41 minute read
BEN SPRAGGINS
STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTO BY KENNETH BOONE
A Lake Martin chef returns to his roots to put a little K.I.S.S. on the plate for guests
Adversity was the ticket that opened the world of good food to Copper’s Grill Chef Ben Spraggins, who recently returned home to the very restaurant where he washed dishes as his first paying job in high school. Born in 1985 with a congenital eye disease, Spraggins was blind from birth and did not gain his true eyesight until he was 13 years old. His childhood was riddled with surgeries, limited activity, few friends and low self-esteem, Spraggins said. He also develA oped a keen sense of taste and the resilience of spirit that eventually took him to Atlanta to study at Le Cordon Bleu. His drive to overcome obstacles helped
him to earn a reputation rating back to a four-star standing. as an executive chef Along the way, he has worked with Sam Talbot, who could revitalize Carla Hall, Richard Blais and Fabio Viviani at Top struggling restaurants, Chef. He worked with Chef Tom Wolfe in New Orleans a valuable skill in the at Emeril’s, where he learned to make food look good emerging post-pandemic as well as taste good. hospitality industry. “From Carla Hall, I learned patience. She is incred“I’m a fixer,” ible,” he said. Spraggins said. “A per- Spraggins was Executive Chef for the Wind Creek fectionist and a fixer.” Casino in Montgomery from the ground up, choosing As a child faced with appliances and fixtures and outfitting the restaurant tremendous challenges, with everything from napkins to menus, cooking utenhe learned hard work sils, pots and pans, dining chairs and dishes. and perseverance, and He came home to Dadeville to be close to his famSpraggins applied those ily, rejoining the Stillwaters restaurant shortly after his skills when he was arrival. offered his first restau- With the entire hospitality industry in the throes rant job as a dishwasher of a major meltdown stemming from COVID-19 at the Stillwater’s restrictions, Spraggins’ goal is to build community at Clubhouse 20 years ago. Copper’s Grill. He quickly worked his “I want to be the best chef I can be, to make people’s way up from dishwasher lives better. I love going out and talking to people in the to salad cook, sauté dining room. It’s not something you see a lot of chefs chef and banquet sous do, but I do it every day. I want to see that smile and chef before he turned 19 hear that I made you happy for the day. I want you to years old. have a good experience here, and I want to make it an “About then, I real- even better experience the next time you come in,” he ized that this was what I said. wanted to do in my life. In revitalizing the restaurant scene at Copper’s Grill I loved the atmosphere, in the wake of COVID-19, Spraggins is overhauling the the people and the food. menus, starting with the sweet things in life – dessert. I knew I could be happy “We have really improved the desserts. They look doing this for the rest of better and have more flavor,” he said. “We’ve started my life,” Spraggins said. working on our appetizers, trying different garnishes. The food, of course, Fried green tomatoes, for example, we’re using a variwas key, as Spraggins ety of fresh herbs that taste good but also look really possessed an uncanny good. gift of discernment, a “It’s kind of a corny style, I guess, but I like to side effect from the cat- K.I.S.S. my dishes – Keep It Simple and Sexy. I don’t
Blind from birth until he was aracts that blocked his like to use a lot of ingredients, but I want ingredients 13 years old, Ben Spraggins vision early in life. that complement the main ingredient. For example, we developed a keen “The fact that I season our steaks with only olive oil, salt and pepper. sense of taste that enhances couldn’t see enhanced Then we serve them with a great Florentine or demihis clients' dining experience my flavor profile,” he glaze sauce.” at the Stillwaters restaurant explained. “You’ve Revamping the entrées is next, Spraggins said. heard that taking away Beginning this fall, he will offer seasonal menus that one sense enhances the use local ingredients as they are available. The menu others? That’s absolutely true. It certainly was in my uses Halsey meats out of Alabama. case, and I really picked up on little things, especially “We try to use local or at least regional ingredients,” taste. he said.
“It’s kind of a game, I guess, but in college, my “Our goal is to improve the community, to develop friends would make something, and I would taste it and relationships in the area, so people can have fun and eat list all of its ingredients, even the secret ingredient they good food in a good environment,” Spraggins said. had added. It blew them away that I could do that.” He’s using his passion for good food, his heightened
Spraggins joined Wynn Lakes Country Club in flavor profile and the drive he gained through childhood Montgomery after college; and then, moved to the struggles to make life better at Lake Martin. Wind Creek casino chain; then, he taught at Culinard, Visit stillwatersgolf.com/cg.home or the restaurant’s was executive chef at Tacky Jacks and returned to Wind Facebook page for the latest developments at Copper’s Creek to run Fire Steakhouse in Wetumpka, bringing its Grill.
Lots in demand
Who knew the future would be here so fast? oping and selling in Trillium and River Oaks. Active The recent rediscovery of Lake Martin by development in those areas neared completion by people from all over the South has exhaust- 2005. Those successful neighborhoods, once completed available real estate inventory and accelerated ed, allowed Russell Lands to expand into the Willow property releases. In the case of Realtors, Point area, first with Glynmere and then developers and builders, this accelerated into the Pitchford Hollow area with Willow pace has created some new challenges for Glynn and The Willows. bringing needed inventory to the market. The development of those two neighbor-
Recent sales activity for Lake Martin hoods in the Pitchford Hollow area began has been brisk to say the least. Unit sales in late 2008. of residential properties increased 37.6 We released the last collection of tradipercent to 505 sales for the year ending tional waterfront lots in The Willows just April 30, 2021, compared to the same a few weeks ago. After a brisk sales run period last year. The average sales price over the last two years, Russell Lands has has also increased 20.4 percent over the LAKE PROPERTY completed the development of traditional same period. This unprecedented sales BY STEVE ARNBERG homesites in this area, and we are able to pace has dried up inventory to just a 1.71- shift focus to a new area. month supply of available residential property. As Trillium and River Oaks were winding down,
As you might expect, with the rapid sales pace and and before additions were made to the Willow Point low supply for residential property, interested purchas- area, Russell Lands began the development of The ers have shifted their attention to developed waterfront Ridge in 2002. This has been in many ways Russell lots. The unit count for sales of waterfront home sites Lands’ most ambitious development. Located at the has increased 292 percent to 171 properties sold over center of Lake Martin, The Ridge was an ideal locathe same period last year. Average price for home sites tion for a lakefront development. has increased 30.7 percent year-over-year. Although it was located in the central part of the
I cannot speak knowledgeably about every develop- lake by water, The Ridge would actually be remote by er’s plans on the lake; however, I can give a little bit way of existing infrastructure. The waterfront property of a guide to Russell Lands’ planning for the foresee- was located miles away from any developed roads, able future. A good way to look forward would be to and even further by land or by water from a marina. give a quick look backward at Russell Lands’ activity One significant land mass, The Ridge Island, was only in the 21st century. accessible by boat.
At the turn of the century, Russell Lands was devel- Concern for the lake and home placement required
a sewer system as opposed to individual septic systems. The size of the parcel, roughly 900 acres, required a diverse development plan of multiple housing types, as well as protective covenants and guidelines providing a design concept that would last through the 15 to 20 years of development.
The Ridge ultimately has developed impressive amenities and infrastructure; notably, there is The Ridge Marina ¸ The Ridge Club, numerous parks and trails, a sewer system, multiple home types with trendsetting home styles and the Bridge to Somewhere. With the release in early July of the last mainland collection of traditional waterfront lots, The Ridge will have developed and released nearly 550 waterfront properties. Due to the recent high absorption rate for Lake Martin, The Ridge has nearly exhausted its supply of waterfront property.
What comes next?
The Ridge Island is potentially primed for development in the near future since the market has taken off, reducing available homesites in The Ridge. While there are no definitive plans or timeline for the island, the additions of the recently announced and very special amenities at The Heritage will make development of the island more likely.
In last month’s Lake magazine, an announcement was made about The Heritage, a new Russell Lands development in the Wicker Point area of Lake Martin. I would direct you to that article on page 18 of the May 2021 issue of Lake for more information regarding key amenities and location.
Russell Lands is still many months from making any definitive statements regarding property prices, land plans and property release dates for The Heritage. One need only look at the land and recent developments to gain a sense of the tremendous addition The Heritage will be to Lake Martin. If you are like me, you just can’t wait to see what comes next.
Steve Arnberg is Vice President Real Estate Sales for Russell Lands.
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HEART & VASCULAR CLINIC AT RUSSELL MEDICAL
Make an appointment today by calling (256) 234-2644. 3368 Highway 280, Suite 130 • Alexander City, AL 35010 uabmedicine.org/HeartRussell
Left to our own devices
With the failure of HB238, our safety demands respect and courtesy on the water
The Home Owners and Boat Owners of Lake Martin brakes on a boat or a personal watercraft. annual business meeting is a great opportunity to I understand that needless laws can be overbearing, and see familiar faces and make new friends, to get I am not suggesting that we overhaul our boating laws, but updated on matters of importance to Lake Martin and House Bill 238 was simply a way to increase safety and to enjoy a great breakfast that is free to members. Our protect us. last meeting was Feb. 29, 2020, HB238 was intended to make our lake safer for everyjust before the world was turned one, not to take all the fun out of boating, as one repreupside down due to COVID-19. sentative put it in objecting to the bill.
Since then, the board has We have more boats on the lake now than ever before. accomplished several goals They are bigger and louder, and they create huge wakes, including a new website, a new eroding the shoreline. There are more inexperienced drivbrochure and development of a ers on the water than ever before as well. But the shoremembership subcommittee. The line, docks, structures and swimmers would have been HOBOs annual meeting this more protected by the passage of HB 238. year will be at Red Ridge United I have a friend who was seriously injured when his Methodist Church on Saturday, boat was hit broadside by a drunk driver who was drivJune 12. Reservations for break- ing at night with no lights on. Although I have observed fast are required and can be made on our website at lakemartin- HOBO increased awareness about the dangers of boating while drinking, it still doesn’t count as a DUI, so it does not hobos.com, by email to info@ BY STEVE SMITH fully deter boaters from abusing alcohol and other sublakemartinhobos.com or by call- stances in the same manner as our DUI laws. ing Jimmy Bagley at 678-644-0473. Breakfast will be at 9 My first article in Lake magazine as the president of a.m., followed by the business meeting at 10 a.m. We will Lake Martin HOBOs was about change (Lake magazine discuss issues that affect us all and address any concerns June 2020, p. 73), and working together for the good of you may have. Lake Martin. The use of Lake Martin by both full-time
There are both new and ongoing concerns for all Lake and weekend residents, as well as visitors, has increased Martin homeowners and boat owners. We should all be dramatically. Last year was a banner year for real estate concerned about the lack of environmental policies to at the lake, and it seems like rental properties are popping protect our resources, as well as issues associated with the up all over the lake. This year has broken records for the increased development and boat traffic on Lake Martin. I sale of boats, and boat rentals are booming, too. The more particularly cannot understand how Alabama House Bill vacation rental properties we have, the more boat rent238 did not pass during the recent legislative session. By ers we have, and the more we need regulations to protect establishing a rule to stay 100 feet from structures, vessels, everyone from inexperienced vessel operators. shoreline and swimmers, and by making BUI offenses I realize that HB 238 would not have changed the regucount against an offender’s driver’s license, HB 238 would lations regarding licensure or who could rent a boat, but have made all Alabama lakes safer. it would have established the rule to stay 100 feet from
Every driver in this country is expected to get a driver’s structures, vessels and swimmers. permit, then a driver’s license and insurance. In Alabama, At HOBOs, we welcome visitors to the lake but encoura learner’s permit is available at age 15 with a licensed age everyone to show courtesy and respect for others, both adult present when operating the car. At age 16, a driver’s in the neighborhood and on the water. license can be earned by passing a driving test, demon- I love this lake, and I am blessed to call it home. I know strating knowledge of the rules and safe operation of the I speak for many who are concerned about what they see vehicle. Our roads and highways have speed limits, traffic happening. So this summer, when you are on the lake, signs and signals, and passing and non-passing lanes are remember you are at the mercy of an increasing number of marked. These are necessary for safety, and license holders boat operators who are inexperienced, unlicensed and even agree to obey these rules. reckless. They are good people just out to enjoy a day at
Ironically, in Alabama a 12-year-old is allowed to the lake, and they often are unaware of the risk they presoperate a water vessel that can travel at excessive speeds. ent to others. Anyone 18 or older is allowed to rent a boat without tak- Be safe, and have a great summer. ing a test, without a boater’s license and without knowledge of the rules or how to safely operate a vessel. There are no speed limits on the water, no caution signs or traffic signals, no marked lanes for passing, and there are no Steve Smith is President of the Lake Martin Home Owners and Boat Owners Association. Learn more at lakemartinhobos.com.
Under Construction
South Ridge Harbor, Breakwater • $2,095,000 Builder: Legacy New Homes Beds: 5 • Baths: 4.5 • SQFT: 3,825 Russell Lands Rhonda Watson, Anna Speaks 256.215.7011 RussellLands.com
61 Jacks Hollow, Alexander City • $2,900,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 5.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Jan Hall 256.329.6313 LakeMartinRealty.com
240 & 260 Whispering Ridge, Alexander City • $8,250,000 Beds: 6 • Baths: 6 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty India Davis 256.749.7592 LakeMartinRealty.com
33 Pointwood Place, Dadeville • $950,000 Beds: 3 • Baths: 3.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Rhonda Jaye 256.749.8681 LakeMartinRealty.com Russell Cabins at The Willows, Portico • $920,000 Builder: Classic Homes Beds: 4 • Baths: 4.5 • SQFT: 2,396 Water-Access w/ dedicated boat slip Anna Speaks, Rhonda Watson 256.215.7011 RussellLands.com
160 Ridge Crest, Alexander City • $2,750,000 Beds: 5 • Baths: 5.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty David Mitchell 256.212.3511 LakeMartinRealty.com
208 Wind Crest, Alexander City • $2,990,000 Beds: 6 • Baths: 7.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Becky Haynie 334.312.0928 LakeMartinRealty.com
605 Beach Island Trace, Dadeville • $699,000 Beds: 3 • Baths: 2 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Rhonda Jaye 256.749.8681 LakeMartinRealty.com
Ridge Run, Crestview • $1,450,000 Builder: Lake Martin Signature Construction Beds: 4 • Baths: 4.5 • SQFT: 3,027 Russell Lands Rhonda Watson, Anna Speaks 256.215.7011 RussellLands.com
1147 Willow Way North, Alexander City • $8,995,000 Beds: 11 • Baths: 9 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty India Davis 256.749.7592 LakeMartinRealty.com
1125 North Ridge, Alexander City • $1,495,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty John Shelton 404.858.9198 LakeMartinRealty.com 48 Outboard Circle, Jackson’s Gap • $800,000 Beds: 3 • Baths: 3.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Damon Story 205.789.9526 LakeMartinRealty.com
Russell Cabins at The Ridge, 2 Plus 2 • $1,410,000 Builder: Classic Homes Beds: 4 • Baths: 4.5 • SQFT: 2,590 Russell Lands Rhonda Watson, Anna Speaks 256.215.7011 RussellLands.com
175 Tanglewood Lane, Dadeville • $1,175,000 Beds: 6 • Baths: 4 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Jeff & Denise Cochran 256.786.0099 LakeMartinRealty.com
DID YOU KNOW? When Realtors advertise in Lake magazine they recieve FREE fab finds. Call 256-234-4281 to find out how. LAKEMAGAZINE.LIFE
Grilled Goodness
Although summer begins the tradi- mushrooms, summer and winter squash, asparational grilling season, nearly half of all gus, radish, eggplant, sweet bell peppers, onions Americans use their grills all year long. and starchy varieties like corn and potatoes; toss Whether grilling only on weekends or every day, in olive oil or vinaigrette and season with herbs. it is important to be informed of healthy grilling Place vegetables on the grate or in a grill basket. strategies. Another idea, if you like steamed vegetables, is
Grilled foods are generally healthier than fried, to cook them in foil with a small amount of water as they contain no batter or dripping grease. and a few favorite herbs. Place the foil package on Grilled foods are more appealing because of the the grill grate on indirect heat. smoky smell and flavor. Great tasting marinades Grilled fruit makes a wonderful accompaniment can add flavor and tenderness to protein choices. to a meal or serves as a dessert. Fruit kabobs, pineWhile this golden rule of sticking to grilled food is apple slices, peach or pear halves can be grilled on true, there are two considerations to keep in mind HEALTHY LIVING a lower heat until soft and slightly golden. Serve to adhere to healthy grilling strategies. BY JULIE HUDSON with chicken, fish or pork; place on top of flat
Many Americans choose high fat meats and bread or pair the fruit with low-fat frozen yogurt sausages, which contribute a lot of calories, saturated fat and or ice cream for dessert. cholesterol to the diet. The second consideration is the potentially harmful compounds called polycyclic hydrocarbons Julie Hudson is a registered dietician at Lake Martin (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs). PAHs form when fat Wellness Center. and juices drip into the grill, causing flames and smoke. HCAs form when animal proteins (beef, chicken, fish and pork) are grilled at very high temperatures. While these reactions do not necessarily make grilling Grilled Chicken Recipesunhealthy, it is important to be aware of the possible harmful effects of grilling, so techniques can be adjusted to reduce Grilled Chicken with Brie and Pineapple exposure to PAHs and HCAs. Boneless chicken breasts (marinate chicken for at
Most important is the selection of protein sources that are least 30 minutes) lower in saturated fat and trimming the excess fat to reduce the Brie Cheese, sliced formation of carcinogens. Fresh pineapple, sliced into rounds There are several ways to reduce the risk of PAHs and HCAs. First, stay away from or limit processed meats, such as Grill fresh pineapple slices until tender and golden. hot dogs, sausages, ham and bacon. No matter how these pro- Set aside on a plate. Marinate or season chicken cessed meats are cooked, they are not healthy. with favorite seasoning, salt and pepper. Grill chicken
The healthiest animal protein options are chicken, turkey, until thermometer reads 160 degrees. Flip chicken fish or pork. Lean beef, lamb and other red meat also could be one more time. Top with pineapple and cheese. enjoyed on occasion. Grilling leaner meats and trimming excess Once cheese is melted and thermometer reads 165 fat will help to avoid flare-ups with the fire. degrees, remove from the grill. Serve as a sandwich,
Second, marinating is a great method to add flavor to a meal. if desired. Research has shown that soaking meat in a marinade that contains an acid, such as vinegar, lime juice, lemon juice or low Tomato and Mozzarella Smothered sodium soy sauce, for at least 30 minutes, reduces the forma- Grilled Chicken tion of HCAs by 92 percent. 2 tablespoons olive oil
Third, always start with a clean grill grate. This will help 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze, divided prevent flare-ups. And skip the lighter fluid. Sticking to the old 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped fashion way of using coal and newspaper is much better than 2 cloves garlic, minced starting a grill fire with chemicals. Purchasing a charcoal chim- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper ney makes this a very easy and economical process. Watch the 1/4 teaspoon salt smoke and flames. Let initial flames settle down prior to plac- 1 pound chicken cutlets ing the meat on the grill. 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Cutting off the excess visible fat helps prevent charring the 1 small tomato, thinly sliced meat. Charred areas can be scrapped or cut off prior to eating.
Also, flipping food more often without piercing the meat Combine oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze, basil, will help prevent the formation of HCAs. garlic, pepper and salt in a small bowl. Brush mix-
Putting the meat on a skewer will cut down on grilling time. ture on both sides of chicken. Grill the chicken until Meat can be skewered alone or alternated with vegetables. thermometer almost reads 165 degrees. Flip the Consider using rosemary as a skewer. This method infuses fla- chicken one more time, top with mozzarella cheese vor into the meat and makes a beautiful presentation. and tomato. Grill until cheese melts and thermom-
Pile on the color, flavor and nutrients by grilling vegetables eter reads 165 degrees. Remove from grill. Drizzle and fruit. Grilled vegetables and fruit do not produce HCAs or with remaining 1 tablespoon of balsamic glaze and PAHs. The natural sugar caramelizes during the grilling pro- sprinkle with more basil to taste. This can be served cess, which increases the sweetness and flavor of vegetables as a sandwich, if desired. and fruit. Slice or chop your favorite vegetables, including
Farro Verde with Spring Vegetables
Ingredients
4 cups cooked farro verde (cooked to package instructions) 3 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 cup chopped ramp leaves (spinach or turnip tops are an acceptable substitute) 1 cup mixed medium diced spring vegetables of your choice (baby onions, ramps, leeks and turnips) 1 tablespoon chopped mint 1 tablespoon chopped parsley 1 tablespoon chopped tarragon Warm vegetable stock Olive oil Salt to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss diced spring vegetables with olive oil and salt. Bake until slightly caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
To Assemble
In a large pot, warm cooked farro with butter and a splash of vegetable stock. Add chopped greens and stir until cooked. Adjust seasoning with salt. Remove from heat and add lemon and chopped herbs, stirring vigorously for a few seconds to help build starch.
To serve, portion farro into four bowls and top with roasted vegetables. Garnish with olive oil. This dish would work well as a base for a meaty fish like swordfish.
CHEF’S TABLE
BY CHRIS MORINA
Chris Morina, executive chef and general manager at SpringHouse Restaurant, earned a bachelor's degree in restaurant and hotel management from Auburn University and worked with Southern food icon Linton Hopkins at Restaurant Eugene in Atlanta before moving to Mourad and other Michelin-starred restaurants in San Francisco.
The Landing Bushwhacker
Ingredients
2 ounces white rum 1.5 ounces coffee liqueur 1.5 ounces Irish cream 3 ounces Island Oasis ice cream mix or a scoop of your favorite ice cream Splash of 151 Rum Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup whipped cream
Directions
Combine white rum, coffee liqueur and Irish cream in a blender with crushed ice. Spin ingredients together until desired thickness is achieved. Line a tall cup with chocolate syrup and pour away. Finish with whipped cream and a 151 Rum topper for an extra kick. When The Landing at Parker Creek opened in 2016, we loved the idea of offering frozen drinks to Lake Martin. What better than a Bushwhacker? It turned into quite the phenomenon very quickly and became a crowd favorite. After years of spinning up these frozen delights to perfection, we proudly serve 800 to 1,000 every summer weekend.
CHEERS!
THE LANDING AT PARKER CREEK
Let’s be honest: Fishing Lake Martin in the summer can be a challenge. This is the peak of the recreational season on the lake, and there are factors at play that have to be considered. First of all is safety. There are more boats and watercraft on the lake now than ever. It’s a great thing when you think about it. We have a truly public waterbody that all people can enjoy, whatever their water sport of preference.
First, we have to be aware that although a boating license is required to get behind the wheel of a powerboat, the qualifications are not as strict as those for operating cars. In recent years, more people have gotten into boating and water sports, and accidents have become more frequent. We’ve seen the growth in the fishing industry, as well, and boat sales in general have exploded across the board. Bass boats, pontoon boats, wake boats, center consoles … the list goes on. Kayaks and paddle boards are getting more popular as well, adding another dynamic. The best advice for this time of year would be for anyone that’s out on the water to be aware of what’s going on around them at all times.
I get excited every time I drop my boat in the water. It’s been like that since the first time I was able to push my Jon boat off the bank and paddle out into our slough as a kid. There is something exhilarating about being out in open water supported by a small hull of fiberglass, aluminum, plastic or wood.
The lake is a place to enjoy time with friends and family. There is so much to do and talk about that it’s easy to forget there are many others out there. Just recently, I had a close call with someone staring at a cell phone with a boat load of people on board. Had I not been watching, it could have been bad. “No Wake” zones, in my opinion, are in the right places. Common sense is the best virtue when boating, and watching out for others can make all the difference. By making the effort to be considerate of others on the water, accidents could be kept to a minimum, so everyone can enjoy the lake experience. Here are a few things we can do as anglers (and all boaters in general) to help: Don’t get in a hurry I can’t believe I put this at the top of my list, but there it is. I like to run hard, cover water, jump down and hit the next spot as much as anyone, but this time of year there are more folks out there, and it pays to be aware at all times. One mistake in a high-speed bass boat could damage equipment and potentially throw an angler in the water. Slow down; let the boat ride out the waves from the boat traffic to make it to the next stop in one piece. It may take a few minutes longer, but that’s just the nature of the game at this time of year. BIG CATCHES BY GREG VINSON Be aware of your wake I’m glad “No Wake” buoys aren’t littered all over the lake. The best advice is to know the potential of the boat wake. Relatively speaking, bass boats don’t create near the wake as that of other larger, deep hulled boats. Keep in mind that a bass boat creates the most wake at about one quarter to one half throttle. Take a look around in the vicinity of the boat and its path out to see if the wake could cause any damage. Look around for a boat that’s loosely tied off, a kayak or paddle board or someone swimming. Once again, common sense will go a long way and help avoid the designation of more “No Wake” zones, and yes, speed limits like I’ve seen in other states. Running boat wakes Anybody that’s tried to fish Lake Martin in the summer knows it can be like running in a giant washing machine. Most bass boats these days are built to take some pounding, especially if driving skills can soften the blows. No. 1 again: Take your time. Boat hulls are designed to cut the wave as it hits the front of the boat; and then, shed the water to the side. Running too fast takes the keel of the boat out of the water and doesn’t allow it to cut the wave and soften the blow. The back pad of the boat is flatter, and when the back pad is the first thing to hit, it can shock the spine and destroy equipment; not to mention sending the bow directly into the next wave, making the boat a giant shallow-diving crankbait. Let the bow of the boat run as low as possible, and trim just enough to keep it from spearing a wave. Run waves at a 20- to 30-degree angle when possible, and the boat will run between them while crossing.
Dealing with crowds, wakes and visibility
Dealing with crowds, wakes and visibility
For really big wakes, set the boat down nearly off plane and let the back of the boat plow while keeping the bow high in the water. This will keep huge waves from breaking over the bow and spearing a wave. For reference, in my boat, I only run about 14 miles per hour when I have to resort to this move. These generally come from cabin cruisers that think they are still running the Gulf of Mexico.
Usually, looking ahead at boats that have passed near the path will help to judge the potential wake that may have to be negotiated. Wakeboard boats, as the name implies, can make some bone-jarring wakes. Cabin cruisers are the others to be aware of since their hulls sit deep in the water and displace large amounts of water as they cruise. If you see these ahead or in the area, slow down to prepare. Hopefully, they will see other watercraft around them and give those boaters a break on the wake, but there are always some that don’t know or don’t care.
Wakes can start small and hitting the first ripples can be deceiving. They will generally get larger as you get close to the boat’s center travel line. Light it up
Night fishing is very good on Lake Martin in the summer. It’s not too hot, and there’s less boat traffic. There are more people out cruising at night than there used to be. Unfortunately, this is when the worst accidents happen.
Alcohol is a major factor with boating accidents. Don’t be fooled into thinking people aren’t out there enjoying a few drinks. There aren’t enough State Troopers/Marine Police to cover every inch of the lake every hour. First and foremost, don’t drink and drive – not in a car and not in a boat. It’s not worth it.
There are more houses on the lake now, and more areas of the lake are lit at night with landscape lighting, etc. These can be a distraction, and boat lights blend with the background lighting on the bank. Make sure that the boat is lit properly with red and green bow colors in the proper locations with the anchor light at the stern set at a proper height. Additional lighting along the rubrail of the boat also could be a plus.
Once again, I’ve found that I have to really slow down at night to give my eyes time to adjust to the surroundings and changing light scattered around the lake. Running too fast can make another boat’s lights blend even more with background lights on the bank and lead to catastrophic collisions. Once again, it’s not worth it. Call me old fashioned, but when fishing busy lakes in daytime or at night, it’s best to take my time and keep my head on a swivel.
All this being considered, I still really enjoy fishing Lake Martin in the summer. Some people choose not to fish this time of year because of the traffic, but it’s important to keep fishing. The lake is a multi-use lake, and anglers need to continue to have a presence. The fish have adapted to the boat traffic and actually use the disturbance as an opportunity to feed on baitfish that have been disoriented. The fishing is actually really good offshore.
As with any time on the water, watch out for others, and hopefully, others will watch out as well. Then we can all enjoy this incredible body of water we call Lake Martin year round.
Greg Vinson is a full-time professional angler on the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour. He lives in Wetumpka and grew up fishing on Lake Martin.
Golf Pro's Dad helps him in game and life
Ihope everyone is enjoying the entry of my level and looked me in the eyes. spring and the wonderful weather condi- “I don’t know much about this game, but tions delivered to us daily. It is also my I do know it is a gentleman’s game,” he said. hope that each of you took the time to share “If I ever see you act this way again I will take an expression of love on Mother’s Day. Being your clubs, and you can find something else to a good parent is one of the most important do with your time.” Thanks, Dad. jobs in the world. I have always wanted to be Now, my passion for the game began to rub remembered not for my personal and profes- off on my Dad. He started by hitting a few sional contributions but more for the living balls with me at the range, but his love for the legacy embodied in the two beautiful children game began to blossom quickly. He bought a I helped raise. As we prepare to honor another set of clubs and made golfing buddies at the parent on Father’s Day, I remember a few les- municipal course. It became a beautiful part of sons my father passed along to me as I grew his life until the end. up in golf. As I turned my focus away from baseball THE SCRAMBLE I was with him the one and only day that he managed to shoot under par. Everything went to a focus on golf, my father continued to supBY ROB WITHERINGTON his way that day. He chipped in twice from port me in every way. He didn’t play the game off the green. He made several long 40- and initially, but he watched the other teenaged 60-foot putts. He struck the ball well from tee players and listened to all the advice the golf coaches had to to green all day. It was such a joy to witness this miracle impart. He came to watch me tee off in my first match and round of golf by his side. had some feedback for me the next day. I swing and play as When I returned home, he was asleep on the couch with fast as I talk, which he noticed. the Braves game playing on the television. I stepped quietly
“If you could hit the ball with your backswing, you past him and entered the kitchen where Mom was preparwould be as good a golfer as the other kids,” he told me. ing dinner. I asked her if she could believe what happened,
In every golf swing, the club should accelerate into and and she had no idea what I was talking about. Dad hadn’t through the hitting area. My father’s single comment made bragged at all to her about his wonderful day. I would have me realize that I needed to adjust the tempo of my swing. been running off at the mouth to anyone who would have Today, I think slow ‘molasses’ on my take-away and accel- listened. His lesson to be humble really rang true to me that erate ‘meteor’ through impact and follow through. These day. Thanks, Dad. are simple swing keys that continue to make a difference Right before he passed away, his last piece of advice to for me even today. Thanks, Dad. me was simple.
He continued to support me and watched all that I was “Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. Just have fun doing during my matches. He saw that I was teeing off with because it is just a game,” he said. Thanks, Dad. a 3-wood and questioned why I wasn’t hitting my 1-wood My father was my personal hero, and I miss him so like the other kids. I told him I had trouble hitting my driver much. He was a simple man with simple advice, and I and felt better hitting my 3-wood. He told me that being so loved him for it. Maybe his advice will help you, too, but small I was already at a disadvantage to the others. remember that your local PGA professional, “Gabby,” is
“You need to learn how to hit the 1-wood,” he told me. here if you need me.
I took his advice, and my scores improved. In another Happy Father’s Day and good golfing. match, he saw me hit a bad tee shot on the first hole into the woods. My reaction was to yell and scream as I continu- Rob “Gabby” Witherington is the PGA professional at ously slammed my driver into the ground. His reaction was Stillwaters Golf Club in Dadeville. Contact him by email at immediate on this one. He approached me, knelt down to robwitherington@gmail.com.
Jaybird Landing
TALLAPOOSA COUNTY
Jacksons Gap
49
Bethel Church
57
Pleasant Ridge Church
15
Lake Martin Baptist Church 49
Stillwaters
8 9 6
17
Walnut Hill
27
49 Horseshoe Bend National Park
Lake Martin Alabama
22
Dadeville
280
26
Camp Hill
50
Marinas
1. Kowaliga Marina1 256-397-1210 255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
2. The Ridge Marina2 256-397-1300 450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
3. River North Marina3 256-397-1500 250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
2. Russell Marine Boating and Outdoors4 256-397-1700 19 Russell Marine Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
2. Real Island Marina5 256-397-1200 2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026
3. Blue Creek Marina6 256-825-8888 7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853
2. Parker Creek Marina 7 256-329-8550 486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026
3. Harbor Pointe Marina8 256-825-0600 397 Marina Point Rd., Dadeville, AL 36853 www.harborpointe.net
2. Lakeside Marina 9 256-825-9286 7361 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853
2. Lakeside Marina at Bay Pines10 256-825-0999 3455 Bay Pine Rd., Jackson's Gap, AL 36861
2. Alex City Marine11 256-215-FISH(3474) 2190 Cherokee Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
Restaurants & Venues
6. SpringHouse 12 256-215-7080 12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 6. Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070 17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
13
Kowaliga Restaurant14 256-215-7035 295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010
Lake Martin Pizza15 256-373-3337 5042 Hwy 49, Dadeville, AL 36853
Shipwreck Sam's Yogurt & Flatbread Pizza16 256-444-8793 smithmarinaonlakemartin@yahoo.com The Burritos Corner Mexican Grill 256-307-1887 8605 AL HWY 50, Dadeville, AL 36853
17 Business & Shopping
Lake Martin Storm Shelters18 256-794-8075 970 Hwy. 63 South, Alex City, AL 35010
19
Lake Martin Mini Mall 334.857.3900 7995 Kowaliga Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024
4. Russell Do It Center (Alex City)20 256-234-2567 1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010 4. Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132 1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 4. Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256 350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853 4. The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333 288 Stables Loop, Alex City, AL 35010 4. Dark Insurance 256-234-5026 410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010 www.darkinsuranceagency.com
21
22
23
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. Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort25 334-857-1816 8610 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 . Off the Beaton Path 205-994-0847 21322 Hwy. 280, Dadeville, AL 36853
26
Churches
Lake Pointe Baptist Church27 256-373-3293 8352 Hwy. 50, Dadeville, AL 36853
Dock Builders
28
Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443 180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024
Advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map for as little as $25. Contact our Marketing Department at 256-234-4281 or marketing@alexcityoutlook.com for more information.
ATTENTION READERS: Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic some of our distribution locations have changed. This month, you may pick up the most recent issue of Lake magazine at the following locations.
ALEXANDER CITY Robinson Iron A & M Plumbing Carlos The Body Shop Piggly Wiggly Walgreens Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Jake's Moore Wealth Management Carlisle's Emporium Wine Cloud Nine JR'S Hillabee Towers Senior Nutrition Center Noel Boone George Hardy First Realty Dark Insurance Warren Appliance MainStreet Family Care Grace's Flowers Koon's Korner Larry's General Merchandise Daylight Donuts Alfa Valley Bank - 280 Pricare Temple Medical AllState Hometown Pharmacy Lake Martin Home Health Allen's Food Mart (Exxon) Karen Channell - State Farm Insurance Vision Landscapes North Lake Condo River Bend Store River North Marina Lake Martin Building Supply Petro Sho'Nuff BBQ Hair Design Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture Jim Bob's Chicken Fingers Russell Building Supply Longleaf Antique Mall Playhouse Cinemas Chamber of Commerce Winn Dixie Re/Max Around the Lake City Hall Regions Bank Marathon - 280 BB&T Bank Russell Medical Center Koon's II Tallapoosa Ford Dylan Johnson - Country Financial Holley's Home Furniture Jackson's Drugs Selling Lake Martin - Amy Clark The Sure Shot Shell - 280 Big B Bar-B-Que Russell Do It Center Russell Home Decor Holman Floor Satterfield Inc. Wind Creek Gate Wind Creek Store Willow Point Office Willow Point Country Club Smith Marina on Lake Martin Kowaliga Marina Sunsrise Docks Kowaliga Restaurant Children's Harbor Catherine's Market Russell Lands Corporate Office Russell Lands Real Estate Sales Center Springhouse Restaurant Ridge Club Ridge Marina NEW SITE Piggly Wiggly DADEVILLE Chamber of Commerce Raining Dogs Studio & Gallery Root 49 Salon Alabama Power Siggers Fusion Cafe Dadeville Library Pearson's Place Flower's & Gifts Dadevile Courthouse Payne's Furniture PNC Bank Home Plate Cafe Valley Bank McKelvey Chevrolet Renfroe's Market Foshee's Boat Doc Lakeshore Pharmacy Russell Building Supply Lakay's Sweet Pickins Century 21, Rhonda Gaskins Farmers & Merchants Bank Jim's Pharmacy Poplar Dawgs Still Waters County Club Still Waters Home Association Russell Lands Realty Fuller Realty Harbor Pointe Oskar's Creekside Lodge Blue Creek Marina Lakeside Marina Shell - 280 Niffers Hwy 50 Eagle Millstone Japanese Maple Nursery Lakeside Merchantile Walnut Hill Chuck's Marina Deep Water Docks CAMP HILL Link Gas Station EQUALITY Five Star Plantation Equality Food Mart Southern Star Parker Creek Marina ECLECTIC Lake Breeze Realty Mitchell's Upholstery Lake Martin Mini Mall Cozumel Mexican Grill Lake Martin Dock Company Cotton's Alabama Barbecue Russell Do It Center Johnson Furniture WOW Cartering LLC Eclectic Library Real Island Marina Hometown Lenders, Inc. Anchor Bay Marina WETUMPKA Wetumpka Herlad Office TALLASSEE Marathon Tallassee Eagle Tallassee Chamber OPELIKA Collaboration Station
Get Lake magazine delivered to your mailbox for just $25 per year. To start your subscription, call Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.
lamberthandlamberth.com
256-234-6401
6 Franklin Street • Alexander City
Alabama Power...........................................................23
Alex City Guide Service............................................. 8
Alex City Marine........................................................64
Beyond Home Care ..................................................91
Blue Creek Iron Works ............................................91
Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation .........................................8
Coach Kraft Upholstery...........................................91
Comfort Home Services..........................................32
Custom Docks............................................................28
Davco............................................................................91
Docks Unlimited .......................................................... 5
Electronic Technology Group..................................91
First Methodist Dadeville/New Water Farms ....... 8
George Hardy D.M.D.................................................. 8
Gilbert Welding & Design ........................................64
Harbor Pointe Marina...............................................28
Heritage South Credit Union .................................56
Homeology..................................................................32 Insurance Solutions Group......................................22
Kowaliga Whole Health............................................91
Lake Martin Dock......................................................19
Lake Martin Mortgage...............................................77
Lake Martin Realty...............................................39, 44
Lake Martin Signature Construction.....................29
Lake Martin TV ...........................................................22
Lamberth & Lamberth ..............................................90
Mark King's Furniture ...............................................20
Moore Wealth Management ....................................95
National Village ...........................................................86
Odd Jobs ......................................................................12
Oskars ............................................................................ 8
Precise Pressure Washing.........................................91
Prime Management...................................................... 6
ProCare, LLC ..............................................................37
Renaissance Electronics.............................................. 5
Rhonda Gaskins, Century 21 Lake Area Realty ...... 3 Russell Lands On Lake Martin.............33, 45, 57, 65
Russell Marine.............................................................96
Russell Medical ............................................................. 2
Satterfield....................................................................... 5
Security Pest Control .............................................6, 8
Singleton Marine.........................................................75
Sparkle..........................................................................22
St. James Episcopal Church........................................ 6
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church......................12
Sunrise Dock...............................................................12
Tallapoosa Board of Education ...............................76
Temple Medical Center .............................................. 8
TowBoat US ................................................................64
UAB Heart & Vascular ..............................................73
Walmart .......................................................................91
Wedowee Marine ......................................................93
Parting Shot
Photo by Kenneth Boone
Jack (age 4) and Sydney (age 7) McKinney of Tuscaloosa create a splash as they run through the lake at Wind Creek State Park.
~ Wyatt Pringle
FRIDAY, JUNE 11TH AND SATURDAY, JUNE 12TH
JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THE OFFICIAL GRAND OPENING OF RUSSELL MARINE BOATING & OUTDOORS.
Tour our all new state-of-the-art 150,000 sq. ft. building featuring the largest selection of new and pre-owned boats, side-by-sides and personal watercraft in the Southeast.
