Going on Adventures on Lake Lanier and Beyond with Capt. Josh Thornton

A Little Something About Me

I’m Captain Josh Thornton of Lake Lanier Fishing with Captain Josh Crappie Fishing in Gainesville, Georgia. I’ve been fishing for most of my life — it’s in my blood, so to speak. I love spending my days on the water — whether I’m fishing for fun or sport or guiding my guests in the beautiful waters of Lake Lanier. 

I’ve been in the fishing charter business for only three years, but I’ve been in the angling game for so much longer. In fact, I’ve been fishing in this same area for 20 years, and I don’t see myself stopping any time soon. I would say that I owe my love for fishing in large part to my family, especially my father. I can still vividly recall the day when we went out fishing for bream, and there was a tornado. The movement in the water got us all excited, allowing us to bag so many fish. Even getting off the water was a thrill. 

I’ve been content fishing for my own pleasure for years, participating in 2 to 3 tournaments a month, and just having a blast. But when I finally joined a local fishing club and became a tournament director, I was inspired to take my fishing hobby to the next level. I decided to get my professional guiding license in 2019, and the rest is history.

I love sharing my love for fishing in every way I can, which is why I serve as a director of the Fishing with Military Heroes annual tournament and as the President of the North Georgia Crappie Anglers. I also make it a point to give my time as a presenter at many fishing expos, including the Atlanta Boat Show. I love meeting people who are as passionate about fishing as I am. It’s what inspires me every day. I even post about my fishing adventures on our charter’s Facebook page.

Spots I Like to Frequent

For a living, I am so thankful to be fishing in the stunning Lake Lanier here in Gainesville. It’s a gem of a lake with so much fish and such peacefully stunning views. As far as town history goes, I know this lake was created to supply hydroelectricity to the area and help with flood control and navigation in the region. But over the years, it has become one of the richest waterbodies in North Georgia. As someone who’s fished in the area for over 20 years, I can attest to this. It truly is a crappie hotspot all year round.

As lucky as I feel plying the Lake Lanier waters professionally, personally, I love the challenge and excitement of fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. It is, without a doubt, one of the most diverse areas to fish. And the fact that you can access it from at least five states here in the south is so wonderful. And it’s true what they say — there’s no such thing as a bad fishing spot in the Gulf. Though there are areas where you can’t consume the fish because of the unfortunate oil spill, it continues to offer some of the most diverse fish species on this side of the United States. In my own experience, it’s the only waterbody where I’ve been able to catch anything, from a 300lb shark to monster red snapper to my favorite triple tail and so many more in between. 

My Charter’s Main Targets and Techniques We Use

Lake Lanier is a crappie wonderland — so of course, when you book a fishing trip with me, we have to target crappie! Crappie are here in the lake all year round, so we follow their movements depending on the season. Every day I get to fish in this lake, I’m still astounded by the number of crappie it holds. The best times to target them are from February, March, and April, but we can still find them in the deeper parts of the water or under shade or shadows during the warmer seasons. Based on my experience, it’s always a good idea to target crappie in the shade. 

In Lake Lanier, in particular, you’ll often find them in the shaded areas of docks. We’re not limited to one fishing technique when targeting this in-demand fish, but we often employ vertical jigging in brush piles, dock shooting, and spin casting — anything to get the fish to bite.

What I love about this fish is that it’s just not a good fish to catch. It’s also very tasty — in fact, one of the most delicious freshwater panfish there is, in my opinion.

Why Book Your Trip With Me

As a lifelong angler, I love sharing my passion for fishing with everyone I encounter. Together on my 21' War Eagle boat, I promise every guest I host a wonderful adventure. I’m never selfish with my crappie fishing secrets, as long as you give me the honor of hosting you here in Gainesville. 

As a fishing guide, my priority is your comfort and safety, so I’ve made sure to equip my boat with top-notch GPS and the latest safety gear. I’ve also got a fish finder and trolling motor to help ensure a productive time on the water every time. We can accommodate up to 4 anglers on my boat — if you’re vacationing with your family, why not bring your kids along? I love teaching kids how to fish and leading to their first big catch. If you’re an absolute beginner angler, welcome aboard! No need to worry about bringing your own fishing gear and tackle. I have lures, rods, and reels, plus live bait and a live well for your fishing convenience. If you’re partial to your gear, though, feel free to bring them along with some drinks and snacks. And don’t forget your state fishing license, please! We start our fishing trips early at 7 am — so make sure to get a good night’s sleep and arrive on time to maximize our morning out in the water, hunting for our crappie.

For fishing adventures in Lake Lanier and all the other North Georgia hotspots we can access from Gainesville, book a day with us at Captain Josh Crappie Fishing. We strive to keep our website and Facebook page updated, so feel free to check us out online for information on our trips, rates, and more.