If you have never seen the raw speed and aerial acrobatics of a hooked chain pickerel – you need to head to the swamp, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). Chain pickerel, known locally as “jackfish,” are not as common to local anglers as fliers, mudfish and warmouth. However, they are a highly recommended species for anglers, because they are considered the fighters of the Okefenokee Swamp.

“The Okefenokee Swamp is a perfect place for the weed-loving pickerel,” says WRD Fisheries Region Supervisor Bert Deener. “Fields of lily pads and other vegetation make prime pickerel habitat as they search out smaller fish for prey.”

The two main entrances to the Okefenokee Swamp – Stephen C. Foster State Park (near Fargo) and the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (near Folkston) both provide access to plentiful pickerel populations. Billy’s Lake, located in the Park, is a famous pickerel destination and the refuge offers many “prairies” or open water areas and canals that provide good pickerel fishing.

Medium action spinning and spincasting equipment spooled with 8-10 pound test line is ideal for pickerel fishing. Recommended lures are King Jack Spinners and other in-line spinners as well as 1/16 and 1/8 oz. beetlespins in white or yellow. Additional tips include casting out and reeling in quickly – the flash of the lure entices the strike. Reeling in quickly also is recommended because too slow of a drag snags weeds in these waters.

Pickerel often are not thought of as good table fare because they have many bones. But, many anglers have learned to gash the filets and deep-fry them to render the bones unnoticeable. Cooking tips: Scale the fish and filet off each side. With the skin side down, cut the filet perpendicular to the length into one-inch strips. Then, make cuts down each strip to the skin (but not through it) about 1/8 to ¼ inch apart. Fry to a golden brown and relish a sweet, firm meat.

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.

For more information on pickerel fishing in Georgia, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com or call the local WRD Fisheries Management Office at (912) 285-6094.

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