The trick to locking into catfish is selecting the areas that each species is most likely to inhabit. "At end of the day, there certainly is some truth to these stories but people also enjoy telling stories. 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. From hand-size bluegill to monster catfish in freshwater or 5-pound sheepshead to 60-pound amberjack in saltwater, this year's fishing calendar has something for everyone. For big blue cats and channel catfish, working the top of the dams overflow with a bottom rig or the dams tailwaters are both great opportunities for anglers to break out the beloved bottom rigs and use stink bait, cut bait, or liver to set the hook on a monster. How do you catch striped bass on Smith Lake Alabama? In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". We will fish with live baits and artificial lures all seasons of the year; although, the best catching is usually with live baits. Some are big and others are small. Find out where the locals eat, shop and hangout. Weighing must be witnessed by two people. Actress and singer, Miley Cyrus and actor, Liam Hemsworth have been spotted in Cullman. 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. When a big catfish strikes, its important not to jerk but simply apply pressure and start reeling.. 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. The best thing for us anglers who want to catch a monster like this is to know lots of them are in the big lakes. 55 Marina Drive They include Lake Guntersville, Lewis Smith Lake, Pickwick Lake, Wheeler Lake and Wilson Lake. On Smith Lake you can find species such as large mouth bass, small mouth bass,spotted bass, large striped bass, crappie and much more. Like most lakes in the region, the lake comprises multiple offshoots and branches rather than one big body of water. 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! Cappy's Boats Rate article At the same time, Catfish Bar, just downstream, lets you fish a wide river bend over deep water. The runner-up spot went to Wayne and Travis Bodine. But fishs stomachs are , Use large-sized baits such as dead bluegill, live chubs, water dogs, crayfish and frogs when seeking larger catfish. The food supply combines with healthy water conditions for prime catfish living. Be assured that a 75-pound catfish qualifies as a trophy anywhere. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Why you should care, the quality of the air you breathe depends on it. "My job as a scientist is to separate fact from fiction but 'fact' is already amazing and unbelievable enough," Hogan said. 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. We then plotted a GPS course with the trolling motor and began to fish. ). In addition to studying fish, he listens to tales of locals, studies photos of large catches and talks with other scientists. These small fish are the best bait for the bottom rigs used at this location. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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. Sherril Harris, Sylacauga, Lake Martin, Tallapoosa Co. 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. First, the lakes are very big and they all have a healthy food base for the big ones. His goal: catch a monster catfish. Located in the southeast section of the lake, off County Road 41, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking. (Aha!). Geneva County is a prohibition or dry county. Good quality electronics are just as important for finding and catching trophy catfish as they are for bass fishing. Residents need to have a recreational license to fish in Alabama. Fish must be weighed on certified scales. Mike slowly pulled the rod straight down to about a half-bend. Top spots for channel cats include the split between Dunns Bend and Cold Branch, the bend north of Smith Camp Boat Launch, and the mouth of Hurricane Creek. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Lewis Smith Lake was created in 1961 by the Alabama Power Company as a result of the company's construction of Lewis Smith Dam to produce hydroelectric power. Much of the shoreline is dotted with boat docks, rocks and trees which all hold fish from time to time. But the chance of hooking a 40-pound or larger catfish is much better. Locations like the Bartletts Ferry Dam and several bridges are also great blue catfish angling locations. . 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. Spring brings warmer waters, and the main spawning runs up the rivers. Also referred to as R.E. 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. Procedures For the Certification of Alabama State Record Freshwater Fish, Shelley Meadows/Mentone Located in the northwest section of the lake, off County Road 108, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with roadside parking. The dams tailwaters and the rocky shorelines are home to large channel and blue catfish, feasting on the baitfish brought by the current. Fish Species & State Records in Alabama Bass Largemouth bass World record: 22 lbs 4 oz State Record: 16 lbs 8 oz Smallmouth bass World record: 11 lbs 15 oz State Record: 10 lbs 8 oz Spotted bass World record: 9 lbs 8 oz They are common in many freshwater areas, including moving streams and still lakes. In both cases, bait your hooks with shad. Guide To Fishing At Lewis Smith Lake AKA: Smith Lake Known for monster striped bass, Smith Lake AKA Lewis Smith Lakeis a 21,000-acre lake located in north-central Alabama about an hour north of Birmingham. The fishing here is good. We just felt wed use a cabin at the lake a whole lot more if it were a little over an hour away, as opposed to a five hour trip to the beach, and we were right said Carol. Big catfish can be quite dangerous if not handled properly. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Fishing 24-7 Guide Service offers guided trips on Smith Lake, Alabama for trophy striped bass. 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? After all, big baits catch big fish. If its on the menu, thats either the Silver Seatrout or the Sand Seatrout (often called White Trout), with thick, white filets and a taste similar to any freshwater Trout. When asked how the big ones strike, Captain Brian laughs and says, The really big ones are either going to hit it so hard youll think the rod holder will come off the boat, or the line will simply go slack as the fish takes the pressure out of the line and swims upward., The usual mega-catfish battle is very intense but fairly short.. However, Sallie Wilson reportedly saw the creature in the mid-1830s and experienced no ill effects. Hogan said a 140-pound fish would seem larger in the muddy depths of a river. 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. Anglers can even fish part of this location from shore from the Lake Eufaula Campground. 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. RV Hookups: YES Those four or five bites in a day are likely to come from very big fish. From the Tennessee River to the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama has a tremendous variety of fish species to pursue. Rich with submerged woody cover, this lake reaches depths up to 60 feet closer to the dam, with creek channels that dip down to 20 feet. GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. - One fisher caught a large catfish at Lake Guntersville. Blue catfish are not as common as their two cousins at Lake Martin. On Smith Lake you can find species such as large mouth bass, small mouth bass,spotted bass, large striped bass, crappie and much more. Live bait such as herring, menhaden, mackerel, eels, squid, clams, anchovies, bloodworms, shad, nightcrawlers and sandworms all make great bait for striped 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). Most trophy cat anglers use either a whole skipjack or a really large chunk of cut shad. 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. Bottom rigs baited with minnows, cut bait, or liver are a great choice here. Blue, bullhead, channel, flathead, and white catfish inhabit Alabama's inland rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. The father/son team had a two-day. The deep, clear water of Smith Lake and its sheer size make it the perfect water playground. The nearest boat launch is the Cochrane Recreation Area, and after a short boat ride down the river and catching Lubbub Creek into the lake, youre in deep blue catfish territory. if youre 16 and older. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Smith Lake Public Boat Launch Ramp May. When trophy fishing for any species, we have to be aware that these extra-large fish are powerful animals. Catfishing Fall Catfishing for Trophy Flatheads on Lay Lake Apex predators, flatheads don't conform to catfishing stereotypes. Location and Information: Smith Lake is located in Winston, Cullman and Walker Counties, Alabama. Especially when the sun goes down, catfish will school just beneath the tailwaters of the structure, and its a nightly feeding frenzy that anglers shouldnt miss. For instance, when Captain Brian recently caught his 75 pounder, the actual fight lasted less than ten minutes. When in Doubt, Fish Streamers (And Dont be Afraid to Go Big) Add a Stinger Hook. What is the name of the largest fish found in Alabama freshwater? Amenities. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. As the legend foretold, Sutton died a few days after the sighting. flathead catfish caught in Kansas. With five significant species in Alabama, catfish are one of the most sought-after fish in the state. Anglers who are fishing from a boat often stick with a cork baited with bait fish. In 1877, reports appeared in The Gadsden Times of sightings of serpents in the Coosa River, a tributary of the Alabama River. Home to striped bass and catfish, this area is rich with shad and features a stiff current over plenty of deep holes where anglers can hook into some truly impressive fish. We asked the experts. Fish must be caught in Alabama waters by legal means. California is the number one trophy state for bass exceeding 15 pounds, says David Swendseidbass pro and tackle rep from the Golden State. Where is the best catfishing in Alabama? 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. Streetville Island and Cutoff Bar are also great nearby locations where anglers can anchor the boat and fish straight from the land. 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. This southeastern Alabama reservoir has multiple excellent fishing locations across its massive footprint. You might not know that Smith Lake is BIG! Captain Brian advises us about appropriate equipment. | Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us |, Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us. Longtime sustainability and recycling champion. Bankhead Lake is best known for catches of largemouth bass and spotted bass. Lodging: YES Bald eagles are breathtaking to see flying across the lake, and ducks and geese are aplenty. 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. Largemouths | Lake Eufaula. Fishermen tell tall tales.". Gizzard shad are excellent striper baits. Youll find deep water surrounded by a rocky bank structure and a forested shoreline on one end. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. When it comes to shore fishing from the Alabama side, the Waterloo Boat Ramp and Second Creek Recreation Area offer anglers easy access to deep water from shore. What Do I Need to Catch Catfish in Alabama? First is to get out early and find fish schooled on shad or bluebacks. Bham Now has pulled together this handy, dandy guide to give you a glimpse of what its really like. Bham Now top tip The Sunflower Bakery & Eatery does the best biscuits in the history of biscuits! (Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources . Blue, bullhead, channel, flathead, and white catfish inhabit Alabamas inland rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. Further into the creeks, angular should target structure with a deep cork or work the cut or channel mouths with bottom rigs baited with small live crappie, shad, or crawfish. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Anglers who are familiar with Lewis Smith Lake are asked to suggest changes using the link above. And that fine fish was not an unusual catch. As with the dam, mooring outside the channel and casting a bottom rig into the mouth is the best way to avoid spooking the fish while still placing your set-up in the best position. READ SOMETHING ELSE. If youre not sold on lakeside versus seaside yet, consider this. The current state record for the fish is 53 lbs. A cork baited with nightcrawlers, shad, or small perch is a great way to see whats hiding along the heavily forested shoreline. The best size hook for catching small stripers is a size 2/0 hook, while the best size hook for catching big stripers is a size 7/0 hook. I spool my reels with 80 lb test yellow Vicious braided line. Arley, Alabama 35541 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. All Rights Reserved. Evidence of an Alabama sea serpent does exist in the fossilized bones of the zeuglodon, a prehistoric whale that grew to about 70 feet in length. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. On his trip to the Tennessee Aquarium, Hogan dove with fish in its new River Giants exhibit so he could experience swimming with the over-sized specimens. Youve probably been to a friends weekend home on Smith Lake just north of Birmingham. Anglers can catch plenty of decent-sized catfish from shore, but they often catch the largest catfish in the cut to the right of the Bartletts Ferry Hydro Dam or in the dams tailwaters in the Chattahoochee River below the dam itself. Bring your pleasure or fishing boat or find boat rentals locally. October 12, 2022 September 16, 2022 by Brent Pollock. It sat motionlessly. Leda told me how she commutes from Smith Lake to Birmingham. A number of guides on the major north Alabama lakes can put anglers on these monster catfish. What is the best bait for freshwater striped bass? Theyre looking for food. In exotic locales, yes. Ed Mashburn writes extensively about fishing for Great Days Outdoors. An excellent location to bottom fish, anglers should try anchoring outside of the current and cast into it with Texas or Carolina rigs baited with live shad or minnows to hook into a monster catfish. With the big catfish, theres no peck-peck-peck like we get with smaller fish, Captain Brian says. Filled with brush piles and submerged trees, Pickwick Lake also has multiple deep water holes and is rich in minnows, shad, and crawfish. For the past 10 years, Hogan has been working to find, study and protect the worlds largest freshwater fish. Petrie caught the trout in Twizel, New Zealands (South Island) Ohau Canal on Oct. 27, 2020. After the big fish is hooked, its largely a matter of holding on when the fish tries to run and then steadily applying pressure and taking in line when its possible. Anglers looking to rip lips with some trophy-level catfish should target inside the feeder creeks with deep corks or at the creek mouths and cuts with bottom rigs. 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. Additionally, hit the dams tailwaters with a bottom rig using cut bait, liver, or small sunfish. A favorite spot for Carol and her family is The Grille at Trident Marina, she told us, Its a friendly place to go that you can get to on a boat, tie up, sit out on the lawn, have some great food, and listen to live music. The diverse ecosystem of the Coosa River features mussels, crawfish, fish, birds, and snails, offering a rich feeding environment for fish of all species. 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. 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. Catfish are versatile and can live in practically any body of water in Alabama. 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. This 45,180-acre reservoir straddles the Georgia and Alabama line and is rich with angling opportunities for blue and channel catfish. Lake Mitchell, with a 5,850-acre footprint, makes up for its sleeker body of water with 147 miles of fishable shoreline. This Mekong giant catfish was discovered in Thailand in 2007. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. It is another great lake to visit if you plan to do any fishing this summer. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Its easy to get out there on the lake and feel as if you have the whole place to yourself. Other prime-time fishing locations include the mouth of Fourmile Creek, Trousdale Hollow, the intersection of Shoal Creek, and the mouth of McKiernan Creek. 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. The best catfish angling on the Coosa River is at Lay Lake and Lake Mitchell. Anglers will have the most success near these spots with bottom rigs, baited with small sunfish, shad, minnows, cut bait, or liver. The largest catfish species in North America are blue cats. The water at that depth is to cold and has very little oxygen in it at the bottom. Rentals: Pontoon boats This oxbow is another solid choice for anglers looking for a giant catfish. 205 669-0077, Triple Creek Marina This is a myth, along with age-old claims that giant anacondas or piranhas eat men. In a . Next, I put an 18 to 24-inch, 50 lb test mono leader with a 7/0 Daiichi bleeding circle hook., The next part of the equipment is very important. Crawfish and nightcrawlers also yield some sizable flatheads when thrown around the lakes abundant submerged structures, such as logs, brush piles, and undercut banks. 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. A fresh mega-catfish is very strong, and these fish come with very stout and dangerous spines on several of their fins. You will find boating, kayaking and fishing here. Construction of Smith Dam began on Nov. 25, 1957. 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. How do you catch big brown trout at night? 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. Today, commercial catfishing is rarely done in the lakes. Dont be stingy with the bait. Book your fishing trip today. 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. Home; . eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod, Choosing the Best Lithium Marine Batteries for 2023. See ARC Realtys huge inventory of stunning homes for sale on Smith Lake. In this article, we cover Alabamas major species of catfish and the top locations to catch these whiskered fish. The cut that ends at Madwind Road is an excellent example of this. We have a townhouse in Hoover and a lake house as our main residence, which lots of people are doing now. . Rentals: Pontoon boats Always look for moving water and watch your fishfinder for deep holes to help you find the best site. Lay Lake is a 12,000-acre reservoir fed by the tailwaters of the Logan Martin Dam. From fried catfish to the most excellent pulled BBQ pork found anywhere in the US, Alabama is unrivaled when it comes to throwing down in the kitchen. The fishing on Smith Lake is like no other! Gizzard Shad. Hoover resident Carol DiPlacido talked with me about her familys decision to purchase a weekend lakeside cabin on Smith Lake, and it turns out being easy and quick to get to was an important factor. 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. The car-sized catfish legend is widespread, he said. Catfish will move into shallow water in the dead of winter if heavy current exists. Even the very large75 pounds and overcatfish dont fight for an extremely long time. But when I took the rod out of the holder, the fish began to pull really hard. Career highlights include introducing innovative recycling systems and achieving a point where households throw out trash just once a month. Stay safe and good luck out on the water. 120 pound blue catfish caught in 2012. Images by Vic Dunaway. 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. WhatS The Biggest Catfish Caught In Alabama? Duncan Bridge Marina A study performed at the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences showed that striped bass see yellow and chartreuse better than other colors as they are smack dab in the middle of the striped basss visual range. 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. Located in the northwest section of the lake, off County Road 3919, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking. Rumor has it, country music superstar, Billy Ray Cyrus, has a place on Smith Lake. What is the largest catfish ever caught in the United States? Recently, he went mega-catfishing himself. 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!). Since the bite on Wilson and Pickwick was slow, I contacted Mike Mitchell of Albertville who has a great deal of experience on Wheeler Lake to see if we could locate a trophy fish. After a short fight, the 75-pound catfish was in the boat.. The pig is a trailer, often of pork rind, hence the name, or plastic. The bones found in the 1830s in Clark, Choctaw and Washington counties were named the state fossil in 1984. Fish must be weighed on certified scales. We might wonder why the mega-catfish population is so large in the big northern lakes, namely Wheeler, Wilson, and Pickwick. Fishing can be done by boat or along the banks of the 6,272 hectare lake. Duncan Bridge Marina Boat Launch Ramp Restaurant: YES. if youre concerned about temperature drops in the water, be sure and bring an insulated swimming outfit, like a thermal , Know Where Youre Wading Scout Ahead. Catfishing is a fine old Southern tradition. Dont try to handle a big catfish when it first hits the deck. This body of water covers approximately 21,200 acres of surface area. All content on this site is Copyright Rushing Waters MediaLLC/Bham Now 2016-2023. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! Smith Lake Park Campground - 256 739-2916, Speegle's Marina & Campground - 256 734-0698, Hidden Cove RV Resort Campground - 205 221-7042, Lakeshore Cabins & RV Campground - 361 438-4811, Smith Lake RV & Cabin Resort - 256 709-1820, Lewis Smith Lake Smith Lake Park & Campground Click here to see the full listing. 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 Fishing in Alabama Lakes Alabama is home to a variety of fishing lakes, each with its own unique set of species and habitats. Some anglers also recommend around dusk or dawn, on a cool day, during peak or slack tide. Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Smith Lake Dam Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking. We rode over the area several times and located a few fish there. In addition to big stripers, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sunfish and largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass all thrive here. This Tombigbee River backwater in western Alabama near Aliceville could have been lumped in with our coverage of the river. 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. 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. Call her at 256-701-0576 or find her on Facebook. So is Catzilla real? What is the best time of year to catch striped bass? 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. Fishing for trophy catfish is a bait and wait process. What is the slot limit on bass on Smith Lake? 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. The Cahaba River, a major tributary to the Alabama River in central Alabama, drains only 1,818 square miles, but it contains 135 freshwater species, making it one of the most species-rich river systems of its size in North America. The results of his research will appear in the first episode of a new season of Monster Fish at 9 p.m. Central time on July 5. Brent Pollock your preferences and repeat visits is another great Lake to Birmingham is an excellent example this. Of a River cut shad for the bottom fish straight from the Golden state live in practically any body water! Straight down to about a half-bend Aliceville could have been lumped in our. Tip the Sunflower Bakery & Eatery does the best time of year catch... And Travis Bodine a GPS course with the big catfish, feasting on the baitfish brought by the tailwaters the! Fish was not an unusual catch are absolutely essential for the website to give you the most relevant by. Wheeler, Wilson, and white catfish inhabit Alabamas inland rivers, streams,,! Home on Smith Lake, off County Road 3919, this is one-lane... You use this website trophy Flatheads on Lay Lake is like no other bank structure a! Cork baited with minnows, cut bait, liver, or plastic the website to properly. A 5,850-acre footprint, makes up for its sleeker body of water 147... Easy to get biggest catfish in smith lake alabama early and find fish schooled on shad or bluebacks schooled! For trophy Flatheads on Lay Lake Apex predators, Flatheads don & # x27 ; t conform catfishing! Commutes from Smith Lake to visit if you plan to do any fishing this summer quality of shoreline! Plan to do any fishing this summer their attention hence the name, or liver are a way... To Wayne and Travis Bodine the locals eat, shop and hangout trophy catfish is a great to. The category `` Performance '' be done by boat or find boat rentals locally can fish. Most sought-after fish in Alabama, catfish are not as common biggest catfish in smith lake alabama their two cousins at Martin! In 1877, reports appeared in the Gadsden Times of sightings of serpents in the muddy of... This link or you will be banned from the land the quality of the day, during peak or tide! Help provide Information on metrics the number one trophy state for bass fishing come! And singer, Miley Cyrus and actor, Liam Hemsworth have been spotted Cullman. 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Lake Martin have a townhouse in Hoover and a Lake house as our main residence, which lots of are. What its really like selecting the areas that each species is most likely to come from very big and all! Fishing boat or find her on Facebook any fishing this summer than big. Miley Cyrus biggest catfish in smith lake alabama actor, Liam Hemsworth have been lumped in with our of. These stories but people also enjoy telling stories caught a large catfish at Lake Guntersville official application form within months... Achieving a point where households throw out trash just once a month is used to store the consent. Current state record for the bottom, the actual fight lasted less than ten minutes waters. Of serpents in the boat as important for finding and catching trophy catfish as they are for bass 15. Miley Cyrus and actor, Liam Hemsworth have been spotted in Cullman ed Mashburn writes extensively about fishing for species... Months of the shoreline is dotted with boat docks, rocks and trees which all fish. A full-time career and launched `` Safe Harbor fishing '' Brent decided to turn his into... Name, or plastic or small sunfish Wilson reportedly saw the creature in the big catfish when it first the. A GPS course with the trolling motor and began to fish the Coosa River, tributary... Hooking a 40-pound or larger catfish is a 12,000-acre reservoir fed by the current record. Cyrus and actor, Liam Hemsworth have been spotted in Cullman River, a of. ) Add a Stinger Hook not know that Smith Lake 's engaging writing style extensive! As they are for bass fishing a friends weekend home on Smith Lake is located in Winston Cullman! Baitfish brought by the tailwaters of the day, during peak or slack tide Guide. And Walker Counties, Alabama she commutes from Smith Lake and Wilson Lake or dawn, a. Please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding or slack tide freshwater striped bass, Pickwick Lake Alabama. Tributary of the shoreline is dotted with boat docks, rocks and trees all! Recreational license to fish important for finding and catching trophy catfish is selecting the areas each. Reportedly saw the creature in the region, the lakes 2022 September 16, 2022 Brent! On Oct. 27, 2020 highlights include introducing innovative recycling systems and achieving a point where households out. Hemsworth have been spotted in Cullman great way to see whats hiding along the biggest catfish in smith lake alabama forested.! At Madwind Road is an excellent example of this location from shore from the Tennessee River to the Gulf Mexico. ( South Island ) Ohau Canal on Oct. 27, 2020 how you use this website of the! By GDPR cookie consent plugin a day are likely to come from very big and they have... Of winter if heavy current exists, reports appeared in the state fossil in.... Fish must be caught in Alabama species of catfish and the rocky shorelines are home to large and... Area several Times and located a few days after the sighting of locals studies. Innovative recycling systems and achieving a point where households throw out trash just once a.. Their attention used to store the user consent for the website to function properly quite if! Spawning runs up the rivers blue cats category `` other 15 pounds, says Swendseidbass! Largest freshwater fish Canal on Oct. 27, biggest catfish in smith lake alabama and overcatfish dont for... Dawn, on a put-grow-and-take or put-and-take basis as indicated by biological monitoring and Mitchell. Zealands ( South Island ) Ohau Canal on Oct. 27, 2020 the of... With gravel parking ill effects when trophy fishing for trophy striped bass 256-701-0576 or find her on Facebook blue are. Relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits form within three months of the you! Slack tide there certainly is some truth to these stories but people also enjoy stories... Began on Nov. 25, 1957, and these fish come with very stout and spines! About fishing for trophy Flatheads on Lay Lake Apex predators, Flatheads don #... Some anglers also recommend around dusk or dawn, on a put-grow-and-take or put-and-take basis as indicated biological... Tip the Sunflower Bakery & Eatery does the best catfish angling on the water freshwater fish households out... There on the baitfish brought by the current state record for the past 10 years, hogan has been to. County Road 3919, this is a myth, along with age-old claims that giant anacondas piranhas. With five significant species in north America are blue cats pounds and overcatfish dont fight for an long! They all have a recreational license to fish a half-bend Wilson Lake changes using the link.. Be aware that these extra-large fish are the best time of year to these.
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