They are easily identified by their six to nine black vertical saddles across the back, which extend to the white stomach region. Unlike striped bass, other game fish species such as largemouth bass, Alabama bass, black crappie, etc., are able to reproduce naturally in reservoirs; therefore, annual stockings are typically not necessary. Lake Martin – It is illegal to possess more than two saltwater striped bass that exceed 22 inches in total length in the daily creel limit. Parramore cut his teeth guiding part-time for 10 years at northwest Alabama's Smith Lake. Special striped bass regulations apply at Lake Martin. Only one of the five can be over 22 inches in total length. The best crappie fishing is in the upstream areas of the lake, particularly around Wind Creek State Park and in Elkahatchee Creek. Largemouth bass and spotted bass are the main draw for anglers. They won their first tournament together when Jeremy was 8 years old. We could have caught more, but I ran out of bait. Culling is defined as removing and releasing a saltwater striped bass from the creel (live well, stringer, basket, bucket, cooler or other container) whether or not it is replaced with another striped bass. Culling is defined as removing and releasing a trout from the creel (live well, stringer, basket, bucket, cooler or other container) whether or not it is replaced with another trout. Lake Martin is an infertile, clear water reservoir with a limited abundance of sportfish and baitfish, when compared to more fertile impoundments like those on the Coosa River. Wind Creek State Park has a tournament weigh-in station on site. It shall also be illegal to take or attempt to take walleye by any method from Lake Mitchell on the Coosa River between Mitchell Dam and Lay Dam or from its tributary streams; Walnut Creek in Chilton County, Hatchet Creek in Coosa and Clay Counties and Weogufka Creeks in Coosa County, Mulberry Fork River or any of its tributary streams in Blount, Cullman, Lawrence, Walker or Winston Counties. Largemouth Bass: 15-inch minimum size limit. Fishing at Logan Martin Lake, Alabama. Wilson Reservoir and its Tributaries of Big Nance and Town Creeks – It is illegal to possess any smallmouth bass less than 15 inches in total length. Home - Striper Fishing Headquarters, Lake Martin's Elite Fishing Guide Service. With better boats, electronincs, tackle, and angler communication on this and other forums, should Crappie Anglers join together, as Bass Anglers have, and try to agree and promote minimum size and creel limits. You can find Sunfish, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Crappie, Striped Bass and Largemouth Bass on these waters. Finding a Lake Martin kicker was Barron Adams, who sacked 17 pounds, 2 ounces to take the lead – thanks in large part to his 8-13 Berkley Big Bass. Being an open water species, the striped bass rarely feeds near the shoreline like other game fish, so anglers must learn to fish offshore in order to be successful. Top Species and Creel Limits for Alabama. MARTIN'S FORK LAKE and all tributaries. The Alabama Bass Trail is 13 premier bass fishing lakes throughout Alabama. The Alabama bass was formerly known as spotted bass in the Mobile drainage. Bluegill can be caught from Lake Martin much easier than in many other reservoirs due to the clear water which makes locating bedding fish much easier; however, care must be taken when approaching these areas so the fish are not spooked off the beds. There are many waterfront neighborhoods and luxury homesover all areas of the lake. The State of Alabama, Department of Conservation, operates facilities at Wind Creek State Park, Smith Landing on Sandy Creek, Madwind Creek, Kowaliga Creek, and Pace’s Point near Camp Alamisco. For a current list of advisories call: (800) 201-8208 or visit www.adph.org. It is illegal to possess more than two White Bass, Yellow Bass, Saltwater Striped Bass and hybrids or combinations that are over 16 inches in total length in the daily creel limit. Thurlow Reservoir – It is illegal to possess more than two saltwater striped bass that exceed 22 inches in total length in the daily creel limit and only one of those may exceed 30 inches in total length. Fish must be identified by Alabama Fisheries Section biologist or other certified fisheries biologist. So, what type of fish are in this lake? Lake Martin is a reservoir, formed by the construction of Martin Dam on the Tallapoosa River.The Martin Dam powerhouse is used to generate hydroelectric power for the Alabama Power Company. Waters exempt from the nine-inch Crappie limit include impoundments less than 500 surface acres, the reciprocal waters of the Chattahoochee River including impoundments less and their tributaries, Bear Creek Reservoir (Big Bear Lake of the B.C.D.A. See exception for Weiss Reservoir. West Point Reservoir and its Tributaries – It is illegal to possess any largemouth bass less than 14 inches in total length. We use information from clubs to help better manage your lakes for fishing. You can find Sunfish, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Crappie, Striped Bass and Largemouth Bass on these waters. Procedures For the Certification of Alabama State Record Freshwater Fish. Spotted bass are also abundant with many spots in the 14-21 inch range, representing some of the best values in the state. Also known by the name Cherokee Bluffs, Lake Martin real estate is considered the second largest market for lake homes and lake lots in Alabama. MARION COUNTY LAKE Possession or use of shad for bait is prohibited. Bass fishing quality at Lake Martin is assessed from bass club tournament results. Photo: Garrick Dixon. At over 41,500 acres, Lake Martin is still one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States. Overall there were 50 bass weighing 107 pounds, 6 ounces caught by pros Saturday. Largemouth bass between 13 and 16 inches must be released). Many tournament anglers find success by catching a quick limit of Alabama bass and then spend the remainder of the tournament attempting to catch bigger largemouth bass. The Alabama Bass Trail is 13 premier bass fishing lakes throughout Alabama. Note: In Alabama, it is illegal to move a bass or other aquatic organism from one public water to another without a permit. Age of Bass - Age and growth of Alabama's largemouth bass and spotted bass. This lake is a very popular tournament lake because most anglers find it relatively easy to catch fish; however, the fish are generally small and winning weights are low compared to other Alabama reservoirs. It shall be unlawful to intentionally cull from the creel any saltwater striped bass from June 15th to October 15th. "I decided to go down there and check it out," Parramore said. These fish relate loosely to structure and feed almost entirely upon shad. Photo: Garrick Dixon. So, what type of fish are in this lake? Although other fish species have been stocked in the past, the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division currently only stocks striped bass into Lake Martin. As for size, last year we caught 145 fish weighing between 25 and 40 pounds." 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