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Georgia: Extraordinary Fishing to the Empire State of the South

Published: Monday, June 13th, 2022| Updated on: Monday, July 11th, 2022

Overview

Georgia lies in the country's southeast, bordered by Alabama on the southwest and Florida on the south. Nickname "Empire State of the South," Georgia is known for its peaches, peanut production, role in the American Civil War, and the Coca-Cola headquarters in Atlanta. While the state's primary money earners are agriculture and manufacturing, tourism also plays an essential role in its economy. Its 4 million acres of lakes and reservoirs and 12,000 miles of rivers attract countless anglers from across the nation every year. Fishing is a way of life in Georgia. Whether you want to catch a trophy bass or enjoy a day on the water, Georgia has no shortage of fishing opportunities.

The state is also home to many fish species, including largemouth bass, trout, crappie, catfish, etc. In addition, Georgia has a thriving saltwater fishing industry, with redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, and other species available offshore. 

Georgia Map of Places to Fish

About Fishing in Georgia

When most people think of Georgia, they likely don't think of its fishing opportunities. Georgia is, however, home to a variety of freshwater and saltwater fishing spots that offer anglers the chance to reel in several different types of fish.

One of the popular fishing spots in Georgia is Lake Lanier. This large lake, located on the border between Georgia and North Carolina, has countless species of fish waiting to be caught, including largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. For those looking to enjoy a day of fishing with friends or family, Lake Lanier is the perfect place to do it.

The Chattahoochee River is another great fishing spot in Georgia. This river is home to various fish, including trout, bass, and stripers. The Chattahoochee River is also a beautiful place to float downstream. The Chattahoochee River is an excellent choice for a more peaceful fishing experience.

Finally, no list of the best fishing spots in Georgia would be complete without mentioning the Gulf Coast. The area offers some of the best saltwater fishing in the state, with redfish, flounder, and trout waiting to be caught. If you're looking for a challenging fishing experience, the Gulf Coast is the place to be.

There is no wrong time to go fishing in Georgia. Whether you're looking for a summertime activity or something to do during the colder months, the state has plenty of opportunities to get hooked on angling. But, specific fish species are more active at different times of the year. For example, in the spring, largemouth bass is the most popular catch and can be found in lakes all over the state. As the water warms up, fish move around more, making them easier to catch. In the summer, catfish are the main attraction, as they congregate in rivers and streams to spawn. There is nothing better than fishing for catfish to beat the heat, as they are most active in cooler temperatures. Fall is the time to start chasing striped bass, which migrates upriver to feed on shad. Finally, winter brings opportunities to catch trout in mountain streams and redfish and sheepshead in coastal areas. Indeed, seasonal fishing in Georgia provides something for everyone, no matter what time of the year.

If you're a competitive angler, then tournaments are a great way to test your fishing skills against others. Georgia has plenty of them if you are looking for a tournament. Whether you're looking for a small tournament or something more significant, there is sure to be one that fits your needs.

Each year, thousands of anglers compete in fishing tournaments in Georgia. The Georgia Bass Classic is one of the most popular events, drawing in hundreds of competitors who come to fish for largemouth bass in some of the state's best lakes. Other popular tournaments include the Atlanta Crappie Fishing Club Championship and the All-American Redfish shootout.

Everything Else About Georgia Fishing

As if fishing in Georgia wasn't impressive enough, there are plenty of other things to enjoy about this great state. Georgia has something for everyone if you want an enjoyable day trip or want to explore the area further.

If you're looking for a place to stay while fishing, Georgia has plenty of choices. There are numerous campgrounds and parks throughout the state, so you'll be able to find one that meets your requirements. If you want a little more luxury, many hotels and resorts have comfortable rooms with great amenities.

Another great thing about Georgia is its abundance of natural beauty. With many state parks, nature preserves, and wildlife refuges located throughout the state, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring the great outdoors. Popular park areas include Cumberland Island National Seashore, Okefenokee Swamp Park, and Tallulah Gorge State Park.

But if you want a more immersive fishing experience in Georgia, several excellent guide services can take you out on the water. These guides will help ensure that you have an enjoyable time fishing and recommend the best spots and techniques to use.

Guidesly has some of the highest-rated fishing guides in Georgia. If you're a beginner angler and want to test out saltwater fishing Captain Courtney Ashburn of Pedal Driven Kayak Fishing Charters is your man. He has experience fishing in both fresh and saltwater areas, so he knows all the best spots to catch fish. Captain Ashburn can also offer tips on using different techniques, including ocean fly fishing and inshore bottom fishing

If you want to learn or be an expert in using live baits, Captain Hector Soto of Stellar Charters is the guide you need. Being one of the most highly reviewed fishing guides in Georgia, Captain Soto is also a skilled fly fisherman. He can offer tips on landing fish of many different sizes. Guide Gus Gustafon of Fishing with Gus can help you have a great time if you're heading out in a large group. He has experience fishing in both freshwater and saltwater, so you'll be sure to catch fish from whatever area your group decides to go to.

 

Top Fish To Catch in Georgia

  1. Largemouth Bass
  2. White Crappie
  3. Striped Bass
  4. Channel Catfish
  5. Flathead Catfish
  6. Bluegill
  7. Redear Sunfish
  8. Bream
  9. Black Buffalo
  10. Chain Pickerel

Top fishes in Georgia

Largemouth Bass
Largemouth Bass fish

Habitat: Lake, Pond, Rivers

Weight: 2 - 22 Pounds

Length: 15" - 32"

Striped Bass
Striped Bass fish

Habitat: River, Lake, Onshore, Near shore

Weight: 10 - 81 Pounds

Length: 20" - 55"

Crappie
Crappie fish

Habitat: River, Lake

Weight: 0 - 5 Pounds

Length: 4" - 19"

Redfish
Redfish fish

Habitat: Onshore, Flats, Backcountry, Nearshore

Weight: 10 - 45 Pounds

Length: 30" - 61"

Fishing Techniques in Georgia

Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing
Bottom Fishing
Bottom Fishing