The sun is shining, and the fish will soon be biting at the Leon Brooks Hines Escambia County AL State Public Fishing Lake.
New manager Donna Moye said the grounds will officially open for the season on Sun., Feb. 1. Hours of operation are from sunup to sundown each day of the week, with the exception of Tuesday when the grounds are closed to the public.
Located 23 miles east of Brewton, the 184-acre lake is home to trophy bass, bream, catfish and shellcrackers.
“This is just a beautiful place where families can relax and have a good time on the water or on the bank,” Moye said. “We not only offer fishing by boat or from the bank, but there’s also picnic pavilions, tables and stationary grills for people to enjoy, too.”
Boats, including life vests and trolling motors, are also available for rental. Prices start at $5.
There is a $3 fee to fish and a $3 fee to launch a boat, Moye said.
Kayaking and canoeing are permitted, she said.
“As long as it’s got a bottom on it with a hull, you can put it in the water,” she said. “But remember, we don’t allow outboard motors.”
There are concessions and bait available on site, too.
“We’ve got everything from snacks, drinks, ice and tackle to minnows, shiners, crickets and worms,” she said.
Fishing licenses are required and are available for purchase on site, including a $12.05 annual out-of-state resident license good for all of Alabama’s 20 state lakes. Permits for the Conecuh National Forest shooting range are available too.
While there are no RV sites or primitive camping on the grounds, Moye – who manages the property with her husband, Donnie – hopes that will change in the future.
“We want everyone to call their state senator and representative and tell them what you want to see out here,” she said. “And we want everyone to come on out and see beauty of nature and what a wonderful park we have right here.”
The Leon Brooks Hines public fishing lake is located off Escambia County Road 4. For more information, contact Moye at dlmoye1965@gmail.com or call 251.809.0068.