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STRIPED BASS FISHING IN GEORGIA

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (January 19, 2006) -Striped bass are ready to be caught by the angler that wants to step up to the challenge! Stripers of 5-15 pounds are what anglers most often will find during this time of year, with those weighing up to 30 pounds showing up on occasion, according to biologists with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).

Striped bass typically have about seven heavy and distinct black stripes running the length of their body. Stripers prefer water temperatures of less than 75 degrees and tend to concentrate over river channels and around submerged islands where their favorite coolwater baitfish, the blueback herring, are abundant. WRD stocks stripers in reservoirs across the state for anglers

To catch a striper: WRD recommends medium to heavy 6-7 foot rods equipped with 12-17 pound test line. Common striper lures are 3/8-ounce white bucktail jigs, soft plastic jerk baits and large minnow-like lures. Casting to the shoreline or trolling these artificial lures can be very productive. Fishing with live bait (4-6 inch minnows, shad and blueback herring), available at many local bait and tackle shops, is the most consistent producer for stripers. Fish live bait shallow, less than 10 feet, with a large bobber and no weight attached (free-lining) or fish vertically (down-lining) with a 1-ounce sinker weight at greater depths (10-30 feet). A large hook, size 2-4 is recommended, is best for fishing these large live baits and landing big stripers.

Where to go:

· Lake Lanier: The upper half of the reservoir and creek arms scattered around the entire lake are best bets for winter striper action. Creeks with stained (muddy) water on the north end of the lake are prime late winter hot spots for stripers, because they reach warmer temperatures sooner than clear water, which triggers feeding activity by stripers on shad and blueback herring.

· Clarks Hill Lake: This lake is annually stocked and has an abundant baitfish (threadfin shad, gizzard shad and blueback herring) population. One of the best locations is below the Richard B. Russell Dam, especially when power is being generated, allowing water to pass through the dam as this creates a current and stimulates a feeding response. Another good area to try is the Little River arm.

· Lake Richard B. Russell: While this lake was stocked for the first and only time in 2004 to try and create a trophy striped bass fishery, it does receive escapee fish from upstream reservoirs. In addition, it has a large baitfish population allowing stripers to feed and grow larger. The large creek arms, such as Beaverdam Creek, the upper reaches of the Savannah River and the deeper water around the dam should provide good spots for stripers at this time of year.

· Chattahoochee River: Fish below the Columbia Dam in Early County.

· Flint River: Try below Lake Worth near Albany and Lake Blackshear (Warwick Dam). Fish tend to be more active during hydroelectric operations are occurring.

For more information about striper fishing in Georgia, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com and if you go, don't forget to take a kid and a camera with you!

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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