Fishing Alabama

Bringing together more than ten years of hard-earned fishing experience in the Heart of Dixie—from the mountains of the north to the Mobile Delta and the Gulf of Mexico in the south—Fishing Alabama is the essential guide to fishing in this surprisingly diverse southern state. Alabama, which has the second largest inland waterway system of any state, is not only famous for its bass, but also has plenty of shad, walleye, and trout on offer; and it is home to a great variety of saltwater species, from amberjacks and redfish, to groupers and fighting tarpon, the state fish. Ed Mashburn selects the best spots, allowing anglers to use their limited fishing time to their best advantage. And he provides plenty of useful advice, including specific techniques and rigging hints for particular places.

Through many decades, Lake Martin, a symbol of sustenance, has enticed generations of residents, vacationers, and modern retirees to its welcoming shores. This picturesque lake, shaped like a dragon protecting its territory, has witnessed droughts, tornadoes, fishing tournaments, boat races, and even World War II aircraft crashes. Surrounded by its own unique history, Lake Martin also reflects the dynamic personalities of those who sacrificed childhood homes and family land to bring dreams of a prosperous future to fruition. Before the Tallapoosa River was dammed to feed Lake Martin's waters, it was an ideal environment for the Native Americans who resided on land now submerged. The land's history is rife with discord as British soldiers and Georgia Rangers resisted French spies in the early 1700s and migrant settlers defended their homefront during the Civil War. The Martin Dam became a state landmark by 1927, generating hydroelectric power while memorializing the 31-mile-long lake as the world's largest man-made body of water at the time. It was not long before Lake Martin evolved into a community enjoying unparalleled growth as a vacation site and permanent home for Americans who discovered the satisfaction lakeside living could provide. Lake Martin: Alabama's Crown Jewel chronicles the trials and triumphs of the people who created one of today's leading retirement communities through courageous choices and determination. The story is told through compelling narrative and evocative images, many of which have not been widely published.