The abundance of shallow water also makes Eufaula sensitive to cold fronts, especially in March. Well-known tournament angler and guide David Cole of Eufaula has fished the lake for 43 years. He said bass move to the shallows in late February when water temperatures reach 52 to 55 degrees, but get lockjaw often.

"If we get a strong cold front," Cole noted, "it affects fishing for two or three days, and then they will start biting again.

"In March and April, the fish are very shallow and the fishing is unbelievable. It has really improved with the increase in aquatic vegetation. Last spring, it took a 4-pound average or better to place in a tournament. A 5-pound average can win, but not every time."

In spring, Cole's favorite lures are spinnerbaits and shallow-running crankbaits. He works both through the vegetation.

"Look for small patches of alligator grass covering a 10- to 12-foot area," Cole advised. "Cast a spinnerbait past the grass and buzz it across the surface. When the bait reaches the edge, let it fall vertically. If there's a bass in the grass, he will take it on the fall every time.

"Use a Mann's 1-Minus to fish submerged vegetation, and jerk it hard when it makes contact with the grass; then pause. That's when he's going to nail it."

Cole and Weathers both recommend fishing Cowikee Creek. Cole also fishes Hatcheehubbee and Little Barbour creeks.

Lake Eufaula has a growing population of spotted bass, and there's no minimum length size limit on that species. In fact, Weathers encourages anglers to harvest spots and legal-size largemouths to promote growth rates.

To book a day of guided bass fishing on Lake Eufaula with David Cole, call him at (334) 687-7229.

LAKE GUNTERSVILLE
Known worldwide for great bass fishing, this Tennessee Valley Authority impoundment is located near the city of Guntersville and stretches for 82 miles to the northeast along the Tennessee River. The lake covers 69,100 acres and has about 16,500 acres of aquatic vegetation -- both Eurasian water milfoil and hydrilla. That exceeds optimum coverage, but the bass fishery has not suffered.

Dan Catchings, District II fisheries supervisor, said Guntersville is in good shape and the fishery is stable. That's great news since the lake offers superb angling.

According to Catchings, Guntersville's fruitfulness comes from a combination of factors.