When others say the lake is seasonal, all I have to do is take a look outside my window and see that just as our name implies, LakeLife is 24/7 all year long!
It just has a different feel is all. But we’re thankful some things never change. The sunsets are still spectacular. The water still shimmers in the sunlight. And anglers – granted, a little more bundled up – still try their luck on a daily basis.
In winter, activities and events do slow a bit, but it gives us all a chance for reflection – an opportunity to recharge and make plans for the new year.
Each new year in January brings the lake communities we serve our special boat show edition, chocked full of the latest features of watercrafts of all descriptions, water toys and piers, docks and seawalls. Our dealers share their knowledge and expertise on tantalizing products guaranteed to make those visions of sugar plums dancing in your head in December give way to horsepower and electronic fish finders by January, February and March.
Take a look. You’ll be amazed at what 2026 has in store for the water. And we encourage you to shop our dealers for the best boating season just ahead.
If it’s January, it’s time to restock the trout in Black Creek at Noccalula Falls. Fly fishing around these parts, you might ask? You bet. It’s some of the best fishing around thanks to the City of Gadsden, Etowah Tourism, Rainbow Fly Fishing Club and Rep. Craig Lipscomb, who have helped restock thousands of rainbow trout for the past seven years.
Too cold out on the lake? No worries, Gadsden has some major events planned just a stone’s throw from the water. The Mardi Gras Parade, hosted by the Krewe of Rowdy Revelers, is set for Downtown Gadsden Feb. 7 at 4 p.m.
Need something to warm you up that day? Check out Downtown Gadsden’s Annual Chili Cookoff at 2 p.m. on Broad Street.
It wasn’t quite winter yet, when Tom and Linda Johnson – high school sweethearts – finally tied the knot … 66 years later. The fairy tale setting for this fairy tale love story? Logan Martin Lake. We’ll take you aisle side and the steps leading to the marriage of this happy couple at age 85.
We’ll also take you inside the Neely Henry vacation home of Brooke Tollison, owner of an ALFA agency in Pell City. She’s cooking up something good for our In the Kitchen feature and giving us a close-up look around this lakeside home.
And while it may be a bit nippy this time of year, anytime’s a good time to fish on Logan Martin and Neely Henry. Just ask our pro angler, Zeke Gossett, whose tips, trends and takeaways are guaranteed to up your fishing game.
It’s all here and more in this issue of LakeLife 24/7 Magazine. Turn the page and discover it all with us!
Compiled by Paul South and Graham Hadley Submitted Photos
Come January, with lake levels low and 2025 in the rearview mirror, it’s time to dream of sleek new boats for the summer ahead. Area boat dealers are unveiling something new for 2026.
From a sleek tribute to a boat from 1957 sure to whet the appetites of lake lovers, to new product lines, there’s surely something for everyone.
Here’s a glimpse at vessels expected to be on display in showrooms and at boat shows in the coming year:
Rodney’s Marine
At Rodney’s Marine in Cropwell, a blast from the past will be celebrated, as well as a hot new pontoon.
The 2026 Starcraft ‘57 Ski Champ
Rodney’s offers Starcraft pontoons and tritoons. But this year, a hot ski boat may steal the spotlight – a replica of a 1957 Starcraft Ski Champ.
Billed as a “tribute to the original 1957 model,” this limited-edition has a riveted aluminum hull, two rows of bench seats and a wood veneer dash. It’s also re-engineered for 2026, with a Suzuki DF25 HP motor. They come in a choice of teal or the All-American version in red, white and blue, perfect for our nation’s 250th birthday.“It’s super cute,” said Kim Humphries, the dealership’s finance manager. “It’s a limited production boat, so when they’re gone, that’s it.”
Starcraft RX Pontoon Boat
Rodney’s also features a 2026 Starcraft RX pontoon boat with a Suzuki 350-horsepower engine. It’s Starcraft’s luxury flagship, designed for comfort and performance. This is the perfect boat for families.
The RX offers a variety of options and colors, ideal for fun on the water. It offers an unsurpassed standard of luxury.
Visit Rodney’s Marine at 6046 Martin St. S., Cropwell, Ala. 35054, or online at rodneysmarine.com.
Poorhouse Branch Marina
Poorhouse Branch Marina celebrates two pontoons for 2026, the Avalon Catalina Pontoon and the LSZ Pontoon, both in a variety of layouts with a number of options that allow boaters to customize their boats with as many or as few options as they wish.
Poor House proudly carries Avalon and Tahoe.
The boats can be powered by either Mercury, Honda or Suzuki engines.
Avalon Catalina
The Catlina is a luxury pontoon that, like all Avalon boats, is known for style and quality features and performance and options like a Blue Ice lighting package, Garmin GPS and a quality Bluetooth sound system.
As with all Avalon craft, furnishings make comfort a top priority that will impress passengers. It’s been described as “a resort on the water.”
You can create the boat of your dreams with a variety of floor plans and options.
Avalon LSZ
The Avalon LSZ is part of the brand’s Signature Collection and is billed as “the ride of a lifetime.” It’s affordable, stylish and well built, in a variety of sizes, with layouts that will fit your lifestyle.
The vessel features a Deco wall design with a choice of four floor plans with plush handcrafted furnishings.
The LSZ models range in a variety of models from the LSZ Cruise, the LSZ Cruise Rear Bench, the LSZ Elite, the LSZ Elite Windshield and more.
Now with three locations, Poor House Branch Marina is Alabama’s only Premier Honda Dealer and is the top Avalon dealer in the state.
On Logan Martin, visit Poor House Branch at 7062 Stemley Road, Talladega, Ala., 35160, or online at www.poorhousebranchmarina.com. Other locations are Lake Martin, 14512 Highway 280 E.; Jackson Gap, Ala., 36831; and Smith Lake, 6167 Curry Highway, Jasper, Ala. 35504
Buck’s Island
One of the iconic local, family-run boat businesses serving boaters and anglers in the new year, Buck’s Island, will unveil a new product line and a new edition of one of the business’ mainstays.
SeaArk Boats
Best known for building the world’s largest Jon Boat – 24 feet long and 6 feet wide – the manufacturer has raised the stakes, crafting an even bigger Jon Boat at 26 feet.
SeaArk’s aluminum watercraft caters to anglers going for catfish, crappie and bass and also caters to duck hunters. Fans of the catfish circuit have no doubt seen the ProCat. But there’s really not a species on the water that SeaArk boats can’t be used for, according to the manufacturer.
Katie Grell, sales manager at Buck’s Island, said SeaArk will call Buck’s Island home in January.
Skeeter ZXE
Skeeter unveiled a new its ZXE for 2026, Grell said.
“We’re super excited. They changed some of the options on it, with a new fiberglass deck lid, which is really nice,” Grell said.
“That model has always been our number one seller.”
The updated boat has a sharp profile from bow to stern, but really struts its stuff below the waterline.
The elegant line above the waterline is perfect for recreation to tournament fishing, promising a comfortable ride.
Buck’s Island, with its expansive product line, will be like a boat show close to home.
In business since 1948, Buck’s Island offers new and used boats, as well as motors, and provides service and also sells tackle and sponsors local fishing teams. Visit the dealership at 4500 Alabama Highway 77 in Southside, (256) 442-2588 or online at www.bucksisland.com.
Woods Surfside Marina
Boat Show season at Woods Surfside Marina will feature exciting new boats, including the Bennington M Series and the Evotti 721 CS. Here’s a glance at both boats.
Bennington M Series
The all-new Bennington M Series is a sleek new pontoon with new features and innovative design. The company celebrates the new line as “a modern expression of style.”
The boat can accommodate 10 to 15 passengers. Models range in length from 22 to 26 feet.
The M Line offers standard features, as well as Luxe and Sport Packages. Other upgrades include Rockford Fosgate audio, sport and luxury trim packages and RGB lumbar accent lighting.
The Evotti 721 CS
The Evotti 721 CS is a new 21-foot pontoon that offers a blend of luxury and performance. With room for 11 passengers, the 721 CS can handle up to 250 horsepower.
It’s perfect for cruising, fishing and water sports and features a convertible stern. The 700 Series strikes a balance between performance, innovation and style, with luxury seating and advanced technology, all standard.
Visit Woods Surfside Marina at 37 Marina Drive, Cropwell, Ala. 35054, or visit online at www.woodssurfside.com. Call (205) 525-5533.
Rambo Marine
Rambo Marine in Westover will feature an armada of some 48 boats at the Birmingham Boat Show. Notably, the 2026 Axis T250 and the 2026 Barletta Lusso 25UC.
The Axis T250
The Axis T250 is billed by the manufacturer as “25 feet of bold design, room for 18 passengers with advanced wake and surf technology.” It’s a state-of-the-art ski and wakeboard boat.
The boat promises “next level comfort” and cutting-edge technology, including a one-touch “Go Home” button. Axis calls the T250 its boldest boat ever, with push- button technology to generate more wake.
Barletta Lusso 25UC
The Barletta Lusso 25UC features standard triple pontoons, RGB lighting and room for 14 passengers. More than 27 feet in length, the 25UC features VIP technology (Vibration Isolation Pad) to provide a smoother, quieter ride. A joystick control is optional.
The helm includes dual screens (12 and 7 inches), integrated storage and a premium steering wheel. There’s also storage under the helm.
Seating includes reclining captain’s chairs and front chaise lounges
Amenities include JBL stereo, power bimini and USB ports, among others.
Rambo Marine in Birmingham is located at 10396 U.S. 280 in Westover, Ala. 35185, or call (205) 543-5415. Visit online at rambomarine.com.
River’s Edge Marina
River’s Edge features some exciting new upgrades to two of its best-selling boating accessories and toys for 2026.
EZE Ladder
First, take a look at the 2026 Lake EZE Ladder. Offering an expanded color palate for 2026, including a red step, and instead of the traditional stainless metal, there will be powder-colored options in black, dark gray and white.
“We recently got to check them out,” said River’s Edge Manager Michael Emerick, “and they are sharp.”
EZ Dock
On the EZ Dock side, the company has just introduced a floating pontoon port. Bigger than the traditional jet ski port, the pontoon port can accommodate a pontoon or tritoon, with easy drive on and drive off capabilities.
The new docks and ports will also offer new colors for the new year, including red, dark grey, blue, brown and green.
“I think the brown could be a major color option for our lake, as a lot of people like to stain their piers a dark brown color,” Emerick said.
River’s Edge Marina is home to the Tiki Hut, River’s Edge Burgers & Breakfast, boat rentals, accessories and RV sites and luxury tiny home rentals. Learn more at www.riversedgemarina.net, or call (205) 525-5562. The marina is located at 79 Rabbit Branch Circle, Cropwell, Ala. 35054.
Skier’s Marine
The new year will be an exciting time at Skier’s Marine, as it unveils two completely redesigned boats for 2026.
2026 MasterCraft X24
First, the 2026 MasterCraft X24. Redesigned from bow to stern, the X24 blends aggressive performance with refined luxury. Dual digital displays with the MasterCraft MyDrive Controller make the boat user friendly. An optional stern thruster provides effortless maneuvering.
“MasterCraft hit a home run with the X24, and I can’t wait to show everyone what it can do on the water,” said Jeremy Talbot, a product specialist at Skier’s Marine.
2026 Harris Sunliner
Also completely redesigned for the new year, the Sunliner series unveils a sleek new exterior and an interior with luxury and ergonomics as a priority. The new design set the Sunliner apart from any other pontoon on the market.
“The new design is perfect for families like mine who love spending time on the water cruising, pulling water skiers and tubers and of course, lounging at our favorite anchor spots,” Talbot said.
The MasterCraft X24 and the Harris Sunliner will be on display at the Birmingham Boat Show. Skier’s Marine is located at 10171 U.S. Highway 280, Westover, Ala. 35147, or visit skiersmarine.com, (205) 678-9099.
University Marine
University Marine at Pine Harbor proudly carries the SunChaser brand. Here’s a glance at two of University’s popular models for 2026.
SunChaser Lucerne 22 LR DH Sport
Offering exceptional value in the popular pontoon market, the Lucerne combines style and function with thoughtful design. The vessel offers a sleek, modern look without sacrificing durability, promising a smooth, stable ride on the water.
The Lucerne offers eight exterior panel color options. An optional luxury package offers features like a power Bimini top, Helix 5 in-dash GPS, high-back helm chairs, interior mood lighting and an upgraded steering wheel.
“This has become one of our most popular and affordable options,” said University co-owner Ricky Ganey. The Lucerne is powered by Honda engines.
2026 SunChaser Eclipse 25
Anchored in comfort and fun, while promising a relaxing day with your pontoon crew, the Eclipse 25 features two standard rear bench seats that provide room to lounge or to enjoy dinner on the water.
The versatile pontoon also gives its crew a license to thrill, thanks to an integrated ski tow for tubing, waterskiing or wakeboarding adventures.
The SunChaser 25 makes performance a priority. The standard PR25 third tube performance package ensures a smooth ride and an enjoyable experience for all on board.
The Eclipse model offers multiple layouts and can be powered by Honda’s new V8350.
University Marine is located at 2120 Fraim Drive, Pell City, Ala. 35128. Call (205) 884-2628, or visit online at www.pineharbormarina.com.
