Get ready for a full day of rod-bending action on Lake Martin! This 8-hour fishing charter is your ticket to some of the best angling Alabama has to offer. We'll spend a solid day on the water, targeting everything from hard-fighting spotted bass to hefty stripers. Jimmy Chad Miller knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's all about putting clients on fish. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone. We'll provide the snacks and drinks, so all you need to focus on is reeling in the big ones. It's a laid-back day with serious fishing potential – the kind of trip that'll have you sharing stories for years to come.
When you step aboard Jimmy's boat, you're in for a treat. We'll start the day by going over the game plan – what species are biting, where they're hanging out, and how we're going to catch 'em. Jimmy's got all the top-notch gear you'll need, from rods and reels to the latest in fish-finding technology. We'll use a mix of techniques depending on what's working best that day. Could be casting crankbaits along rocky points for spotted bass, or maybe we'll be dropping live bait for those big stripers. One thing's for sure – Jimmy's always got a trick up his sleeve to get the fish fired up. And don't worry if you're new to this; he's patient and loves showing folks the ropes. By the end of the day, you'll be handling that rod like a pro.
"I highly recommend this Fishing Trip especially in the winter" - Peter
"Before you rent a boat on your own, charter 1 day with Mr. Miller...all you have to do is tell Mr. Miller what kind of fish you want to catch, and he knows where to take you. Mr. Miller and my husband even played this little game with the fish finder...it's where you watch your bait go in the middle of a ton of fish, and watch the fish take your bait on fish finder...you see the catch even before you feel it. It's like a little video game. Anyway, we caught about 40 fish! Mr. Miller is a southern gentleman...I never had to bait my own hook" - John
Spotted Bass: These feisty fighters are a Lake Martin staple. They might not grow as big as their largemouth cousins, but what they lack in size, they make up for in attitude. Spots love to hang around rocky points and underwater structure. When you hook into one, be ready for a battle – they're known for their acrobatic jumps and hard runs. The cool thing about spots is they're active year-round, so there's always a chance to catch 'em.
Crappie: If you're after a mess of tasty fish for the fryer, crappie are your target. These silvery pan-fish travel in schools, so when you find 'em, it's often non-stop action. Spring is prime time when they move into shallow water to spawn, but savvy anglers can find them year-round. Jimmy's got the inside scoop on where they're stacked up. Light tackle and a gentle touch are key – feeling that subtle 'thump' when a crappie takes your jig is one of fishing's simple pleasures.
Striped Bass: Now we're talking about some real bruisers. Lake Martin's stripers can grow to impressive sizes, and when you hook a big one, you'd better hold on tight. These fish are famous for their powerful runs and stamina. Stripers are pelagic, meaning they roam the open water chasing bait fish. Jimmy uses his electronics to locate schools of stripers, then it's game on. Whether we're trolling, casting, or live-bait fishing, hooking into a Lake Martin striper is an experience you won't forget.
Blue Catfish: For those who like their fish super-sized, blue cats are the way to go. These whiskered giants can reach weights that'll make your arms sore just thinking about it. Blues tend to hang out in deeper water, especially during the day. We might use cut bait or live bait to tempt these bottom-dwellers. The fight can be a bit different from other species – less acrobatic, but man, when a big blue decides to dig in, it's like trying to lift a refrigerator off the bottom. Night fishing for blues can be especially productive, and there's something magical about being on the lake after dark.
Lake Martin's been on fire lately. We've been seeing some trophy-sized spotted bass coming in, with several over 5 pounds hitting the boat. The striped bass action has been red-hot too, with some real monsters in the 20-30 pound range being caught. Crappie fishing has been steady, with limits of slab-sized fish not uncommon. And for the catfish enthusiasts, we've had some epic nights battling blue cats pushing 40 pounds. Of course, fishing's fishing – no guarantees – but the potential for a personal best is always there on Lake Martin.
Listen, if you're thinking about a day on Lake Martin, you can't go wrong with Jimmy Chad Miller's Guide Service. This 8-hour trip is the real deal – plenty of time to explore different spots and techniques, and really get a feel for what Lake Martin has to offer. Jimmy's not just about putting you on fish (though he's darn good at that); he's about making sure you have a great day on the water. Whether you're looking to learn some new tricks, fill the cooler with tasty fillets, or just enjoy a relaxing day with friends or family, this trip's got you covered. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait too long to lock in your date. Give Jimmy a call, and get ready for a day of fishing you'll be bragging about for years to come. Trust me, once you fish with Jimmy, you'll be planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
November 24, 2023
Before you rent a boat on your own, charter 1 day with Mr. Miller...all you have to do is tell Mr. Miller what kind of fish you want to catch, and he knows where to take you. Mr. Miller and my husband even played this little game with the fish finder...it’s where you watch your bait go in the middle of a ton of fish, and watch the fish take your bait on fish finder...you see the catch even before you feel it. It’s like a little video game. Anyway, we caught about 40 fish! Mr. Miller is a southern gentleman...I never had to bait my own hook
May 5, 2023
Blue Catfish are the heavyweights of Lake Martin, with some topping 50 pounds. These whiskered giants prowl the depths, especially in channels and around underwater humps. They're most active at night and in cooler months. Blues will eat almost anything, but fresh cut bait like shad or skipjack works best. Anchor up, put out several rods with bait on the bottom, and wait for that rod to double over. The fight is more about pure strength than acrobatics. Catfishing's a great social activity - set up camp on a calm night and see what swims by. Local trick: Use stink bait to draw them in, then offer a big chunk of cut bait for the strike.
Crappie fishing is a blast on Lake Martin, especially in spring. These tasty panfish average 10-14 inches and hang out near brush piles, docks, and fallen trees in 5-15 feet of water. They're not huge fighters, but they're fun on light tackle and can really fill a cooler when you find a school. Early mornings and evenings are prime time. Crappie move shallow to spawn when the water hits about 60 degrees, usually in April. Live minnows under a bobber are deadly, but small jigs work great too. A local trick is to use spider rigging - multiple rods with jigs at different depths to zero in on the right zone. Once you find the right depth, you can catch them all day long.
Spotted Bass are a popular target on Lake Martin, averaging 2-4 pounds but some topping 5-6 pounds. Look for them around rocky points, submerged timber, and drop-offs in 10-30 feet of water. They're aggressive fighters that hit hard and put up an exciting battle. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they move shallow to feed. Spotted Bass are great eating too, with firm white meat. To entice a bite, try working a jig or soft plastic slowly along the bottom near structure. These fish often school up, so if you catch one, there's a good chance more are nearby. Keep an eye on your electronics to locate suspended fish over deeper water as well.
Striped Bass are the big boys of Lake Martin, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon. These hard-fighting monsters cruise open water chasing schools of shad. Look for them near the dam, main lake points, and creek mouths. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they feed aggressively in shallower water. Trolling with planer boards or live bait fishing are go-to techniques. Nothing beats the thrill of a big striper smashing a topwater lure at dawn. They're not the best eating, but the sheer power and size make them a favorite target. Pro tip: Watch for diving birds to locate feeding stripers, then get your bait in front of the school fast.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
I highly recommend this Fishing Trip especially in the winter