One of the greatest things about living in Georgia is all the superlative fishing sites available. Anglers have their choice of both freshwater and saltwater fishing spots. Personally, I tend to enjoy fishing in the coastal areas because there are several tidal rivers where you can fish for multiple species of saltwater and freshwater fish. With that said, here's a quick look at a few of my favorite spots:
Champney River
The Champney River is accessible from Darien. It is a good spot to catch stripers, spotted seatrout, flounder, sheepshead and red drum. I'd suggest that anglers consider using live crabs and shrimp as bait. In my experience, jigs and are often productive. There are several fishing piers and boat ramps to choose from. I'd recommend that anglers consider using the Champney River Bridge Catwalk, the Darien Waterfront Dock or the Two Way Fish Camp Boat Ramp.
Black River
The Black River is located in St. Simons. It is a wonderful spot for catching whiting, croaker, spotted seatrout, sheepshead and flounder. One of the best places to go and wet your line is the Black River Fishing Pier. I'd suggest targeting the areas around the bridge. Bottom rigs are worthy of consideration. Live shrimp and crab also tend to produce excellent results at times.
Mackay River
The Mackay River is located near St. Simons Island and the Intracoastal Waterway. As such, you can count on it to deliver a wide variety of fish. Some of the species available are spotted seatrout, flounder, sheepshead and croaker. There are multiple fishing piers and boat ramps in the area to choose from. One of the more popular is located near the Torras Causeway. Shrimp imitating lures tend to work well around the bridge and within the deeper channels.
Crooked River
The Crooked River is accessible through the Crooked River State Park. It offers anglers superb access to yellowtail, red drum, spotted seatrout, croaker and flounder. I'd recommend renting a boat or bringing your own. Lead-head jigs, soft plastics and float rigs tend to work well. I'd also suggest using minnows, crawdads and shrimp as bait.
Ogeechee River
In my opinion, the Ogeechee River at Kings Ferry should still be considered a great place to fish despite the 2011 fish kill. I know that the river is considered sick right now, but I have faith that it will rebound in the future. Prior to the fish kill, it offered some of the best fishing in the area. Among the species of fish available are channel cats, spotted seatrout, red drum and stripers. When it comes to live bait and channel cats, I would recommend that anglers try bottom bouncing chicken liver or shrimp with the heads still on. Those angling for spotted sea trout or red drum would do well to use a float rig and live shrimp. I have also found that diminutive spinners and Rat-L-Traps tend to work well when angling for bass.
Killeen Gonzalez enjoys fishing with her family and has traveled extensively.
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