LAKE LANIER IS 3.9 FEET BELOW FULL POOL, THE MAIN LAKE AND CREEKS ARE CLEAR & LOW 50’S

Bass fishing is good. You can still catch fish shallow or deep and everywhere in between. In general, I 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. The underspin fish have been extremely shallow in the mornings in the very back of pockets and creek arms. Work the bait slowly. 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 worm out there if the bite slows. The cold nights we have been experiencing 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. Also, this is a great time to learn how to fish the deep timber on Lanier.

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

Jimbo will be hosting 2 training classes, one on January 17, 2015 and one on January 31st, 2015. These will be intensive Lanier focused classes addressing areas such as: Fishing the deep timber, fishing ditches, reading electronics, ledge fishing, matching tackle and lure presentations, along with much, much more. Call or email me for more information on these valuable seminars. [email protected], 770 542 7764. Here is what I have open for the rest of December: 29 and 30. 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 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. The key on the south end has been Sea Gulls and Loons. There is a significant difference this year with feeding Loons. In years past we would never saw a Loon feeding in the backs of the creeks and in shallow water less than 10 feet. This year, we are seeing a lot of Loons fishing shallow water in the creeks. Consequently, there are more stripers feeding on the bait pushed up by the Loons. You may want to check areas where shallow water loons are feeding. One way is to move into the area and cast a 1/2 ounce Capt. Mack's buck tail jig with a small fluke trailer. You may also want to check these areas for Stripers with your Lowrance HDS. Even better yet, do both. Keep your eye on your Lowrance and cast a buck tail. 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 working all over the lake. Pull points and flats 80 to 100 feet back in 20 to 30 feet of water. There are fish in all of the creeks but mid lake has been a little better than extreme North or South. 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.

Jimbo Mathley will be hosting two Bass fishing classes one on Saturday, January 17, 2015 and second on Saturday, January 31, 2015. The classes will be from 9 AM until 12:30 PM and will be held at the Dekalb Office Conference Room, which is located off of Exit 12 on GA 400, 1320 Ridgeland Parkway in Alpharetta. These trainings will be intensive Lanier focused sessions to include detailed information on some of the following popular topics: Winter fishing to include ditch and timber fishing. How to find the best areas and how to fish them. How to identify and fish productive ledges. Tournament fishing pointers to include developing a game plan as well as managing the mental side of fishing. Matching tackle to techniques. Reading and understanding electronics and processing the information you see to make better fishing decisions. Establishing seasonal patterns and much more. There will be a generous time slot allowed for an open forum and question answer period, as well as time for one on one questions after the training ends. The first session will be more winter focused. The second session will address prepping for the winter and spring transition which will start in February. Each class will have a short morning break as well to include refreshments. Call or e mail Jimbo Mathley. Register and pay in advance, prior to January 14, 2015, the price structure will be as follows: $69 for one training, $99 for both training sessions. Day of/at the door price will be $85 for either session. Space is limited so I highly recommend making your reservations in advance ASAP. There has already been a great deal of interest expressed from many people, so spots will go fast. Call 770 542 7764 or email me at [email protected]. Payment forms accepted include: cash, check, credit card, and Pay Pal. Please note that all electronic transactions will have a $7 processing fee added.

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 [email protected]

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, Matt Henry, Matt Henry, Tom Branch, Jr., Rick Burns, Rene Hess CCI, Captain Mark Smith, Randy Hancock, Matt Driver, and Chris Scalley.