biggest catfish in smith lake alabama

But the chance of hooking a 40-pound or larger catfish is much better. However, Sallie Wilson reportedly saw the creature in the mid-1830s and experienced no ill effects. Anglers may be able to catch shad at the back of the lake by cast net or buy them from a bait shop. 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. Choose from multiple campgrounds around the lake as headquarters for a family vacation or a weekend fishing trip. Yes, the state does stock trout on the lower side of the damn ,and the water is always cold on that side, I"m talking about the upper side, Very deep water alote of current and alote of shad. Good quality electronics are just as important for finding and catching trophy catfish as they are for bass fishing. Each one is rare and protected by state and federal agencies. For the past 10 years, Hogan has been working to find, study and protect the worlds largest freshwater fish. 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. Smith Lake, a stunning location that offers panoramic views, amazing sunsets, as well as endless watersports your family is sure to enjoy. 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. 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. 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. 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. The Alabama River at Jones Bluff delivers flatheads weighing 7 to 40 pounds. "At end of the day, there certainly is some truth to these stories but people also enjoy telling stories. A forum community dedicated to catfishers and enthusiasts. Gloves are necessary equipment for handling mega-catfish. 7 oz. Dont try to handle a big catfish when it first hits the deck. Preview Alabamas first GreenWise Market at Lane Parke in Mountain Brook Village (Photos), ASC and ASO Present John Paul White with Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Alys Stephens Center, Jemison Concert Hall, NOW OPEN: New trail connects schools, parks and midtown communities in Montgomery, Alabamas first KPOT, a Korean BBQ and hot pot joint, coming soon to Tuscaloosa, Food Network named Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q the best barbecue in the state, Aubie named 3rd best mascot in the country, how AL schools fared in UCA National Cheer Championship, Birmingham, Prattville, WSFA 12 & nonprofits supporting Alabama Jan. 12 Tornado Relief [PHOTOS], Woodfin touts initiatives in the State of the City address, CASTING ALERT: New movie filming in Birmingham this month seeking extras heres what we know, Highlands College opens new residential halla $20M gift from Hobby Lobby CEO, You can spend more time on the water than in the car, You dont have to walk through miles of hot sand to get to the water, No worries about having to head back before the tide goes out, Docks and cliffs were just made to jump off into clear lake water, Its easy to fish (psstdoes anyone know any secret spots? Because shad and sunfish fluctuate in number and size throughout the year, check the waters to see whats schooling before baiting your rig. Catfish Shark found lurking at Smith Lake in Alabama.. After a short fight, the 75-pound catfish was in the boat.. In both of these Coosa River locations, anglers can catch big blue and channel cats on bottom rigs. Fish must be identified by an Alabama Fisheries Section biologist or other certified fisheries biologist. I weigh big catfish while they are still in the net, and then I give them time to settle down before we take pictures, Captain Brian says. Another solid location is the Big Creek pumping station, which provides structure and moving water for channel catfish. Lewis Smith Lake has the following amenities based off of . The Tombigbee produces excellent catfish angling along its path, which includes five dams and locks before joining the Mobile River and emptying into Mobile Bay, where the attention turns to redfish and other saltwater fishing. 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. 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. However, anglers may still find success fishing for these largest Alabama catfish near the dam, off of Coven Abbett Highway, and Our Childrens Highway, where pilings and rock formations make up deep-water structure, a favorite of blue cats. This Alabama River reservoirs level fluctuates, resulting in changing catfish hotspots depending on the season. Blue, bullhead, channel, flathead, and white catfish inhabit Alabama's inland rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. April and May are the prime time. The best fishing for big cats occurs when the dams are generating maximum current. Sherril Harris, Sylacauga, Lake Martin, Tallapoosa Co. 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 flathead catfish caught in Kansas. Career highlights include introducing innovative recycling systems and achieving a point where households throw out trash just once a month. What is the biggest fish caught in the world? Besides your basic fishing license, anglers will need some stout tackle (including rod and reel) and preferably some odorous bait. We have a townhouse in Hoover and a lake house as our main residence, which lots of people are doing now. Where is the best catfishing in Alabama? Always look for moving water and watch your fishfinder for deep holes to help you find the best site. With over 500 miles of shoreline you are almost guaranteed to catch the big one you have been dreaming about for years. Weighing must be witnessed by two people. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! 13 Best Catfish Fishing Lakes and Rivers in Alabama. 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. Hot weather months are typically the poorest times to go after really big catfish. April. Price: $330,000. He spotted an undulating creature and told friends: "The thing was monstrous. These guys would harvest 300 to 400 pounds of catfish. Plus, it makes catching striped bass a lot more fun. Procedures For the Certification of Alabama State Record Freshwater Fish, Shelley Meadows/Mentone This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. What pound test should I use for striped bass? 205 669-0077, Triple Creek Marina Application must be submitted on an official application form within three months of the catch (request a form by dialing 1-334-242-3471). The truth is out there, and Dr. Zeb Hogan of the Nat Geo WILD channel is looking for it. In cool weather months, its not uncommon for anglers to fish for seven or eight hours to get only four or five bitesits not usually a fast, hot bite. The largest Mekong cat ever caught weighed more than 600 pounds. A 280-mile-long tributary of the Alabama River, the Coosa River is a heavily developed body of water with multiple impoundments, dams, lakes, and of course, lots of big catfish. Originally from Wales (UK) and a fluent Welsh speaker. They also make an awesome Sunset Margarita. Is The Flathead Catfish An Invasive Species In Pa? Pickwick has around two miles of the public swimming beach, but it is unsupervised. 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. 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. While many of the worlds largest freshwater fish are located outside of North America, several large species can be found in area rivers, including blue catfish, flathead catfish, the Mississippi paddlefish, lake sturgeon, pallid sturgeon, and the alligator gar. Petrie caught the trout in Twizel, New Zealands (South Island) Ohau Canal on Oct. 27, 2020. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. | Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us |, Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us. The different types of bass stripers that exist require different size hooks to catch. Millers Ferry Lake runs about 105 miles along the river to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County. All content on this site is Copyright Rushing Waters MediaLLC/Bham Now 2016-2023. eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod, Choosing the Best Lithium Marine Batteries for 2023. Armstrong Creek, Wash. Co. Henry Merritt, Deer Park 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. May. 120 pound blue catfish caught in 2012. 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. (Contributed by Nat Geo WILD). Anglers after the flatheads in the flooded timber can use a deep cork, but both species of catfish are best caught on shad, sunfish, or cut bait. Located in the northwest section of the lake, off County Road 108, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with roadside parking. Arley, Alabama 35541 Carol added You get a real feeling of community at Smith Lake. The fishing on Smith Lake is like no other! Captain Brian advises us about appropriate equipment. Yates Reservoir) is a 1,980-acre body of water filled with various fish, including blue, channel, and flathead catfish. 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. In the low light and during the frenzied feed, they hit just about anythinga zig-zagging Spook is a good starter, but sometimes its necessary to downsize a bit to some of the smaller floater divers like the Rapala or Rebel. 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. William D. Webb, B'ham With the big catfish, theres no peck-peck-peck like we get with smaller fish, Captain Brian says. Also referred to as Converse Reservoir, this 3,600-acre impoundment in Mobile County is filled with channel catfish, bass, and sunfish. The decision to stay in the hunt earned the family team the first place check of $10,000 from King Kat USA. 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 lakes northwestern and northeastern areas offer better flathead catfish locations, with cuts, bays, and channels dotting its shorelines. First, timing is important. Yellow and chartreuse are fish-catchers because, simply put, they get seen. 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. Other prime-time fishing locations include the mouth of Fourmile Creek, Trousdale Hollow, the intersection of Shoal Creek, and the mouth of McKiernan Creek. Keep the two pounders for a fish fry.. The scent will travel with the current and draw in the catfish. We then plotted a GPS course with the trolling motor and began to fish. Smith Lake Marina & Resort Alternative locations anglers can target include the cuts on the northern portion of the lakes western shoreline. Bankhead Lake is best known for catches of largemouth bass and spotted bass. This photo is an example of historic pictures Dr. Zeb Hogan studies when researching legends of giant fish. Be assured that a 75-pound catfish qualifies as a trophy anywhere. This 39,000-acre reservoir in Central Alabama provides some of the best fishing in the entire state. They include Lake Guntersville, Lewis Smith Lake, Pickwick Lake, Wheeler Lake and Wilson Lake. Catching three to five-pound cats is fun, and theres no better main ingredient for a fish fry than fillets from this size fish. Here is a preview of the July 5 episode of "Monster Fish" on Nat Geo WILD. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tackle, noodling, tips, tricks, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! For more on how to catch catfish, please see our how-to article about catfish fishing linked at the bottom of this article. Because blues prefer stiffer currents, deeper holes, and sandy bottoms, the main channel is a better bet to catch these massive catfish. The fish (the whopper) weighed 22 pounds, 4 ounces. Trophy potential exists in backwater areas. I spool my reels with 80 lb test yellow Vicious braided line. For us anglers who want to go after the mega-catfish, there are some things we can do to improve our chances. 67,070 acres. The cut that ends at Madwind Road is an excellent example of this. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo, Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. This Mekong giant catfish was discovered in Thailand in 2007. 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. Lay Lake is a 12,000-acre reservoir fed by the tailwaters of the Logan Martin Dam. But those creatures existed in the Eocene Epoch between 34 and 50 million years ago and not in modern-day Alabama. Alabama Catfish Prospects for Summer During summer, blue and flathead catfish offer anglers an opportunity to [] Floyd chronicles others whose experiences mirrored Suttons: Billy Burns died in 1827 after seeing the serpent; Jim Windom in 1829. Its small town living., This is echoed by ARC Realtys Leda Mims, Ive been coming to the lake since I was nine years old. Wilson Lake is an all-around fishing destination, including one of the best places in Alabama to go crappie fishing. Filled with feeder creeks lined with wood cover, rock bluffs, and weeds, Wilson Lake also features boulder flats, rock bluffs, undercut banks, and stump flats, all prime locations to find ambush predators such as catfish. First on the list is the ubiquitous nightcrawler, favored food for all fish species. Catfishing is a fine old Southern tradition. Anglers should be cautious of the current, which is quite powerful in the dams tailwaters. Most trophy cat anglers use either a whole skipjack or a really large chunk of cut shad. Lake Mitchell has several feeder creeks whose mouths are excellent catfish holes, including Chestnut Creek, Weoka Creek, and Shoal Creek. This 5,850-acre reservoir off the Chattahoochee River makes for some excellent catfish angling. 205 388-0662. Recently, he went mega-catfishing himself. March 06, 2019 By Eileen Ann Davis. Casting these baits into the mouths of channels, cuts, and even near the dam itself is a surefire way to attract the attention of a hungry catfish. 55 Marina Drive 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. Residents need to have a recreational license to fish in Alabama. Chewalla Creek offers muddier waters to the northwest with plenty of structure, offshoots, and cuts for anglers to target flathead catfish. So, when a big catfish is caught, it should be released. It was the creature. 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. First is to get out early and find fish schooled on shad or bluebacks. Big catfish can be quite dangerous if not handled properly. Gizzard shad are excellent striper baits. In both cases, bait your hooks with shad. Catfishing Fall Catfishing for Trophy Flatheads on Lay Lake Apex predators, flatheads don't conform to catfishing stereotypes. Also referred to as the Middle Pond, Yates Lake (a.k.a. The trick to locking into catfish is selecting the areas that each species is most likely to inhabit. With over 200 miles of river to fish, anglers have plenty of opportunities to set their hooks into a large catfish. 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. In years past, it was common to see 10 to 15 commercial catfishers on the lakes on any given morning. It is normally dressed in either a rubber skirt or hair. With several piers that border deep water and banks fringed with brush, shore fishing is easy at Lake Martin. And that fine fish was not an unusual catch. You can find these baits at just about any local fishing bait and tackle shop. Why you should care, the quality of the air you breathe depends on it. Head to cover early morning for the most hits. How big catfish commonly found in North American waters can actually get is widely disputed. It has a maximum depth of 29 feet. What is the best time of year to catch striped bass? Most of us enjoy catching a mess of delicious pan-size catfish from time to time. 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. Also known as Walter F George Lake, is a bass angler's dream with almost 600 miles of shoreline to fish. One of the better locations is the channel that leads into the Big Creek Dam. Flatheads and blue catfish are the two most common species caught here. Youll find deep water surrounded by a rocky bank structure and a forested shoreline on one end. 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. Wes I have never catfished below Smith Lake dam. Filled with brush piles and submerged trees, Pickwick Lake also has multiple deep water holes and is rich in minnows, shad, and crawfish. Scientists believe people likely were witnessing exceptionally large species of fish that live in Alabama rivers. Like most lakes in the region, the lake comprises multiple offshoots and branches rather than one big body of water. We asked the experts. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. From the Tennessee River to the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama has a tremendous variety of fish species to pursue. There are numerous different species of fish to find on this body of water. Zeb Hogan of the show "Monster Fish" on Nat Geo WILD swims with the fishes in River Giants exhibit at the Tennessee Aquarium (Contributed by Nat Geo WILD). Fish must be caught in Alabama waters by legal means. For the channel catfish, the Cedar Creek Dam offers a moderate current near deeper water in an area known as the Granny Branch. Located in the southwest section of the lake, at the east end of the State Route 41 Bridge, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking. 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. The lakes deeper holes and areas with heavy currents are your best bet for locating channel catfish. Stacker compiled a list of record fish caught in Alabama using data from Land Big Fish. 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. Lick Creek Boat Launch Ramp What lurks beneath the deceptively placid surfaces of Alabamas rivers? For instance, the water between the twin spans between Eufaula, Alabama, and Georgetown, Georgia, is a prime catfish location. Smith Lake is a huge reservoir located on the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River, about 20 miles north-west of Birmingham. The ultimate respect an angler can show such a magnificent fish is to admire it, photograph it, weigh and measure it, and then release it back into the water safely. 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. 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. A 15-inch bass might be an average four-year-old, a fast growing three-year-old or a slow growing five-year-old. After all, big baits catch big fish. If the bait is on the bottom, the fish will lift it and relieve the pressure fairly gently. . Location and Information: Smith Lake is located in Winston, Cullman and Walker Counties, Alabama. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The dams tailwaters and the rocky shorelines are home to large channel and blue catfish, feasting on the baitfish brought by the current. I caught several small fish, but I had no luck on a fish over 30 pounds. 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. 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. 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. Rentals: Pontoon boats Bald eagles are breathtaking to see flying across the lake, and ducks and geese are aplenty. Nat Geo WILD describes the episode on giant catfish in a press release: Lured by stories of catfish the size of Volkswagens, Zeb is on a mission to find out if the legendary giant catfish of the South really exists.. 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. Crawfish and nightcrawlers also yield some sizable flatheads when thrown around the lakes abundant submerged structures, such as logs, brush piles, and undercut banks. A favorite location of crappie anglers, the lakes stump field is best known for producing solid slabs consistently. It does not store any personal data. Check out local properties for sale. 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! 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. Its a joy to live at Smith Lake!. 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. In addition to big stripers, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sunfish and largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass all thrive here. Catfishing is a fine old Southern tradition. great white sharkWhat Was the Largest Fish Ever Caught? With over 500 miles of shoreline everyone can wet a line and know there is that chance of catching the fish of a lifetime. Fishing 24-7 Guide Service offers guided trips on Smith Lake, Alabama for trophy striped bass. All in all, this area is a solid choice if youre looking to hammer some big blues or channel cats. Alabama has plenty of great catfishing holes between its rivers, reservoirs, and lakes. Weighing must be witnessed by two people. This long river comes in from Mississippi near Pickensville and flows southward along the western side of Alabama. We need to gear up right if were going trophy catfish hunting. 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. 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. If you go around to the dams in the South, it seems as if every dam has its own story.. But there is no physical evidence of car-sized catfish in Alabama rivers. The bones found in the 1830s in Clark, Choctaw and Washington counties were named the state fossil in 1984. Rentals: Pontoon boats Anglers can even fish part of this location from shore from the Lake Eufaula Campground. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. HUGE, actually! But when I took the rod out of the holder, the fish began to pull really hard. However, Alabama is home to some of the biggest, strongest and baddest catfish to be found anywhere. Longtime sustainability and recycling champion. "At end of the day, there certainly is some truth to these stories but people also enjoy telling stories. Food gets flushed out of shallow areas and rolls downhill so look for deep areas downstream from shallow flats to locate feeding stripers. release when captured). Like any other trophy trip, the route to trophy catfish takes some planning and arranging for success. 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. Shelby, AL 35143 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. There are some exceptions, however. Elsewhere, heavily forested shores with submerged logs, trees, and brush piles make this excellent flathead catfish water and a prime-time bass fishing location. Because channel catfish love deep holes and currents, its essential to locate deeper holes with fast-moving water to target these hungry catfish. But due to its dense concentration of blue catfish, I think its worth a longer look. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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 Hers was the last authenticated account of the serpent, Floyd wrote. 120 lbs.Procedures for the Certification of Alabama State Record Freshwater Fish. Some truly monstrous catfish are living in the rivers and lakes of Alabama; fish in the 100-pound range are caught on rod and reel every year. Additionally, hit the dams tailwaters with a bottom rig using cut bait, liver, or small sunfish. 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. 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. Michael Houseknecht/Mobile, Chris S. Fuller, AthensBobby Lee Davis, Bessemer, Paddlefish Smith Lake homes some very good largemouth and spotted bass fishing. if youre 16 and older. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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. 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. 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? Reach out to ARC Realty for more information. Here in Alabama, we are known for our food. . A law was passed in 2017 meaning that marinas with restaurants can serve alcohol regardless of what the law is in the county. 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. 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. At the same time, Catfish Bar, just downstream, lets you fish a wide river bend over deep water. Are you looking to sell your home or shopping around for a new one? People, especially the Caboclos in Amazonia and natives of other parts of South America and in Asia, love to tell these blood-curdling stories! Smith Lake is a 326 acre lake located in Sawyer County. Another suggestion is to cast into the cuts near the boat launch and dock. How do you catch striped bass on Smith Lake Alabama? They are no longer rare. If youre not sold on lakeside versus seaside yet, consider this. GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. - One fisher caught a large catfish at Lake Guntersville. 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. Some of the best locations to find flatheads at Bankhead Lake include the fork of White Oak and Little White Oak Creek, the shoreline north of Heards Bend, and the cut-off of Henderson Camp Road. This has led to more and larger fish in the entire Tennessee River system. Bob Woodruff Lake, this reservoir has rocky undercut banks lining the shores closer to its dam. There are a few types of Seatrout, our most abundant fish, that live along Alabamas Gulf Coast. 205-435-4009. Like Cutoff, anglers will find some large flatheads hiding among the submerged structure out of the current. This is a myth, along with age-old claims that giant anacondas or piranhas eat men. Vernon. Those four or five bites in a day are likely to come from very big fish. First, a high-quality large landing net is necessary to control a big catfish at boat side. I could see the thing as clear as day," reported newspaper columnist E. Randall Floyd in a 1993 article in the Spartanburg, S.C., Herald-Journal. #1. Cheneyhatchee Creek also has forested, cut-lined banks for prime flathead and catfish angling. So is Catzilla real? The current state record for the fish is 53 lbs. Have you thought about getting your own place? My name is Keith Prather and fishing has been a big part of my life since I could hold a rod. WHNT News 19 viewer Larry Stephens sent in photos of his wife April fishing on the lake. That amounts to tons of fish being taken from the river and lake systems daily. Home Fish WhatS The Biggest Catfish Caught In Alabama? I use an eight-foot medium-action BnM Silver Cat Series catfish rod with an Abu 6500C3 reel with a line counter, he says. I do catch blues at the damn, I was wondering if anybody else did, there is two primary spots , one on the west side of damn , its like a washout channel cut out several hundred feet out to main body of water , and the opposite side has a bottleneck with two points that are also a good spot, You are correct fishing directly over the damn would be difficult , but catching blues can be done there, I have caught them. Line matters and Captain Mike recommends sticking with 10-pound or 12-pound test. So come on and enjoy the fishing on Smith Lake . Some great wildlife encounters await you, with an abundance of fish in the lake as well as impressive birdlife. With average summer water temperatures of 80, youll definitely want to pack your swim suits. Catfish are versatile and can live in practically any body of water in Alabama. What is the best bait for freshwater striped bass? In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". As Captain Brian advises, Any fish over ten pounds needs to be released. Leda Mims of ARC Realty told me I love it all! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The station is in the southeastern arm of the lake, which is full of creeks and cuts. There are five major species of catfish in the state of Alabama. Are there catfish in Smith Lake Alabama? Fish include Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye. A Mekong giant catfish caught in Thailand in 2010 was 9 feet long and weighed 646 pounds. 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. Although there is a fish consumption advisory, anglers will have no trouble catching plenty of whiskered predators off the river bottom made up of gravel and sand. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Alternatively, the cut to the north of Granny Branch can yield some excellent flathead action, while the deep cut beneath Blue Lick Cemetery can be trolled and cork-fished if other locations dont pan out. While anglers can catch catfish practically anywhere they find year-round freshwater in Alabama, the following are our favorite catfishing locations in the state. 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.). Click images for fishing tips and details about each species. 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. Locations like the Bartletts Ferry Dam and several bridges are also great blue catfish angling locations. Dale County Lake or Ed Lisenby Lake is a 92-acre (370,000 m 2) lake located 1 mile (2 km) north of Roy Parker Road (Dale County Road 36) in Ozark. 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. 90% of his catches are channel cats and about 10% are blue catfish. The typical recommendation is to fish about 2-3 hours before high tide to about 2-3 hours outgoing tide. The father/son team had a two-day. What is the largest catfish ever caught in the United States? Weve gotten to know people at the marina and at local stores. Mega-fishthe biggest catfish in the countryare right here in Alabama. 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. 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. They just take the bait and go.. Construction of Smith Dam began on Nov. 25, 1957. 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. Gulf sturgeonThe Gulf sturgeon is the largest fish species ever recorded in Alabama. How do you fish for blueback herring lakes? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. They are worthy of respect. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Captain Brian shows the proper two-handed grip when handling big catfish. With ten marinas dotted around the lake, and many public launch facilities, Smith Lake provides plenty of opportunity to get out and play. At Smith Lake dam you have water over 200 ft. in places. Campgrounds: YES Folks, however, swear cats have . The deep clean lake, wildlife, a real sense of community, great spots to eat, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water. 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. What'S The Largest Flathead Catfish Ever Caught? When trophy fishing for any species, we have to be aware that these extra-large fish are powerful animals. You will find boating, kayaking and fishing here. 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. 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. Sunrise the big flatheads are most abundant. Lodging: YES What is the largest catfish ever caught in Alabama? 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. Theyre looking for food. WhatS The Biggest Catfish Caught In Alabama? 1560 County Road 4022 Anglers who are familiar with Lewis Smith Lake are asked to suggest changes using the link above. Spring brings warmer waters, and the main spawning runs up the rivers. 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. Get outdoor trends, data, new products, and tips delivered to your inbox. About Lewis Smith Lake. Get a Head Lamp with White and Red Light. High, dingy water always makes for a better catfish bite. In a . Cullman, Alabama 35057 We might wonder why the mega-catfish population is so large in the big northern lakes, namely Wheeler, Wilson, and Pickwick. What is the slot limit on bass on Smith Lake? The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Fishing can be done by boat or along the banks of the 6,272 hectare lake. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The concoction imitates a crawfish, and plastic trailers are often made to look like a crawfish. Its just such a friendly place. 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. The lake spans over 21,000 acres in Cullman . This area can be fished by boat or shore off Lost Creek Road or Britton Bridge Boat Ramp. Minnows, nightcrawlers, and even crawfish are great baits to lure out these yellow-bellied giants. Theres so many great restaurants some of my favorites are Augustas Sports Grill and 412 Public House. Captain Brian Barton specializes in guiding anglers on catfishing trips. 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. Ive seen one, Hogan said. 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. If youre after the largest catfish, though, a better bet is fishing with cut bait or threadfin shad on bottom rigs. I had been fishing Wilson Lake for the past couple of weeks in search of a trophy-size fish, Captain Brian says. Its possible to hook very large catfish on standard-issue fishing gear. Know before you go Cullman and Winston County are dry (no alcohol is available) while Walker County allows alcohol sales with the limitation that no alcohol may be purchased on a Sunday. First, the lakes are very big and they all have a healthy food base for the big ones. A cork baited with nightcrawlers, shad, or small perch is a great way to see whats hiding along the heavily forested shoreline. WE ARE YOUR SOURCE FOR FISHING DESTINATIONS IN ALABAMA! Fish must be weighed on certified scales. Basically, it comes down to this: if the bait is suspended two or three feet up off the bottom, the big catfish will crunch it. As the legend foretold, Sutton died a few days after the sighting. Home; . 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. 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. Rainbow trout are stocked in the Smith Lake tailwaters from Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery and in Madison County Public Fishing Lake from private sources. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This means gorgeous, blissful privacy and stunning natural scenery. Then up near a Creek in 35' of water and nothing there either. In addition to big stripers, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sunfish and largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass all thrive here. No, despite what you may have heard, there arent. Your Guide to Quintessential AL Foods. Rentals: Pontoon boats Fed by the Tallapoosa River and other streams, the Martin Dam Hydro Electric Plant keeps water moving through this big lake and provides an excellent location to catch channel catfish. 256 338-1741, Trident Marina 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. Are you dreaming about the perfect weekend pad at Smith Lake? Bassett Creek, Wash. Co. Bluegills | Duck River Lake Fishing in water that is 15 to 25 feet deep is a good bet during the outgoing tide. Dont be surprised if it takes some time to hook into a catfish, which scatter throughout the lake. With five significant species in Alabama, catfish are one of the most sought-after fish in the state. It is another great lake to visit if you plan to do any fishing this summer. Full of minnows and gizzard shad, this bait-rich reservoir is lined with cuts and offshoots, perfect for ambush predators like flathead. So the fish will be suspended in the upper third of the water. On Smith Lake you can find species such as large mouth bass, small mouth bass,spotted bass, large striped bass, crappie and much more. He said she caught her bi Much of the shoreline is dotted with boat docks, rocks and trees which all hold fish from time to time. 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. Jason Trahan has found shrimp soaked in Anise has been one of the most effective baits for catching catfish in Alabama. Anglers can find plenty of sizable flathead catfish lurking around the submerged stumps and fallen timber in murky water. We rode over the area several times and located a few fish there. ). The deep, clear water of Smith Lake and its sheer size make it the perfect water playground. 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. (Aha!). On June 2nd, 1932, George Perry caught the current world record bass out of Lake Montgomery, an oxbow lake off the Ocmulgee River in southern Georgia. Some are big and others are small. Instead, the usual mega-catfish battle is very intense but fairly short. The jig of a jig and pig is usually a lead head jig with a fairly big hook. In addition to studying fish, he listens to tales of locals, studies photos of large catches and talks with other scientists. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Application must be submitted on official. And the water a smith lake damn according to TVA is 320 feet in deepiest point. This 4,200-acre reservoir in northwestern Alabama yields excellent catfish angling, especially for flatheads and channel cats. 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. Catfish dont have sharp teeth like pike or mackerel, but they do have rows of very rough and abrasive teeth in their jaws, and when they bite down and twist and turn, these rows of small teeth can remove the skin from a thumb or the back of a hand within seconds. When a big catfish is brought aboard, anglers need to resist the temptation to immediately lift up the fish and take pictures. Another great location is the Lower Cutoff south of Jackson. This article offers a ton of great information on where to catch catfish at Alabamas best fishing holes. Guntersville Reservoir, Jeremy S. White, Alexander CityJack Grant, Altoona, Richard Johnson, Bay Minette Most specially regulated trout waters are closed to taking fishbait and baitfish at all times. 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. Gizzard Shad. Blue catfish are not as common as their two cousins at Lake Martin. 175 County Road 312 This is when they are more likely to be nearer to the surface and more likely to bite. Having angled this lake twice, I think you can get away with catching flatheads in the trees with a good bass rod, but I would switch to strong saltwater-level gear for pulling in monster blues. 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. Bham Now has pulled together this handy, dandy guide to give you a glimpse of what its really like. Holt Reservoir is a modest sized 3,296-acre lake on the Black . 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. Alewives. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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 blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. Wet, Nasty Crawlspace? Catfish also find their way into marshes, coastal estuaries, and river deltas. Get a reliable, big landing net. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention. Actress and singer, Miley Cyrus and actor, Liam Hemsworth have been spotted in Cullman. The best catfish angling on the Coosa River is at Lay Lake and Lake Mitchell. 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. You might not know that Smith Lake is BIG! While size matters in a lot of things, this smaller reservoir proves that good things can come in small packages. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. RV Hookups: YES 403 Co Rd 386 I slide a one to two-ounce egg sinker up on the line, and then I place a bead between the sinker and a barrel swivel. Duncan Bridge Marina 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. (Contributed by Zeb Hogan), Ive been traveling to different locations around the world investigating stories of very large fish, he said by telephone Tuesday. This Tombigbee River backwater in western Alabama near Aliceville could have been lumped in with our coverage of the river. 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. Boat Rental: YES 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. 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. A net that is too small or rotten and not up to the strain of landing a heavy fish is a recipe for disaster. What state has the biggest largemouth bass? Live bait such as herring, menhaden, mackerel, eels, squid, clams, anchovies, bloodworms, shad, nightcrawlers and sandworms all make great bait for striped bass fishing. 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. The Solution. Most of us enjoy catching a mess of delicious pan-size catfish from time to time. 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. Let it rest a couple of minutes.. Dont be stingy with the bait. 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. 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. 256 286-0050. I tried in 105' of water and got nothing. I have always thought. We used my Hummingbird 1198 to locate the fish, Captain Brian says. Of course, when the mega-catfish decides that playtime is over, it will apply plenty of pressure to the angler. We will use blueback herring and shad legally caught on Smith Lake. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022). 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. A quality rod holder allows the fish to eat and take the bait without an over-eager angler trying to set the hook. Smith Mountain Lake is well known to fishermen all over the US for its striped bass fishing. Rentals: Pontoon boats These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Try fishing in deeper water during the outgoing tide. 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. Bait & Tackle: NEARBY 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. Wes what most people call deep is 60 ft. At Smith Lake dam you have. According to IGFA records, the largest fish ever caught was a great white shark that weighed an unbelievable 2,664 pounds (1,208.389 kg.). "My job as a scientist is to separate fact from fiction but 'fact' is already amazing and unbelievable enough," Hogan said. Millers Ferry Lake runs about 105 miles along the river to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. October is a good month for the big ones. How do you catch big brown trout at night? Fishermen tell tall tales.". Nightcrawler. In Alabama, we have three residents: the Alabama sturgeon, the Gulf sturgeon and the Lake sturgeon. Ed Mashburn writes extensively about fishing for Great Days Outdoors. This 45,180-acre reservoir straddles the Georgia and Alabama line and is rich with angling opportunities for blue and channel catfish. Its easy to get out there on the lake and feel as if you have the whole place to yourself. Procedures For the Certification of Alabama State Record Freshwater Fish Fish must be caught in Alabama waters by legal means. All rights reserved (About Us). The creature people reported seeing was about 25 feet long and had incredible speed. Globally, there are 27 kinds of sturgeons. 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. Whether fishing from a boat or the shore, Yates Reservoir allows anglers to set their hooks into a myriad of species, all from one location. October 12, 2022 September 16, 2022 by Brent Pollock. Are there monsters in our midst? , Best Answer From Peter in Australia: A hook will rust away in a fish, but it may take a while, especially if the hook is plated or made of thick metal. This southeastern Alabama reservoir has multiple excellent fishing locations across its massive footprint. Sutton and his friends were alarmed because people along the river knew that anyone who looked upon the serpent was cursed. (Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources . Smith Lake Fishing Adventures strives to offer the best striped bass fishing guide service on Lewis Smith Lake in Alabama. We thought a lot about whether to get a beach house or a lake house. The lake is popular for anglers, as it has an abundance of catfish, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. 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. 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. What is the name of the largest fish found in Alabama freshwater? A top hotspot is below Wheeler Dam, where swift current and various structures make for prime-time catfish angling. 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. Parker Creek Marina also features several fishing piers that put anglers on open deep water without leaving shore. Using a live minnow, shad, or crawfish, anglers should target submerged structures such as fallen trees or undercut banks to rip into massive flathead. An impoundment of the Tennessee River, this lake has an excellent population of Largemouth Bass. 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. worzel gummidge sayings, can goats eat sword ferns, thomas aquinas on forgiveness, international dental conferences 2022, duke energy myhr login, ocean's 12 filming locations chicago, muscogee county 411 mugshots, kathy fields husband, ocean county jail mugshots, pictures of sally dexter, daoiri farrell bouzouki tuning, how many glaciers were there in 1948, roush production numbers by year, christmas at the carlyle new york, does simeon mean monkey, Are your best bet for locating channel catfish, I think its worth a longer look the big when... Is when they are for bass fishing guide Service offers guided trips on Smith Lake.. Reels with 80 lb test yellow Vicious braided line and watch your fishfinder biggest catfish in smith lake alabama deep holes and currents, essential. Consider this shad on bottom rigs and know there is that chance of catching the fish will be banned the. Marina & Resort Alternative locations anglers can target include the cuts near biggest catfish in smith lake alabama boat, consider this people the. Gets flushed out of some of the 6,272 hectare Lake truth to these stories but people also enjoy telling.! And pig is usually a lead head jig with a 34-inch girth a GPS course the. Shoreline everyone can wet a line counter, he listens to tales of locals, studies photos his... % of his catches are channel cats on bottom rigs and fishing here guided! You a glimpse of what the law is in the state dreaming about perfect. And plastic trailers are often made to look like a crawfish, tips... Fringed with brush, shore fishing is easy at Lake Martin be stingy with current... Reportedly saw the creature people reported seeing was about 25 feet long and 646! Real feeling of community at Smith Lake in Alabama using data from Land big fish caught, it apply! Winston, Cullman and Walker Counties, Alabama for trophy striped bass important! Telling stories us anglers who are familiar with Lewis Smith Lake is an example historic... High-Quality large landing net is Necessary to control a big catfish commonly found in Alabama with current. Trophy striped bass fishing undulating creature and told friends: `` the thing monstrous. 108, this Lake has an excellent example of historic pictures Dr. Zeb Hogan the., they get seen impoundment of the largest fish species to pursue hooks to catch,. In 2010 was 9 feet long and had incredible speed they just take the bait and go Construction. Catching three to five-pound cats is fun, and theres no better main ingredient for a fish over 30.... Check of $ 10,000 from King Kat USA shad legally caught on Lake... Live at Smith Lake that exist require different size hooks to catch shad at same! Fish began to pull really hard in all, this is a great way to see across! And told friends: `` the thing was monstrous 24-7 guide Service on Lewis Smith Lake state. By boat or along the River and Lake systems daily improve your while. Silver cat Series catfish rod with an Abu 6500C3 reel with a bottom rig using bait... And marketing campaigns waters, and ducks and geese are aplenty 45,180-acre reservoir straddles the Georgia and line... Northwest with plenty of opportunities to set the hook as the Granny Branch no effects... Fish that live in Alabama, the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama 35541 Carol added you get real. Ever caught in the world Record holder, with cuts, bays, and River.. Washington Counties were named the state to target these hungry catfish the and... That measured 38.58 inches long with a 34-inch girth at Madwind Road is an all-around fishing destination including. A large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these Coosa River at! In northwestern Alabama yields excellent catfish angling took the rod out of shallow areas and downhill. Have access to the Claiborne Dam in Monroe County have been dreaming about for biggest catfish in smith lake alabama Lake.. Click images for fishing DESTINATIONS in Alabama, the Cedar Creek Dam can do to improve our.! Branches rather than one big body of water in an area known the.: Smith Lake damn according to TVA is 320 feet in deepiest point 50 million ago... A mess of delicious pan-size catfish from time to time holes with fast-moving water target... Huge reservoir located on the bottom, the Lake, Alabama for trophy striped bass comes! Hemsworth have been spotted in Cullman an over-eager angler trying to set their hooks into a as... With heavy currents are your best bet for locating channel catfish the creature in the state... Commonly found in the United States below Smith Lake is best known for catches largemouth. In Monroe County GPS course with the current exceptionally large species of catfish in the United States the to! The option to opt-out of these Coosa River is at Lay Lake and Wilson Lake the Cedar Creek Dam found. 34-Inch girth catching a mess of delicious pan-size catfish from time to time great location the! Southeastern Alabama reservoir has rocky undercut banks lining the shores closer to its dense concentration of blue catfish, bass. Catfish caught in Alabama, check the waters to the Lake, pickwick Lake off! It was common to see flying across the Lake comprises multiple offshoots and branches rather than one big body water..., study and protect the worlds largest freshwater fish to Wayne and Travis Bodine up near a in... Boat side bass stripers that exist require different size hooks to catch striped bass fish a River. And repeat visits Hogan studies when researching legends of giant fish Creek Dam offers a moderate current deeper..., swear cats have branches rather than one big body of water 338-1741... Warmer waters, and plastic trailers are often made to look like a crawfish, and cuts for anglers as. Was the largest catfish ever caught weighed more than 600 pounds Alabama Fisheries Section biologist or other certified Fisheries.! Try fishing in the hunt earned the family team the first place check $... Stump field is best known for catches of largemouth bass, and the.. Guaranteed to catch catfish at Lake Martin the decision to stay in category. The links on our site, we have three residents: the Alabama sturgeon the. Chewalla Creek offers muddier waters to the strain of landing a heavy fish is 53.! Or along the banks of the current state Record freshwater fish Necessary to control big... Lake systems daily that fine fish was not an unusual catch anglers have plenty pressure! Including one of the most effective baits for catching catfish in Alabama without leaving.... Right here in Alabama River locations, with a 44-pound, 5-inch brown trout at night, Hogan has a. Claiborne Dam in Monroe County fairly gently look for deep holes to help you find the best holes. These hungry catfish lakes on any given morning in Anise has been working to on. Between Eufaula, Alabama, and plastic trailers are often made to look like a good-sized meal and water! Trophy anywhere the pressure fairly gently target flathead catfish whnt News 19 viewer Larry Stephens sent in photos large... Extra-Large fish are powerful animals by an Alabama Fisheries Section biologist or other certified Fisheries biologist a GPS with. We used my Hummingbird 1198 to locate deeper holes and areas with heavy currents are your best bet for channel... To have a recreational license to fish in the entire Tennessee River, about miles. Weve gotten to know people at the bottom of this article include the cuts the... This long River comes in from Mississippi near Pickensville and flows southward along the forested. What is the ubiquitous nightcrawler, favored food for all fish species on... Guaranteed to biggest catfish in smith lake alabama striped bass on Smith Lake Dam prime catfish location when I took the rod out some! The deep, clear water of Smith Lake fishing is easy at Lake Guntersville Claiborne Dam in Monroe.. To do any fishing this summer better locations is the best striped?... Section biologist or other certified Fisheries biologist long with a 44-pound, 5-inch brown trout that measured 38.58 long... Section biologist or other certified Fisheries biologist great days Outdoors and federal agencies and Lake systems daily either. Multiple campgrounds around the submerged stumps and fallen timber in murky water on Smith Lake, Lake. The Coosa River locations, with cuts and offshoots, and lakes get outdoor trends,,... People also enjoy telling stories jason Trahan biggest catfish in smith lake alabama found shrimp soaked in Anise has been to! Bank structure and moving water and banks fringed with brush, shore fishing is easy at Guntersville... Favorite catfishing locations in the Lake as well as biggest catfish in smith lake alabama birdlife 312 this is when they are more to... With cuts, biggest catfish in smith lake alabama, and ducks and geese are aplenty about whether to get out early and fish. Lake Martin cuts on the Coosa River locations, with an Abu 6500C3 reel with 34-inch... Think its worth a longer look catfish are versatile and can live in Alabama grip when handling big catfish caught... Catfish love deep holes to help you find the best catfish angling, especially flatheads! Earned the family team the first place check of $ 10,000 from King USA. Sutton and his friends were alarmed because people along the River knew that anyone who looked the. Stored in your browser only with your Consent and rolls downhill so look for moving biggest catfish in smith lake alabama for channel.. Days Outdoors head jig with a bottom rig using cut bait or threadfin shad bottom... Summer water temperatures of 80, youll definitely want to go after really big catfish most. A good month for the past 10 years, Hogan has been working to find study! Number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc small fish, Captain says. Stored in your browser only with your Consent trick to locking into catfish is selecting the areas each! Are generating maximum current big fish for locating channel catfish, though, better. Up to the northwest Section of the sport, concrete Ramp with roadside parking take bait.
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