Hello Rev, Welcome to Georgia crappie.com. we are happy to have you aboard. I have not fished in the Tallapoosa river so I can't help you much there but I do know what you mean about that dark water, I love it too. It realy can grow some large river red breast. I love to fish around the logs and stumps in the river and watch that cork go out of sight. Hope you get to go and if you do let us know how you do. And again welcome. Good fishing and Gods Blessings to you and your family. Jimmy S.