Fishing for carp may not be an angler’s first choice, but according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, targeting carp can make for a fun-filled, action-packed day on the water. Get started with know-how, including recommended hot spots, equipment and techniques. “Northeast Georgia has some great places to pursue carp,” says Wildlife Resources Division Fisheries Biologist Nick Jamison. “Carp fishing requires little preparation and only basic equipment, making it perfect for children and beginner anglers.”
Georgia is the only state in the nation where anglers can target six of the seven species of black bass. The most sought after, the largemouth bass, is just one among the state’s black bass population, including smallmouth, spotted, shoal, redeye (or Coosa) and Suwannee. “Fishing for bass is an all-time favorite passion of many anglers in Georgia and is the most popular type of freshwater fishing in the nation,” says John Biagi, Fisheries Management chief for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. “Bass are appealing because they are relatively abundant in most water bodies throughout Georgia, they grow to a quality size, are aggressive fighters and provide a fun challenge to catch.”
How can you make family memories that will last a lifetime? For many anglers, fond childhood memories involve a family fishing trip and a stringer of bream. So, don’t delay – take them fishing today! Where to go? Visit a nearby public fishing area. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division currently operates and manages ten PFAs across the state in an effort to provide the best possible fishing and access for family-friendly outings. Bluegill and redear sunfish (shellcrackers), both part of the bream family, are stocked on nearly every PFA pond or lake.
Looking for a way to spend more time with a child or grandchild this summer? Introduce them to fishing. Research shows that most people are introduced to fishing by a family member, and most consider a family member to be their best fishing friend. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division encourages adults, especially those with little or no angling experience, to introduce a child to fishing at one of the many statewide kids fishing events scheduled this spring and summer.
Least terns initiate nesting activities beginning in late April and S.C. Department of Natural Resources’ biologists are interested in documenting least terns nesting on roof tops. If you see terns flying above a building and think they are nesting on the roof please send information about the location to Felicia Sanders at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
The first manatees of the season will soon be spotted along the coast of South Carolina, which means the S.C. Department of Natural Resources is again reminding boaters to be on the lookout to avoid collisions with the endangered animals.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division is considering changes relating to the marketing of recreational opportunities on lands owned and managed by the Department. These changes may include: charging fees at DNR-managed properties and facilities, classification of DNR-managed properties, and diversifying recreational opportunities on DNR-managed properties. The Department has scheduled four (4) public meetings across the state to provide the public an opportunity to offer input on these changes for consideration. Those interested are encouraged to bring these meetings to the attention of others that also may be interested in participating.
The distinctive call of the coyote or “song dog” echoes across our state, from the more welcoming rural areas of wooded forests and open fields, to the less inviting backyards of metro Atlanta neighborhoods. Rapid human population growth across the state coupled with the coyote’s unique ability to adapt and thrive, contributes to today’s increased observation of coyotes in urban settings.
South Carolina’s brook trout record, which until 2010 had stood for more than 30 years, was recently broken three times in less than a week as mature brood fish from the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery were stocked in Upstate streams. In all, the state’s brook trout record has been broken five times in 2010.
Beginning May 1st, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will start accepting online applications for the 2010 Public Alligator Hunting season at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/alligator/index.html.
The four-month closure of fishing for shallow water groupers in federal waters off Atlantic Coast states from North Carolina through Florida will end at midnight on April 30th.
Visitors to Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area in Lancaster County may notice certain parts of some of the large rocks were recently blackened with soot. While most other such small fires on “The Rock” have been illegally set, these specific fires were aimed at dealing with the persistent problem of graffiti.
The S.C. Department of Natural Resources Marine Resources Division is preparing for the 2010 saltwater tournament fishing season and would like to remind all Tournament Organizers of the current state regulations.
Governor Mark Sanford and the General Assembly have extended the law limiting the harvest of Arkansas blue catfish in the waters of Lake Marion, the Diversion Canal, the Rediversion Canal above St. Stephen Dam, and Lake Moultrie. Originally signed into law in 2007, this bill will be extended for three years with consideration for renewal in 2013.
The S.C. Department of Natural Resources recently conducted one of the most successful youth turkey hunts in the history of the agency with eight gobblers bagged with four misses. It was all part of a Take One Make One (TOMO) hunt conducted on Youth Turkey Day on March 27.
Midlands Striper Club formally donated nearly $6000 on April 16 to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. The $5,890.42 will fund an oxygenation system for the striped bass fingerling stocking transport truck to help ensure fingerling survivability. Midlands Striper Club’s President, Cam Littlejohn of Columbia, presented a mock check during the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) monthly board meeting in Columbia.
Do you fish for American or hickory shad? If so, please plan to attend a meeting at Holton’s Restaurant in Midway, Georgia at 6:00 pm on Thursday, April 29, 2010. Staff from the Coastal Resources Division (CRD) and Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will present information about recent activities of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and how those activities will affect management of Georgia’s shad fisheries.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division will hold a public hearing on April 14, 2010 for the public to comment on a proposed change to alligator hunting regulations. Those interested are encouraged to bring these meetings to the attention of others that also may be interested in participating.
The S.C. Department of Natural Resources License Plate Series are specialty plates available to the general public. Each plate portrays the importance of natural resources in our state from saltwater recreational fishing and hunting opportunities to conservation of endangered and threatened species.
A new South Carolina record for brook trout was recently set on Lake Jocassee, just weeks after a 9-year-old angler tied the 30-year-old record on the South Saluda River.
