LAKE LANIER IS 3.8 FEET BELOW FULL POOL, THE MAIN LAKE AND CREEKS ARE CLEAR & LOW 50’S


Bass fishing is good. The fish are still spread out with the recent warm weather, although we have seen a greater progression of fish out deeper this week. You can still, however, catch them shallow or deep and everywhere in between. In general, we suggest looking for areas with rock and quick access to deep water as well as creek ditches as primary locations for your search. The early morning bite has been good this week on a jig and a Fish Head. Focus on rock and clay points in the mornings with the aforementioned lures. Also, probe the ditches close to these type areas as many fish are now relating to those typical winter areas. Look for bait in the area you are fishing. If there is no bait, move on. The Davis Shaky Head with a Zoom Finesse worm has been producing some bites as well, so don't hesitate to throw the green worm out there if the bite slows. Fish are often in 15 to 20 feet or shallower when they are active, but look for those fish to get deeper as the water continues to get colder. The cold nights we are having this week will continue to push more fish out deep. A spoon fished around the timber edges in ditches from 40 to 55 feet has been productive also. This is really fun when you find them as you can often catch a bunch of fish quick. If the spoon fish are not biting in the timber, try the worm and jig. Those two are good bets on any day out there deep. For those of you that have contacted me or talked about learning the Fish Head Spin bite in the ditches, now is the time to schedule a trip. They are eating the Fish Head in the ditches well in the mornings, and this is a technique you must learn if you want to ensure consistent quality catches in the winter time. Here is what I have open next week: December 16, 17, 18, and 19. Give me a call and let's go bust some big ones! Also, with Christmas coming, guide trip certificates make great presents. Give the gift of Jimbo for Christmas!!

This Lake Lanier Bass report is from Jimbo Mathley. www.jimboonlanier.com 770 642 7764

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 the shallow water bite is picking up. On the South end there are a lot of Sea Gulls and Loons. These birds can help you locate actively feeding Stripers. Keep your eyes open for Gulls diving on bait pushed up by Stripers. If you find this situation move quietly into the area with your trolling motor, drop a couple of free lines and down rods out and cast a buck tail jig or small spoon. Be aware that Gulls will also hang out with Loons and feed as they push bait to the surface. You may want to check these areas for Stripers with your Lowrance HDS. On the North end of the Lake your best bet is to fish the creeks with the highest concentration of bait. Herring and Trout pulled on free lines and planner boards half way back in the creeks is your best bet. Most of the Stripers are related to points but do not overlook the bays and flats. The umbrella rig is a great search tool and allows you to cover a lot of water when searching for fish. There are fish in all of the creeks. Do not spend too much time in any one area. Big Creek, Shoal Creek, Orr Creek Flat Creek and the northern creeks from Sardis to Wahoo are all good places to start. We have Christmas gift certificates available which are good for one year. Call Big Fish On Guide Service at 404 561 2564 to purchase a certificate.

Call Ken Sturdivant about the ON THE WATER SCHOOLS for Sonar or the Rods, Reels and Lures for Bass or a full day STRIPERS School. Call 770 889 2654 for details. Send an e mail to ken@southernfishing.com

The 2015 Atlanta Boat Show is January 11, through 15, 2015 at The Georgia World Congress Center. Meet these anglers in the “Let’s Go Fishing Center”: Ken Sturdivant, Dan Saknini, Mark Smith, Jimbo Mathley, Al Bassett, Tom Branch, Jr., Rick Burns, Rene Hess CCI, Captain Mark Smith, Randy Hancock, Matt Driver, and Chris Scalley.