Night Fishing Returns, A New State Record, and Renovations Abound

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Fresh From the Dock

Striped Bass eggs before hatching

Fresh Fish From Renovated Richmond Hill Hatchery

The first striped bass from Richmond Hill Fish Hatchery since its renovation have made their way to rearing ponds! The Richmond Hill Hatchery is the sole producer of Atlantic striped bass fry, hybrid striped bass fry, and white bass fry in the state. The new hatchery building has the capacity to increase fry production by more than 25 percent compared to the old facility, and since the incubation room has a recirculating water system, the new hatchery will also conserve water. Read more about the new hatchery updates.

Pier with lights for night fishing

Night Fishing Returns to Public Fishing Areas

May 1st brought summer temperatures and the return of night fishing to 9 of Georgia's 10 Public Fishing Areas (Rocky Mountain PFA excluded). Night fishing allows anglers an opportunity to beat the heat and snag some extra fishing time after a long day of work. Anglers should be sure to check the visitor kiosk(s) of any location they visit to ensure which ponds are open for night fishing. Find a Public Fishing Area near you.

Record spotted sunfish

New State Record Spotted Sunfish Caught

Jacob Hornaday of Perry, Ga is the new state record holder for the spotted sunfish! His catch weighed 11 oz, beating the previous record of 10 oz. Jacob hooked the new state record spotted sunfish at a private pond in DeSoto on April 28, 2019 using a beetle spin lure. After the record weight was certified at Cordele Fish Hatchery, the fish was released to be caught another day.  Read more.

Try WRD's New Fish Filter on Facebook!

Can't make it to the water as often as you'd like? You can still pretend with WRD's new fish filter on Facebook. To access the filter, open the camera feature on Facebook, search for our filter, hold up a fist, and start snapping! And remember, don’t get caught fishing without a license. Try the fishing filter.

Woman holding largemouth bass

Other News

Buy or Renew a Wildlife License Plate

Trout Tag

Each purchase or renewal of a Trout license plate supports trout production, stocking and stream restoration throughout North Georgia. Get one at your county tag office for just $25 more than the standard peach plate!


Buy a Fishing License & Support Wildlife!

Hunters and Anglers fund wildlife conservation in Georgia. 100% of your license dollars support wildlife, and each person that has a license returns up to $55 of federal funding to Georgia each year. Those federal funds are from excise taxes that you pay on guns and ammo, archery equipment, fishing equipment and boat fuel.

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Events Calendar

Boater Education Class
Find a boater education course near you. Courses available on multiple days and times.
Go there now >>

 

Keeping Georgia Wild Family Festival -- May 18

Join us at this free, fun-filled family festival from 9 a.m. to 2 p.p at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center Discovery Area. Activities include fishing, archery, tree climbing, and other wildlife-themed exhibits. More information >>

 

Buck Shoals Kids Fishing Event -- May 18
Bring your family to a fun, free Kids Fishing Event at Buck Shoals WMA. Kids can bring their special big person to help them catch and keep fish according to fishing limits (5 bream, 3 bass, 3 catfish). All you need to bring are your pole, bait (no bread or corn please), and your spirit of excitement! 
Go there now >>

 

Little River Clean Up -- May 18
Volunteers will help remove items from boat ramp and the Little River in Thomson Ga. Volunteers will meet at the Little River Boat Ramp on Hwy 78 in Thomson,Ga.
Go there now >>

 

Marben Farms PFA Kids Fishing Event -- May 18
Join us at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center for a fun kids fishing event! This KFE will be taking place during the fabulous Georgia Wild Festival at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center - so there will be lots to do! 
Go there now >>

 

Paddling Sunset to Moonrise at Rocky Mtn PFA -- May 18
Please join us for a ranger-led kayaking adventure! We will kayak on beautiful Antioch Lake from sunset to moonrise. Meet at the West Antioch boat ramp. Life jackets must be worn at all times.
Go there now >>

 

Stream Team Fish Collection Volunteer Event -- May 23
Join WRD's Stream Team for a fish collection survey at Stamp Creek near Canton.
Go there now >>

 

Kids Fishing Derby at General Coffee State Park -- May 25

Join us for a fun Kids Fishing Event at General Coffee State Park! Lunch will be provided for participants. Pre-registration not required for event. Check-in and registration will begin at 9am at Picnic Shelter 3 on the day of event. Don't forget to bring bait and tackle. Admission: $1; Parking fee: $5.
Go there now >>

 

 White Water Park Kids Fishing Event -- May 25

Join us for a fabulous, fun day of fishing at this kids event. There will be prizes and a lunch after fishing! Registration begins at 8 am, fishing starts at 9 am.
Go there now >>

 

Al Sihah Shriner's Children's Fishing Rodeo -- May 25

Fishing event for children age 12 and under. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children must bring their own fishing pole and bait.
Go there now >>

 

Free Fishing Days: National Fishing and Boating Week -- June 1 and 8 

There are two FREE fishing days held during National Fishing and Boating Week: June 1 & June 8. There are also dozens of kids fishing events being held to celebrate!
More information >>

 

Go Fish Education Center Day Camps -- June 12th 
This introductory-level camp is designed for children, ages 7-15, who would like to learn the basics of fishing. Campers will receive instruction on fishing equipment, safety, casting, and cleaning fish.  
Go there now >>

 

Search All Kids Fishing Events
Planning ahead? Find more kids fishing events near you by selecting "Kids Fishing Events" in the event type.
More information >>

About This Email

Reel Georgia is a free newsletter focused on fishing opportunities, research, and other fisheries related news in Georgia.