“The Southern Fishing Report”
By Ken Sturdivant
106 Hickory Ridge Drive
770 889 2654
Cumming Georgia 30040
May 9, 2014
LAKE LANIER IS .18 FEET UP FROM FULL POOL, THE MAINLAKE IS CLEAR AND CREEKS ARE SLIGHTLY STAINED & 69 DEGREES
This Lake Lanier Bass report is from Jimbo Mathley. www.jimboonlanier.com 770 642 7764
Bass fishing is fair. The spawn is now in full swing. There are still many fish very shallow in the weed lines in the backs of creeks and pockets. A small jig head and worm combo will catch these fish as will a fluke. The main lake fish are moving up shallower on the points and humps and are also spawning in those same places. Also, in many of the same type areas the spots are spawning, the blue back herring are spawning as well. Great choices to fish the herring spawn: fish head spin, spinnerbait, wake bait, jerk bait and a fluke. Also, top water baits such as a popper are starting to work as are many other options. Throw these baits when you see schooling fish, which may or may not be related to the herring spawn. The dock bite is good right now also. Davis Shaky Head and worm combo, Senko’s or a fluke around the docks are still your best bet. I have the following dates open next week: May 12, 13, 14, and 15. I am also have some dates open the following week. Give me a call and let’s go fishing.
This Striper report is from Captain Ken West and Captain Mike Maddalena of Big Fish On Service 404 561 2564. www.bigfishonguide.com
Striper fishing is good and becoming a lot more consistent. The primary pattern has been creek and main lake points. The Stripers are mixed in with Spots and you may halve to wade through a number of Spotted Bass to get to the Stripers. A few fish were caught with the Red Fin this week and the Red Fin bite should improve this week. Keep one tied on and keep your eyes on the lake for surfacing fish. We have not seen any fish surfacing this week but keep your eyes on the water as things change very fast this time of year. We are fishing with a single board on each side and 3 or four free lines out the back. By using only one board per side and three to four free lines, we can maximize the number of baits in the 10 to 30 foot depth range. One fish on a given point seems to be rule for me as the fish spook getting the first fish in the boat. If you catch a fish on a given point or flat think about revisiting that same area later in the day. We have been using herring but have had some reports of success with gizzard shad. We pulled the umbrella rig this week with limited success. The key is keeping baits in the water and pull flats and points. There are fish in every creek from the South end to the North end. However, the North end is attracting the most fishermen.
This Lake Lanier Crappie report is from Dan Saknini, President of the Lanier Crappie Angler’s Club. 404 425 405
Crappie fishing is good. Water temperatures are in the mid 60’s in the middle of the creeks, and low 70’s in the backs of the creeks. After approximately six weeks of the spawn, fishing seems to have slowed down to some degree. However, if you’re in the right place, fishing is good. The males are still on brush piles in two to six feet of water from the mid creek pockets all the way toward the backs of the creeks. The older the brush pile, the better your chances of finding fish on them. They are holding tight to the brush. Early in the morning and late in the day, you can cast to them either with a jig or a minnow under a weighted cork. You will notice that the color of the fish are black to purple and are mostly males. Their color darkens when they move into shallow water. We’ve been targeting the better quality fish on docks with structure, using the dock shooting technique. The 1/24 ounce Jiffy Jigs, Sugar Bugs, or Mr. Crappie soft body jigs, all in various colors, are still working well. The fish are aggressive enough at this time of the year that the color does not matter much. Our favorite line is still the four pound test high visibility line. Always tie your jig directly to the line, with no weights or swivels. This will give your jig better action. Be safe on the water as the lake is getting more crowded! Wear your life jacket, it can save your life!
Dan Saknini is an avid fisherman and President of the Lanier Crappie Anglers Club. See our club’s website, www. laniercrappieanglers.com
We have a new Bait Shop on Buford Dam Road at the Buford Dam Quick Stop at 2595 Buford Dam Road. Open daily from 6 to 6, Marty Kenney has Herring (Yipee) and other baits like shiners ready to go to the lake. Please call him at 706 867 5102 and say hello.
Call Ken Sturdivant about the ON THE WATER SCHOOLS for Sonar or the Rods, Reels and Lures for Bass or a full day STRIPERSSchool. Call 770 889 2654 for details. Send an e mail to ken@southernfishing.com
May 9, 2014
WESTPOINTLAKE IS DOWN 1.78 FEET, STAINED & MID TO UPPER 70 DEGREES
Bass fishing is food and the largemouth and spots are hitting top water all over the lake early in the mornings and late in the evenings. Watch and listen for surface action and you will probably find bass schooling and feeding right on the surface. During the day, the bass are moving out on the points in 8 to 12 feet of water. Use a Carolina rigged worm or lizard in black grape and pumpkinseed. The points off the main lake close to Yellow Jacket Creek, Whitewater Creek and Wehadkee Creek are good places to fish. If you don’t get a bite within the first 15 minutes, move on to another point.
We have GPS Bass fishing locations and a BASSFISHINGWESTPOINTLAKE book for sale. Ask ken for a sample. This book is $39.00. Sample just e mail ken@southernfishing.com
May 9, 2014
LAKEALLATOONA IS FULL, STAINED & LOW 70’S DEGREES
This Lake Allatoona Bass fishing report is by Matt Driver, www.proanglerradio.com
Fishing is at its peak in my opinion. Shad down is wide open and hungry post spawn bass are feeding up. Finding rip rap and rocky shore line is key. The shad spawn bite good from daylight till 9:00. Small poppers and walking baits like the Spro dawg are great. The drop shot tipped with a big bite shaky squirrel is great for fish that have pulled out and are not feeding on top.
This Lake Allatoona Fishing s Report has been brought to you by Robert Eidson of First Bite Service, 770 827 6282 www.firstbite service.com Lake Allatoona, Georgia eidson6260@att.netwww.firstbite service.com
Line side fishing is excellent. The river run is on and the fish are also biting on the south end of the lake. On the Etowah, fish have made it as high as the ball park in Canton and on Little River they are also starting to show up around Rope Mill. Fish on the bottom with either live or cut shad or even chicken liver, and keep a freelined shad ready on a spinning reel in case you see any blow ups. The main lake bite is also very good on the south end. There are fish in Kellogg, Stamp, Iron Hill, Clark and Tanyard creeks. We have been catching a mixed bag of stripers and hybrids on flat lines and planer boards with live shad.
We have the book on BASS FISHING LAKE ALLATOONA and we have GPS 50 coordinates also. Ask for samples of the book and the coordinates from ken@southernfishing.com Try these two N 34 10 846 W 84 43 128 Good spawning pockets in McCaskey Creek. Use a Sammy 100 and Big swim baits around the schooling fish. N 34 10 294 W 84 43 092 Good spawning area around BartowCounty ramp with a Sammy 100 and big swim bait area.
Call Ken about the Southern Fishing Schools exclusive ON THE WATER SCHOOLS for SONAR or Rods Reels and Lures for Bass. Call for 770 889 2654 or ken@southernfishing.com for more info
May 9, 2014
LAKEHARTWELL IS 1 1/2 FEET BELOW FULL POOL. THE MAINLAKE IS CLEAR AND 67.2 DEGREES, THE BACKS OF CREEKS ARE SLIGHTLY STAINED AND 70 DEGREES
From Jimbo’s Guide Service on LakeHartwell. Guide Rick Steckelberg.
Bass fishing is fair. Most of the fish are now in a full blown spawn. Look for the shore line grass and pockets with grass to hold the majority of the spawners. Look specifically for the pockets with sand and clay. A Sworming Hornet Dude in pearl white, a frog, a spinnerbait and a jig head worm are working well for these fish. As far as the main lake, the spotted bass are on every shoal marker that has sand or rock around it. Jerk baits, fluke and shaky heads are taking these fish. Look for the herring spawn to be a major factor in the next few weeks. It has already started, but is not in full swing yet.
Come fish with Rick on LakeHartwell and learn his top secret approaches and strategies that will be used by the pros in next year’s Bass Master Classic. The Classic is coming to Hartwell in February 2015. Contact Jimbo on Lanier at 770 542 7764 to book a trip with Rick. The book BASS FISHING LAKE HARTWELL is available. We have opened this lake up to avid bass anglers with over 100 key bass fishing holes. ken@southernfishing.com for a sample. See our web site for Rods Reels and Lures for Bass DVD on sale.
May 9, 2014
CLARKS HILL IS FULL, 70’S DEGREES & STAINED
Bass fishing is good. The lake will get more rain this weekend and this can really help the fishing. The bass have been biting the best on the windy days. Grass lines are still a good bet for this week. Anglers are using a variety of baits along the edges of the grass to catch good limits. Ito Vision 110 jerk baits seem to be a hot bait for this lake. Use the #5 jointed Shad Raps in the early morning hours. Keep the baits moving and change up often. Also try a Thunderdog top water bait on secondary points and flats. Ask for a free sample of the BASS FISHING LAKE CLARKS HILL book. Ask for a sample at Send a sample request to ken@southernfishing.com
May 9, 2014
LAKERUSSELL IS FULL, CLEAR & 70’S DEGREES
Bass fishing is good. The weather has been dry, but rain is on for the weekend. The bass fishing is really turning on. The water is warm and this is driving the bream and perch into the shallows. The shad are now moving back into the shallow water and will be spawning soon. Shallow running Shad Raps in the Perch and Shad colors are working. The early morning and late evening bite is good right now. Small cuts and coves seem to be the favorite places to fish. Top water Chug Bugs and Pop R’s are working in the creeks early in the morning. Follow any missed strikes with a spinnerbait. On the bright sunny days after the sun comes up over the treetops, anglers are finding the bass holding tight to cover and hard to catch. This is the time to use those plastics and jigs. Texas Rigged Lizards near wood piles seem to be working the best. For a sample of the BASSFISHINGLAKERUSSELL book e mail ken@southernfishing.com
May 9, 2014
LAKESEMINOLE IS 1.09 FEET ABOVE FULL, MUDDY & 70’S DEGREES
Bass fishing is good and the bass are on the wood and points in the creeks. The water is still very stained so use big baits lake wide. Fish the wood cover and fish very tight with spinner baits with bright blades and floating lizards. Use the large worms and a Culprit green shad worms on a Texas rig. Crank baits have been fair on the banks and Rebel Deep Wee R’s and #7 Shad Raps can find the fish and keep moving. Up the lake, use the fire tiger and crawfish 7A Bomber and strikes will be very tight on any cover. Up the river, the fishing is fair and use a 1/2 ounce Stanley spinner bait and add a large trailer. A large jig and pig in all black on the wood and bank structure can draw a big bass. Add some Jacks Juice in the garlic for a few extra strikes. Learn how to use the Lowrance Structure Scan and Down Scan technology with Southern Fishing on the Water fishing schools. ken@southernfishing.com
May 9, 2014
LAKE GEORGE IS 2.17 OVER FULL, 70’S DEGREES
Bass fishing is fair to good and there is a good top water bite later in the day. The Lunker Lure all white buzz bait or Bang A Lures in silver and black back on banks and wood has been good. Cast to the shallow banks with a Rattlin’ Rouge in the shad or bream color. Spinner baits with willow leaf blades in silver and gold on the banks can draw strikes. Worms on a Texas or a short Carolina rig are fair in greens or smoke colors are fair, but fish slowly in and around brush. The down lake fish are biting blue back Shad Raps crank baits on the points and humps. Try the white skirts and silver blades on a Strike King 3/8th ounce spinner baits up the rivers in coves and hit wood on the banks.
Learn how to use the Lowrance Structure Scan and Down Scan technology with Southern Fishing on the Water fishing schools. ken@southernfishing.com
May 9, 2014
WEISSLAKE IS AT 0.15 FEET BELOW FULL POOL AND CLEAR TO LIGHT STAINED AND 70 72 DEGRES
Bass fishing is fair and most of our bass are on beds. Texas rigged Worms and Lizards are catching fish, look for the fish to move to the weed beds as they come off bed.
Striper fishing is fair and they are being caught in the upper ChattoogaRiver and in the head waters of the CoosaRiver, above Mayo’s Lock and Dam.
Crappie fishing is fair and a few fish are being caught long line trolling with 1/24 ounce Jiffy Jigs in colors JJ01, JJ06, JJ13, JJ17 JJ20, JJ37 and Marks Special Blue. Shooting docks is producing a few Crappie also. Spider rigging with live minnows is producing some fish on the creek channel ledges.
Now available for sale 50 of my proven GPS waypoints for off shore structure for Bass and Crappie fishing on Weiss Lake, Alabama contact Ken Sturdivant at ken@havefunfishing.com.
May 9, 2014
LAKE SINCLAIR IS FULL, 73 DEGREES, MUDDY UP RIVER, MAIN LAKE STAINED, BY MATT HENRY, CALL 770 361 4210 (cell) or 478 451 0167 (SINCLAIR MARINA)
WWW.SINCLAIRMARINA.COMMATT@SINCLAIRMARINA.COM
Bass fishing is great. Early mornings have been best for both numbers and quality. Start the morning with moving baits and cover water. Top water baits, such as a white buzz bait or white popper, have been great around concrete sea walls and wood targets in the OconeeRiver. A weightless Trick worm has also been good up shallow around wood cover, sea walls, and docks in the OconeeRiver. Later in the morning and throughout the day, try a chartreuse and white Tru Trac Lures spinnerbait or a Spro Little John crank bait in these same areas. Continue using these moving baits all day if it remains cloudy. If the sun comes out, start flipping a Texas rigged Zoom baby brush hog in June bug color around logs and docks. When Georgia Power is moving water, run to CrookedCreekBridge or Little River Bridge and toss Spro Little John crank baits and light Texas rigs to the rip rap banks. Take advantage of the current by fishing the rip rap points and bridge pilings as post spawn fish try to fatten back up after the spawn. Numbers of smaller fish can also be caught in the clearer creeks on the lower on of the lake by fishing shaky head worms in green pumpkin color around the docks. Guide trips are booking up fast, so give me a call to book your trip.
Make sure to stop by our boat showroom and see the 2013 and 2014 inventory of Nitro, Tracker, Sun Tracker, Tahoe, and Mako boats. We only have a few 2013 models! Don’t miss out on some great deals! For more information, swing by the marina or give us a call at 478 451 0167.
May 9, 2014
LAKEOCONEE IS FULL, UPPER 60 TO LOW 70 DEGREES
Bass fishing is good. The lake is full, stained on the north end, clearing near the dam, Richland creek has light stain. Water temperature is 68 to 75 degrees. The shad are spawning. Start your day on a sea wall or rip rap. Shad raps, along with square billed crank baits that will run about 5 to 10 feet deep will be the best producers. Rat L Traps and 1/4 ounce white spinner baits will also produce fish. Mid day when the sun is high, fish soft plastics under and in the back of docks in the middle of the main lake creeks and large coves. Dark green and brown have been the best colors over the past week. Fish these on a Texas rig or a shaky head.
Striper report by Mark Smith of Reel Time guide service, 404 803 0741 or reeltime@bellsouth.net
Striper fishing is good. The stripers have moved away from the dam. Use your Lowrance to locate the schools on the humps in the mid lake areas. The fish have shown up as far north as the 44 bridge down to the humps near the dam. Live bait along with spoons will produce large catches of fish off of these humps. The umbrella rig has been producing the larger fish over the past week and it should get even better over the next few weeks. There are still a few fish up the rivers and they can be caught on live or cut shad.
Crappie fishing is fair. Use a 1/16 jig head and long line it about 40 ft. from the boat. Over the past week the black green or black chartreuse curly tail grub. Look for fish in the middle to the back of the coves and major creeks on flats in the area. A lot of fish are starting to show up on the deeper brush piles and trees. Use your Lowrance structure scan to locate the fish in the tree tops and drop a live minnow to them.
Make sure you stop by Sugar Creek Marina and pick up your spoons and all your tackle needs. You can also book your crappie and striper trips with Reel Time Service at 404 803 0741 or reeltime@bellsouth.net Learn how to use the Lowrance technology with Ken Sturdivant. Free sonar set up ken@southernfishing.com
May 9, 2014
JACKSONLAKE IS FULL, STAINED & MID 70’S
Bass fishing is good. The rain is on the way and can stain the water up but the fishing will not be harmed. The bass are up shallow with a few still remaining on the beds. The spotted bass are still roaming the main lake points and the shallow water back in the creeks. Crank baits is a sure bet for getting a limit early in the morning. Rapala Shad Raps and Rapala DT6 crank baits will work. Make long casts and vary the retrieve to find out what the bass want. If the water is real muddy up in the Yellow River are stay in tight to the bank. This is where the bass will be during the heavy stained water conditions. The docks are working all during the day for anglers that like to work those plastics and jigs. Brown and green combinations seem to be working the best.
We have the free SONAR WITH KEN STURDIVANT class at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in the Outdoor Skills Workshop. Lowrance Pro Staff Member Ken Sturdivant will go over the settings for the sonar @ 2pm the last Saturday of the month.
If you would like to have a free set up sheet for your sonar, send me an e mail to kensturdivant@earthlink.net and ask for the Sonar Setup Quick List.
We have these books for sale BASS FISHING ON WEST POINT LAKE, BASSFISHINGLAKERUSSELL, BASSFISHINGWESTPOINTLAKE and BASS FISHING LAKE HARTWELL. These books are written by Tim White and Ken Sturdivant and each one has over 65 locations exclusively for bass and covers every week of the year. Each book $39.00. If you would like a sample of any book, send us an e mail to kensturdivant@earthlink.net. Our mailing address is Southern Fishing Schools Inc. 106 Hickory Ridge, Cumming Georgia 30040.