5.0(2 Reviews)Half Day Family Striper Trip on Lake Lanier
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Five-hour private charter targeting Striped and Spotted BassFamily-friendly trip with kids 12 and under fishing freeCaptain Brad provides patient guidance for all skill levels
Looking for a fishing trip that gets the whole family hooked? Captain Brad Whitehead's 5-hour family-friendly charter on Lake Lanier delivers exactly what you need. This isn't just another fishing trip—it's designed from the ground up for parents and kids to share the water together. Whether you're dealing with first-time anglers or trying to get the little ones excited about fishing, Captain Brad knows how to make it work. Kids 12 and under fish free (up to 2), so you can focus on making memories instead of counting costs. Lake Lanier's clear waters and healthy fish populations make it the perfect backdrop for introducing young anglers to the sport while giving experienced fishers plenty of action.
Your morning starts early when Captain Brad picks you up at one of Lake Lanier's convenient launch points. This private charter means no strangers crowding your family time—just you, your crew, and a captain who genuinely cares about everyone having a blast. The boat is equipped with all the safety gear you need, plus comfortable seating that works for both adults and kids. Captain Brad takes a patient approach, especially with younger anglers, walking them through each step without making anyone feel rushed or overwhelmed. You'll spend your five hours moving between productive spots on the lake, adjusting techniques based on what's working and what the fish are telling you. The focus stays on fun and safety while targeting the striped and spotted bass that make Lake Lanier famous among Georgia anglers.
Captain Brad runs a variety of proven techniques depending on conditions and what the fish want that day. Live bait fishing with herring or shad often produces the most consistent action, especially for families since it requires less technical skill than artificial lures. You'll learn to work downlines and planer boards when the stripers are suspended in deeper water, or switch to topwater action when they're busting bait near the surface. All rods, reels, and tackle are provided, with lighter setups available for smaller hands. Captain Brad keeps things simple for beginners—no complicated rigging or advanced techniques that might frustrate young anglers. Instead, he focuses on fundamentals like proper rod handling, setting the hook, and fighting fish safely. More experienced family members can step up to heavier tackle if they want to target bigger stripers, but the emphasis always stays on making sure everyone stays engaged and confident.
"Lots of fun and fish! Captain Brad was great! I recommend you try it if you want to catch some big strippers." - Everett Porter
"Brad worked hard to locate fish. He was great with my grandson and provided good information about the fish and the techniques to catch them. He operated the boat in a professional and safe manner. Glad to meet and fish with you Brad." - Mike Custenborder
Striped Bass are the main draw for Lake Lanier fishing, and for good reason. These silver-sided fighters can range from schoolie size around 2-3 pounds up to true trophies pushing 20 pounds or more. Stripers are most active during cooler parts of the day, making morning trips like this one ideal for consistent action. They're incredibly fun to catch because they fight hard and make long runs, giving everyone on board something to get excited about. Spring and fall offer the best striper fishing as these fish move shallow to feed aggressively, but summer mornings can be productive too when Captain Brad knows where to find them holding in deeper, cooler water.
Spotted Bass add another exciting element to your Lake Lanier fishing experience. These scrappy fighters might be smaller than their striped cousins, typically running 1-4 pounds, but they make up for size with attitude. Spotted bass are more aggressive than largemouth bass and will often hit lures or bait with surprising violence for their size. They're perfect for younger anglers because they're generally easier to catch and don't require as much strength to land. Spots stay active throughout most of the year on Lake Lanier, and they're often found in the same areas as stripers, so you might catch both species on the same trip. Their distinctive spotted sides and smaller mouth make them easy to identify, and they're excellent eating if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Captain Brad's family-friendly approach and Lake Lanier's reputation as Georgia's top striper destination make this trip a winner for parents looking to create lasting fishing memories with their kids. The 5-hour format gives you enough time to really get into the fishing without wearing out young attention spans, and the private charter setup means you can go at your own pace. With kids 12 and under fishing free, it's an affordable way to introduce the next generation to the sport while enjoying some quality family time on one of the Southeast's most beautiful lakes. Don't wait too long to book—Captain Brad's patient teaching style and consistent fish-finding ability keep his calendar busy, especially during peak seasons when the stripers are most cooperative.
Captain Brad's fishing boat is built for family fun on Lake Lanier's waters. This powerful motorboat gets you to the best Striper and Spotted Bass spots quickly, then switches to whisper-quiet trolling mode so you won't spook the fish. The onboard fish finder does the hard work of locating schools while the GPS keeps you on track to productive areas. There's a built-in icebox to keep your drinks cold and any fresh catch on ice. The boat comfortably handles up to 2 guests, making it perfect for parent-child fishing adventures or couples looking to try their luck. Captain Brad knows exactly where the Stripers are hiding and has the patience to help kids master their first cast or adults land their biggest bass yet.
Micropterus PunctulatusSpotted bass are scrappy fighters that'll surprise you with their strength. These cylinder-shaped fish typically run 12-16 inches on Lake Lanier, though we catch some pushing 20. You'll recognize them by the rows of dark spots along their sides and that connected dorsal fin. They love hanging around rocky structure and drop-offs, usually in 15-25 feet of water. Unlike largemouth, they dive deep when hooked rather than jumping, making for a steady fight that's perfect for kids to handle. Spring through fall are prime times when they school up and feed aggressively. They're excellent table fare too - firm, white meat that tastes great. Here's a local tip: when you find one spotted bass, there's usually more nearby since they school together. Work that area thoroughly with small crankbaits or soft plastics.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are what make Lake Lanier famous - these silver torpedoes with dark horizontal stripes pack serious power. Most of our fish run 15-25 inches, but we regularly see 30+ inchers that'll test your arms. They're structure-oriented, cruising main lake points, humps, and creek channels in 20-40 feet of water. Early morning and late evening are prime feeding times when they push baitfish to the surface. What guests love most is their hard fighting ability - they make long runs and don't give up easy. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, firm meat. The key on Lanier is finding the thermocline in summer where they suspend with the bait. I always tell folks to watch for birds working the surface - that's your best sign of active stripers below chasing shad.
5.0 out of 5.0Lots of fun and fish! Captain Brad was great! I recommend you try it if you want to catch some big strippers.
Everett Porter, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Brad worked hard to locate fish. He was great with my grandson and provided good information about the fish and the techniques to ...
Mike Custenborder, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. Aiden was a ...
Lake Lanier