Logan Martin Neely Henry Lakelife 24/7 Magazine September and October 2023

LakeLife 24/7

More than a tournament

God is Bigger fishing returns to Logan Martin

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LakeLife 24/7 LOGAN MARTIN & NEELY HENRY

September & October 2023

Tournament with a message

God is Bigger returns to Logan Martin

NOCCALULA HIKING

About the cover

Page 12

God is Bigger tournament readies for launch in 2022 on Logan Martin. Photo courtesy of God is Bigger Movement.

INSIDE THIS EDITION

Take to the Skies

St. Clair hosts Career Aviation Day

Boo Bash

‘Dock or Treaters’ get ready

In the Kitchen

Page 20

Page 26

The perfect place for the perfect wedding Page 32

Wedding family recipes

The Tackle BOX

Page 40

Store in Oxford has big impact on fishing

Page 44

Moveable Feast

Food events abound in September

Kids Casting

Cooperation key to fishing lessons

Young Anglers

Page 52

Page 56

Pell City students in national competition

Take 5

Catchin’ the Coosa

Fishing with Zeke Gossett

Page 56

Page 72

Page 80

New path improves Gorge Loop Access

Page 8

TOWN & COUNTRY

TEXACO

Food, fun and friends make for special Saturdays Page

LakeLife Creators

Carol Pappas

Carol Pappas is editor and publisher of Discover St. Clair Magazine. A retired newspaper executive, she served as editor and publisher of several newspapers and magazines during her career. She won dozens of writing awards and was named Distinguished Alabama Community Journalist at Auburn University. She serves as president/CEO of Partners by Design, which publishes Discover and LakeLife 24/7 Magazine®.

Toni Franklin

Toni Franklin is graphic arts director for Partners by Design, Discover St. Clair Magazine and LakeLife 24/7 Magazine. She has 30 years in the printing industry as print production artist, manager and art director. She is a graduate of The Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale and studied at Penn State and University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Graham Hadley

Graham Hadley is the managing editor and designer for Discover The Essence of St. Clair Magazine and also manages the magazine website. Along with Carol Pappas, he left The Daily Home as managing editor to become chief operating officer and vice president of the Creative Division of Partners by Design multimedia company.

Elaine Hobson Miller

Elaine Hobson Miller is a freelance writer with a B.A. in journalism from Samford University. She was the first female to cover Birmingham City Hall for the Birmingham Post-Herald, where she worked as reporter, food editor and features writer. She is a former editor of Birmingham Home & Garden magazine and staff writer for Birmingham magazine.

Paul South

David Smith aka BamaDave, is originally from Birmingham. He and his wife Renee made Logan Martin Lake their home 19 years ago. He is a freelance photographer, videographer and professional drone pilot. He has worked for ESPN’s College GameDay Show for the last 25 years as a cameraman and for the last 4 years as the drone pilot. He has won 12 Emmys with the show and was ESPN’s first drone pilot. David is also the owner of Spider Be Gone of Alabama.

Richard (RT) Rybka

Richard is a full-time professional photographer based in the Springville area and owner of Natural Light Photography LLC. His 50+ years of experience behind the lens of a camera includes working as a photojournalist for a global technology company. His credentials include many magazine cover shots, standing as a Canon Image Connect Photographer, and member of the Little River Arts Council.

Paul South, a native of Fairfield, is an Auburn graduate with a degree in journalism and a double minor in history. He also has a Juris Doctorate degree from the Birmingham School of Law. Although sports writing was always his first love, he had a versatile career as reporter, columnist and first full-time sports information director at Samford University.

Scottie Vickery

Scottie Vickery is a writer with a degree in journalism from the University of Alabama and was a reporter for The Birmingham News Her first assignment was covering St. Clair and Blount counties. She has more than 30 years of writing and editing experience and her work has appeared in a variety of publications. She also has worked in the nonprofit industry.

Mackenzie Free is an experienced and nationally published photographer with a bachelor of fine arts degree. She is a Birmingham native now cultivating life on a farm in Steele with her husband & 4 daughters.

Mackenzie Free

David Smith

No slowdown around lakes this fall

As summer melts into fall, and the leaves approach their seasonal change in color, you might think things on and around our lakes would slow down a bit. Not so!

The number and the diversity of them all continues to amaze us.

On Logan Martin, check out the God is Bigger fishing tournament Sept. 23, one of the biggest catches in tournaments around. The story behind it is nothing short of inspiring – how three words have impacted the lives of so many all around the world.

Get your disco moves ready Labor Day Weekend when CEPA presents Black Jacket Symphony’s Saturday Night Live. This is one of the most anticipated events of the year each Labor Day, drawing crowds by land and by water to see and hear these musical performances as only Black Jacket can bring them to life.

Lakeside Live Music Festival heads to the shoreline in September, too. It promises to be bigger and better than ever with music, car show, vendors and activities galore for the kids.

Around Neely Henry, you don’t want to miss a trio of events – Art on the Rocks at Noccalula Falls, Alabama Wine Festival at Wills Creek Winery in Duck Springs and Taste of Northeast Alabama, a smorgasbord of tantalizing good eats at the Venue at Coosa Landing.

Aviation Day flies high over Logan Martin in October as St. Clair County Airport presents its annual air show and aviation career fair.

And Logan Martin’s Boo Bash is becoming a spooktacular tradition in October with dock-to-dock trick-or-treating by boat.

These may not be special events, but they are special nonetheless. We’ll visit more than just the kitchen of a family who loves to entertain. They granted the wish of their daughterin-law-to-be, hosting a lakeside wedding worthy of storybook lore.

We’ll visit a bait shop in Oxford that lures anglers and their accompanying fish tales to their popular gathering spot for fun,

fellowship and a tall tale or two.

The same holds true for the local color found beneath the tent in a Logan Martin convenience store parking lot on Saturday mornings as pound after pound of smoked butts, ribs, chicken and wings, cooked to perfection, are delivered to the arms of thankful customers. Oh yeah, there’s hams, too, and not just in the oven. The conversation among those that gather there as a Saturday morning ritual? Let’s just say, it’s colorful, too.

There’s even more to catch in this issue of LakeLife 24/7 Magazine®. Bass pro angler Zeke Gossett tells us where to fish with what and when on both lakes in September and October. We tell the story of two young anglers who just returned from the high school bass national tournament series, and they share their experience of chasing their dreams. And who can’t resist a kids’ event, where youngsters learn the art of casting, a skill that will no doubt set them on a course for a lifetime pursuit of ‘the big one.’

It’s all here in this issue of LakeLife 24/7Magazine®. Turn the page and discover it all with us.

Carol Pappas Editor and Publisher

Easy steps at Noccalula Falls

Story by Elaine Hobson Miller

Photos by Richard Rybka

Project improves hiking access to Gorge Loop

Hikers at Noccalula Falls now have easier access to the Gorge Loop section of the Black Creek Trail system, thanks to a collaboration between the City of Gadsden, Friends of the Falls and the Gadsden Runners Club. A walkway consisting of 104 steps and seven landings has replaced the treacherous access that intrepid hikers endured for years.

“Formerly you would rock-climb your way down from the campground to the trail,” said John Moore, director of Economic Development and Governmental Affairs for the City of Gadsden. “The new steps are on the north side of the Gorge creek, and there are other steps next to the Falls on the south side.”

The Gorge Loop is five miles long and connects to another 11-12 miles of trails in the park. The new access was made possible by a $250,000 Regional Trails Program (RTP) grant from the state through Friends of the Falls. “The new access is the result of a collaboration between Friends of the Falls, Gadsden Runners Club, the City of Gadsden, and Congressional Districts 28, 29, 30, via our state representatives,” Moore said.

Bob Smith Construction built the steps and landings, which opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in early July. “The job was put out for bids, but there were none,” Moore explained. “So we called BSC, which also did the suspension bridge over the Falls and remodeled the covered bridge and boardwalk.”

The campground-to-trail access is part of a larger, $8 million project that includes adding sewer and power to each camp site, although most of the 120 existing camp sites already have power. Eight tiny homes will be added to the campgrounds, too. All sites will be reworked as pull-throughs, which means some will have to be enlarged, reducing the overall number to 100.

“We’ll be re-paving the roads, building a new road to the cabins on the backside of the camp, adding more signage and a rock face at the park entrance,” Moore said. “We’ll shut down the park campground for nine months, beginning in January for the project, but the campground is always closed in January anyway. It’s the mayor’s goal to give the facility more of a city park feel.”

Gadsden Runners Club and Friends of the Falls have donated more than $50,000 to the Black Creek Trails, according to board member Glenn Ingram. “We helped apply for the RTP grant, helped raise matching funds and promoted the project through social media and within our membership,” Ingram said. “Both Friends of the Trails and Gadsden Runners raise money for local projects. We were able to help not only with Gorge Trail steps but with other projects, including trail expansion and a

John Moore says the city is proud of the new trail access

The new stairs give easier access to the park’s natural beauty

Mountain Bike Skills Course. The upcoming renovation is the city’s project, though.”

Several entrances throughout the park enable hikers to reach the trails, including one at the chapel next to the Falls. “There was a treacherous ravine to walk down to enter the Gorge Trail prior to the new campground steps,” Ingram said. “There’s a loop that goes around the creek down in the Gorge, so you can actually go underneath the Falls. That one will also bring you back to the new steps in the campground.”

Ingram said Friends of the Falls and Gadsden Runners highly recommend appropriate footwear for hiking any of the trails at Noccalula Falls. “The Gorge Loop in particular is a very technical trail, which means it has lots of rocks,” Ingram said. “It’s not a Sunday-after-church walk. Hikers need to be prepared with appropriate shoes and maybe a hiking stick. Most of the other trails within Black Creek Trails are not as technical.”

More collaborations may be on the horizon. The Gadsden Runners and Friends of the Falls look forward to partnering with the City of Gadsden on other projects at Noccalula Falls, he said. l

Eric Nordgren is one of the construction workers at the park

The new path is composed of stairs and multiple landings

God is Bigger Tournament

Fishing event marks return to Logan Martin

Story by Carol Pappas

Submitted Photos

Just like the movement it represents, the God is Bigger annual fishing tournament on Logan Martin Lake continues to grow and inspire more and more to get involved.

The tournament returns Sept. 23 at Lakeside Park in Pell City. Ninety-four boats competed in 2022. More than 100 are expected to launch in this year’s tournament.

Guaranteed prize money is $6,000 and will be paid to 16 winning places. In addition, there’s a “No Weigh-In Drawing” for a chance to win $125. Entry fee is $130 per boat, which includes $10 for Big Fish.

Nitro, Triton, Tracker and Ranger Bass Pro Shops Tournament Rewards are for qualifying boats and sponsored through Sylacauga Marine. Bass Cash is available by AmFirst.

Tournament registration Is online at: gibmovement.com.

Pre-register by Sept. 21, and you’re automatically entered for a chance to win a seven-night stay at Seascape Resort in Miramar Beach, Fla. The beach giveaway winner will be drawn the day of the tournament, and presence is not required to win.

All paid anglers will be provided with breakfast, lunch and one free draw prize ticket. All registered boat numbers will be entered for a chance to win one of two $250 Bass Pro gift cards.

The event will center at the pavilion near the beach, Jerry Wood Memorial Pavilion, and while anglers are competing, there will be plenty of free activities, including drawings for prizes.

Bestselling author, Russell Estess will speak at the tournament and share his testimony on how the God is Bigger Movement impacted his life and the lives of his fans. His books will be available for autographs, and his new book, God is Bigger Than The Mountain You Are Facing, is tentatively set for release on Sept. 23.

Estess is one of the testimonies that has come out of the God is Bigger Movement. Someone gave him a God is Bigger bracelet, and it became his story and his mission because those three significant words, he said, helped give him the strength to fight the battle with cancer.

His friend, Shawn Dennison, Christian singer/ songwriter will be performing in concert free to the public from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and will be showcasing his new song that he wrote for Russell about his battle. The song is called God is Bigger. Refreshments from food trucks will be available for those in attendance.

The Genesis of God is Bigger Movement, Tournament

When doctors gave Rachel Shaneyfelt the diagnosis no one wants to hear – “You have six months to live” – the year was 2011, and she was in school at

Logan Martin and Neely Henry •

In 2022, 94 boats competed. More than 100 are expected for 2023

Farm Credit understands the unique aspects of Agricultural and rural real estate financing.

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the University of Alabama at Birmingham to become a nurse practitioner.

The diagnosis didn’t dissuade her. Instead, she leaned on her faith to help her through, and it sparked a movement with worldwide impact. Early on after much prayer, she told one of the doctors she worked with that her lesion had shrunk 70 percent and followed it with, “Praise God.” The doctor, a non-believer, casually responded, “Go get a Tshirt.”

So she did. She had the words, “GOD IS BIGGER” printed on them and gifted them to friends and family who prayed for her. Paying it forward, she then bought 1,000 silicone bracelets imprinted with the words, “GOD IS BIGGER,” and started handing them out to strangers. Within a

Logan Martin and Neely Henry • September & October 2023

Rachel Shaneyfelt

week, they were gone.

Others quickly joined her movement and today, 800,000 bracelets have shipped around the world.

Rachel finished her degree and worked in her field before succumbing to Mesothelioma. Her six months turned into six years of life dedicated to spreading the message. Her wish was to keep the God is Bigger momentum going.

Her cousin, Stacey Reed of Springville, is the driving force behind it now. Six years ago, an idea from a 13-year-old friend, Evan Meers, gave birth to the fishing tournament to raise money for the movement. Now, it’s one of the largest on Logan Martin Lake.

“I have big shoes to fill,” Reed said. This ministry truly has become a movement. It has evolved into “their story and their mission” through those three words that made an impact and changed their lives. “It’s given them hope, she said, quoting Luke 1:37: “For with God, nothing shall be impossible.” l

Logan Martin and Neely Henry • September & October

Take to the skies

St. Clair Airport hosts Aviation Career Day

Story by Scottie Vickery

Photos by Graham Hadley

When it comes to careers in aviation, the sky’s the limit.

That’s why the St. Clair County Airport is hosting its 5th Annual Aviation Career Day and Open House, set for Oct. 7 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The goal of the free event is to showcase some of the many opportunities in the flight industry and to introduce youth and adults to exciting career paths they may never have considered. It also highlights the impact that airports make in the state and local communities.

“We had over 3,000 attend last year,” said Wendy Watson, airport manager, who along with Ike Newton, organizes the event. “It’s a great way to promote aviation in our community and to try to get more kids involved in aviation.”

According to a 2020 Economic Impact Study conducted by the Alabama Department of Transportation’s Aeronautics Bureau, the aviation industry accounts for more than 44,000 jobs in the state with an average yearly salary of $65,000. Statewide, airports generate more than $267 million in tax revenue.

The St. Clair County Airport has a $9 million financial impact on the region, according to the study, and the Federal Aviation Administration has designated it a “reliever” airport for

A pair of Mustangs just after landing after aerial display

Birmingham. It also has hangars available for rent, a flight training school, aviation maintenance facilities and an avionics shop.

“We can be proud of our airport system in Alabama and the daily contributions (airports) make to improve the quality of our lives and grow our economy,” Governor Kay Ivey said following the report’s release. “Aviation is a thriving industry in our state and an important part of our economic health.”

The Career Day fun begins with a free pancake breakfast, complete with pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee, which will be served from 7 :30 to 9 a.m. A free hotdog lunch with chips, soft drinks and water will be available from noon to 1 p.m.

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • September & October 2023

Precision flying can be seen for miles around

Crowd gets a look inside a private jet

Aerial demonstrations will be held during the lunch hour, and a variety of aircraft – from antique planes and military helicopters to private jets and kit planes –will be displayed. Helicopter rides will also be available for $75 per person.

In addition to pilots, there are many aviation careers in the commercial, military and corporate sectors, including air traffic controllers, avionic engineers, mechanics and more. Seminars throughout the day will explore some of those options. In addition, representatives from flight schools and universities will be on hand to answer questions.

The St. Clair County Airport is located at 240 Airport Road in Pell City. For more information about the event, contact Wendy Watson at wendy@plrairport.com.

Logan Martin and Neely Henry • September & October 2023

Planes of all makes and vintages are on display

Kids get to sit in pilot chair of Army National Guard LUH 72 Alpha Lakota

Sea plane a regular sight over Logan Martin

Boo Bash

Boo Bash

Story Paul South Submitted Photos

As the days dwindle down and the holiday season approaches, three things are certain:

At Christmas, kids aren’t crazy about socks and underwear beneath the tree.

Thanksgiving means a feast, family, football and finally, a nap.

And here on Logan Martin Lake as Halloween approaches, Boo Bash is a straight up, surefire hit. You could say it’s BOO-ming.

In just its second year, the nautical fun fright fest is right up there with supersized candy bars and princess and superhero costumes.

Candy corn can’t catch a break.

The pier-to-pier party for trick-or-treaters of all ages is set for October 8. Logan Martin residents who join the party can expect their fair share of witches, Supermen, Barbies and maybe, just maybe, a pint-sized Oppenheimer.

Organizers Kelli Lasseter, Sonya Hubbard and a growing band of merry pranksters, expect a bigger, better event in 2023. Last year, even as rain fell, an estimated 45 to 50 piers – known affectionately as “dock or treaters” –participated.

As of July 26, some 60 pier owners had signed on to host dock-or-treaters. That number may double, Lasseter says.

Two restaurants, 30 to 40 boats and one personal watercraft braved the wet weather to join the fun in 2022. More are expected this year. In fact, the Boo Bash buzz was heavy, even before July 4 fireworks cooled.

“Obviously, we hope that we have more people who know about it,” Lasseter says. “Not only that, but people who want to participate – to host a pier, that want to get out, decorate their boat and take folks out for the treating.”

More are coming. One couple plans a 60s-themed pier. Others have approached organizers to pitch proposed themes for their piers and boats. And Boo Bash has – for at least one newcomer – helped boost the real

Logan Martin ‘Dock or Treaters’ ready for return of

estate market.

“I had someone come to me who’s new to the lake, who told me that Boo Bash was one of the selling points,” Lasseter says. “The Realtor told them about Boo Bash. She joined the group and is super excited.”

Lasseter also wants to see Boo Bash spread like the sci-fi creature, “The Blob,” to the upper reaches of the lake to Lincoln, Riverside and neighboring areas.

“Last year, they really didn’t know about it,” Lasseter says of the Lincoln-Riverside area. “We had a few places up there that hosted piers, but we’re hoping we can get some more folks involved.”

In 2023, organizers will have a backup date for Boo Bash in the event of wicked weather – Oct. 15.

Even with last year’s wet weather, the inaugural Boo Bash drew rave reviews. This was about more than kids, costumes and candy and adults bobbing for cocktails.

“It was overwhelming that people loved this event because it gave them an opportunity to spend time with family and friends, get to know their lake neighbors and just have fun,” Lasseter says. “That was the overarching theme. It just brought the community together and people just had a good time.”

Organizers have also stepped up their marketing effort through a more intense social media effort on Facebook, Instagram and hopefully, Tik Tok. Last year, a local radio station – 94.1 The River – Carl Wallace’s Lake Ramblings blog on Facebook and word of mouth also fueled turnout. Nearly 900 locals are considered Boo Bash members. The event also hopes for some bounce from broadcast, print and online media outlets.

Partners By Design, the parent company of Lake Life 24/7 Magazine®, and its sister publication, Discover St. Clair, is promoting Boo Bash 2023 with a specially designed Boo Bash T-shirt, available for purchase online and in Lake Life 24/7’s brick and mortar store. Pier signs are also available to identify participating docks. A percentage of the proceeds from sales will go to offset Boo Bash expenses for the all-volunteer event. As of this writing, Partners is one of 11 local businesses supporting Boo Bash.

“We think our lake is a special place,” says CEO Carol Pappas says. “We want to find ways like (Boo Bash) to promote it, enjoy it and share it.

“This event is a great way to get out and meet your neighbors and have a lot of fun along the way,” Pappas adds. “What a treat for kids of all ages.”

Wayne and Margie Brewer are part of the original group that crafted the inaugural Boo Bash. Their pier will echo the theme they

Logan Martin and Neely Henry •

No shortage of treats for everyone

used last year – Skull Island – and using a pole with a pot affixed, they’ll hand out plastic bags filled with candy and Mardi Gras beads. Revelers won’t have to dock.

The Brewers have lived on the lake for 20 years. Boo Bash is a chance to build lake residents into a neighborhood.

It’s a community gathering, to get to know everybody on the lake. It’s just something to do together,” Wayne Brewer says. “We’ve got a great environment here on the lake, and it’s great to have everybody get together and have an activity that’s fun for everybody.”

An earlier start means higher water levels on Logan Martin, making it easier for some residents to participate, Brewer says.

“Last year, some people couldn’t participate because there wasn’t enough water at their dock.”

In these fragmented times, events like Boo Bash bring a kindness to the lake community sweeter than a box of Goo Goo Clusters. Lasseter is emotional as she reflects on Boo Bash’s big splash as it enters its second year.

“It feels really good to see people come together, work together, to do something special for others,” Lasseter says. “This wasn’t about me or anybody else. Sonya and I just had an idea. The Logan Martin Lake community took it and ran with it. It was very special.”

Just how unique and special this event has quickly become was illustrated by the number of folks who approached organizers to sing the praises of Boo Bash.

“With every boat that pulled up, everybody was all smiles, all ‘Hi’s’,” Brewer says. “Every boat was a good experience, for us and the people on the boats.”

Consider the words of one unidentified little boy who was among the wet but happy band of Boo Bashers. Lasseter recounts his words.

“He said it was the best day of his life,” she says. “Out of the mouths of babes, right?”

She adds, “If it wasn’t (the best) for everybody else, it was for that little boy. It was well worth it.” l

Logan Martin and Neely Henry • September & October 2023

Even pets get into the spirit

Story by Scottie Vickery

Submitted photos

In all the years Terri and Anthony Riccio have owned homes on Logan Martin Lake, entertaining typically meant throwing some burgers on the grill for their sons’ friends or having a laid-back dinner on the patio with a few other couples.

So when their oldest son, Cannon, got engaged to Lauren Scambray last November, and their future daughter-in-law wanted an outdoor wedding at their house with the gorgeous water view as a backdrop, there was a moment of panic. Actually, there were many moments of panic.

“Anthony was sending her links to other venues every week,” Terri said with a laugh. “I finally told him he had to stop because this was where she wanted to have it.”

Once the decision was made, the two families joined forces and started planning. Despite a 6-month timeline and the fact that Lauren’s parents, Rachel and Scott Scambray, live in Las Vegas, they managed to pull off a beautiful June 3 event that was better than any of them imagined.

The couple exchanged vows at the water’s edge before guests and the wedding party headed across the yard for dinner under a sailcloth tent. After enjoying a buffet that included some of Lauren and Cannon’s favorite Italian dishes, the crowd toasted the couple with blue champagne before heading to the gray and white checkerboard dance floor where they celebrated under the stars.

“We wanted the wedding to be as much ‘Lauren and Cannon’ as it could be,” Lauren said. “We wanted all of our favorite things and all of our favorite people at our favorite place, and it was just perfect.”

THE BACK STORY

Nearly three years before popping the question, Cannon met Lauren in an economics class at the University of Alabama. Lauren, who grew up in California, always knew she wanted to try something different after high school, so she applied to

Lauren and Cannon Riccio

Scott walking Lauren down the aisle

Attention to detail at the head table

several out-of-state colleges. Alabama won her heart. Not long after they met, Cannon did, as well.

Before long they were spending all their time together, much of it at the lake with a group of friends. “We came every chance we got,” Lauren said. “If there was a free weekend, that’s where we all were.”

That was just fine with Terri and Anthony. After all, they’d fallen in love with Logan Martin years ago when they came to the lake with friends during college. After they married and had Cannon and his brother, Grant, they got a boat and then graduated to a mobile home at Pocono Park. They later bought a house in Country Club Estates on the Talladega side of the lake and used it as a weekend home for five years before they sold it in January of 2020 and started looking for a permanent home.

“We kind of started out slowly and put our toes in the water a little bit at a time,” Terri said. Although the Riccios loved raising their kids in Trussville, they knew they wanted to eventually retire to the lake, but the lure of life on the water was too strong to wait.

They bought their current house, which is in River Oaks in Cropwell, in April 2021 when Grant was nearing the end of his senior year in high school. Although they both still work in Birmingham – Terri’s in interventional radiology at UAB and Anthony’s a market executive and executive director with JPMorgan Chase – their view makes the commute worthwhile.

“God’s beauty is all around,” Terri said.

“The sunsets are just gorgeous, and the wildlife here is beautiful, too. We have eagles, osprey, egrets and white squirrels. When we get home from work, we go down to the dock, turn on some music and enjoy the peaceful nights.”

The view wasn’t the only thing that sold them on the house. The downstairs living area, with two bedrooms, a bathroom and a great room was a factor, as well. “We knew it would be perfect for the kids to come, bring their friends and bring their families one day,” Terri said.

DETAILS, DETAILS, DETAILS

Although Terri and Anthony loved entertaining their kids’ friends, they never expected to hold a wedding at their house. “When Lauren started talking about wanting to get married here, I said, ‘You know, Alabama weather is not like California weather. It’s hot in the summer, it could rain, there are bugs,’” Terri said.

But Lauren knew it was the perfect spot for the wedding of her dreams. “I’ve always wanted a beautiful background, whether it was water or a pretty view,” she said. “Cannon and I both knew this was where we wanted to get married.”

Blue and white were colors of the day

Despite being 1,800 miles away in Las Vegas, Lauren’s mother, Rachel, wasn’t intimidated by the challenge of planning the wedding long-distance. In addition to organizing several large fundraising events over the years, “I planned our wedding 28 years ago and the weddings of a couple of friends,” she said.

“She never seemed stressed out at all,” Terri said of the mother of the bride. “It also wasn’t at my house,” Rachel added with a smile.

The Scambrays, who had moved to Las Vegas from California two years ago, came to Alabama a few times during the process, but FaceTime and Zoom proved to be invaluable. As the families began to think through everything that hosting a wedding with more than 200 guests would require, the list started growing.

“It really was like building a venue from the ground up,” Rachel said. They realized they’d need a powerful generator, tables, chairs, linens, lighting and bar setups. The Riccios had to get permits as well as liability insurance for the day in case someone was injured. In addition to the tent for the reception, they also needed a separate tent equipped with tables, lights and fans for the caterers to use.

They rented bathroom trailers equipped with air conditioning, flushing toilets and sinks with running water. Parking was a big concern until Anthony suggested guests park at the neighborhood boat launch, where they could shuttle to the site in rented vans or on a pontoon boat. “That was really fun,” Terri said. “Someone said they had never ridden to a wedding in a boat before, and another guest said, ‘I’ve never been on a boat before.’”

Once the logistics were covered, the focus turned to the details. “Lauren had a Pinterest board for years with the vision and fine details she wanted to come to life,” Rachel said. “It changed a little over the years, but there were some things I always knew I wanted,” Lauren added.

Her dream wedding included bouquet of peonies, a gray and

Cutting the cake with blue champagne on the table

Wedding party gathers by the waterside

white checkered dance floor, great music, and a cigar lounge area with tufted leather couches. She also fell in love with a chandelier made of crystal globes. “We designed the whole layout for seating based on the chandelier,” Lauren said.

She also always wanted to be a June bride. Since they got engaged in November, that meant they had to work quickly. “It was either plan it in six months or wait a year and a half,” Lauren said. “We didn’t want to wait.”

While Rachel and Lauren were booking the florist, caterer, DJ and other vendors, the Riccios focused on the rehearsal dinner, which was held at the Venue on 20th in Pell City, and getting the house and yard ready. That included putting out 200 bales of pine straw and spraying for mosquitoes and other insects. They had already planned to replace the deck with a larger one, so they moved forward with construction.

Unfortunately, because of weather delays and supply issues, the project wasn’t completed before the big day. That meant the plan to have the ceremony under the deck in case of rain was no longer going to work. “We decided we could move the head table out from under the tent, and guests could sit at their tables for the ceremony,” Rachel said.

They were all delighted that rain wasn’t an issue. “The second we decided the wedding was going to be outside, we started praying about the weather,” Lauren said. “Ten days before the wedding we were checking the weather every day – sometimes several times a day,” Terri added. “Friday and Saturday, we never even looked. At that point, we decided it is what it is.”

Their prayers were answered, and they were blessed with a beautiful day. “We had pop-up storms every day that week and there was a big storm with sideways rain on Sunday,” Terri said, “but Saturday was perfect.”

IN THE MOMENT

The days before the wedding were a whirlwind. Vendors dodged construction workers, Anthony hung string lights in the trees, friends came with leaf blowers, and the neighbors on each side graciously allowed the setup to spill over a little into their yards.

“It was all hands on deck,” Lauren said. “We have so many great people in our lives, and we’re so thankful.”

The day went off without a hitch. Guests enjoyed an Italian buffet with flatbread pizza; pasta dishes with meatballs, chicken and shrimp; a salad bar; and vegetables. A beautiful Italian cream cake and an ice cream cart for Cannon, who doesn’t like cake, completed the menu.

Lauren’s grandfather, Steve Butterfield, knew she was planning to use blue and white accents in the form of chinoiserie vases, so when he and his wife had blue champagne on a trip to Italy, he had several cases shipped to Alabama for the wedding.

Even the fireflies cooperated. Nearly half the family and friends came from California and other states and stayed at Airbnbs around the lake. As they gathered near the cigar lounge and enjoyed the sunset, they were thrilled to see the glow from the lightning bugs, which many had never seen.

“I never saw any before I came to Alabama,” Lauren said. “We had a cool spring, so we didn’t see many, but about a week and a half before the wedding, they started coming out more.”

While their guests enjoyed the music and view, Lauren and Cannon slipped away for a sunset cruise. “Everything had been so crazy, so it was great to get a moment to ourselves,” Lauren said. “But then we wanted to go back and join the party.”

Although there were a few “what have we done” moments along the way, Rachel and Terri agree that all the planning, stress and worries were worth it. “Everything was perfect,” Rachel said. “The whole day was magical and dreamy.”

Lauren and Cannon agreed. “Everyone said that your wedding is the one time all of your people will be in one place, so soak it all in,” Lauren said. “That’s exactly what we did. We loved everything about the day, and I wish we could go back and live it again.” l

Everybody on the dance floor

Sending the couple off with sparklers

GREAT RECIPES from RACHEL & TERRI

Although Lauren and Cannon Riccio love Italian food, especially the dishes their mothers make, they knew asking them to cook for their wedding reception would be too much. Although Rachel Scambray and Terri Riccio left the buffet to the caterer, they agreed to share some of their favorite recipes.

Sausage, Onion and Pepper Sauce

From Terri Riccio

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 pounds mild Italian sausage links

• 3 cloves garlic, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 1 yellow onion, sliced

• 2 green bell peppers, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 29-ounce can tomato sauce

• 29-ounce can crushed tomatoes

• 6-oz tomato paste

• Italian seasoning to taste

• Salt to taste

• Linguine

Directions:

Saute garlic, celery, onion and peppers in olive oil until tender. Remove from skillet and set aside. Remove sausage casings and cut sausage into 1-inch pieces. Add more oil to skillet if necessary and cook sausage until done.

In a large stockpot, add all canned items, cooked vegetables, sausage, salt, and Italian seasoning and simmer 30 minutes or more. If thinner sauce is desired, add ½ cup water. Serve over cooked linguine.

Pasta Sauce

From Rachel Scambray

(Makes 10 to 12 large jars)

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 6-pound can tomato sauce

• 2 small cans tomato paste

• 1 cup dry red wine

• 1 32-ounce carton of chicken broth

• 6-7 Italian sausages, sliced

• 1 pound ground turkey or beef

• 1 package neck bones

• 1 beef roast (about 2-3 pounds of chuck or other roast) cut into chunks

• 2 onions, chopped

• 5 garlic cloves, crushed or chopped

• 1 pound mushrooms (optional)

• Italian seasoning to taste

• Salt to taste

• Pepper to taste

• 3-4 tablespoons dried parsley

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• Red pepper flakes to taste

Directions:

Saute onions in olive oil and add garlic for the last few minutes. Set aside. Brown meats in same pan and add more olive oil if necessary. Combine onions, garlic, meats and all other ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a slow boil, then lower temperature to simmer. Simmer 3 to 4 hours, stirring often as it can burn easily. Remove bones when the meat falls off. Adjust spices as necessary and add broth and/or wine as needed for appropriate thickness.

Use as meat sauce for lasagna, spaghetti or other Italian dishes.

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Gator shows off new MMA rod

The Tackle BOX

Small store in Oxford has big impact on regional fishing

Story and photos by Graham Hadley

For decades now, the Tackle BOX has been giving a leg up to fishing enthusiasts from its location in historic Downtown Oxford.

The name should sound familiar to anyone who has seen their iconic stickers on cars and trucks driving down I-20 or putting in boats at places like Lincoln’s Landing, Pell City Lakeside Park or Coosa Landing in Gadsden.

Anywhere there are fishing enthusiasts you are as likely to see the Tackle BOX logo along with other well-known brands like YETI, Orca or … LakeLife.

“I go on vacation and see Tackle BOX hats in places like Gatlinburg. I run into people everywhere. It is kind of surreal when you travel hours from home and people recognize the logo on my hat,” said Jason Earl Gator Howard, who helps man the store.

Gator – actually his real name – credits much of the store’s success to the simple fact it is much more than just a store. Yes, Tackle BOX stocks everything a fisherman needs, whether it is starter gear for the beginner or everything you need for competition fishing, but the real hook is everyone there is ready to help with advice or to just chat and share stories.

“There’s good fishing stories always told here. It is to the point that we have people here to just help talk to customers. They don’t run the register, but they can answer just about any fishing question. Everyone hangs out, tells fishing stories – and lies (every good fishing story has a lie in it somewhere),” Gator said. “One of our biggest draws is our atmosphere. Good Southern hospitality. New customers can come in, we tell them where to fish. You are going to get good advice in the Tackle BOX.”

That perfect combination of great

merchandise selection and sense of community have helped the store stay on top of its game, but Gator is quick to point out those are not the only factors that contribute to the Tackle BOX’s success.

The store originally opened in the late 1970s or early 1980s across Main Street in Oxford from its current location. The Main Olive and the law office for Baxley Maniscalco occupy the old building now, and the Tackle BOX has its own building and parking lot next door which can accommodate larger vehicles and boat trailers.

Owner Michael Pickette bought the business from the original owners around 12 years ago and oversaw the move to its new facility.

Gator also gives a lot of credit to Oxford for all the effort the city has put into revitalizing its historic downtown area with better parking, sidewalks and lighting – all of which help bring in more business, not only to the Tackle BOX, but also to the other shops and restaurants there.

“The city as a whole made an effort to redo all of downtown. Got rid of power poles everywhere, put in new sidewalks. They close the downtown for Oxfordfest in October.” All of which makes a big difference, he said.

Even though the Tackle BOX is not located on any specific body of water, it is only 15 to 30 minutes from many of the main regional fishing spots along the Coosa River and its tributaries, most notably Logan Martin and Neely Henry lakes.

“In under an hour or so, you can move from one great fishing location to another,” Gator said.

As successful as the business has been since it opened, the past half decade has seen the popularity of fishing, especially competitive fishing, explode.

Gator says a big part of that is the expansion of

Logan Martin and Neely Henry • September & October 2023

The original location on Main Street

Gator says their hats get recognized everywhere

competition fishing teams in schools, both in grade schools and in colleges.

Tackle BOX helps local high school teams by giving special discounts to groups who display the business’s logo on their gear.

“We sponsor almost all the local high schools here in Calhoun County, and they get discounts when they come in.”

Gator touts competition fishing as one of the best ways to get an athletic scholarship to a college or university. “One of the biggest things driving fishing these days is the school teams. There are a lot of college scholarship opportunities for students. That is especially true for girls looking for a fishing scholarship.”

Gator said the COVID lockdown was also another driving force behind the growth of their business.

“COVID was a terrible ordeal. We are still living with it today and are learning to cope. But it was phenomenal for the fishing industry everywhere, not just us. We were told to socially distance, not gather indoors, get out and get some fresh air,” and fishing was an obvious way to do just that, he said.

“People who had never fished before came in, bought rods and reels and started fishing. They still come in today.”

You can see the growing popularity of the sport all over Alabama.

“All the cities like Gadsden, Southside, Lincoln, Pell City and Riverside are upgrading their boat ramps and parks, hosting big fishing tournaments and boat shows,” all of which are great for the businesses around the lakes, he said. “We have even found new brands for our store from some of those shows.”

As an added bonus, the attention to fishing helps raise awareness for preserving

Logan Martin and Neely Henry • September & October 2023

Gator helps Dawson and Davis Stone of Alexandria

Zoom is one of the more popular brands

Tackle BOX stocks everythig from reels to sun glasses

the waterways in the area. “That environmental focus, especially restocking lakes, helps make the fishing better,” he said.

Tackle BOX carries a wide range of well-known brands like ZOOM and YETI – they even do some consignment sales on used gear for customers. But they take particular pride in stocking equipment from companies with local Alabama ties –companies like Reaction Innovations out of Alabaster, and NetBait, which started in Greenville. Gator was quick to show off one of the rods from MMA Fishing, another local company.

As the sport continues to grow, so does business for the Tackle BOX, and that is keeping Gator and the rest of the staff and help busy. He would not have it any other way.

“It is one thing to know about fishing, but you have to have a passion for fishing, for the outdoors and for conservation. I am lucky. A lot of people dread coming to work every day. I love coming to work here and getting to talk about fishing all day.” l

Logan

A moveable feast September events offer a buffet for tastebuds, heart and eye

Story by Paul South Submitted

Photos

The American standard “September Song”, sung by the late, great Tony Bennett, Nat “King” Cole and countless crooners, reminds us that days grow short, dwindling to a precious few, when the calendar flips to the ninth month.

Three events in the month – the Alabama Wine Festival, Art on the Rocks and A Taste of Northeast Alabama – make the precious – and prayerfully, cooler – days more wonderful.

Here’s a brief look at three events set for the Neely Henry Lake region of the Coosa River:

The Alabama Wine Festival

Wine lovers will sip the traditions of Europe crafted here by Alabama vintners. The third annual Alabama Wine Festival, hosted on the grounds of Duck Springs’ Wills Creek Winery, celebrates the state’s growing winemaking industry.

The festival is set for Sept. 16 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets for the adults only event are $30 per person. Designated driver tickets are free. Designated drivers must be 21 or older. Identification is required.

Eats will be available from local food trucks, and wine will be available to sample and purchase. And festivalgoers will be serenaded by live music.

Jahn (cq) and Janie Coppey own Wills Creek Winery. Born in Switzerland and a former NASA engineer, Jahn is a dual Swiss-American citizen, as is his American-born bride, Jamie.

Wines from Wills Creek Winery

Fitting for the makers of wine, romance is at the heart of the Wills Creek story. When Jahn Coppey came to America in 1971 to work in the space program in Huntsville, he spoke four languages – French, German, Spanish and Italian. He moved to London to learn English, but by his own admission, his understanding was “very poor.”

When he came to Alabama, he was introduced to a teacher who spoke some French. She was tasked with growing the young mathematician’s English fluency. The language of love took over, and a year later, Jahn and Janie Coppey were married.

That was 51 years ago.

Jahn and Janie opened Wills Creek Winery in 1996. And while at first blush, the journey from working on the space program to owning a winery may seem a giant leap, Jahn is a third-generation vintner, with roots in Switzerland’s breathtaking Rhone River Valley. Wine has been made in the region since the time of the Romans.

There’s also some heritage in Janie Coppey’s family, which has called Duck Springs home since the 1830s

Since Wills Creek opened, the couple has worked tirelessly, not only to grow the state’s winemaking industry, but also to advocate for a change in Alabama’s antiquated liquor laws. The Alabama Wine Festival’s aim is to grow the industry and deliciously make visitors aware of the state’s wine business.

Interestingly, Alabama’s soil is one of two places in America perfect for growing exclusive Pinot Noir grapes. The sweltering, unpredictable Southern summers aren’t cooperative. Still, native Muscadine grapes and their more than 100 varieties thrive here, and the Coppeys craft wine from Alabama Muscadines and other fruits found across the globe.

When Wills Creek opened, there were only three wineries in the state. Now there are 37 federally permitted wineries in the state, but less than half are working wineries.

Last year, 11 Alabama wineries participated in the Alabama Wine Festival, attracting 300 people from 15 states.

Jahn Coppey sees vintage years ahead for the wine festival and the growth of the winemaking art in Alabama. But people still ask the same question.

“We’ve been in business 22 years, but people still ask if we’re legal,” Jahn says.

They also have to endure some skepticism from Jahn’s family across the Atlantic.

“They say I’m crazy,” he says. “But what I tell them is I can sell my wine. You can’t.”

And the Coppeys hope to take a page from a small Swiss village near Lake Geneva, that conducted its first wine festival 30 years ago. “They have grown so much,” Jahn says. “They have built some hotels. They’ve built some Air B&Bs all around. Now 30,000 people have been coming to that event.”

The festival benefits neighboring cities and towns, like Gadsden.

“Anytime somebody comes like the wine festival – even though it’s not located in Gadsden, typically they’ve got to stay in Gadsden, John Moore, the city’s director of commercial development, says. “So, it always helps us with our tourism dollars.

Crowds at the Wine Festival

Even though it’s not in Gadsden, we will help support it. No matter who comes to Etowah County, as long as it’s in Etowah County, Gadsden’s going to benefit.

And the Alabama Wine Festival is catching the public’s attention.

“It’s the thing to do. People want to come and drink wine and have a good time. We have a lot of property here. We can expand and do a lot of things.”

Tourists, including some in RVs are discovering Wills Creek and Alabama wines. The Alabama Wine Festival hopes attract more wine explorers. “We have people driving from New York to New Orleans, and when they’re on the way back, they stop again … It’s beautiful.”

For more information on the Alabama Wine Festival, go to willscreekwinery.com.

Art on the Rocks

Beauty is at the heart of one of Alabama’s great natural wonders, Noccalula Falls. On Sept. 16 and 17, the banks of falls and that part of the Coosa River will come alive with artists, craftspeople and artisans, with everything from paintings to homemade pottery, candles and farm-raised jars of sweet honey and homemade jellies and jams. Woodcarvers and homemade soap makers are among the cornucopia of craftspeople.

Art on the Rocks happens twice annually, this year in April and September. A mainstay on the Alabama festival calendar for nearly two decades, creative folks from across the Southeast come to Noccalula Falls to show their wares. And those items must pass muster, Moore says.

“The coolest thing about what we do is – that not everybody does – is that we vet every single vendor to ensure that their arts and crafts are all handmade,” Moore says. “I don’t think that every arts and crafts festival does that. We’re ensuring that every single vendor out there has homemade arts and crafts.”

The setting adds to the joy of Art on the Rocks, with cool breezes easing the summer heat. Vendors are spread throughout the park, giving visitors a real taste of the outdoors. And food vendors are also at work during Art on the Rocks.

“The setting of it is in Noccalula Falls and it is in the fall so you get a little bit of a taste of the whole area,” Moore says.

September events like Art on the Rocks mean hundreds of thousands of tourism dollars to the local economy, Moore says.

“You’re talking about 2,000 people that are coming into Etowah County to spend their money,” Moore says.

“I preach the fact that we always want to put out a good product,” Moore says. “Because if we put out a good product, we can build on that.”

For more on Art on the Rocks, visit noccalulafallsstatepark. com.

A Taste of Northeast Alabama

One of the newer events on the Neely Henry Lake region’s festival calendar is a foodie’s Nirvana.

Now in its second year, A Taste of Northeast Alabama features restaurants and caterers from all over Northeast Alabama, clear to the Tennessee line.

The Venue at Coosa Landing in Gadsden is home to the culinary celebration, held this year on Sept. 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. Only 500 tickets are available at $20 each. Some 40 to 45 caterers and restaurants will be on hand, serving up their kitchen magic. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Altrusa of Gadsden, an international service organization made up of local clubs.

Paintings on display at Art on the Rocks

Visitors can leisurely stroll and taste the best the region has to offer.

The bounce of the festivals, whether for wine, or food, or arts and crafts is that people come to the region, stay in local accommodations, eat locally and shop in local stores.

“It’s huge for us,” Moore says.

And from Gadsden to Duck Springs and across Etowah County, local communities benefit from the natural beauty.

“Most communities would give their left arm to have a natural falls with a huge gorge that sits in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, or a city would give their left arm to have a Coosa River running through their town, or to have a thriving downtown Broad Street like we have, Moore says. “And to have all three of those, that’s what we capitalize on. That’s our strength here in Gadsden.”

The September festivals are part of a concerted effort to transform the region into a tourist destination, not a quick stop on the way to Atlanta. Think concerts at the Depression-era Mort Glosser Amphitheater, an entertainment district, more campgrounds, recreation and more.

“We want Gadsden to be known as ‘Fun Town,’” Moore said. For more information, visit A Taste of Northeast Alabama at greatergadsden.com. l

A Taste of Northeast Alabama comes to the Venue at Coosa Landing

Children get to cast for real at Lakeside Park in Pell City

KIDS CASTING

Coosa Riverkeeper, LMLPA and community team up to teach fishing, water safety

Story by Graham Hadley

Photos by Richard Rybka and courtesy of Coosa Riverkeeper

Want to teach children to love the Coosa River and our local lakes and streams?

The Coosa Riverkeeper says one of the best ways to do that is to teach children all about not just how to enjoy the water, but to learn why this natural resource is so amazing.

To that end, the Riverkeeper teamed up with the Logan Martin Lake Protection Association and the Pell City Boys and Girls Club to hold a Kids Casting free fishing clinic at Pell City’s Lakeside Park on Logan Martin.

“We have seen fewer children over the past few years who know how to fish. That is a multi-generational activity in Alabama, something that is important for so many reasons,” said Abby Brown, director of Community Engagement for Coosa Riverkeeper. It is a hobby, a sport, even a way for some people to help provide for their families.

“We decided to start free fishing clinics this year, with the goal of teaching 100 kids how to fish. It is just over halfway through the year, and we have surpassed that number.”

The sessions focus on traditional fishing techniques with spincaster rods, how to tie knots and about lures and the tools they use to fish.

They also focus on how to be safe around water, and not just fishing.

“We teach kids about water safety and how to fish safely – check the weather, check people around you, use personal flotation devices if you are not a strong swimmer,” Brown said.

All fishing at the event is catch-and-release, and the Riverkeeper instructors take the opportunity to teach the young anglers about the different species of fish, where they live, what they eat and the ecology of their habitats.

“We talk about safe fish handling to reduce the chance of any injuries to the fish,” Brown said.

“Then we teach casting in the parking area. Once they are proficient there, the children are allowed to go ahead and fish in the water.”

At the end of the day, any child who does not have a fishing rod in their home to use is given one to keep.

“We would like, if we get more funding in the future, to be able to give every kid who attends one of these events a rod,” Brown said.

Every participant does, however, get to take home a tacklebox stocked with lures and other gear, along with all sorts of useful information on fishing and water safety.

The Pell City fishing clinic was one of

Part of the Coosa Riverkeeper’s educational efforts

Frank Sparks and Isabella Trussell from the LMLPA Class gets underway

several across the area, with other events on Choccolocco Creek in Anniston and Neely Henry in Gadsden and Rainbow City, and Brown is quick to point out how much of a collaborative effort these and similar classes are.

“The LMLPA did a great job securing the use of Lakeside Park for us,” she said.

Coosa Riverkeeper members help with donations to support the effort, as do other organizations similar to the LMLPA, groups like the Choccolocco Creek Watershed, which has played a big role in working with the Riverkeeper.

She also wanted to thank Bass Pro Shops for helping fund the projects with donations and grants.

“Our community groups, our cities, we all have to work together to get these done,” Brown said.

Because the programs are free, they often give children in underserved parts of the area a chance to learn to fish and about water safety, giving them access to one of Alabama’s greatest natural resources, its waterways.

“Alabama is the river state because we have so many of them” – over 130,000 miles of rivers and streams according to the Alabama Rivers Alliance – “Alabamians should have access to and be able to safely use those waterways. That is why we include water safety, even in a fishing class and provide families with swim guide information,” Brown said.

The fishing classes are just part of the Coosa Riverkeeper’s educational efforts. They sponsor a number of other classes under their Coosa River Environmental Education for Kids (CREEK) program. These cover a wide range of topics. In July, they partnered with Lovelight Farm from Wilsonville to teach children about biodynamic farming.

Organizations like the Coosa Riverkeeper, LMLPA, Choccolocco Creek Watershed, Neely Henry Lake Association and others all need support from local communities and businesses to keep programs like these free for local students. They post regular fundraising efforts on their social media pages and websites and are worth checking out.

Brown said they are a charity partner with the Kellypalooza festival coming up in Ohatchee, which is a great way to help support the Coosa Riverkeeper organization. l

TOWN & COUNTRY

TEXACO

Food, fun, friends make for special Saturdays

Story by Carol Pappas

Photos by Mackenzie Free

It’s an August morning at Town & Country Texaco, a view of Logan Martin setting the scene as a backdrop in the distance. Boaters line up at the pumps to fuel their day ahead on the water. Dozens of anglers put in at the boat ramp just as the sun comes up, readying for today’s big catch.

Cars and trucks stream in and out, almost as if the parking lot were encased by a revolving door. Folks clad in everything from suit and tie to shorts, tank tops and flip flops head into the store and out again. It’s the hurried comings and goings of yet another Saturday at Town & Country.

You might say the establishment itself is quite the attraction, and you would be right. Ask Kurt Russell and the set crew of Rivals of Amziah. They filmed there in July.

But if you look to the left, smoke wafting from a nearby tent with a tantalizing aroma of Boston Butts, ribs, chickens and wings emanating from oversized smoker ovens, you’d know you had arrived at so much more.

Under the tent sits Gerry Richey, a retired coach, who set up shop there nine years ago when Craig Goodgame opened the new Town & Country. He had been cooking for the high school baseball team for 20 years, and the culinary expertise he brought to that tent nearly a decade ago simply “took off.” The evidence is seen in the growing volume of customers awaiting his creations every weekend.

Of course, the tent has expanded since then. So have the ovens – double deckers – the crowds of customers and the gathering of locals who swap stories, settle the woes of the day and just plain ‘hang out.’ Of course, if they see a need, they’re right there, too. “If our friends see we’re busy, they jump right in taking money, boxing stuff up,” said Richey, who handles the operation along with Wade Graham.

On holidays, the pace is hectic. They average cooking 180-220 butts on holidays like Labor Day and July 4. “We couldn’t make it on holidays without help,” Richey said. Holidays have three grills going continuously.

He and Graham bought the first oven nine years ago when they opened their fledgling business under a pickup tent. Now, it’s a tradition for locals sharing ‘quality time’ on a Saturday morning.

History lessons abound about the river and days

Logan Martin and Neely Henry

Jerry Howard lends Gerry Richey a hand

Gathering under the tent

Gerry Richey and his prized ribs

LakeLife 24/7 Logan Martin and Neely Henry • September & October

gone by. “You learn a lot of history,” said Erskine Funderburg, a lawyer in town.

The conversation tends to go a bit like this:

“Me and Daddy used to quail hunt at Lock 4,” Richey recalls, referring to a lock near Riverside and Lincoln no longer in use once Logan Martin Lake was created in 1965.

“We used to rabbit hunt at Catatoga,” he said, pointing in the direction of a lakeside subdivision a stone’s throw from Town & Country.

Blake Nixon, Danny Abbott, Funderburg, Bob Thomas and Richard M. “Doughnut” Nixon are usually in the mix of Saturday regulars, although not all were there this particular Saturday. On this day, there’s Richey, Jerry Howard, Craig Goodgame, Graham, John Otwell, Jerry Bowman, Terry Castleberry, Spike LeMaster, Funderburg, Thomas and Nixon.

Funderburg dubbed it the equivalent of “our men’s beauty shop.” He comes nearly every Saturday for “personalities and conversation.” To him, “It’s definitely a men’s beauty shop – lots of lies and a little bit of truth.”

“It may get a little different when you leave,” Terry Castleberry interjected with a nod toward being respectful of the woman present. Knowing laughter from the rest of the assembled group immediately followed.

“Don’t pay attention to him,” one of the ‘beauticians’ said as Spike LeMaster joined the group. He’s another regular, who enjoys the camaraderie, he said.

Conversation again turns to the beauty shop reference for a moment. “Is that a permanent?,” one asks Frunderburg, who has curly hair peeking out from under a baseball cap. Funderburg retorts, “It’s only right to come here and get abused every weekend. I do the abusing (as a lawyer) all week long.”

The scene is much like the mechanics of a pinball machine, bouncing from one subject to another. Talk briefly turns to the lottery, where the $1.4 billion pot was still intact from the drawing the night before. A couple of them had tickets with four of six numbers plus the Powerball. “So close,” they lamented.

“Here comes the plumber,” said another, alerting the rest of the group to the arrival of Jamie Gipson from Trussville. He comes every Saturday for ribs, they boast. When he arrives at the tent, Gipson explains as best he can. “I don’t know what they do with the ribs, but every Saturday morning, it’s my ritual. When you get hooked on something, you stick with it.”

What about the movie filmed there a couple of weeks before? Craig Goodgame, owner of Town & Country, is part of the group, and he sets the scene. “This guy stopped by. He said he was a scene director, and he asked if I would be interested.” Goodgame obliged. The original ask was for two days of shooting, but it only took one. “They showed up at 7 p.m. and left at 2 a.m.”

Although Russell was a star, Goodgame said, he was approachable, talking to him and the staff the whole time. “He was extremely friendly – a nice

The view on any given Saturday

Checking on wings

Owner Craig Goodgame

man.” While Russell and his movie star wife, Goldie Hawn, have been together since the 70s, he told him and the staff they just got married six months ago. “He told us that story,” Goodgame said. “He said they were finally old enough to get married.”

The tent operation supplies the convenience store, too – at least 20 butts a weekend. “Can’t get caught up in there,” Richey said. “They take the butts and make sandwiches. They can’t keep them,” he said of their apparent disappearing act as the comings and goings of the day wear on.

Wings, butts and whole smoked chickens are the order of the day, especially during football season, where a single customer may order 100 wings for a game day gathering.

Customers come from all around the lake and out of town, too. Regulars stop in from Trussville, Moody and Vincent. He has one customer from Atlanta with a lake place, and he stops to take meat back with him to Georgia.

When do they close? Simple, said Richey. “When we run out –

Kurt Russell and staff of Town & Country Texaco

Spike LeMaster

(right) greets regular Jamie Gipson

usually run out every Saturday.”

The day for him actually starts the day before. He puts the butts on to smoke overnight at about 6 p.m. on Friday. At 3 a.m., he’s back to smoke the rest and put the finishing touches on. “By the time people get here, everything’s ready. If we’re not ready, people would get ill at us.”

They’re only open on Saturdays, but holidays see them expand to a three-day weekend – Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

As the conversation slowed a bit, Richey checked on the wings, toting a nondescript bucket with a mop. He’s ready to baste. He says what he’s holding is the key to their success. “This is what makes our butts so good.” He didn’t wait for the obvious question. “No, I can’t tell you what’s in the bucket. It’s a secret – the secret sauce.”

Perhaps the secret comes from the days his family owned a café when he was young – the Ranch House. Or maybe it’s learned from decades of grilling for the baseball team.

“It must be pretty good. People still come,” Richey said, not specifying whether it’s for the food or the company.

As another crowd gathers under the tent on Saturdays, it’s easy to conclude it’s both. l

Popular stop for gas, launch, supplies … and the food

Erskine Funderburg, a regular, enjoys a joke delivered by another regular

Richard M. “Doughnut” Nixon (left) shares a story with Spike LeMaster

Pell City High anglers compete in national series

Story by Carol Pappas Submitted Photos

Their early story is much like any other boy growing up around the water. When they’re old enough to walk and talk, they’re old enough to hold a fishing rod and reel them in. After that, they’re perpetually ‘gone fishin.’

That’s the story of Peyton and Colin Smith, a pair of Pell City cousins who just returned from national competition, representing their bass fishing team at Pell City High School. It’s the first time a Pell City team went to nationals since the team captained by now bass pro angler, Zeke Gossett, did it back in 2016.

“We’ve been fishing on the team for five years, and we finally did it our last try. It’s a compliment to fish with the best of the best,” said Colin, noting that they were thankful for “the opportunity to make it there.”

“It was an accomplishment just to be able to go and prove we can do it,” added Peyton. “It was a humbling experience.”

The road there was not an easy one. On the state level, they fished in Alabama Student Angler Bass Fishing Association (ASABFA) tournaments, finishing in the top tier to earn a state finals spot. They finished in the top five to capture a bid to the nationals, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.

Among 480 teams competing from across the country, they finished “middle of the pack” at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina. While it wasn’t the finish they hoped for, the two are proud of their angling successes so far in their careers, and they’re pursuing even more.

Both graduated in May, and now they hope to head to collegiate level competition – together. They plan to attend the same college and compete on the same team. “We want to do it together so we don’t have to split up,” Peyton said.

Peyton and Colin’s fishing history together goes way back. “We’ve been fishing since we’ve been able to walk,” said Colin. “We’ve always fished together. We’ve had our ups and downs for sure, tempers flare when you lose a fish, but …” “We’re a team and family,” Peyton said, finishing the sentence and the sentiment they share.

They have been teammates for Pell City since eighth grade and earned “Angler of the Year” honors in 8th, 10th, 11th and expected – 12th grade – when the final tally comes in. Their 9th grade year was when COVID hit, and activities were cancelled.

As for their younger counterparts coming up through the ranks of the Ronda Parker-coached high school team, they do offer advice:

“Be patient,” Colin said. “There are times when we didn’t finish out the limit until five minutes before. Don’t give up on what you’re doing. Just fish, really.”

And from Peyton, “Keep your grades up. You can’t fish if you don’t have the grades. Keep your head down. Stay focused. Never give up.” l

Peyton and Colin show off their catches

Business Cards

Take 5

Community

Events

September through early November 2023

LakeLife 24/7 events compiled by Jackie Romine Walburn

Submit events to: Events@LakeLife247Magazine.com

SEPTEMBER

What: Local farmers with local produce

Who: St. Clair Farmers Market

When: Every Wednesday, 1 to 5 p.m.

Where: Avondale Walking Track

Why: Support local farmers.

What: Local farmers with local produce

Who: Moody Farmers Market

When: Every Friday, 1 to 5 p.m.

Where: Moody City Park, 663 Park Avenue, Moody

Why: Fresh produce.

What: Gadsden 5th Street Farmer’s Market

Who: Local farmers

When: Friday mornings MaySeptember, 7 a.m. to noon

Where: 5th Street Market, 439 Locust Street, Gadsden

Why: Fresh produce

What: Southside Farmer’s Market

Who: Local farmers

Where: Southside City Hall

When: Thursday mornings

Why: Fresh fruits and vegetables

What: Hokes Bluff Farmers Market

Who: Local farmers

Where: Hokes Bluff Library

When: Mondays beginning at 7 a.m.

Why: Fresh produce

What: Rainbow City Farmers Market

Who: Local farmers

Where: Mondays beginning at 7 a.m.

Where: Rainbow City Municipal complex

What: Attalla Farmers Market

Who: Local farmers

Where: 3rd Street and 5th, Attalla

When: Every Monday morning

Why: Fresh fruits and vegetables

What: Weekly art and farmers market in downtown Gadsden

Who: Gadsden Artisan and Farmers Market

When: Every Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Where: 5th Street Market, Downtown Gadsden

Why: Vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods and arts and crafts. Contact errinwilliams1@gmail.com

What: Seasonal artisan and vendor market

Who: Market on Main

Where: Simmons Park in Oxford

When: Sept. 2 and 16, first and third Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through September

Why: Arts, crafts and food.

What: Live music at Van’s Bar

Who: Van’s Bar

When: Friday nights in September and October, 9 to 11 p.m.

Where: Van’s Bar, Ashville Road, Leeds

Why: Live music. Show is for ages 21 and up. Fooseball tournament from 7 to 10:30 p.m.

What: Sordid Lives, a black comedy about white trash

Who: Theatre of Gadsden

When: September 1-3 and 8-10, 7 to 10 p.m.

Where: Ritz Theatre, Wall Street, Gadsden

Why: Comedy play nominated for more than 30 awards during it’s long run in Los Angeles. Tickets $13 to $20.

What: Black Jacket Symphony performance of Saturday Night Fever

Who: Live at Logan Martin and Pell City CEPA

When: Saturday, Sept. 2, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Where: Pell City Sports Complex, Stemley Bridge Road

Why: Music! More at liveatloganmartin.com.

What: Monthly support group, meeting every first Saturday

Who: Springville Library Writers’ Group

When: Saturday, Sept. 2, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: Springville Library, 6315 US 11, Springville

Why: All writers age 18+ are invited.

What: Home School Day

Who: Horse Pens 40

When: September 6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Horse Pens 40, Steele

Why: Come enjoy the park for the day. Bring a picnic lunch and scramble around the rock formations All day passes are buy one, get one free.

What: Salute to Industry Golf Tournament

Who: Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce

When: September 7, noon to 5 p.m.

Where: Anniston County Club

Why: Golf with friends

What: Rustik Bucket Vintage Market

Who: The Cozy Nest

When: September 8 and 9, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: St. Clair County Arena

Why: Vintage, handmade art, jewelry, plants, candles, knives, food trucks, sweets, home décor, furniture, under one 20,000 square foot roof. Rain or Shine.

What: Second Saturday

Who: Downtown Talladega

When: Saturday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Talladega Bottling Works

Why: Music and more each Second Saturday.

Kings of Swing in Gadsden

What: Free concert

Who: Kings of Swing

When: Tuesday, September 12, 6 to 8 p.m.

Where: Mary A. Hardin Center for the Cultural Arts, Gadsden

Why: Free concert in downtown Gadsden.

What: The Raid on Little General Farm Civil War reenactment

Who: Civil War reenactors

Where: 5535 Old Gallant Road, Gallant

When: September 15-17, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Why: Held in memory of Maggie Sue Haessly and Miss Emma Sansom, this historic reenactment is held annually on the third weekend in September with proceeds going to historical projects and continuing the event. Admission $5, with children 5 and under free.

What: Art on the Rocks

Who: Noccalula Falls

When: Saturday, September 16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Noccalula Falls Park, Gadsden

Why: Paintings to pottery, carvings to candles, food vendors. Admission $6 for adults and $4 for children, seniors and military. Park season passes accepted. Pets welcomed everywhere except the animal habitat.

What: Celebrate the Family Expo

Who: BirminghamChristian.com

When: Saturday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Finley Center at Hoover Met Complex

Why: Free admission, live music, exhibitors, cooking stage and kids zone.

What: Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

Who: Sand Mountain Corn Maze

When: Daily September 16 to Nov. 1, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: Sand Mountain Corn Maze, 8420 Cox Gap Road, Sardis City

Why: Pumpkins and more.

What: 3rd Annual Alabama Wine Festival

Who: Wills Creek Vineyards and Winery

When: Saturday, September 16, 2 to 6 p.m.

Where: Wills Creek, Duck Springs Road, Attalla

Why: Alabama wineries will have wine available for sampling and purchasing. Food from local food truck vendors and live music. No outside food or drink allowed. Adults only event.

What: Etowah County Fair

Who: American Legion Post No. 71 sponsor

When: September 16-21, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: Fairgrounds, 201 Griffin

Street, Attalla

Why: It’s the county fair and carnival (C&M Midway)

What: Chin Track Days

Who: Barber MotorSports

When: September 16 and 17, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Barber Motorsports, Leeds

Why: More at barbermotorsportsevents.com

What: Sean of the South performs

Who: Talladega’s Historic Ritz Theatre

When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17

Where: Ritz Theatre

Why: See author, musician, storyteller Sean Dietrich. Tickets $25 at www. Ritztalladega.com

What: A Taste of Northeast Alabama, 2nd annual

Who: Area restaurants and food vendors

When: Tuesday, September 19, 5 to 7 p.m.

Where: The Venue at Coosa Landing

Why: Good food, and a portion of each $20 ticket sold benefits Altrusa of Gadsden. Call 256-549-4730 for tickets.

What: Vinyl Record Art Class

Who: Little Art Tree in Ashville

When: September 20, 6 to 8 p.m.

Where: Little Art Tree, Court Street, Ashville

Why: Design and create a vinyl record inspired by a favorite song. $35 per person.

What: Plant Sale

Who: Longleaf Botanical Gardens at Anniston Museum and Gardens

When: Third Thursdays in September-November, 10 to 5 p.m,.

Where: Garden greenhouses

Why: Held every third Thursday except April and December, the plant sale benefits the gardens and feature flowers, plants, trees, tropicals.

What: Fall Festival

Who: Homestead Hollow

When: September 22, 23, 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Homestead Hollow, Springville.

Why: Calling all arts and crafts enthusiasts! Homestead Hollow hosts its second Arts and Crafts Festival of the year! Bring your family and friends to enjoy food, shopping gifts, and more!

What: National Alpaca Farm Day

Who: Blackberry Hill Alpacas

When: Saturday, September 23,

Alpaca Farm Day, Anniston

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Blackberry Hill Alpacas, Saks Road, Anniston

Why: 10th annual alpaca farm day is a chance to meet the alpacas, Genesis the camel, Llamas, petting zoo animals and museum creatures. Pony rides, face painting, vendor booths, food booths and trucks and the Alpaca product store. Free parking and admission.

What: Decades Dance

Who: Anniston Museum and Gardens

When: September 23, 6 to 10 p.m.

Where: Longleaf Event Center

Why: Inaugural dance celebrating the Roaring Twenties. Tickets $50 a person includes two drink tickets for beer or wine, signature cocktail and food. 1920s fashion encouraged. 21 and up. Designated driver tickets are $35. AM&G members $5 discount.

What: Annual Lakeside Live Musicfest

Who: Logan Martin Rocks

When: Sept. 24, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: Pell City Lakeside Park, Stemley Bridge Road

Why: Music festival, car show, kids area, vendors. Benefits Pell City police, fire and schools.

What: Love’s RV Stop 250

Who: Talladega Motor Superspeedway

When: September 29 and 30, noon to 6 p.m.

Where: Talladega Motor SuperSpeedway

Why: The Nascar Craftsman Truck Series playoff race. Tickets start at $45 for adults and all grandstand tickets are free for kids 12 and younger on Saturday.

What: 59th Annual Midsouth Marching Band Festival

Who: Gadsden City Titan Band

When: Saturday, September 30, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Titan Stadium, Black Creek Parkway, Gadsden

Why: Marching bands!

OCTOBER

What: Yellawood 500

Who: Talladega Superspeedway

When: October 1, noon to 6 p.m.

Where: Talladega Superspeedway

Why: The intensity of the NASCAR Playoffs returns to TALLADEGA on October 1 for the #YellaWood500! Don’t miss this crucial race as NASCAR’s biggest stars continue their quest for the Bill France Cup! Tickets start at just $65 for adults, and kids 12 and younger are $50 off regular pricing!

What: Performance of Princess and the Pea by Missoula Children’s Theatre

Who: Talladega’s Historic Ritz Theatre

When: October 2-7; auditions Oct. 2

Where: Ritz Theatre

Why: Youth performance of re-telling of classic tale.

Vintage Who: Barber Motorsports

What: Motorcycle Festival

When: October 6-8

Where: Barber Motorsports, Leeds

Why: The Annual Barber Vintage Festival is one of the most highly anticipated motorcycle events in the world. The three-day event features the fan zone with food and entertainment, a swap meet with hundreds of vendors selling vintage motorcycles and parts, as well as the VJMC gathering.

What: Cruisin’ for a Miracle car show

Who: Moody Miracle League

When: October 7, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Moody City Park

Why: A Non-Profit Car Show benefitting the Moody Miracle League Special Needs Baseball on Saturday October 7th in conjunction with Oktoberfest. Onside pinstriping, live auction of custom- made items. $10 per vehicle. Free to public. Awards, raffles, photography.

What: 20th Annual Oktoberfest!

Who: Moody Area Chamber of Commerce

When: October 7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Moody City Park

Why: Arts and crafts, great food, live music, pony rides, and more for you and your family to enjoy!

What: Monthly support group, meeting every first Saturday

When: Saturday, October 7, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: Springville Library, 6315 US 11, Springville

Why: All writers age 18+ are invited

Who: Springville Library Writers’ Group

What: Oxfordfest Arts and Crafts Festival, Food and More

Who: Oxfordfest

When: Saturday, October 7, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Historic Downtown Oxford Mainstreet

Why: Bring the community together to raise money for local charities. For more info, oxfordfest.org

What: Boo Bash on Logan Martin

Who: Dock to Dock Trick-Or-Treating

When: Sunday, October 8, 2 p.m. onward (Rain date, October 15)

Where: Designated docks up and down Logan Martin Lake

Why: Bringing lake community together for an afternoon of fun for the family

What: Second Saturday

Who: Downtown Talladega

When: Saturday, October 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Talladega Bottling Works

Why: Music and more each Second Saturday

What: Dreamfest 2023

Who: Lucid Dreams Tattoo and Piercings, Oxford

When: October 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: In field next to Lucid Dreams in Oxford,

Why: To celebrate two years of Lucid Dreams in Oxford, they are holding an all-day Renaissance Festival with vendors, food trucks, games and entertainment. Come in our medieval best (or any costume that makes you happy).

What: Third Thursdays in Downtown Pell City

Who: Pell City Chamber

When: Thursday, October 19, 11 a.m.

Where: Historic Downtown Pell City

Why: Look for specials, sales and fun.

What: Street Outlaws

Who: No Prep Kings

When: October 20, all day

Where: Alabama International Dragway, Crump Street, Steele.

Why: Prep Kings are making their way back to Alabama! Don’t miss this epic event! Tickets can be found online at  Tickets.TheFOAT. com/StreetOutlaws

What: Business Builder Breakfast

Who: Pell City Chamber

When: Thursday, October 26, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Where: Pell City Municipal Complex

Why: Hear from Alabama State Senator Lance Bell, attorney and municipal judge. Free admission; registration required, at pellcitychamber.com

What: Classic Car Cruise-In

Who: Talladega Classic Car Club

When: Saturday, October 27, 5 to 8 p.m.

Where: Classic Toys at 515 East Battle Street, Talladega

Why: Classic cars and trucks cruise in every 4th Saturday.

What: Spooky Art Show

Who: Little Art Tree

When: Friday, October 27, 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: Little Art Tree, Ashville

Why: Wear your costumes and get ready to see some classic spooky art, with an art contest, art show and candy!

NOVEMBER

What: 4th Annual Christmas Craft Fair

Who: Horse Pens 40

When: Nov. 4 and 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Horse Pens 40, Steele

Why: This two-day Christmas

Themed Craft Fair is where the Christmas magic begins. Come get your Holiday Shopping done while shopping handmade & unique items!

What: Fall Festival

Who: Homestead Hollow

When: Nov. 10, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Homestead Hollow, Springville.

Why: Calling all arts and crafts enthusiasts. Homestead Hollow hosts its second Arts and Crafts Festival of the year! Bring your family and friends to enjoy food, shopping gifts, and more!

Oxfordfest

Taste of the Lake

Logan Martin and Neely Henry •

RESTAURANT DIRECTORY

Logan Martin and Neely Henry •

CATCHIN’ THE COOSA

An angler’s guide to Neely Henry and Logan Martin Lakes

Zeke shows off another prize catch

By Zeke Gossett

LOGAN MARTIN

As we start to enter the fall time of year on Logan Martin, there are a lot of things beginning to happen.

One of the main things going on and happens every year is the fall water turnover. This is where the lake begins to lose oxygen out in deeper water and the lake turns over. You can even see the thermocline line on your 2D sonar and downscan.

During the turnover, you will begin to see shad starting their migration to the backs of the creeks, and usually the bass will follow. This is especially true once the nights begin to get cooler.

Another thing that begins to happen is the winter drawdown of the lake. Last year, the water level only dropped three feet compared to the usual five in prior years. This can be a very tough time of year to fish, but hopefully these tips can help you get a jump start to find fish quick.

Typically, I’m going to fish in shallow water during this time of the year. When I say shallow, I mean anywhere from 10 feet or less of water. I’m usually looking for docks, brush and grass in this depth.

I will try to start in the grass, especially in the earlier part of September. First bait I am going to reach for is a frog. The frog, in my opinion, is probably one of the best ways to get your better than average bite this time of year.

Another good option would be a buzz bait. Both baits can be fished fast and cover a lot of water in a short amount of time. Once the sun starts to get up, I will shift my focus to the docks and brush.

There are a couple of rods I reach for this time of year when fishing docks and brush. Usually, when the water temperature is still in the 75 degree-plus mark, I will fish a neko rig. The fish are still usually pretty finicky this time of year. The Neko rig is a great option for getting those finicky fish to bite when they’re not in the biting mood.

Once the water temperature gets under 75, that’s when I’ll reach for the jig. The jig is a very versatile bait this time of year. You can fish it around brush and docks. I might even flip it in grass and lay downs as well.

The early fall time of year can be some of the toughest times

to fish on Logan Martin, but it can be the most rewarding if you figure them out. Keep it simple this time of year, and you will find success.

NEELY HENRY

On Neely Henry, these two months can be an interesting two months for those of us that fish Neely Henry. The fish are starting to feed up for the winter, and this is especially true after the first few cool nights we have.

I really like to focus on docks and grass just like at Logan Martin. Typically, I’ll focus on the back half of the creeks this time of year. You also want to make sure there are baitfish in the area. Most of the time the baitfish will be up near the surface of the water column. Make sure you keep an eye for schoolers as well.

The fall turnover is usually right around the corner or is already happening at this point. What that means is the oxygen levels in deeper water are beginning to get very low. That is the reason the shallow water tends to have a lot more bass activity due to food and oxygen levels. It also is why the baitfish tend to be near the surface as well.

When fishing docks I will typically start on the shallower docks. When I say shallow docks, I’m talking any docks five feet or less.

Don’t be afraid to try deeper docks as well. The deeper docks will sometimes get overlooked by a lot of fishermen. This allows fish to use every bit of the water column if they choose to. They can either stay shallow or move deeper if they please.

A few baits I like to try in these areas are either the neko rig or jig. These two baits give me options throughout about every depth. If it is cloudy and windy I tend to reach for the buzzbait and cover a lot of water.

If it’s more of a slick calm, sunny day, I like to pitch and flip the jig around wood and docks.

Lastly, another great place to try and find a bigger bite is in the grass. Throwing a frog early in the morning is a great way to get a bigger than average bite.

Once the sun gets high, don’t be afraid to flip the jig in the grass as well. Typically, you will not get many bites using these techniques, but the ones that do bite will usually be better than average.

One important point about fishing grass on Neely Henry this time of the year, don’t be scared to fish extremely shallow. The bigger fish will sometimes be in just inches of water.

Give these tips a try and keep your fishing simple this time of year. The fall time is all about trying to find activity. Fish tend to move around a lot, but don’t let that fool you. Keep your bait selection simple and keep covering water and you will find success.

Zeke Gossett of Zeke Gossett Fishing grew up on the Coosa River and Logan Martin Lake. He is a former collegiate champion and is now a professional angler on the B.A.S.S. tour circuit and is a fishing guide. Learn more about Zeke at: zekegossettfishing.com.