Georgia game and fish [Vol. 5, no. 6 (June 1970)]

GEORGIA

VOL. 5, NO. 6 I JUNE, 197(

~GEORGIA
~GAME&FISH

June 1970

Volume V

Number 6

CONTENTS

Find Your Own Thing

Marvin Tye 1

Samaritans of the Waterways

Aaron Pass 4

Mountain Fair

Ted Borg 8

For Want of a Ramp

Wayne Thomaston 10

Those Battling Bluegills

Bob Wilson 13

Outdoor World

15

Sportsmen Speak

16

Sportsman's Calendar

17

Tide Tables

17

Lester G. Maddox Governor

George T. Bagby D1rector. State Game & F1sh CommiSSIOn

COMMISSIONERS

Clyde Dixon Chairman Cleveland-9th District William Z. Camp, Sec. Newnan-6th District James Darby Vidalia-1st District Dr. Robert A. Collins, Jr. Americus-3rd District Charles L. Davidson, Jr. Avondale Estates-4th District

Richard Tift Vice Chairman Albany-2nd District Rankin M. Smith Atlanta-5th District J. B. Langford Calhoun-7th District Judge Harley Langdale Valdosta-8th District Leonard Bassford Augusta-lOth District

Jimmie Williamson Darien-Coasta I District

TECHNICAL SERVICES DIVISION
Jack A. Crockford, Assistant Director Leon Kirkland, Fisheries Chief
Hubert Handy, Game Management Chief

LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
Bill Cline, Major Deputy State Chief, Atlanta
J. D. Atchison, Major Deputy State Chief, Metter
David Gould, Major Supervisor of Coastal Fisheries
Brunswick

GEORGIA GAME & FISH STAFF
Dean Wohlgemuth Editor

Staff Writers

Marvin Tye

John Culler

Bob Wilson

Aaron Pass

Ted Borg, Photo Editor

Georgia Game and Fish is the olficiol monthly magazine of the Georgia Game and Fish Commission, published at the Commission's offices, TrinityWashington Building, 270 Washington St., Atlanta, Georgia 30334. No advertising accepted. Subscriptions ore $1 lor one year or $2.50 for three yeors. Printed by Stein Printing Company, A.tlonto, Go. Notification of address change mull include both old and new address and ZIP code, with 30 ~ays notice. No subscription requests will be accepted without ZIP code. Arf1cles and photographs may be reprinted. Proper credit should be given. Contributions ore welcome, but the editors assume no responsibility or liability lor loss or damage ol articles, photographs, or illustrations. Second-class postage
paid at Atlanta, Go.

Pollution-Problem or Pleasure?
"Armpit Estates-69 miles," said the sign. A rather amusing bit of graffiti until you notice that it defaces a natural rock wall on the side of the road. The view on the other side wasn't much either. Supposedly it was the magnificent Tallulah Gorge, but it could not be seen for the souvenir shops, refreshment stands, and other such tourist traps that line the roadside. These stands have been called eyesores, but perhaps we have misjudged them. By obscuring the view of the gorge, they probably prevent many sightseers from obtaining a closer look by driving in.
It is said that every cloud has a silver lining; so it is perhaps with the environmental pollution problem. Since man is seemingly so intent on the ruination of his natural habitat, maybe with a little thought we can transform pollution into a benefactor of modern man. By applying a philosophy of this type we could do much to decrease the complexity of modern life.
Take fishing for example. A fishing trip usually involves arising at an early hour, getting off work, driving to and from, and generally being away from the comforts of home. This is particularly apparent on weekends when fishing detracts so much from pleasant tasks such as painting the house, mowing the lawn, etc. However, if we continue to pollute our streams and lakes at the present rate we can eventually poison all the fish, alleviating the problem entirely. The ocean presents a somewhat greater challenge, but considering our expanding technology, it shouldn't be insurmountable. Surely a country that can put men on the moon can pollute an ocean with relative ease.
Hunting has the same general drawbacks as fishing, but is usually done in colder, nastier weather, and in more rugged country. These added inconveniences make hunting more of a burden to modern man than fishing. It would probably save many men's health and marriages if it were phased out.
By the same token, the elimination of sport hunting is one of the easiest problems to solve. Environmental pollution coupled with a snowballing population will finish hunting in short order. After all, man, left to his own devices, has been multiplying and extraplenishing the earth for centuries. The population increase serves many functions as a tool for simplifying man's life style. It makes him more likely to enjoy the organized social pleasures rather than individualistic sports like hunting and fishing. He is also less likely to join a conservation organization such as Ducks Unlimited, without which duck hunting might already be a thing of the past. Anyone who would get up at 3 a.m. to sit in a freezing rain and shoot at ducks is, in the opinion of many, in desperate need of psychological guidance.
Another effective deterrent to sport hunting is anti-gun legislation. This type of restriction is becoming widespread, and may eventually make owning a firearm difficult or even impossible. A lack of guns will probably make hunting less popular, and will also free man of the necessity of sighting in, and target shooting.
(Continued on page 16)
DN THE COVER: A summer day . . . and fishing fever strikes. Where to go? There's a new fishing hotspot in northwest Georgia, just open to the public. This beautiful scene on Arrowhead Lakes Public Fishing Area, will greet visitors here. Read "Do Your Own Thing," next page, by Marvin Tye. Photo by Ted Borg.
ON THE BACK COVER: How many times have you wished there were a boat ramp near one of your favorite fishing spots? Many a Georgia angler has, and the State Game and Fish Commission is doing all it can to build ramps all over the state. See "For Want of A Ramp," by Wayne Thomaston, page 10. Photo by Marvin Tye.

FIND YOUR OWN THING
by Marvin Tye

It has been estimated that Georgia to furnish public fishing lakes to help

has 1,250,000 fishermen. There are solve this problem. In addition to prov-

those who like fishing large impound- iding fishing for those who just like to

ments and others who would rather fish such waters, there are a number of

surf-fish or troll offshore waters for other advantages. These public fishing

salt-water gamesters. Some prefer the lakes are ideal for the handicapped, for

solitude of an isolated mountain stream the elderly and for children. You don't

where they might find trout or small- need a large boat or extensive know-

mouth bass.

how to fish these waters. The lakes are

There is yet another breed of angler we11-stocked and a person who fishes

who likes to fish small ponds for bass, them long enough to become acquainted

bluegills and catfish. There is no prob- with their characteristics can have good

lem in finding large impoundments or success.

trout streams on public land in North The oldest of these facilities is the

Georgia or in getting access to good McDuffie Public Fishing area which

salt-water fishing on the coast. Unless consists of 15 ponds open for fishing

you own land or know someone who March 1 through Oct. 31 each year.

does, getting permission to fish on small The lake is located about four miles

ponds may present a problem.

outside Dearing. To reach the area,

The Georgia Game and Fish Com- drive to the Iron Hill church from town

mission has embarked upon a program and then tum left at the wooden sign

marking an unpaved road to the checking station. Fishing costs $1.00 per day per angler. Children under 16 are admitted free. Fishermen can use their own boats but only electric motors can be used. The ponds, covering a total of 88 acres, are we11 fertilized and heavily stocked with largemouth bass, bream and channel catfish. Bass as large as eight pounds have been taken on this area as well as bluegills in the twopound class.
The Arrowhead Public Fishing Area is the newest to be opened to the public. It consists of two easily accessible ponds, one of 16 acres and. one of 19 acres, which will be opened for fishing on alternate years. The 19-acre pond was opened for fishing for'the first time this year. No public fishing had been al-

A shady tree, a beautiful lake, and these anglers are doing their thing ... finding good fishing, easy to get at. All fishing is from the bank on Arrowhead Lakes Public Fishing Area. No boats are allowed. (Photo by Aaron Pass)
1

A rainy opening day didn't prevent this angler from reeling in a nice bass. One of the two lakes on the Arrowhead Area is open
each year from April 1 through October 31 with fishing allowed on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays only. (Photo by Aaron Pass)
Arrowhead is managed primarily to produce catfish, and stringers such as this are not uncommon. (Photo by Aaron Pass)
2

lowed in either of the ponds prior to the 1970 season.

Fishing season at this facility runs from April 1 to Oct. 31 with angling allowed on Wednesdays, Saturdays and
Sundays only. Admission charge is $1.00 per day for each fisherman 16 or older. Boats are not allowed at this facility and all fishing must be done from the bank. Fishing is primarily for channel catfish with some bass and bream action to be had. Bass were stocked primarily to rid the lake of wild species other than catfish. There .is a 10-inch limit on largemouth bass and a creel limit of two per day. Anglers may take 5 catfish and 25 bream each day.

To reach Arrowhead from Rome, go 7.1 miles north of the Floyd County Hospital on Highway 27 to the Armuchee Post Office, then turn right and drive 4.5 miles to the area. From Summerville, go south on Highway 27 and make a left turn to the area. From Calhoun, take highway 156 west to MeKinney's Grocery Store. Turn right and drive one mile to the area.
The Champney Island Area consists of 117 acres of public fishing on Champney Island. The lake has just been constructed and stocked with bass and bream. Public fishing is scheduled to begin in the summer of 1971.

Construction has just begun on the

Chattooga Public Fishing Area near

Summerville. A large earthen dam has

been constructed in a picturesque

wooded valley that has many streams

and springs to furnish an ample supply

of cool water. The lake will cover 40

acres and should produce some fine

fishing. In the near future another dam

will be constructed downstream from

the present damsite and another lake

will be formed. The Chattooga Public

Fishing Area will probably be opened in

1972.

.

According to Fisheries Chief Leon Kirkland, the Game and Fish Commission hopes to construct a number of other public fishing areas throughout the state in the next few years. He said that he would like to see as many as two or three each year under construction. The land for these lakes is deeded to the Game and Fish Commission by the county in which it is located. The Commission then constructs the lakes and maintains and stocks them.
Most lakes will have soft drink and candy machines but no concession stands. Bait and fishing tackle must be purchased before arriving at the fishing areas. Fishing licenses will be sold at all public fishing areas.

If fishing a small pond is, as the teen-

agers now say, "your bag", you'll be

able to "do your thing" at Georgia's

Public Fishing Areas.

~

The area to the right of this dam, now under construction, will be covered by a 40-acre lake. The road in the picture will be replaced by a road
over the dam. The dam at the future site of the Chattooga County Public Fishing Area is 202 feet wide and
500 feet long with a 100-foot spillway. (Photo by Ted Borg)
Ladies as well as men enjoy the fishing
at Arrowhead. Any lady will agree, it's nice to have a gentleman around
to help carry out her limit catch.
(Photo by Aaron Pass)
3

The setting sun is an orange ball dropping swiftly through red tinted clouds to its evening rendezvous beyond the western shoreline. A lone boat sits quietly on the lake in the gathering twilight. The occupant, also sitting quietly, is gazing at the sunset.
Joe, the boater, does not feel peaceful in this serene setting, instead he feels a trifle uneasy. Joe snapped a shear pin earlier in the afternoon, and since he forgot to bring any spares, he has little else to do but watch the su n go down. He could of course paddle if he had one, which he doe n't, and he also forgot the small boat distress signal. Luckless Joe has been waving at passing

boats all day, getting lots of cheery waves io return, but no assistance. Right friendly folks hereabouts. So now Joe is not admiring the beautiful sunset, but is contemplating a long, dark night in the middle of the lake.
As Joe is trying to remember whether the weather forecast included storms, he hears the hum of a boat motor. "Well," thinks Joe, "I might as we!J wave goodbye to this one too." He waves, and to his surprise the boat turns and pulls alongside.
To the boat is a fellow in a khaki uniform; "Having any trouble?" he asks.
"You bet," answers Joe, "I broke a shear pin, and I thought I was going to

have to spend the night." "I'm from the Coast Guard Auxil-
iary'" said Joe's savior, "I'll give you a tow back to the Marina, where you can get that pin fixed." As Joe gratefully accepted the tow line, he was also very grateful that the Coast Guard Auxiliary ran a "Sun Down Patrol" to aid unlucky boater like himself.
Such incidents are routine for members of the Auxiliary, over the years many thousands of boaters have been assisted by this organization. Often the situations are merely uncomfortable, but just as often the circumstances are more dangerous, and lives may depend on the actions of the Auxiliarists.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the civili an affiliate of the U.S. Coast Guard . It consi ts of a voluntary membership of dedica ted boaters, and performs a general public service related to water recreation. Created by an act of Congress "to promote safety and effect rescues on and over the high sea and on navigable waters . ..," the Auxiliary tries to make water sports safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
Members are on call via the local Marine Operator to provide assistance in many types of emergencies. They frequently turn out in foul and dangerous weather to rescue a stranded boater, or to help local authorities search for a

miss ing person. In times of natural disa ter the Auxiliary helps in the rescue operations, and provide aid to the victims.
P rovidi ng a sa fety patrol fo r water parades and regattas is another importa nt mission of the Auxiliary. Some of these events a re held in weathe r where the water temperature cou ld kill anyone who had to stay in it more than a few minutes. In these cases the presence of the patrol saves lives by offering immediately avai lable aid.
Ano ther fu nction of the Coast Guard Auxi liary is the Courtesy Motorboat Examination. The examination is free, and will be conducted only by request.

The purpose of the examination is to determ ine if the safety equipment on a give n boat meets the legal requ irements in the area. If the boat pas es the test it is awarded the CME decal. Thi decal is recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard in all 50 state , and a boat bearing one will not usuall y be boarded unless a violation is noted. After the check the boater i given the onl y copy of the checkl ist, and deficiencies are not reported to any age nc y. Th is examination is not a method of Jaw enforcement, but is intended to help the boater enjoy safer boating.
In addition to the direct waterborne assistance, the Auxilia ry gives boating

5

classes to help people stay out of trou-

ble. These classes are designed to meet

the requirements of almost everyone

who has occasion to go on the water.

The Outboard Motorboat Handling

class is a condensed, one-lesson class in

safety. It covers the fundamentals of

boat handling, and the rules of courtesy

on the water.

The Safe Boating class consists of

three lessons. It is concise and compact,

designed for the busy boatowner. The

subjects covered include, elementary

seamanship, aids to navigation, rules of

the road, knot tying, and safe boat han-

dling.

For the truly .jnterested boater there

is an eight week course in basic seaman-

ship. This course has instruction on

charts and compass, and marlin-spike

seamanship, as well as a more .jn depth

presentation of the subjects covered in

the Safe Boating Course.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary hopes

these classes will result in better and

Tom Morgan lectures an advanced Power Squadron class on marine electronics. safer boating for everyone. This infor-

This class is an elective, taken after completion of the 12 week basic course.

mation is good for both beginners, and

veteran boaters. The basic courses .in

boat handling help the inexperienced

gain a better understanding of how to

derive maximum pleasure from the

sport. The advanced courses offer the

experienced water sportsman an excel-

lent opportunity to brush up on his

technique. This type of education is the

best method of accident prevention, and

is needed by everyone who has the oc-

casion to operate a boat.

Another organization offering in-

struction in safe boating is the U.S.

Power Squadrons. The Power Squad-

rons' aim is "Safe Boating through Edu-

cation." In keeping with this goal the

Power Squadron does not participate in

on the water operations but confines its

program to intensive education of the

boater. Again it is stressed that these

classes are worthwhile to everyone re--

gardless of experience, since everyone

has to cope with the same problems and

hazards.

The Power Squadron Classes begin

with a 12-week course in basic piloting.

Hanson Hall conducts a Coast Guard Auxiliary class on aids to navigation. This class is part of the Basic Seamanship course which lasts 8 weeks.

Class material covers safety, compass work, and charting. From this level the

student may go on to the advanced

courses which include advanced pilot-

ing, and celestial navigation. There are

also elective courses in sailing, weather,

engine maintenance, and electronics. A

student completing the advanced pilot-

ing course would be rated a competent

off-shore sailor. Completion of the full

6

.. \

course would enable one to cope with tremendously important that a basic un-

virtually any situation on fresh or salt derstanding of safe boating practices is

water.

instilled in everyone that operates a

Both the Coast Guard Auxiliary and b.pat. Water recreation has the potential

the Power Squadrons perform a badly for great pleasure it is true, but it also

needed public service. While the Auxil- has the potential for great tragedy if

iary is involved in direct assistance to someone is careless.

boaters in trouble, the Power Squadron Our friend Joe might have avoided

relies on instruction to keep people out his plight if he had taken the classes of-

of trouble. Both groups offer worth- fered by either oganization. It is true

while educational programs that stress . that everyone forgets, but it is doubtful

water safety, and genei:al boat handling. that spare pins, a paddle, the distress

These programs turn out people who signal, and the weather forecast would

better grasp the responsibilities involved all be forgotten on one trip. Joe would

in pleasure boating.

-probably have learned with experience,

With the great increase in the number but spending the night on the lake is

of people using our waters today, it is pretty harsh schooling.

>.e

About the Author
While Aaron Pass may be new to the Game and Fish Commission, he is no stranger to the outdoors. Pass joined the Information and Education Section in March, where he does general public relations work, and is also a staff writer for the Georgia GAME and FISH Magazine.
A native of North Georgia, Pass attended South Hall High School near Gainesville. From there he went on to the University of Georgia, where he majored in Journalism. While at the University, he served for two years as the Information Officer for the Army ROTC drill team. Graduating in 1969 with an AB degree, he decided to pursue a career in the area that most interested him, outdoor writing. His writings have appeared in the Athens Banner Herald, The Athens Daily News and the Gainesville Daily Times.
Having been raised in the country, Pass can date his outdoor experiences from an early age. He claims to have been hunting since he was big enough not to drown in a heavy dew, and fishing since he discovered water had some usefulness other than on Saturday night. Fond of virtually anything connected with hunting or fishing, he rates upland hunting and trout fishing as his particular favorites. Weekends generally find him behind a bird do~, or on a mountain stream, dependmg on what's in season. Other hobbies include clay target shooting, reloading, and photography.
When asked why he decided to become an outdoor writer, he said, "I hope that through my writing I can communicate my love for the out of doors to the reader, and at the same time impress on him the vital need to better conserve our natura I resources so that our descendants can enjoy the sport that we have too long taken for granted."

Mrs. Allen Douglas, commander of Flotilla 26, Coast Guard Auxiliary, at the helm of her Chinese junk, the "Red Dragon". "The Red Dragon" is one of the few junks utilized as a working auxiliary vessel.

7

MOUNTJ IN FAIR

"Let's get this over with so I can get
back to the trout," says a contestant in
the children's costume contest, at the Rabun County Mountain Fair.

State Game & Fish exhibits are shown at many fairs & festivals throughout the state.

Climbing the greased pole gave some

slippery action to several youngsters with All the way from Hiawassee came this mule train to help celebrate the Rabun

"high" ideas.

County Mountain Fair.

This is not the kind of log sawing that'll put you to sleep. It took some brawny men to win this contest. This year's fair is set for June 19, 20, 21.

8

9

FOR WANT O F A RAMP . .. . . . THE FISHING WAS LOST
By Wayne Thomaston

nis 6 a.m. and nine trailered boats
wait in line at the only launching ramp in the area. It might well be two hours before that ninth boat gets on the water, missing some prime fishing time. They will also be fishing in crowded water around the ramp . Eight miles upstream the river is deserted save one lone bank fisherman . . . There's good fishing but it's not accessible.
Sound familiar? It should, a tremendous need exists in many areas of the tate for more adequate boat launching facilities. This shortage of launching ramps has resulted in overly crowded conditions where ramps do exist, and a Jack of fishing pressure in many good areas where there are none.
To make these areas more accessible to sportsmen, and to better distribute the fishing pressure, the Game and Fish Commission has initiated a public
10

A waiting line of boats to be launched is one of the problems encountered where there are too few ramps to meet the needs of boaters.
launching ramp construction program. The program, initiated almost four years ago, has resulted in the construction of 60 ramps throughout the state. Launching sites are presently available on the Ogeechee, Oconee, Altamaha, Etowah, Oostanaula, Flint, Tugaloo, and Ocmulgee Rivers, Abercorn Creek, Demeries Creek, Lake Chatuge, Lake Hartwell, Lake Sinclair, and Nottely Lake. These ramps have received a great deal of use, and more of them are definitely needed to relieve the crowding.
For instance, there is very little access from Lake Jackson to Macon on the Ocmulgee River. It's the same on the Georgia side of Goat Rock Reservoir; and the rivers in the coastal areas.

If these and other fine fish ing areas are to be used to their best advantage more launching ramps must be built.
Local participation is needed for ramp construction. A city or county wanting a ramp must make the land available, and participate in construction. It is necessary that the state own the land immediately under the ramp, and have a 25 year lease on the adjacent land for parking. Approximately a third of an acre is required for the ramp itself, and a minimum of two acres fo r adequate parking. Funding for the ramp program is provided by the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation on a 50-50 basis with the Game and Fish Commission. Ramps can be built on Federally owned land by agreement with the Federal Government. They can also be constructed on highway property where permission has been granted by the

A new ramp where once there was none. There were no launching places on this section of the Flint River before this ramp was constructed at the Highway 128 bridge.
CITIES 25.000 POP. AND OVER

LAUNCHING RAMPS IN USE

Body of Water Ramp Location

1. Altamaha

Gray's landing

2. Altamaha

Jesup

3. Altamaha

Town Bluff Ferry

4. Altamaha

McNatt Falls

5. Altamaha

Carter Bike land ing

6. Altamaha

Morris landing

7. Altahama

County landing

8. lake Blackshear Veterans State Park

9. Chattahoochee Columbia lock & Dam

10. lake Chatuge Hwy. 76, Towns County

11. lake Chatuge Up Chatuge lake

12. Clark Hill

Mistletoe Park

13. Clark Hill

Mistletoe Park

14. Crooked River Crooked River State Park

15. Crooked River Crooked River State Park

16. Demeries Creek Richmond Hill

17. Etowah River Hwy. 5, Cherokee County

18. Flint River

Hwy. 49, Macon County

19. Flint River

Reeves landing

20. Flint River

Below Blackshear Dam

21. Flint River

Hwy. 128, Taylor County

22. Hartwell

little Gumby Creek

23. lake Nottely

At Dam

24. lake Nottely

Nottely Creek

25. Ocmulgee River Cochran

26. Ocmulgee

Hwy. 96, Houston County

27. Ocmulgee

Abbeville

28. Ocmulgee

Hwy. 230, South of Hawkinsville

29. Ocmulgee

Dodge lake land ing

30 . Ocmulgee

3 miles west of Jacksonville

31. Ocmulgee

Jacksonville Bridge, 441

32. Ocmulgee

Staves landing

33. Ocmulgee

Flat Tub landing

34 . Ocmulgee

Red Tub landing

35 . Ocmulgee

Bullards landing

36. Oconee River

Milledge Hospital

37. Oconee River U.S. #78, Green County

38 . Oconee River

Buckeye, 20 miles N. of Dublin

39. Oconee River Pete Davis River

40. Oconee River Hwy . 280, Wheeler Co .

41. Oconee River Bails Ferry

42. Oconee River Blackshear Ferry

43. Oconee River Steve Fuller land ing

44. Oconee River Bells Ferry

45 . Ocegehee River Between Herndon & Midville

46. Ogeechee River Hwy. 88, Jefferson Co.

47. Ogeechee River Between Hwy. 1 & Hwy. 17

48. Ogeechee River U.S. #1 , Jefferson Co.

49. Ogeechee River U.S. #17, Jefferson Co.

50. Oostanauia River Hwy. 156, Gordon Co.

51. Oostanaula

Calhoun

52. Satilla River

Hwy. 121, Pierce Co .

53 . Satilla River

Alapaha River at Odom Bluff

54. Satilla River

Herring lake

55 . Satilla River

Hwy. 64 Bridge

56. Satilla River

Hwy. 19, Charlton Co .

57. Savannah River Bush Field, Augusta

58. Savannah

Abercorn Creek

59. Sinclair

Murder Creek, Hwy. 129

60. Tugaloo

Below Yonah lake, Hwy. 184

11

Game and Fish personnel get together with local officials to determine the
need and the best location for a ramp . This site is on Lake Blackshear.

highway department Off-the-highway parking must also be available.
Construction of the ramps consists of pouring a concrete base, then attaching prefabricated concrete logs. These logs extend out into the water far enough to provide an adequate ramp. The presence of one of the ramps makes boat launching easier in areas where it was difficult or impossible to launch before.
Ramp sites are selected on the basis of a survey by the Game and Fish Commission. This survey determines the need for the ramp by the degree of use of the area, and whether the proposed site lends itself to construction.
The Commission's goal is to provide a launching site for every ten miles of navigable stream, and for every 1,000 acres of re ervoir. There is a trong need for approximately 300 ramps throughout the state if the full recreational potential of the streams and reservoirs is to be realized.
There are many miles of rivers and lakes that receive virtually no use because of the lack of access areas. The sportsmen, including hunters, fishermen

.. .
::..~ .J= '-~ ;.-~'-
. ,, --- -e- ' ........
. . ' "'"'

and boating enthusiasts, find that concrete boat ramps are extremely beneficial. A concrete ramp makes it much easier to launch a boat.
There are many small streams throughout the state that would be excellent for bunting, fishing, and canoeing trips if it were possible to get in and out of the creek with a boat. Although only small fishing boats can be used,

these small streams produce a tremen-

dous amount of fishing. At present

these streams are virtually unused in

most regions of the state for want of ad-

equate boat launching sites.

If this program continues to receive

support from local governments, the in-

creasing number of ramps will provide

more recreation for more people with

less crowding.

-

Concrete ramps like this one on the Ocmulgee River in Beckley County provide easy launching.

12

Although bluegills seldom put up a topwater fight as this one did, catching these fish on light tackle, as Mr. Everett Hall of Hawkinsville does, offers very satisfying sport.
THOSE BATTLING
BLUEGILLS
By Bob Wilson

Many a dedicated bass fisherman has been heard to comment something to the effect that, "BiuegiU fishi ng is for women and children." But if you want to hear the other side of the story, just talk to a man who has taken a pound or pound and a half bluegill on light fly tackle. On the proper types of fishing gear, the bluegill puts up a strong and spirited struggle.
Two of the attractive things about bluegills are the variety of baits and lures that they can be taken on, and the fact that they may readily be taken during the hot summer months, when most other species make themselves scarce.

While bluegills may be taken almost any time on almost any bait, catching the big ones calls for skill and determination.
Bluegills may be taken on al most any type of bait or lure that they can get in their mouths; and they will strike at those too big for them. Favorite baits include worms of the red and catalpa varietie , cricket , and many types of cut bait including fatback and chicken livers. Artificial lures which have proven successful include dry and wet flies , floating and sinking bugs, very small spinners, and the plastic worms and crickets.

While just about any kind of fishing gear can be used , for the greatest enjoyment in catching bluegills, the lighter the equipment the better. The best equipment would be a good cane pole, long and very flexible, an ultra-light spinning outfit, or a light-action fly rod. Four pound test line is sufficient unless the fish can get into brush or submerged trees.
Bluegills in our area spawn when the water temperature reaches 65 to 68 degrees, which usually occurs in midApril, and continue to spawn until August. The male bluegills guard the nests until the fry leave. During this time, the

bulls will attack anything approaching the nest. The largest bluegills are usually taken late in the spawning season when an angler can place his bait in the vicinity of the deeper nesting beds.
B1uegills periodically change their location in a lake or pond. Where there were large numbers of them one day may seem deserted a day or two later. These fish seem to have differing food preferences according to size, with the smaller fi sh taking one bait, and the larger ones waiting for some other type. The moral is rather obvious: Keep moving around until you locate a school and then keep changing bait until you are satisfied that you are catching the largest size in the school.
The use of fly tackle in fishing for bluegill is becoming increasingly popular. Both dry and wet flies produce results, as will sinking and floating bugs. As a general rule, the top-water lures will produce best in the early morning and the evening, and the sinking lures are best during the day. The bluegill will put up a good struggle on fly tackle, swimming strongly at right angles to the pull of the line.
Bluegills prefer quiet water with brush, weeds, or other obstructions, and shade. Overhanging limbs, submerged trees, and docks are good spots for these fish. The large ones drop out into deeper water during the day, but come in to the shallows to feed in the mornings and evenings.
Bluegills are certainly not the same as bass, but they can be caught almost any day of the year, and on the right tackle they offer the fisherman real pleasure.
- Always keeping in mind, of course, that
they are called panfish for good reason.
14

One of the best things about the bluegill is the variety of baits and lures they can be caught on. The larger ones, though, can be as demanding as any trout, waiting for just the exact bait or lure before they will strike.
Bluegil/s can be caught when other species make themselves scarce,
and provide enjoyable and relaxing sport almost anywhere, almost anytime.
This fine stringer of panfish, including a number of bluegill, has provided this angler fine sport on his supple cane pole; and it's more than likely that there is a fine meal in store.

About the Author
A new addition to the staff at GAME and FISH, Bob Wilson, is certainly not new to outdoor writing. His writing

has appeared in ARGOSY and SKIN DIVER magazines as well as the Athens, Georgia, Banner Herald. Bob enjoys almost all outdoor activities, but one of his favorites is scuba diving. He has been diving since 1960 in areas ranging from New York to Florida and Bermuda. Bob particularly enjoys underwater photography and spearfishing. Also amon~ his favorites are upland bird huntmg, trout fishing, and primitive weapon hunts.
He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1966, and went directly mto the Army for two years; one year of which was spent in a combat area in Viet Nam. In 1968, he returned to the University of Georgia for a program leading to an M.A. Degree in Journalism.
At the Game and Fish commission, Bob will be Audio-Visual Editor, handling film and radio productions as well as serving as a staff writer on the GAME and FISH magazine. He will be heard on many radio stations throughout the state giving the daily outdoor report.

the
outdoor world
Douglas Decries Loss of Wildlife
"What we're doing to wildlife in this country is monstrous!" said Supreme Court Justice and conservationist William 0. Douglas to a concerned audience at Georgia Tech recently.
Douglas criticized modern farming practices and careless exploitation of resources as factors leading to the decline and possible extinction of game animals and fish. "Oklahoma is losing 100,000 bobwhite quail each year," he said. "Insects disappear because pesticides eliminate them at a crucial time of year when bobwhites must have the concentrated protein food of insects." Small mammals have also been affected. "Twenty years of poisoning has almost eliminated prairie dogs," Douglas stated.
"The pheasant population of North Dakota has dropped from 13 million to 2 million because of specialized farming with "clean" techniques. Modern clean farming does not leave brushy hedgerows between crops to serve as shelter and food for small animals.
Douglas also hit poor management of public lands and public funds. Antelope die in piles beside fences installed across public range lands in the west because the fences prevent them from migrating to food and shelter in the winter. About the loss of wetlands Douglas declared, "The government pays a man to drain water bird habitat to grow wheat so they can pay him not to grow wheat."
The disappearance of six species of commercial fish off the New York coast is a grave sign that pollution is affecting our ocean waters as well as our rivers and lakes. Sewage and industrial wastes poured into the nation's waters eventually reach the sea, as do pesticide residues washed off the land. Douglas pointed out that "Almost all ocean fish have traces of pesticides in their fat or ovaries."
Even air pollution can affect fishing. Douglas cited cases of wilderness lakes being polluted by airborne nitrates washed out by the rain. Nitrates and phosphates, which are present in sewage and in runoff from agricultural lands, are fertilizers which promote algae growth. Algae and aquatic weeds choke a lake and their decay robs the water of dissolved oxygen, suffocating fish. In the environment, stressed Douglas, "Everything is connected to everything else!"
15

HOPE FOR TURKEYS
I have just received my first issue of Game and Fish and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I am most encouraged about the raising of wild turkeys on Sapelo Island to help restock the state's turkey population.
I only hope the outlaws who do this senseless poaching have learned their lesson from having just about depleted our wild turkey population. I have been hunting turkeys in Florida for the past seven years and witnessed senseless killing and crippling of flocks of young hens when poachers shot right into the midst of flocks.
I would like to pass on a couple of rules that I follow for keeping the wild turkey population from becoming extinct.
Try to shoot only gobblers. Single out a turkey before shooting, don't shoot into the flock. If we all act like fair-minded sportsmen there will be plenty of wild turkeys for everyone. I know of no hunting that is more exciting or requires more skill than getting that old gobbler!
Sincerely, George R. Sadler

My purpose is not to ridicule but a plea for help on pollution. It seems all our recreation areas are becoming trash dumps. Litter and trash is accumulating faster than it can be picked up. We hear officials from government and industry say, educate the public, but it'll never be done without enforcement of some rule or law.
The McDuffie Public Fishing Area is run by a fine group of people, but not enough of them to clean up behind trashy people, nor should they be required too. The answer is simple and it would educate all people faster than signs and commercials. Instead of a creel check at the gate, check and enforce the rule, (Everyone brings out someones' trash to be collected at the gate). This may offend a few careless people who wouldn't stay away for long but the true fisherman and nature lover would be first to endorse and promote such a rule. It could start something that would sweep the state, we need it.
Politicians aren't afraid of offending the taxpayer when they vote themselves a salary increase but they wont stand up for a law that makes the drink industry responsible for reclaiming their cans and bottles. It has to come soon or the little streams will all be choked off completely.
Heres hoping y'all will start something.
J. L. Linr.enkohl Dearing

Pollution and litter is a problem facing everyone, sportsman or not. The eyesore of litter is a senseless, expensive bad habit on the part of the public. Recently, a note crossed our desk, pointing out that the cost of picking up an empty beer can was greater than the original price of the full can. We agree, it's time drink and food industries sought ways of packaging their products so that litter would be reduced. It might even help to have such a high deposit on con tainers . higher than the product itself . that the public couldn't afford NOT to turn empties in for return of their deposit. At least it would help if they would use a container that would soon rot away. Each per son using the great, beautiful outdoors, should accept the responsibility to do his part in keeping our world clean . but unfortunately, there seems to be no way of making folks do that.
YOUTH ARTICLES
I believe that your magazine could serve an additional purpose by including in each issue at least one article written on a level that would reach our youth. Topics such as Sportsmanship, Fundamentals of Hunting and Fishing, Gun Safety, all phases of Conservation and the many other subjects related to Outdoor Life could be included. The Georgia Game and Fish goes into many homes and countless young people are exposed to it. This would provide an excellent opportunity for teaching and factually informing many Future Sportsman of the important needs of good sportsmanship and the necessary conservation of resources in our Great State before other patterns are set.
Thank you very much, Joe F. Morgan

Editorial
Pollution (cont'dJ
The population explosion adds another factor by removing wildlife habitat. The continued non-planning of transportation complexes and housing developments will eat up woods and streams making most of it unsuited for wildlife. This shortage of breeding grounds and cover will result in the virtual extinction of most game animals and fish. Some hang-ups are to be expected with the more adaptable species such as the Whitetail Deer, which thrives in the very heart of suburbia. However, illegal hunting and feral dogs are making headway on even the hardy Whitetail.
By and large though, most game wildlife prefer and need wild areas, and as the wilderness vanishes so goes the game. As for hunters, a complete absence of huntable animals will probably discourage all but the most resolute of this stiff-necked breed.
With hunting and fishing out of the way more time and effort can be directed toward eliminating the other outdoor recreations which plague man. There will be help by this time, however. The birth rate can be expected to rise dramatically with all the former hunters and fishermen home on the weekends. By this time too the pollution situation should be at a point where some real progress can be made. Instead of just poisoning a few fish, rivers can

be filled with enough wastes to become fire hazards, that might discourage a few boaters.
Boating will be harder to deal with than hunting and fishing, since a boat and water is all that is needed. B'oaters are not dependent on such fragile assets as wildlife which is easily eliminated by environment alteration. The answer to this challenging problem, which causes man to drive long distances and put up with many inconveniences in the name of sport, seems to be a drastic lowering of water quality. Large scale sewage outfalls into major streams and reservoirs should help reduce the number of water recreationists. How many people can you name who would drive 50 to 60 miles to boat or swim in a cesspool? Chemical wastes in large amounts can also be effective. The idea that a river could explode and burn would cut down the number of boaters, particularly those who smoke.
Campers and hikers will be hard to deal with. They generally consider themselves rugged and resourceful. Like the other outdoor people, they seem to revel in hardship, and desert the comforts of civilization at any excuse. The removal of all wilderness areas will of course alter the lives of many, but there will be stubborn holdouts who will persist in camping on any spot of open ground. There are always some people who reject any attempt by society to make life simpler and less complicated.

Outdoorsmen in general tend to be of

this ilk, their sports breeding a strain of

individualism that is disharmonious to a

controlled society. They frown at prog-

ress. and obstruct economic growth. Fa-

natics in the true sense, they seek to stir

up great storms of controversy when

some useless wilderness area is ear-

marked for progress. Such a controversy

ensued when a few trees on the west

coast were destined to be cut for lum-

ber. Various outdoor groups pitched in

to save these trees just because they

were unique and scenic. Ridiculous, ev-

eryone knows that when you've seen

one tree you've seen them all.

The outdoor recreationists must be

saved from themselves, and be made to

realize the benefits a structured so-

ciety can bring. No more need to worry

about which fly pattern will entice the

trout, or how to slip that new bird gun

past the wife. With no more trout or

game birds these problems are aca-

demic. With no more places to camp or

boat there will be no need to tie up cash

on these expensive luxuries. The elimi-

nation of these outdoor pleasures will

simplify the lives of millions who pre-

viously enjoyed them. Their minds freed

from such trivia, they can devote them-

selves wholly to continuing progress.

Who knows, perhaps with diligent ef-

fort we can eventually poison the at-

mosphere to such an extent that we can

give up the tiresome necessity of breath-

ing. ""

Aaron Pass

16

MANAGEMENT STREAM
SCHEDULE
Sportsman's Calendar
SEASONS NOW OPEN
TROUT
Open Stream Season-April I , 1970 through October 3, 1970. Creel Limit-Eight (8) trout of all species per day. Possession 1imit-8. (Management Area Streams-Open on scheduled days, May 2-Sept. 7, 1970.) Arrowhead Public Fishing Area April 1Oct. 31.

Manaaement Area
BLUE RIDGE

Stream Jones Creek (Artificial Lures)
Montgomery

IIIJ
Sat., sun .
Wed., Thurs.

Nlmblewll l

Sat., Sun.

Noontoottey

Wed., Thurs.

(Artificial Lures) Sst. , Sun.

{Catch and Release)

Rock Creek

Wed ., Thurs. Sit., Sun.

CHATTAHOOCHEE Chattahoochee

CHESTATEE

Oukes Boggs Dicks

Wed .. Thurs. Sat ., Sun.

Waters

Sst., Sun.

LAKE BURTON

Dicks Moccasi n

Wed ., Tllura. Sst SUn.

Wildcat

Sst.. Sun.

LAKE RUSSELL

Middle Broad

Wed. Sat., SUn.

WARWDMAN

Finney

Wed., Thurs.

Sarahs

Wed ., Thurs.

Walnut Fork and Hoods Creek Tuckat uge

June Sat., Sun.

....,
Sat., Sun.

Wed., Th urs. Wed., Thurs.

Sat., Sun.

Sst., Sun.

We d., Th urs. Wed., Thurs.

Sat., Sun.

sat., Sun.

Wed., Th urs. Wed., Thurs.

Sat., Sun.

sat ., Sun.

Wed. Sat., Sun.

sat. , Sun.

Wed ., Thurs. Wed., Thurs.

Wed., Thurs . Wed.. Thurs.

Sat., Sun. Sat., Sun.

Sat ., Sun.
I Sat., Sun.

Wed., Thurs. Wed., Thurs.

Sat., Sun. Sat., Sun .

Sa t .. Sun.
I Sat. , Sun.

Wed. Sat., Sun.

I Wed. Sat. , SUn.

Sat.. Sun.

Wed., Thurs.

Sat., Sun.

Wed ., Thurs.

sat., sun.

Closed

Auaust Sat., Sun. Wed ., Thurs. Sat., Sun. Wed ., Thurs. Sat., Sun.
Wed. , Thurs. Sat., Sun.
Sat., Sun. Wed ., Thurs. Wed. , Thurs. Sat., Sun. sat., Sun. Wed ., Thurs. Sat. , Sun. Sat., Sun. Wed. Sat., Sun. Sat., Sun. Sat. , Sun. Wed .. Thurs. Closed

StJtebor
(Sat ., Sapt . 5; sun., Sept. 6; Mon., Sept. 7)
(Wed ., sept . 2;
~~o;.~S::N'
(Sat., Se pt. 5; Sun., Sept. 6; Mon ., Sapt. 7)
(Wed., sept. 2; Thuts., Sept.-3; Sst ., sept. 5: Sun .. Sept. 6; Mon., sept. 7)
(Wed., Sept. 2; Thurs.. Se pt. 3; Sat. , Sept. 5; Sun. , Se pt. 6: Mon.. Sept. 7)
(Sat ., Se pt. 5; Sun., Sept. 6; Mon., Sept. 7)
3) (Wed., Sept. 2;
Th urs., Stpt .
3) (Wed., Sept. 2;
Thurs., Sept.
(Sat ., Sept. 5; Sun.. Sept. 6; Mon .. Se pt . 7)
(Sat., Sept 5; Sun., Sept. 6; Mon., Sept. 7)
3) (Wed., Sept. 2;
Thurs .. Sept.
(Sat .. Sept. 5; Sun., Sept. 6; Mon .. Sept . 7)
(Sat., Se pt. 5; Sun., Sept. 6; Mon., Sept. 7)
(Wed .. Sept. 2; set., Sept . 5; Sun., Se pt. 6; Mon., Sept . 7)
(Wed., Sept. 2:
rl'ou;~s.s:f.t7?'
(Wed., Sept. 2:
U'.";.~s.S:f.'n3'
(Sat .. Sept. 5; Sun. Sept. 6; Mon . Sept 7)

JUNE, 1970

HIGH WATER

LOW WATER

Day

A.M. HT. P.M. HT. A.M. P.M.

1. Mon. 5:48 6.5 6:12 8.0 11:48 . ...

2. Tues. 6:36 6.5 7:00 8.1 12:30 12:36

3. Wed. 7:24 6.4 7:42 8.0 1:18 1:24

4. Thurs. 8:06 6.3 8:24 7.8 2:06 2:06

5. Fri. 8:42 6.1 9:00 7.6 2:54 2:54

6. Sat. 9:24 5.9 9:36 7.3 3:36 3:36

7. Sun. 10:06 5.7 10:18 6.9 4:12 4:18

8. Mon. 10:48 5.6 11 :00 6.6 4:54 5:00

9. Tues . 11:36 5.6 11:42 6.4 5:36 5:48

10. Wed. ..

.. 12:24 5.6 6:18 6:36

11. Thurs. 12:30 6.2 1:12 5.7 7:06 7:36

12. Fri . 1:18 6.0 2:00 5.9 7:54 8:30

13. Sat. 2:06 5.9 2:54 6.2 8:42 9:30

14. Sun . 3:00 5.8 3:48 6.6 9:36 10:18

15. Mon. 3:54 5.8 4:42 7.0 10:24 11 :12
16. Tues. 4:48 5.9 5:36 7.4 11:12 ... .

17. Wed. 5:42 6.1 6:24 7.8 12:00 12:00

18. Thurs. 6:36 6.3 7:12 8.1 12:54 12:48

19. Fri. 7:24 6.5 8:00 8.2 1:42 1:42

20 . Sat. 8:12 6.6 8:42 8.2 2:36 2:30

21. Sun. 9:06 6.7 9:36 8.0 3:24 3:24

22. Mon . 10:00 6.8 10:30 7.8 4:12 4:18

23. Tues. 11 :00 6.9 11:30 7.5 5:00 5:12
24. Wed. .... . . 12:00 6.9 5:54 6:12

25. Thurs. 12:24 7.1 1:00 7.0 6:48 7:18

26. Fri. 1:24 6.7 2:00 7.1 7:48 8:24

27 . Sat. 2:24 6.4 3:00 7.2 8:48 9:30

28 . Sun. 3:24 6.1 4:00 7.3 9:42 10:24

29. Mon . 4:30 6.0 5:00 7.4 10:36 11:24
30. Tues. 5:24 5.9 5:54 7.5 11:24 . .. .

TIDE TABLE

JUNE 1970

GEORGIA COASTAL WATERS

HOW TO USE THESE TABLES

The calculations are for the outer bar. Find the reading for the desired tide. In the table below f ind the number of m inutes to add to correct for the place you are going to fish or swim. The outer bar calculation, plus this correction , gives the correct readin g for the point des ired .

Adjust For Daylight Savmg Tim e By Adding One Hour

CORRECTION TABLE The t imes given are for Savannah River

entrance (Tybee).

Hrs. Min.

Savannah High

0 44

Savannah (Low)

57

Hi lton Head, S. C.

0 10

Thunderbolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 20

Isle of Hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 40

Warsaw Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 00

Ossabaw Sound

0 05

Vernon View .

0 35

Coffee Bluff . .

.

0 55

Ogeechee River Bridge

3 50

St. Catherine Sound

0 25

Sapelo Sound

0 00

Brunswick Bar . .

0 00

St. Simon Pier . . .

0 25

Frederica Bridge

0 50

McKay Brid ge . . . . . . .

0 50

Brunswick East River . . .

0 50

Tu rt le River Brid ge . .

0 55

Turtle River, Cr ispen Is.

1 10

Humpback Bridge . . . .

1 00

Jekyll Po i nt

0 30

Jointer Island

.. .

.

55

Hampton River Village Creek Ent.

0 20

Vi llage Fish i ng Camp

0 45

Taylor Fis hi n51 Camp

. . . 1 00

Altamaha Fis h ing Park, Everett , Ga.

4 00

Two-Way Fish i ng Camp, S. Altamaha 2 00

Ful l

Last

New First

Moon Quarter Moon Quarter

JUNE 19 26 4 12

SUBSCRIBE NOW!
1 year -$1.00 3 years $2.50

To report violations or if you need assistan ce in t he Coasta l A rea - Ca ll - State Game & Fish Comm ission. Brunsw ick , Georg ia, P. 0 . Box 1097, Phone 265-1552, Savannah 233-2383 , Richmond Hill 756-3679 .