Pickwick has been a favorite of mine, but this year has been the worst. Big flood early and something blowing thru every time down. Just got back from a 2 day trip last nite. Weather was nice and pre front. But the winter draw down was going on and lake was falling. Fishing was really slow. Only one decent smallie, 4 lbs and 3 oz right at the end yesterday before the storm rolled in.
Guntersville has been fishing well I have been reading, but have not tried it yet. Cordell Hull is nice, Dale Hollow is on the list for next year. Center Hill gives you trout on the tail water, but the lake is tough. Muscle Shoal and Wilson Dam is also a target for next year, stories of big smallies there on the upper end of Pickwick.
Weather is the key. Play by ear and don't make solid reservations and you can have a decent trip, somewhere.