The Angler Magazine - December / Greater Atlanta

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GREATER ATLANTA AREA EDITION

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

ENTER OUR

12 DAYS OF

FISHMAS GIVEAWAY VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 274

F R A N C H I S E

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DECEMBER 2017

W O R L D W I D E

11/15/17 11:42 AM

SUZUKI MAKES IT

EASY AS

1-2-3

The leaves might be falling, but the deals are just starting to spring up at your Suzuki Marine dealer.

Make your best Fall Boat Show deal on a new Suzuki outboard from 25 to 300 horsepower and take advantage of not just one, but all three special Suzuki offers.

See your Suzuki Marine dealer today and get on the water with a powerful, reliable new Suzuki.

REPOWER FINANCE

1.

Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 300 HP.

2.

Cash Rebates on select models.

See your dealer for details.

3.

Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards (OAC).*

Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 300 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 9/01/17 and 12/31/17 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska.

Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase.

If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Cash Rebates apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 9/01/17 and 12/31/17. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate rebate form at time of sale. Cash rebate will be applied against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account). There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 9/01/17 and 12/31/17. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2017 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

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WHATEVER THE SEA THROWS AT YOU, STAND YOUR GROUND BUILT FOR ALASKA, FIT FOR EVERYONE XTRATUF boots have been proven and tested in the unforgiving Alaskan seas. Now, that same toughness is available in the XTRATUF Performance Deck Boot.

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T

EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com VICE PRESIDENT : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Rebecca Snowden • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Dmitriy Pislyagin • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Corporate Headquarters info@coastalanglermagazine.com • 888-800-9794

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO RUN A FISHING MAGAZINE? We have Franchise locations available in these areas:

FLORIDA

BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : David String • (321) 684-5888 • dstring@coastalanglermagazine.com DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA BEACH : Don Meadows • (321) 436-5895 • donm@coastalanglermagazine.com EMERALD COAST/DESTIN/PENSACOLA : Scott Risher • (850) 428-0996 • srisher@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS : Cliff Lumpkin • (305) 849-9093 • cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER MIAMI : Scott Deal • (561) 945-6999 • scott@coastalanglermagazine.com

Monica Isaza-Deal • (561) 945-8899 • monica@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com LAKELAND & SUMTER : Mary Brasher • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com NC FLORIDA/NATURE COAST : Cary & Lynn Crutchfield • (352) 372-4237 • crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com NE FLORIDA : Danny Patrick • (904) 742-4696 • danny@coastalanglermagazine.com PANAMA CITY/FORGOTTEN COAST : Randy Cnota • (229) 834-7880 • randyc@coastalanglermagazine.com PALM BEACH COUNTY : Barbara Ryan • (561) 373-8040 • barbara@coastalanglermagazine.com SARASOTA : Phil Prevoir • (239) 257-4684 • pprevoir@coastalanglermagazine.com TAMPA BAY : Chuck Atkins • (239) 464-5153 • chuck@coastalanglermagazine.com TREASURE COAST : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com

flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com

SOUTHEAST

ATLANTA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com CHARLESTON : Jane A. Redden • (205) 725-9616 • jane@coastalanglermagazine.com

Sam Buckareff • (843) 607-8629 • sam@coastalanglermagazine.com CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT : Mark & Haley Alberghini • (704) 651-1934 • mark@theanglermagazine.com MYRTLE BEACH : Mike Masiero • (732) 674-3019 • mmasiero@coastalanglermagazine.com SW GEORGIA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com TIDEWATER/OUTER BANKS : John Tiger • (757) 707-9654 • john.tiger@coastalanglermagazine.com

Laura Seitz • (757) 707-9655 • laura@coastalanglermagazine.com UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA : Gregg Thompson • (864) 542-3112 • gregg@theanglermagazine.com WESTERN NC : Debra & Joe Woody • (828) 775-9663 • woody@theanglermagazine.com WILMINGTON/MOREHEAD : Kenny Ritter • (910) 550-9094 • kenny@coastalanglermagazine.com

NORTHEAST BOSTON : George Regan • (617) 488-2842 • boston@coastalanglermagazine.com LONG ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 • lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com CONNECTICUT/RHODE ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com

GULF COAST

GALVESTON/MATAGORDA/UPPER COAST : Chanci & David Mowry • (713) 446-7395 •

chancim@coastalanglermagazine.com • davidm@coastalanglermagazine.com MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST : Adam Nelson • (228) 627-5903 • anelson@coastalanglermagazine.com

Toby Nelson • (228) 623-1761 • tnelson@coastalanglermagazine.com NEW ORLEANS : Dr. Dave Dunaway • (225) 400-8156 • nola@coastalanglermagazine.com

Existing locations: • Greenville/

Spartanburg, S.C. • Destin/Pensacola, FL • Daytona, FL • Miami, FL • Southwest Georgia • Morehead City, N.C.

Brown Trout

on the Move

Icelandic

Salmon Adventure

Local

Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDY DELLIVENERI VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 272

F R A N C H I S E

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9/18/17 10:47 AM

PENSACOLA/DESTIN/EMERALD COAST EDITION

The Drums Of Houma, La.

New locations: • Raleigh, N.C. • Middle Tennessee • Hilton Head, S.C. • Coastal Georgia • Corpus Cristi, TX

Winter

Chrome In Upstate N.Y.

Local

Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events PHOTO COURTESY OF FISHING ADVENTURES WITH BRITTNEY VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 264

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM

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A V A I L A B L E

JANUARY 2017

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FREE

UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA EDITION

Best of ICAST Guide To Adirondacks Bass

Don’t see your area?

Call for more information.

We are looking to expand throughout the continental US and beyond.

Local

Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events

Alaska's Best Fishing Destinations PHOTO COURTESY OF LOUIS TORRES OF LOUISTORRESPHOTOGRAPHY.COM VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 270

F R A N C H I S E

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AUGUST 2017

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FREE

GREATER MIAMI EDITION

Fall's Topwater Bonanza No-Pressure Grouper

1-888-800-9794

Local

info@coastalanglermagazine.com

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Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events PHOTO COURTESY OF CRYSTAL LAFOSSE

© 2017-2018. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Disclaimer: Coastal Angler Magazine / The Angler Magazine will not be held liable for injuries incurred while partaking in activities described herein, or for claims made against products or services provided by advertisers.

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Banging

GREAT LAKES

PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS : Ace Bassue • (407) 285-9453 • ace@coastalanglermagazine.com COSTA RICA : Mike Erickson • (561) 262-2242 • mike@coastalanglermagazine.com

OCTOBER 2017

W O R L D W I D E

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WEST MICHIGAN : Phil Belsito • (616) 957-1714 • phil@theanglermagazine.com

INTERNATIONAL

FREE

SW GEORGIA/EAST ALABAMA EDITION

VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 271

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DECEMBER 2017

SEPTEMBER 2017

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GIFT IDEAS FOR ANGLERS

C

heck out these great gift ideas for the outdoor enthusiast on your holiday gift list.

These local merchants are available to ensure your holiday gift giving satisfaction. We always try to encourage our readers to shop locally. It’s our community and we all benefit from supporting our local businesses. They’re here for us all year long and our personal convenience depends on their sustainability. Tell them Coastal Angler/The Angler Magazine sent you.

By the way, if you see something here that you wish could be under the tree with your name on it, just take out a marker and circle it. Then leave this page open for your friends and family to see.

Yes, crude but effective.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Coastal Angler/The Angler Magazine.

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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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Gifts for Anglers

GET A GRIP • Safer • Easier • Better

A perfect gift for your favorite angler!

Made in USA

Don’t settle for imitations!

The Fish Grip is a fish landing device that was developed by avid anglers. The goal was to find a safer way to land a fish — safer for the fish AND the angler.

The Fish Grip will help you land fish!

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Makes perfect knots in just 30 seconds... every time!

199 Years of proven performance. Don’t take a chance.

SOFGRIP Fillet Knives.

UR-CUT moldable handle fillet Knives

L INE W ELDER

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Automatic Fishing Line Tyer • Attach hooks and lures with ease • Attach two lines together with no hassle • Works on braid, monofilament or fluorocarbon line (maximum line diameter 0131)

SOFGRIP Coated Knives.

TAUTEN.COM 978-961-3272

dexteroutdoors.com

Find them at your local or online retailer.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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Gifts for Anglers No More Fish Baskets or Foil!

The GrillGrate surface coupled with the GrateTool™ makes lifting & turning fish a snap.

Sits on top of any grill.

GRILL GREAT FISH! Never Stick Fish Again

SAVE 10% GrateFish

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INCREDIBLE OPTICS THAT STAY SAFE IN THE CASE When you’re out on the water, optics matter. Popticals NYDEF™ nylon lenses manufactured by Carl Zeiss Vision offer clear, crisp vision can make the difference between spotting your next catch or coming home empty handed.

Never worry about scratched lenses or sunglasses falling off the top of your hat thanks to our patented FL2 Micro-Rail System® that allows Popticals to be safely stored in a small case when you’re not wearing them.

©2017 Popticals® • All Rights Reserved • Patent No. 8376544, 8915586, 9310623, additional patents pending.

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popticals.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

11/15/17 1:33 PM

Gifts for Anglers

THE XTREME 20 BOAT, MOTOR, TRAILER

38,950

FR $

TORTUGA SIDE CONSOLE BOAT, MOTOR, TRAILER

19,950

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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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DECEMBER 2017

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Gifts for Anglers

EXPERIENCE THE

FIGHT! Full Variable Speed Control Powerful Brushless Motor Retains Handle Function Digital Line Counter Auto Stop, 12/24VDC Compact & Sleek Design

855-HOOK-ONE

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT PROSHOT CASE With the new ProShot phone cases, there’s no need to ever worr y about dropping your expensive iPhone in the water again.

It’s so waterproof, you could even star t using your iPhone to take under water photos of the fish you catch. That’s the idea. It turns your iPhone into an under water camera.

The ProShot Touch provides full touch screen access. Rated to 50 feet, it’s the most waterproof touch screen case ever invented. With designs to fit iPhone 6s, 7s and 8s, it is also compatible with all GoPro mounts and includes an optical grade wide angle lens. Think of the cool release photos and videos you could capture using just your phone.

For those who desire to take their iPhones a lit tle deeper, divers should take a look at the new ProShot Dive. It turns your iPhone into a dive camera that’s waterproof to 130 feet. This case was designed for SC U B A divers, and it is ex tremely durable to handle the most rugged conditions. The ProShot Dive does not allow touch screen access, so the ProShot Case A pp was developed for full camera functionalit y. It, also, is compatible with GoPro mounts.

If you have an iPhone, you’re already carr ying amazing photographic capabilit y in your pocket. For a small fraction of the cost of traditional under water camera equipment, you can turn your phone into a fully functional waterproof camera that’s as bombproof as phone cases come.

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Fish the Phenix Rods East Coast Legends

Black Diamond East Coast

Available at your local Phenix Rods dealer!

Follow us on social media 10

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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

11/15/17 1:33 PM

By James Bradley

For more fishing with Reel ‘Em In Guide Service, go to

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Over 40,000 SKUs in stock.

Abu Garcia, Daiwa, Fin-Nor, Okuma, Penn, Quantum, Shimano No order minimums!

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DECEMBER 2017 DECEMBER 2017

SOUTHEAST SOUTHEAST

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Boater’s Welcome!

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BLUE RIDGE

Sunburst Trout Always The Perfect Gift

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM••THEANGLERMAG.COM THEANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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BLUE RIDGE BLUE RIDGE

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Augusta, GA (706) 738-4536

387 Highland Ave. Augusta, GA 30907

Savannah, GA

(912) 349-2352 24 Drayton St Savannah, GA 31401

Rivers and Glen Trading Co. blends timeless styles with quality goods. We specialize in classic outdoor attire, fly fishing, fly tying, wing shooting, and travel.

With locations in Augusta and Savannah Georgia.

Rivers and Glen can help you with your clothing needs and get you out on the water!

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11/15/17 2:45 PM

December 2017 To advertise in the largest free fishing publication in the U.S. with over 1 million monthly readers, call 706-614-8231

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: NICK CARTER HENRY COWEN DR. ANDREW COX CAPT. JAKE DAVIS JIM FARMER

THE FISH HAWK RONNIE HALL JMMY HARRIS CAPT. CEFUS MCRAE CHRIS SCALLEY GARY TURNER

NOEY VINEYARD O'NEILL WILLIAMS RENE J. HESSE JIMBO MATHLEY JAMES BRADLEY DAVID HULSEY

706-614-8231

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”

WAYNE WOOTEN STEVEN KING RYAN KENNEDY JAY STRIKER GRAPHIC DESIGN: KATHLEEN CARREIRO

Photo by Conner Jones, Cohutta Fishing Company

facebook.com/theanglermagazineGA www.theanglermagazine.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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Local Rivers & Fly Fishing

December Fly Fishing Report December 2016 was positively the best month to be fishing on Lanier and once again should be producing fish for fly rodders. One change over last year to this year is that the lake level on Lanier is coming back up. As of November we are 5 ½’ below full pool. The good news is that Lanier seems to be trending as a threadfin shad lake again, and for the fly angler that is a good thing. More threadfin shad means more surface feeding fish.

The pattern of fish on the south end should change as the fish will start pushing further north and away from the lower end of the lake. Fish can be spread out as they start searching for food in pockets and creeks. This means that you will need to use your binoculars to look deep into the backs of the creeks to find fish eating small threadfin shad in some fairly shallow water.

The topwater bite will continue into December, however, where they feed on top will radically change.

By mid-month you can expect to see fish pushing bait and feeding in between docks in the smaller creeks.

Sometimes they might be at the mouth of the creek, while other times they will be way in the back of the creek.

This is the time of the year that we let the wildlife guide us to the fish.

The bird life on lakes can be the key to helping you find a school of fish either on the surface or subsurface.

The obvious wildlife to look for are terns and gulls diving on bait being pushed to the top. Remember though that terns and gulls will not fly to the backs of the coves, so that is where your binoculars can be very relevant to finding surface feeding fish.

Kingfishers seen flying around a particular area and squawking while diving on the water to pick up a threadfin shad is also a dead giveaway.

Herons standing stealthy on a bank is a certain sign of baitfish in the area.

Look for loons going up and down in a particular area and not straying too far as another hint of both baitfish and stripers. This is the time of the year when the loons will work together with the stripers to corral the bait.

First you see a loon dive under water 2 ATLANTA

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FULL SERVICE OUTFITTER

and make a splash, and then a big ole striper will boil on top where the loon was. It is a wonderful sight to see.

Anglers need to carry both an intermediate line for surfacing fish or fish running the banks as well as a sinking line for those big schools found on your fish finder. If you encounter that group, then using the countdown method will get your fly to the fish below. Most sinking lines will fall at a rate of 6 inches per second. So if you see fish at 15 feet below, then a countdown of 30 seconds puts your fly in the feeding zone.

Small flies are still the ticket as the stripers are gorging on 1”- 1 ½” long threadfin shad. My Somethin’ Else pattern is still the best fly to use, but Gummy Minnows will also work.

Remember to pause between your strips in order to allow the fly to free fall like a wounded shad. That is the money retrieve and may be the single most important technique you can use to trigger a bite!

The dock light bite will be in full swing too. If you are willing to wake up an hour earlier or stay out on the lake for 90 minutes after dark, YOU WILL BE REWARDED! These fish are easy to feed and can be found all over the lake. Late fall is always a tad chilly but dress warm, bring some coffee for you or cocoa for the kids and have a ball.

Wishing every one of our Angler Magazine readers a very Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah. See you on the pond.

• Fly Fishing Trips • Rentals • Clinics & Classes • Apparel

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

11/13/17 10:38 PM

Local Rivers & Fly Fishing Where Can You and Your Money Find Safety and Opportunity at the Same Time?

by Ed Garcia Prosperitas Financial LLC www.prosperGA.com 404-925-3052 The life insurance industry has the best IRS-approved retirement savings plan today, and most advisors know nothing about it.

This retirement savings vehicle is not an IRA, it is not a ROTH, it is not whole-life insurance, and it is not an annuity. Despite sales of around 1 billion dollars last year, it still may be the financial industry’s number one secret – Indexed Universal Life.

You may find it interesting that according to government disclosures, recent Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernancke himself, has the majority of his liquid wealth invested in life insurance financial products, not with banks or mutual fund products. What’s more, the nation’s largest banks invest immense sums of their Tier 1 capital reserves – a bank’s most important asset and key measure of strength – into permanent life insurance.

Why IUL? 1. Safety – Enormous losses in today’s stock market remind us of the danger in investing without guarantees. Higher returns and never lose principal.

2. Earnings in addition to guaranteed rates.

3. Valuable tax benefits – your money grows tax deferred, and insurance proceeds are tax free.

4. Asset protection – life insurance assets are a favored asset in all states. Bankruptcy and creditor protected.

5. Income tax-free death benefit.

6. Unlike many retirement plans, you have easier access to your money. Today with most qualified plans, your money is in a straightjacket until retirement.

For a no-cost review, or to learn more about IUL products, please contact me on my personal cell phone number 404-925-3052.

professional auto & marine detailing

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106 Scott oak dr., suite c, Lake Oconee

IS YOUR FAMILY GOING TO STRUGGLE FINANCIALLY IF THEY LOSE YOUR INCOME? They don’t have to.

Life insurance rates are the lowest they have ever been! Call me today for a personalized quote.

By John Rice Blackhawk Fly Fishing jriceflyfishing@gmail.com

The Inchworm Pattern

Providing the personalized service of a local agent, we shop & compare highly-rated life insurance companies so you always get the best possible rates!

Thread : 8/0 Uni-Thread, chartreuse Hook : Tiemco TMC #2487 Body : Chartreuse micro chenille

Ed Garcia 404-925-3052

If we do not have too many cold fronts, this would be the last month to fish an inchworm pattern. This is a very simple but effective pattern especially where trees or other foliage drapes over the stream.

ed@prosperGA.com www.prosperGA.com

Planning, preserving & protecting your future.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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Local Rivers & Fly Fishing

The Guide's Angle

Contributed By: Chris Scalley River Through Atlanta Guide Service

The Gift That Keeps Giving!

The gift that keeps giving! Take a man fishing you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish you feed him for life. For 22 years we have been teaching and guiding fly fishing to all ages and experience levels.

This Holiday Season consider giving a guided trip or a beginner class.

We offer inexpensive options like our group class held every Saturday beginning in March through June. This class is fun and casual where students stay active the whole 3 hour session where they learn basic casting mechanics and techniques on a beautiful lake from a stable dock. You can also arrange a private class that takes place on the Chattahoochee River where you learn about fly fishing while you catch fish.

Guided trips range from a half day for four hours on the river and a full day with lunch for eight hours. We provide all the gear, and customers will only need a Georgia fishing license and trout stamp if they choose to fish on the river. These guided trips can be catered towards wading or drift boat style. Just let us know so we can cater to your needs.

We have gift certificates available and can cater to large or small groups and single individuals.

For the hunting sportsman, please ask about our guided waterfowl hunts. We offer duck hunts for wild birds locally in the Chattahoochee River watershed, the Coosa River in Centre, AL and the Tennessee River in Langston AL. We hope everyone enjoys their Holiday Season, and we look forward to seeing you somewhere on the water!

CHATTOOGA RIVER The rivers of the South Carolina Mountains have been heavily stocked now from the South Carolina DNR, and many thanks go out to the folks of the Walhalla Fish Hatchery! The Delayed Harvest areas are fishing extremely well with many large fish being landed on a wide variety of flies. The large brook trout have beautiful spawning colors to them, and the rainbows have been in the 12”-16” average, with a few larger ones landed as well. The larger browns have been a great pleasure to catch as well with a great fight to land them. Our guides are putting people on large fish and taking great pictures to send them home with for bragging rights.

Fishing the bright and flashy has subsided now, as the fish in these areas have acclimated themselves to their new river surroundings. As the river temperatures have dropped with the outside temperatures dropping significantly, fishing lower in the water column has proved to be the best. Drifting larger heavy nymphs with smaller trailing nymphs has proved to be very successful. Fishing these tandem set-ups in the fast moving riffles, seams and slower water on a dead-drift will be necessary. At times of higher water conditions, a pinch of weight or a heavier lead fly will be needed to get your flies down to the holding fish. The rivers have plenty of water in them due to the heavy fall rainfalls we have received.

Colder water temperatures leads to the fish becoming a bit lethargic, and streamer fishing will need to be slower as well. Slowing down your strip and pauses will be the key to success. Casting the streamers into the heavier currents, letting them swing, and then stripping these flies through the seams, in the large deep pools and behind larger rocks in the runs will produce fish.

As the holidays are upon us, the “river crowd” tends to be a little less than usual, as many folks are shopping and attending holiday festivities.

We have found that even on a Saturday or Sunday, folks can have a great day on the river without having difficulty finding a great spot to fish.

From all of us here at Chattooga River Fly Shop, we want to wish everyone and their families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We look forward to seeing everyone out on the rivers. Stop by and see us Tuesday-Saturday 7am5pm, and Sundays 7am-2pm.

Scott Woods from Colorado with a beautiful Chattoga River brown 4 ATLANTA

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11/13/17 10:39 PM

Local Rivers & Fly Fishing

Casting Corner

Rene J. Hesse Certified Casting InstructorFederation of Fly Fishers & Atlanta Fly Fishing and Camping Meetup Organizer

Cold Weather Fly Fishing We are in the prime trout and striper fishing season here in Georgia. It tends to get cold, so we need to take a few things into consideration. Check out a few of the tips below to keep the cold days on the water pleasurable.

First, do an equipment check.

If you striper fish in the early fall, you may be using a line that has a monofilament core and a hard coating. Those lines perform well in the heat because they will not get limp or sticky, but in the winter and cold weather they will become stiff and coil in the worst way. Change lines to a multi-filament core and a more supple coating. An easy way to know what the right line is just buy the line that tells you it is for striper! Generally, it will have the taper and construction you need for cold weather striper fishing. Before I knew much about lines, I would just (try to) use my tarpon lines. Big mistake, but no one had told me, or maybe I just didn’t put in the time to find out.

Trout fishing is in full swing, and getting out on the river with a line with the wrong core and coating will cause a lot of frustration for several reasons. Unlike striper that will strike so hard it will shake you to your core, trout are often pursued

with slack line casts and small fly tactics that are hard to tell when you have a strike. If you have coils in your line that are not intended such as when you are high-sticking, you will not feel the strike. Another important task during cold weather fishing for trout is to straighten out your line and leader before you get on the water. Hand stretch it so it will perform the way it should, and you can shoot it through your guides and detect strikes.

The next thing to remember is to bring a full change of clothes. I keep a plastic box in my truck all winter with a full change from socks and long underwear to coats and hats and a blanket. Once you are wet, get out of the clothes, and if you see someone that is wet, give them the clothes. You will get them back, and the other person will never forget you for that.

Investing in the right gear and clothes is worth the investment.

Saying you saved a ton of money on that cotton sweater rather than investing in wool or saying “We could shoot the bonefish line like crazy down in the Keys, so I’m going to use it for striper”, is probably not a good idea. Visit our local fly shop to get the right gear and enjoy your cold weather fishing. Don’t fight it.

JACKSON LAKE

By Brian Lee leebrian16 @yahoo.com

Water temperature: mid 70’s, lake level: full, water clarity: stained/clear.

The fall pattern is in full swing.

As the bait have migrated to the backs of pockets, the bass have followed. The early bite can be hit or miss, so concentrate on

any kind of rock with a square bill crankbait. The crankbait bite should last all day as the bass are willing to chase baits.

As the colder weather approaches, the crankbait will get better. Also throw a jerkbait in the same areas. The worm and jig is always a good bait this time of year as well. Fish will be schooled up, so spend some time in an area when you do catch one. Till next month, tight lines.

Post a Picture of your catch!

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Guided Fly Fishing for Trout, Trophy Trout and Float Trips

DECEMBER 2017

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11/13/17 10:39 PM

FALL IS HERE - IT’S TIME TO GET OUTSIDE & EXPLORE

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11/13/17 10:40 PM

Local Rivers & Fly Fishing Winter Fly Fishing

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Contributed by Capt. David Hulsey International Federation of Fly Fishers Master Certified Casting Instructor http://www.hulseyflyfishing.com 770-639-4001

The winter season is one of the most beautiful and serene times to be on the water.

Long gone are the crowds of fall leaf lookers and throngs of fisher folk hanging out in every hole and run on your favorite trout stream. For sure, the thoughts of rising trout are still bubbling around in your head, but seldom do the icy waters of our highland streams squeeze out a bug while in winter’s frozen grip.

The exceptionally weird warm sunny day in this season might show you a few Tiny Black Stones or Black Caddis or maybe a Black Midge or two. The likelihood of a trout having the will to break the surface after one of these little bugs is a long shot at best. Still though, I carry a small box of floating imitations just in case. If a trout pokes his nose through, I want to be there to greet him!

Normally, the slow moving, late morning arriving nymph fisher will be the lucky one with a bent rod at this time of year. The trout are usually glued to the bottom at first light and only an accurate presentation to the nose of the fish is about all that will trigger a reaction strike. When the sun gets above the horizon and bathes the river in golden light, the trout maybe will start to eat a little. One small degree of rise of water temperature is what you’re looking for. Spotting a single insect rising from the waters surface is a notable sign that the fishing is getting ready to get good.

Make it as easy as possible for the trout to eat your offering. If you can spot a fish, adjust the depth of your drift with weight, an indicator, or by mending until your fly is on the fish’s level. One sure way to tell if your flies are in their faces is to use a highly visible fly tied around a foot away from the nymph the fish should be eating. This way you can visibly see the flies approach the trout. If the fish “winks” at you, set the hook as he may have ate it! Or if the visible fly shifts position or stops drifting, stick him! A good pair of polarized glasses are required to do this and are as valuable as your fly rod as far as I’m concerned.

Give us a call to set up your holiday season fly fishing trip. Noontootla Creek Farms fishes great in the winter, so check out our website at www. ncfga.com and get ready for some cold weather action!

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Local Lakes & Forecasts LAKE LANIER STRIPER Forecast By: Steve Scott http://TeamLanier.wordpress.com/menu November was the continuance of junk fishing as we call it. It means that you would use anything available to catch a striper because of the turnover onset with the cause being a myriad of water temperatures. That is why I said November was “River Time” this year. The water temperatures remained consistent and the turnover did not affect the water as much in the river as in deeper water. December water temperatures will be a little colder as expected and the turnover will be coming to an end soon. With the water temperatures in the rivers in the low sixties falling into the fifties, it makes for an excellent time to fish for stripers in the rivers. Pulling baits like trout and all sizes of gizzard shad against the flow using inline planer boards and diagonal bobbers remains my choice of pattern.

Being the end of this year it’s time to mention a summary of tips we have used this year. What is your recipe for success? Check last years’ log for the same time period for temperature, conditions and techniques; go with what you know; go where you caught before; share experiences with those in

your buddy network; and here are some Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind: Do’s make decisions with safety in mind; always give drag when fighting a striper; use GPS trails to navigate; set a time limit and stick to it - set an alarm; when the fishing area gets crowded leave - too many pings affect fish; learn from others; change your presentation if fish stop biting; if marking fish with no bites come back later; if fish are not taking bait in one direction, go in the opposite direction; if you suspect a bite, pick up the rod and tug or tighten the line; and pull at different speeds or do crazy Ivans.

Don’ts - when pulling bait in the wind, never quickly go to anchor or spot lock with lines out; don’t put out full complement of rods when checking a new area; don’t be discouraged by others telling you it’s not time for this or that; don’t leave fish to find fish; don’t pass the rod from one to another with a fish on; don’t get too greedy with too many lines out; and a Fish is a Fish is a Fish - if you are striper fishing and catch something else, enjoy it.

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11/13/17 10:43 PM

Local Lakes & Forecasts A Great Place To Stay In Blue Ridge.

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Escape the holiday madness and head to one of the best smallmouth and spotted bass lakes in North Georgia. The temperatures may be cold and bitter but this beautiful mountain lake in Blue Ridge, Georgia offers some awesome fishing possibilities from trophy smallmouth to hard fighting spotted bass and walleye. This lake is guaranteed to get the bah-humbug out of anyone.

Currently the lake is down 8 feet below full pool, and water temps are at 69 degrees. Water clarity is clear on the main lake and slightly stained in the creeks The smallmouth and spots have been feeding strong. There has been an excellent early morning topwater bite all over the lake. Work rocky points, ledges and shallow areas that have been holding bait. These guys have been hitting just about anything you can throw at them—Spooks, Torpedoes, jerkbaits, and buzzbaits have been some big producers. Live bluebacks on planer boards and weighted free lines have also been working well. The fish should move deeper through mid-day. Try down lining bluebacks and large bass minnows to hook up with the larger smallmouths and largemouths that have been clinging on the bottom of

points.

Now that the water temps are getting cooler, the walleye are starting to come up from the deeper water column. These Lake Blue Ridge walleyes will head out of the channel toward the river and shallow ledges.

Look for these fish in the 20 to 30 feet range. Good December techniques to target walleye are slow trolling jointed Shad Raps and live bluebacks.

With walleye being so sensitive to light, the early morning and dusk bite is going to be your best chance catch these boys.

We want to wish everyone out there a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thanks for an awesome year of fishing, and we hope to see you in 2018. Remember, December is a fantastic month for catching a lot of trophy smallmouth and bass 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 Blue Ridge’s best fish during the fishing trip of a lifetime.

We are Blairsville, GA’s premier full-time guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lakes Hiwassee, Chatuge, and Nottely. And for all your live bait and tackle needs, check out Hughes General Store in Blairsville, GA. They carry everything you need for a successful day of fishing and have the best live herring around. So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in Angler Magazine, and let us help you get your fish on!

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11/13/17 10:44 PM

Local Lakes & Forecasts ALLATOONA

to Bartow Carver beach. That bite is hit and miss right now and will remain that way until the mid-section of the lake completely turns over. Most of the fish we are catching right now are 18 - 24 feet deep and can be found on Linesides fishing is getting better. points, humps and flats early. After the The bite is starting to improve and sun comes up, your best bet will be out will only get better as we enter into over the river channel. The topwater November. The sea gulls should be bite right now is decent but look for it showing up in the next week or two and to pick up in early December. this will make finding the white fish Remember to be universal when it a little easier on all of us. Right now I comes to techniques this time of year. am spending most of my time on the Striper Soup has plenty of bait on hand north end of the lake. Using freelines right now. We still have plenty of days and planer boards early and downlines open for December so give us a call after the sun gets up. After that, trolling at 770-827-6282 and book your trip out how exceptional service, U-Rigs and using jigging spoons paired will today.with the Sotheby’s be the key to catching numbers on d advantage, will truly bring you extraordinary results!

Allatoona for the next few weeks.

The best bite going right now is from Little River to the S-Turns and then there is a secondary bite from Kellogg’s

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DECEMBER 2017

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Local Lakes & Forecasts Crappie Chronicles Part Two:

A Brand New Unused Saturday Morning

by Dickelsby James Brown singing “I Feel Good” would be proud of the way The North Georgia Crappie Club produced their eagerly attended ParentChild fishing event on Lake Lanier in Gainesville, GA. Well, I can’t really account for James Brown, but I am very sure that O’Neill Williams, who’s radio show is introduced with this energetic tune, was certainly proud as he was the Honorary Event Chairman of the event and he told me so! Oh wait, you don’t know who O’Neill is? Well, just listen in as I have for years with countless other outdoor enthusiasts on WSB at 4:00am Saturday mornings and enjoy two hours of top notch enlightening fishing and hunting oriented conversation from the North Georgia Mountains.

Bolding Mill Park was the launch and the lunch site for the group with boats entering the water at safelight [7:00am] and returning for weigh-in and hot dogs at noon. There were grown-ups and kids all over the lake from docks to boats working on bringing home some crappie, bass and catfish.

I was honored to be included with Mike Dyer, club media chief and Gary McConnell,

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the dedicated club photographer, in Mike’s Carolina Skiff visiting as many participants as we could. Our first stop was the large dock at Harbor Point. There were many participants, young and old, ready to share their fun experiences and show off their catch.

Nice to meet Lilly and Rosie Richards. They already had a nice crappie, and their folks supplied plastic bags with their names on them for their catch. Lilly, the older sister, told me how they really enjoyed this event and were very appreciative of the opportunity to participate with the other kids and their parents. I quickly noticed that not one cellular device was being fingered anywhere in sight, a sure sign we might be on to something here!

As the noon hour approached, the boats and cars full of young participants along with their folks started their return to the spacious Bolding Mill Park picnic pavilion. The temperature was about 30 degrees warmer than when we first began, and the ice tea and plentiful hotdogs grilled to perfection became very, very popular!

Soon the fish weigh-in began with the kids lined up to enter their catch. The crowd enjoyed cheering for each entry. The proceedings continued while the winners received their trophies and then lined up for the big treat of the day:

a brand new fishing rod and reel personally handed out by the aforementioned O’Neill Williams to each and every one of the participants!

O’Neill typically signs-off each radio broadcast with the charge “If you are too busy to take a kid hunting or fishing, then you are just too busy”.

Yes, O’Neill along with the leaders of the club and all the parents were in ‘full-beam-smile’ mode surrounded with 100 kids having the best time of their summer’s end.

The North Georgia Crappie Anglers Club, founded many years ago by Woodie Malone, meets on a regular basis and features a variety of fishing and social opportunities including work sessions to build feeding stations and fun competitive crappie fishing tournaments. You can check them out by phoning Woodie at 770-6346539 or link to www.northgeorgiacrappieanglers.com The club and its members along with the nice folks at The Angler Magazine also want you to know that the club gets lots of support from Sherry’s Bait and Barbecue providing baits with all sizes of shad and trout along with a wide variety of fishing tackle, and of course a full BBQ menu with dine in or take out service. They are located on the Dawsonville Highway and can be reached at 678-971-5607.

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11/13/17 10:44 PM

Local Lakes & Forecasts Huntin’ for Bass and Fishin’ for Deer By: Ryan Kennedy YouTube: Ryan Kennedy Fishing Instagram: ryankfishing ryankfishing@gmail.com

As an avid outdoorsman, this time of year means one of two major things. It’s either time to hit the lake or go hang up in a tree somewhere waiting on a whitetail. Now for me, that choice leans much more towards hunting this time of year due to the limited deer season. I’ve got all year to chase those bass all over the lake, but this time of year is special. It’s another opportunity to experience the blessings of nature all around us.

If you are a hunter like myself, you know that when it comes to deer hunting, your season consists of about 99% of a waiting game and a 1% timeframe of sheer blood-pumping action. With all of that time thinking to yourself, a man can just about explore every thought that pops into his mind.

Sometimes we think about when a big buck is going to walk out from our building anticipation or you’re probably thinking about what your wife made for dinner that night because for some reason your new equipment for the season doesn’t seem to bring in deer every thirty seconds like the commercial on T.V. Instead all it brought in was a hefty credit card bill that you will get an ear full about at the dinner table. It’s alright Hoss, give it another year or two and all that money spent will pay off when that “record deer” you saw on camera comes walking by.

All kidding aside though, I have used a lot of my thinking time to

realize that hunting is a whole lot like fishing and fishing is a whole lot like hunting. Think about it. Go back in the memory book to sitting on a riverbank with a Zebco 33 in hand with no crazy lures, but rather just a cricket, a couple split-shot weights, and a bobber. We sat there and waited for the fish to come to us. THAT was fishing. Of course, now we speed all around the lake at 110 miles per hour casting non-stop until we find a willing fish.

As I thought about waiting on a fish to come to me, I realized that’s exactly what I was doing in the deer stand. I was simply waiting for a deer to stroll on by, so I could let a meat missile fly out of my Hoyt. With all of that said, the word ‘hunting’ comes across as an extreme pursuit of an animal just like modern-day fishing. So, which is it? Do we hunt for fish and fish for deer? If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?

Quite frankly it really doesn’t matter. You know as well as I do that there isn’t much in life that is as rewarding as waking up in the dark hours of early morning to watch the world come alive around you as the sun rises. It’s our passion and it’s in our blood. We actively pursue it because it brings us joy. It’s just something to think about next time you are out in a tree stand or flying down the lake. So, whichever choice you make next, tight lines and shoot straight!

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DECEMBER 2017

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December is finally here and the majority of us have Christmas and the holiday season on our minds.

But when the horrid shopping mall lines and the stress of gift buying get to be too much, why not catch some relief by hitting the lake for some early winter fishing. In North Georgia, no other lake is better to do that on than Lake Nottely, and some of our best fish can be caught during the month of December.

Lake Nottely is currently about 12 feet below full pool. Water temps are still in the lower 60’s. Lake clarity is clear and stained in the backs of creeks.

Striper fishing has been excellent lately. The bigger fish are really starting to come up in the water column and are headed towards shallow humps and into the creeks.

We’ve already had many stripers in the 15 to 25 pound range. Look for these big stripers anywhere from Conley Creek to point 7 and all the way up to point 9. This is a great time of year to start using bigger bait.

Start off by pulling planer boards and free-lines early in the morning.

Live bluebacks and gizzard shad are working best. Topwater bite has been wicked good and should be getting

even better as the water continues to cool, so as you’re pulling baits, keep a Red Fin or a Spook tied on and work those banks and points. As the sun comes up and the day gets warmer, the fish will move a little deeper.

Switch to down lines and weighted free lines. Remember, this is the time of year to keep an eye out for seagulls.

Where there are birds, there is bait, and where there is bait, there are fish.

We want to wish everyone out there a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thanks for an awesome year of fishing, and we hope to see you in 2018. Remember, December is a fantastic month for catching a lot of stripers and bass 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, GA’s premier full-time guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lakes Hiwassee and Chatuge (in North Carolina), and Lake Blue Ridge. And for all your live bait and tackle needs, check out Hughes General Store in Blairsville, GA. They carry everything you need for a successful day of fishing and have the best live herring around.

So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in Angler Magazine, and let us help you get your fish on!

DECEMBER 2017

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December 3rd Full Cold Moon

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Local Lakes & Forecasts LAKE BURTON

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Trout: The brown trout are beginning to group up in the mouths of the creeks with the milder water temps we’ve had lately. We have been catching these fish on small jerk baits (Rapala Countdowns in Rainbow Color). We have also been using a Kastmaster Spoon (Silver/ Blue). Try working these baits and spoons very rapidly in about 2 to 12 feet of water. Most of the bigger brown trout are hanging in 12 to 18 feet of water. Look for the schools of blue-back herring surfacing; the trout will be close by. These are good locations for casting a small Heddon Tiny Torpedo.

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the backs of pockets the last few days with good success. The frog bite seems to be working early in the morning and midday on cloudy rainy days. The main lake points and humps are loaded with spotted bass. Most of these fish are biting Topwater Sammy’s or Spro Mcsticks. Try making a few casts over a shallow point or hump. Typically the fish will kick up and start schooling on the surface. This is a perfect ambush time for a topwater bait. Don’t be surprised if you catch a 6-pound spotted bass. Look for the bass to start migrating a little deeper over the next few weeks. The spoon bite should kick in as the water temps dive into the 50s.

Walleye: The walleye bite has been a little slow lately with the milder water temps we have had. Look for these fish to start feeding up shallow (12-20 feet) over the next few weeks. Trolling small colorful crankbaits this time of year is the most effective way to catch these fish and cover a lot of water. December is my favorite time of year to catch the bigger walleye in Georgia. Good Luck!

DECEMBER 2017

ATLANTA 15

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Local Lakes & Forecasts LAKE MARTIN Forecast By: Capt David Hare 256-401-3089 Alex City Guide Service Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Lake Martin is beautiful this time of year. Pretty weather, pretty water and most of all BETTER THAN pretty good fishing (it’s awesome) in December. Most any given day in December you are subject to seeing gulls and fish busting bait balls on top of the water. If you’re lucky enough to be in casting distance when this happens, cast something topwater past the bait and work it back thru the ball of bait and hang on tight!

If topwater isn’t working for you, then try casting a swimbait, spoon or bucktail jig in the bait ball, let it drop about 3-5 seconds, then start working your choice of lure back to you. This sometimes will not only produce fish but bigger fish that hang just a touch deeper than the other fish that’s in a feeding frenzy. Another lure or rig not to overlook is an umbrella rig (my

favorite is Capt Mack’s) trolling it per the directions that are packaged with each rig. The other rig to try is the “A” rig that can be cast, but beware you need to back off your drag some because a big striper or several bass are likely to hit it at same time.

If there’s ever a better time than spring to land a trophy striper it is definitely December here on Lake Martin. We couldn’t haul in a pickup truck all the trophy stripers that we have caught in December over the years. My favorite trophy bait in December is gizzard shad and red horse suckers being pulled behind planer boards. If you want to have some fun and get your blood flowing, come go planer boarding with us in December and watch the explosions that we get to witness most any day in December.

Be a hit on Christmas morning by giving an Alex City Guide Service gift certificate to your family and or friends. Call me at 256-401-3089 and I’ll take care of the rest. Remember, it can be redeemed any time within 12 months from purchase, so you don’t even have to plan the trip for them!

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16 ATLANTA

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Find Your Georgia Grown Products Here If you’ve ever driven past Stripling’s while the smoker is rolling, you’ve probably smelled it. It’s the glorious aroma of pork ribs cooking to perfection the way it was intended, slow and with plenty of smoke. Stripling’s ribs, either St. Louis style or baby back, are the perfect main course for your next tailgate or really anytime you crave authentic barbecue. Seasoned with Stripling’s Famous Pork Rub, these are not the ribs you get at a barbecue chain, they are competition-quality barbecue and pair well with any of the multitude of sauces available at the store. Stripling’s ribs are pre-packaged and ready to roll out the door, allowing you drop in, grab some grub and be on your way. Or, if you’ve got an event planned that calls for a bunch of good food, call ahead and make a special order. They’ve got all the fixin’s to make a meal out of it. Cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans and fantastic Brunswick stew made in-house round out the perfect barbecue meal. They also have smoked chickens, half or whole, Boston butts and hams if you’re looking for a little variety. So let Stripling’s handle the cooking for

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11/13/17 10:46 PM

Local Lakes & Forecasts The Tennessee, Wilson Dam and Brian Barton Sheffield, Alabama is easy to find. From my cabin in North Georgia seems all one has to do is drive to Chattanooga and follow the Tennessee River through Alabama and you’ll end up in Sheffield. That’s good. North Alabama is dominated by the Tennessee. Every town, multiple bridges all lead along the river to Sheffield and beyond.

But I’m slow in getting to my story.

Brian Barton and I had been trying to schedule a fishing trip to the river for some years but have always gotten waylaid somehow by rain, storms or what not. This time it came together. Jeff Alligood, my show cameraman, editor and all-round partner for the last 25 years, and I drove over on an early morning in October and located Brian at the dock and ramp about a mile downstream from Wilson Dam which holds back Wheeler Lake and pushes fertile waters down into Pickwick Lake.

It seems that fall’s falling seasonal temperatures invite billions of baitfish upstream from Pickwick to the hard surfaces of the dam to spawn. Wilson Dam is a huge structure belching water full of baitfish and a variety of gamesters that I’ve never witnessed.

Get this picture. Brian operates a perfectly adapted War Eagle fishing boat for these waters. It’s large, spacious and all set up for boating large fish in large numbers. You do not want to try this the first few times on your own. You need Brian.

The bait? Threadfin and gizzard shad that Brian has already caught.

Tackle, relatively light line, say 10 or 12, small split shot and a Tru-Turn red light wire hook.

Method? Brian navigates the boat to a special rocky flat behind the dam and we toss the live baits along the edge of the current and allow them to sink among the boulders, huge car size dark shadows in the current, and then just hold on.

Whatayacatch? First of all, you get bit every cast, yes, every cast.

Brian and I fished along the flat up against the dam and downstream less than 100 yards. In an hour or so, we caught largemouth bass up to four pounds, smallies to six, channel cats 18 ATLANTA

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to three pounds, black drum up 12 or so, hooked and lost stripers and/ or blue cats up to, I’m guessing here, sixteen to thirty pounds that we simply could not get out of the rocks, and even some very respectable two plus pound white bass. Many of his clients have boated blues to 70 pounds, largemouth to 12, garfish to 5 feet, white bass upwards to 4 and drum to 40 pounds.

Brian fished for about an hour after we left that day. He had caught a six pound smallie and sent me the photo.

Brian has a constant stream of clients with many making lifetime catches.

Do you have to be an experienced tactician and angler? Not really. A rank amateur or child will get his string stretched dozens of times. I guarantee that if you have Brian and two anglers, someone will have a fish on the line all the time. It’s almost impossible to describe.

There’s not much else to say really.

Tell you what, look at the photos and use your imagination. Contact Brian and ask him to get the War Eagle ready because you’re on the way over.

For contact information and a host of photos of giant catfish, stripers, bass and drum, your anticipated catch of the day, find Brian at http:// www.brianbartonoutdoors.com

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Local Lakes & Forecasts

Winterize Your Boat

by David Randall

When the temperature starts falling close to freezing and water is left inside your engine or gear case, the results could be a cracked block or housing and a repair bill in the spring that runs from hundreds to thousands of dollars. It is easy enough to prevent this unhappy circumstance by putting our boat’s engine to bed properly at the end of the boating season. Oxidation and rust never stops, but freezing kills.

Allowing corrosion to flourish during the off-season is less dramatic but equally destructive. Corrosion can establish a foothold on idle components, so liberal use of corrosion inhibitors, both internal and external, is a second guiding principle for winterizing.

Many fishermen use their outboard powered boat year round, so I will concentrate on the I/O and inboard boat winterizing procedures that we follow here at Randall Marine in Phenix City, AL. If your owner’s manual includes winterizing instructions, then that is the procedure you should follow.

In the absence of manufacturer’s instructions, I will list the engine winterizing procedure we use at Randall Marine for I/O and inboard boats. Some steps on our list may not apply to your particular engine.

The only items you should need to complete the task yourself, other than your engine’s normal lubricants are: an aerosol can of fogging oil, a fuel stabilizer and for inboards and I/O’s, a gallon or two of nontoxic propylene glycol antifreeze.

If your engine has a closed water cooling system, drain and replace the coolant. Most coolant loses its anti-corrosion properties over time, so replacing it every year with a fresh 50-50 mix protects the inside of your engine.

Check your engine oil and filter, and change if necessary. Add a good fuel stabilizer and fill your fuel cell to 90% to prevent internal condensation in the tank.

Check your fuel filter, replace if necessary and check for fuel leaks.

Crank the motor and allow it to warm up and distribute the stabi-

lized fuel thru the fuel system. While the engine is running, remove the flame arrestor and spray fogging oil into the air intake. Give it an extra heavy shot just as the engine starves and dies. DO NOT spray fogging oil into any fuel injected motor.

Extend the control cables from their housings and coat them with grease. If you cannot remove them, tape an oil-filled bag tightly around the high end of the housing; the oil will work its way down the cable.

Lubricate linkages and pivots.

Spray any unpainted parts of the motor with anti-corrosion protectant.

If your boat has a stern drive you will need to follow the above list for protecting the engine, but add to that several items from the outboard list for protecting the lower end. An additional requirement is filling the drive shaft housing with the appropriate lubricant. Remember that a stern drive needs to be in the full-down position for draining the water passages and for checking or adding gear lube. Store it in the down position.

If you are going to store your outboard engine, follow these simple guidelines.

Use a flushing attachment or run the outboard in a tank filled with clean water. While the engine is still running, disconnect the fuel line from the engine. When the engine dies, the fuel delivery components will be empty, preventing gums from forming in the stagnant gasoline and clogging lines and jets or injectors.

Before the engine runs out of fuel, spray fogging oil into the carburetor(s). Fogging oil is an anticorrosive that will protect the internal surfaces of the carburetor and the cylinders. Typically the engine will run rough just before it runs out of fuel. As that happens, give the carburetor(s) a heavier shot of fogging oil to make sure internal surfaces are fully coated.

Disconnect the flush attachment or remove the motor from the flush tank. With the motor upright, let all water drain out of the pick-up.

Open drain plugs (if any, see your owner’s manual) to empty the powerhead and intermediate housing.

Rotate the flywheel of the motor a couple of times by hand or “bump” it with the starter to empty the water pump. If the motor will be exposed to freezing conditions, it is essential that no water remains inside.

Remove the spark plugs and spray fogging oil into the holes to coat the interior surfaces of the cylinders.

Rotate the flywheel a few turns to spread the oil on the cylinder walls.

While the plugs are out is the time to check them and re-gap or replace as required. Reinstall the spark plugs.

Clean all pivots and visible gears and protect them for the winter with oil or grease, as specified in your owner’s manual.

Use lubricant specified in your owner’s manual. Fill oil tank. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the tank.

Clean and lubricate your propeller shaft, and have the propeller serviced if it has signs of damage or

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Drain your fuel tank and fuel supply lines. If emptying the tank completely is not practical for your boat, then top it off to 95% full. Gasoline with ethanol is subject to phase separation if water gets into the fuel, which it will surely do with a halfempty tank over the winter. Filling the tank limits the air space inside the tank and reduces the potential for internal condensation. If you cannot drain your tank, STABILIZE the fuel. If you leave your tank full, dose it with an appropriate amount of gasoline stabilizer to combat the formation of passage-clogging gums.

This may seem like a lot of preventive work, but your spring boating pleasure will be better assured if you have taken the time to protect your boat, your motor and your trailer from possible winter damage.

Be sure to call Randall Marine, 334298-1313, if you have any questions about this article or need to schedule your boat for service in our service department.

DECEMBER 2017

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Local Lakes & Forecasts Lake Lanier in December – Fish the Ditches Contributed By: Jim “Jimbo” Mathley www.jimboonlanier.com While the outside elements are not always favorable, December and throughout the winter can offer some outstanding angling on Lake Lanier. Big sacks of spotted bass can be taken during these cold-weather months if you approach the lake with an open mind and are willing to try some different techniques and locations. Let’s explore one productive approach to Lanier in December – the ditches.

Ditches: A ditch can be defined as a significant depression, typically narrow in width (2-15 feet), which offers a sharp depth change of 2 feet or more from the surrounding structure. Ditches can be naturally occurring or can be man-made.

These features exist in many places on Lake Lanier, and they hold fish during the winter months.

Ditches can be shallow or deep, and sometimes both depending on the length and location of the ditch.

I look for this year, with the lake down from full pool significantly, to offer an excellent ditch bite. The lake being down will concentrate the bait and fish in those predictable locations as the water continues to cool. Look out. This could be an incredible month!

Your Search: Use your Lowrance HDS electronics with 3D Structure Scan to find creek arms or pockets just off of the main creek channels that offer a deep vein extending back into the arm or cove/pocket. The farther the deep water extends into the creek arm, the better. When you enter these areas and are searching for productive water, search for the presence of baitfish in and around the timber which you will find in the deeper water portions of the ditch.

If you do not find bait, you will not find fish. Leave and check other similar areas. Start your search in 40 feet of water in the mouth of the ditch and work your way back. Start fishing when you find the bait.

Technique: Once you find a creek arm that meets the above criteria, you must now determine how you are going to fish these potentially productive waters. Your approach should be determined by the location of the bait and time of day.

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will often be positioned shallower in the ditch, towards the back and sometimes right in the middle. Your presentation speed should vary directly with the water temperature.

The colder the water, the slower your presentation should be. Experiment with different lures and retrieve speed to determine the optimum strike provoking presentation on any given day. Following are some baits and techniques to try as you explore the ditches on Lake Lanier: SuperSpin – My favorite for this time of year. Cast this bait down the center of the ditches in which you have found bait and fish. Work the bait slowly on the bottom and be alert for very light bites. Make sure to let the fish load up on the bait before you set the hook. That is the toughest part of this approach. It is easy to feel the first bite and immediately set the hook. Resist the temptation and keep reeling slowly until the fish “loads up”. Use a boot-tail type trailer as the water gets colder. The vibration of this type of trailer helps the fish zero in on the bait.

Crankbait – When the fish are shallower in the ditches, particularly in the mornings, a crankbait can be an effective search bait. Fan cast the back of pockets and ditches with a crankbait and, as with the Super Spin, work the bait slowly and deliberately. The more the bait bumps and deflects off the bottom and acts erratically, the better. Deep diving crankbaits such as the Spro Little John DD work great for this application, but don’t hesitate to experiment with other options in this arena as well, such as shallow and medium diving baits. The Spro MD or Little John Baby DD are excellent options.

Jig/Worm – When the fish are not as active, a jig or worm fished in the ditches can be effective. Work the baits SLOWLY on the bottom. Make sure to pause the bait frequently and impart some pops and hops in the presentation. This can be key to triggering strikes. Play with color selection on both the jig and worm. I like the Chattahoochee Jigs and Cross Ball options for all of my bottom bumping presentations. Use a Yamamoto Twin Tail trailer on the

Chattahoochee Jig and a Zoom Trick worm as a trailer on the Cross Ball.

As the day progresses, particularly on sunny days, the bait and fish will move into the deeper portions of the ditch and will relate to the available cover, such as brush or standing timber. Presenting a Chattahoochee Jig, drop shot worm by Lanier Baits, or jigging spoon to these fish can

be effective as well. Make sure to experiment with different places and approaches as the lake fishes differently each day. Stay flexible and enjoy more success.

Good luck and I’ll see y’all on the water! For more information or to book your winter trip, contact Jimbo on Lanier! 770-542-7764. Jimbo’s Website: www.jimboonlanier.com

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Local Lakes & Forecasts

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DECEMBER 2017

ATLANTA 21

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Local Lakes & Forecasts Blue Ridge November Adventure!

By Dickelsby

Dear Readers: Merry Christmas!

You are reading this either before, during or after the Christmas season and all of us at the Angler Magazine wish you are totally enjoying the renewal of hope that our wonderful Christmas celebration brings to us each and every year.

“Hey! You Stripin’ or Bassin’?”

This burning question was rather excitedly asked by a driver pulling a bass boat through the bait and tackle parking lot where Nick Carter and Bob Rice of the Angler Magazine staff were meeting. It was 7:00 am and a very dark and chilly 32 degrees on Highway 515 in Blue Ridge. Well actually we replied “we were going after smallmouth, spots and hopefully a nice walleye”. OK he said, and then mumbled something before driving away about some kids with pre-dawn 10-pound bass off the bank!

Soon, Shane Goebel arrived with his beautiful well-equipped “Big Ol Fish” Carolina skiff and we all got quite a chuckle out of our unusual pre-dawn encounter as we headed over to the Blue Ridge Marina for a day of hopefully warming up and some hot fishing action! As we arrived the fog from the warm water and cold air mixing together totally engulfed the area with a sort of spooky atmosphere but enhanced the feeling that this just might be our lucky day to be here seeking big ol fish success!

It didn’t take long as the blue back herring lowered to about 33 ft went to work to see if the fish marked on the screen of the amazing on-board electronics would encourage a feeding frenzy, and boy did they ever! The

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action was fast and furious as two rigs were doubled over and the crew was calling out to grab and start reelin’. The first two big bass were beautiful spots that quickly went to photo op and then the live well.

Ok, before I get to tell you about the next hundred fish we caught (you never heard that fishermen sometimes tend to exaggerate a little?) I want you to know how beautiful and serene the surroundings are here on Lake Blue Ridge. It is now a few hours into our adventure and the temp has really warmed and the wind has calmed, and it is just flat out gorgeous out here!

Georgia’s Fannin County is home to the 3300 acre Blue Ridge Lake developed by the TVA in 1925. The creation of the dam on the Toccoa River was completed in 1930, and the hydroelectric facility came on stream and continues to produce till this day.

Back to the fishin’…the bite was right and the lines were tight all through the productive areas well known to our Guide Extraordinaire, Shane Goebel for Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. The smallmouth bass got into the action and showed off their tremendous athletic ability to resist being netted.

The large baits of blueback herring were provided by Darren Hughes, star of the September Angler cover, and he also now supplies the most wonderful Cathead biscuits from Hughes Store you could ever put in your mouth!

We truly had a great day with a terrific catch of smallmouth and spotted bass including a pretty nice catfish. You too can enjoy this experience by contacting Big Ol’ Fish at 828-361-2021 or 1-844-4-Angler. Check out www.bigolfish.com for some great fish pics.

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Local Lakes & Forecasts LAKE LANIER STRIPERS Forecast by: Clay Cunningham www.catchingnotfishing.com 770-630-2673 After a great topwater month this November, look for the winter patterns to now fall into place.

The bait is now beginning to move into the creeks and the stripers are following them. Live bait will be hard to beat in December. The baitfish are now moving into the creeks in very large schools. Some of these schools are absolutely massive. On and off throughout the day the stripers will move through this bait and feast. You want to be waiting on the stripers with the traditional downline with blueback herring and rainbow trout.

Hard to say which will be best this year. Every year is different.

You will need the same setup for both of these baits, but you will need different size weights and hooks.

Spool up a Penn Squall 20 reel with fifteen pound Trilene Big Game clear line paired with a Shakespeare striper rod. You can use this setup year round for stripers. Tie a Carolina rig on the end with a Capt. Mack 2 ounce

swivel sinker and 5 foot leader of 12 pound Trilene 100% Flourocarbon and a Gamakatsu 3/0 octopus hook. If the trout are smaller, go with the 1/0 or 2/0 Gamakatsu Light Wire Octopus hook. On the herring, use the smaller 1 ounce Capt. Mack swivel sinker.

Also, on the herring use a smaller size 1 Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap hook and 12 pound Trilene 100 % Flourocarbon.

If you want to catch these fish on artificials, the spoon is a great choice.

Tie on a Capt. Mack Super Spoon and drop the spoon to the bottom and work it in a yo-yo type motion. Most of the bites will be on the fall of the spoon.

To find where these deep pods of bait are located, first look for any birds.

The birds always narrow your search.

Now that you are in the right area, the proper electronics are crucial. On the Humminbird Onix, you can see these huge pods of bait and even see your bait swimming around on the hook.

During the winter, do not be afraid to fish in the middle of the day. Many times in the winter the best fishing is during the warmest part of the day. It’s a win all the way around. See you on the water.

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DECEMBER 2017

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Local Lakes & Forecasts Benefits of Feeding Fish Food Contributed By: Logan Cowan sking@ilmenvironments.com Field Manager at SOLitude Lake Management “Why should I feed fish food to my fish?” As a Fisheries Biologist working on private ponds, this is one of the most common questions I receive each spring from clients hoping to enhance their fishery. In response to the question, I always explain that while fish food can significantly improve largemouth bass size and population structures, it is typically utilized to sustain forage fish.

The carrying capacity of forage fish is one of the most limiting factors of a bass fishery – but regularly feeding your forage can help grow forage populations that will push and extend the carrying capacity of your largemouth bass. Bass with access to as much forage as possible are more likely to reach their growth potential and stay on track to meet your fishery goals.

A great way to increase the production of forage for your largemouth bass is through the use of an

automatic fish feeder that administers high-quality feed. Fish feeders come in multiple sizes and offer an array of options to meet the needs of your particular fishery. Many of them come with automatic timers to disperse the feed on a specific regimen. They can be installed on the shore or on a dock or float in the middle of the waterbody. Many of them come with solar panels, which simplify the required maintenance.

To ensure that your fish are reaching their full potential, it is critical to examine the feed type, when and how the feed is administered, and even the placement of the feeder on your waterbody. A fisheries biologist can help you determine the best feed type for your fishery and recommend a suitable feeding schedule.

In addition to boosting the productivity of a fishery, an exciting benefit to a feeding program is that feeders encourage fish to congregate

in key spots along the shoreline. Having fish congregated around a dock or grassy area can greatly enhance the enjoyment that kids and adults experience, since feeders provide both children and grandchildren with reliable fun. Outside of increased catch rates of feed trained fish, such as bluegill, kids really enjoy watching the fish eat.

In addition to enhancing the forage base and providing kids with a smile on their face, automatic feeders are also an excellent option for “putand-take” fisheries that contain feed trained species such as hybrid striped bass, channel catfish or trout. In these fisheries, it is typical for the predator fish to feed directly on the fish feed, which helps to bypass the need for forage fish, while increasing the waterbody’s carrying capacity of predator fish.

Ultimately, there are three things to remember when feeding your fish.

Feeding can increase the carrying capacity of your lake, feeding can be entertaining for both kids and adults, and certain types of predator fish grow well on fish feed. Feeding fish can involve throwing a few handfuls food off your dock every morning, or utilizing feeders to dispense hundreds of pounds of high-quality feed per feeder each month. Overall feed-

ers are a great management tool that can be utilized to enhance a fishery as well as the experience of those fishing the waterbody. If you have questions related to feeding, reach out to an experienced fisheries biologist to help you determine your long-term fisheries goals and the best path to meet and exceed your expectations.

Logan Cowan is an experienced Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist with SOLitude Lake Management, an environmental firm providing a full array of superior lake, pond, wetland and fisheries management services and solutions. For more educational resources on industry best practices, technologies and trends, visit www. solitudelakemanagement.com/knowledge

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Local Lakes & Forecasts When Practice Does Not Go Well

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I can’t stress enough how important it is to get as much time on a body of water when you are planning on fishing a tournament. But what do you do when the practice does not go well? If you do not panic and keep an open mind, you will find that the tournament will turn out just fine.

The main thing I try to do when I’m having a bad practice for a tournament is I try not to panic. Just don’t take it too serious. I know it is easy to say rather than do, but trust me when I say don’t panic. Panicking can only do one thing: nothing!

Instead of panicking, try to do an assessment of exactly what you have been doing and work on a plan to change things up a bit. What I mean is the next day try to just start fresh with new baits, new locations and new colors. But whatever you do, just do not panic.

If you do, you are just going to make it that much harder to keep an open mind. One thing I also like to do when things get really, really tough in practice is that I always have a staple in my boat ready to go and that is a shaky-head. This bait seems to always put a fish in the boat or at least give me a bit of confidence in my mind.

Keep an open mind. When I say keep an open mind, it all starts from first not panicking, but more importantly, be willing to try a new approach to the areas you have the most confidence in. Try not to spend a lot of time running around the lake as it will not give you the ability to catch fish.

Running around the lake will only add to the pressure to find fish. Many times the solution is to just slow down, relax and fish. One thing is clear is that you have to know that you cannot go out the next practice day and do the same thing expecting different results. You have to keep an open mind to fishing each day you go out, and you have to look at the lake a totally different way and not put un-needed pressure on your mind.

I leave you with this when it comes to pre-fishing and having a bad practice day. It’s not a matter of if but a matter of when practice won’t go well. Just remember, you will overcome them especially if you keep a short memory and be ready to move forward. One thing for sure is don’t panic and keep an open mind, and you will make it through the tough days of practice.

Thanks for taking the time to read, and if you are a veteran or in law enforcement, I want to take you fishing. Please reach out to me at jaystriker@ jaystriker.com

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Local Lakes & Forecasts CARTERS LAKE

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

lakeandstreamguideservice@gmail.com

Water temperature: mid to low 60s, lake level: almost full pool, clarity: 6 feet.

Carters Lake in December can be a true test of willpower. For those that can brave the cold, the payoff can be great. Most mornings are frosty and a low fog lies on the water, but just below the surface lies fish that can make the trip worth it.

Big stripers and big spotted bass are what Carters is all about, and December can be a great month to put your hands on some.

We typically start our days pulling planer boards with trout trailing behind them about 6075 feet and always one downline about 25 feet down. I like mono leaders when the temps drop as the stretch in the cold water can be imperative. 20-pound is pretty much our go-to size. As far as areas to fish goes, look for life. Not just bait or fish marks on the screen, but life. Loons, fish popping on the surface, seagulls circling, any of these are sure signs of life in the area. Work the areas of interest thoroughly and don’t give up if the bite isn’t instant.

December is also a good month for topwater action from the striped fish here. They can be seen crushing 2 inch or smaller shad on the surface usually either first thing in the morning, but more often, last thing before sunset. Live shad, small spoons, small flukes and flies are the way to go.

Lastly, our other go-to technique in December is drop-shotting trout for big spots. It’s a simple technique as it’s more about marking the fish and dropping the bait on its head.

Find key areas that hold spots by using the sonar. Look for small pockets of fish held up in 20-40 feet of water near ramps and points and try to fish as vertical as possible over them and send the baits down.

You want them on the bottom.

The cooler water has the fish moving a little slower, but when they decide to eat, you will know it.

Allow the fish to fully eat the trout, otherwise you will pull the hook out of its mouth. For this reason I use circle hooks. 2/0 to 4/0 inline circles are perfect for trout, and after they eat the bait you can pretty much guarantee a solid hook up.

If you want to catch a 5-pound or bigger spot, December and January is the time to do it.

Stay warm and have a great holiday season from Lake and Stream Guide Service.

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Eric Welch Welch’s Guide Service www.welchsguideservice. com 706-455-2323 Water temperature: 64-67 degrees, lake level: 5.8 feet below full pool, water clarity: clear.

The topwater bite is not great, but you will find some fish breaking in the mornings. The breaking fish I’ve been finding have been in the back of pockets off the main lake and around flats. Try a Strike King Sexy Dawg, Whopper Plopper and a Zoom fluke.

Also, a ½ ounce Silver Buddy works

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good in the areas fish are breaking.

The best bite for me has been on a dropshot rig with a 6” Roboworm off points and around banks with rock.

You can also catch fish in around docks throwing a Zoom trick worm Texas rigged. The jig bite is working in the same areas as the Texas rig and drop shot. The bite is only going to get better as the water keeps cooling.

When it hits 55 degrees, then it’s time to pull out the umbrella rigs and the float-n-fly. If you’ve never fished these in the winter, you don’t know what you’ve been missing. These two rigs catch some big fish in the winter.

Give us a call for a great trip.

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Local Lakes & Forecasts

LARGE

LAKE LANIER CRAPPIE Forecast By: Dan Saknini, Lanier Crappie Angler’s Club. www.laniercrappieanglers.net Water temperature is about 67 degrees. As to be expected, you will notice cooler water temperatures the further north you go in the rivers.

Fishing is good and getting better.

The pattern is simple: submerged stand-alone brush piles in fifteen to twenty five feet should be your main targets. The main river channel north of Laurel Park on the Chattahoochee side and the main river channel in the Chestatee are both producing well.

Having said that, don’t overrule Four Mile and Six Mile Creek, staying in fifteen foot or greater depths. We are also noticing that some fish are moving to deeper docks in main river channels. You will notice a slight change in the

color of the water as you go further north.

This should work to your advantage as crappie prefer slightly stained water.

Jiffy Jigs, Bobby Garland, Mr. Crappie and Panfish Assassins have all been working well. If you prefer fishing with live bait, minnows are also working with a number six long shank hook and a slip cork. If you’re not familiar with slip corks, instructions on how to use them will be on the package.

Tight lining while trolling is another way to catch crappie on brush, using a jig tipped with minnows ten feet below the surface. This will require ten to twelve foot rods parallel with the water with up to four rods on each side of the trolling motor. Your line should be vertical while going at a very, very low speed. If your line is angled or horizontal, you are going too fast.

Enjoy fishing among the fall colors that have finally arrived on the lake.

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Local Lakes & Forecasts The 2018 Progressive Insurance Atlanta Boat Show Docks Jan. 18-21 Marking 56 years as the Southeast’s premier boating event, the 2018 Progressive® Insurance Atlanta Boat Show® makes its return Jan. 1821 at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta for four days filled with beautiful boats and gear, great deals, educational and DIY seminars, and a whole lot of fun.

From the most seasoned sailors to amateur anglers, there will be something for everyone at this year’s Show, including access to the nearly 500 boats that will fill the exhibit hall. Attendees will also have the chance to win a free half-day pontoon rental while they shop the best in fishing and watersport boats, yachts, pontoons, paddleboards, kayaks, personal watercraft (jet skis) and more, along with an extensive array of gear and accessories.

“The Atlanta Boat Show is one of the biggest in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions and we draw over 20,000 people each year to come see the latest and very best in boating,” said Show Manager Kevin Murphy. “Georgia is home to more

than 325,000 boats and has an annual economic impact of around 3 billion dollars each year. We can’t wait to show off all the great boats and new products at this year’s Show!”

With the region’s top boat dealers all under one roof, show-goers can take advantage of the best deals of the year, and have a new boat ready by spring just as temperatures start to rise. Among this year’s many features are the Let’s Go Fishing Center’s Big Bass Tank for live fishing demonstrations. Come down to perfect your cast and see the very latest in boating and fishing technology. And as your mind starts to think about warmer weather and getting out on the water, remember that life on the water has many health benefits – like boosted immunity, stress reduction and cardiovascular health – so what are you waiting for? Start making plans to be on the water this summer.

Also at the Atlanta Boat Show, guests can take a ride on the Sailing Simulator, used to get a feel for the wind and waves while on land, take

part in boating DIY workshops at Fred’s Shed, educational seminars on safety, sailing and boating 101, and take part in special promotions and guest appearances. Even the youngest boating fans will enjoy hanging out in the Kids Zone.

Tickets to the Show are $14 and youth 12 and under get in FREE (when accompanied by a paid adult). You can get $2 off tickets purchased online before Jan. 17.

All active military, law enforcement personnel and firefighters will receive one free ticket with valid ID. For Show tickets, times and more information, visit AtlantaBoatShow.com. Be sure to follow

the Atlanta Boat Show on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @ AtlantaBoatShow for updates, boat displays and features, and giveaways.

Mark your calendars and set sail for the Atlanta Boat Show Jan. 18-21, 2018!

WHEN: Jan. 18-21, 2018 Thursday-Friday, Jan. 18-19, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 21, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

WHERE: Georgia World Congress Center, Hall C, 280 Northside Drive, NW, Atlanta, GA 30314

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Local Lakes & Tournaments LAKE OCONEE

Ken Sturdivant ken@southernfishing.com

Lake Oconee is full with the water temperature in the low 60’s Bass fishing is fair. Most of the lake is clear with some stain up the rivers. Up the Oconee River flipping blow downs with a 1/2 ounce black jig can work a big fish but only get a few bites a day. Fish brush piles down lake in 15 to 20 foot of water using a Senko. Fish the bait on a Texas rig and work thru the brush very slowly. Remember, this time of year is all about the bait. Find it and you are more than likely going to find the fish. Flipping a zoom crawfish in the watermelon color

under docks where deep water is nearby will also bring you a few bites. Work all areas around the docks until you find where the fish are holding. With the Lowrance Structure Scan technology anglers can look under the lake’s many docks and count the fish. Not all docks have bass on them and search first and then fish.

Crappie fishing is good to very good. The fish are still on the submerged timber from 5 to 15 feet deep. Use your Lowrance to locate the trees with the most fish on them and then drop live bait or jigs into the top of the tree.

This will produce good catches of crappie.

Make sure you stop by Sugar Creek Marina and pick up your spoons and all your tackle needs.

6 AM to 6 PM Monday Thru Sunday

2595 Buford Dam Rd, Cumming, GA We carry a large selection of live bait; Night Crawlers, Baby Night Crawlers, Green Night Crawlers, Big Reds, Wax Worms, Meal Worms, Crickets, Minnows (small, medium and large), and Blueback Herring.

We also have a large selection of brand name artificial bait and an assortment of Rods, Reels and Combos.

Adjacent Chevron Foodmart has a deli, snacks, drinks, gas, beer and wine.

Striper guides with charters and needing bait early can call 706-429-7211 to make arrangements.

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Local Lakes & Forecasts

Biggest Fish of the Year

By Capt. Cefus McRae Nuts & Bolts Fishing Series

With the holiday season in full swing and freezing temperatures outside, fishing may be on the bottom of your priority list. But if you can find time to get out and brave the cold, you may hook up with some of the biggest fish of the year.

The biggest striper I’ve ever landed was caught the day after Thanksgiving on Lake Lanier. It was a cold, breezy day and I opted to go fishing instead of deer hunting. I really didn’t change my tactics that much from what I had been doing all summer. The primary difference was the size of the bait. I was using an eight-inch rainbow trout on a downline, fishing over a patch of standing timber. I could see schooling fish on the Simrad, and it was probably pure luck that a 28 pound fish happened to take the trout, rather than a 12 pounder.

Nevertheless, that fatty came to the boat, and I was one happy camper.

I’ve had bigger stripers hauled in my boat, but they were at the end of someone else’s rod. And, yes, the big ones were all caught in the winter months.

If you prefer a little saltier environment, you’ll discover the same is true inshore and offshore, and your trip to the fishing spots are usually shorter. Wintertime is the perfect time to catch grouper in close on the Gulf of Mexico. From Steinhatchee to Port St. Joe, these deep water denizens will transition from their offshore haunts to just a few miles off the beaches. You can catch them by trolling diving plugs like Stretch 30’s and Sebile big lip

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divers. Speaking of Steinhatchee, the winter months will produce some of the biggest trout of the year. They will come up river from the bay and hang out in the deep holes in the channel.

Remember, you can only keep one over 20”.

On the Georgia coast, a smorgasbord of species gets fired up when the weather turns cold. Capt.

Ken Olson, who fishes out of St. Marys, GA, will be connecting with everything from sheepshead to trout and flounder to black drum for the next several months. Sea conditions and tides will always be a factor, but the numbers and size of fish typically increase when the water cools down in the winter.

A little further south in Cumberland Sound, the bull redfish come in close, offering rod-bending action all day. The key is finding the drop-off ’s in the channel and fishing moving water. Book a trip with Capt. David Johnson of Even Better Charters in Fernandina Beach for a very fishy day on the water.

So while other folks are putting the covers on their boats for the winter, I would suggest it’s time to break out the insulated bibs and get on the water. Dress in layers and pack a thermos of hot coffee and a couple OMEALS for an easy, hot lunch (and they taste really good too).

Yeah, it’s cold, but we were all whining about how hot it was back in August. So now’s your chance to cool off a bit and maybe catch your biggest fish of the year.

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Local Lakes & Forecasts KIM’S KITCHEN

LAKE ALLATOONA STRIPER/HYBRID

CHRISTMAS ROAST BEEF 5 pounds rib roast • 1/4 cup soy sauce • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder • Onion salt • 1 tablespoon browning sauce • 1 1/2 cups water 1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

2. In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion salt, browning sauce and water. Place roast in a roasting pan ribs side down and poke deep holes in the roast with a knife. Pour the marinade over the roast. Using a baster, squirt marinade into the holes you created with the knife and over the entire roast a few times.

3. Bake at 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) for about 1 hour. (Note: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes for a smaller roast so that it does not dry out.)

4. Reduce temperature in the oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C).

5. Continue cooking for 18 to 22 minutes per pound, or until internal temperature reaches 135 degrees F (65 degrees C). ( for Med-Rare )

Allatoona should be 15 feet below full pool in mid-December.

Ample rainfall in November kept good amounts of water flowing through the lake. Clarity remains good throughout most of the lake, but big rainfall will muddy the upper end of the lake quickly. Expect to see surface temperatures in the mid 50’s. The threadfin shad population is high, so fish have been feasting since the end of summer.

Fishing has been VERY good in many areas on the lake with good numbers of fish in the 5-10 pound range being reported. Allatoona’s December fishery is historically very good, and peaceful with the absence of water plows.

We’ve been seeing very strong surface feeding over the past 2 months and expect it to continue until the surface drops into the mid-40’s (assuming it ever gets that cold). Most of these fish are white bass and hybrid, but some striper will mix in. Average size will run 2-5 pounds but some larger fish will be coming up as well. Rigs to throw would include spoons in the 3 inch range, popping corks with a jig or fly, Rooster Tail, Whopper Plopper (one of the new favorites),

or any other variety of surface plug will work on these aggressive fish.

All of the larger striper have filtered back into the lake from the river and larger bait, coupled with planers and flatlines, are going to get the job done on these hard fighting bruisers. Use medium and large gizzard shad from Striper Soup with a 5/0-7/0 Owner Mutu Light circle hook for great results. Areas to target will be areas with baitfish. Covering lots of water and watching the white birds are two great ways to find areas holding fish. Check all the major creek mouths and large feeding flats in the mid-lake area. Big fish like to hang out where the groceries are.

Some other tactics that are always worth trying are trolling umbrella rigs, cut-baiting on clay banks and chucking lures like swimbaits or A-rigs. With the cooler water, the fish will tend to only feed during a short window of time. If you are there when they turn on, it will be fast and furious. If you’re on fish and they aren’t feeding, don’t give up on them. Sometimes chumming with chunks of fresh shad or even live shad (if the supply is plentiful) can help turn on the bite. Jigging spoons like a .6 ounce Flex-it under large schools of threadfin and casting across feeding flats is very likely to produce fish.

HINT: Big fish aren’t afraid to go VERY shallow in December.

LAKE SINCLAIR Forecast By: Ken Sturdivant ken@southernfishing.com Lake Sinclair is down 1.4 feet, clear and the water temperature in the upper 60’s. Bass fishing is fair. Bass are being caught in Rocky Creek and Island Creek on Bitsy Flip Jigs black and blue with any small trailer. Target the grass beds on the south end of the lake with a Scrounger Head Swimming jig with a Zoom Fluke Jr. for both numbers and a good kicker fish or two. Main lake points from Little River Marina are

holding fish that can be caught on a variety of crankbaits. Use the Rapala #5 and #7 Shad Raps, Bomber Flat A’s, and Bandit 200’s. Make sure the crankbaits are bouncing and bumping on the bottom, a set of rocks, stumps or rocks to trigger strikes.

Spend a little time looking at the points and underwater islands with the Lowrance Structure Scan and Down Scan technology to find baitfish in these area before fishing. This will help narrow down where the fish are.

Acworth, GA

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Wall of Fame Brittany Harrell killed this 8 pointer in Hancock County on Halloween afternoon

Ridge Sardella with his very first buck bagged in Putnam County

Win A Free Angler Magazine Cap! A Angler Magazine cap will be given away each month for the best reader submitted photo!

Henry Cowen proves that even the Grinch likes to fly fish

WINNER! Benn Irwin with his Lake Lanier striper

Lake Oconee guide Bill Wheeler with a great piebald buck from Hancock County

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Bill Oyster caught this big striper fly fishing with Garner Reid with Cohutta Fishing Co

11/13/17 10:52 PM

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30-Pound Sacks Of Smallmouths

Photo by Laurie-Anne Ferris

A

30-pound five-fish tournament limit is a big deal in bass fishing.

It’s usually enough to win the day on even the lunker largemouth lakes of the southern United States. When it’s a 30-pound sack of smallmouth bass, it’s an even bigger deal. It was a record-breaking deal at the Jack Link’s Lake Simcoe Open in Ontario, Canada on Oct. 28.

Niagra Falls anglers Jason Clay and Matt Belzil weighed in a 31.80-pound limit of smallmouths to win the 47-boat tournament, and they also set a new Canadian record, according to B.A.S.S. Each fish in their limit weighed more than 6 pounds.

Lake Simcoe is one of Ontario’s largest lakes at 279 square miles. It is also a hot-bed for big smallmouth bass. The previous record of 31.55 pounds was caught during the 2010 Simcoe Open. Like many lakes that boast of giant smallies, gobies are part of a menu that allows for spectacular growth of predatory species at Simcoe.

According to the B.A.S.S. report, Clay and Belzil spent practice and tournament days watching their electronics and dropping underwater cameras to locate pods of big bass. Fish were holding on boulders, flats, points and transition areas in 20 to 45 feet of water. Catching them was a matter of rotating through bladebaits, crankbaits, tubes and dropshots.

On a lake where half the field has been known to zero, this year’s Simcoe Open produced three sacks heavier than 30 pounds, including Clay and Belzil’s record breaker. The duo took home a $7,800 cash prize, which will be followed by a $20,000 bonus once the catch is officially verified.

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By Tobin Strickland, CAM Special Correspondent

T

here are several factors that cause cold numb feet during winter fishing. Lack of insulation layers and quality, too many socks causing constriction of blood flow, the wrong size footwear for winter application, and often overlooked, the proper ‘installation’ method of putting those items on in such a way that even the best gear can cause poor circulation.

First, tight over-the-calf socks constrict blood flow. “Half-fold” the tops down the lower shin to allow better circulation. Secondly, pick footwear sizes for winter fishing and hunting that will give plenty of room for sock layers (and neoprene wader boot bottoms). Thirdly, use high quality merino wool sock layers with good loft.

I’ve recently found Fits Brand socks (fitssock.com) and they contain a higher percentage merino wool than the competition, and they’re manufacturing process creates more loft. Loft equates to insulation. Use one liner sock like the Fits ‘Film’ liner and one thick merino wool sock.

Finally, don’t hurriedly cram your feet into the boots. Make sure to bend your toes back and forth after putting on sock layers. Similarly, after the boots are on, walk around and bend the toe sections of the boots to loosen scrunched-up materials and layers inside the boots before lacing up.

Following these simple steps will give your feet more blood flow and allow your feet to stay warmer longer.

Tobin created TroutSupport.com - Tech Support for speckled trout and redfish anglers.

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Gifts for Anglers Choosing Sunglasses As A Gift DAVID MANEY, FOWLER’S SUNGLASSES

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hoosing a pair of sunglasses as a gift for someone else can be a tricky endeavor. On the one hand you have your opinion of what you think they will like and then there’s the issue of the fit and their face shape that can make all the difference in the world in their overall happiness with the pair that you’ve selected.

Obviously, the best way to ensure your selection is exactly what they’re looking for is to have them help you.

Go to your favorite sunglass seller, and let your friend try numerous pairs on. Then, once you know their favorite, the task is easy and foolproof.

But if you’re not able to put that together prior to a purchase, the next best alternative is to make sure the company you’re buying the sunglasses from has an honest, no-loophole return policy. Yes, save your receipt. I also recommend including a small note with the sunglasses saying: I hope these fit, and are what you wanted.

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At Fowler’s, we make sure our customers have an easy and helpful exchange process. The right pair of sunglasses can be a gift that is appreciated for many, many years, and we make giving the perfect gift a little bit easier.

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© 2017 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries

THIS SEEMS TO BE THE PLACE WHERE ALL THE FISH HANG OUT. I THINK I’LL DROP IN.

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