I've primarily been a catfisherman all my life. In Texas, I lived on Lake Lewisville and could load the boat on any given weekend. My preferred method was drift fishing with shad or cut buffalo.

Now, I'm preparing to get my boat out of storage and get it ready for fishing season. My questions (probably first of many) are:
1. Which lake should I concentrate on, Guntersville or Wheeler?
2. Living in Meridianville, which boat ramp would be my best choice?
3. Best method, drifting or anchored? I'm not a fan of trotlining or jug fishing. I enjoy the thrill of the reel.
4. How the heck to I catch skipjack? In Texas, I used to net gizzard and threadfin shad for bait. Will continue to do so until I learn to catch skipjack.
5. What areas or structure should I look for on my electronic map to start fishing?
6. I know Aldeer is geared mostly towards the hunter. Is there a good Alabama fishing forum?

Any hints, suggestions, etc. much appreciated. I only fished below Guntersville dam and Ditto's Landing from the bank last year. I ready to launch and explore.

Anything shiny/bright will catch skipjacks. Look for moving water to find them. I've not fished G for cats, but I would think it would be similar to wheeler. Winter time, find deep holes or cuts. I don't drift, but anchor upstream. Ramps..ditto, or arrow head landing for wheeler. G...many to choose from. Caught many a big cat in February!

TexasNative Wheeler would probably be less crowded but we have caught a bunch of nice catfish right out from the State Park jug fishing. Town Creek meanders across that big flat out there. Find the channel and go to town.

Catch Skip jack below Wheeler damn on crappie jigs. Tie the jig on and clip on a 1/4 ounce weight about 10" above the jig. They will hit when you move it in quick jerks. They want to hit something moving fast. Keep the line tight. Most times you will have one on the next jerk. Get them in fast because they will throw the hook quick.

Most of the time I go below Wheeler from the bank to fish for Skip jacks for bait.I try my best to jerk them up on the bank as quick as possible.

I hear the best way to load the cooler is just stay down there below the dam late enough that other fisherman just offload their extra fish....

Skips will hit anything fast and flashy. I like to throw a Carolina rigged Foley spoon below guntersville. It'll catch anything that swims in there.

I know. I got a new rod (to me) from a "guy" on here to break in. It will probably wind up like my other ones and not catch fish either.

Send me a PM and we can go to Wheeler damn sometime and catch some skip jacks. I'll be going one nice day in the next couple weeks to catch some bait.

You'll probably enjoy catching the skippers. They jump and carry on. Some folks call em "Tennessee tarpon." My catfishing buddy says fresh is best but he wraps them in Saran Wrap and freezes and says they will work if you use them within about a week.

I've caught somewhere short of 10,000 skip jack using 3/16 oz jigs, tying 2 on for more weight and throwing out in the current below the dam at Guntersville. It's not uncommon to catch 2 at a time. Just throw out as far as you can and reel it back really fast.

PM sent

Drift fishing the main chanel below the Gvlle damn is great cat fishing. Ride down to the first bluff and drift or ride down to painted bluff (2nd bluff) and drift there. Make sure TVA is pulling water you can call them for a schedule.

Try a Sabiki rig.

I've been fishing these areas for striped recently, do catfish hit throughout the day? Wouldn't mind rigging something up to try to catch one or two.

They are opportunity feeders but you may have to put it in front of them during the day.

It never hurts to try. I don't have any experience in that spot but I often set one rod out for catfish, normally on the bottom, while I fish for crappie or bass.

Unfortunately, I'm still waiting on decent weather to get my boat pad poured. But thanks for all the suggestions so far. Keep'em coming!