Best Bass Fishing Spots in the South
For those who love sport fishing, bass fish often make up the best trophy catches (and the biggest paydays to boot). And the American South has some of the best bass fishing spots in the U.S., not to mention warmer weather that makes it easier to fish year-round.
Whether you're a diehard competitor or just fish for fun, here are the best places to catch a bass in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Lake Guntersville in Alabama
Location: Between Bridgeport and Guntersville (in northern Alabama)
Best time for bass fishing: Year-round
Lake Guntersville happens to be Alabama’s largest lake and touts a whopping 950 miles of shoreline. It's often ranked on national lists as one of the best bass lakes throughout the entire U.S. Plus, the biggest bass ever caught here was a 14.5-pound largemouth bass.
St. Johns River in Florida
Location: Outside of Palatka (in northeastern Florida)
Best time for bass fishing: Year-round
St. Johns flows for a whopping 300 miles, so there are several spots in which you could catch bass. While the Upper and Middle Basins tend to be the most productive, you can find largemouth bass throughout the entire river, even in the brackish waters.
Lake Eufaula in Georgia
Location: Eufaula (Alabama), Fort Gaines and Georgetown (Georgia)
Best time for bass fishing: Spring to fall
Sometimes referred to as Walter F. George Lake, this 45,000-acre lake is situated along the Georgia-Alabama border. It's known for having an abundance of boat docks and brush that create perfect hideouts for the fish.
Toledo Bend Reservoir in Louisiana
Location: Sabine and DeSoto parishes (in west-central Louisiana)
Best time for bass fishing: Year-round
Situated along the Texas border, this lake is 65 miles long, and it's particularly popular for bass fishing tournaments. The current record for the largest bass fish caught here is 15.67 pounds.