zog02

I live in MS for the time being and usually boat in Jackson MS on the Ross Barnett Reservoir. They just tore out the only restuarant / bar that you could dock the boat at. I was reading that a few of you live on Lake Lewis Smith north of Birmingham. I was just wondering if there is anything to do on the lake? Any restaurants or bars that you can pull up to and get dinner or a drink? If anyone has time to reply that would be awesome. Thanks!!!!

Magicfloat

Hey,zog,Karen and I have lived on Smith Lake(Lewis Smith Lake) for many,many years. A wonderful place to live and to boat. Over 500 miles of shoreline,water depth 200-300 feet most everywhere,crystal clear,no pollution or runoff. A few(very few) restaurants,but all 3 counties that the lake encompasses are dry counties,so no bars anywhere. The city of Jasper is wet,lots af restaurants/bars there,15 miles off the lake.Except for the absence of watering holes, the lake is a fun place,nice mix of family and performance boats,wide sections of water to turn loose a fast boat, easy to get along with Alabama Marine Police(except for alcohol,be very discreet). They generally won't hassle you for exhaust noise or speed as long as you are careful and stay in open water. If you want to have a beer or two,come by our house . I will be glad to supply more info on one of the best kept secrets for boating in the Southeast. Robert

f311fr1

Robert, is Smith Lake big enough to run a 43" Black Thunder in? What is the easiest route to trailer this beast in to the lake coming from the North or South on I65? Joe Murray

Magicfloat

f311,come south down I65,take exit 299,go 17 miles,turn right on the Smith Lake Dam Road, the public launch is about 7 miles,at the dam. Give me a call,I'm in the book,we live about 5 miles from the dam. Robert

zog02

Robert, thanks for the information. It sounds like a great lake. I will definately have to get over there sometime soon. I live right on the border of AL and MS in Meridian MS. I have an 89 Formula (223LS) so its not to bad to trailer around. I go down to Pensacola quite a bit. I used to live in Texas near Lake Tavis. That was my personal favorite with the deep clear water and nice coves to raft up. I have read quite a bit about Lake Lanier in Georgia. It sounds nice and I think I will make a trip up there. Are there any other lakes within a couple hours drive I should know of? Thanks for the information. Hopefully this crappy weather will clear up so we can do some boating.