Alabama has a rich fishing tradition. For some, it’s a favorite pastime among friends or a bonding time for families, for others it’s a chance to land the biggest for bragging rights. No matter how you like to fish or with whom, you’ll find the tradition is alive and well today. From north to south and east to west, the lakes, rivers and streams of this diverse state have been the stage for countless fishing tales, one-of-a-kind experiences and long-lasting memories. And they still are.

You don’t have to be a tournament angler to enjoy the Alabama Bass Trail, but if you’re serious about fishing, this is the place for you. Landing a record catch is a feat you’ll always remember and Alabama is known for them. Crappie fishing on Weiss Lake, bass fishing on Lake Eufaula have both been known to yield a record catch. Bring that big boy in, snap souvenir photos and you’ll have a story to tell for life. It seems every angler has a favorite story. There are countless hot spots throughout all the 13 lakes of the trail.

Most often, the favorite stories we hear recount memories of those early trips that instilled a love of fishing. Sometimes they entail sitting on a grassy spot on the bank, watching a bobber intently. At times like these, size didn’t matter. It was all about the quality time and the lessons learned. Our lakes are great places to make memories like those.

While you’re at it, there are plenty ways to spend quality time on dry land here, too. There are lots of places for good food and good fun in our lake communities and throughout the state. Whether you choose one or our suggested itineraries or on a trek all your own, you’ll find Alabama has as much variety on land as we do on the water.

Those great memories have a powerful way of keeping folks together in spirit, of bringing us back to an earlier time and place. Those are the times we cherish. Today could be the day you make new memories to look back on tomorrow. The Alabama Bass Trail is a great place to do it.