News Stories & Fishing Articles

Alabama State Public Fishing Lakes Update for 2025

Most lakes return to regular hours on February 1

Most of Alabama’s 23 State-owned Public Fishing Lakes return to regular operational hours on Saturday, February 1, 2025. Located throughout the state, these lakes are noted for their quality fishing for bream, largemouth bass, channel catfish and crappie (in most lakes).

Vantage Tackle Named Newest Sponsor of Southern Fishing News

Southern Fishing News is proud to announce Vantage Tackle as its newest sponsor, bringing a fresh wave of innovation, craftsmanship, and passion to our community of anglers.

Structural damage found in Wilson Lock main chamber

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District and the Tennessee Valley Authority have decided, following a joint risk assessment of the main chamber of Wilson Lock on the Tennessee River near Florence, Alabama, not to reopen the chamber until the phase 2 dewatering is completed.

USACE photo of Wilson Lock. (USACE Nashville District Public Affairs Office)

Brown’s Creek Public Boat Ramp in Guntersville Reopens After Facility Upgrades

The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) has reopened the Brown’s Creek Public Boat Ramp in Guntersville, Alabama, after completing facility upgrades.

What To Know About Boating Safety Weather Forecasts

By Ken Schultz
takemefishing.org

Just about everyone has an interest in the weather. As a frequent boat angler, I’m constantly checking for current and forthcoming wind and wave conditions and directions, as well as forecasts of upcoming events that may impact on-the-water activities, including where, and sometimes how, I fish.

 

SFN Featured Sponsor – Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation

Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation club members can earn a place in the National Team Championship, Individual National B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, and the BASSMASTER Classic! Find an Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation-affiliated club in your city and join for these Alabama opportunities.

https://www.albassnation.org

JACOB WHEELER: New strategy for a new-look Bass Pro Tour

Mercury pro is embracing the challenge posed by BPT’s forward-facing sonar restrictions in 2025

Jacob Wheeler • Angler Columns

Mercury pro-Jacob Wheeler has already been strategizing the best way to handle the Bass Pro Tour’s new forward-facing sonar rules. Photo by Garrick Dixon

35 Water Safety, Fishing, and Boating Tips for January

By Ken Schultz
https://www.takemefishing.org/

These many water safety, fishing, and boating tips for January focus on clothes, rods, gear, boats, and assorted practicalities.

SFN Print From 1999

Return to July 1999 for some memories of bass fishing in North Alabama.

Glide Baits: It’s All In The Details

By Sean Ostruszka • Major League Lessons
(Editor Note: Story content edited)

So many of these glides are now quality baits, and it’s a matter of finding ones you like for the price you want to pay.

Today’s lure market offers glide bait options for everyone from the budget-conscious beginner to the big-bait fanatic—photo by Brandon Rowan.