Ok. So I just found out my wife's friend got engaged who lives in Huntsville, AL. After my initial thought (another wedding to go to), I did a quick Google maps search for the closest bodies of water and instantly fixed my eyes on Lake Guntersville (about an hour drive from Huntsville). I've been to Huntsville before and had no idea it was this close. I have no idea when the wedding is yet but I'm assuming sometime during the summer of 2013, possibly in the fall. But I wanted to plan our road trip (with our boat) and make a few stops along the way from Northern Virginia/Washington, D.C. I primarily fish the Potomac River but I've been dying to do some fishing further south for some big southern hogs. This is finally a perfect excuse for me to have a week long fishing trip. Keep in mind I'll be bringing the wife. But she already said she's onboard for a fishing trip.

So I already have my directions from Virginia which is pretty much a straight shot down 81/40/75/etc. I have a few options that I can think of doing but I know some people on here either live around these areas or have at least fish these areas. I need all of your advice. I have a list of some lakes along the way. Some that are relatively close to the highway are:

Smith Mountain Lake

Cherokee Lake, TN

Watts Bar Lake, TN

Chickamauga Lake, TN

Lake Guntersville, AL

Wheeler Lake, AL

I can either go straight to Huntsville and fish Lake Guntersville and/or Wheeler Lake for the entire week with the wife or I can drive a couple hours each day and make 2 or 3 stops along the way. Also is Guntersville or Wheeler any better? I'm definitely fishing Guntersville, but I just need to know if that's the only place I'll fish or if I should spread my week out.

I'm asking for any input on any or all of these lakes and if I'm missing any obvious ones along the way, please let me know. Any suggestions are welcomed. Thanks and maybe I'll run into some of you there.

Guntersville produces more 5-8 lb bass than any other reservoir on the Tennessee River.

I recommend going straight there and hiring a guide for the first day or two. Spinnerbait Kid

is one to consider: http://www.spinnerbaitkid.com/

This is the Roadtrip 2012: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/lake-guntersville-2012.html

Thanks for the advice. We will definitely look into a guide for the first day. It looks like a lot of water so it will be good to know where to start. It may be best for us to just go straight there and fish for the week. If we break up the time with more stops then it'll be more packing/unpacking and setting up time which equals less fishing time.

Based on the video it looks like the typical lures being used, but is anyone willing to offer any deadly lures. I fish a lot of cranks, soft plastics, and spinnerbaits in that order.

I caught my big bass and quite a few more on a Fat Ika. Generally, the lake is know for lipless cranks.

The week before you leave talk with Spinnerbait Kid. I'm sure he will have some very specific advice.