"Look for isolated treetops that extend into deepwater," he explained. "If the riverbank is crowded with submerge treetops, bass have too many places to hide. An isolated treetop concentrates the bass and the bait -- so well, in fact, it's possible to catch as many as nine fish from one tree."

Skinner focuses his efforts on mature trees submerged on a bank meeting specific criteria. "Bigger trees hold more fish," he remarked. "They provide a current break, and often hold floating trash that attracts fish. Also, look for treetops near subtle changes on the bank, especially places where a clay bank runs into gravel or rock. But most importantly, the top of the laydown must rest in water at least 8 feet deep."

To pick apart a treetop, Skinner chooses Series 300 Bandit crankbaits and 6- or 8-inch Zoom lizards. He prefers shad colors for the former and watermelon, junebug and pumpkin colors for the latter. As for line, Skinner fishes crankbaits on 12-pound-test monofilament and lizards on 65-pound-test Spiderwire Stealth.

If barges are locking through and current is running, Skinner approaches the treetop from downstream and makes long casts with the crankbait. He works the outer limbs before moving closer. "The biggest mistake anglers make is moving to the tree before working its edge," he offered. "If they catch a fish from the shallow water along the trunk, it spooks fish holding in the limbs. Instead of possibly catching six fish, they only catch one."

After fishing the outside of the tree, Skinner thoroughly searches the remainder of the laydown by flipping a lizard rigged Texas style with a 1/4-ounce sinker. "With a light sinker," he explained, "the lizard falls so slow that fish inhale the lure before it reaches the bottom. Last July, I caught a 6-pound, 4-ounce bass flipping a treetop with the 8-inch lizard."

According to Skinner, it usually takes a 3-pound average to win a summer tournament. He won one tournament last July with five fish weighing 15.8 pounds.

Skinner recommended launching at Lenoir Landing east of Womack Hill.

For current information on fishing Coffeeville, visit Anthony Skinner at A&D Sporting Goods off SR 17 in Gilbertown, or call (251) 843-5885.

Find more about Alabama fishing and hunting at: AlabamaGameandFish.com