Mildrilla Fishing
Status: active
Tim Chandler has been guiding bass anglers on Lake Guntersville and the Alabama Mountain Lakes region for 38 years, building deep expertise in the seasonal patterns that govern largemouth and smallmouth behavior across the Tennessee River system. His operation covers Lake Guntersville, Wilson Lake, Pickwick Lake, and Smith Lake, with an intimate knowledge of how vegetation cycles, water temperature, and spawn timing dictate technique—from winter break-line fishing to spring shallow-water spawning grounds, summer deep-grass flipping, and fall topwater explosions over milfoil mats. Chandler guides all skill levels and tailors each day to conditions and client goals, whether targeting trophy fish or consistent action.
Details
- Species: Australian Bass, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass
- Tags: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Spin Fishing, Topwater, Year-Round, Gear Provided, Flies / Lures Provided, Catch & Release, Instructional, Full Day, Freshwater
Waters Serviced (11)
| Destination | Type |
|---|---|
| Guntersville | city |
| Pickwick Lake | reservoir |
| Scottsboro | city |
| Lake Guntersville State Park | state_park |
| Guntersville Lake | reservoir |
| Alabama | state |
| Smith Lake | reservoir |
| Jackson County | county |
| Bucks Pocket State Park | state_park |
| Rickwood Caverns State Park | state_park |
| Wilson Lake | reservoir |
FAQ — Mildrilla Fishing
Raw guide data (JSON)
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"whatToExpect": "Full-day trips on Lake Guntersville and surrounding waters rotate through seasonal patterns: winter break-line and hump fishing, spring shallow-water spawning areas, summer deep-grass flipping and crankbait work on ledges, and fall topwater action over grass mats with frogs and rats. Days typically include a mix of casting techniques and lure presentations matched to water conditions and bass behavior. Gear is provided, and Chandler coaches technique throughout the day to match the season and target species.",
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"faqs": [
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"question": "How to Choose a Fishing Guide?",
"answer": "You do have many guides to choose from on Lake Guntersville because over the last 5 years the lake has experienced a surge in fishing guides. Every spring Guntersville starts out with 30 plus guides but it always dwindles down to just a hand full making their living guiding every day. Guides pops up all the time with little to no experience on the lake. They have a boat and a fishing rod, so now they call themselves a fishing guide. There are also some retired guys out there and their motto is, “I’m going to fish anyway, might as well get paid for it”. These types of guides don’t care if you come back as a client because they have another income.",
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"question": "What species of bass does Mildrilla Fishing target?",
"answer": "Mildrilla Fishing specializes in targeting largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. They also list Australian Bass as a species they pursue.",
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"question": "What about tournament anglers, can't I learn from them?",
"answer": "You will also find guides that say they are accomplished tournament anglers but cannot furnish any evidence that they have won anything on Lake Guntersville. As the ole saying goes, “Anyone can catch a fish and be whoever they want to be on the internet”. All they have to do is write it and post it on a webpage. I suggest you be careful in who you hire, take the time to do a little research on your next fishing guide. Don’t just believe a fishing report you saw online. Ask around for references and call the local tackle shops to find out who is worth taking a trip with. Don't be afraid to ask your fishing guide questions, before you book a trip. Find out how long they have been guiding on Lake Guntersville. The internet is not new, so you can go back a long ways to see if their story checks out.",
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"question": "What waters does Mildrilla Fishing cover?",
"answer": "Mildrilla Fishing operates on Lake Guntersville and the surrounding Tennessee River system. Their service area includes Pickwick Lake, Wilson Lake, and Smith Lake in Alabama.",
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"question": "How can I make sure I am safe on the water?",
"answer": "Check your possible guide’s credentials and qualifications. All guides on the Tennessee River are required by federal law to be United States Coast Guard Licensed Captain. If they are not you may be putting yourself and your family at risk. You have every right to ask to see your guide’s license, so ask for it. Almost every bass fishing guide will say they are the best, so use your discretion and remember if its sounds too good...it probably is. A guide's reputation is the most important part of his business.",
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"question": "Does Mildrilla Fishing offer year-round trips?",
"answer": "Yes, Mildrilla Fishing guides anglers year-round, adapting their dynamic approach to water temperature, vegetation, and spawning cycles.",
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"question": "How many people can go on a trip?",
"answer": "HALF DAY / 4 hours $400/Mon-Fri $475/Sat-Sun 1-2 People $125.00 charge for the third person $225.00 charge for a follow boat FULL DAY / 6 hours $475/Mon-Fri Only 1-2 People - Monday through Friday $125.00 charge for the third person $225.00 charge for a follow boat FULL DAY / 6 hours $550/Sat-Sun Only 1-2 People $125.00 charge for the third person $225.00 charge for a follow boat",
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"question": "What fishing techniques are used with Mildrilla Fishing?",
"answer": "Mildrilla Fishing utilizes a dynamic approach that shifts with seasonal conditions. They are experienced with spin-fishing and topwater techniques.",
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"question": "What is the deposit policy?",
"answer": "A $100 Deposit is required when booking trips. The Deposit will not be refunded if the trip is canceled, but it may be transferred to another day in the same calendar year. If bad weather cancels your scheduled trip, then we will gladly refund your deposit.",
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"question": "Do you provide gear and tackle?",
"answer": "At Tim Chandler’s Pro Guide Service, we provide clients with high-quality gear at no additional charge. We fish out of a 2022 Phoenix Bass Boat (21.5 ft) powered by a Mercury 250 ProXs with Humminbird Electronics and Minn Kota Ultrex. Onboard, you will notice an ice chest with all the water you can drink, life vests, tackle, Diawa reels spooled with Sunline, and Diawa rods, which are to be used at no additional charge to you. I don’t charge extra for lost or used lures, but there will be a charge if equipment such as rods & reels is lost overboard and cannot be retrieved.",
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"question": "What should I bring on the trip?",
"answer": "If you are coming from out of state, please bring a rain suit because you never know about the weather here. Please get your fishing license; it's not included in the trip. I actually encourage you to bring your own fishing rods; this way, you are not uncomfortable with strange equipment. However, if you cannot bring your own rods & reels, you are more than welcome to use mine. I would like my tackle to be used; this cuts down on clutter in the boat, and again, there is no additional charge for lures. If you have any special beverages you prefer to drink, please bring them with you. Bring your lunch if you would like to eat something while on the boat. Lunch can be obtained while we are on the water at local establishments, but it will cut into your fishing time. If you have any special needs, please advise in advance before the trip. And most importantly, bring a sense of humor, because I like to cut up and have a good time!",
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"question": "Can we keep bass?",
"answer": "Tim Chandler’s Pro Guide Service is a guide service and not a charter trip. We only use artificial baits for all bass trips. Every effort is made to release every bass caught in good shape to fight another day. If you catch a bass that you would like to trophy mount, we will take all the necessary measurements for you to have a replica mount made.",
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"question": "Do I need a fishing license?",
"answer": "Don't forget to get your Alabama fishing license. Click here to obtain one online. Instant licensing is available via the Internet (2% fee), Via the telephone by calling 1-888-848-6887 ($4.25 fee). In addition, licenses may be obtained at probate offices and many stores that carry fishing tackle or bait. All youth age 15 and younger are not required to have an Alabama State fishing license.",
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"question": "Are there lodging discounts available?",
"answer": "My clients will receive a discount at Fisherman's Village, Waterfront Bay, The Lakeside Loft, Guntersville Lake Cabin Rentals, by mentioning that they are fishing with me when booking your cabin reservations.",
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"question": "What are the general fishing conditions in January - March?",
"answer": "This time of year the grass is laying on the bottom dormant waiting for warmer water temperatures. Not only is the grass waiting for warmer temps so are the bass. Bass can be found staging in pockets and creeks. I suggest targeting break lines and humps to find fish.",
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"question": "What is the recommended tackle for January - March?",
"answer": "Daiwa Tatula SV TWS Daiwa Tatula Elite Cranking Rod 7'4\" Medium Heavy Sunline Super FC Sniper 16 lb test Booyah Hard Knocker Bandit Flatt Maxx Smithwick Rogue Alabama Rig with Big Bite Baits Dean Rojas - Cane Thumper",
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"question": "What are the general fishing conditions in March - April?",
"answer": "The water is warming up and the bass are getting active. This is when the spawn begins and bass can be seen in very shallow water. Baits work best when fished in approx. 1-4 ft of water.",
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"question": "What is the recommended tackle for March - April?",
"answer": "Daiwa Tatula SV TWS Daiwa Tatula Elite Rod 7' Medium Heavy Sunline Super FC Sniper 16 lb test Big Bite Baits Swimming Craw Big Bite Baits Trick Stick Big Bite Baits Dean Rojas - Cane Thumper War Eagle Spinnerbaits",
"category": null,
"sortOrder": 13
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{
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"question": "What are the general fishing conditions in April - May?",
"answer": "Bass can be found and caught in just about every condition. There will be bass in pre-spawn, spawn, and post-spawn which means fish will be in all water depths. Bass can be caught on many other types of lures fished in a variety of ways.",
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"question": "What is the recommended tackle for April - May?",
"answer": "Daiwa Tatula CT Daiwa Tatula Elite Rod 7'3\" Medium Heavy Sunline Shooter Fluorocarbon 14 lb test Booyah Hard Knocker Big Bite Baits Trick Stick and Brush Pig Creature War Eagle Spinnerbaits Big Bite Baits Yomama",
"category": null,
"sortOrder": 15
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{
"id": "527a037f-e62a-4619-b197-19ac7f79f0a5",
"question": "What are the general fishing conditions in June - August?",
"answer": "This is the time bass are post-spawn and move out deeper to recuperate from spawning. Topwater baits are excellent choices overtop of the fast-growing grass. Fish are also caught on deep diving crankbaits on deep humps and ledges. But, the most exciting pattern is flipping the big 1 once jig into the heavy milfoil and hydrilla.",
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{
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"question": "What is the recommended tackle for June - August?",
"answer": "Daiwa Tatula SV TWS Daiwa Tatula Elite Rod 7'3\" Medium Heavy Sunline Super FC Sniper 12 lb test & Sunline FX Braid 65lb. test Heddon Spooks Bomber FatFree Shad Crankbaits Big Bite Baits Kriet Tail Worm Big Bite Baits Yomama",
"category": null,
"sortOrder": 17
},
{
"id": "bb984ae0-1471-4fbc-aa2b-b6e87524e7b7",
"question": "What are the general fishing conditions in September - October?",
"answer": "This is when the temperatures begin to cool back down and it gets the bass moving back to shallower water. This time is the absolute best time to catch bass on a Frog or Rat on top of the grass mats. This pattern is not for the weak at heart, because the bites are explosive! You can haul in both largemouth and smallmouth.",
"category": null,
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"question": "What is the recommended tackle for September - October?",
"answer": "Daiwa Tatula Type-HD Daiwa Tatula XT Casting Rod 7'6\" Heavy Sunline Shooter Defier 22 lb test. and Sunline FX Braid 65lb. test Big Bite Baits Top Toad Big Bite Baits Dean Rojas - Fighting Frog Booyah Pad Crasher",
"category": null,
"sortOrder": 19
},
{
"id": "400bccba-e4e2-4bff-9b8b-a9601c4e2dd4",
"question": "What are the general fishing conditions in November - December?",
"answer": "The grass is dying off and leaving just the steams this time of year. With the grass mats reseeding the fish tend to scatter but can be caught on spinnerbaits, buzz baits, and crankbaits fished through the stringy grass.",
"category": null,
"sortOrder": 20
},
{
"id": "549ac6ca-2467-4b72-a81c-e88ad22e86bc",
"question": "What is the recommended tackle for November - December?",
"answer": "Daiwa Tatula CT Type-R Daiwa Tatula Elite Rod 7'3\" Medium Heavy Sunline Super Natural 16 lb test Norman Crankbaits Big Bite Baits Real Deal Shad Big Bite Baits Jointed Jerk Minnow 10pk",
"category": null,
"sortOrder": 21
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"question": "Can we bring alcohol on the trip?",
"answer": "Although I DO NOT personally use tobacco, we are tobacco-friendly on the boat. If you would like to bring alcohol on your trip, it must be approved by us at the time of booking or two days prior to the scheduled trip. NO EXCEPTIONS! No illegal drugs allowed onboard.",
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"species": [
{
"slug": "australian-bass",
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"seasonalityNotes": "Lake Guntersville offers fantastic bass fishing year-round, with distinct patterns emerging throughout the seasons. From staging in winter pockets to shallow spawns in spring, diverse depths in late spring/early summer, explosive topwater action in fall, and chasing bait through dying grass in late fall, there's always a pattern to exploit. The lake's abundant vegetation and structure provide ample habitat for trophy-sized largemouth and smallmouth.",
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{
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7,
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"seasonalityNotes": "Largemouth bass are present year-round, with peak activity and aggressive feeding often occurring during the spring spawn and the fall transition. The abundant grass and structure on Lake Guntersville provide excellent habitat for them to grow large, with opportunities for trophy catches especially during these periods.",
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},
{
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"seasonalityNotes": "Smallmouth bass are also available throughout the year, often found in similar areas as largemouth but can also be targeted in different zones depending on conditions. The fall months, particularly September and October, offer excellent opportunities for explosive topwater bites for both species.",
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