By Jason Duran
As the Alabama Bass Trail’s South Division gears up for its upcoming tournament at Logan Martin Lake, all eyes are on the formidable duo of Josh Chapple and Paul Davis from Pell City. Their consistent performances have solidified their reputation as one of the top teams on the ABT. Chapple and Davis clinched the victory at the Logan Martin Lake event on April 15, 2024, outpacing 225 teams to secure the $15,000 top prize.
Logan Martin Lake, a reservoir on the Coosa River, was created in 1964 by Alabama Power’s construction of the Logan Martin Dam. Spanning over 15,000 acres with 275 miles of shoreline, the lake has become a premier destination for anglers and boating enthusiasts alike.
Chapple and Davis shared, “Logan Martin Lake presents anglers with both pre-spawn and early spawn patterns.” Historically, during this period, key creeks such as Choccolocco, Clear, and Blue Eye become particularly productive. These areas offer warmer waters and abundant cover, attracting bass seeking optimal spawning areas.
Fishing Logan Martin Lake in March requires an understanding of both its structure and seasonal bass movements. “With water temperatures in the high-50s and low 60s, bass are actively transitioning from deeper wintering holes to shallow spawning areas.” This makes targeting both pre-spawn staging zones and early spawning flats essential for success. “The majority of the field will be fishing shallow. There will be a good many teams that go down river, but in reality, it could be won from dam to dam on this lake. The bigger creeks will have the majority of teams focusing on spawning shallow water areas.”
One of the most effective ways to locate fish is by focusing on points and creek channel swings near spawning pockets. These areas serve as natural highways for bass moving from deeper water to the shallows. Hard-bottom areas with scattered rock or shell beds are prime locations, as bass will often stop here before fully committing to their beds.
The team shared a few key baits and patterns to consider:
“The key to success will be catching fish weighing over three pounds, which can be challenging. There will be many limits caught. The male buck bass is easy to catch, and the winning weight is expected to be around 19-20 pounds. The wild card factor will be how well teams can locate fish on the bed. If it rains, finding those fish on the bed will become more difficult.”
A significant enhancement to the lake’s fishing infrastructure is Lincoln’s Landing in Lincoln, Alabama. This expansive 38-acre facility was meticulously designed to host fishing tournaments and recreational activities. It boasts a parking area accommodating over 350 trucks with trailers, a massive boat ramp capable of launching up to 10 boats simultaneously, and a 1,400-foot boardwalk ideal for fishing or leisurely strolls along the water. These state-of-the-art amenities have positioned Lincoln’s Landing as a premier tournament destination, enhancing the overall experience for anglers and spectators.
As the tournament approaches, anticipation builds to see which team will hold the trophy high at the conclusion of the weigh-in. Will there be a new champion crowned? Could Chapple and Davis leverage their local expertise and past successes to secure a repeat victory at Logan Martin Lake? Their performance will undoubtedly be a highlight of this event.
Launch & Weigh-In is March 29, 2025, at Lincoln Landing, 740 Travis Drive, Lincoln, AL 35096. All friends and family are welcome to attend this event. Bring lawn chairs and see some of the best bass teams in the country cross the stage. Everyone can watch the live weigh-in and over 4 hours of on-the-water live coverage on the ABT Facebook page, YouTube, and the ABT website.
The 2025 Alabama Bass Trail Sponsors Include: Phoenix Boats, AMFirst, Landers – McLarty Chevrolet, McGraw – Webb Chevrolet, Rapala, VMC, Crush City, Buffalo Rock, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Jack’s, Garmin, Lew’s, Strike King,Southern Protection Agency, Alabama State Parks, Halo Fishing, Snag proof, NetBait, Bait Fuel, TH Marine Supplies, Power-Pole, Pro Guide Batteries, American Trailer Rental, Yamaha, Anheuser-Busch, American Baitworks, E3 Sports Apparel, FishAlabama.org, Sweet Home Alabama, and Alabama Mountain Lakes.
The Alabama Bass Trail is a program of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association.
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