One thing I have found over the years is “you can’t catch fish without wetting a hook.”  It has been said  90 percent of the fish are caught by 10 percent of the people who fish.  I think that is probably true.  Not only do you have to wet a hook to catch fish, but you have to go enough to keep up with what is happening. 

This is especially true for hybrids and stripers. I always catch more when I have a chance to go a few days close together. The fish move so much you have to find them. Sometimes they don’t move very far and maybe in a general area for months. 

When you go fishing, always watch for signs of fish and then look closer.  Seagulls, bald eagles, fish hawks, and herrings all signal possible fish.  Naturally, any bait skipping, jumping, or schooling warrants some investigating.  A few years ago, I saw a couple of pelicans diving after fish.  They stayed around the same area for a week or so, and so did the fish and myself.  That is the only time I saw pelicans on the lake, and they put me on fish. 

The same thing holds true for crappie.  You have to go and find them.  Fish a variety of depths and locations.  Once you do, you may be able to stay on them for a while.

If bass fishing is your thing, I suggest you join a club at least for a while to pick up some ideas.  Nothing is better than spending time on the water and trying different things.  I’m always amazed at the number of people I talk to who tell me of ways they catch fish I’ve never heard of before.

Right now, the hybrids and stripers are beginning to school in the early morning hours.  If you find some, you can catch them on a wide variety of top water baits and shallow running lures.  You can also free line herring and catch them.  When they go down, drop the herring on a Carolina rig.  You can also jig a spoon and catch plenty of fish as well.

You’ll have to start fishing deeper for black bass and crappie.  Catfish are biting real good at night.  There could not be a better time to catch one of those monster flatheads you hear about.

Remember with 1200 miles of shoreline at the lake, catching fish is a lot like finding the perfect water front property to buy - you gotta know where to go.

... And we know - Turner Realty is your lakefront property and lifestyle resource.

Hey' we'll see you at the lake

 

Hands on candle making this weekend at the lake. Join Becky Bresnahan as she demonstrates candle making the old fashioned way. This is for kids and adults.

If you have any questions about Georgia or South Carolina fishing regulations at the lake, we have the DNR site links:

South Carolina State Fishing Regulations

Georgia State Fishing Regulations

June is transition month. The air is hot and the water will stratify. Most fish are in the after spawn mode and will feed shallow early and late. In the middle of the day, they will pull out into deeper water. This is especially true on sunny hot days. On cloudy days, your good fishing times will last longer and be more comfortable. This will up your odds.

Night fishing for hybrids under ridges is good thru June. You can usually net your own bait but you can’t count on it. Crappie fishing at night is good now as well. You can actually fish for both at the same time.

Top water fishing is being overtaken now with fishing mop jigs on Carolina rigged worms and lizards. Try 4” worms and lizards, fish humps, and the end of long points on the main lake.

Catfish can be taken on jugs, trot lines, and rod and reel. Shell cracker will be again in Jun but you have to be lucky to find them. Crappie will get on brush piles and under deeper docks for shade.

I would like to thank, Capt. William Sasser, U.S. Coast Guard-licensed professional guide specializing in crappies, hybrids and striped bass. (706) 589-5468, and Ralph Barbee, professional guide specializing in hybrids, stripers and largemouth bass, (706) 860-7373 for putting me onto the fish last month.

Remember, with 1200 miles of shoreline at the lake, catching fish is a lot like finding the perfect water front property to buy - you gotta know where to go.

And we know... Turner Realty is your lakefront property and lifestyle resource.

You’ve probably heard of Mistletoe State Park – It’s located on the lake and near Appling GA. They have 92 campsites and 10 cottages plus picnic shelters and group shelters. Park hours are 7am-10pm.

And of course you can fish the best bass fishing lake in the southeast.

If you’d like to know the lake level projections for the week, follow this link.

We also show the current elevation and daily and monthly rainfall.

That’s helpful when you thinking about fishing…speaking of fishing…

Remember, with 1200 miles of shoreline at the lake, catching fish is a lot like finding the perfect water front property to buy - you gotta know where to go.

And we know... Turner Realty is your lakefront property and lifestyle resource.

Elijah Clark State Park is a great place to get away. It’s named for a Georgia Revolutionary war hero and includes the refurbished cabin from the 1760’s. And it’s located on the largest manmade lake east of the Mississippi

The park is 447 acres with tent, trailer, rv and even 20 cabins. Spend the weekend at the lake.

For questions about Georgia or South Carolina fishing regulations at the lake, we have the DNR site links here:

South Carolina State Fishing Regulations
Georgia State Fishing Regulations

Remember, with 1200 miles of shoreline at the lake, catching fish is a lot like finding the perfect water front property to buy - you gotta know where to go.

And we know... Turner Realty is your lakefront property and lifestyle resource.

There are 13 Corps managed campgrounds at the lake totaling 554 campsites.

Or you can make your reservation now for Mistletoe State Park.

Hey - You can hold your own fishing tournament at the lake. If it’s more than 10 boats you’ll need a special events permit.

Fishing is still good for hybrids and stripers; the very top of the lake and the very bottom of the lake being the hot spots. Find the fish and you can troll, use cut or live herring on down lines and free lines. Mornings are better than afternoons. Night fishing under the bridges is also good right now for hybrids and crappie. Fish shade for crappie during the bright days. Jug fishing for catfish is excellent right now as well.

Remember, with 1200 miles of shoreline at the lake, catching fish is a lot like finding the perfect water front property to buy - you gotta know where to go.

And we know... Turner Realty is your lakefront property and lifestyle resource.