What’s commonly referred to as the “South’s best-kept secret” is now getting recognized on a national stage.
The entirety of Alexander City knows what Lake Martin has to offer, but now for the second year in a row, it was nominated for USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards in Best Lake for Water Sports, putting it in the same conversation with other famous lakes in the country — Erie, Michigan, Havasu and Tahoe.
The nomination should come as no surprise considering all that happens on Lake Martin. Last year alone it played host to over 30 finishing tournaments, including the St. Croix Bassmaster Open in mid-October. The tournaments spanned across high school, college and all the way to the professional level.
Even more, people enjoy Lake Martin for the recreational side of things. As the weather warms up and the summer begins, the boats come out. It would be uncommon to go to the lake and not see people wakeboarding behind the boat.
And it’s not just Alexander City residents who get to bask in the glory of Lake Martin. Tourism is on the rise from the fishing tournament while others in the surrounding area also get taste.
“Of course, (fishing is) a big draw for the tourism industry,” Explore Lake Martin president and CEO Sandra Fuller said. “Because then people are staying in your hotels and they're spending dollars at your restaurants and your retail.”
Fuller and her team have played a large role in bringing things to Lake Martin, but it all pales in comparison to the name it has already made for itself. And, that is shown in how it was nominated to USA Today.
Initially, Fuller just reached out to make recommendations but soon after saw that Lake Martin was recognized as one of the best.
“I think it says a lot from the Lake Martin area, they definitely have heard our name somewhere for them to check into it,” Fuller said. “There's so many people who market this area. So if you're pulling up stuff and you're doing a search on the web, you can't help but see really great, wonderful things about (Lake Martin. There's been a lot of stories lately that have been somebody who lives on Lake Martin. So I think it's out there, but just for (USA Today) to kind of say, ‘Hey, I think you guys deserve to be in the top 20.’ I think it says a lot.”
With over 40,000 square acres at its disposal, Lake Martin will continue to host multiple fishing tournaments in 2025. In addition, Explore Lake Martin and the chambers of commerce of Alexander City and Dadeville have joined to bring dragon boat racing that will serve as a fundraising event.
Whether it be for recreation or competition, Lake Martin will further cement its spot as one of the nation's best hubs for watersports.
