Three Fixes For G-Ville's Disappointing Slowdown

Editor's note: This blog installment was penned by Fishhound pro and Lake Guntersville guide Capt. Mike Gerry.

After another year of tough fall fishing, I have to ask: What's going on? The fall bite has slowed so drastically on Lake Guntersville for the second year now that something is certainly happening

After thinking on it, my conclusion comes down to a series of disturbing events – events that make me wonder how we can reverse the change that's caused the slow fishing.

My conclusions all stem from a common problem – the lack of lake of reservoir-fishing management at Lake Guntersville. Here's what I mean.

The first factor I believe to be true is that the bass are deep into the thickest grass. But if the lake was being managed for the grass that wasn't destroyed, the lake would be more productive during these hot fall days. I think the grass needs to be cut up into shorter mats or small sections to allow for access through the grass mats. This would drive the bass out of the grass and we'd see more movement.

Second, Lake Guntersville needs a restocking program. I've said this for years and I still believe it's necessary – not because there are fewer fish, but rather to boost the numbers of small bass. Small fish are just easier to catch and the average fisherman can have more fun. This would improve the fishing tremendously because the small bass school more when their numbers are high, and as a result become more aggressive.

Third, the state in recent years hasn't regulated the size of the bass in respect to keeping fish to eat. I believe the regulation that allows meat-eaters to keep 10 fish per day per person needs to be adjusted. The state just amended limits on many lakes throughout the state, but left Guntersville alone. This is a mistake. I believe the size and numbers both need to be adjusted to compensate for the big increase in angler traffic.

Third, I don't know if many of you have noticed, but Guntersville has become a safe haven for pelicans, in addition to the endless number of cormorants already here. These birds are collectively eating 100,000 pounds of fish a month and they need to be managed. They're destroying the numbers of small fish and this predation problem needs attention.

Capt. Mike Gerry has lived in north Alabama since the 1970s and has been fishing Lake Guntersville for over 35 years. He owns and operates Fish Lake Guntersville Guide Service and books individual, group and corporate trips. He also offers pre-tournament trips for competitive anglers. Visit FishLakeGuntersvilleGuideService.com, send him an email at bassguide@comcast.net or call (256) 759-2270. He'd love to hear from you!

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