Fantasy Fishing: Alabama round 2

Written by

Solomon Glenn

Minnesota

Much like last year with Lake Fork and the Sabine River, we have back-to-back tournaments that couldn’t be any different from each other. This year, with the forward-facing sonar rules, they are even more unlike as the anglers will be firing up their scopes for the first time this year.

There is no shortage of fish in Lake Martin, which is mainly dominated by spotted bass. The key to this place is finding quality. We will probably see a combination of guys targeting above-average spotted bass and those looking for the kicker largemouth bites.

Another positive note is that the weather looks to be considerably warmer than the previous one and that should really get the fish fired up. There is sure to be plenty of action and it will be interesting to see who can unlock the big bites. Let’s get into some picks!

BUCKET A: COBB

After a little bit of a slower stretch for over the last couple of years, Brandon Cobb started off strong in 2026. The South Carolina angler has a lot of experience on these clear, deep, spotted bass fisheries, hailing nearby to Lake Hartwell. This experience could be very helpful in locating the largest fish in the lake.

Solid secondary pick: Dakota Ebare finished his 2024 Opens campaign with a 3rd place finish on Lake Martin to help solidify his spot in the Elites. Combined with a hot start last week, Ebare could have another really solid event on Martin.

BUCKET B: MARKS

Paul Marks is another incredible spotted bass angler who has already proven he knows how to win on the biggest stage on similar Lake Hartwell. Marks is an excellent scoper which will surely be a player in this event. I look for Marks to make his mark on Lake Martin.

Solid secondary pick: Cody Meyer is another angler who had to go through Lake Martin in 2024 to qualify for the Elites. Meyer is rooted in finesse fishing and does really well in cold, clear water situations.

BUCKET C: WILLIAMS

Tyler Williams recently moved to Missouri to the shores of the Lake of the Ozarks has had a history of doing well on lakes like the Ozarks and Martin. I am confident he will find a jig bite on this rock and dock hill reservoir and target the biggest fish in the lake.

Solid secondary pick: I usually don’t pick against Easton Fothergill but he is always a solid choice. He went to school in Alabama and lives about two hours away. He’s had some time to gain experience and took 17th in the Open on Martin. I think it will set up better for him than Guntersville.

BUCKET D: ANAYA

While Fisher Anaya didn’t quite have the tournament he wanted at Lake Guntersville, I think he will really show us what he can do on Lake Martin. He actually fishes there quite a bit and even won a number of tournaments there and on similar Smith Lake in the fall and winter.

Solid secondary pick: Will Davis Jr. called Lake Martin his favorite place to fish last week on Guntersville. With a statement like that, I think he has a few tricks up his sleeve to shoot for a top finish.

BUCKET E: HANGGI

Sam Hanggi had a bit of a slow start to his Elite career on Guntersville, but I’m looking for a bounce back at Martin. Hanggi went to school at Auburn University, and Lake Martin is the closest lake to it. I’m sure he’s spent a good bit of time there and is excited to get on a familiar fishery.

Solid secondary pick: Emil Wagner had a very uncharacteristic tough first event, but I think Martin will set up much better for him. He is a wizard at forward-facing sonar and is very good at highland spotted bass fisheries.