The Great Outsmores

Since adopting me at birth, my father has done inumerable great things for me - and I’m eternally greatful. Trouble is, my birthday happens every year right around, and sometimes on, Father’s day. So I’m in a delimma. My pops has invited me up to the lake cabin for a Dad’s Day weekend that I know will unfortunately be anything but relaxing with whole family there and the inevitable role of playing the good uncle and watching the grandkids (not mine), taking them tubing, and cooking dinner every night for about ten. In fairness, life could be much worse.

However, I’m really itching to get a canoe camping trip in on either the Toccoa or Upper Chattahoochee and hit the trout hard before the water temp. climbs towards the boiling point as it does here in the summer. And isn’t a birthday the one day a year you’re allowed to be a little selfish and do what you want?

I guess the politcal thing to do would be to comprimise and hit Section II of the Chattooga for a day trip which is only a few minutes from the cabin, but it’s free-flowing, which means low water levels and warmer water this time of year. Not to mention its something I’ve done many times, and I always like to hit up new areas when I get the chance.

Oh well, either way - it’s better than yard work.

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Lake Burton has been rumored to hold some giant spotted bass . I’ve seen them cruising the shallows around dusk and dawn, but until this spring I’ve had a terrible time hooking up with any of them. Lake Burton is a different sort of Georgia bass fishing with its clean, cold waters, and substantially different forage including blueback herring and stocked brown trout. I’m very accustomed to North and Middle Georgia’s ponds and reseviors, which are relatively shallow and certainly stained water conditions - so adjustments were cerntainly in order.

The Catch

I spent only three or four hours just after sunrise on Saturday and Monday, fishing wind blown points along Billy Goat Island’s South and Eastern shore, as well as weedlines with sandy bottoms near the mouth of Murray Cove (near the boat ramp!). I was able to land several decent spotted bass in the 1 pound range, and finally hooked up with my personal best (so far) weighing about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds before the fish went queit at about 9:00 AM.

The Lures & Rigs

A couple small spotted bass and a small largemouth took 3/16 oz. BlueFox Vibrax spinners near downed trees in 3-5 feet of water. However most of the action was with carolina rigged worms. Depending on shore angle and depth, I ran a split shot (3/16 - 1/4 oz) about 16 inches up the line with a size 2/0 straight shanked worm hook to allow some suspension inches off the bottom. Best worm type this weekend was a watermelon, tailess zoom worm with a 1/” cut off the front, however I got a couple bites and a fish off a light green, curly tailed zoom as well. Both a painfully slow retrieve, and a slow two foot by two foot jigging motion with 4-5 second pauses work well to pull these finicky fish off the bottom.

A Line Note

Lastly, I’m getting the distinct feeling that heavy line will not produce in Lake Burton’s clear waters, especially during heavy fishing pressure. Flourescent blue, six pound mono has done fine, but with green hued line suitable for Georgia’s stained waters has been less than stellar.

 My best spotted bass, so far…..

Thanks to everyone for stopping by my blog, and I always appreciate tips and suggestions from my cold water bass fishermen further North as I learn to master the art of fishing cold, deep, and clear waters - it’s certainly a challenge, and more certianly good fun.

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Last year’s efforts to eradicate the effects of the unwelcome, invasive flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) on native fish populations in the Satilla River resulted in the removal of exactly 4,399 flathead catfish. This year, those efforts continue as biologists and fisheries personnel with the Satilla River Flathead Catfish Project team, a part of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD), kick-off the 2008 sampling season with the second round of tagging studies.

“Tagging efforts this year again will aid biologists in obtaining important baseline information, such as fishing mortality, movement, growth, population size and total mortality in the Satilla’s flathead catfish population,” explains the project’s lead Biologist Tim Bonvechio. “Removal of flathead catfish in the 2008 sampling season will begin immediately after a target number of fish are tagged.”

WRD asks any angler who catches a tagged fish to please mail the bright orange tag to the WRD Waycross office mailing address: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 2089, Waycross, Ga., 31502-2089. Anglers should include their name, address, phone number(s), the date of the catch, the catch location (GPS coordinates if available, local landmarks, etc.), the length and weight of the fish and whether the fish was harvested or released (preferably harvested). Tags may also be hand-delivered to the Waycross Fisheries office located at 108 Darling Ave., Waycross, Ga., 31502.

Flathead catfish were illegally introduced into the Satilla River in the 1990s and the resulting decline of redbreast sunfish (Lepomis auritus) and other native fish species in this once premier sunfish fishery is an issue that WRD biologists and fisheries personnel are continuing to tackle. Given the predatory characteristics of flatheads, if this non-native species continues to prosper, the reputation of the Satilla River as one of Georgia’s premier sunfish fisheries will likely suffer.

The Satilla Riverkeeper and the Georgia Wildlife Federation were instrumental in obtaining support for the Satilla River Flathead Catfish Project. This project is made up of a team of WRD fisheries biologists and technicians working to monitor and determine the effectiveness of flathead removals on native fish species populations in the Satilla River.

Unauthorized release of flathead catfish or any other fish species into public waters is illegal in the state of Georgia and violators can be prosecuted. Exotic species can and often do have severe negative impacts on native fish. Those knowledgeable of illegal fish stocking are asked to please report the violations to any WRD Fisheries Management office or contact (770) 918-6406.

For more information on the project, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com. You’ll find information on the Satilla River Flathead Catfish Project under “Fishing,” then “Fisheries Management,” then “Aquatic Nuisance Species.” For additional information, contact the nearest WRD Fisheries Management Office or call (770) 918-6406.

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FORSYTH, Ga. (4/21/2008)

Jim Ozier has seen Georgia’s bald eagles soar from fewer than 10 pairs to more than 110 in 20 years. The history helps him put this year’s dip in nest numbers in perspective.

“We’re seeing (eagles) show up in areas where we wouldn’t have thought they would nest,” said Ozier, a program manager with the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division’s Nongame Conservation Section. “I think there’s a potential we could see them (increase) for several more years.”

In aerial surveys this winter and spring, Ozier counted 110 occupied nests, 82 of them successful, and estimated 129 young fledged. Last year he logged 114 territories, 91 successful nests and 143 eaglets. Successful nests are those in which eagles are fledged, or raised to the point they can fly.

According to Ozier, who has monitored Georgia’s bald eagles most years since 1988, the “slight drop” almost certainly does not indicate a population decline.

While three newly discovered nesting territories were added to the statewide list, the use of some territories consistently occupied before could not be documented this year.

Ozier expects news of a few late nests to bump up totals. He is also optimistic that the usual eagle hangouts without a nest will be reoccupied in 2009.

Finding the nests is a factor. Although they average 5 feet across and are usually built in the tops of tall pine or cypress trees, eagle nests can be hard to spot, even from the air. Bald eagles typically use the same nest. But each year a small proportion of established pairs build new ones.

If the new nest is near the old, it is usually easy to find, Ozier said. Yet, some are much farther away and might not be discovered for a while, he said.

Conservation laws, restoration work and a ban on the pesticide DDT have helped the bald eagle recover from near-extinction through much of its range 40 years ago. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service took the species off the federally threatened list in August. This American symbol and subject of one of Georgia’s nongame wildlife license plates is still protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and other federal and state legislation.

Bald eagle nests numbered in the single digits in Georgia when Ozier started searching for them. Nesting territories steadily increased, then surged from the low 80s to 96 in 2006 and beyond 100 last year.

Nests are concentrated along the coast, but can be found across the state, usually near major rivers or lakes where the fish, waterbirds and even turtles that eagles eat are abundant. These powerful birds with up to 8-foot wingspans are also moving into areas around smaller bodies of water that are rich in prey.

Georgians who see a bald eagle nest or two or more eagles together are encouraged to contact the Nongame Conservation Section office in Forsyth, (478) 994-1438. When eaglets leave the nest, they are the same size as adults but dark brown, almost black, Ozier said. Bald eagles gain the characteristic white head and tail feathers at 4 to 5 years old.

Buying a nongame wildlife license plate supports conservation of eagles and other species not hunted or fished, as well as rare plants and natural habitats in Georgia. Sales provide crucial funding for the Nongame Conservation Section, which receives no state appropriations.

The tags – one featuring a bald eagle and the other a ruby-throated hummingbird – are available for a one-time $25 fee at county tag offices, by checking the wildlife license plate box on mail-in registrations or through online renewals (http://mvd.dor.ga.gov/tags).

Bald eagles at a glance

** Size: Adults can weigh 14 pounds, with 8-foot wingspans. Males are slightly smaller.

** Prey: Fish are a staple. Eagles also eat waterfowl, turtles, snakes, rabbits and other small animals.

** Mates: Eagles mate for life. They often use the same nest, adding to it each year. (Nests up to 10 feet wide and weighing a half-ton have been recorded.)

** Offspring: Pairs typically lay one to three eggs by December. The young fledge in three months and are on their own in about four.

** Long-lived: Bald eagles live up to 15-25 years in the wild, longer in captivity.

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Good news: metro area anglers looking to hook and harvest trout soon can worry less about the gas prices and more about their luck. May 14 marks the end of harvest restrictions on Georgia’s delayed harvest trout streams, and that means the Fulton County section of the Chattahoochee River (between Sope Creek and the Hwy. 41 bridge) will be open for harvest beginning May 15. Just a short drive for most metro area residents, the Chattahoochee is home to an abundance of rainbow and brown trout.

The section of the Hooch between Sope Creek and the Hwy. 41 bridge has been protected by delayed harvest regulations since Nov. 1, 2007, which requires anglers to release, rather than harvest, trout caught in this section. This catch-and-release regulation has created a trout-filled stream, so the chances of hooking a beautiful brown or rainbow trout are high.

Anglers can start harvesting trout beginning May 15 through Oct. 31, utilizing natural bait (worms, crickets, salmon eggs, power bait, corn) and lures with multiple hooks.

In addition to the opening of the delayed harvest section, the section of the river from Buford Dam to Peachtree Creek remains open to year-round trout fishing. There are great family-friendly spots open to the public in this section thanks to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area of the National Park Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and various city and county governments.

In fact, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) stocks this section of the river between Buford Dam and the Chattahoochee River Park off of Azalea Drive with approximately 159,000 catchable (nine-inch) rainbow trout. Plus, this section also supports wild brown trout, which can test even the most experienced angler.

The river downstream of Morgan Falls Dam has been stocked with approximately 50,000 rainbow and brown trout since November 1, 2007. More than 5 percent of these fish are 12 in. or longer, so the potential of catching a big trout is a real possibility!

“Most people may not guess there is such an abundance of trout fishing opportunities so close to Atlanta,” says WRD Chief of Fisheries Management John Biagi. “But thanks to trout stocking, these sections of the river offer excellent trout harvesting opportunities, and all within easy driving distance of many Georgians, particularly those in metro Atlanta.

Remember, a fishing license and trout license are required to fish the Chattahoochee River from Buford Dam to Peachtree Creek. Licenses can be purchased online at www.gofishgeorgia.com and at many sporting goods and bait and tackle businesses.

For more information on trout fishing or to download a free Georgia trout stream map and trout fishing tips, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com or call (770) 918-6418 for additional trout fishing information. In addition, a map of the Chattahoochee River can be downloaded from the National Park Service website, www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/maps.htm.

Take Me Fishing! ™ A recent national survey indicated that 87 percent of Americans believe fishing and boating have a positive effect on family relationships. So, take your family fishing and you will always have something in common.

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I should have known it was going to be one of those days.  Tough conditions on Lake Burton, combined with poor preparation on my part lended the expected result, but not in the way I should have imagined.  It’s mother’s day, 2008, and strong cold front has dumped over 1.5 inches of rain in the last 24 hours.  The wind was stiff, about 15 miles an hour out of the Northwest with heavy cloud cover and air temperatures dipping to an unseasonably chilly 50 degrees.

Knowing that the majority of my lake time would be dedicated to mom, and not fishing, I only brought one rod and a couple of bait options.  We slipped out at 8:30, and started drift fishing along the North shore of Murray Cove near the South end of the lake.  I tied on a six inch Zoom trick worm (watermelon seed color) with a 1/0 worm hook and 3/8 oz. split shot running about 16″ up the six pound flourescent blue line.  A slow jigging presentation paid off almost immediately, with this guy on board in just a couple minutes.

After releasing this fat little fish, we were drifting within range of the first of three points before entering the main body of the lake.  Heavily covered with downed trees, I put the worm on the leeward side of the point and immediately felt something pounce.  Hook set, fish turned me, and as I lifted to rod up high to pull him out of the cover - BAM! - rod pieces were flying all over the place.  Not only that, but the preceediong explosion made short work of my line and a lucky day for this particular bass.

To say I was bummed, is a pretty fair understatement.  With no other rod up there, and the fish biting, I had nothing to do but head home and reflect on my fortune and disfortune on an ugly May morning.  My question, now, is this:

Do I:

• A.) Trash the rod maker publically on this blog (it was only two months old, and under it’s recomended line class)
• B.) Write an open letter regarding the rod, and see what kind of remediation may be available.
• or C.) Skip it, go buy another rod, and spend that time on the water instead of making a big stink?

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Concern for “orphaned” wildlife is simply human nature. Most people who come across a deer fawn, a young bird or a newborn rabbit will initially watch in amazement and then immediately wonder if the animal is in need of help. This spring, as newborn wildlife blossom into existence, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) encourages residents to resist the natural urge to rescue these “orphaned” wildlife.

“While a person may have good intentions, young animals unnecessarily taken into captivity lose their natural instincts and ability to survive in the wild,” says WRD Assistant Chief of Game Management John Bowers. Thus, the urge to “help” or “save” these animals is strongly discouraged both for the survival of the animal and the safety of the individual.

“Most of the time, young animals that appear to be helpless and alone are only separated from the adults temporarily. This separation of adults from newborns is a critical survival mechanism. Adults spend a significant amount of time away from their offspring to minimize predation, but do frequently check on their young,” explains Bowers.

“Additionally, handling wild animals and bringing them into the home poses a health risk for both people and pets. Wildlife can transmit life-threatening diseases such as rabies and can carry parasites such as roundworms, lice, fleas and ticks,” explains Bowers.

Residents who encounter a seriously injured animal or an animal that clearly has been orphaned should contact their local WRD office to obtain a contact number for a certified wildlife rehabilitator who is licensed to provide proper care for the animal until it can be released back into the wild. Individuals who are not trained in wildlife rehabilitation should not attempt to care for wildlife. Georgia law prohibits the possession of most wildlife without a permit.

Residents who encounter an animal such as a bat, fox, skunk, raccoon, coyote or bobcat during the daytime that appears to show no fear of humans or dogs, or that seems to behave in a sick or abnormal manner (i.e. weaving, drooling, etc.), should avoid the animal and contact the local county health office and/or a WRD office for guidance.

The animal may be afflicted with rabies, distemper or another disease. Residents should not attempt to feed or handle the sick animal. Pets, livestock and humans should be kept away from the area in which the animal was observed.

The two most important steps people can take to protect themselves and their pets from rabies is to 1) get pets vaccinated and 2) avoid contact with wildlife. As another precautionary step, adults should instruct children to NEVER bring wildlife home.

For more information on orphaned, injured or diseased wildlife, visit www.georgiawildlife.com, contact a local WRD Game Management Office or call (770) 918-6416.

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%##$#@@% ^&*^&***^&

Supposed to hit the ‘Hooch this morning, dam release looks good, solunar tables are kicking at 12-2:00, and then the &^%^**^ rain. I know we need it, but it seems like the rain only works on weekends around here. Sorry to both my readers about the bummer post, but we’ll try again tomorrow.

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We had a day that all fishermen live for on Sunday!  We hit a small local pond (about 10-12 acres) Sunday afternoon, and scored about 40 to 50 fish in four hours.  Mostly in the 1 to 2 pound range, but as you’ll see below, there were a few good bass too.

Conditions were mixed…  We checked the solunar tables the night before, which told us we were hitting the biggest feed pre-spawn that we could hope for.  So me & Wilson showed up at about 11:30 to find big wind gusts and mostly clear skies, which we thought might dampen our afternoon.   Not to worry though….  We tied the canoe up near the spillway, and I was off and rolling with three fish before Will hooked up with his first.  It would be a pattern leading to a top five fishing day for yours truly!

What worked:

I started off with red and black zoom worms, carolina rigged, with a 3/4 oz. bullet on the front end.  Through out the day bass of standard size ripped swim baits in the green and blue shades, as well shallow and medium depth crank baits (2-5 ft.).  All the sizeable fish were caught on the green (bass colored) swim baits - maybe getting territorial before the spring spawn???

What didn’t work:

Spinners and top water.  I was hoping that the aggressive nature that the fish displayed, and the chop that the wind produced would compensate for the sunny midday aversion to top water baits, but no dice.  We tried a couple chartruce colored inline and outline spinning baits, but no luck there either.

The Proof: 

All in all it was a very good day.   PS- we had a man overboard:

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This is a repost that I had to share.  So, credit goes to Bassinkorea over at the Ultimate Bass forums . If you haven’t checked them out, I highly recomomend it!

 I used to have a lot of problems respooling my reels. I used to put the new spools on the ground and wind onto the reel. Not really a problem until I went fishing……….LINE TWISTS 

Using an old (cheap) rod, I cut it up leaving only the reel seat. With me working in a large shipyard, I have almost unlimited access to almost anything I need. I attached some threaded bar to the end.

You can see I used tapered washers that hold the spool central and tight.

Here’s my Revo getting loaded up with power pro.

I have this in my office as I usually have time at lunchtimes to sort out my fishing gear, but it is 100% mobile so can be taken on the boat for emergancy use.

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