No sooner than Thanksgiving’s leftovers are history, a transformation of Lakeside Park begins to take place – lighting up the nighttime sky to add sparkle to the Christmas season.
While Lights in the Park has grown each year, 2024’s version stepped up to an unrivaled level of spirit.
Presented by the Pell City Parks & Recreation Department with decorative help from businesses, organizations and individuals, the spirit of competition added to the excitement. The holiday-themed displays lining both sides of the roads winding through the park drew over 80 entries.
Hundreds of attendees voted for their favorites, and the final tally crowned these winners:
Overall Winner: Woody’s Tree Service
Anna Otterson / Edward Jones: Silent Night Award – Simple and clean display
Jessica Blackerby / EXP Realty: White Christmas Award – Best use of white lights
Woody’s Tree Service: Deck the Halls Award – Most over-the-top use of lighting
Clean Haul Roll-Off: Christmas is in the Air Award – Best use of inflatables
House of Prayer: The Reason for the Season Award – Best Nativity display
Faith Community Fellowship: Holly Jolly Christmas Award – Best display that makes you laugh
Alabama Clearing & Excavating: Rock Around the Christmas Tree Award – Best use of animation
Metro Bank: The Rudolph Award – Best use of holiday characters
Girl Scouts Troop 24216: Christmas Story Award – Best youth inspired display
“The Pell City Parks & Recreation Department would like to express its sincere gratitude to all participants, visitors and voters of the inaugural ‘Lights in the Park’ Holiday Competition,” said Civic Center Manager and Contest Organizer Valerie Painter. “We commend the community for their enthusiastic participation and thoughtful voting.”
The winners can already plan their next decorating adventure. They have the opportunity to select their locations in the park for next year’s competition.
“The warmth of our community and the wonder of the Christmas season combine every year for ‘Lights in the Park,” Painter said. “It’s heartwarming to see Pell City come together to create such a magical experience. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone involved.”
From start to finish, the 2024 edition of Pell City Rotary Jingle Bell Run 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk had it all.
By the numbers, over 120runners and walkers participated in this second edition of the run, clearing the way for more than $50,000 raised for St. Clair Sheriff’s Boys Ranch and other charities in the community.
Santa was there, cheering on the runners, having his picture made with kids of all ages and managing to delight the crowd by giving a hefty lift to the spirit of the season.
Miss Leeds Area 2025 Samantha Hennings performed the National Anthem to rousing cheers, and more than a few spirited runners donned holiday attire for the festivities.
The Dec. 14 run at Lakeside Park was as Pell City Rotarians intended – a fun communitywide event for the entire family. It drew runners from all over the region and state on a 5K route that took them on scenic trails through the park and along the shoreline of Logan Martin Lake.
“We had a tremendous amount of support from the community this year. For our Club, this event is an opportunity for us to make an impact with some very worthy causes like the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Boys Ranch. Our Jingle Bell Run is about more than running, it’s about making a difference. Thank you to all who ran, donated and served.”
Citing the $50,000 raised, Furgerson added, “We could have never done that without the generosity and involvement of our community. We can’t wait to do it again next year!”
Run Chairman Bill Ellison echoed the notion that it all comes back to service. “Rotary saw a need in the community for an event of this magnitude that the whole family could enjoy. But more important, it saw the need for funds to build a home and help with other renovations to reopen the Boys Ranch this past year.”
He lauded the efforts of sponsors who made the fundraiser possible, the volunteers and Rotarians who helped with every aspect of the event along the way and to the community and runners who supported it.
“It really does take all of us working together to make our community a better place. All involved in the Jingle Bell Run are testament to that.”
Pro fishing tips on Logan Martin Lake and Neely Henry Lake with Zeke Gossett
Logan Martin
During the winter, fishing on Logan Martin is the best time to catch the biggest bass in the lake.
The water temps usually vary this time of year because Alabama temperatures vary so much. So, the type of technique you have to use to catch these big bass during this time may vary as well.
Here are a few ways I approach Logan Martin to catch the biggest bass of the year and maybe of a lifetime!
Typically, when you read any article on fishing in the winter, it’s going to include fishing deep most of the time. Not saying you cannot catch bass deep on Logan Martin in the winter, but a lot of my bigger fish come out of shallow water in the winter. This is especially true if the weather is in a warming trend.
Most of the time in the winter, I start on the main river. There are a couple key things I look for in order to feel like I’m fishing the most productive waters.
First, there must be some type of baitfish in the area. Second, I’m looking for more vertical structure this time of year. The baitfish change daily on what part of the water column they may use. Vertical structure allows fish to move up and down easily with the baitfish.
A couple examples of this might be deeper docks or steep riverbanks with rock and laydowns. A few of my favorite baits this time of the year are a flat sided crankbait, spinnerbait and jig.
Usually, I’m going to throw some type of red or crawfish color pattern on the crankbait. This is one of the better baits to use if the water is colder than 60 degrees. The flat-sided crankbait is a great way to get bass to react in cold water.
If the water has a little stain to it, a spinnerbait can be deadly on warmer days. Most of the time, the spinnerbait works best slow rolling it on the bottom. I use a ½ ounce spinnerbait with a single Colorado as the blade.
The type of jig I use depends on water color. If the water is dirty, I typically will flip a black and blue jig. If the water is clear, I’ll stick with the more natural colors like green pumpkin. A jig is a great way to get really big bites this time of year.
The new fad is, of course, using forward-facing sonar. You can still catch plenty of fish without it this time of year, however, if you do use forward-facing technology, this is a great time of year to use it as well.
The first key to success on using forward-facing sonar is to find the baitfish. This is usually dependent on water clarity and temperature. You may find the baitfish in creeks or main river.
If the water is colder on the main river, that will usually help me cut down on a lot of time since they will most likely be in the creeks. Most of the time, this bite is better midday to late afternoon as the shad tend to get higher more in the water column. This is not only a great way to catch bass but any other type of fish species such as stripe and crappie.
Of course, my number one bait while using FFS will be some type of minnow bait on a jig head. I’ll also mix in a jerkbait and Alabama rig. You have to let the fish tell you what they want on any given day.
January and February are not the best for catching numbers of fish, but if you bundle up and brave the elements, you could possibly catch some of the biggest fish in the lake.
Neely Henry
Neely Henry historically is one of the better lakes on the Coosa for wintertime fishing. Why? It sets up really well. Neely Henry is full of rip rap banks and vertical bluff walls on the bottom end of the lake. This allows bass to move up and down with ease with changes in the weather and water temp.
Neely Henry also has a lot of docks and flat clay points. These two choices are also great wintertime hot spots.
On the rip rap, I’ll first reach for a square bill crank bait. I keep colors fairly simple. Either I’ll throw a red or some sort of shad pattern.
Boat positioning is a big key to success with the crankbait as well. I typically will hug the boat fairly tight to the bank and make repeated parallel casts. This allows me to cover more water efficiently and keep my bait in the strike zone longer.
My next bait choice is a jerkbait. A jerkbait can be a real good fish catcher if the water is a little clear. I’ll fish a jerkbait around clay points and deeper docks in creeks.
Another great bait at Neely Henry is a jig. The jig probably ranks up there as one of my favorite baits at Neely Henry. The reason I like the jig is because I can fish it around any type of structure. It doesn’t matter – rock, docks or wood.
If the water is below 60 degrees, a jig will always be my first choice when fishing Neely Henry. Fishing the north end of the lake around the Gadsden region can produce as well.
If they’re generating water, typically the spotted bass will get stacked in around current areas. Much like the bottom end, they like rip rap and docks.
Another place to look is in the smaller creeks where the baitfish tend to try and hide from the current or colder water. Here, the largemouth tend to hide out and feed up during the winter. Largemouth, in my opinion, are more of the “lazier” species of the two, and these smaller creek arms are a perfect place to find them. They might not be far from the river but noticing where the shad or baitfish are will help you find them a lot faster.
Using forward-facing sonar helps a lot with finding them. My baits will stay the same even on the north end of the lake. A jig once again will more than likely be my number one pick to catch the big fish. I tend to catch more numbers on the crankbait and jerkbait as well.
Neely Henry is a great place to catch some big wintertime bass. Get suited up and dress warmly because Neely Henry produces its best quality bass of the year!
Give it a shot, and you might be surprised at what you might catch while others are inside or deer hunting.
Zeke Gossett of Zeke Gossett Fishing grew up on the Coosa River and Logan Martin Lake. He is a former collegiate champion and is now a professional angler on the B.A.S.S. tour circuit and is a fishing guide. Learn more about Zeke at: zekegossettfishing.com.
Now that the holiday season is over and you’re putting away your Christmas and New Years decorations, Coosa Riverkeeper staff would like to remind you of how to properly sink your Christmas tree for your local fish habitat!
Sinking your Christmas tree allows life to flourish and can provide an entire ecosystem for the smallest level of the food chain (like phytoplankton, the Coosa crayfish, and minnows), to the biggest predators we all love to catch, creating a fishing hotspot over time.
Join other anglers and lake lovers to sink your Christmas tree this winter! Follow the steps below to make sure your tree will be a viable habitat for many years to come.
Secure your tree trunk to a heavy base (like a cement block) to make sure the tree will sink to the bottom of the waterbody and stand straight vertically.
Trim some limbs off to make space for both large and small fish.
Find an area of the lake where fish hang out that is plenty deep and away from navigational areas. Be sure it is deep enough to avoid creating boating hazards!
Sink your tree and give yourself a pat on the back for helping create more habitat for our fisheries!
If you can’t sink your tree on your own but would still like to learn about Christmas tree recycling, contact your Alabama’s conservation department to learn about designated recycling locations in your area!
Follow Coosa Riverkeeper on Facebook & Instagram @CoosaRiverkeeper For more information, swim over to www.CoosaRiver.org.
It doesn’t seem so long ago that docks and piers were for storing boats, casting fishing lines and as a practice platform for kids who dreamed of belly-buster dives as an Olympic sport.
But 2025’s piers and docks are bigger and can be designed to be another entertainment space for waterfront homeowners.
They aren’t your grandparents’ docks anymore.
Mackey Docks
And from an economic perspective, trends in the industry include not only traditional treated lumber. PVC and the use of composite decking materials “are providing the best long-term investment for the homeowner.
Treated wood is not lasting as long as it used to, making homeowners switch to “a better option,” said Eric Mackey, owner of Mackey Docks in Ragland.
New treated, long life, low maintenance wood makes for ideal pilings. “I’ve been able to find a great source for the pilings that support the whole dock and also framing options on treatment that will make the docks last a very, very long time.”
There are also a variety of options to jazz up your dock. Personal watercraft/kayak ports make it easier to get in and out of the water. Aluminum dock ladders can also take on the colors of your favorite teams, Mackey said.
Other options include flip up seats, benches and stools that attach to the dock without taking up much room. It’s the same story for kayak and paddleboard racks that attach to the dock.
Dock bumpers also protect boats from damage from rough weather and water as well as bad drivers.
For Joey Fortenberry, who along with his cousin, Jodi, owns Marine Worx in Gadsden, the commitment is to quality.
“We just build good stuff,” he said. “Our work stands out from everybody else. There’s more craftsmanship.”
Double-deckers are becoming a hot item in 2025, Fortenberry said.
“They’ve been around for a long time, but they’re getting more popular in our area,” he said.
The new composite materials, like Owens-Corning’s WEARDECK decking, are wood-free material that stays cool, even on the most sizzling summer days.
“It’s the only one that I know of that you can put on the water, and it’s got a cooling technology, and it just doesn’t get hot,” Fortenberry said. “I’m promoting it highly because it’s so good.”
Decks can range in price from $40,000 to $180,000.
Boat lift on Unique Waterfronts dock
Marine Worx also builds or bolsters protective seawalls, particularly in the late fall and winter, when Alabama Power lowers lake levels on Logan Martin and Neely Henry. As every waterfront homeowner knows, those seawalls protect against property erosion.
“Every five years, they really drop it (the water level). That’s when we get a lot of seawall requests. It gets really crazy, and we only have about a month to do it. We’re working six, seven days a week that time of year trying to get all those done.”
While seawall materials may not change from year to year, there have been changes in technology.
“We use an erosion cloth behind the walls. We put gravel and the drains in, and we use tie backs (an anchor point to make the wall more secure).”
Some dock builders have expanded their businesses. Unique Waterfronts now does homebuilding, clearing property and also works with the Federal Emergency Management Agency in disaster relief, according to Chelsea Isbell.
“We’re really excited about growing and expanding the company and having it more like a one-stop place for people wanting a new house, a pool house, a boat house … We’ve been blessed with work and have been able to expand our business.”
Like other area dock builders, Unique Waterfronts uses composite materials, and it also builds double deckers, like the Castle House Air B&B at Logan Martin’s Alpine Bay area. Unique Waterfronts uses the Trex Brand of composite material. As for seawalls, the company uses GeoStone, as well as wood and other materials.
The company also offers a variety of options and strives to live up to its name. “We want every project to be unique,” Isbell said.
Shoreline Creations
At Shoreline Creations, Margaret Isom is optimistic about the future. Waterfront populations are growing, which means seemingly boundless opportunities for new construction and restoration.
As far as trends, she looks to consumers. “We’re seeing educated clients who are value and budget-focused,” she said. Customers are also looking to alternative materials for dock construction, like composite and PVC decking.
“While both composite and PVC decking are low maintenance options, the key difference is that PVC decking is made entirely from plastic, offering superior longevity and resistance to temperature fluctuations.”
For Xtreme Docks owner Daniel Okonski, things are looking up – literally.
“We have a lot of new things in the new year,” he said. “But the biggest thing for us is we’re starting to go up. You can have the lower half of your dock for boats and stuff, and we’re adding platforms up top that you can actually use for entertaining. It’s a really neat concept. Basically you can end up with 2,400 square feet on the lake. It depends on where you live, but most of the time you have 1,200 square feet.”
But beyond construction, Xtreme offers jumping platforms and dock hammocks that give kind of a catamaran feel. Hammocks are custom made for Xtreme.
With an aging population, accessibility is an important factor. Xtreme offers lifts that make life easier for older lake residents or residents and visitors with disabilities.
While he uses traditional treated wood and aluminum in construction, as well as Trex composite decking, Okonski, it seems, has an eye on the future of docks and piers. And that future is vertical.
As an aside, he uses his own deck as an exhibit for potential customers. “Take the dock and turn it into an entertaining spot.”
The dock as more than a place to store boats may be sign that the waterfront communities have emerged from the pandemic and are returning as a happening place to be as it was in the early days of Logan Martin and Neely Henry.
“If you think about it, people are entertaining more,” Okonski said. “The lake is becoming a hot spot again like it was in the 60s and 70s. There were hotels and restaurants, everything. And I feel like it’s getting back that way.”
Story by Cherith Fluker Submitted and staff photos
When you stroll down Broad Street in Downtown Gadsden, it’s hard to believe that just a decade ago, this bustling area was a far cry from the vibrant, award-winning downtown district it is today.
Thanks to a blend of vision, determination and a little bit of magic, Downtown Gadsden has been transformed into a regional destination – drawing visitors from across the Southeast and beyond.
Kay Moore, the director of Downtown Gadsden Inc., has been a key player in the area’s revitalization, helping guide the transformation of downtown into what it is today.
One of the pivotal turning points for Downtown Gadsden was the opening of Back Forty Beer Company in 2009. Jason Wilson, a Gadsden native, made the decision to return to his roots and start a craft brewery in his hometown. The decision not only marked a new era for Gadsden but also changed the course of downtown’s future.
According to Moore, “Back Forty was the spark that ignited everything. Jason didn’t just bring craft beer; he brought an audience.”
First Fridays are a huge draw
Back Forty’s success became an anchor for the downtown area. It attracted a crowd of craft beer enthusiasts, some from as far away as China, where the company once shipped beer. The brewery is a stop on the rapidly growing Craft Beer Trail – a route that highlights craft breweries. Even more significant, Moore points out, was Wilson’s advocacy for changes to local laws to make Gadsden more business-friendly, further paving the way for other entrepreneurs to invest in the city.
Along with the opening of Back Forty, Moore credits downtown’s First Friday event with drawing more people to the area. In January 2006, local business owner Sylvia Smith launched the first First Friday event with a simple goal in mind: to bring more foot traffic into her store, the Stone Market. Little did she know, it would become a cornerstone of downtown Gadsden’s cultural and economic revival.
From April to October, every First Friday draws crowds from all over. “We transform Broad Street into a big celebration with food, music and community spirit,” Moore said. “We close off the streets from Broad Street to 1st Street, and attendees can enjoy everything from classic cars to local entertainment to food trucks.” Moore emphasized that these events are not just about fun – they also drive business to over a dozen downtown restaurants and vendors.
“We’ve had people attend a First Friday event and move to Gadsden because of it,” Moore recalls. “One couple bought a house on the river after attending a First Friday event.” The strong sense of community and the lively atmosphere have proven to be powerful attractions for both residents and visitors alike.
Today, Downtown Gadsden boasts an impressive mix of businesses. They each add their own charm to the area. There are over a dozen restaurants that offer diverse dining options, including everything from pizza parlors to upscale eateries. There are also boutiques and antique stores, an olive oil store, a cigar bar, a yarn shop and beauty salons and spas.
The downtown area also has a strong cultural presence. The Mary G. Harden Center for Cultural Arts and the Gadsden Museum of Art and History are both located downtown and offer a variety of events and exhibits.
Moore is particularly excited about the cultural scene’s growth in Downtown Gadsden, saying, “We’re working hard to be more artsy.” Outdoor art installations, such as a kinetic sculpture, and sidewalk art displays have helped cement Gadsden’s reputation as an up-and-coming cultural destination.
Notably, downtown has also become a great place to live. When Moore started in her role, there were just 13 lofts available in the area; today, there are 34, with 25 more planned in the old Sears building. “It takes a good mix to have a successful downtown,” Moore says, referring to the delicate balance of living, dining, shopping and entertainment options that keep the district thriving.
But the revitalization of Downtown Gadsden isn’t just about buildings and businesses, it’s about creating experiences that people want to return to. A prime example is the Sunset Sips event, the largest of its kind in the area, offering an evening of local wine, craft beer and live music.
The Chili Cookoff held every February has become a major draw, attracting 30 to 35 chili teams and crowds eager to taste the best of the region’s culinary creations.
Another fan favorite is the St. Patrick’s Pub Crawl, which has quickly grown into a must-attend event for locals and visitors alike.
Downtown’s cookin’!
One of the most innovative additions to downtown’s landscape is the series of ballot bins designed to encourage people not to litter. These yellow boxes, inspired by a system in London, allow people to “vote” with their cigarette butts in fun downtown elections aimed at making improvements to the area.
The initiative not only helps keep the streets cleaner but also adds a unique, interactive art installation for pedestrians to enjoy. It’s a creative way to engage the community while promoting environmental responsibility, all while making the downtown experience more enjoyable.
As Moore reflects on the success of the downtown revitalization, she shares an insight that sums up the spirit of the movement: “If your downtown is strong, it’s going to positively impact the city. Downtown is the heart of the city. People love to come downtown. If you give people somewhere to live, shop, eat and play, they’ll come to the city.” It’s clear that Gadsden’s leaders have embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly.
For Moore, it’s about more than just making downtown look nice. “If your heart’s not beating, you’re dead,” she says, emphasizing that a thriving downtown is key to a thriving city.
The ongoing revitalization is a testament to the fact that with a mix of vision, leadership, and community spirit, any downtown can come alive again.
Zeke Gossett has loved fishing as long as he can remember. A smile spreads across dad Curtis’ face as he tells of Zeke watching him get ready for tournaments when the toddler was just two years old. “He’d watch me get ready and if I didn’t take him, he was at the window all day waiting on me to come back home.”
By the time he was six years old, Zeke was soaking in every bit of information he could on fishing – the conditions and variables that make an angler successful.
At that time, Curtis would watch him and challenge him, insisting that he fish in the current, not in the easier flat water. “He struggled because you have to use certain angles to make different baits work correctly,” explains Curtis. “He’d cast and cast. I’d watch him a while. Then I’d ask him if he wanted me to show him how to do it. When he was just six, I took him out with me, and he rolled that spinner bait across that stump, and he caught one. It gave him the confidence he needed.”
From that point on, Zeke got to fish in the back of the boat with his dad in many tournaments. “One of my earliest memories is when we used to fish club tournaments,” recounts Zeke. “I was probably eight years old. He could have fished with anyone, but he chose to fish with me. He was so much better, but it was him and me together.”
Father and son share fish stories
They were competitive then, just as they are now. “We kept the fish separate,” Zeke remembers. “We were kind of fishing against each other, even on the same team.”
From the moment you meet these two, you can feel the close bond they share. Curtis is intensely proud of his son, who has gone on to become a professional B.A.S.S. angler. The pride is evident when he brings in the six-inch-thick binder with photos and laminated clippings heralding the achievements his son has earned on his fishing journey.
“I got serious about fishing when I was about 10,” says Zeke. Beginning the next year, the focus paid off. He’s been reeling in trophies since he won his first tournament at age 11 – first place in the B.A.S.S. Alabama Junior Bassmaster Tournament for his age division and second place overall. The following year, he won first place overall in the Alabama Bass Federation/FLW Junior Tournament.
Zeke continued to excel throughout middle school and high school, winning and placing in more than 50 tournaments and receiving recognition from numerous fishing organizations.
He was named B.A.S.S. Alabama Nation High School Angler of the Year in 2015 and was named a B.A.S.S. High School All-American. After high school, he continued fishing in college at Jefferson State Community College, then Jacksonville State University and was named 2020 B.A.S.S. Collegiate Angler of the Year. His team won the national championship.
Zeke is just as proud of his dad as Curtis is of him, describing his dad as competitive, encouraging and loving. “He was always so patient, as a parent and as a coach. He’s always supported me from the time I decided this is what I wanted to do.” In addition to being his dad, Curtis was his fishing coach for seven years.
A former school principal and high school fishing coach, who also coached middle school volleyball, Curtis spent many years exercising the patience required to inspire extra effort from his student athletes.
During his nine years as principal at New Directions Alternative School, he also served as head coach for Pell City High School’s fishing team, then for Briarwood Christian School for another three years. In that time, he led his teams to six top five finishes in high school national championships, including two B.A.S.S. High School National Championships at Pell City. He’s coached three B.A.S.S. High School All-American Anglers.
The end of 2020 took a difficult turn for the Gossett family. That October, while Zeke was in Kentucky at a fishing tournament, both his dad, Curtis, and his mom, Laura, were hospitalized with COVID. Laura was released within the week, but Curtis, who suffers from asthma, struggled, eventually being put on a ventilator. “We didn’t tell him right away because he needed to stay and win that tournament,” admits Curtis. After Zeke returned, he was able to bring his mother home, and the two focused on praying for Curtis. “We’d get video calls from the hospital every night,” says Zeke. “It was not really a conversation with him being on a ventilator, but we spent time with him.”
After nearly a month in the hospital, Curtis was strong enough to be released. “His hair was long, and he was so skinny,” recalls Zeke. “But he got his strength back after about a month.” They won the first tournament they entered after that. Winning a tournament is great, but for these two, any day spent fishing together is a win. “Since COVID, fishing with Zeke has become even sweeter,” says Curtis. “I do not take it for granted!”
Curtis displays championship fishing rings
At 27 years old, Zeke is out on the water about 200 days a year, either in tournaments or as a fishing guide, doing what he loves. “These days,” laughs Zeke, “it’s Dad who’s waiting by the window for me to come back from fishing.” Zeke is in the front of the boat and putting the bait “on a dime,” just like his dad taught him. And that, he explains, is the difference in a bite or not.
Curtis’ own dad worked a lot, so it was his mom who taught him to fish, taking him fishing from the age of four. He credits his mom with choosing to make family time a priority by taking him fishing as often as she could. When Zeke came along, Curtis passed along that gift of time with his son and the love of fishing grew, just as their love for each other matured.
The fishing duo is really a fishing trio, as both say they couldn’t do what they do without the support of Zeke’s mom, Laura. “She’s Zeke’s biggest fan,” says Curtis. “She never complains about us being away. Without that support at home, you can’t do what we do.” Both agree that she is the most loving, hard worker they know.
Laura and Curtis have been married 31 years. Another fine catch from that year, a six-pound two-ounce Alabama Coosa Bass, hangs on the wall, reminding Curtis of great times had on Logan Martin Lake.
Today is another sweet day for the pair. They’re spending the day fishing together on Logan Martin. With Zeke’s busy professional fishing schedule occupying 43 out of 52 weekends this year, the two still make time to fish together at least a couple of times a month. “There are not many things in this world I would rather be doing than fishing with Zeke and enjoying the great outdoors,” Curtis says.
The two had a banner year in 2022, when Zeke was named Angler of the Year and Curtis, Co-Angler of the Year, for the Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation. Their combined scores earned them first place the same year at the Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation State Championship.
These days, the roles are reversed for the pair. Zeke is in the front of the boat, the place that controls the boat and the decisions for the team. And Curtis wouldn’t have it any other way, adding “the day he took over that position was a great full circle moment.
Compiled by Paul South and Graham Hadley Submitted Photos
For many lake lovers, whether on Logan Martin, Neely Henry, or anywhere along the beautiful Coosa River, December’s visions of sugarplums melt away in January, replaced by dreams of new boats – crafts that will be a surefire cure for the summertime blues.
Think pontoons or tritoons, ski boats, surf boats or kayaks. The first frost of the season draws more than a few folks into showrooms to check out the newest offerings. Consumer confidence is on the rise.
“We sold four boats yesterday,” Rambo Marine General Sales Manager Grant Stinson said in a phone interview shortly after Thanksgiving.
Optimism, it seems, like lake levels in summer, is high at boat dealerships up and down the river and its popular lakes and streams.
The Sunchaser Calais 23
Available at University Marine at Pine Harbor, the new boats will feature the Honda 350 eight cylinder engine.
The pontoons are a celebration of quality and comfort. The Calais, according to the company, is “the crown jewel” of the Sunchaser fleet.
Featuring a lavish interior that includes four wrap-around couches a power bimini top, as well as theX-Treme PR25 Third Tube performance package that ensures smooth navigation even at breathtaking speeds, the Calais can seat up to 12 passengers.
The Calais also includes platform lighting, an executive console with cooler storage anda WetSounds MC 2 music system that is Bluetooth/USB/satellite-radio ready. Colors include a white panel with black or blue stripe, or a Carbon panel with black stripe.
The Sunchaser Lucerne
Billed as a pontoon that delivers style, functionality and exceptional value, the Lucerne is sleek and durable and comes in eight exterior colors. The entry-level Lucerne has a 50-horsepower motor.
Options include a luxury package that offers a power bimini top, Helix 5 in-dash GPS, high-back helm chairs, interior mood lighting and other features.
Sunchaser offers a variety of pontoon choices for first time buyers on a budget, or boaters who are looking for a luxury experience. That’s what makes these boats special, said University Marine manager Ricky Ganey.
Visit University Marine at www.pineharbormarina.com
Starcraft RX Series
Rodney Humphries, owner of Rodney’s Marine in Pell City, is a veteran of the boat business, working at marine businesses since he was 13. And he’s just as excited today as he was then.
Listen to him talk about the new Starcraft RX Series tritoon boat, a craft that combines plush features, elegance, durability and high performance.
“It’s a new styling. It’s got fiberglasss railing. The design of it is different from their traditional pontoon.”
Depending on options, the boat sells for $80,000 to $120,000 – and the Starcraft traditionally offers seemingly limitless options.
Visit Rodney’s Marine at rodneysmarine.com
Savannah Center Console
Center-console fishing boats continue to grow in popularity. The Savannah line for sale from Rodney’s is no exception. And Savannah keeps stepping up the game for 2025.
Dive into the world of hybrid-bay boats with Savannah Boat Works’ Hybrid Inshore Series. Designed for fishing and family outings, these boats offer the perfect balance of agility and performance. With luxurious features, efficient layout, and unmatched versatility, Savannah boats ensure a comfortable and exhilarating experience on the water, whether you’re chasing fish or enjoying leisure time with your loved ones.
Your Hybrid Inshore model is ready for a quiet early morning fishing followed by rallying the family for an afternoon anchored off a lake island. At 2500 pounds, they’re easy to tow over the road, will pull a tube or a skier, and float in just over a foot of water.
Nucanoe Kayaks
Allen Norris and his wife, Jessica, moved their kayak shop from Shelby County to Cropwell in 2024, recognizing that kayaking is increasingly popular on the Coosa, which is part of the Alabama 650 paddleboat racecourse.
The Nucanoe Unlimited Kayak is a hot property for 2025. At more than 12 feet long, this boat is, as the name suggests, a new design in kayaking. A sturdy craft, it can hold up to 650 pounds and up to three people and offers a great experience for hunters, anglers and kayakers.
The craft sits high on the water and has 360-degree seating. Sold in a variety of colors and crafted in one-piece durable plastic – no seams or weak areas here. A second 360-degree seat can be added, as well as a bench seat, perfect for pets.
A second kayak, the Nucanoe Flint, is also worth a look in 2025. Like the Unlimited, it’s fully customizable, but is better suited to creeks than big water, Norris said.
Visit The Yak Shak at 2705 Martin Street South or online at theyakshak.com.
Avalon Quad Lounger Shift
At Poor House Branch Marina, the buzz words are Avalon and Tahoe — for Avalon & Tahoe Manufacturing, makers of the 2025 Quad Lounger Shift. The Quad Lounger gives boaters a “retro feel” and boasts “luxurious design and a spacious sundeck,” according to the company website.
The boat includes a push-button switchback seating system, a tapered front deck and an expanded rear deck. It offers a 10-year bow to stern warranty and a lifetime structural warranty.
Tritoons like the Quad Lounger offer a smoother ride, according to Poor House owner Dina Chappell.
Avalon Catalina VRL
A second hot boat that was especially big in 2024 was the Catalina VRL for Versatile Rear Lounger, a “bed boat.” The Versatile Rear Lounger features both a port and starboard bow bench. The aft features a seating area that converts into an oversized lounge area perfect for the sun worshippers of the family. Also, the seat can move back and forth so the occupants can face either the bow of the boat or aft.
Poor House Branch also offers a variety of accessories – lifejackets, floats, mats, noodles and more are available.
“We have a shop that has everything you need for a fun day on the water,” Chappell said.
Bennington M Series
The boat that has folks stoked at Woods Surfside is Bennington’s new M Series. The company trumpets it as “a modern expression of style” in the pontoon boat fleet. The series comes in three lengths, 22, 24 and 26 feet and in a variety of colors.
The boat cuts an elegant figure on the water, and includes a newly designed digital display system, Rockford Fosgate Audio and state of the art vessel control.
A sleek, new interior and exterior design, makes the boat “look fast standing still,” said Surfside’s Mark Hildebrant.
Check out Woods Surfside Marina, one of Bennington’s top dealers in the U.S., at www.woodssurfside.com or visit at 37 Marina Drive in Cropwell.
MasterCraft X Series
At Skier’s Marine in Westover, Jeremy Talbot is fired up about the MasterCraft X Series surf boat. Redesigned for 2025, the boat has more ballast capability, a newly-designed sound system, a mix of comfort and performance for all watersports. “it’s a really awesome boat,” he said.
MasterCraft has also revealed new colors for 2025, including the elegant magnetic blue that makes a statement on the water.
“This boat will check all the boxes, handle all the watersports and provide all the comfort that the family needs,” he said.
Harris Pontoons
Skiers is now the area dealer for Harris Pontoons. At January’s Birmingham Boat Show, the dealership will feature Harris’ two top-of-the-line boats, the Crowne and The Grand Mariner. In all, Skiers Marine will feature 32 boats at the show.
Skiers features a pro shop in the dealership with everything from towables, surfboards, innertubes, wakeboards, skis and lifejackets.
Visit Skiers at10171 Highway 280, Westover, AL 35147 or at skiersmarine.com
Barletta Luso
Designed with you and your on-water experience in mind, the Barletta Lusso models offer something for everyone. A classic and stylish rail-set, ultra-soft and ultra-comfortable furniture, a sleek helm loaded with technology and leg-room, pet-friendly amenities…the list goes on and on. Take a look and see why the Barletta L-Class pontoon boat just might be the perfect choice for you and your family.
Barletta Boats redefines luxury pontooning with its exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design. Born from a passion for boating, Barletta prides itself on creating pontoons that blend style, comfort, and performance seamlessly. Each Barletta boat is meticulously crafted with premium materials and cutting-edge technology, ensuring durability and reliability on the water. From spacious lounging areas to state-of-the-art entertainment systems, every detail is thoughtfully curated to enhance the boating experience.
Check out the Barletta line at Rambo Marine on U.S. 280 or visit online www.rambomarine.com.
Yamaha FSH
Yamaha is leaning hard into the center-console boat lines, specializing in their FSH jet boat series, which you can find at Rambo Marine.
Yamaha’s Center Console series epitomizes the flexibility of Jet Boats, whether you’re fishing at dawn, enjoying tubing with the kids in the afternoon, or cruising to your favorite on-water dining spot at sunset. Available in 19-foot, 22-foot, and 25-foot configurations with single or dual engines.
Yamaha’s Helm Master EX and joystick control deliver seamless, precise low-speed maneuvering. With Helm Master EX, drivers can effortlessly command boat movements—forward, reverse, lateral shifts and rotations — all controlled with just one hand on the joystick.
With the dawning of a new year comes plenty of wishes and resolutions along with it. Topping the wish list around these parts are new boats and water toys while resolutions tend to involve to do lists for seawalls, docks and shoreline upgrades.
That’s why in January of each year, we bring you our special Boat Show Edition. It’s chock full of what’s hot for 2025 from dealers throughout the region in the way of boats, personal watercrafts, gadgets, accessories and more.
But that’s not all. We bring you the latest trends in docks and seawalls, giving you a more than casual look at the work going on along our shorelines.
Think of it as your own personal showroom tour of some of the best parts of lake life – all in one place, right here in our magazine.
While the major focus of the magazine this issue is our boat show, we didn’t forget other things lake life.
Bundle up and head out on Logan Martin and Neely Henry with bass pro Zeke Gossett, who offers the best tips, trends and tricks to catch the limit on the Coosa River.
Or, head over to downtown Gadsden on the banks of the river and see what’s happening these days to make downtown a destination point for the region. From shopping to dining to entertainment, downtown seems to have it all, and more people are discovering all it has to offer.
Step back in time and step inside the historic Riverside home of Roxann Bucacek. The home has a story or two to tell, and so does she! And along the way, she even shares a couple of family heirlooms – recipes from their kitchen.
Zeke Gossett doesn’t just share tips, he shares a message of family bonds in this issue of LakeLife 24/7. Zeke and his father, Curtis Gossett, are a pair of champions when it comes to fishing, and we’ll learn their heartwarming backstory. This father and son’s passion for fishing is surpassed only by their love of fishing together.
Of course, there’s more! Turn the page and discover it all with us!
If you had to describe Boo Bash 2024 is a single word, it would have to be creativity. From giant rubber ducks to a pontoon disguised as a 50s baby blue Chevy on its way to the Boo Hop to a floating carnival, creative was the dress of the day. And that was just the boats.
Add docks and boathouses dressed to the hilt in spiders, ghosts, a scene from the Wizard of Oz, witches, mechanical pirates and skeletons and even a groovy 70s backdrop, and the day just seemed to ooze creativity.
But wait, there’s more! How about Minnie Mouse, witches of all shapes and sizes, a dog in a tutu, pirates galore and a kid cop keeping guard over a boat cell of prisoners, complete with prison bars, orange jumpsuits, mugshots and tatoos?
Pontoon cellblock with lake view
It all adds up to a huge success for the 2024 edition of Boo Bash, brought to you by Logan Martin Lake Protection Association, Tiki Hut and a host of volunteers and Boo Bashers extraordinaire.
By the numbers, Boo Bashers numbered more than 1,506 children and adults and 42 pets with 85 docks participating.Three major land stops – Lakeside Park, Riverside Beautification Organization and Tiki Hut drawing crowds and sparking even more fun. Trick or treaters of the kid kind were treated to thousands of bags of candy and surprises, and the adults? Well, let’s just say host stops provided grownups with special liquid treats of their own.
Funds raised from Boo Bash will go to LMLPA’s lighted buoy project.
It was a fun and innovative way to bring our lake community together for a day of fun for a good cause. Our hats are off to Sonya Hubbard and Kelli Lasseter, who had an idea a couple of years ago that trick or treating dock to dock might just grow into something big.
