Lake Martin Half Day Fishing Adventure (PM)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Halfday afternoon bottom fishing on Lake Martin watersExpert captain guides to prime fishing locationsAccommodates up to six guests for group adventures
Looking for a solid afternoon of fishing without the full-day commitment? This half-day trip on Lake Martin hits the sweet spot. You'll spend a few quality hours bottom fishing with your crew while our captain puts you on the fish. With room for up to six anglers, it's perfect for families wanting to get the kids on some action or friends looking to unwind after work. The afternoon bite can be hot on Lake Martin, especially when you know where to drop your lines.
We launch in the afternoon when the sun starts working in our favor and the fish begin their evening feeding patterns. Our captain knows Lake Martin like the back of his hand - every creek mouth, drop-off, and structure that holds fish. You'll be bottom fishing, which means we're targeting those deeper spots where the big ones like to hang out during the day. The boat's equipped with everything you need tackle-wise, but don't forget your hat, sunglasses, and some snacks and drinks to keep everyone comfortable. Lake Martin can get bright out there, and staying hydrated makes all the difference when you're focused on keeping your line tight. The afternoon sessions often produce some of the best action since fish start moving up to feed as the day cools down.
Bottom fishing on Lake Martin means we're working the deeper structure where fish congregate during daylight hours. We'll set up over creek channels, submerged roadbeds, and rocky points using weighted rigs that get your bait down where it needs to be. The captain will have you rigged with everything from Carolina rigs for bass to simple drop-shot setups for crappie, depending on what's biting. Lake Martin's got plenty of structure thanks to all the timber and creek channels that were flooded when they built the dam. These spots hold baitfish, which means predators aren't far behind. You'll learn to feel the difference between a bite and just dragging bottom - that subtle thump that means it's time to set the hook. The key is staying patient and letting the fish tell you what they want. Some days they want it slow and subtle, other days they'll slam anything that moves.
Spotted bass are the bread and butter of Lake Martin fishing. These scrappy fighters love the rocky points and creek channels we'll be working. Spots typically run 12-16 inches here, with plenty of 2-3 pounders mixed in to keep things interesting. They're most active in the late afternoon and evening, making them perfect for this trip timing. What makes spots so fun is their attitude - they fight harder than their size suggests and aren't shy about hitting baits. Spring through fall offers the best action, but even winter afternoons can produce when you find them schooled up in deeper water.
Crappie fishing on Lake Martin can be absolutely lights-out, especially around the countless brush piles and creek channels. These slab-sided panfish average 10-12 inches, with plenty of 14-inch fish that'll make you grin. Crappie school up tight, so when you find one, there are usually more below. They're suckers for small jigs and minnows worked slowly along structure. Spring spawning season brings them shallow, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. Kids especially love crappie fishing because they bite consistently and aren't too hard to reel in.
Striped bass are the heavy hitters that'll test your drag system. Lake Martin's stripers can push 15-20 pounds, though most you'll tangle with run 3-8 pounds - still plenty to get your heart pumping. These fish roam the deeper parts of the lake following schools of shad. When stripers move up to feed, usually in the evenings, they can turn a quiet afternoon into chaos in a hurry. They hit hard and make long runs, giving everyone in the boat something to watch. The bigger fish tend to bite better in cooler months, but there's always a chance at hooking into a real brute any time of year.
This half-day adventure gives you everything you love about Lake Martin fishing without eating up your whole day. Whether you're introducing someone new to the sport or just want to squeeze in some fishing time, the afternoon bite can be every bit as good as longer trips. Our captain's track record speaks for itself - he knows how to put you on fish and make sure everyone has a good time doing it. Lake Martin's one of Alabama's top-rated fishing destinations, and this trip lets you experience why without the full-day commitment. Grab your crew, pack some drinks and snacks, and get ready for some real fishing. The fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is just a booking away.
Your Lake Martin fishing adventure starts aboard a well-equipped motorboat designed for serious angling. This spacious vessel comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to cast and reel without getting tangled up. The wireless trolling motor lets your captain position you quietly over the best fishing spots without spooking the fish below. When it's time to hunt down those productive honey holes, the onboard GPS navigation system guides you straight to the captain's secret spots around the lake. The real game-changer is the fish finder – this sonar unit reveals exactly what's swimming beneath your lines, showing you the underwater structure and schools of fish that make Lake Martin such a productive fishery. Whether you're targeting bass, crappie, or whatever's biting that afternoon, this boat gives you all the tools needed for a successful fishing trip on Alabama's premier lake.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusBoth black and white crappie call Lake Martin home, and they're some of the tastiest fish you'll put in the cooler. These panfish usually run 8-12 inches and travel in schools around submerged brush, fallen trees, and dock pilings. Spring is when they really shine - they move shallow to spawn when water hits 60-65 degrees. What guests love most is the steady action once you locate a school, plus the sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for a fish fry. Crappie are less active during bright afternoon sun, so they'll often suspend in deeper water near cover. Pro tip: use a small jig or live minnow and fish it slow around structure. When you catch one, mark that spot and work it thoroughly - where there's one crappie, there's usually a whole mess of them waiting.
Micropterus PunctulatusThese scrappy fighters are often mistaken for largemouth bass, but you can tell them apart by their connected dorsal fin and rows of dark spots along their sides. Spotted bass typically run 12-16 inches and love hanging around rocky structure and drop-offs in 15-25 feet of water. They school up more than other bass, which means when you find one, there's usually more nearby. Spring through early summer is prime time when water temps hit the 60s-70s. What makes them special is their fight - they'll dive deep and pull hard like a smallmouth rather than jump. The meat's excellent eating too. Here's a local tip: when you're fishing structure in the afternoon, work your bait slow along the bottom near rocky points. They tend to hold tighter to cover than largemouth bass.
Morone SaxatilisLake Martin's landlocked stripers are pure power, averaging 15-25 pounds with some pushing 30-plus. These silver bullets with distinctive black stripes love open water and will chase bait schools around main lake points and channel drops. Summer months are prime when they move to deeper water during the day, then come up to feed at dawn and dusk. What gets anglers hooked is their raw strength - they'll make screaming runs and fight to the boat. Plus, the meat is top-notch eating. You'll find them near structure like humps, points, and creek channels in 20-40 feet of water. Local secret: focus on areas where the creek channel swings close to a main lake point. Use live bait or big swimbaits and be ready for a battle when one hits.
Dadeville, AL