The Angler Magazine | April 2022 | Greater Atlanta Edition by Coastal Angler Magazine

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BIG FISH IN LITTLE PLASTIC BOATS

PHOTO CREDIT: MATT STONE IG: @SUNRISEKAYAKFISHING VOLUME 27 • ISSUE 325

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SIGHT FISHING By Nick Carter

“It’s about as close to Florida as you can get. You’re nglers are drawn to SUPs for many reasons. For Justin Hoover, the allure immersed in the mangroves,” Hoover said. “Most of a paddleboard is the style of fishing it of the time I’m alone for 10 or 12 hours a day on a paddleboard because nobody can reach where I’m at. allows. Hoover is from Brevard County, Florida. The fish… they’ve never seen people. It makes it really For more than 30 years, he has explored easy for me, and it makes it really enjoyable.” Hoover only targets fish he sees and studies their the backwaters and flats of central Florida’s Atlantic coast, where big fish push into super body language before making a cast. He can tell by skinny water that’s inaccessible to conventional looking if a fish is likely to eat his lure, particularly redfish, which clamp down their fins and “snake” along boats. “There’s nothing else better. It’s literally the shoreline when they’re actively feeding. “I’m looking for wakes, pushes, busts on the hunting, almost by foot,” he said of his passion. “I draft 2 inches. It makes it easier to travel to places shoreline and tails. If I’m not seeing any of that or you can’t reach, especially those back areas where seeing something that gives me that feeling there could big redfish will go back and pretty much retire for be a fish in this pocket, I’m moving on,” he said. Covering water quickly is Hoover’s primary tactic. the rest of their life.” Hoover’s platform of choice is a LIVE He advised newcomers to the sport to keep moving. “Cover the ground. That’s the easiest way to catch Watersports L2Fish board. It is a 12-foot catamaranstyle SUP that is super quiet and stable. He is a fish,” he said. “Don’t get stuck in one spot on a certain minimalist in terms of gear, preferring to hit the group of fish. Just constantly keep moving. You’ll end water with just a pocket full of lures, three rods up finding that fish that’s going to bite.” His favorite targets are redfish, snook, tarpon and and a cooler that serves as a seat and dry storage. He does most of his fishing with a medium-light black drum. “When I go out, all of them are on the list,” Hoover spinning rod and also carries a heavy spinning rod in case he sees a really big fish as well as a fly said. “I’m going down the line. I’m going straight to rod for subtle presentations. The lures he fishes their house, knocking on the door and saying, ‘Hey, are are mostly ultra-realistic Chasebaits soft plastics. you hungry today?’ If not, then I’m moving on to the He rarely throws topwater because the water is next fish.” It sounds like a lot of fun. so shallow that fish can’t get an angle on surface baits. Check out Justin Hoover on Facebook, Instagram and watch his Youtube channel The Backwater Angler.

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Suzuki Unveils New V6 for Performance Boats S uzuki Marine previewed the new flagship of its SS (Sport Series) motors at the Bassmaster Classic in March. This new engine, the DF250SS V6 4-Stroke, is a high-performance outboard engineered to deliver extra kick for today’s performance-based boats. It is sized and designed for bass boats, bay boats and shallowwater applications. New for 2022, the DF250ATSS is the first SS Series outboard to feature compatibility with Suzuki’s state-of-the-art Suzuki Precision Control (SPC) electronic shift and throttle system that will integrate with Suzuki’s Digital Pro-Pedal Foot Throttle. Suzuki SS outboards were created to bring powerful hole shot, strong mid-range pull and great fuel economy to anglers and boaters. Now, by integrating with Suzuki’s proven SPC system, boaters can add crisp, responsive shifting, silky smooth acceleration and sports car-like operation to the mix. In addition to Suzuki’s SPC integration, the new DF250SS features a new lower unit gear case with an asymmetrically designed skeg. This new design slices through the water efficiently for improved performance, while providing enhanced steering stability. Inside this streamlined case are powerful gears for delivering plenty of low-end torque and the ability to swing a larger propeller.

More options include the newly updated intake system, the updated Thrust Mount system to reduce engine vibration and deliver stable operation under high loads, and a new line of Watergrip propellers designed to enhance overall performance. The new Suzuki Big-Block V6 engine design ensures that the DF250ATSS not only delivers exhilarating hole shot, but also eye-watering acceleration all the way to wide-open throttle. Today’s premium performance boats need to look as good as they perform, and the new DF250SS also includes a new revised cowling design that features additional louvers, upper cover grips and new updated “SS” graphics. Suzuki continues with the popular Matte Black color as well as Suzuki’s optional new White. It is available in 20” (L) and 25” (XL) shaft lengths to accommodate different boat styles. In addition to the new DF250ATSS model, Suzuki is also adding a new 115hp SS outboard for 2022. Suzuki’s new DF115SS outboard is ideal for smaller bass boats, aluminum fishing boats, flats skiffs and other vessels that need high performance with light weight. With this latest inline 4-cylinder model added to the line-up, Suzuki Marine now offers a range of high-performance SS Series outboards in 115hp, 200hp and 250hp.

Like all Suzuki 4-stroke outboards, these new SS Series models are backed by the company’s leading 5-Year Limited Factory Warranty, providing anglers with the ultimate in confidence and security. To learn more about the new 250hp and 115hp additions to Suzuki’s popular SS Series family— or the company’s complete line of technically advanced 4-stroke outboards from 2.5 to 350 horsepower — contact Suzuki Marine USA headquarters at (813) 687-7200 or visit www.suzukimarine.com.

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APRIL 2022

NATIONAL 7

BIG FISH Kayak Catch & Release

ou’ve done it! Thousands of casts, dozens of early alarms, countless cups of coffee, and now there’s a monster fish on the hook, and from your kayak, no less! It’s a feat to be proud of. However, if you plan on releasing that fish, your attention should soon turn to proper handling techniques, which ensure safety for you and the fish. A sprinkle of chaos is expected when bringing a big fish into a small, plastic boat, but a few easy steps can ensure the fish goes home safely.

1. Keep Them Wet! Regardless of species, once you’ve netted or attached lip-grips to a fish, keep them in the water as much as possible. This is always true if you need to set up a camera, grab pliers or lay out a measuring board, and it’s especially important in summer months, when release mortality increases due to warmer water. I prefer to use lip grips on bigger catches, since it mitigates the need to untangle a large, fired up fish from a net. Storing commonly used tools nearby is also key, particularly in a kayak where space is limited. Once you’re set up, it’s time for a photo or a measurement!

By Matt Stone

2. Holding Techniques If there’s one thing anglers universally love, it’s the “hero shot.” You know, the one where you and maybe your buddy grin widely while posing with a monster catch. I’m a big fan of hero shots, and of taking them properly. Handling the fish safely is key here, and that means keeping hands away from their gills, holding them horizontally and supporting their belly. Never weigh big fish vertically on a scale. This point is often debated in angling circles, and I respect both schools of thought, but I go with horizontal holds because I think the photos come out better. With length and girth measurements, you can figure out a rough weight, anyway. Now, smile big and grab that picture… and no straight-arming!

3. Respect and Revive Properly reviving big catches is important. It ensures continuity of strong genetics, allows a future angler a chance at the same fish, and it simply feels good knowing you’ve encountered an incredible animal and returned it home safely. Face the fish into current, open its mouth, and if possible, pedal or paddle your kayak to get water flowing over their gills. Revival can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. A fish is ready to go when it raises its dorsal spines and lightly clamps onto your hand, or straight up kicks off and swims away like a rocket. If you don’t already emphasize this process, I encourage you to not only take revival time, but to enjoy it! Thank the fish, watch them swim off and get casting again! Everyone should have a process for catch-and-release fishing. Above all, if you plan on releasing a fish, show it respect and reverence for the experience it has given you. Matt Stone is a teacher from Chester, Conn. and a pro staffer for Old Town and Daiwa as well as a member of the Black Hall Outfitters Fishing Team. Check him out on Instagram @sunrisekayakfishing.

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APRIL 2022

NATIONAL 9

YAMAHA 210 FSH

here’s something unmistakably cool about the iconic design of center console boats. They are the sports utility vehicle of the boating world. Yamaha’s 210 FSH center console boats are a modern take on the classic center console design, focusing on greater versatility made possible by Yamaha’s patented jet-drive technology. Unlike other center console brands with outboard motors that dominate the stern, the 210’s dual engines and driveline are housed in the hull underneath the captain’s leaning post, providing a true 360-degree experience perfect for fishing. And because no outboard motor lower units are protruding under the boat, the shallow draft can get you in and out of places that other center console boats can’t access. These boats include all the features fishing enthusiasts require as well as family features perfect for an entire day out on the water to include watersports, swimming and lounging – all in the same boat and at a competitive price starting under $46,000. The 210 FSH is available in two variations, the 210 FSH Deluxe and 210 FSH Sport. The 210 FSH Deluxe comes with wiring for dual batteries, stainless steel rub-rail, head compartment curtain, a trolling motor mount, and premium seating/cushions. The 210 FSH Sport comes with Deluxe features and the addition of a custom T-top. Both models come with Yamaha’s award-winning TR-1 High Output marine engines. Located under the starboard bow seat is an insulated fish locker, and there is a dedicated locker for a full-size Danforth anchor. There is more storage below the port bow seat, in the sole, and inside two large consoles. In front of the helm console is more seating, and the console lifts to reveal an extra deep, large storage area that can also serve as a changing room or a head compartment. The helm is thoughtfully designed with convenient access to all boat control switches, a locking glove box, and an open area to flush mount electronics such as a fishfinder, a GPS unit and other marine electronics. The 210 FSH comes equipped with Yamaha’s 4.3-inch Connext Touchscreen Display, which is NMEA compatible to send vital engine information to third-party electronics. The transom area on the FSH Series is unlike any other center console

10 NATIONAL

APRIL 2022

SPECIFICATIONS Yamaha 210 FSH LENGTH: 21’ 3” WEIGHT: 3,003 lbs. BEAM: 8’ 6” DRAFT: 17” DEADRISE: 20 degree SEATING CAPACITY: 10 FUEL CAPACITY: 50 Gallons boat on the market. Since the engine and drive train are mounted in the hull, the entire back of the boat is open for unobstructed casting, towing and enjoying activities at the stern. Moreover, the boat’s leaning post is convertible and can be flipped back toward the helm for added comfort and versatility. The 210 FSH features Yamaha’s signature two-tier swim platform that sits low at the water’s edge. A retractable stern ladder makes reboarding after swimming a breeze. The transom also includes a tow eye for watersports. And like all Yamaha boats, the 210 FSH features Yamaha’s patented clean-out ports that allow for removing debris from the jet pump without having to get in the water or swim under the boat. VISIT WWW.YAMAHABOATS.COM TO LEARN MORE.

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APRIL 2022

NATIONAL 11

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APRIL 2022 PUBLISHER: BOB RICE

A FREE PUBLICATION THE ANGLER MAGAZINE IS DISTRIBUTED ACROSS THE SOUTHEAST. THE ANGLER MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY B & B PUBLISHERS P.O. BOX 766 MADISON, GA 30650 706-614-8231 WWW.THEANGLERMAGAZINE.COM REPRODUCTION OF CONTENTS IN ANY FORM IS PROHIBITED

BOB RICE, PUBLISHER THE ANGLER MAGAZINE FISHING, BOATING, CONSERVATION “FIND YOUR OUTDOORS HERE”

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: HENRY COWEN DR. ANDREW COX JAMES PRESSLEY CAPT. CEFUS MCRAE CHRIS SCALLEY GARY TURNER NOEY VINEYARD JACOB MILHOLLAND RENE J. HESSE JIMBO MATHLEY JAMES BRADLEY DAVID HULSEY WAYNE WOOTEN JAY STRIKER WAYNE MOORE JEFF DURNIAK DICKLESBY KIM NUNERY CAPT. DAVID HARE GRAPHIC DESIGN: KATHLEEN CARREIRO

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TO ADVERTISE IN THE LARGEST FREE FISHING PUBLICATION IN THE U.S. WITH OVER 1 MILLION MONTHLY READERS, CALL APRIL 2022 706-614-8231ATLANTA 1

LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING APRIL FLY FISHING REPORT Contributed By: Henry Cowen www.henrycowenflyfishing.com March so far has been an excellent month for striper fishing on lakes throughout North GA thus far as we write our April report. The fish actually started a little earlier than usual and woke up at the end of February to start their annual feed before the spawn. I’m not sure why this happened, but I am not complaining since we are having some big days on the water using fly rods. The birds are flying and the fish are feeding up near the surface. Here is why April in my opinion has traditionally been the BEST month to fish area lakes throughout North GA; it is easily one of the two or three months to fish for both striped bass and spotted bass on nearly all our area lakes in the Peach State. What makes April so productive is that the winter pattern has ended, and while the weather has certainly warmed up due to the

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APRIL 2022

mild winter we had this year, we are fully ingrained with warm spring like temperatures every day. There can be two, maybe even 3 patterns to look out for during a typical April fishing season. The fish should be doing something totally different due to the temperature change. This has the fish feeling spunky and are committed to two things; eating and spawning. Both of these are based on warmer water temperatures. Once the fish are committed to both the pre-spawn feed and the spawn itself, it has the fish on the move. Striped bass should be for the most part ready to move to the upper reaches of the river systems their lakes are formed by. While this usually starts in the end of March and goes through April, this year we likely will see this event already happening as the water

temps sent the fish up river earlier than normal. Not all fish head north. Some fish will head to the backs of some of the larger creeks where there is a good source of fresh water. This is when the fish will get SHALLOW. However, for anglers wanting to take advantage of the spawn, all one has to do is head north into their lake’s respective river system. The fish will bunch up in huge numbers. This will last from two to three weeks as all the fish do not make the run at the same time. For anglers fishing Lake Lanier (generally considered the BEST striped bass lake in all GA), all you need to do is head up either the Chattahoochee or the Chestatee Rivers to wait for their return down river in this annual event. This will also take place on all our other lakes and their respective river systems that feed these lakes. Fish will be eating nearly anything thrown in their line of vision. Heading up river is clearly going to be your best bet! While most fish are still feeding on threadfin shad in the 2-3” range, do not hesitate to toss flies that are a tad larger than that. Equipment remains the same in that we toss both 8 and 9 weight fly rods. Lines are still the same in that it is best to employ both an intermediate (slow sinking) and fast sinking fly lines in case you are finding fish in water 8-10’ deep (fast sinking line) or 2-5’ deep (intermediate slow sinking line). Clousers, Game Changers, Coyotes and Somethin’ Else flies are still your best bet. For anglers bringing conventional tackle with them in the boat, it is best to toss medium action rods with 12-pound test line and have an assortment of

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baits with them. Some of my favorites are Flukes (weighted and un-weighted), ¼ oz. bucktails, Mcsticks, Spy baits and Krocodile spoons. I also like adding a fly as a teaser in front of any small jerkbait if you find you are getting refusals. You can start fishing points in the dark using Long A Bombers. That bite is usually kept very quiet by in-the-know striped bass aficionados. Anglers will also find spotted bass getting shallower at this time of the year in preparation for their spawn. Anglers need to fish in the 3’ to 8’ depth and toss a little lighter tackle (6 and 7 weight rods) for these bass that are getting very aggressive. Tossing flies on your lake’s points up shallow as well as fishing the grass flats will have you finding lots of hungry spotted bass. Largemouth will also start getting active, and now is the chance to catch a trophy fish up shallow and on dock lights, too! The dogwoods have bloomed, and the fish are starting to feed. I would even venture to guess that the beloved Redfin bite, which normally starts toward the end of April, will begin by the full moon in April this year. That is easily one of my most favorite patterns there is. It is the ONLY time I may not use a fly rod on Lanier day in and day out. When a striper eats a Redfin, they want to completely destroy it on the surface! It is the perfect combination of beauty, excitement and good fishing. Fly anglers can toss a Pole Dancer for that same experience. Take advantage of April on your area lake and keep your fingers crossed that 2022 will give us an April like days of old. See you on the pond!

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LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING BUGS ALIVE

Contributed by James Bradley Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide www.ReelEmInGuideService.com (706) 273-0764 April has always been a fond month for myself. Milder weather is a plus for anglers and guides alike with just all kinds of activity everywhere, especially in and around our streams. The rainbows are beautifully colored right now from their spawning activities. April will have all kinds of insects hatching throughout the month. This will get many trout looking up for these tiny morsels. There is nothing like rising trout to a dry fly! Our friends at the Department of Natural Resources started stocking many streams back in March. They will continue to fill streams with trout until July 4th for the first half of the year. Keep in mind that the delayed harvest streams and rivers will continue to get some fish until the season ends which is May 14th. The five delay harvest waters are Amicalola Creek, Chattahoochee River, Chattooga River, Smith Creek and the Toccoa River. Be sure to check the Georgia Fishing Regulations for more information. Some flies to have for your outing in the Southern Appalachia’s will be caddis, mayflies, and stoneflies. The following is a good assortment to have on hand: brown, grey and green caddis sizes 14-18 (caddis), Quill Gordon (early in the month), Blue Quill, March Brown, Red Quill, and Light Cahills (late in the month) ranging in sizes from 10-20 (mayflies), and lastly will be stoneflies like little black stones, and yellow stones sizes 1418. Stimulators can work great as a search pattern in size 14-16. Regardless if fishing with dries or nymphs, it is important that you try to match the size you are seeing and then the color. If nymphing, take a little time to flip some rocks to match the mayfly or stonefly sizes you find. Making a good choice for your dry fly and dropper fly (if permitted) will help lead you to success! If you are a beginner wanting to learn how to fly fish, we have a great staff of instructors who have been schooled in the art of fly fishing.

One of the best ways to learn about fly fishing is to spend time with those of us who are professional full-time guides. Don’t forget to ask about our float trips! Currently, we are doing floats on the Toccoa Tailwater and on the upper Toccoa as well. Give us a call to book your amazing trip on the water and don’t forget that we offer gift certificates! Reel ‘Em In Guide Service operates as an Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Outfitter in North Georgia’s Historic High-Country region. They have been offering their services to fly anglers since 2001. They have permits to guide in Georgia and North Carolina, offer over 7 miles of private trophy waters across Georgia, and operate float trips on the Toccoa River in GA and the Tuckasegee River in NC.

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APRIL 2022

ATLANTA 3

LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING With the warmer weather and

DOUBLE DOWN AND UP

Contributed By: Jeff Durniak www.unicoioutfitters.com Unicoi Outfitters, Orvis 2018 Fly Shop of the Year April is my favorite month for Southeastern trouting. Streamflows are healthy, and water temperatures hang in that ultimate strike zone of 50 to 60 degrees. Full bloom is true for both vegetation and stream insects. Trout are chowing down, and I’m right there to enjoy this prime time. Here are a few tips to enhance your spring harvest, too. First, match the hatch. Toss the right dry and wet flies to match the real bugs buzzing near the stream surface and drifting in the water column. What are they? TU to the rescue! Check out online hatch charts in Rabun Trout Unlimited’s Tightlines newsletter and at the Blairsville TU website (www. ngatu692.com). Next, “double-down” during the day, while you await the main hatch later. Double down with a dry/ dropper combo. Start with a short 7 1/2 foot, 5X leader. Pick a buoyant dry from the hatch chart or just knot on a universal fish attractor: a #14 Parachute Adams or Yellow Stimulator. Then add your dropper by knotting 2-4 feet of 5X tippet to the dry fly’s hook bend. If you’re a rookie, start with a short dropper. If you’re experienced, go with the longer length. On the far end of that dropper tippet, tie on an appropriate wet fly or nymph from the hatch chart or just use a universal trout attractor: a #16 Hare’s Ear Nymph or Pheasant Tail soft-hackle wet. Now here are some doubledown secrets. First, add a tiny (size 6 or 8) tin split shot 6 inches above your dropper fly. Second, cast with an open loop so you don’t tangle

all that terminal tackle. Learn the Belgian cast via the video lessons at howtoflyfish.orvis.com. Third, cast your combo upstream into the shallow heads of pools, especially the shady spots. Trout will nose up there, just below the bug factories (riffles) for a nymph lunch. They are scared of predators during the high sun, and most fish will eat your dropper, especially as you sink it via that shot. Your dry fly will serve as your indicator, but if there’s good cover like boulders or turbulence, enjoy a few risers, too. As the sun sets and adult bugs arrive to date, double-up! Cut off your wet fly, trim that dropper down to 2 feet, and add a second dry. Match the flying insects at hand or consult that hatch chart. Multiple hatches often occur, so I often use a big mayfly (#14 Parachute Adams or Light Cahill) as my first fly and drop a small Elk Hair Caddis off the back. Imitate real bug behavior with a drag free drift, a swing below you, or maybe even a twitch or skitter. Enjoy prime time as trout feed in the safety of the shadows. They’re now easier to fool in lower light. Finally, as the sun sets, turn on your headlamp for your victory march to your truck. Double down and then up, and see if you like April as much as I do!

CHATTOOGA RIVER

Whether enjoying sunny and seventy plus degrees or a little snow with temperatures in the middle thirties or lower, old Mother Nature sure threw us a few curve balls for March. Gone are the winter blues, and we move on to the pleasantry of singing birds, blooming forest shrubs, and mayflies and caddis hatching galore. As April comes in, the month truly brings one of the better months of the entire year for dry fly fishing. As the spring weather warms and thunderstorms arrive to refresh the water system, the rivers, streams, and mountain creeks seem to evolve into an abundance of bug life. Happiness seems to elate those who are very familiar with the emergence of all the bug life on the water and frustrate those who are not so intertwined with each and every bug which hatches on the water systems. Luckily, we break that information down for all anglers here at the shop, always having a hot list, and we are out on the waters to know when things are changing to keep everyone informed. Some of the hatching bugs do not last long while others may last for a few weeks. Understanding the color and size of the mayflies and caddis are important for successful days. Fishing a size ten Stimulator, while being easy on the eyes to pick up after casting into the moving water, may not be the correct fly of choice,

Jerry Laughridge with a great brook trout on the Chattooga. while a size fourteen Hendrickson hatch is in full swing. If we need to understand one thing throughout all the hatches, size matters. Some will argue that color is of the utmost importance, and yes, color does matter. But if the bug that is being cast towards rising fish is the wrong size, refusals will happen. Excitement of seeing rising fish at times can bring over-anxious casts, therefore putting the trout back to the bottom of the river bed, not to be seen again for the day. Casting a good quality floating line, along with a longer leader and great dead drifts of dry flies towards rising fish will help for a great day on the water. Cautious approaches towards the water, watching the feeding fish, and then a delicate cast upstream, subtle mends to the fly line, all will have great benefits to a successful fishing venture as well. Please remember to “Leave No Trace” as we strive for cleaner waterways for everyone. This should be the mission we all take while enjoying a short stress reliever from work or a vacation in the forest. We hope to see everyone out on the water or friendly visit by our fullservice shop.

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LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING PURSUING RIVER STRIPER ON THE FLY By Jacob Milholland, Store Manager Cohutta Fishing Company (706) 946-3044 Possibly our most anticipated season for our guides and shop staff is the annual migratory striped bass run. While striped bass are well known as a saltwater or stocked reservoir species, starting in the spring, a good number of striper will make a run from our freshwater impoundments into the tributary rivers and creeks. In tailwaters, these striper will stick around for cold water refuge through the summer, presenting the perfect opportunity to chase them on fly rods. As far as equipment goes, we recommend at least an 8 weight fly rod matched with a saltwater caliber reel, but our guides prefer 9 or 10 weight rods. In the river system that we guide, most of the striper we encounter range in the “schoolie” size, being 3-8 pounds,

but there is always a chance for that 10-20 pound plus sized fish. When choosing a fly line, I choose two tropical core fly lines – a fast, 6-8 inch per second full sinking line, and an intermediate clear tip fly line. Cold water fly lines will become too soft, making them difficult to cast and manage. If you can only have one line, choose the intermediate clear tip line. For leaders, we choose to build our own. I like to start with fluorocarbon, 40lb-30lb20lb. I make my leaders anywhere from 5-8 feet depending on water clarity and the type of fly line that I am fishing. Choose baitfish patterns that match the average sized baitfish in your system. The sweet spot seems to be that 2 1/2 to 4 inch sized fly, but we will fish flies as large as 6 inches under the right

circumstance. We also utilize flies with different actions and weights to cover a variety of circumstances. A variety of Blanton’s Flashtail Whistler Jigs in different weights, any bucktail pattern like the Popovics Hollow Fleye, Clouser Minnow, or Lefty’s Deceiver, Chocklett’s Gamechanger flies, Conner’s Jerk Minnow, and Bennett’s Lunch Money are all excellent choices. As far as colors go, black or white are hard to beat, with white being the best all around choice in almost all conditions, especially with a touch of chartreuse. Black is my choice for turbid water. The most difficult part is a combination of the mental and physical. We are blind casting a saltwater weight fly rod with sinking line and big flies. In order to have success, you have to consistently make long, precise casts! Striper will use structure to hide and ambush their prey, so a good place to start is to target wood and rock such as laydowns, ledges, and shelves in the river. Fish aggressively and with a fast retrieve, but act as if there is always a fish chasing your fly

by making the retrieve erratic with pauses. If you’re interested in chasing these fish on a fly, our guides have a combined 30+ years chasing these fish on the fly. Our season fires up in May and can run all the way into August if conditions allow. We also stock a good selection of flies and equipment for striper, so stop by and say hello! Cohutta Fishing Company is an Orvis Endorsed Fly Shop/Guide Service located in the heart of downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia. We carry a large assortment of guidetested fly fishing equipment and proven fly patterns, as well as have a knowledgeable and friendly staff. Come by and see us! 490 East Main Street Blue Ridge, GA 30513. (706) 946-3044.

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LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING THE CASTING CORNER

BRIEF TERMS AND DESCRIPTIONS Contributed By: Rene J. Hesse Certified Casting InstructorFederation of Fly Fishers & Atlanta Fly Fishing and Camping Meetup Organizer

Here are some sayings that may stick in your head. These are things that we use to help simplify casting terms and situations. SLP: Straight line path of the rod tip. This will give tighter loops. RSP: Rod straight position: The point in the cast that the line starts off the rod tip to form the loop. Loops: The shape of the line as it carries the fly to the target. Remove the slack: Start the cast once the fly is moving. Loading the rod: Bending the rod against the weight of the fly line. Short cast, short stroke and long cast, long stroke: The stroke length and arc must increase as the amount of line out of the rod tip increases. The power application is a smooth constant rate of acc-

eleration to a stop. This is after the lift portion on the back cast, and then be smooth but constantly accelerated on the forward cast to a stop. Pause on the back cast: Let the line extend without losing tension or falling too much. Drifting: The rearward movement of the casting hand after the stop in the back, to lengthen the stroke. This is a good method of curing creep. Creep: An early rotation of the rod toward the target before starting the forward casting stroke. A casting error. Pop and stop: Refers to the delayed rotation of the wrist at the end of the casting stroke Down-up, down-up: The line hand movement in a double haul. Tailing loop: Caused by the rod

These are helpful descriptions to know when you go to get a casting lesson. Getting to know the terms, cause/corrections are important if you want to become a better caster. The only thing that will really help is practice and doing it right. Forming bad habits is easy to do and hard to correct. Go fish!

tip dipping and coming back up. Things that cause the dip are; An erratic or abrupt application of power, too short of a casting stroke for the amount of line out of the rod tip, creeping (see above) and trajectory. &*%^&#$@#: Generally said after missing an easy cast due to excitement.

Here are some sayings that may stick in your head.

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LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING OCONEE ON THE FLYDO GUIDES HIRE FELLOW GUIDES? LAKE OCONEE APRIL FORECAST

Contributed By Capt. Wayne Moore USCG www.oconeeonthefly.com Do guides hire guides? You bet they do! They learn about different techniques and strategies from each other. If you are reading this, I hope you have hired me or plan to soon at www.oconeeonthefly. com. However, I encourage you to hire other guides here on Lake Oconee as well. You will learn a wider variety of techniques, and often versatility is the key to catching fish. I recently got to go out with fellow guide Kevin Harris. Kevin is very enthusiastic and has customized his pontoon boat to maximize comfort. Here are some of Kevin’s tactics: • Kevin likes to use 20-pound test on his downlines and flatlines while many of us use 12-pound test and a 10-pound fluorocarbon leader. He believes that aggressive feeding hybrids and stripers are not deterred from the stronger line. • When using live bait, he will typically deploy a spread of downlines up front. In the stern he has a cabinet with rocket launcher style rod holders and on each side Driftmaster style to hold a rod parallel to the water. • He runs live bait flatlines on the side and Captain Mack Farr’s Mini Mack in the rocket launchers. He pulls the Mini Mack under a planer board which allows him to control the depth. • Kevin won the 2020 Big Fish Heads Derby (striper division) trolling large crankbaits. He trolls at around 3 mph using his gas

motor and his trolling motor to steer. Check out Kevin’s website at https://gofishlakeoconee.com/. Oconee Fly Forecast: Hybrids/ Stripers Spin Fishing – Usually by April, the fish will be at the dam. (See the picture of a nice one from last April.) Trolling bass minnows will work great flatlining behind the boat. If you troll at .3 MPH, you can use downlines in the front of the boat and flatlines out the back. I use a 2-ounce swivel sinker on my downlines, 12-pound mainline and a 10-pound fluorocarbon leader. If you are netting your own shad, upgrade to 15-pound mainline and a 12-pound leader. Spoons will also work well as the fish will be concentrated on humps as opposed to scattered as they are now. Fly Fishing – Fly fishing for hybrids and stripers will pick up as we move into April. If you are at the dam at first light and Georgia Power is pumping water up from Sinclair, the topwater bite is very

good. For crappie on the fly, use a 5-weight rod, a 7 or 9-foot 4x leader with a 1/24 oz. Jiffy Jig (JJ14) which is chartreuse/bubble gum/ chartreuse under a strike indicator. Throw this setup against the bank

and strip it back to the boat using a pause between strips. It’s a blast when they are on the bed! (See the picture.) Crappie – April is the time for trolling, the earlier in the month the better. The guides here call trolling behind the boat long lining. Now, trolling double 1/16th ounce jigs is productive. As the water warms more in April, try a single 1/32nd. My favorite color is June bug. Sugar Creek Marina has a great supply of jigs and Litewire Hooks jig heads by Cutis Hobbs. They will bend straight if you get hung up. Don’t leave home without them! Final Words - April through June, the fishing is great! Please call 404-3179556 or email me at wmoore1700@ outlook.com and lock in your dates well ahead of time to ensure you get the dates you want. Tight lines and God bless.

Guided Fly Fishing and Conventional Tackle Trips for Hybrids, Stripers, and Crappie Booking now, novice or experienced anglers. On the water instruction, top of the line fly gear! Mix it up with light spinning tackle as well for a great combo trip!

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LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING

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SPRINGTIME FLY FISHING

Contributed by by Becky Hulsey International Federation of Fly Fishers Master Certified Casting Instructor http://www.hulseyflyfishing.com 770-639-4001 Over the years of teaching fly fishing classes, our entomology portion is one of the most exciting parts of the class. During this section, we grab a seine net and head out into the water to kick up bugs. After we have gathered a good sample, we pull up the net and start identifying the different bugs that have accumulated. Everyone seems so surprised to see the prolific number of bugs that we have gathered out of the stream. I think it is at this point that our students put together that the flies we use at the end of our line match the bug life in the stream. Of course, you can have “junk flies” in your fly box, but matching the hatch can sometimes be the only way to outsmart the trout that has seen it all. Next, we get out our fly boxes and match the flies to the different bugs. We will show how we might have different fly boxes to carry flies based on the bug’s life cycle such as dry flies and nymphs. However, you may have a fly box dedicated to a type of bug like terrestrials. Mostly, how folks choose to store their flies is just personal preference. I can always tell when my husband, David, has raided my fly boxes! Further, we explain how trout can be zeroing in on the size and color of the bug for that day. This might help justify all the flies we accumulate in our fly boxes. But realistically, after a while you get familiar with the common colors, sizes, and flies that you use most often on your most commonly

fished waters. In addition to identifying bugs in the stream, we also relay how the season or time of year is important to what flies you might want to cast out on the water. We get excited when we see bloodroot and trout lilies blooming on the side of the stream. This means the start of the wakening of life from winter, so a March Brown pattern fly might prove successful. Some bug hatches will often correlate with blooming wildlife flowers and herbs. Good times are ahead when you hear grasshoppers or see ants dropping from a rhododendron flower in the summer. It’s time to get your terrestrials. There’s nothing quite like seeing a trout rise to gulp your fly! There are several hatch books that can show you the life cycle of the bug and which fly represents it. Dave Whitlock and Doug Swisher/Carl Richards have fantastic books that dive into this subject more and make it easier for folks to understand. Some entomology books can get pretty intense. I highly recommend for you to check out local or regional match the hatch books too. We have a hatch chart on our website for North Georgia. David developed this chart after spending many years guiding on these waters. I would carry a little hatch book with me in my fly vest or pack to help me identify bugs when getting started fly fishing, especially if this helps me to catch the elusive trout.

Fly of the Month

Caddis Pupa By Eli Crumley Blackhawk Fly Fishing keepemwet94@gmail.com

Hook: Tiemco TMC2457 size 14/16 Thread: UTC 70 denier (color) olive Body: Micro tubing (olive) Thorax: Natural hare’s ear Head: Black UV dubbing Legs: Hungarian Partridge A great caddis hatch is any fly anglers dream. Don’t neglect the opportunity to catch fish with other caddis imitations. The caddis pupa has been the key to many successful days on the water for me.

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LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING THE GUIDE’S ANGLE ADULT SWIM Contributed By: Chris Scalley River Through Atlanta Guide Service Last article we discussed late winter, early springtime hatches from January through March with insects that possess horizontal wings: the caddis fly and stonefly. Now in April with spring in full swing, we need to include mayflies which have a vertical wing. In April on the Chattahoochee you will experience all three species that are not only emerging but also they will begin the egg laying process, making the adult stage more and more prevalent on the surface of the river. Now the fish will be conditioned to seek the surface adult stage bugs of both horizontal and vertical winged silhouettes, so a less imitative fly pattern selection is less of a factor. One of my favorite attractor dry fly patterns is the Royal Wulff or Royal Trude of which neither are perfect imitations of any of these bugs, but boy do the fish like it. Both

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of these dry fly pattern recipes use an abundance of either calf tail or deer hair or a combination of each. Hoofed animals fur is mostly hollow which helps these animals for insulating from extreme weather. This hollow fur has air trapped in each hair fiber making for a truly buoyant fly which attracts fish, and this added buoyancy helps suspend weighted nymph and pupae patterns. I have discovered over these 30 years of guiding that clients cherish watching a fish take a dry fly ten to one compared to an invisible nymph strike under an indicator. Whether the fish are rising or not, it’s a good idea to prospect the river with a dry fly this time of year. Work the seams, bubble-lines, foam-lines and any transitional water features with depth or the speed of the flows included.

LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST ANOTHER CRAPPIE DAY! By Gary Turner

Crappie season is upon us! I have been so busy with all the stuff that life and work has thrown at me already this year, the dogwoods caught me flatfooted. Just like that the temperature warmed up, everything went to blooming, and the crappie bite was on. My friend Chuck has been wearing them out daily from Broad River to Lake Oconee. He and my buddy Andy have been after me for weeks to go crappie fishing with them. Chuck’s boat is best for two people fishing, so I said “Well, let’s just take the pontoon.” Another friend, Chris, showed up and we headed for the dam on Lake Oconee. There were so many boats on the lake you would have thought there was a regatta. We finally got launched, fished a few coves, and then worked our way to the dam. I kept an eye out for people hooked up or landing fish. Odd thing was I wasn’t seeing any. We were marking fish on the big hump, and we marked fish on the side and the top. We stopped, rigged up, and drifted over them several times with live bait. I threw a Catch-All and Chuck jigged spoons, but these fish weren’t buying it. We moved over to the little hump on the right of the dam and

located more fish. We put down live baits and threw crappie jigs, but nothing. This continued all over the place. Everywhere that we marked fish, we tried. Chuck’s friend that had gone to the Broad fishing sent us several pics of all the crappie he was catching. We fished until we couldn’t breathe anymore. Someone was burning and the lake was covered with smoke clouds. My allergies were already kicking up, so we decided to head in. As we loaded up the boat, I asked several people how they did. To my surprise several had blanked. There is always that one guy that did well though. I like the days when that guy is me, lol. He opened his cooler and, sure enough, it held two nice striper. He said he had caught them early that morning. We left and went to Georgia Butts to drown our sorrows in BBQ and peach cobbler. Andy and I then found a day we could fish with my good friend Dewayne Proffit on Santee. We looked at the weather, and it looked like we would be bringing in a front with us, but it was a day he had open, so we took it. We arrived just in time to eat dinner at the Lake House before calling it a day. We set out early the next morning with the wind whipping pretty good, got to the first spot, and baited up. Five minutes later we had a nice 15-pound blue cat on the line, and a few minutes later, another a little bigger. We sat a little longer, then decided to move. At the next spot we caught another nice one, then the wind changed direction. The wind changing direction is not always your friend when you are fishing. The temp started to drop, and the fishing slowed down. We fished several more spots marking good fish everywhere, but no biters. We went way into the shallows where the water looked like straight mud and was only two feet deep, fanned out the baits, and waited. Finally another fish hooked up, then another. We moved around that shallow muddy cove and picked up eight more fish, two of them over 15 pounds.

We called it a day and headed in so we could get cleaned up and head to the Goat Island Restaurant for burgers and pie. We didn’t catch a ton of fish, but we had a great time on the lake, as always. Right now in Georgia the fish are waking up and feeding good. As the lakes warm up, they will only be biting better, so get out there and catch a mess of them! Get with some of your friends and take a fishing trip, whether with a

guide or just on your own, but GO FISHING! I’m not sure what next month’s article will be on, but remember, if you have an empty seat on your boat that needs filling or a great farm pond you want to share, shoot me an email and maybe it will be about fishing with you! You can reach me at gary@purgeright.com. Please remember, if you are not going to eat it, don’t kill it.

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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST Tournament Schedule May 21 May 22 June 4 June 12 June 18 June 25 July 17 July 30 Aug 6 Aug 7 Aug 18

LAKE LANIER CRAPPIE Forecast By: Dan Saknini

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Lake Level is a bit over full pool and rising. There is still a good bit of floating debris to avoid in the upper part of the lake, and some of it is large, so everyone in the boat should be on the lookout. The backs of the creeks have moderate to heavy stain, which is where you find the warmest water, about 58 degrees and creeping up with slightly lower temps in the early morning. Our club members are reporting outstanding catches, with pictures to back it up! Simply follow the bait in the middle to backs of creeks, and they will lead you to the fish. Also, there are lots of roaming fish. This means that long-line trolling with double curly tail jigs 18”-20” apart can be very effective. With this technique, you can use multiple rods. Simply cast the line, close the bail, set it in the rod holder and keep the boat moving using your trolling motor. We suspect that the fish are checking out their spawning grounds, and my guess is that the spawn is starting or very close. Not all fish spawn at the same time, and the spawn typically lasts four to five weeks. The trees are blooming and the daffodils are in abundance, both signs that the

spawn is here or near. We are targeting and catching fish in docks in 15 feet of water and much less. The bite is suspended shallow in the water column, so expect bites quickly after the bait hits the water. Having said that, fishing is changing from day to day. You might catch a mixed bag in size one day, and the next day you may end up with nothing but big ones. I can’t explain that, but for me, any tug on the line is a win. We are starting to catch fish on the blow-downs now. Keep an eye on the older blowdowns that have been in the water awhile, because the algae on them attracts bait and fish. When I see the turtles soaking up the sun on the blowdowns, I expect to find the fish there. Helpful tip: try not to use more than four pound test line and a 1/24 oz. jig head. I use two pound test, and have been using 1/32 oz. jig heads. I tie the jig directly to the line with no swivel or split shot. Bobby Garland and Jiffy Jigs are my “go-to” baits with Davis jig heads. If you are fishing stained water, use darker jigs. The traffic is increasing on the water, so stay safe and wear a life jacket! Our club meets the last Thursday of each month at Lanier Methodist Church off Ga Hwy 20 next to Beaver Toyota in Cumming. Our club members share helpful tips and report on fishing conditions, so come and check us out!

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JACKSON LAKE Forecast By: Brian Lee leebrian16@yahoo.com Water temperature: mid 60’s, lake level: full, clarity: stained/clear. Spring is in full swing, which means the bass spawn is just getting started. Focus on secondary points with spawning areas close by or flats close to spawning areas. This is the time of year every angler looks forward to because any bait you decide to use will catch fish. You can catch bass that are actively spawning or in the process of making their way towards spawning areas. If you get bit but connecting doesn’t happen, you probably have

found a bass on bed. Just slow down and keep casting to the exact spot, and chances are you will connect with that particular fish. Being able to see a bass on bed isn’t always a good thing, because if you can see the bass, it can see you. Covering water is the key factor in filling the boat this month. Remember bass will be in different stages but mostly in the pre-spawn phase and some actually spawning. So have fun fishing, but putting bass in the live well for pictures later on is doing more harm than anything. Take your photos as quickly as possible and release them back to spawn, because we depend on every egg that is laid. Best of luck and enjoy.

Spring is in full swing, which means the bass spawn is just getting started.

Forecast By: Ken Sturdivant kensturdivant@att.net Lake Sinclair is down 1.4 feet with the water temperature in the 60s. Bass fishing is good especially in the central lake area from 2 to 10 feet deep. The shallow fish are active with a warm up. Bass are coming from several type places within the central lake. Check main lake points with rocky bottoms, secondary points, docks, rip-rap, grass, blow downs, stumps, and brush piles. A few random fish are coming from shallow flat banks with little or no cover. Small to medium size crankbaits,

Rat-L-Traps, Carolina rigs, jigs, and spinnerbaits have all produced recently. Some crankbait choices are #5 and #7 Shad Raps, #4 and #5 RS Shad Raps, Bomber Models 5A, 6A, and 7A, and Fat Free Shads in sizes #5 and #6. Some good colors are fire tiger, shad, chrome blue, and gold. A Rat-L-Trap in the ¼ ounce size can be good on shallow flat banks and points, and near the back of coves. Carolina rigs with a Zoom Finesse or Centipede worm are working well, especially on the points. Use a half ounce weight with a 2 foot leader. Good colors are green pumpkin, June bug, and red bug. Lightweight jigs with pork or plastic trailers are catching some fish around docks, rip-rap, and blow downs.

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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST APRIL ON LANIER – FISHING THE SPAWN Contributed By: Jim “Jimbo” Mathley www.jimboonlanier.com

Fishing during the spawn can provide some interesting opportunities and many different choices. Bass focused on the spawn are often quite finicky and tough to catch at times. Bed-fishing is very popular this time of year, especially for tournament anglers, and certainly can provide some outstanding catches. In most instances, I prefer to leave the fish to their reproductive cycle, and often shy away from bed fishing. In this article, I will focus on tips and techniques to catch fish during this often challenging period that offer an alternative to the bed fishing option. Optimal Conditions: This year, 2022, we are ahead of historical averages in terms of water temperature. The water level is and has been above full pool for much of March. Depending on weather trends for the remainder of March, the spawn in April could occur ahead of schedule. Most of the largemouth in the lake will physically go on the bed at water temperatures of 5660 degrees. The spotted bass tend to spawn a bit later when the water temperatures reach 62 degrees or above. Typically, the fish spawn in “waves”, rather than all at once. After the first “wave” of fish complete their spawning routine, there will be fish in all stages of the spawn (pre, spawn, and post) for the next 3045 days, depending on the weather conditions and water temperatures. Further, it is important to understand that many fish that spawn in “waves” as mentioned above, do so during a favorable moon phase, given the noted water temperature requirements are met. The full and new moon phases often prompt fish to move into their bedding routine. Make sure to cross reference the moon calendar with water data to understand when fish will likely begin their spawning rituals. Location: The largemouth in Lake Lanier tend to spawn shallower than do the spotted bass. The largemouth can be found bedding in creek pockets, often in the back of these pockets, in a protected area and are often in 3 feet of water or less. The spotted bass can frequently be found 14 ATLANTA

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in similar areas, but often prefer a hard bottom type area such as that a pebble rock/clay flat or sandy pocket can provide. The spots will typically spawn deeper than do the largemouth and can generally be found in 6-12 feet of water and deeper. Unlike the largemouth, there are a contingency of the spotted bass that will spawn on the main lake. These fish can be found on or around humps, points, islands, and sandy saddles between islands on the main lake. These females are often some of the biggest fish in the lake. So, if you are looking for a trophy spot in the springtime, your efforts may be better spent on the main lake as opposed to the creeks. The creeks, however, will offer greater numbers of fish and more action than will the main lake in most cases. Spots and largemouth both will stage around and under docks near likely spawning areas. Check those areas thoroughly. Lures and Presentation: Now that we have explored the location that fish can be found during the spawn, I want to share some of the techniques and lures that can be used to catch these fish. Rather than focusing on specific “bed fishing” techniques, which are multi-faceted and often different with each pair of targeted fish on any given day, I am going to share some proven tactics that can be used to catch fish just before they actually lock down on the beds. Worm/jig – These baits are proven fish catchers year-round, and the spawn is no different. These are great baits to skip and pitch around docks for those staging fish we discussed earlier in this article. Use a 3/16 oz. Georgia Blade Jig Head and tip it with a Berkley Hit Worm or Flat Worm. If the fish are ultra-finicky, don’t forget the Carolina rig to present your softplastics. This presentation method is often ideal for finicky spawning bass. Drag or drift this rig slowly over secondary points or the ends of spawning flats for some potentially awesome results. Also, when fishing a Georgia Blade Jig Head and worm combo, consider using a lighter jighead. I often choose a 1/8 oz. head or lighter to target these spawning fish. I will often tip this with a 4-inch worm

as opposed to a traditional offering of 6 inches or more. Fluke – A weightless Fluke is a fun and productive bait to fish this time of year. Target the shallows, cover, and docks with this rig. Twitch the bait and then allow it to sink slowly. This presentation will draw strikes from actively feeding and spawning fish as well, and you get to see the strikes! GA Blade Shad Spin - I like to downsize to a 1/4 oz. model with a small trailer and work the back 1/3 of creeks with this bait during the pre-spawn and just before the fish go on beds. It offers versatility in presentation and depth, a great combo. A traditional GA Blade spinnerbait can be a good choice as well. Swimbait – Swimbaits offer great versatility as they can, based on the model, be fished at any depth you wish. This a great bait with which to catch a monster bass just before they spawn. Often, the females will

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be out just off of the spawning area in slightly deeper water, but they are not far from the beds. Throwing a big 6 or 8-inch swimbait and slow rolling in these areas just off of spawning flats or around secondary points and docks can entice bites from very big fish. I recommend the Sweet Herring Swimbait from Sweet Bait options for this tactic. Keep in mind this approach will not garner you many bites on any given day, but the fish you do catch will likely be monsters! Also, a Lanier Baits Swimmer on a jig head swam around rocky and clay points as well as in pockets can be a great option for both numbers and big fish as well. While the spawn can be a challenging time of year to catch fish, focus on the immediate pre-spawn period with the tips and baits noted above for some outstanding results! For more information or to book your trip, contact Jimbo on Lanier! 770-542-7764. Jimbo’s website: www. jimboonlanier.com.

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Celebrate Trout Fishing in the Trout Capital of Georgia … 5th Annual Blue Ridge Trout Festival & Outdoor Adventures! 10 am to 6 pm, April 30, 2022 Downtown City Park, Blue Ridge, Georgia On April 30, 2022, 10 am to 6 pm, the 5th annual Blue Ridge Trout & Outdoor Adventures Festival – the Official Trout Festival of Georgia – returns to Blue Ridge, gathering fishermen, river sports enthusiasts, and outdoor recreation fans and their families in Blue Ridge, Georgia for fun, food, activities, entertainment, shopping and recreational services while increasing the public’s knowledge of trout and the coldwater conservation associated with Trout Unlimited. Located just 90 minutes north of Atlanta and 90 minutes east of Chattanooga, the 2022 Blue Ridge Trout & Outdoor Adventures Festival combines trout fishing with outdoor recreation, wildlife art, outfitter gear, guide services/ information, a new Activity Zone -- AND LIVE MUSIC! -- in the historic district of Blue Ridge and the Official Trout Capital of Georgia. The selection of vendors will be greater than ever before for more than 4,000 visitors expected to pass through the festival gates. A VENDOR AT BE TROUT FEST ‘22 -- GO TO: BLUERIDGETROUTFEST.COM

New! Trout Fest Activity Zone opens up a world of outdoor fun for our visitors with a climbing wall, mountain bike demos, a troutfishing pond, long-saw crosscutting, axe throwing, gem mining and more! New! Trout Fest Program Tents present expanded programs including mountain biking and kayaking. Professional fishing guides, kayak outfitters, mountain bike pros and more tell our visitors what they need to know for a successful day of outdoor recreation in the Fannin County -- the Trout Capital of Georgia. Atlanta Fly Fishing School returns with a new, free fly-fishing instruction program -- the casting, the bugs, the fish! Trout Fest Food Court features new and returning vendors, and our Beer/Wine Garden will feature brews from Grumpy Old Men Brewing Company and wines from North Georgia mountain farms.

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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST LAKE EUFAULA By Capt Sam Williams hawk184@earthlink.net 334-687-6266 Water temperature: upper 50’s, lake level: 189.25 msl, clarity: good stain. The water level has been holding for the past two weeks. This is giving the bass an opportunity to begin to fan out their beds. We are seeing new beds fanned out but no fish holding on them yet. The changing barometer may be holding them back. It is all about to break loose, and when it does, the action will be on for sure. We have been doing well on the outside grass and cover patterns with jigs rigged with white and chartreuse trailers. Also, a light weighted Texas rigged watermelon candy trick worm is a great choice. Other colors we are catching on are June bug, black with chartreuse tail, and blue/black Senkos. Square billed shallow cranks, chatterbaits and lipless crankbaits are all good choices. Watch for the bird action and shad popping. Cast the lipless crank or any hard bait just beyond the school and work it back through. If you have a buddy onboard, one of you keep a topwater plug working over the school to keep them active. The lipless crank will come through a little deeper where the larger fish are holding steady to eat the injured shad the younger bass are hitting and missing. The deeper bass are coming off trash piles and brush using deep divers and Carolina rigs worked slowly. Crappie are still hit and miss,

even since the water has cleared up. The fronts have them scatt-ered. It won’t be long until they will be in the shallow cover bedding up. That is when the action really gets crazy. You can work them by ripping a jig just through the outside on the grass patches in the creeks or you can get a cane pole and drop a minnow in amongst them with a bobber rigged short to keep your bait off the bottom. Catfish are always ready to eat. I see several of our camping friends have started using jugs to get a mess for the table. These river cats are the best you can put on the table. Fishermen, remember what I suggested a few months ago. After talking with our game biologist, we control the destiny of making Lake Eufaula a great fishery. We MUST eat more of the bass we catch if we want to see our bass grow larger. He admits that catch and release of all our fish is destroying our fishery. Share some of your catch with someone if you don’t want to clean them. Remember, there is no longer any size limit on a spotted bass. Let’s work together and make Lake Eufaula the great fishery it was years ago. Their surveys show we are in an upswing and doing this will help it progress even faster. Mark October 15th on your calendar for our 22nd annual Alabama Classic Bass Tournament. Registration is now open if you wish to lock in an early boat number. God bless and good fishing,

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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST HOW FISHING SAVED A LIFE

By James K. Pressley, jameskpressley@gmail.com

A couple of weeks ago, my son and I attended Jimbo’s Outdoor Show at Lake Lanier. By chance, we met Nichole Delio as she was working a booth for KastKing. We were able to talk with her and another person for some time about the products. I found her engaging and well, bubbly. The longer I thought about interviewing people at KastKing, the more I knew she had to be one of them. KastKing is for those who don’t know, a new and mostly internet-based tackle company specializing in quality products and affordable prices. I will be tossing a shaky head on one of their spinning rods this season. Skip ahead a week and Nichole and I connected on the phone. I thought I was going to interview a woman on what it’s like for her, her experiences and struggles in a maledominated industry. We ended up

having an hour and a half-long conversation during which I was floored. Never did I expect to hear this story. I hope I do it justice today. Nichole is the oldest of 4 (her and 3 brothers) from a small town in New York. She grew up in an abusive family situation. She credits her making it out to teachers who cared, and a DARE officer named Will Vanhage (the now-retired Chief of Police from Monticello, NY) who took her under their wings. The DARE officer inspired her to “be just like Will” as she says. A short stint in the Army (medical discharge) and then a stint with the Sullivan’s County Sherriff ’s Department in New York, during which time she broke her ankle and severely damaged the nerves in her leg causing her to be, once again, medically retired. In her words, this is now twice she had lost a brotherhood and friends. This was again a

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gut punch for her. Nichole then found her way to Illinois. Now in her late 20s struggling with deep depression and fighting for meaning, family, and connection in her life, she found herself attracted to fishing. YouTube videos, magazines, etc. were her guide into the natural world. Through learning to catch fish she found friends, connections with people, and a zest for life that marks her personality to this day. Through posting motivational quotes, sunrise pictures and the like on social media, KastKing found her. It indeed didn’t hurt that she was the only woman to fish all 3 of the Big Bass World Championships, wrote for Bassin’ Magazine, and had a large following already. KastKing not only gave her a job as a Communications Specialist, but they also invited her into the KastKing family. She found support and love in her time with KastKing. A few years ago, Nichole once again suffered a great loss. Her brother was found dead. This time though

she says she had a family in which to find comfort and support. Regarding being a woman in fishing, Nichole found for the first-time true acceptance and says she has never been looked down on for being a woman. Because of that, she is on a mission to recruit more women into fishing. Nichole hosts KastKing’s fishing show on YouTube as well as manages its social media and marketing presence. Through all of this and because of her, they portray women not as eye candy like so many other places, but as knowledgeable, engaging, and encouraging outdoors specialists. As the father of 4 daughters, I commend this and applaud it! When I asked her if there were any last words to share, she said, “Life is short. You lose people, jobs, and relationships. Don’t waste any time! Catch a sunrise, go fishing, and live life!”

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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST ENJOYING APRIL FISHING Dr. Andrew Cox

April is likely one of the best angling months of the year. Fish are generally in shallow water and can be readily caught via live or artificial baits. They are also more active at this time than during other time periods. Multiple species of fish can be caught over the course of this month. Unfortunately, the current outof-control inflation in our economy and gasoline prices that rise each day can make angling an expensive endeavor. These factors can severely limit your angling opportunities particularly if you are visiting waters that require some travel. The avid angler is probably aware that local areas provide good fishing opportunities. If you sample these local waters, the angler would most likely spend more frequent time on the water along with less associated expenses. These local waters can offer some outstanding fishing

during this month. A few hours of fishing could be interspersed around one’s work schedule or home responsibilities and not break the family budget. Anglers residing in north or middle Georgia or east Alabama can access many good waters within an hour or less driving time. I was recently reminded of this in fishing some small lakes in the Pittsview, Alabama area. I made several excursions sampling the early spring fishing and was able to catch fish on each outing. These waters are close enough to my home and work to get in several hours of fishing before or after work. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources manages eleven public fishing areas around the state. These waters have good fish populations, a variety of fish species, and good access for the boating or bank angler. Additional fishing

opportunities are found within Georgia state parks. The Department also has excellent written information describing various lakes, rivers, and streams across the state to include access, dominant fish species, fishing forecasts, and other information of interest. This information can be accessed via http://georgiawildlife. com/fishing. Other Georgia fishing opportunities are available in the reservoirs constructed for public drinking water. Many of these are located within the Atlanta metropolitan area. Some of these reservoirs allow fishing and provide boating access, usually without the operation of an outboard engine. I have a friend who regularly fishes with considerable success such reservoirs in Fayette and Coweta counties. These waters do not seem to experience the amount of fishing pressure found on larger reservoirs and at times yield larger and better quality catch rates. The Alabama Department of Wildlife Resources has a similar website (www.outdooralabama. com). This website provides information describing rivers, streams, reservoirs, and lakes across Alabama. This allows the prospective angler to

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identify and plan trips to Alabama waters within easy driving distance from your home. Alabama also maintains twentythree public fishing lakes located in twenty counties. According to reports from several friends who regularly fish these waters, these lakes provide excellent fishing success. Some of these public lakes are located within easy driving distance for Georgia anglers. Accessing these close to home waters allows the angler more frequent time on the water. More time on the water will hone your angling skills and increase the odds in catching a fish of a lifetime without investing the time and expense for travel to a distant location. Author’s Note: Dr. Andrew Cox is a contributing writer to outdoor publications and newspapers. His writing interests specialize in angling and travel, human interest, and general fishing technique oriented topics. He is a member of the Georgia Outdoor Writer’s Association. Dr. Cox financially supports his fishing habits as Professor Emeritus at Troy University, Phenix City, Alabama. He may be contacted at andrewtrout@aol.com.

LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST TRIP PLANNING By Capt. Cefus McRae Nuts & Bolts Fishing Series Hartwell, GA This is the time of year when I start making plans for late spring and summer road trips. It’s hard to get to every destination, and even with all the planning, sometimes things just don’t work out the way you hoped. Bad weather sets in or you have boat or trailer problems, and a multitude of other circumstances can cause you to postpone or cancel a trip. Probably the most significant and unpredictable factor that causes cancellations is weather. While most of us don’t have a crystal ball to see what the weather will be like, you do have some resources that can help. The Farmer’s Almanac offers weather history for over 50 years in the past. It shows trends on a monthly basis, so you can get a feel for what the weather might be like where you’re headed. Some places, like Tampa, FL, you can almost guarantee will get a 30 minute rainstorm at 4:00pm every day in July. Georgia’s driest month is usually October, but if it does rain that month, you can bet it will be a downpour. Another thing to consider when choosing where to go is just how popular that destination is to everyone else that time of year. July through Labor Day is scalloping season in Steinhatchee, FL. If you don’t book your room and boat slip now, you have a slim chance of having a place to stay.

Our local lakes can get overrun with recreational boat traffic on summer weekends, so try to plan your fishing days for mid-week, and get out early before everyone else wakes up. Of course, you want to choose a destination with the best summer fishing opportunities. Look at the moon phase calendars and see what the fishing predictions are for that area, along with the tides if you’re going to the ocean. I like to fish when the last half of the falling tide occurs in the morning, and if that happens on a day when the sunrise and moonset are at the same time of day, that’s a winner. Another fish-predicting tool I recently discovered is SiriusXM Marine’s Fish Mapping. If you are thinking about running offshore, this technology is amazing. You see plankton concentrations, water temperature breaks, eddys and weedlines all on your chartplotter. It’s my go-to resource for day-of decisions on offshore fishing spots. It also displays fishing recommendations that suggest ideal conditions and locations for specific species. Check it out at SiriusXM/marine.com. Finally, what fun is a fishing trip without cool stuff to do off the water? Look at the amenities each destination provides. Are there restaurants nearby that will cook your catch of the day? Is there something for the kids

to do, a pool, nightlife, or a beach to walk on? A great summertime destination with awesome fishing, and plenty to do off the water is St. Augustine, FL., or a trout fishing adventure in the North Georgia mountains. If you prefer something a little more laid back, rustic and secluded, consider Black’s Fish Camp on Lake Moultrie in S.C., or Bay City Lodge in Apalachicola, FL. A short drive from Atlanta, Lake Wateree is full of giant catfish in

the summer, too. There is an abundance of state parks all across Georgia, many on our freshwater lakes, or have fishing ponds or located near great trout streams. Lake Hartwell has numerous campgrounds, and the striper fishing is awesome in the summer. Give me a call and we’ll spend some time on the water. So get started now, and plan your next summer adventure to someplace fishy and fun.

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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST SMALL WATERS CAN BRING BIG REWARDS IN THE SPRING Contributed By: Jay Striker www.jaystriker.com

Before there was a big bass boat with a 250HP Mercury with Power Poles and high stakes to compete for, there were the small waters of Georgia where I fell in love with fishing. Having fished so many small waters, there are some basic things to keep in mind that will help you be successful. When you go, remember to study your surroundings, be as quiet as possible, and have the equipment and the right lures to be successful. Study your surroundings: Understanding your surroundings makes pond fishing much more enjoyable. Know how to approach the body of water you are going to fish. One key is finding a remote pond perhaps on a map or ask some of your friends where are the good ponds to fish. Here in Georgia, there is the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center which has over 15 different ponds and lakes that have some great fishing. You can also contact your state DNR office and ask them where there is accessible waters to fish. Be sure to be safe, as some of these small waters will have you walking through some really tough brush to reach un-touched waters to possibly hang a trophy of a lifetime. Being very quiet is one key to success, especially if you are fishing from the bank. I like to stalk the bank, which means walking slowly around the pond not making a lot of noise. You don’t want to spook them away. Be sure to stand back from the edge of the water and make long casts to the lake. On windy days, cast into the wind rather that with the wind, because pond bass like to set up where their meals drift by. Casting into the wind allows for that presentation. Most ponds will have clear water and an elevated shore-

line, so as you rise up over the pond, they can see you. Wear some type of drab or camo patterns to break up your profile. Having the right equipment and lures: When deciding to fish these little special lakes, having the right stuff is key. If you are fishing from the bank, having a small backpack will help carry all of the lures you need to have. Baits that are musthaves are topwater baits, Texas rigged worms, frogs, spinnerbaits and small crankbaits should be more than enough to enjoy the day of fishing. Minnows will get the attention of a lot of bass in ponds, but be sure to ask permission to fish minnows. If you are fishing from a small boat, be sure that you have all the safety equipment you need. Be sure to stay back away from the bank with your boat and try not to bang your tackle and rod against the boat, as it will spook the bass near you. Places to target on small ponds are brush piles, stumps fields, channels break and drop-offs, rocks, and grass flats. This is the time of year to consider heading out to the small waters and take a chance on bass that are less pressured and willing to bite. Knowing your surroundings, being stealthy and having the right equipment will help you have a great day on one of the local ponds. Be sure you get permission to fish private ponds, and if you get permission, be sure to leave it better than you found it. Take care, and thanks for all of the support and comments you share with me on social media at Jaystriker.52 on IG and FB. Take care and tight lines.

LAKE HARTWELL By Preston Harden Bucktail Guide Service www.bucktailguideservice.com (706) 255-5622 Water temperature: 59 degrees, lake level: full pool, clarity: clear in main lake, stained in backs of creeks. Fish are moving shallow, and the fish are preparing to spawn. Fishing gets easy as so many fish are up shallow. Lots of hybrids and stripers make a spawning run up the main rivers, but many will stay down lake and drop their eggs in shallow water. Largemouth and spotted bass will make beds in shallow water throughout the lake. This goes on throughout the month as they don’t all spawn at the same time. The key is to fish shallow. In March, I fish the afternoons as the water warms through the day and fish move up shallow later in the day. When we move into

April, the mornings become as good as the afternoons. By mid-April, the mornings become better, but the fish can be shallow and active all day. For hybrids and stripers, live blue back herring on freelines make fishing easy, especially around main points, shoals and other ambush locations. Crappie fishing peaks as they spawn around wood, rocks and other shallow structure. Whatever is your target species, look shallow in April.

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APRIL 2022

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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST CHATUGE HYBRIDS AND SPOTTED BASS By: Darren Hughes Owner: Hughes General Store & Bait Shop The Angler Magazine Fishing Team & Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service www.bigolfish.com 828-361-2021

If one thing could be said about April fishing on Lake Chatuge, it’s that April most certainly kicks off the start of some amazing fishing patterns. From explosive topwater bites to monster schools of hybrid bass under the boat and everything in between, April most definitely gets it all going! It’s absolutely time to get on this beautiful North Georgia reservoir and experience the fishing trip of a lifetime. There’s no better way to do that than booking a trip with the area’s top-rated fishing guide service, Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. We are Lake Chatuge’s premier charter service and will put you on those trophy spots and hybrids. The hybrid bass bite lately has been off the hook! We’ve been wearing out some nice 7 to 10 pound fish in good numbers for early spring. The hybrids are currently staging in their spawning areas in the backs of creeks and feeding on small bait. This should continue through the next month or so. Early morning planer boards and freelines will work the

best. As the sun really comes out, the fish are moving to slightly deeper water and hitting on our downlines. Live bait is key here to catching some quality fish, but don’t hesitate to cast a Spook or a Red Fin. especially when these hybrids are busting topwater, and trust me, we have been killing it on some ultra-lite tackle lately. Our spotted bass bite has also been insane. It’s not uncommon to catch anywhere from 30 to 40 fish a trip out here. Lake Chatuge offers the best spotted bass fishing in Western North Carolina, and I highly recommend booking a trip with us to experience this super exciting fishing thrill. These big spots are stacking up on shallow points, humps and flats all over the lake and preparing for the spawn. Look for these fish in the 10-30 foot range. The early morning bite has been okay, but it really fires up once the sun comes up. The late afternoon bite has also been pretty productive. Once you find these fish, they are hitting just about anything you can cast at them. Jerkbaits and crankbaits have been working great, but as always, our super lively blueback herring are the

biggest producers for some huge spots. April is a fantastic month for catching a lot of trophy hybrids and spots on Lake Chatuge. Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1-rated guide service put you on some of best trophy fish during the fishing trip

LAKE SEMINOLE

The bass fishing on Lake Seminole has been awesome through the month of March! As we enter into April, the bass will be moving into their post-spawn patterns. If planning a trip to Lake Seminole in April, make sure you have topwater baits in your tackle box. April is an excellent month for topwater lures. A buzzbait is my first choice because it is very productive at covering water to find the active areas

holding bass. I prefer a War Eagle buzzbait in chartreuse and white fished over and along the grass lines on the main lake. My second choice is a Rebel Pop R fished along the grass lines. The Pop R has a unique sound that will draw some explosive strikes! The shellcracker will be bedding in April and is an exciting way to introduce kids to fishing. For a Lake Seminole Fishing Adventure for shellcracker and/or bass this April, give me a call to check availability at 850-2647534, follow us on Instagram @ Capt.paultyrefishing or email me @ paultyrefishing@yahoo.com.

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Forecast By: by Capt. Paul Tyre paultyrefishing@yahoo.com

APRIL 2022

of a lifetime. We are Blairsville, Georgia’s premier full-time guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lakes Hiwassee, Lake Nottely and Lake Blue Ridge. So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in Angler Magazine, and let us help you get your fish on!

LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST LAKE CHATUGE Eric Welch Welch’s Guide Service

www.welchsguideservice.com 706-455-2323 Water temperature: 54-56 degrees, lake level: 6.5’ feet below full pool, clarity: clear. Fishing has been good. We’ve been having some warm days and cold nights, but these bright sunny days have been making the fish active. The lake is still 6.5 feet below full pool, and the fish have been moving up and have been feeding in the creeks and spawning areas. I’ve been targeting fish in the middle of the creeks using my

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Garmin Livescope. The baits I’ve been using have been jerkbaits and swimbaits. I’ve also been throwing square bill crankbaits, Strike King 1.0, 1.5, and also a red eye shad RatL-Trap around rocky banks, laydowns and flats where fish will spawn. These areas will warm up faster on sunny days, and the bass should push baitfish in these areas. I’m still catching fish deep in ditches, road beds and drops by dropshotting a 4.5” RoboWorm, Ned Rig and a green pumpkin jig. You can still catch fish on A-rigs. I will fish them until the water gets to 60 degrees, then I start throwing other baits. We should start seeing the fish get more active this month before they lock down spawning. Good luck!

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Water temperature: 61 degrees, lake level: almost full, clarity: 5 feet. Well, March couldn’t have been any better. Good weather and great fishing was an amazing change from last year’s constant rain. We have had some flat out awesome nights on the lake this past month, and this month should only be better with the warmer weather. The walleye are moving back out to the main lake areas where they can ambush the baitfish that are getting ready to spawn. Giant schools of bait up shallow makes for an easy meal, especially after sunset when the walleye have the advantage. Daytime tactics include vertical fishing spoons or trolling crankbaits on the main lake points, and at night targeting fish chasing the bait up shallow

with a square bill crankbait. We are seeing a good increase in the average size of the fish at about 21 daltonmarineinc.com to 22 inches, which is up slightly from last spring.

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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST LAKE NOTTELY STRIPERS Trophy Striper Season is Here! Forecast By: Shane Goebel Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service & The Angler Magazine Fishing Team www.bigolfish.com

If you are looking for an explosive biting, line screaming, pole bending crazy good time fishing, then you must read this! Imagine someone threw a grenade in the water. That’s how these North Georgia stripers hit this time of year. It’s absolutely insane when that reel starts screaming, rod doubles over, and you feel like you have a Nascar on the end of the line. Yup! That all means it’s monster striper time on this wicked fun North Georgia lake. If all this sounds like something down your alley, then it’s time to book that striper trip with Lake Nottely’s #1 striper guide service, Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. We are one of the South’s premier striper guide services and have what it takes to put you on some trophy stripers! Currently, Lake Nottely is 8 feet below full pool. Water temperatures have been in the low to mid 50’s. Water clarity is clear in the main lake and just slightly

stained in the backs of the creeks and rivers. Striper fishing has been super out here lately. We’ve have had such an amazing early spring striper run, and it’s only going to get better! Most of the stripers we are catching have been in the 12 to 25 pound range, and we have been loading the boat with these monsters. The warmer unusual water temps have had these fish schooled up and aggressively biting. Our boats have had a bunch of 20 plus striper mornings in the past couple of weeks. We have also been wearing them out on light tackle, which is so darn fun! This pattern should continue into the month of April and increase as the stripers start their pre-spawn. Pulling planer boards with live herring and huge gizzard shad in the backs of creeks and around shallow, sloping banks is going to be the best technique. It’s also a good idea to work the banks by casting a Zara Spook or a Red Fin. As the sun comes up, turn your focus to fishing the mouths of creeks, as the stripers will follow bait to deeper water. With pre-spawn in mind, more and more stripers will start to stage in the mouths of creeks in April and

LANIER STRIPERS

start to work their way to the backs. Keep an eye on your electronics for schooling stripers, and pay attention to where the bait balls are. I guarantee you, if you find the bait, the stripers will be close by. April is a fantastic month for catching a lot of trophy stripers on this North Georgia lake. Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1-rated guide service

put you on some of Lake Nottely’s best trophy stripers during the fishing trip of a lifetime. We are Blairsville, Georgia’s premier fulltime guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lakes Hiwassee, Chatuge and Lake Blue Ridge. So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in Angler Magazine, and let us help you get your fish on!

Toward the end of the month, look for the topwater bite to appear as well. This will be the highlight of the year for those who like to cast. We have already been catching some schooling fish on a 1/4 ounce jig head paired with a 3.3 Berkley Power Swimmer. Once the topwater bite starts, rig up a 7 foot medium

action rod with 12-pound Trilene Big Game line and be prepared for the stripers to try to take it away from you. Be sure to take a variety of baits like the Berkley Surge Shad, the Sebile Magic Swimmer, and the Berkley Highjacker. Every day a different one will be the ticket. See you on the water.

The striper fishing this past month has been solid with some occasional schooling action as the stripers prepare for the spawn. The stripers will spawn over the course of the next few weeks. As a result, the fish will be on the move and eating. The key over the month of April will be points and flats as the stripers pull up into these areas to feed on shad and herring. Freelines and planer boards will be the key tactics this month. The bait of choice so far has been herring. That being said, some fish are coming on gizzard shad as well. As a result, be sure to be prepared with a variety

of hook sizes and line sizes tied on different rods. Keep two Shakespeare Striper rods with 15-pound Trilene 100% fluorocarbon and size one Gamakatsu Octopus hooks for the herring. Then have at least two rods with 15-pound Trilene 100% fluorocarbon and size 5/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hooks or larger for the gizzard shad. If they are “mongo” gizzards, maybe add a Gamakatsu Magic Eye Treble stinger hook. Talk to your local bait shop like Hammond’s or Oakwood Bait and Tackle for details on the stinger hook setup. Pull the bank line on the north end of the lake and in the creeks on the south end. Also, put out planer boards as well. The Perfect Planer is most popular because it can be used with herring and gizzard shad.

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Forecast by: Clay Cunningham www.catchingnotfishing.com 770-630-2673

APRIL 2022

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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST

ST CARTERS LAKE Forecast By: Eric Crowley Lake & Stream Guide Service (706) 669-4973

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Water temperature: 62 degrees, lake level: full +/- 4 feet, clarity: 2 – 3 feet. March walleye fishing was awesome! Besides a few rain days, we spent every day on the water catching fish. The mass of fish has left the river and are making their way back to the main lake. While these fish are deep most of the year, for the next few weeks they will be up shallow feeding on bait. Post-spawn females are already back on the lake feeding like crazy. The fish we are catching are loaded with shad and alewives. The fish are holding in 30 to 40 feet in the daytime and as shallow as 5 feet at night. Look for the baitfish, and the walleye are going to be under them in the daytime. At night they will be looking for spawning baitfish as they are easy meals for the nighttime predators. Rocky shorelines, points, and hard structure will have bait spawning on it and should have a number of walleye nearby.

Later in the month, look for the fish to slide off a little deeper in the typical 50 foot range and only coming up at night. The full moon in the middle of this month should be a good few nights to target shallow eyes on this awesome mountain lake. Stripers should be in the creeks feeding on bait early then out on the points by mid-day before heading back into the creeks for the evening. As the bait moves in and out of deep water, the fish are feeding on them. Live baits on planers, flatlines, and downlines fished pretty shallow have all been effective early. Capt. Mack’s Umbrella rigs pulled 150 feet back have also been an effective option after sunrise. The night bite under the Hydro Glows is just getting started as temps hit 60 degrees. Finding a good school of bait right before dark and then setting up on top of them with the lights can be a super fun way to fish. For up to date info, find us online at www.lakeandstreamguideservice. com.

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ATLANTA 29

LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST LAKE MARTIN

LAKE ALLATOONA

Water temperature: 60-62.5 degrees, lake level: 486.55, clarity: stained to very stained. By the time you’re reading this month’s article, all of the above conditions have changed a lot and for the better. Lake Martin fishing in April has always been awesome. My parents always said that when the dogwoods are blooming, then the crappie were biting, and year after year that same saying holds true and especially for the trophy striped bass here. April may be one of my favorite months here on our lake. Last year, some of our biggest stripers came in March, but this year is different, and I predict most of our 40+ pounders will be boated in April mainly due to this year’s weather conditions and water levels coming up a little slower which means a little later spawning. A few suggestions to help you this month are things you have read time and time again in my articles, but I only repeat this because it’s what works for us on our lake in April. First of all, catch some good live bait and pull them behind some

planer boards in the major feeder creeks and river channel. Next, always keep a couple of spinning rods ready rigged with topwater lures, because if you are on the water enough this month, you’ll definitely get some huge stripers exploding on the surface close to you. Some, but not all, of my favorite topwater lures are Redfins, Spooks, Chug Bugs and the occasional Whopper Plopper. April is always a busy fishing month for all type of anglers, especially the weekend anglers, so if you get a chance to fish during a weekday then take advantage of it. If not, you’ll still enjoy the weekends on the water. We guide 7 days a week and enjoy every day we are on the water, especially in April. With more and more anglers fishing these days, always have a backup area to fish because someone may beat you to your favorite spot. If you have a secondary plan, then you will spend more time fishing than riding and looking. Believe me folks, with 880 miles of shoreline, you will always find a quite spot to catch fish on Lake Martin. I hope your April brings you many bent rods and lots of great memories.

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Provided By: David Hare Alex City Guide Service 256-401-3089

APRIL 2022

Forecast By: Joseph Martinelli 404-919-4918 Lake Allatoona has been fishing quite well these past few years and we anticipate this spring to be stellar. Water levels have remained tame overall with no notably unusual drops or rises from the Etowah and Little River watershed. The stripers and hybrids are beginning to stage up nicely and will soon be seen on the surface chasing shiny little silver baitfish. We are confident that standard patterns of down-lining and free-lining fresh threadfin and gizzard shad along with trolling umbrella rings and crankbaits will produce both numbers as well as quality fish as they had beginning in March. Fish are being found lakewide, but as these linesides do move around a lot, greater concentrations may shift from south to mid to north lake often. Currently, there is a good bite beginning in the Clark Creek/ Tanyard Creek areas and decent catches are being had between there are Stamp Creek. As our water temps approach the magic 60-degree mark, most of our species are prepared for their spring spawn. A good topwater bite should just be starting, and this is also the time the bigger fish come into the shallows to play and hunt. Larger baits may prevail when targeting the larger fish this month, so consider pulling a larger 8”+ shad on a freeline or planer board anytime you are committing to an area for better success in hooking up with a drag screamer. The crappie bite has already been phenomenal through the month of March. One does not need “live scope” to get in on the action here. These fish are already staging up in the mouths of creeks as well as the channel edges and pulling some 1/16 oz. jigs flat-lined behind the boat should produce on any day. These same fish are already pushing

up on the banks where the males are fanning in preparation of the spawning females to lay their eggs. These males can be quite aggressive and pretty much any little ‘rubber bug’, live minnow and the like will get eaten when presented in active areas in this 1 - 6 foot of water range. The spotted bass bite has been fantastic through this winter, and these fish are ready to get up on the rocks and start their spawn. They will respond well to many offerings. A white fluke or shad pattern swim bait worked along the bank edges will produce fish. So might your crappie jigs. The good old nightcrawler or basssized shiner will get the bite, but this time of year an individual can gain some great confidence in working different artificial baits. We would encourage releasing healthy egg laden females during this time. We do hope this helps a little and that you have a fantastic season of fishing here on Lake Allatoona. We have expanded our humble little fleet and we look very forward to the opportunity to have you out on the water with us for a full-service fishing adventure. While we will be concentrating primarily on chasing stripers and hybrids into April and May, we are happy to get you on the water and show you how we target and catch the crappie, spotted bass and catfish as well. God bless and tight lines, friends!

LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST

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Water temps should be mostly in the mid 60’s to low 70s. The lake is still slightly stained in the creeks and should be approaching full pool soon! Bass: Good - April is usually my favorite month for all types of fishing in general. The weather is usually beautiful and fairly consistent. Bass can be caught on several different patterns. Topwater baits such as Pop R’s, Zara Spooks and buzzbaits can be extremely effective for shallow and aggressive pre-spawn and spawning fish. The back ends of most creeks will usually produce. The second pattern that works really well is to look for spawning shad. Try fishing rip-rap around bridges with spinnerbaits, small crankbaits and Zoom Superflukes. Additionally, some big tournament sacks of largemouth are weighed in April by guys who sight fish, targeting fish that are locked on bed. A Yamamoto Senko or methylate Trick worm rigged weightless will do the trick. Lots of spotted bass spawn in April and are caught by just dragging a Carolina-rigged Zoom finesse worm or mini lizard around sloping gravel banks. This tactic normally works very well for numbers. Linesides: Excellent - Expect a strong river run from the hybrids and white bass this year until at least mid-April. The hybrids have made a nice comeback since the DNR has been stocking them again for the past several years. Many of these fish are mature this year and should guarantee a big run. Try live or cut bait (even chicken livers will work at times!) fished in holes from Grayson’s

Landing to Franklin. Spray your bait with a little garlic scent for even more bites. Some fish will always remain down on the main lake as well and can be caught on small crankbaits, topwaters and Storm Swim Shad lures. Try the rip-rap around the bridges at daylight. Shad spawn should start soon! Please don’t forget to book your striper trips for this upcoming season. I still have a few days open in May and June! Please feel free to contact me at HudsonsProBass@gmail.com or visit my website www.LakeWestPoint Fishing.com to reserve your day! Crappie: Good - Because of below average water temps last month, there should be a good second wave of crappie coming up in early to midApril this year to spawn. During April, crappie can be in all stages of the spawning process; pre-spawn, spawn and post-spawn. Crappie can be easier to catch in slightly stained water especially if you have shallow brush, blow-downs or chunk rock structure. Try using minnows or jigs under a float. Spawned out fish will typically move out and hold on deeper structure for a while to recover. Night fishing should also improve in late April. Bream: Good - Don’t forget about our bream and shellcracker. Finding an active bed can take a little effort, but when you do, you can have a ball! Bedding usually takes place on the full moon cycles in April and May. Look for shallow cover in the backs of pockets. Sandy flats and stump beds tend to draw the fish like a magnet. Use live pink worms, crickets and small spinners for the best results. Catfish: Good - Lots of channel cat are caught every year by anglers that are targeting linesides. The same live and cut baits (as well as pink worms and liver) that are used on stripers will catch cats, especially in the river north of 219. To target flatheads, go to a larger bait like a 4-5 inch bream, and fish the same areas. Be sure to increase the size of your rigs as fish in the 2030 pound range are fairly common.

Bass can be caught on several different patterns. Topwater baits such as Pop R’s, Zara Spooks and buzzbaits can be extremely effective for shallow and aggressive pre-spawn and spawning fish.

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Wall of Fame

WIN A FREE ANGLER MAGAZINE CAP! One will be given away each month for the best reader submitted photo!

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James holding son Sam’s monster rainbow that he caught on a guided trip with Hulsey Fly Fishing. David Duffeck with a big 18 pound Nottely striper caught with Big Ol Fish Guiding Service.

Dave Studeman showing off a good Lanier striper caught on his fly rod.

Jesse Walton from Maretta GA is back on Lake Eufaula with some nice bass.

Eric Crowley with a big Carters Lake walleye. Stewart Cone landed this beauty fishing with Reel Em In Guide Service.

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The Flint River: N AT I V E F I S H I N T H E I R N AT I V E W AT E R S By Nick Carter

he fight didn’t last long, maybe a couple of minutes, but it was exciting. Between bulldog runs, the fish broke the surface and walked on water, shaking its head in anger. When Kent Edmonds steered the fish out of the current and brought it to hand, a broad grin broke across the man’s face. He lifted a chunky shoal bass for appraisal before release. It was a decent fish, maybe 14 inches. Still, on a 6-weight fly rod, the strength of the fight rivaled that of a largemouth twice its size. Shoal bass are aggressive and pugnacious. They are an intriguing sport fish native to just one Southeastern river system.

Shoal Bass Fishing for “shoalies” is so much fun. They exhibit the aggression of any black bass, yet their preferred habitat is the swift-water shoals other bass avoid. Like trout, they hover in eddies and dart out to grab prey adrift in the current. They readily attack topwater lures and flies and grow to record weights approaching 9 pounds. Anglers regularly catch 2- to 5-pound shoal bass, and the largest fish reach lengths up to 24 inches. A new Georgia record was caught from the Chattahoochee River near Columbus, Ga. in December. It weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces. The IGFA world record was an 8-pound, 12-ounce monster caught from Florida’s Apalachicola River. With all that going for it, the relative anonymity of shoal bass is due to geography. There is only one small slice of the world where they exist. The species is native 14 NATIONAL

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to the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) River Basin, which drains portions of Georgia and Alabama down to the Gulf of Mexico through the Florida panhandle. They are a very cool fish that would be in serious trouble if not for one stretch of Georgia river. Extensive damming has turned ACF River Basin into a series of reservoirs. Shoal bass still exist in pockets across the entire drainage, but habitat alterations have allowed non-natives like spotted and smallmouth bass to out-compete and interbreed with shoal bass. The upper Flint River is the largest remaining stretch of unaltered native shoal bass habitat. It is arguably the best shoal bass fishery in the world.

The Flint River Edmonds has guided fly fishers on the Flint for about 30 years, and while he won’t admit it, he’s largely responsible for the river’s sterling reputation as a fishery. In rural Upson County, Ga., the Flint is like a snapshot back in time. It twists through pine forests of the middle Georgia countryside, undammed for some 220 miles. There’s a sweet spot for fly fishers in the middle of this long run at a geologic formation known as the Fall Line. The Fall Line is the coastline of an ancient sea that cuts a 20-mile-wide swath of rapid elevation loss across the region. For the Flint, the Fall Line features a 45-mile stretch of river with shoal-broken habitat perfect for wading anglers and shoal bass. Contact Kent Edmonds through his website www.flyfishga.com.

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t was a perfect late autumn day in the northern Rockies. Not a cloud in the sky, and just enough cool in the air to stir up nostalgic memories of my trip into the backwoods. This year, though, was different. I was going it solo. My two buddies, pleading work responsibilities, backed out at the last minute. So, armed with my trusty knife, I set out for adventure.

Join more than 322,000 sharp people who collect stauer knives Well, what I found was a whole lot of trouble. As in 8 feet and 800-pounds of trouble in the form of a grizzly bear. Seems this grumpy fella was out looking for some adventure too. Mr. Grizzly saw me, stood up to his entire 8 feet of ferocity and let out a roar that made my blood turn to ice and my hair stand up. Unsnapping my leather sheath, I felt for my hefty, trusty knife and felt emboldened. I then showed the massive grizzly over 6 inches of 420 surgical grade stainless steel, raised my hands and yelled, "Whoa bear! Whoa bear!" I must have made my point, as he gave me an almost admiring grunt before turning tail and heading back into the woods. I was pretty shaken, but otherwise fine. Once the adrenaline high subsided, I decided I had some work to do back home too. That was more than enough adventure for one day. Our Grizzly Hunting Knife pays tribute to the call of the wild. Featuring stick-tang construction, you can feel confident in the

strength and durability of this knife. And the hand carved, natural bone handle ensures you won’t lose your grip even in the most dire of circumstances. I also made certain to give it a great price. After all, you should be able to get your point across without getting stuck with a high price. Make sure to act quickly. The Grizzly Hunting Knife has been such a hit that we’re having trouble keeping it in stock. Our first release of more than 1,200 SOLD OUT in TWO DAYS! After months of waiting on our artisans, we've finally gotten some knives back in stock. Only 1,337 are available at this price, and half of them have already sold! Knife Specifications: • Stick tang 420 surgical stainless steel blade; 7 ¼" blade; 12" overall • Hand carved natural brown and yellow bone handle • Brass hand guard, spacers and end cap • FREE genuine tooled leather sheath included (a $49 value!) The Grizzly Hunting Knife $249 $79* + S&P California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product. *Special price only for customers using the offer code.

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ver the years, Hooker Electric has a proven track record of dreaming up innovative new products to make fishing easier and more productive. Their Live Bait Tube Bucket is another instance of designers coming up with a simple yet effective solution for a problem many anglers face. The Hooker Electric Complete Portable Live Bait System keeps live baits frisky and ready for deployment all day long. This patent-pending live bait system uses an internal pump and simple plumbing to circulate water inside a tricked-out 5-gallon bucket. The water flows over tubes, where it is cooled and aerated, while air bubbles are bled off to assure baits remain lively and ready to fish for hours. The system is portable and comes preinstalled with 10-inch short tubes for smaller pre-hooked baits like gogs, threadfins, sardines, pilchards, hardtails, pogies and mullets. Optional 15-inch tubes keep larger pre-rigged Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, speedos, Boston/tinker mackerel and blue runners ready for action. All components are easily serviceable, and the tuna tubes are removable. The Hooker Electric bucket includes a non-skid grip base to eliminate spills and protect precious surfaces from scratches. The Hooker Electric portable live bait bucket system is designed for mobility. It can be used in fresh or saltwater. HOOKERELECTRIC.COM

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PELAGIC HUNTING WITH THE CORRECT TOOLS

Tim Barefoot

here are correct tools for any project, and we have to use our time wisely. First and foremost, I think water temperature is a key to finding the wahoo and tuna consistently. I know it costs a few bucks, but you can subscribe to some sites (not promoting any here) that will give you a very clear picture of where you can find a degree or two temperature break on the edge. Once you narrow down a distance and heading for the desired water temps, you then need to locate the bait. Granted, there are times when the fish will not be on the bait visible on the recorder or on the surface, but just oriented on structure and/or temperature break. This is when it gets down to visible and electronic hunting. There are electronics available that can locate individual and groups of birds at long distances. This is always a good thing to find. If you have a few birds working an area, chances are they are there because the bait is there. Again, I know this electronic equipment is costly, but it’s yet another tool that can narrow down the search for wahoo, tuna and dolphin.

Then there are tools we possess as humans such as good eyesight (good binoculars) and judgement. If you see a noticeable water color change, birds and/or fish feeding on the surface, weed lines and floating objects, chances are, you’ve found the correct general area. A lot of these floating objects will hold bait and fish, especially wahoo and dolphin. After narrowing down an area where the fish will likely be in due to temperature, depth, structure etc., this is when I prefer to high-speed troll. High-speed trolling is another tool to locate the fish, and not a tool to use all day! This is true for wahoo, especially. Once you get a bite, mark that location on the chart. Now it’s time to go back to that area and go to work on ’em. By this time of day, the sun is up pretty good, and the surface bite might slow down a little bit. Like I’ve always said, the fish don’t have Maui Jim’s shades, so they use depth to get the correct amount of light they want. They look up to see bait at, or near the surface like flyers, tinker, cigs and sardines. They also look down for the squid down deep. This is the reason the planer rod is typically the one that produces in the middle of the day. When the sun is high in the sky, it’s time to go deep with your baits. You can’t always catch them where you want to. You have to catch them where they are... down deep. Visit barefootcatsandtackle.com, and look for “featured video” or Coastal Angler Magazine to see the videos related to this article.

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ason Christie finally did it. In early March, he won the Bassmaster Classic on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell and was named champion of the biggest event in tournament bass fishing. In two previous Classics, Christie has held the lead headed into the final day of the tournament, once with a more than 6-pound lead and once with a 4-pound lead. Both times he came up short. This year, he found himself tied for the lead with newcomer Kyle Welcher after Day 2. “Honestly, when I was sitting at the door waiting to come in and weigh my fish, I thought I had given it away again,” said Christie. “Stetson Blaylock had just weighed in a big bag, and Kyle Welcher used to be a professional poker player, so I knew he had more than what he was saying. “I knew it was gonna be close. I honestly thought there could be a tie, and that was scary for me because I didn’t have any fish left.” After Welcher weighed in and took over the “Hot Seat” from Stetson Blaylock, who had just weighed the largest bag of the tournament, Welcher and Christie stood side by side as the largest crowd in the event’s history cheered awaiting the final tally. On the stage, Christie’s five-bass limit of 17 pounds, 9 ounces was 5 ounces heavier than Welcher’s bag of 17 pounds 4 ounces. Known as one of the best power-fishermen in the world, Christie utilized a 5/8-ounce War Eagle Jiu-Jigsu Jig with a Yum Craw Chunk in green pumpkin/purple. He used a green pumpkin/orange jig until the final day when he switched to straight green pumpkin because he “banged all of the other ones off docks” until they were unusable. He caught most of his fish on the final day fishing shallow docks in 1 to 3 feet of depth in clearer water where most of the other angler were not fishing. He liked the heavier jig due to its faster rate of fall, which drew reaction strikes. Christie, who returned to the Bassmaster Elite Series a year ago after as short tenure with MLF Fishing, was looking hard for redemption in this year’s Classic. Maybe beginning tied on the final day took some of the pressure off, because the third time was a charm for Christie, who took home a $300,000 purse for his win that pushed his total career earnings to over $1,668,000. Welcher earned $50,000 for finishing second with 53-11, and Blaylock earned $47,000 in third place with 53-5, which includes a $7,000 bonus for his Sunday catch of 20-9 that ranked as the Rapala Monster Bag of the Week. South Carolina pro Brandon Cobb earned $2,500 for overall Berkley Big Bass of the Week with the 6-12 largemouth he caught on Day 2. Phil Wolf is the co-publisher of Coastal Angler Magazine’s Orlando edition.

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