is in the southeastern arm of the lake, which is full of creeks and cuts. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. First on the list is the ubiquitous nightcrawler, favored food for all fish species. Yellow and chartreuse are fish-catchers because, simply put, they get seen. Its a joy to live at Smith Lake!. When a big catfish is brought aboard, anglers need to resist the temptation to immediately lift up the fish and take pictures. The car-sized catfish legend is widespread, he said. Crappie, spotted bass and sauger add to the action. Click to see the full listing, complete with all the lovely pictures. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Procedures For the Certification of Alabama State Record Freshwater Fish Fish must be caught in Alabama waters by legal means. Fish must be weighed on certified scales. For instance, the water between the twin spans between Eufaula, Alabama, and Georgetown, Georgia, is a prime catfish location. In addition to big stripers, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sunfish and largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass all thrive here. It is another great lake to visit if you plan to do any fishing this summer. Located in the northeast section of the lake, off County Road 386, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with docks and massive, paved parking. Anglers can make their way to the R. F. Henry Lock and cast from the rocky shoreline on either side of the lake with heavy tackle and bottom rigs to catch these monster catfish. Competed in international coastal rowing championships and followed Wales throughout Europe in their Rugby and Soccer endeavours. 16229 HWY 42 Bloodworms and Sandworms as Striped Bass Baits Bloodworms and sandworms are highly effective striper baits just about everywhere these fish are found, virtually any time of the year. Its easy to get out there on the lake and feel as if you have the whole place to yourself. The bridge funnels the water through a small underpass with a decent current, and the water here is deep enough to house some monster channel cats. Smith Lake homes some very good largemouth and spotted bass fishing. Some of these stories we hear about Volkswagon-sized catfish and people seeing serpents in the water come from older times when probably even bigger animals and fish were living in rivers and lakes, Hogan said. Theres plenty of spots to go for a peaceful swim, or if you want to get the adrenaline pumping, popular cliff jumping spots into the lake are Indian head jump (30 ft) and Castle Rock (4050 ft.). Catfish are versatile and can live in practically any body of water in Alabama. Another reason for the massive number of catfish is the crash of the commercial catfish market. Originally from Wales (UK) and a fluent Welsh speaker. The Western side of Smith Lake is crowned by the 180,000 acre Bankhead National Forest,and the Sipsey Wilderness home to Alabamas largest tree, the Big Tree. With over 600 miles of shoreline, this emerald green-appearing gem in North Alabama is rated among the cleanest man made lakes in the U.S. It is normally dressed in either a rubber skirt or hair. One of the better locations is the channel that leads into the Big Creek Dam. They also have a warehouse district which feels very much like downtown Homewood.. if youre 16 and older. Minnows, nightcrawlers, and even crawfish are great baits to lure out these yellow-bellied giants. Other prime-time fishing locations include the mouth of Fourmile Creek, Trousdale Hollow, the intersection of Shoal Creek, and the mouth of McKiernan Creek. How do you catch striped bass on Smith Lake Alabama? Hogan, a biologist and host of the show Monster Fish, recently spent time at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga and with fishermen and scientists around the South, searching for answers to the legend of the Volkswagon-sized catfish, a tale passed among fishermen from Wilson Dam in Muscle Shoals to Lake Guntersville Dam in Marshall County. How do you fish for blueback herring lakes? #1. Multiple boat ramps and marinas serve the public with gas, launching, fishing tackle, sundries, ice, food and a host of other items to enhance boating, fishing and camping trips at the lake. Anglers should moor outside the channel opening and cast into the current, letting the scent drift into the moving water and drawing the catfish out from near the dam. Join al.com reporter Kelly Kazek on her weekly journey through Alabama to record the region's quirky history, strange roadside attractions and tales of colorful characters. A 43,000-acre lake divided between Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, this giant impoundment on the Tennessee River provides some of the best big catfish angling between the three states. Another great location is the Lower Cutoff south of Jackson. Its not like the beach where youre battling to find somewhere on the water that is quiet and calm. Fishermen tell tall tales.". This 45,180-acre reservoir straddles the Georgia and Alabama line and is rich with angling opportunities for blue and channel catfish. This oxbow is another solid choice for anglers looking for a giant catfish. Check out local properties for sale. This photo is an example of historic pictures Dr. Zeb Hogan studies when researching legends of giant fish. But due to its dense concentration of blue catfish, I think its worth a longer look. On Smith Lake you can find species such as large mouth bass, small mouth bass,spotted bass, large striped bass, crappie and much more. Frank Lambert Dickey, Chatom, Mud Creek,Tannehill Historical State Park, (a) World Record, Rod And Reel/ (b) Previous World Record, Rod and Reel / (c) Previous World Record, Any Method, Official Web Site of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 2023 Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 64 N. Union Street, Suite 468 - Montgomery, Alabama 36130, Physically Disabled Hunting and Fishing Trail, https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=467475161060988&ev=PageView&noscript=1. After earning a degree in biology, he spent several years working as a fishing guide, leading trips and teaching others how to catch everything from trout to salmon. When fishing for blues in the main current of the Tombigbee River, anglers should stick to fishfinder or Carolina rigs that will keep your set-up pinned to the bottom and the bait in the water column. Anyone interested in fishing Lewis Smith Lake or waters within the wider area around Jasper should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. Catching three to five-pound cats is fun, and there's no better main ingredient for a fish fry than fillets from this size fish. March 06, 2019 By Eileen Ann Davis. ). . Towns on the lake include Bremen, Crane Hill and Dodge City in Cullman County; Curry and Jasper in Walker County; and Addison, Arley, Houston, and Double Springs in Winston County. Click here to see the full listing. 67,070 acres. We will fish with live baits and artificial lures all seasons of the year; although, the best catching is usually with live baits. About Lewis Smith Lake. Captain Brian adds, I use a Hi-Tek rod holder, and then I wait for the fish to bite. Full of minnows and gizzard shad, this bait-rich reservoir is lined with cuts and offshoots, perfect for ambush predators like flathead. Boat Launch Ramp: YES Filled with brush piles and submerged trees, Pickwick Lake also has multiple deep water holes and is rich in minnows, shad, and crawfish. A typical northern-strain five-pounder might be anywhere between six and 16 years old, McHugh reports. JavaScript is disabled. Michael Houseknecht/Mobile, Chris S. Fuller, AthensBobby Lee Davis, Bessemer, Paddlefish Known for monster striped bass, Smith Lake AKA Lewis Smith Lake is a 21,000-acre lake located in north-central Alabama about an hour north of Birmingham. How big catfish commonly found in North American waters can actually get is widely disputed. Fishing 24-7 Guide Service offers guided trips on Smith Lake, Alabama for trophy striped bass. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Car-sized catfish do exist. Weighing must be witnessed by two people. Stripers love eating them, period. 4 pounds 12 ouncesThe Biggest Bluegill in the World The world record bluegill recorded by IGFA or the International Gamefish Association was caught in 1950 at Ketona Lake, Alabama. Hogan said a 140-pound fish would seem larger in the muddy depths of a river. Campgrounds: YES This long river comes in from Mississippi near Pickensville and flows southward along the western side of Alabama. You get to know people and experience all there is to enjoy on the lake with them, stunning sunsets, watersports, and brunch at the marina (which can extend until dinnertime!). Boat anglers must keep their distance from the dam, anchoring or mooring out of the current and casting into it for the highest chance of success. We will use blueback herring and shad legally caught on Smith Lake. 205 669-0077, Triple Creek Marina A top hotspot is below Wheeler Dam, where swift current and various structures make for prime-time catfish angling. Globally, there are 27 kinds of sturgeons. Fish must be identified by an Alabama Fisheries Section biologist or other certified fisheries biologist. Mega-fishthe biggest catfish in the countryare right here in Alabama. They are common in many freshwater areas, including moving streams and still lakes. However, boat anglers can moor out of the main river flow by ducking behind the small concrete structure on the dams right side and casting into the stronger current. Aside from Cedar Creek Dam, angling the I-49 bridge and the cut west of it are viable options for targeting channel catfish. I had been fishing Wilson Lake for the past couple of weeks in search of a trophy-size fish, Captain Brian says. On the Alabama River, some of the best catfishing occurs on the William "Bill" Dannelly Reservoir, better known as Millers Ferry Lake, near Camden. The commercial pond catfish culture supplies the demand for catfish fillets, so commercial fishing in the lakes is a lost art. This lake snakes its way across the forested northwestern Alabama Hill Country with various creeks and small channels filled with cover, making it a flathead paradise in addition to an excellent bass lake. Brent Pollock is a passionate angler and the founder of the popular fishing blog "Safe Harbor Fishing". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". However, the possibility of landing one of these monster catfish on typical catfish rigs is minimal. Also referred to as R.E. High, dingy water always makes for a better catfish bite. Leda Mims of ARC Realty told me I love it all! It has a maximum depth of 29 feet. Longtime sustainability and recycling champion. Click here for a Alabama Fishing License. Anglers may be able to catch shad at the back of the lake by cast net or buy them from a bait shop. Catfish also find their way into marshes, coastal estuaries, and river deltas. Scientists believe people likely were witnessing exceptionally large species of fish that live in Alabama rivers. Lewis Smith Lake fishing for big striped bass and a host of other species in north-central AL. Pickwick has around two miles of the public swimming beach, but it is unsupervised. Are there catfish in Smith Lake Alabama? My name is Keith Prather and fishing has been a big part of my life since I could hold a rod. Cody Mullenix of Howe Texas caught the fish on January 16th, 2004 which became known as Splash while fishing at the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge on Lake Texoma. Those four or five bites in a day are likely to come from very big fish. First, the lakes are very big and they all have a healthy food base for the big ones. They are no longer rare. Good quality electronics are just as important for finding and catching trophy catfish as they are for bass fishing. Other places to eat nearby to the lake include: If youre willing to drive a bit further out, theres plenty of places in nearby towns, and youll get back to the lake in no time. We then plotted a GPS course with the trolling motor and began to fish. Channel catfish are stocked into state-owned public fishing lakes on a put-grow-and-take or put-and-take basis as indicated by biological monitoring and lake catch records. Some anglers also recommend around dusk or dawn, on a cool day, during peak or slack tide. Here is a preview of the July 5 episode of "Monster Fish" on Nat Geo WILD. This Tombigbee River backwater in western Alabama near Aliceville could have been lumped in with our coverage of the river. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Amenities. Gizzard shad are excellent striper baits. We thought a lot about whether to get a beach house or a lake house. With over 500 miles of shoreline everyone can wet a line and know there is that chance of catching the fish of a lifetime. The lakes deeper holes and areas with heavy currents are your best bet for locating channel catfish. In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". Smith Lake does have a slot limit between 13-15 inches in length, and it is illegal to possess a black bass that measures in the slot. 256 286-0050. Residents need to have a recreational license to fish in Alabama. For more on how to catch catfish, please see our how-to article about catfish fishing linked at the bottom of this article. Before heading out in search of your trophy Alabama catfish, make sure to purchase a fishing license and check all state and local regulations. 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