5.0(5 Reviews)Lake Martin Fishing Charter with Captain Jimmy
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Top Rated
6hour guided fishing trip targeting catfish, crappie, and bassAll equipment provided plus fish cleaning service includedEarly morning departure with snacks and drinks provided
When you're looking for a top-rated fishing experience in Alabama, Lake Martin delivers some of the best freshwater action you'll find in the Southeast. Captain Jimmy Chad Miller has been guiding anglers on these waters for years, and his 6-hour charter trips are exactly what you need to get into serious fish. Starting at 6:00 a.m., you'll have the best part of the day when the fish are most active and the lake is still quiet. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to work with a guide who knows every cove, structure, and hotspot on Lake Martin like the back of his hand.
Your day starts early for a good reason – that's when the fish bite best. Captain Jimmy meets you at the dock ready to roll with a fully equipped boat that's set up specifically for Lake Martin's diverse fishing opportunities. You'll spend 6 solid hours targeting the lake's best species: catfish, crappie, and spotted bass. The boat holds up to 3 anglers comfortably, so whether you're bringing the family or a couple of fishing buddies, everyone has room to fish without getting tangled up. All your gear is provided, from rods and reels to tackle and bait, plus Captain Jimmy handles the fish cleaning at the end of the day. He keeps snacks and drinks on board to keep you fueled up between bites. The beauty of Lake Martin is its variety – you might start the morning working brush piles for crappie, then move to rocky points for bass, and finish up in deeper water for cats.
Captain Jimmy runs a boat that's rigged for multiple techniques depending on what's biting. For crappie, you'll often be working brush piles and standing timber with jigs and minnows, using light tackle that lets you feel every tap. Bass fishing here means covering structure with everything from topwater plugs in the early morning to plastic worms and crankbaits as the day progresses. The catfish bite usually picks up using cut bait or live bait near deeper channels and creek bends. Lake Martin's clear water and abundant structure mean you need to match your approach to the conditions, and that's where Captain Jimmy's local knowledge really pays off. He positions the boat precisely and adjusts techniques based on weather, water temperature, and seasonal patterns. The electronics on board help locate fish-holding structure, but it's the years of experience that put you on the productive water consistently.
"I highly recommend this fishing trip and will definitely look forward to another charter. Thanks, Capt. Jimmy" - Jane. "What a fantastic day with Gulf Shores Fishing Charters! The 8-hour full-day trip was packed with excitement, and we couldn't have asked for a better experience. Captain Jimmy knows the waters like the back of his hand, and the snacks kept us energized. Highly recommend this charter for a memorable fishing adventure!" - Anne. "Captain Miller kept us on the fish all day. His boat was well equipped and extremely fishable. I would recommend him to all my friends and family. My sons had a blast. they went from never having seen a crappie to catching 50 on a morning trip. Can't wait to use him again. Will Sawyer Colorado" - William.
Hardhead Sea Catfish in Lake Martin might surprise you with their fight and size. These fish move into the lake system from connected waters and can reach impressive weights, especially during spring and early summer when they're actively feeding. They're bottom feeders that respond well to cut bait and live offerings, and they'll give you a solid battle on medium tackle. What makes them exciting is their unpredictability – you might hook into a small one or suddenly find yourself fighting a fish that's going to feed the whole family. They're most active in deeper water during the day and move shallow to feed in low light conditions.
Spotted bass are Lake Martin's signature gamefish and the reason many anglers keep coming back. These fish are aggressive, smart, and absolutely beautiful with their distinctive spotted pattern along the flanks. Spring through fall offers the best action, with early morning and late evening producing the most explosive strikes. Spotted bass here average 2-4 pounds but Lake Martin regularly produces fish over 5 pounds for anglers who know how to work the rocky points and submerged structure. They're ambush predators that love crawfish, shad, and anything that looks like an easy meal. The fight is what hooks most anglers – they jump, run, and use every bit of available cover to try to break free.
Crappie fishing on Lake Martin is world-class, especially during the spring spawn when these fish stack up in predictable locations. The lake's abundant standing timber and brush provide perfect habitat for crappie populations to thrive. These fish typically run 10-14 inches with plenty of keeper-sized slabs that make excellent table fare. Peak season runs from March through May, but Captain Jimmy finds them year-round by adjusting depth and location. What makes crappie fishing so addictive is the potential for numbers – once you locate a school, you can catch fish consistently until they move or stop biting. They're also perfect for introducing kids to fishing since they bite readily and don't require heavy tackle to land.
Lake Martin fishing with Captain Jimmy delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – productive fishing, professional guidance, and a genuine good time on the water. His customer favorite 6-hour trips give you enough time to target multiple species and really get into the rhythm of the lake without feeling rushed. The early start time puts you in prime fishing hours, and his local expertise means you're fishing the most productive water instead of just hoping to get lucky. With all equipment provided and fish cleaning included, you can focus entirely on fishing and enjoying the day. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to learn new water or a family wanting to create lasting memories, this charter service
Captain Jimmy's 22' Aqua Patio pontoon is your floating fishing headquarters on Lake Martin's productive waters. This spacious pontoon boat comfortably handles up to 3 anglers while you target bass, crappie, and catfish during your 4-hour morning charter starting at 6 a.m. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure, while the fish finder helps locate schools and cover. GPS navigation and radar ensure safe travel across the lake, even when morning fog rolls in. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and provides space for your catch. Captain Jimmy supplies all tackle and gear, plus he'll clean your fish so you can focus on fishing. Snacks and drinks are included to keep you fueled throughout the trip. The stable pontoon platform gives everyone room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are hands down the best eating fish in Lake Martin. Both black and white crappie swim here, typically 10-14 inches and weighing 1-2 pounds. They school up around submerged timber, brush piles, and creek channels, usually in 8-20 feet of water. Spring spawning season is prime time when they move shallow, but we catch them year-round by adjusting depth. They're not the strongest fighters, but what they lack in fight they make up for in numbers and taste. Their sweet, flaky white meat is perfect fried or grilled. My secret is using small jigs tipped with minnows around standing timber. Fish slow and patient - crappie have paper-thin mouths.
Ariopsis FelisNow, I need to clarify something about hardhead sea catfish - they're actually saltwater species that don't live in Lake Martin's freshwater. You might be thinking of channel catfish or blue catfish, which are our main catfish here on the lake. These freshwater cats typically run 2-8 pounds and love structure like fallen timber and creek channels. Spring through fall are prime times, especially around dawn and dusk. They put up a solid fight and make great eating when cleaned properly. My go-to trick is using fresh cut shad on the bottom near deeper creek bends - that's where the bigger ones like to hang out. The smell draws them in from quite a distance.
Micropterus PunctulatusSpotted bass are some of our most aggressive fighters here on Lake Martin. These scrappy fish typically run 12-16 inches and 1-3 pounds, though we catch some pushing 5 pounds. They love rocky points, creek channels, and timber structure in 10-25 feet of water. Unlike largemouth that jump, spots dive deep and fight like bulldogs. Spring and fall are peak times, but they bite year-round. What makes them special is their schooling behavior - find one and you'll usually find several. They're excellent eating too, with firm white meat. My local tip: work small crankbaits or jigs around the rocky humps near creek mouths. When you feel that first thump, keep fishing the same spot.
5.0 out of 5.0I highly recommend this fishing trip and will definitely look forward to another charter. Thanks, Capt. Jimmy
What a fantastic day with Gulf Shores Fishing Charters! The 8-hour full-day trip was packed with excitement, and we couldn't have ...
Our 8-hour full-day trip with Gulf Shores Fishing Charters was absolutely unforgettable. Captain Jimmy guided us expertly, making ...
Captain Miller kept us on the fish all day. His boat was well equipped and extremely fishable. I would recommend him to all my fri...
We had a great time. Captain Jimmy is an expert fisherman and made sure we caught plenty of fish. We will definitely be using him ...
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