Alabama's Coosa River Lake's
Logan Martin Lake
Impounded 1964
Lake Level: Currently down 4 feet for winter pool
Water Clarity: Clear
Water Temperature: Mid-60's (mid November)
Lay Lake
Impounded 1914
Lake Level: Full pool-year round
Water Clarity: Clear
Water Temperature: Mid-60's (mid November)
Mid-November through the end of December; Prime Time for Big Spotted Bass!
There is a six week period, from now in mid November until the end of the year in late December, that may just be the best time to fool one(or more) of Alabama's true, trophy-sized Coosa River spotted bass.
If you are planning a trip to the Birmingham area (or anywhere in Alabama), you owe it to yourself to make plans to sample the varied waters of either of these lakes. (guide service info below)
Logan Martin Lake or Lay Lake, both of which are only about 30 miles driving distance from Birmingham, Alabama are great lakes loaded with big spotted bass and big largemouth bass.
As owner of Reeds Guide Service, Website: www.fishingalabama.com out of Birmingham, Alabama I have taken clients from all over the globe to these lakes.
Most anglers will agree, these are some very worthy adversaries! Basically all agree...spotted bass are mean!
With water temperatures currently in the mid-60's on both of these 50 mile long lake's there is still a very good (and very aggresive) topwater lure bite to be had. If you can land one of these true tackle-testing bass!
Heavy equipment is suggested. Strong rods, wide spooled reels (that hold a lot of thick diametor line) reels that will hold heavy test line in the 15-20 pound test catagory, are all highly suggested!
On Logan Martin Lake you will be fishing around low water wood and rock cover for these big spotted bass. Stumps, laying trees, piers, block or sea walls, rocky islands and the mouths of creeks. Even main lake flats.
On Lay lake (an aquatic weed-infested lake that stays at full pool year round), the Coosa River spotted bass can be caught while fishing around the dam in the lake's headwaters.
Or Lay lake's stump rows, standing timber, along main lake islands and along rock bluffs on the lake's lower end, are all excellant places for seeking out those big spotted bass!
-- Lures For Big Spotted Bass--
We fish a lot of lures on bottom when cold fronts slow the action. But faster moving lures attract the bigger bass bites at times!
During these early winter warming trends these big spotted bass will nail a well placed topwater lure like a Heddon Zara Spook or a Lucky Craft Sammie walking-type topwater lure.
We normally use 17-20 pound test Trilene Big Game monofilament line on these over sized topwater lures and when using bigger spinnerbaits.
There are other smaller topwaters like pop-r's, or prop-baits like crazy shads (double prop baits) or Heddon's Baby Torpedoe (single, up-front blade prop-bait) or the Excalibur Spittin' Image(no propellers),walking-type topwater lure.
Even buzz baits will fool a big spot into violently attacking your lure. Always use a trailer hook on buzz baits with 17-20 pound test line. Replace original hooks with #4 and #2 size Gamakatsu treble hooks on these lures.
Both suspending hard bodied jerk baits and floating model jerk baits work well too! Fish these minnow-like lures fast and erractic with short pauses of the lure, using 15 pound test line.
Spinnerbaits are excellent lure choices for these big spotted bass. In calm waters with little wind or no evident current and clear water clarity, you may need to down size, using white skirts and small silver blades.
If encountering high winds, strong current and a water clarity with a dirty or stained look to it you may want a bigger, heavier model 1/2 to 3/4 ounce spinnerbait in chartreuce and white.
Use 17-20 pound test line on spinnerbaits. Adding plastic trailers like grubs or twin tails adds an extra enticing movement to your spinnerbait.
Always call(205)663-1504 on Reeds Guide Service...first! Or e-mail me: alabassgyd@aol.com
"Alabama's oldest professional, freshwater guide service for over 40 years."
* NOTE - Discounts are available if you mention Reel Reports! Christmas Gift Certificates (via e-mail), are good for any guided trip throughout all of 2011! Reserve yours today, for those loved ones that love to fish!
Thanks and Good Fishin'
Reed Montgomery / Owner of Reeds Guide Service
Website: www.fishingalabama.com
