Outdoor Life

By Riverpirate

February 29, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Actually mine is not a lake. I prefer the rivers and March and April are the prime time for catching shoal bass on Georgia’s beautiful rivers. In fact, I will be doing seminars on kayak fishing Georgia’s rivers this weekend at Bass pro Shop’s Spring Classic in Macon. If you’re not out fishing, and you should be, come by and check out the Spring Classic.

By vesaversa

March 3, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

my favorite bass fishing place in the spring is on the new river on the heard county troup county line where it spill over into west point lake .

By Jim H.

March 3, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

Since I live waterfront on Lake Oconee, my answer is easy - Lake Oconee. Spinnerbaits in the pockets, shad raps on the riprap, worms and jigs around the boat docks —-ooooh, I’m ready to go right now!…..Dang work!

By SR CITIZEN DAWG

March 3, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

My bass paradise was a 10 acre farm pond in Elbert County Ga which the Corp of Army Engineers destroyed for Lake Richard Rusell. I blamed myself anytime I left without a stringer full.

By don

March 4, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

My parents used to live on Lake Jodeco in Jonesboro. In March of ‘85 I finally caught “The 10 pounder”. 10lbs, 12oz. She’s hanging over the mantle as we speak. Between that and my 2 daughters and son each catching their first fish on Lake Jodeco, it has a soft place in my heart. We were very fortunate to be able to fish there. Some people believe Mr. Perry’s record-beater is in that lake. I had a huge one spit a plastic worm back at me as I reached down to grab him by the lip. He made the 10 lb’r look like a bream. My brother and I were both in shock as we watched it slowly swim away. I still think about that fish. Oh, well. That’s fishin’!

By DaBoss

March 5, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

I like small lakes like Varner in Newton County, Black Shoals in Rockdale and Stone Mountain. All have good bass populations of bass and Varner especially has some big fish in it.

By Scott Bernarde

March 6, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Jim H.

I haven’t fished Oconee in a long time, but the tactics you note are exactlt how I caught them last time I went — probably three years ago. Thanks for the response.

Folks, if you like this blog keeps coming back and commenting, and pass the word around. If you don’t like it, or want to see it changed, what are your thoughts on that?

By Michael Lee

March 6, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

The southern lakes are great in the spring. Seminole can be phenomenal as well as Blackshear at the right time. The flint river is good for some shoal bass too!

By Roosevelt's Ranger

March 6, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

Scott! I’m really not much of a bass fisherman but I want to thank you and the AJC for bringing back the Outdoor column.

It would be great if it actually grew into its own section. Some of the topics you’ve covered thus far are extremely important to the Sportsmen/Women of Georgia and it is great that we have a forum to share thoughts.

Thanks again!

PS-I think a day spent with Riverpirate in a kayak would give you some great subject matter for your column!

By Phil

March 6, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

I prefer the quiet of Georgia’s “electric motor only” lakes. Several state parks and Georgia Power etc. have them. I generally try to hit Tribble Mill state park and am really looking forward to it this year as my 5 year old son will be joining me.
Go find some water, anywhere, and wet a line!

By Scott Bernarde

March 6, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

Phil, I love the small electric motor-only lakes.

Tribble Mill is a favorite of mine, but it can be a tough place to catch bass. I caught back-to-back 4- and 7-pounders smack dab under the bridge a couple of springs ago. The topwater bite in early June is great, too, especially down there in front the field and playground area. The weeds start to grow pretty fast by then, but not all the way to the surface, so a chug bug or pop r can be effective.

By Gordon Rogers

March 6, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

Favorite springtime bass “place” is the Satilla River (go figure), with second place coming in as the lower Altamaha. Favorite bass lake in the springtime is Seminole, where my cousin Colonel Ted Kelly was the topwater guru prior to his passing, may God rest his soul. - G. Rogers, Satilla Riverkeeper

By Indian Lakes

March 6, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

I prefer the lakes on our hunting club and smaller watershed lakes. Glad to see AJC covering something for the sportsman.

By Riverpirate

March 6, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

Scott, First I want to echo Roosevelt’s Rangers about your column and blog. I love it.

Secondly I want to invite you any time to take a kayak trip with me. I have extra yaks so that is no problem. We can either do a lake or river, or even head off to the coast for some inshore fishing. If I ever get you fishing from a kayak you will love it forever.

By Branchminnow

March 6, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

Great article, some friend of mine told me about this sports page, I will tell others myself, Bass fishing I prefer the water authority electric only lakes. I do have the opportunity to fish a small private lake where 10 plus pounders are not at all uncommon.

Good luck on Your quest fro that big PIG!

By Scott Bernarde

March 6, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the nice comments.

My quest for a 10-pounder is ongoing. My problem is I tend to catch more 10-inchers.

Closest to a 10-pound largemouth was a 7.5 on Lake Guntersville, Ala., but most memorable bass was a 5-7 spotted bass on Lake Lanier about six years ago. Caught it on a Sammy and thought it was a striper until it got to the boat. Which made sense, considering we were striper fishing.

By Eric Bruce

March 6, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

I prefer the private unfished ponds because the fish are dumber and easier to catch.

By David Waller

March 7, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

My favorite places to catch bass is farm ponds using plastic worms in the spring. I have had much better success in farm ponds than larger reserviors in catching more and larger bass.

I appreciate very much your outdoor section in the AJC. I was just before dropping my subscription to the AJC due to the lack of articles that interested me. There is no danger of me dropping it now that there is an outdoor section. Great job. Sportsmen and sportswomen appreciate it. Thank you!

David Waller

By Scott Bernarde

March 7, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Does anybody bass fish at Charlie Elliott? What’s it like there?

By Riverpirate

March 7, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

Charlie Elliott is a wonderful place to fish. Some lakes are better than others for bass. Check with the Rangers there, they can lead you to to right place. There is lots of bank access to so you don’t have to have a boat.

By Terry Tatum

March 7, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

My favorite place to fish is on our small farm pond in Madison. The pond is tucked away in the woods, and not only do I catch fish (some big, most small), but I hear lots of songbirds in the treetops, I watch deer and squirrels and an occasional wild turkey feeding on the other side of the pond, and I never hear any outboard motors in the background.
One other thing- I’m glad there is an Outdoor Page in the AJC. I remember the days when Mr. Charlie Elliott wrote this column, and later Kent Mitchell. I’m glad AJC recognizes the interests of millions of hunters and anglers in Georgia, and the great economic value to the state.

By Scott Bernarde

March 7, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Riverpirate:

How many lakes can you use your own boat at Elliott?

BTW, if y’all don’t know, since Charlie Elliott is a WMA you’ll need a WMA license ($19 for residents) to be legal.

By Riverpirate

March 7, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

Copied form the WRD web site:

Fishing rods and reels are the only gear allowed, and minnows are prohibited. Drinking of alcoholic beverages is not allowed. Boats may be used in any Marben PFA pond. Gas motors operated at idle speed may be used in Fox and Bennett only. In all other ponds, only electric motors or paddles may be used. All boats must carry the required safety equipment, including appropriate personal flotation devices. Boats with gas or electric motors must be registered

By Ron Warnken

March 7, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

My favorite places to fish for bass in the spring are small farm ponds. I’ve always caught larger fish in small ponds and enjoy the relative solitude they offer. As a lifelong outdoorsman I really enjoy reading the AJC’s Outdoor page. It’s first section I go to whenever I pick up the paper. Keep it coming!

By Ricky Jewell

March 7, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

For those who were asking about Charlie Elliot, a.k.a Marben Farms, I’m hear to tell you that you want be dissapointed if you take the time. For those who like to catch those who have begun their spawn there is nothing like taking a 4”-6” lizard, pref. watermelon seed, and dropping it right in front of thier face. They’ll take it every time. However, I too am waiting on that 10lbs. plus bass to hang on my mantle. Last april I came close by being blessed with a 9 1/2 pounder out of Fox Lake, off the bank right by the boat dock. Man I can’t wait. Give it about 3-4 more weeks and you can find me there.

By Curtis Jenkins

March 10, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

I’m partial to a certain farm pond, but wherever they’re biting so long as the traffic isn’t too heavy is fine with me. While the state record bucketmouth (22-4) came from the Ocmulgee, 2nd place belongs to Lake Lanier (17-9) and 3rd place to Chatuge (16-11). The Ocmulgee River watershed is still doing pretty well long after George Perry pulled the world record out of the river back in 1932. Georgia’s 7th place largemouth (15-6) came from Lake Juliette in 1990 and 10th place (14-7) was hauled out of Lake Jackson in 1986.

By Windknot

March 10, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

While I enjoy bassin’ anywhere, I am drawn to river & stream shoal areas suitable for wading. I’m too old and inflexible to hop in a canoe or kayak for more than a few minutes. I’ll hit the occasional farm pond, too, especially when bluegills and shellcrackers go on the beds.

I’d like to add my own comments to those of Roosevelt’s Ranger. I’m delighted to see the Outdoor Page reappear – it’s the first thing I seek on Sunday. And as he mentioned, the story possibilities are huge, given the broad scope of sport fishing & hunting, intertwined with conservation and education.

By Harkle

March 12, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Scott, I have the March GON, is the 50 largest Georgia Bass list in the February issue? I would really like to see it! Great to see you covering bass fishing in the AJC!

I caught a 10lb. 15oz. several weekends ago in a private pond.
Farm ponds and lakes are the ticket for hawgs is the spring time. I like weightless Senko’s in early spring and weightless Yum Dingers in mid spring to early summer.

By Jim W Harrison

March 13, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

more repeast catches of the same 10 lb. Florida Largemouth females have been made from the bank at Big Bear than all the other public lakes in GA combined. The spawning during March is the only time both females and the small males are near the Jackson Co. park on Highway 330 during the open hours. The front water access of the 2 acres will accomodate only 20 fishermen, so the picnic tables are usually full of anglers waiting for other to limit out of small bass and leave. For some reason green plastic worms are the only producers, but many fisherman use heavy salt water popping corks a foot above the worm to get enough weight to cas 50 to 100 yards accross the foot deep mud flats. You can use a tape measure to record the length and girth of the gaint bass, and take a quick photo before the live release, but since theyloose half their weight after spawning and retreat to the 100 foot depths of the center lake for the rest of the year tofatten up, April fools day is the last time to catch one, and release it this year. Any caster will catch a dozen immature males for every large female.The small males are much more aggressive and will sometimes attack popping corks. This is the only lake where the bass can tell if you are holding the rod after the cast. Most good fishermen lay their rods in a rod holder and wait for the bass tojump after hitting the worm; they hook themselves if the rig is done properly, but it is nerve racking waiting for the strike, so take a folding chair to sit by the rod and watch the line, as in catfishing. Knee boots are are a necessity, since the turbines from the Oconee River flood the shore most of the day and no wading is allowed. The best spot is at the incomming water from the turbines anr the wost spot is the right chain link fence. The waves out on the lake mud flats are made by spawnin fish, not by the turbines.If the water from the Oconee River is especially muddy, the bass prefer lime worms with metal flakes, glitter. Some day a 25 lb. spawning female will come out of this lake and the lucky angler will hate to do a live release as required.

By Jim W Harrison

March 13, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

more repeast catches of the same 10 lb. Florida Largemouth females have been made from the bank at Big Bear than all the other public lakes in GA combined. The spawning during March is the only time both females and the small males are near the Jackson Co. park on Highway 330 during the open hours. The front water access of the 2 acres will accomodate only 20 fishermen, so the picnic tables are usually full of anglers waiting for other to limit out of small bass and leave. For some reason green plastic worms are the only producers, but many fisherman use heavy salt water popping corks a foot above the worm to get enough weight to cas 50 to 100 yards accross the foot deep mud flats. You can use a tape measure to record the length and girth of the gaint bass, and take a quick photo before the live release, but since theyloose half their weight after spawning and retreat to the 100 foot depths of the center lake for the rest of the year tofatten up, April fools day is the last time to catch one, and release it this year. Any caster will catch a dozen immature males for every large female.The small males are much more aggressive and will sometimes attack popping corks. This is the only lake where the bass can tell if you are holding the rod after the cast. Most good fishermen lay their rods in a rod holder and wait for the bass tojump after hitting the worm; they hook themselves if the rig is done properly, but it is nerve racking waiting for the strike, so take a folding chair to sit by the rod and watch the line, as in catfishing. Knee boots are are a necessity, since the turbines from the Oconee River flood the shore most of the day and no wading is allowed. The best spot is at the incomming water from the turbines anr the wost spot is the right chain link fence. The waves out on the lake mud flats are made by spawnin fish, not by the turbines.If the water from the Oconee River is especially muddy, the bass prefer lime worms with metal flakes, glitter. Some day a 25 lb. spawning female will come out of this lake and the lucky angler will hate to do a live release as required.

By Jim W Harrison

March 13, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

more repeast catches of the same 10 lb. Florida Largemouth females have been made from the bank at Big Bear than all the other public lakes in GA combined. The spawning during March is the only time both females and the small males are near the Jackson Co. park on Highway 330 during the open hours. The front water access of the 2 acres will accomodate only 20 fishermen, so the picnic tables are usually full of anglers waiting for other to limit out of small bass and leave. For some reason green plastic worms are the only producers, but many fisherman use heavy salt water popping corks a foot above the worm to get enough weight to cas 50 to 100 yards accross the foot deep mud flats. You can use a tape measure to record the length and girth of the gaint bass, and take a quick photo before the live release, but since theyloose half their weight after spawning and retreat to the 100 foot depths of the center lake for the rest of the year tofatten up, April fools day is the last time to catch one, and release it this year. Any caster will catch a dozen immature males for every large female.The small males are much more aggressive and will sometimes attack popping corks. This is the only lake where the bass can tell if you are holding the rod after the cast. Most good fishermen lay their rods in a rod holder and wait for the bass tojump after hitting the worm; they hook themselves if the rig is done properly, but it is nerve racking waiting for the strike, so take a folding chair to sit by the rod and watch the line, as in catfishing. Knee boots are are a necessity, since the turbines from the Oconee River flood the shore most of the day and no wading is allowed. The best spot is at the incomming water from the turbines anr the wost spot is the right chain link fence. The waves out on the lake mud flats are made by spawnin fish, not by the turbines.If the water from the Oconee River is especially muddy, the bass prefer lime worms with metal flakes, glitter. Some day a 25 lb. spawning female will come out of this lake and the lucky angler will hate to do a live release as required.

By Bill Carson

March 17, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

Scott,

I agree with the others that bringing back the outdoors section is a great thing but then I am the promotions manager at Bass Pro Shops. The AJC has obviously been around BPS on a Saturday when 10,000+ stroll thru the turn styles in search of outdoor gear. To this point, I am working on development of a complete outdoor educational seminar series. This series will not just be about fishing, or hunting, or hiking, or camping, or boating but about the GREAT outdoors in the GREAT state of GEORGIA. I welcome all suggestions, input and volunteers for the series. Please contact me at BPS in Lawrenceville, GA.

Keep up the great work and please take a kid “outdoors” at every opportunity.

PS, the stripers are biting on Lanier and are on the beaches just before day light and just before dark. Long A’s in pink and Captain Macks 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 oz jigs with flukes are the ticket. Shooting docks with crappie jigs is hot in the backs of the creeks and bass are on the points and running the shore chasing the very same blue backs that the stripers are after.

Tight lines…<”)))><

By Austin Graham

March 18, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

I like Lake Weiss just over the GA line. My parents owned a lake house there for my entire childhood and early teens. I know that the lake is know for slab crappie. The bass fishing is overlooked. Early mornings beating plastic worms against the docks and spinner baits in the weeds. Early afternoons in the trees with minnows just off th bottom catching SLABS… I think I am calling in SICK…

By Riverpirate

March 19, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

Bill Carson, I have done several seminars on kayak fishing at BPS in Macon. I’ll be glad to help you out up there if I can as well.

By Riverpirate

March 19, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

In fact if anybody has any kind of group, Boy Scouts, outdoors clubs, whatever, I’d be glad to come do a seminar on kayak fishing.

By Riverpirate

March 20, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

Scott, Wanted to personally invite you and of course anybody else to our kayak fishing symposium this weekend. For anybody wanting to learn more about this sport, you will get a wealth of knowlege at this symposium. Informaion is here:

http://www.georgiakayakfishing.com/Symposium

By Justin

March 21, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

I know it’s not in georgia but every spring break i head up to lake weiss.My boss own a house on the lake and it is in a cove. In the spring the female bass lay eggs in this cove. Although you never catch anything big, it is really fun fishing.

By Oledawg

March 21, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Obviously, no one compares the lakes in Ga. because people don’t have experience that runs the breadth of the state. You won’t find anything fishyer than the region that has great water flow and differing environments than the confluence of the Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers.That would be Lake Seminole in the extreme southwest corner of the state and thereabout. Another feed into Seminole is Spring Creek that arises from springs below Donaldsonville. This entire region has large springs that feed the end of the Flint and surrounding tributaries. Immediate to and adjoining the Seminole Dam is the initiation of the Appalachicola R. where huge stripers are taken in March (as well as up the rivers draining into Seminole). Decatur Lake is at the head of Spring Creek. The bass in all of these waters touching each other are in the greatest varietal ecosystem in the state. Bedding is hot and heavy in this area in March. Just ask the fishermen that frequent tournaments in Bainbridge and Jack Wingate’s Lodge between Bainbridge and L. Seminole. River, lake and stream all contain large bass and a large population. Many bass exceeding 18 lbs have been taken from this area(not lately) on plugs, spinners, minnows and worms. Locals catch 10-pounders in local contests, so if you want to enhance your chances for a big one………need I say more?

Places to stay are numerous including parks(Lake Seminole Park) and accomodations on L. Seminole at Sneads Fl.and new places at the end of the Chattahoochee on the Ga. side. Motels can be found immediate south of the lake in Chattahoochee Fl.(the city limit touches Ga. on the southeast side of the lake) and Sneads Fl. about one mile south of the lake(the town has launch sites in its park adjoining the lake where you enter the water 200 yds from the Ga. line). Lake Seminole Lodge adjoins Sneads park. Good luck!

By Oledawg

March 21, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Over 40-50 yrs ago AJC had an outdoor column that gave fishing stories weekly and kept Ga. fishermen on top of things(too often you hear of good spots and catches several weeks after they occur). I distinctly remember one article

By Oledawg

March 21, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Over 40-50 yrs ago AJC had an outdoor column that gave fishing stories weekly and kept Ga. fishermen on top of things(too often you hear of good spots and catches several weeks after they occur). I distinctly remember one article

By Oledawg

March 21, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

Years(40-50) ago the AJ&C had an outdoor column on fishing. The author got us readers involved by relating that he had found a large bass(approx.10 lbs) bedding and no matter what he threw to it, there was no interest. He proposed a contest to his readers to send suggestions on how to get this lunker to bite. He stated that within several days he had received more suggestions than he could try in a short period, so he took what he thought were the best ones that he had not tryed and returned. I remember his descriptions of everything he used including strips of white,red or other-colored cloth and everything failed just as the first trip had. Finally he used a suggestion sent in by a lady and it worked, producing a better than 9 lb bass as soon as it was presented. What marvelous new lure had she sent in her suggestion? All the fishermen who were reading and hanging with baited curiosity were humbled when the author revealed the contest-winning presentation. The lady had suggested the lowly earthworm!

Every time I see the fishing tournaments and products on tv, I remember that column and get a nice chuckle.

By Tom Jr

March 24, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Scott and myself are going to try to set his new personnel goal of a 10lb largemouth at Lake Varner this week. I think all we need is a strong rod, heavy fishing line and a new Tru Life swim bait from Tru Tungsten. I think we both have knowledge and skill to do it. Pictures to come soon…Tom, Jr.

By Mark

April 2, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

I have caught many 10 lb + bass in the Ocmulgee River. Several decent sized stripers as well. the area I fish has a sand/silt bottom , shallow in the middle and deep at the edges. I wade out to the center, then cast to both shorelines. Or you can fish the shoals, but I catch too many eels there….