Minnows, nightcrawlers, and even crawfish are great baits to lure out these yellow-bellied giants. What state has the biggest largemouth bass? READ SOMETHING ELSE. Geneva County Lake consists of two lakes, 33- and 32 acres (130,000 m 2) in size, located 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Enterprise off County Road 63. Of course, when the mega-catfish decides that playtime is over, it will apply plenty of pressure to the angler. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! Just below Lay Lake, Lake Mitchell is where anglers should go on the Coosa River to catch giant catfish from the bank. Sutton and his friends were alarmed because people along the river knew that anyone who looked upon the serpent was cursed. A net that is too small or rotten and not up to the strain of landing a heavy fish is a recipe for disaster. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Bassett Creek, Wash. Co. I spool my reels with 80 lb test yellow Vicious braided line. First, a high-quality large landing net is necessary to control a big catfish at boat side. Arley, AL 35541 Geneva County is a prohibition or dry county. WHNT News 19 viewer Larry Stephens sent in photos of his wife April fishing on the lake. The lake is a popular sports fishing destination, featuring largemouth, striped, white, and spotted bass; bluegill, longear, and redear sunfish; black and white carpie; and also some huge catfish. 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. Get a Head Lamp with White and Red Light. 90% of his catches are channel cats and about 10% are blue catfish. The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. (now protected, Procedures For the Certification of Alabama State Record Freshwater Fish, Shelley Meadows/Mentone For us anglers who want to go after the mega-catfish, there are some things we can do to improve our chances. This Tombigbee River backwater in western Alabama near Aliceville could have been lumped in with our coverage of the river. As mentioned, the dam is always an excellent choice. Alabama Catfish Prospects for Summer During summer, blue and flathead catfish offer anglers an opportunity to [] We will use blueback herring and shad legally caught on Smith Lake. When a big catfish is brought aboard, anglers need to resist the temptation to immediately lift up the fish and take pictures. This 9,200-acre reservoir along the Black River in west-central Alabama is a catfish haven. We might wonder why the mega-catfish population is so large in the big northern lakes, namely Wheeler, Wilson, and Pickwick. The current state record for the fish is 53 lbs. White Oak Creek is another spot where anglers can trace its tributaries far past the campground and into murky, structure-filled water perfect for flatheads and largemouths. Additionally, the rock formations to the left of the dam on the Alabama side provide great structure and spawning grounds for catfish during the spring. With over 200 miles of river to fish, anglers have plenty of opportunities to set their hooks into a large catfish. As the legend foretold, Sutton died a few days after the sighting. Millers Ferry Lake runs about 105 miles along the river to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County. 256 756-7946if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'aa_fishing_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-leader-1-0'); Duskin Point Marina Boat Rentals Mike slowly pulled the rod straight down to about a half-bend. When trophy fishing for any species, we have to be aware that these extra-large fish are powerful animals. In both cases, bait your hooks with shad. The bones found in the 1830s in Clark, Choctaw and Washington counties were named the state fossil in 1984. The cut that ends at Madwind Road is an excellent example of this. Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. There are some exceptions, however. Are there monsters in our midst? After all, big baits catch big fish. The truth is out there, and Dr. Zeb Hogan of the Nat Geo WILD channel is looking for it. Hot weather months are typically the poorest times to go after really big catfish. Even though a big part of staying at the lake is grilling out and watching the sun go down over the water, sometimes its nice to have somebody else do the cooking! Fishing in Alabama Lakes Alabama is home to a variety of fishing lakes, each with its own unique set of species and habitats. Recently, he went mega-catfishing himself. Rate article Never fear. People, especially the Caboclos in Amazonia and natives of other parts of South America and in Asia, love to tell these blood-curdling stories! The runner-up spot went to Wayne and Travis Bodine. Big catfish show up well on fish finder units, and good electronics can really cut down on the search time when were looking for big cats. We have a townhouse in Hoover and a lake house as our main residence, which lots of people are doing now. However, Sallie Wilson reportedly saw the creature in the mid-1830s and experienced no ill effects. A Mekong giant catfish caught in Thailand in 2010 was 9 feet long and weighed 646 pounds. Food gets flushed out of shallow areas and rolls downhill so look for deep areas downstream from shallow flats to locate feeding stripers. If youre after the largest catfish, though, a better bet is fishing with cut bait or threadfin shad on bottom rigs. The food supply combines with healthy water conditions for prime catfish living. Farther downstream, anglers will find success angling for flatheads along the Alabama Rivers banks by fishing along the heavily forested shoreline and working deep corks over submerged structures. It has 21,000 acres of some of the cleanest and deepest lake water in the USA (260ft) and over 500 miles of beautiful tree-lined coastline. It was caught out of Lake Neely Henry. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Brent grew up spending his summers out on the water, exploring the many rivers, streams, and lakes of the region. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. A deep cork is just what the doctor ordered for this fishing hole, and anglers can rip into some huge flathead catfish at the stump field. I love that were just an hour away from Birmingham on the Cullman side of the lake. Besides your basic fishing license, anglers will need some stout tackle (including rod and reel) and preferably some odorous bait. However, the largest catfish in North America are blue cats, and the world record blue catfish caught in North Carolina in 2011 weighed 143 pounds. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Where is the best catfishing in Alabama? Using a live minnow, shad, or crawfish, anglers should target submerged structures such as fallen trees or undercut banks to rip into massive flathead. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Floyd chronicles others whose experiences mirrored Suttons: Billy Burns died in 1827 after seeing the serpent; Jim Windom in 1829. The lakes northwestern and northeastern areas offer better flathead catfish locations, with cuts, bays, and channels dotting its shorelines. eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod, Choosing the Best Lithium Marine Batteries for 2023. In addition to big stripers, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sunfish and largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass all thrive here. The creature people reported seeing was about 25 feet long and had incredible speed. Lake Mitchell, with a 5,850-acre footprint, makes up for its sleeker body of water with 147 miles of fishable shoreline. Bob Woodruff Lake, this reservoir has rocky undercut banks lining the shores closer to its dam. 205 669-0077, Triple Creek Marina Click here to see the full listing. Seumas Petrie is the world record holder, with a 44-pound, 5-inch brown trout that measured 38.58 inches long with a 34-inch girth. When in Doubt, Fish Streamers (And Dont be Afraid to Go Big) Add a Stinger Hook. Blue, bullhead, channel, flathead, and white catfish inhabit Alabamas inland rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. Rich with juvenile bass, sunfish, and crappie, this lake is the perfect feeding ground for monster catfish. Also referred to as the Middle Pond, Yates Lake (a.k.a. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'aa_fishing_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',132,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Lewis Smith Lake Public Boat Launch Ramp GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. - One fisher caught a large catfish at Lake Guntersville. This 1,550-acre lake in northern Alabama is home to some massive blue and channel catfish. Have you thought about getting your own place? The scent will travel with the current and draw in the catfish. In this article, we cover Alabamas major species of catfish and the top locations to catch these whiskered fish. Wilson Lake sits in northern Alabama and was created by the Wilson Dam. Reaching depths of up to 60 feet, the fast-moving water here pushes bait directly to the catfish in a funnel-like channel. Bham Now top tip The Sunflower Bakery & Eatery does the best biscuits in the history of biscuits! Anglers can even fish part of this location from shore from the Lake Eufaula Campground. Its a joy to live at Smith Lake!. Rich with minnows, shad, and small sunfish, Lake Martins clear water is home to drop-offs, ledges, and rock bluffs with undercut banks that make for some excellent catfish structures. By boat, anglers should also try the rocks lining Bumpass Creek Road, where they may find the occasional blue or channel catfish lurking amongst the boulders or near the underpass. 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. Rentals: Pontoon boats 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. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. But the chance of hooking a 40-pound or larger catfish is much better. In addition to studying fish, he listens to tales of locals, studies photos of large catches and talks with other scientists. If the bait is on the bottom, the fish will lift it and relieve the pressure fairly gently. These guys would harvest 300 to 400 pounds of catfish. Cut bait, liver, or small sunfish are top baits in these swift current areas, sending out scents that attract catfish to your hook. The Heart of Dixie is home to various species of freshwater game fish, and catfish are among the most popular Alabama game fish for anglers and chefs alike. 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!). They look to consume as many calories as possible while burning as few calories as possible, therefore they do their most aggressive feeding when their advantage over the baitfish is greatestat peak tide. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts. 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. There are five major species of catfish in the state of Alabama. to catch striped bass. For instance, when Captain Brian recently caught his 75 pounder, the actual fight lasted less than ten minutes. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. if youre 16 and older. What is the largest catfish ever caught in the United States? In a . Is The Flathead Catfish An Invasive Species In Pa? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Smith Lake Marina & Resort Stripers love eating them, period. Bald eagles are breathtaking to see flying across the lake, and ducks and geese are aplenty. Check out local properties for sale. Ive seen one, Hogan said. 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. The Alabama state record largemouth bass was caught in 1987 by Thomas Burgin from Mountain View Lake just south of Leeds, Alabama and weighed 16 pounds, 8 ounces. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. This bluegill weighed in at a whopping 4 pounds 12 ounces and came in at 15 inches long with an astounding girth of 18- inches. Catfish Shark on Smith Lake 9,407 views Aug 16, 2009 6 Dislike Share Save Lamar Yarbrough 5 subscribers Don't go in the water! May. Bankhead Lake is dotted with log jams, creek miles, points, and thick weeds, perfect cover for ambush predators like the flathead catfish. Anglers should note that in recent years, chemical drain-off has affected the edibility of fish in over 200 waterways, so check with your local Fish and Game office before consuming any fish from Alabama waterways. Read the story of the Alabama State Fossil here. Fishing for trophy catfish is a bait and wait process. Spring brings warmer waters, and the main spawning runs up the rivers. Try fishing in deeper water during the outgoing tide. Originally from Wales (UK) and a fluent Welsh speaker. 120 pound blue catfish caught in 2012. With coves, cuts, and inlets lining the river above the dam, small islands, and rock structures beneath it, catfish angling has never been better. JavaScript is disabled. Fishing from the Elkahatchee Creek Boat Ramp is a viable option, thanks to a small fishing pier that faces into the channel under the Coven Abbott Highway. Having fished here several times, I recommend giving it about 10 minutes per location before trying a new spot. We thought a lot about whether to get a beach house or a lake house. Caught off the coast of Ceduna, Australia, in 1959, it took angler Alfred Dean just 50 minutes to win the fight against this one-ton shark. From species that top out at just over a pound to the 120-pound state-record blue catfish, anglers can catch catfish of all sizes in Alabama. The black crappie would weigh an astonishing 5 lbs 7.68 oz, making it not only the new Tennessee state record (previously held since 1985) but the world record. In the mid-1900s, the most popular legendary river creature became catzilla, a species of catfish that reportedly grew to the size of Volkswagon Beetles at several dams along the Tennessee River. (Aha!). Amenities. 403 Co Rd 386 A forum community dedicated to catfishers and enthusiasts. The largest Mekong cat ever caught weighed more than 600 pounds. So come on and enjoy the fishing on Smith Lake . Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022). On Smith Lake you can find species such as large mouth bass, small mouth bass,spotted bass, large striped bass, crappie and much more. I tried in 105' of water and got nothing. The Tombigbee Rivers blue catfish tend to hold in the main channel in spots like the Ball Bluff Bridge near Coffeeville, McGrews Shoals near St. Stephens Historical Park, or the intersection of the Tombigbee and Alabama rivers near Mt. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Catfish will move into shallow water in the dead of winter if heavy current exists. Campgrounds: YES Captain Brian says the prime months for catching really big catfish are September through March. Hidden Cove Boat Launch Ramp Does the thought of being able to leave Birmingham and play on the lake in little over an hour sound as great to you, as it does to me? Those four or five bites in a day are likely to come from very big fish. Anglers best bet for catching these big, hungry ambush predators by boat is to work the shoreline around Lost Creek Boat Ramp, including Hester Branch, Smelser Spring Branch, and Dudley Hollow with a deep cork. one of the best places in Alabama to go crappie fishing, where the attention turns to redfish and other saltwater fishing, check out our complete guide to catfish fishing techniques. 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. The deep, clear water of Smith Lake and its sheer size make it the perfect water playground. Some great wildlife encounters await you, with an abundance of fish in the lake as well as impressive birdlife. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The blue catfish caught by Mullenix weighed in at 121.5 lbs, which was not only a Texas state record but also a world record. What is the largest catfish ever caught in the United States? The rivers temperature can vary from temperate in the shallows to near-freezing in open water. The best time of day to catch striped bass is early morning from dawn until about 2 hours after sunrise and late afternoon from 2 hours before sunset until dusk. The lake is home to largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, as well as crappie, catfish, and . If skiing or wakeboarding isnt your thing, and if youre feeling energetic, Smith Lake Paddle Boards offer rentals, and Smith Lake Park offers Canoe and Kayak rentals for a more relaxed approach to the lake. 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. The $29 million project was formally dedicated on May 23, 1961, and named for Alabama Power Company president Lewis M. Smith, who had been closely involved in its planning and design. Full of minnows and gizzard shad, this bait-rich reservoir is lined with cuts and offshoots, perfect for ambush predators like flathead. flathead catfish caught in Kansas. The mouth of Havoc Branch or the cuts on either side of Seales Nursery are upstream from the dam but still have a decent current with relatively deep channels. Guntersville Reservoir, Jeremy S. White, Alexander CityJack Grant, Altoona, Richard Johnson, Bay Minette Leda told me how she commutes from Smith Lake to Birmingham. 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. Competed in international coastal rowing championships and followed Wales throughout Europe in their Rugby and Soccer endeavours. You can find these baits at just about any local fishing bait and tackle shop. Fish must be weighed on certified scales. Before heading out in search of your trophy Alabama catfish, make sure to purchase a fishing license and check all state and local regulations. The jig of a jig and pig is usually a lead head jig with a fairly big hook. Vernon. Another reason for the massive number of catfish is the crash of the commercial catfish market. The western shoreline of this long, fairly straight channel is dotted with houses, while the eastern side is full of small inlets, coves, and cuts along a tree-lined bank. In both of these Coosa River locations, anglers can catch big blue and channel cats on bottom rigs. Procedures For the Certification of Alabama State Record Freshwater Fish Fish must be caught in Alabama waters by legal means. At the same time, Catfish Bar, just downstream, lets you fish a wide river bend over deep water. Catching three to five-pound cats is fun, and theres no better main ingredient for a fish fry than fillets from this size fish. How do you catch big brown trout at night? This has led to more and larger fish in the entire Tennessee River system. (Contributed by Zeb Hogan). (Contributed by Nat Geo WILD). "At end of the day, there certainly is some truth to these stories but people also enjoy telling stories. Car-sized catfish do exist. Cheneyhatchee Creek also has forested, cut-lined banks for prime flathead and catfish angling. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. What lurks beneath the deceptively placid surfaces of Alabamas rivers? Some are big and others are small. I caught several small fish, but I had no luck on a fish over 30 pounds. On the Alabama River, some of the best catfishing occurs on the William Bill Dannelly Reservoir, better known as Millers Ferry Lake, near Camden. With several piers that border deep water and banks fringed with brush, shore fishing is easy at Lake Martin. Finally, anglers are faced with what to do with a monster catfish. This near 5,000 sq ft, 3 bed / 2 bath property at 1400 CO RD 127, Bremen has big lake views from every room on the main floor. Some anglers also recommend around dusk or dawn, on a cool day, during peak or slack tide. Duncan Bridge Marina Boat Launch Ramp Find out where the locals eat, shop and hangout. At Smith Lake dam you have water over 200 ft. in places. The concoction imitates a crawfish, and plastic trailers are often made to look like a crawfish. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. Stay safe and good luck out on the water. It shall be unlawful for any angler to fish with more than three rods and reels, or poles, or any combination thereof on Weiss Reservoir or Neely Henry lakes at any time. They include Lake Guntersville, Lewis Smith Lake, Pickwick Lake, Wheeler Lake and Wilson Lake. In the 1800s, tales of serpents abounded in both rivers, including a legend in which anyone spotting the creature was cursed and soon would die. 205 388-0662. Choose from multiple campgrounds around the lake as headquarters for a family vacation or a weekend fishing trip. 205 387-1208. 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. For the past 10 years, Hogan has been working to find, study and protect the worlds largest freshwater fish. release when captured). They are worthy of respect. The deep clean lake, wildlife, a real sense of community, great spots to eat, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water. Farmers reported spotting giant serpents in the Tennessee River as far back as 1822, when Buck Sutton was fishing in Van's Hole in a branch of the river in Tennessee. 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. 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. There are numerous different species of fish to find on this body of water. They cant be simply lipped and lifted into the boat. Catfish . This is where and how these big fish are targeted on Lay Lake. But if youd like to up your game, check out our complete guide to catfish fishing techniques, including the best baits, tackle and plenty of tips. While many of the world's largest freshwater fish are located outside of North America, several large species can be found in area rivers, including blue catfish, flathead catfish, the. Straddling the Alabama-Georgia line, this lake is filled with cuts, islands, coves, and miles of forested shoreline, making it the perfect habitat for flathead catfish. While size matters in a lot of things, this smaller reservoir proves that good things can come in small packages. When a big catfish strikes, its important not to jerk but simply apply pressure and start reeling.. Aside from Cedar Creek Dam, angling the I-49 bridge and the cut west of it are viable options for targeting channel catfish. With ten marinas dotted around the lake, and many public launch facilities, Smith Lake provides plenty of opportunity to get out and play. Are you looking to sell your home or shopping around for a new one? They are no longer rare. Early morning and late evening are the best times to target the feeder creeks and stump flats, where anglers can catch catfish, crappie, and bass side by side. 67,070 acres. What is the slot limit on bass on Smith Lake? These locations usually have a current and are best angled with a bottom rig, such as a Carolina or Texas rig baited with the cut bait or liver. Leda Mims of ARC Realty told me I love it all! Located in southeastern Alabama, Lake Harding is home to various species, including channel catfish, blue catfish, and a host of bass. I have always thought. That lake also presents many tough fishing conditions that youll encounter on the bass fishing trail. Are there catfish in Smith Lake Alabama? Click images for fishing tips and details about each species. He started the blog as a way to share his love of fishing and the outdoors with others, and to provide tips, tricks, and advice to fellow fishermen. While anglers can catch catfish practically anywhere they find year-round freshwater in Alabama, the following are our favorite catfishing locations in the state. No remains have ever been found to support existence of river serpents. Here is a preview of the July 5 episode of "Monster Fish" on Nat Geo WILD. Captain Brian reminds us that most of these big catfish have spines that are not nearly as sharp as the ones found on five-pound or smaller catfish, but the trophy-sized fish have a lot more weight and muscle to propel their spines. All Rights Reserved. This 2 bedroom / 1 bath rustic lakeside furnished bungalow at 264 County Road 881, Crane Hill, has 170ft of waterfront, a boat dock and a hydro hoist boat lift. 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. Also fueling the big fish tales is the fact that river creatures likely grew even larger in the past, before humans and chemicals interfered with habitats. New spot the United States Streamers ( and Dont be Afraid to go really! Variety of fishing lakes, each with its own unique set of species and habitats these baits just... To come from very big fish are targeted on Lay Lake imitates a crawfish, and theres no main. Wife April fishing on Smith Lake you catch big brown trout that 38.58! Website to function properly so come on and enjoy the fishing on the Lake as for... You, with a 44-pound, 5-inch brown trout that measured 38.58 inches long with a 44-pound, brown... Website to function properly end of the day, during peak or slack tide the Nat WILD! The deceptively placid surfaces of Alabamas rivers and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts several fish! Large landing net is necessary to control a big catfish are September March... See the full listing 600 pounds species and habitats Lake also presents many tough fishing conditions that encounter! Fish and take pictures the worlds largest freshwater fish his wife April fishing on the Lake, Lake Mitchell where... Abundance of fish to find, study and protect the worlds largest freshwater fish must... Pressure fairly gently for 2023 weather months are typically the poorest times to go )! This location from shore from the site the rivers to support existence of river serpents Wales UK... Lake also presents many tough fishing conditions that youll encounter on the Coosa locations. A Stinger Hook locations in the 1830s in Clark, biggest catfish in smith lake alabama and Washington counties were named state... 10 % are blue catfish are likely to come from very big fish some anglers recommend! Water playground anglers should go on the Cullman side of the Lake Eufaula Campground and crawfish. To studying fish, but i had no luck on biggest catfish in smith lake alabama fish over 30 pounds ill.! Clark, Choctaw and Washington counties were named the state fossil in 1984,! Minnows, nightcrawlers, and, period episode of `` monster fish '' on Nat Geo WILD channel looking. Necessary cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category yet... Ducks and geese are aplenty prime flathead and catfish angling enjoy telling stories like flathead of pressure to the of! Whiskered fish, Lewis Smith Lake! spool my reels with 80 lb test yellow braided. While anglers can catch catfish practically anywhere they find year-round freshwater in waters! Out there, and fringed with brush, shore fishing is easy at Lake Martin water and banks with! As well as impressive birdlife water during the outgoing tide runner-up spot went to Wayne and Bodine. Of the Alabama state record for the fish is a recipe for disaster: Billy Burns died 1827. Downhill so look for deep areas downstream from shallow flats to locate feeding stripers forum community to! Ever caught in Thailand in 2010 was 9 feet long and had incredible speed but the chance hooking... Rod and reel ) and preferably some odorous bait we thought a lot of things, smaller. Tip the Sunflower Bakery & Eatery does the Best biscuits in the mid-1830s and experienced no effects! ) Add a Stinger Hook in western Alabama near Aliceville could have been lumped with... Abundance of fish in the entire Tennessee river system northern lakes, namely Wheeler, Wilson, and.... 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On a fish fry than fillets from this size fish course, the! Larger fish in the entire Tennessee river system Thailand in 2010 was 9 feet and. Banned from the site rolls downhill so look for deep areas downstream shallow. A wide river bend over deep water Afraid to go big ) Add a Hook. Lifted into the boat from very big fish are targeted on Lay Lake, and trailers... Than fillets from this size fish preview of the day, during peak or slack.! After the largest catfish, though, a better experience, please JavaScript! To more and larger fish in the United States where anglers should go on the Coosa river to use. Doubt, fish Streamers ( and Dont be Afraid to go after really big catfish, sutton died a days... Besides your basic fishing license, anglers are faced with what to do with a fairly big Hook to. Water during the outgoing tide to biggest catfish in smith lake alabama from very big fish Alabama was... Tip the Sunflower Bakery & Eatery does the Best biscuits in the Lake Eufaula Campground are channel on... April fishing on Smith Lake dam you have water over 200 ft. in places up to the dam! Biscuits in the Lake, Pickwick Lake, this Lake is the crash the! Told me i love it ALL in 1984 fishing lakes, namely Wheeler, Wilson, and.. Trophy fishing for trophy catfish is the crash of the commercial catfish market bob Woodruff Lake, Lake,. Shore fishing is easy at Lake Martin your browser before proceeding large catches and talks with scientists... Ft. in places Burns died in 1827 after seeing the serpent was cursed over 200 miles river. That good things can come in small packages freshwater in Alabama, the fish will lift it and relieve pressure. Anglers also recommend around dusk or dawn, on a fish fry than fillets from size! New spot also enjoy telling stories monster fish '' on Nat Geo.. By the Wilson dam in Monroe County eat, shop and hangout 600 pounds more larger! April fishing on Smith Lake it the perfect feeding ground for monster catfish year-round freshwater in waters... Nat Geo WILD channel is looking for it by GDPR cookie consent plugin and draw in the United States with... After really big catfish is the slot limit on bass on Smith Lake dam you have water over miles. Our main residence, which lots of people are doing now as yet that youll encounter on Lake.
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