Fishing and Having Tons of Fun Doing It

By Captain James Weeks

Jigging for Crappie in Georgia

I have been a fishing guide based in Thomson, Georgia, for so many years now that I’ve seen and experienced what this place has to offer. I believe my knowledge of this place is second to none. My fishing charter, Reel N Time Fishing Charters, has given me the chance to experience wonderful and enjoyable memories of fishing with a variety of people and clients. This side of Georgia is so easy to fall in love with if you’re an angler. There are so many lakes and rivers to catch a game from, and I can also experience what South Carolina fisheries are all about! This area of Georgia shares some of its local waters with South Carolina, so anyone with fishing licenses from both states has the opportunity to do some more fishing! Either way, I love setting out for the day and fishing in some of Georgia’s (arguably the country’s) best fishing spots. Being a fishing guide in an area with some of the best places to fish makes what I do so much fun!

One of my favorite fish species to target is crappie. I can chase them here in my area any time of the year. I’m lucky to be based here because I have easy access to Clarks Hill Lake, one of the best crappie and striped bass fishing spots in the United States. It holds plenty of large-sized fish in large numbers, so it's the perfect place for my fishing charter to bring clients to. I’ve explored this beautiful lake for years, mastering navigating its waters and finding fish. 

I love letting my clients experience why Clarks Hill Lake is one of the best fishing spots in the country. No matter what time of year you go, you can always expect exciting fishing, whether you catch anything to take home or not. My fishing charter often targets crappie and stripers from the lake, but if you want to expand beyond those fish, Clarks Hill Lake’s varying depths make it ideal for several other species. The lake is also home to largemouth bass, redear sunfish, channel catfish, blue catfish, bluegill or bream, white bass, hybrid bass, and yellow perch. Spring is the hottest season to visit Clarks Hill Lake because it’s when big bass and bait fish are spawning and feeding. But then again, whichever season you decide to come here, it’s likely that fishing would still be jam-packed with fun! 

Since I love chasing crappie, my preferred method to catch them is by casting and pulling jigs. I like using my Catch the Fever fishing rod for most of my fishing, but I add an appropriately sized, shaped, and colored jig lure for jigging. I tie it on and then go at it! For crappie, smaller jigs weighing 1/32 to ⅛ ounces are ideal. But you can use heavier weights in deeper waters like some areas of Clarks Hill Lake. So the deeper the water you’re fishing, the heavier your jig should be. Heavier jigs are also helpful when you’re fishing in murky water. When I look for crappie, I try to find some structure because that is where they tend to swim around at. From month to month, I’ve noticed that they tend to change their patterns, so I always expect to put in the extra effort to find them and study their behaviors.

Those who book with my fishing charter have the opportunity to target crappie and stripers with me, mainly in Clarks Hill Lake and sometimes the Savannah River. I’ve been taking earnest anglers, whether novices or veterans, to these waterways for almost a decade, and it brings up many fun memories. I remember fishing trips where people brought their kids and grandkids. I am big on getting the whole family to experience the fun of fishing and having the chance to spend some time around nature. I always urge my clients who have little ones to bring them along next time they want to book a trip with me. As a fishing guide, I like facilitating bonding experiences between family members because that’s one of the beauties of fishing and being outdoors. I believe fishing makes you closer to other people. I also recall some trips where I had to guide large groups, which are always a lot of fun. Large groups, more often than not, produce some funny moments. My goal with my charter is to give people an unforgettable experience fishing in one of Georgia’s best fisheries. I also want them to go home feeling that they’ve just come out of experiencing something truly joyful and fulfilling. 

I am grateful for having a lot of fun fishing with other people because of my charter service. I have had a lot of fun trips since setting it up. One of the best experiences I’ve had as a fishing guide happened pretty recently. Some time ago, four ladies booked a striper fishing trip with me. We spent the morning catching striped bass from my 25' Carolina Skiff. There was tons of laughter, and we were high-fiving all morning long. That was a pretty awesome morning of fishing, and thinking about it brings a smile to my face. It makes me want to keep being a fishing guide for a long time.

I guarantee if you book with me and Reel N Time Fishing Charters, you’ll have an enjoyable ride, whether it’s just you and me or if you’re with your friends or family. I’ll ensure that you get to hook up something before our trip is over, and I’ll share some of my secrets and tips when we head out to Clarks Hill Lake. When we catch something, you can choose to release it after a photo-op, or you can bring them home. I can clean and fillet your catches for you. So what are you waiting for? Experience some of the best fishing in Georgia with me! Visit my website and my charter’s Facebook page if you want to learn more.