Georgia game and fish [Vol. 5, no. 8 (Aug. 1970)]

GEORGIA

AUGUST, 1970

~~t fiiiio sfish

August 1970

Volume V

Number 8

CONTENTS

Trout Angler's Album . ........... .Ted Borg 1

Midsummer Trout . . . . . .

. ... Aaron Pass 2

Sharpen Up Your Shooting Eye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .Dean Wohlgemuth 5

Flint River Float Trip . . . . . .

. .. Bob Wilson 7

A Dream Come True . .. .... . . .. . . . .. ... J. Hall 11

Carp-Undesirable Aliens . .. . ..... Marvin Tye 14

Sportsmen Speak . .......... . .. .

15

Outdoor World . .

. . ...... . . .. . . . .

15

Sportsman's Calendar

16

Lester G. Maddox Governor

George T. Bagby Director. State Game & Fish 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 ond Fish is the olliciol monthly mo~o~in~ of ~he Ge?r~ io Game and Fish Commiss ion, published ot the Commss~n s ofl,ces , Tnn~ty Wash ington Building, 270 Washington St ., Atlonto, Georgro 30334. No advertising accepted. Subscriptions ore $1 for one year or $2:~ f.or three years . Pr inted by Stein Printing Company , .Atlanta , Go . Nof,f,cot ,on _of address change mvJt include both old and new oddreu ond . ZIP code, wth 30 ~oys not ice. No subscription reques!s w ill be occepte_d w1fhout ZIP. code . Art1.cles ond photographs may be rep,nted. Proper credlf shoul~ _b.e g ven: C~!"tnbu tions ore welcome but the editors assume no respons1bd1ty or l1oblty lor lon or damage ol 'articles, photographs , or illustrations . Second-doss postage
paid ot Atlonto, Go.

Streams Managed for Wild Trout
Outdoorsmen are a unique breed. Most of them agree, for example, that fishing is fine sport. But they'll argue among themselves which is the favored species. Some like trout, others bass, some bream, and so on. Even those who agree on species disagree on which tackle and lures are best.
Because there are so many different tastes in fishin g, the State Game & Fish Commission does its best to offer as wide a range of choices as possible to Georgia's outdoor public.
A step has just been made in that direction, a new program has begun that will offer a wider choice to the angler.
This is a wild trout management program being tried for the first time in this state. The goal is to produce a higher quality of trout fishing in several selected streams on the wildlife management areas. This concept, if it is successful, will protect wild trout streams, and preserve this type of fishing.
These streams have been dropped from the stocking schedules and set aside to produce fishing for only streamreared trout. They were selected on criteria which included limited access and generally low fishing pressure, which is necessary for wild trout fishing. The eventual aim of the program is to have at least one good wild trout stream on each management area, in addition to the other waters which will continue to be well stocked with hatchery fish .
The program was initiated to meet a growing demand for quality trout fishing. Many fishermen find it more challenging to fish for naturally reproduced fish , often called "natives." Setting some streams aside for this type of fishing should provide a better balanced management system which will better fill the needs of different types of anglers. Streams no longer stocked will include at least one on each management area. Finney Creek and Tuckaluge Creek on Warwoman, the Coleman River on the Coleman River Area, and Moccasin and Dicks on the Lake Burton Area will comprise the wild trout area in the eastern corner of the state. Dukes Creek will be managed for stream-reared fish on the Chattahoochee Area, as will Waters Creek on the Chestatee Area. The Blue Ridge Management Area wi ll have three wild trout streams, Little Rock Creek, Noontootley, and Jones Creek. Noontootley will continue as an artificials only, catch and release stream, and Jones will remain artificials only. The fish which were formerly stocked in these streams will be diverted to other stocked streams to take up the pressure.
Tuckaluge is currently closed for renovation, and some of the other wild trout streams are scheduled for the same treatment. The renovation consists of building structures which make the streambed more suitable for natural reproduction, and barriers to prevent stocked fish from moving upstream.
This program should be viewed favorably by those dedi-
Continued on page 17
ON THE COVER : The leap of a trout can make the heart of a fisherman leap, too. In these hot dog days, a cool mountain stream can be particularly inviting. These are tough days to catch trout, though. For some insight on better hot weather methods, read the article by Aaron Pass, "Think Small For Midsummer Trout," Page 2 and see "Trout Angler's Albu m," a photo feature by Ted Borg, Pa ge 1. Painting by George Reiney.
ON THE BACK COVER: For those who don't care for trout fishing, floatinj! a South Georgia river is another fine way to beat the heat and still catch fish. See Bob Wilson's article, "Float the Flint River," Page 7. Photo by Ted Borg.

Photo by Aaron Pass

hink small .f'or
MIDSUMMER TROUT
By Aaron Pass

Well, it's that time again-the summer slump, the trout gap, or just plain dogdays. You can calJ it whatever you wish , but it boils down to one hard fact, fishing is off. It is a time of short stringers and shorter tempers in the trout fishing set. A long sweaty day of providing a free lunch for the mosquitos and "no-see-urns" is rewarded with a couple of six-inch trout too naive to distinguish between a Mepps and a meal. All the favorite pools and runs seem deserted, no rises, no bulges, and seemingly perhaps no fish. Perhaps

there is the supreme frustration of peer-

ing through the perfectly clear water to

watch his highness the trout give your

offering a cold stare and scoot away.

Wbat can you do about the situa-

tion? ' Well, you can take up golf, or

you can continue to fish the same old

places with the same old lures and have

the same old luck. Or, you can wise up

and catch more fish. This solution wiJJ

call for some reorganization in think-

ing and fi shing techniques, but can

spell the difference between a full creel

and an empty day.



2

The first point to be considered is, naturally, the trout himself. A trout has certain constant needs, such as food and cold water, which the stream provides. Now, if over the course of a season the stream changes, the trout must adapt to the new situation. This often means a change of habits, and the fisherman who would be successful must act accordingly.
As a general rule when the thermometer goes up, the water level goes down. When the spring rains which swell the streams early in the year cease, the trout streams move less water. This low water is a problem for the trout as well as the fisherman. It restricts the trout's habitat, and some areas become unsuited for his needs. There is less protection, both from his enemies, and from the rising temperatures of summer. Since trout do need cold water, and the shallow water heats up rapidly he is going to seek out a more comfortable area.
The lack of rain also allows the stream to run very clear, which is a triple threat for the fisherman . First off the trout, always a wary fish , is very insecure in the clear water. As most of his enemies come from above and the clarity of the stream makes him more visible. This visibility, however, allows him to see his enemies better, such as the fisherman who suddenly looms above him waving around a long pole. The trout probably isn't very sure just what this strange apparition is, but he is very sure he wants no part of it, so away he goes. Lastly, the clear water gives the trout the opportunity to look at each offering very closely, the slightest flaw in the lure or the presentation stands out like a porcupine in a sleeping bag.
Probably the most exa perating thing a trout does in the summer is change his feeding habits. The large hatches of aquatic insect that make up a goodly portion of a trout's diet are mostly over by this time of year. He still eats, but what? The feeding times also change slightly, there are more feeding periods during the day but they are of a shorter duration. A trout's whole lifestyle changes at this time of year and the successful fisherman makes the proper adjustments.
At this point it might be surmised that the guy who goes to the same pool , using the same tackle and technique that really slaughtered them on opening day is going to have problems. Well, that's pretty good surmising; he is going to have to change his strategy in light of the changed conditions. It's not impossible to catch trout during the hot weather months, but it is more difficult. Small and sophisticated are the key words to this puzzle; the use of smaller

!he tiny flies around the dime are called midges; they represent the many small

msects found around a trout stream For comparison thars a # 12 Hendrickson at

upper left, and a # 16 Quill Gordon at the upper right.

Photo by Bob Wilson

tackle and more sophisticated techniques are the jinx-breakers when the fishing is at a low ebb.
First off the tackle, small it has to be. This is where ultralight spinning gear really comes into its own. UL equipment is fun any time, but in low water for spooky trout it is almost a necessity. The delicacy of this tackle and its presentation is just the ticket for reaching wary trout. The light lures hit the water with a minimum of disturbance, and the 2 lb. line will not scare the fish. These lures are often copies of larger lures for regular spinning tackle, and have the added advantage of running more shallow than their big brothers. This shallow depth is a real asset in a summer lowered stream where regular lures will hang up.
A small spinning reel loaded with 2 to 4 lb. Jines, and a 5'-h foot ultralight spinning rod really fills the bill for this type of fishing. Not only will you catch more fish , but you will get more sport from those you do.
With fly tackle the small lures continue to hold true. In the standard dry fly patterns sizes 16 through 20 are the best bets, particularly in the lighter colors. For the late summer months, however, midges are the answer. These tiny flies are tied on hooks that range in size from 20 to 28, and they require

real skill to use. They represent the many species of almost microscopic insect life that abound around a stream that trout are so fond of at times.
Another very productive type of late summer fly is called a terrestial. This class of imitation trout fodder represents any form of land insects which inadvertently fall into the water, such as grasshoppers, inch worms, beetles and ants. They range from size 8 grasshoppers down to jassids (ants) in size 18. This is one type of dry fly that sometimes profits from a little induced action. Since they do represent land insects which are out of their element in the water, they can be given slight twitches to simulate panic.
When using these small flie there are some important points to keep in mind. One is that you have to be accurate, with a size 22 midge the fly must pass directly over the fish before he will notice it. When setting the hook on one of these midgets take your time, and then only tighten the line. That ~mall hook doesn't need much pressure to penetrate.
The size of the fly dictates the size of the tippet. A 2X tippet tied to a size 20 fly looks like an anchor chain attached to a paper weight. Go down to SX on flies from t 6 to 20, and to 6X or 7X on the smaller midges. Such fine

These are terrestials; they represent land dwelling insects
which sometimes fall into the water. The three on the top are jassids, and those on the bottom are a black beetle and a regular ant,
all size # 18.
Photo by Bob Wi Ison

3

Photo by Ted Borg
leaders require extra care when playing a fi sh, but they are necessary when using such small flies .
No matter how well your tackle fits the situ ation it is next to worthless unless your skill measures up too. In no other phase of fishing is technique so crucial as the presentation of a lure to a spooky fish in low clear water. This is where the ability to judge the situation and make the first cast count pays off handsomely. The accurate caster will lay a grasshopper up under the foliage next to an undercut bank and bring out a trout that the half dozen guys before him couldn't reach.
A completely natural presentation is what is needed. The fl y and fl y line must settle to the water gently, and the spinning lure must "slide" in without a splash. To accomplish this with a fly you aim a yard or so above the water. With spinning tackle a gradual increase in "thumbing" pressure on the line will give you a gentle delivery. When using fly equipment care must be taken to keep the fl y line and leader from drifting over the fish before the fl y and of course drag must be avoided. If you don't nail your quarry on the first float, a gentle pickup is required if you hope to raise him on the second. This is best accomplished by raising the rod gradually until the fl y can be whisked off the water with only a slight

An ultra-light rig like this and small lures get the nod for low water fishing with spinning gear. A light line in the two to tour pound class works best on this type of tackle.

disturbance.

Still another facet of summer trout

fi shing is stealth. Remember that water

is crystal clear and the fish can surely

spot you if you are obvious. It is a

good idea to wear clothing that blends

into the surroundings, and utilize any

natural cover that is available. Since a

fish sees upward through a cone shaped

area, it is prudent to stay as low as is

possible, including crawling and cast-

ing from a kneeling position. Keep in

mind that you are stalking a quarry

that recognizes you for the danger you

represent.

Correct wading is also an exercise in

stealth. A fish "hears" through vibra-

tions in the water just as we hear vibra-

tions in the air. Careless wading Which

results in splashing and crunching

gravel is almost sure to put fish down

anytime and particularly when they are

already nervous.

If you have gotten the idea that low

water fishing is difficult, you are abso-

lutely right. Exacting is perhaps a more

descriptive word, however, since it

forces one to perform at his best if he

is to be rewarded. A sound knowledge

of trout habits and the skill to make a

natural presentation of the lure are the

foremost points, and they can be

learned with some effort.

A wild trout is hatched suspicious

and the longer he lives the more su-

spicious be is apt to be. He is a bard

judge of the angler's ability, to best

him at anytime is a tr.iumph, but when

the water is low and clear it is extra

tough.

-

This ultra-light fan has found the right combination tor the clear water and brushy terrain on the North Georgia trout streams. The small size of the tackle decreases water disturbance, and helps your chances with summer wary trout.
Photo by Ted Borg

4

SIIIPII UP YOUB SIOOTIIB IYI
By Dean Wohlgemuth
PHOTOS BY THE AUTHOR

Ever notice how dove season can sneak up on you? Before you know it, the summer's over, and it's time to dust off the old fowling piece and start looking for a dove field. And right after that comes squirrel , grouse, quail , rabbits, ducks and well , there's plenty of shooting to be done.
That late summer lull can catch us off guard sometimes, though. Not only is that shotgun a little dusty from hanging untouched on the rack, you're likely to find , on opening day of dove season, that your shooting eye is a little rusty, too.
Well, there's no better time than now, about a month before opening day, to start thinking about it. If you want to be reasonably sure your eye is in shape, so that you can get your share of hits when you start shooting at those doves, you'd better get in a little pre-season practice.
The best way to do that is to break a few clay targets. Matter of fact , if you know a beginner, someone who's just learning to shoot, clay birds are an invaluable method of getting technique established. Nowadays, game is scarce

enough that it's difficult if not impossible for someone to learn to be a good wingshot simply by shooting at flying game. When the chance to shoot game is available, you want to be ready!
You say you've never shot skeet or trap before, and have no desire to do so. Maybe there's no gun club near where you live, or if there is, it's private. Maybe it's a little more expensive than you like to shoot at a club. And perhaps, if you've never shot skeet or trap before you'd feel a little embarassed to try .it in front of others.
Well , now, that's not the kind of clay bird shooting we're really thinking about. You don't need a gun club. All you need is a box of clay targets and a
hand trap or perhaps a portable target
thrower. Of course, you'll need your gun , plenty of ammo and some wide open spaces where you can shoot with-
out disturbing anyone. If you have no place of your own, be sure to get the
owner's permission before going on someone else's land.
There's one thing that must be
pointed out . . . be absolutely certain

5

that where you shoot is not now, or will not in the future, be used for hog grazing. Hogs will eat clay targets, and the clay is poisonous to hogs. It'll kill 'em! That clay stays there for many, many years too.
It isn't impossible to get in clay target practice by yourself, but it certainly makes it a lot tougher. Get your hunting partner, your wife or your teenage son to join in the fun with you! And companionship adds to the pleasure of any sport.
A hand trap is the least expensive way to get into clay target shooting, and it's quick and easy to carry. Hand traps can be tricky to throw, however, and your throws may be erratic. Of course, erratic throwing has its value too . .. you won't know where a wild bird is going, either!
For the sake of getting your shooting eye sharpened up, however, especially in the case of beginners, the portable trap is far better. Several light, small, easily moved traps are available that will do the job well. Most are adjustable so that you can vary the speed of the target, as well as the direction of flight, up and down and sideways. And they save your throwing arm a Jot of hard work!
Some portable traps have a ground
6

The direction which the target flies can be controlled somewhat by just where on the throwing arm the target is placed. The height of the bird can also be adjusted. This type of trap can also thrbw doubles and triples.
Less expensive and easier to carry but much harder to use, the hand trap will help you get in some good practice. This time it's Glenda's turn to try her eye. Clay target shooting is perhaps the
best way to break in a beginning shooter.

anchor that screws into the soil, hold-

ing it down. Others can be bolted to

the spare tire of your car.

A string releases the catch, letting

the bird fly, and it is much easier to

shoot by yourself if you have to, hold-

ing your gun in your left hand, pulling

the string, then mounting your gun for

the shot. While this, too, can be good

practice, it eliminates the chance of

your target operator surprising you by

letting the bird go at an unexpected

instant.

For starters, though, especially with

beginners, the shooter may want to call

for each bird, so they'll know exactly

when to expect the target to come out.

More variation can be obtained by

positioning the shooter at different

angles from the trap, putting the t rap

on a high bluff or old building nearby,

or anything else your .imagination can

produce.

Another important feature of the

portable target thrower is that most of

them throw doubles, and some can

even put out three targets at a time,

giving practice at hitting more than one

at a time.

Positioning the shooter to one side

of the trap will give good practice at

crossing shots, and help to get your

proper swing in tune, and will be help-

ful in dove hunting. Standing as close

to the target as reasonably possible will

simulate the rise of a quail.

If you choose, you can get several

hunting companions together, taking

turns, as on a skeet or trap range, and

keep score for friendly competition.

You'll find that clay target shooting

can be inexpensive and fun, something

to keep your trigger finger limber be-

tween seasons, and will provide a bonus

in bigger game bags when the shooting

for real begins.

.-

lfi~IN'I, llJ\TJ~Il
lfJ~()J.\'1, 'l,llll)
By Bob Wilson
PHOTOS BY TED BORG

Fish that just don't know when to give up, wild scenic beauty, fastflowing shoal water, and calm eddies, Georgia's rivers offer them all. Georgia is a state blessed with a number of beautiful rivers that offer excellent fishing. From the wild Chattooga on the northern border of the state, to the Satilla, Altamaha, and the scenic Suwannee on the southern boundary of the state; they are all beautiful examples of nature's handicraft and are tops for fishing. There .is still another Georgia river, wild and scenic, with some of the

Helgramites are excellent natural bait, and can be found under small rocks along the banks or under clumps of water grass. These fellows have a nasty disposition when disturbed, so watch those pincers! Along with the helgramites, crawfish form the usual diet of the Flint River bass.
8

state's hardest fighting fish, that is more accessable to more Georgians than all the others put together. As you may have guessed from the title, it's the Flint River; and a prettier stretch of water would be hard to find.
What may very well be the most beautiful section of the Flint lies in Upson County in the vicinity of Thomaston. Here, the river passes through narrow, steep canyons and gently roll ing land. The water is alternately fast-flo wing over shoals and calmly sweepi ng through eddies and pools. In the northern part of the river, steep cliffs of dark rock connect the fast-flowin g clear water with the deep blue sky. The dark cliffs are covered with bri ght green growth, including mountain laurel , which bursts forth in a blaze of color in mid-spring.
The steep canyons give way to gently rolling country on either side of the r\ver in the southern section of Upson County; but the alternation of shoals and calm water continues. In the shoal areas vast banks of dark green water grasses grow along with the water hyacinth. The water hyacinth offers stark contrast with its pu;e white blooms amidst the dark green of the water grass.
All right, all right. y0u say. So it's a pretty river. Fine! Great! But what about the fishing? And another thin g, what about those shoals, an y danger of getting your boat turned over?
Well, let's save the best for last, an d get the transportation, gear and equipment out of the way before we get into the fishing. The section of the Flint River we are talking about is not at all dangerous. In fact, it makes an excellent one or two-day float trip for the entire family. However. the nature of the river does restrict the type of boat and motor that can be used.
The lightest boat possible is best for this section of the Flint, as heavy boats get hung up on the shoals more easily. The light, flatbottomed , aluminum boats are the best. Motors are not reall y required for movin g down the river, but are helpful in maki ng sure you can arrive at the pre-selected exit point before dark. A five or six horsepower motor with a short shaft is more than sufficient, and smaller motors would prove satisfactory. It is important that the boat and motor be a shallow-water rig. Some spa re shear pins are a necessi t y.
Finally, on to the fishing. The Flin t is the home of the Flint River Smallmouth Bass, a unique type of smallmouth found only in the Flint River drainage system , and justl y famous fo r the splendid fight they put up. These fish put up a struggle worthy of a largemouth twice their size, and they just don't know when to quit.

The Flint is also famou s for some excellent bream fishing, with redbreast and bluegill being plentiful. Deep pockets and holes gouged in the river bottom hold good-sized yellow catfish. There are also some largemouth bass in the ri ve r. In short, the Flint offers a variety of fish that should make almost any fi sherm an happy.
Spring and fall a re the best seasons for those intere ted in the bass, both largemouth and smallmouth. As the water warms up in the spring, these fish develop vo racio us appetites, and will strike at almost anything that resembl es food. In the fall , the river gets low and the fish congregate in the holes and pockets in the ri ver bottom.
The best baits and lures , as usual , de-

pend on what type of fi sh you wa nt to catch. and what kinds of baits and lures you are already familiar with. The bream are best taken on crickets and wo rms. The catfish are most easily caught on worms, either li ve or the pl astic variety. The bass can be taken on just about any natural bait or artificial lure of the proper size.
Two of the best natural baits for the ba s are the normal diet staples of the Flint Ri ve r bass , crawfish and hel gramites. Both the helgramites and the crawfish may be found in rocky shallows under small stones or clumps of water grass, and both should be handled wi th care as either of them can give you a pai nful nip if they get the chance. The helgramites can also be found in rocky

sections of the shore unde r small stones . Artificial lures of all types have proven successful in taking bass in the Flint. Top-water plugs, spinners, spoons, diving plugs, and the whole range of pl astic lures have been good performers. The top water and shallow running lures are perh aps the most successful of the artificial lures.
When the river is not low, the most succes ful method of fi shing is that of driftin g close to the bank, casting a top-water or diving plug right up to the shore and varyi ng the retrieve. Casting ri ght next to bushes, and next to or ove r submerged logs and brush is a surefire bass catching technique on any :river, and the Flint is certainly no exception.

Cliff Nelson of Thomaston hooks one
of those fighting smallmouth bass. . ..

. . . his partner, Reverend Bill Conine,
nets the fish . .. .

. . . and they add another nice two and
a half pounder to the ice chest.
9

Wading the shoals to f1sh holes is a good bet when the water is low.

When a smallmouth bass of the Flint River variety rips into a top-water or shallow-running plug, an angler just knows he is in for some sport. These fish really make a reel sing, and will put a rod to a test. With medium tackle, a fisherman will have an enjoyable experience that he will not soon forget.
Until recently, getting to much of the Flint River has neces itated a long float trip as much of the horeline is privately owned, and the general public has had limited access to the river. ow however, with the cooperation of the Georgia Power Company and some private landowners, Upson County is creating campsites and parks at a number of sites along the river.
Thi program of development will open up much of thi beautiful river with such truly great fishing to a large number of Georgians as it is within easy driving distance from Atlanta, Macon, and Columbus. The Flint has something to offer almost everyone, great fishing, scenic beauty, and wildlife of many species be ides the fish. It would make an excellent one or twoday float trip for the whole family. -..

Reverend Conine checks over a fine stringer of Flint River bass, the end result
of an enjoyable day's fishing.

10

A last "Good-by" to New Orleans. At the Camcraft shipyards, where she was built, workmen stow oil and supplies aboard the "GEORGIA PRINCESS," readying her for the long journey home to Georgia. The 77 foot vessel is powered by twin V-12, 500 hp diesel engines which push the "PRINCESS" to a top speed of more than 28 knots.

By J. Hall
PHOTOS BY THE AUTHOR

The boat was dark now, only the anchor lights winking. The big engines were silent, and only the throbbing of the generator motor broke the stillness of the early morning quiet. Phillip and I stood in the shadows , and above us, in the darkness, reared the ghostly ruins of Fort Macomb, its grim walls softened now by that same moonlight that streamed through its long-empty gun ports and gleamed on the big white boat riding lightly on the swift flowing water.
My old friend and I had never seemed

so close as at that moment, for somehow, I sensed that something of his soul was there, almost tangible between us. Certainly there were awe and wonder in his voice as he breathed , "Isn't she beautiful!"
Somehow I felt that this mood was appropriate now, after all that had gone before. Now was the time for reflection, for anticipation, for savoring the feelings of happiness which we shared. He continued, musingly, "I still can't really believe it's true. B'ut you know, I don't

think I would feel the same way about her if she was going anywhere else but to Georgia." Not daring to break that mood, I made no reply. I simply laid my hand on his shoulder. Truly, no reply was needed nor adequate. I think he understood.
It was later the next day, as we stood on the stern , watching the salt spray dashing itself into foam on the trim bow as we knifed through the heavy swells of the Gulf of Mexico, that Phillip could Jean close to my ear, shouting

11

Florida offers is its "party boats" or

"head" boats, large enough to carry 50,

60 or more people out for deep sea

fishing. These big boats can carry

enough passengers to make the fare

cheap enough for almost anyone, large

enough to handle the 70 or more miles

of blue water out to the snapper banks

for a day of bottom fishing. And this

was Phillip's dream for Georgia. A head

boat that could equal or better anything

any other state had to offer.

But dreams such as this don't come

cheap, (The GEORGIA PRINCESS was

constructed at a cost of $226,000) and

what can one man . . . a man of aver-

age means ... hope to do to overcome

such tremendous obstacles? But fortu-

nately, men such as Phillip are not

alone. Georgia is fortunate to have

many such men of vision who also

dream big dreams. If enough of those

men get together and act, those dreams

can come true. And thus was the GEOR-

GIA PRINCESS born.

The big boat was built in New Or-

leans, and 18 of us went to bring her

horne. It was a motely crew, but a finer

group of fellows you could never hope

Another "step" in the trip to Jekyll. From New Orleans to the Gulf and on the route to meet. Most of us were real "land

across Florida, the "PRINCESS" had to go through a number of locks. This one, near Ft. Myers, Florida, put the big boat into the waterway to Lake Okeechobee. In some places, boats were lined up for a mile or more, and we had quite a wait for our turn to "lock through."

lubbers," and even for me, a stretch in the Navy was far enough in the past to make me seasick the first day we hit rough water. The GEORGIA PRIN-

CESS was built by Camcraft, and is com-

over the sound of the wind and the sport fishing on our coast haven't begun pletely aluminum throughout. She is 77

snarling engines, "Many times I have to be scratched. You can catch just feet long and powered by twin V-12

dreamed of this day."

about any type of game fish along our diesel engines. On her trial run , she

Now for this man , and for many coast that you'd care to name, and clocked out better than 28 knots!

Georgians who may never have thought plenty of them! But people don't know The big boat carries 72 fishing pas-

of it, his dream was corning true . Its that, and we haven't the accommoda- sengers and a regular operating crew

fulfillment was this boat, the GEORGIA tions for them if they did. We've cer- of three. Additional deck hands go

PRINCESS, now well embarked on the tainly got everything Florida has to along to assist the fishermen. Nothing

long journey that would take her horne . offer, but they haven't wasted their time has been spared to make the boat safe

Actually, the dream began many sitting around wishing something nice and comfortable. The main cabin, which

years ago with Phillip Smith. He's al- would happen to them. They've made has comfortable airplane-type seats for

ways lived close to the sea. Long the it happen . They've invested money in 42 passengers, is air conditioned. Stereo

captain and owner of a shrimp boat, hotels, motels, restaurants and resorts. music is piped in, and tables are avail-

the LoTA, named for his beautiful daugh- They've spent millions just advertising able for those who'd rather play cards

ter, Phil owns and manages Kip's Fish what they've got and what they're doing. than fish .

Camp at Shellman Bluff, between And I don't need to tell you or anyone Up forward in the pilot house is all

Brunswick and Savannah on the Geor- that it's paid off. But they didn't get the most modern equipment useful or

gia coast.

there by just wishing and saying they necessary for the operation of a boat

Since I had known Phillip, we had had something nice, hoping that some- this big. Radar, its scanner revolving

often talked of the thousands of Geor- body might overhear 'ern and believe it." watchfully above, immediately shows

gians who left their state to go to Flori- Like any true man of vision, Phillip the presence of other boats or objects

da, of the millions of tourists who an- has the foresight to know that develop- in the vicinity for many miles in any

nually pass through this state, attracted ment must .be controlled according to direction. Electronic navigation equip-

by the facilities and accommodations a plan. He is strenuously opposed to the ment permits course plotting and fol-

found south of us. Phillip thought it destruction of marshlands, and he wants lowing with pinpoint accuracy. Sonar

was a waste that Georgia could offer the coastal islands to be utilized for the not only gives an accurate reading of

so little to attract these people who benefit of the greatest number of the depth of the water, but draws a

could bring in so much needed revenue. people. He speaks glowingly of the chart of the bottom and its contours,

"We're throwing opportunity away," future of Georgia's coastal area, but enabling the captain to locate the best

he maintained. "This coast needs help. his first love is the fishing, and the possible fish grounds. Radio equipment

Our coastal cities, the people on the key to that is people. Phillip knows that and ship to shore radio telephone places

Georgia coast have got to realize it. We if the facilities are made available for the captain or any of the passengers in

have the potential to make Georgia one people, they'll soon find out about the instant communication with any tele-

of the finest vacation areas in the coun- fishing and they'll come, just as they phone in the world.

try, but it's going to take work ... and have to Florida.

The GEORGIA PRINCESS is a dream

money to do it. The possibilities for One of the big attractions which boat in many ways. On the long trip

12

home, all of us were greatly impressed at the way she handled and took to the water. Except for the passage across Florida, the entire trip was made "outside" in open sea. We crossed the Gulf of. Mexico from New Orleans to Sanibel, followed the coast to Ft. Myers and took the Okeechobee Waterway across the state, through Lake Okeechobee and out to the east coast. There, we "poured on the coal" and made all speed to Jekyll Island where the PRINCEss will be berthed at the new Jekyll Basin.
From Jekyll , the PRINCESS will become a hard working lady. She will journey daily to the Gulf Stream where lie the snapper banks, a distance of some 80 miles from the island, but those powerful engines will make quick work of that trip. There, Georgians and our coastal visitors will find some tremendous fishing. Red snappers 30 and 40 pounds are frequent catches. Drum, croaker, bonito and other species are abundant, for these waters along the Georgia coast are virtually virgin fish-

ing grounds, while in other areas they have been fished hard for years. That won't be the end of her working day, however, for on her return to Jekyll in the evening, the PRINcEss may be chartered for moonlight cruises through the islands to Savannah, an evening's jaunt that will no doubt be popular for many groups in the state.
All these were plans that had been made long ago, even while the PRINCESS was still on the drawing board. And certainly, we thought long about the future and what it would bring, as we moved into the last hours of our long journey. But in the pilot house of the PRINCESS, all was quiet. There was no sound except the wheezing of the steering apparatus, but all eyes were keenly searching the horizon. We were searching for the buoy marking the passage through to Jekyll Island.
Capt. Williams had just turned to peer into the radar scanner, looking for the "blip" that would denote the buoy, when Phillip broke the silence. "What's

that over there?" he asked. For sev-

eral moments, none of the rest of us

saw anything, then finally made out a

tiny speck far in the distance, almost

too small to be seen. Phil studied that

atom for a moment or so longer, then

chuckled, "Gentlemen, that's home!

That's the water tower on Jekyll Island!"

At first, we couldn't believe it. Phil-

lip had picked up and identified that

tiny spot on the horizon at a distance

of more than 20 miles, but as we came

closer, we all saw that it was so. Now

it was only a matter of time, and as the

miles foamed behind us in the churning

wake of the PRINcEss, we all felt our

hearts beating faster in excitement.

Then it was over. One last bridge to

open, a triumphant scream from her

horn to the crowd that had gathered at

the pier to welceme her, pictures to be

taken, wives to be greeted and hugged,

a gala bottle of champagne smashed on

her bow, and the dream had become a

reality. The GEORGIA PRINCESS has

come home.

~

Storm clouds building, but smooth sailing ahead for the "GEORGIA PRINCESS." This view of the boat shows the pilot house and some of the radar and navigation equipment aboard the boat. The main cabin, below, is fully air conditioned, with comortable air plane-type seats. The "PRINCESS" carries 73 passengers in addi-
tion to her crew.

13

undesirable aliens
By Marvin Tye
PHOTOS BY THE AUTHOR
Mrs. Elizabeth Capes of Covington, Rt. 5, admires her first carp of the afternoon on a spring outing at Lake Ann near Lithonia. A number of similar lakes throughout Georgia furnish carp fishing for a fee.
The carp is one of the best examples of what can go wrong when man tampers with the balance of nature. This giant of the minnow family was unknown in North America until around 1876 when 345 of them were introduced into this country from Germany.
Now millions of carp can be found in almost all of the United States plus portions of Canada and Mexico. Their abundance certainly is not because they are desirable. In most cases, the carp infests large reservoirs and oth~r bodies of water despite efforts of the local human population to exterminate them.
The carp's dietary habits are his chief drawback. The fish are omniverous, which means that they feed upon both plant and animal life. Their primary food sources are insect larvae, plankton, and aquatic vegetation. When feeding, the carp often uproots plants and muddies the water. Put several thousand or millions of these fish in a small body of water and you soon have a muddy mess. Not only does this ruin the scenic value of a lake, but it often makes the habitat unsuitable for more desirable game fish.
The food value of the carp is something that can be debated. Most fishermen say they would as soon eat fried mud as carp fillets. One favorite story of many fishermen is that of the angler who broiled a large carp on a wooden board. After an hour or two, the fisherman discarded the fish and ate the

board. Despite its poor reputation as a food
fish , over 19 million pounds of carp were sold in a recent year in some large U. S. cities. In some European countries the carp is raised commercially. It is also regarded as a game fish by many Europeans.
On the plus side, the carp is a rough customer for the angler who seeks him out. In .addition, they are usually plentiful and ready feeders . There is no bag limit and fishermen are encouraged to remove as many of them as possible. Best baits are worms, cheese, corn, and dough-balls. A number of anglers who fish large impoundments such as Lake Lanier or Lake Allatoona bait a portion of the lake with pieces of corn then use individual grains as bait, covering the point of a number 8 hook with corn and letting it sink over the baited area. As soon as they feel the carp on the line, they set the hook and enjoy the battle. The carp is a surprisingly strong fish and gives a good account of himself. A fourpounder puts up a dogged fight that makes you think that you have hooked a real Junker. When you realize that carp in excess of 50 pounds have been caught in some waters you can see the angling potential.
The ultimate enjoyment from carp fishing can be derived from a light, whippy fly or spinning rod with leader or line in the eight to ten-pound test sizes. When fishing in snag-infested waters or in a river with a strong current, stiffer rods and stronger lines are required to land large fish .
There are a number of lakes in the Atlanta area and at other points across the state that are stocked with carp, and offer fishing for a fee, usually about $1.00 a day. The fish has gathered an enthusiastic following. One of this group is Mrs. Elizabeth Capes of Rt. 2, Covington. You're likely to find her on almost any spring or summer afternoon at Lake Ann near Lithonia. She will be sitting in a folding lawn chair with two or three spin-casting .outfits baited and waiting for a hungry carp. She mixes fresh dough and onions into a ball that covers her hook then casts this offering out and lets it sit on the bottom until it is gobbled up.
I had the pleasure of watching her in action this past spring while making the photographs that illustrate this article. She cut onions and mixed her special carp-catching concoction on the spot then landed a nice carp of about four pounds after a brief fight on light tackle.
The one group of sportsmen who are probably most interested in carp are archers. When the big fish move into the shallows in the spring they usually find a number of bowfishermen waiting

The lady's bait is a mixture of fresh dough and onion slices that must smell like a banquet to a hungry carp. Using the basic raw materials, this concoction can be prepared right on the edge of the lake.

for them. Although shooting a fish in shallow water may sound easy, it's a bit more complicated than it sounds. Refraction, the bending of light rays as they enter the water, makes the fish look nearer the surface than it actually is. The archer must aim beneath the fish in order to hit it. The exact distance to allow for refraction depends on several things such as depth of the fish, distance from the archer, and size of the fish. The ability to judge this effectively comes with practice. Even the most killed bowfisherman will miss several shots during an hour or more of fast action.
In addition to the requirement for accurate shooting, the archer must approach his intended quarry with the same stealth that he would use in approaching wary game on land. The carp knows that he is in an exposed position in shallow water and will dash for deeper water at the slightest disturbance. The man who can stand still in one spot where the carp are likely to come is more likely to get some shooting than the man who tries to wade into a group of spawning fish.
If you would like to try bowfishing, you'll need a fishing arrow and a reel with line attached. The reel is taped or clipped to the back of the bow, the side away from the archer, and the end of the line is attached to the arrow. At the shot, the arrow pulls line from the reel in the same way a lure pulls line from a spinning reel. The archer retrieves the arrow by stripping in the line with his hand . If a big carp is on the end of the line, this can be quite an exciting tussle.
Fishing arrows are made of heavy

fiberglass to permit deep penetration. They have no feathers but are fletched with rubber stabilizers or plastic vanes that will withstand the rough treatment that they will be subjected to. The points are barbed to hold fish. These barbs are either reversible or removable so that the line does not have to be cut each time a carp is landed.
The bow fisherman must have a current Georgia fishing license in his possession. He cannot fish with conventional tackle or have it in his posse sion while bowfishing. Only rough fish such as carp, gar, bowfin, suckers and similar fishes are legal targets for the bow-
The most effective method of fishing for
carp is to let your bait sink to the
bottom, then wait for the fish to pick
it up. These undesirable aliens ruin the habitat for a number of game
fish, but can furnish excitement
and a good fight for those who seek
him out.

fisherman. Bowfishing is not allowed within 150 feet of any sport fisherman. Archers may not shoot fish from a bridge or public road. Bowfishing is allowed only from sunup to sundown. Arrows must be barbed and attached by a line to the archer or his bow. There is no minimum pull required for bowfishing, but the bow must be capable of shooting an arrow 100 yards.
Skin divers can take cari> and other rough fish in fresh water, provided the diver is completely submerged and uses a spear attached with a line to his body or weapon. A special spear fishing license is required in addition to the regular state fishing license. Spear fishing licenses are available only from the Atlanta office of the Game & Fish Commission and cost $2.25 for residents, $3.25 for non-residents and $1.25 for a non-resident three-day license.
Although this method of catching carp is not as popular as either bowfishing or conventional angling, 55 Georgia residents bought spear fishing licens~s last year.
There is practically no way to eliminate carp in a large impoundment. When they begin to dominate a smaller lake or pond and crowd out more desirable game fish , the lake is poisoned with rotenone. This kills all the fish in the lake and the owner then restocks the lake with the species of fish that he would prefer to have.
It is unlikely that the carp will ever be completely exterminated. Since he is here we may as well make the best of the situation and keep his numbers omewhat in balance by fishing for him. You will be pleasantly surprised at his porting qualities and may enjoy broiled, fried , or smoked carp. Tastes vary. The only way to be sure is to give it a try.

15

Some time ago there was talk of dredging

the Alcovy River. I voted against that. Now another problem has come up. South River is polluting the lake from the entrance of
Sportsmen~ the river to Waters Bridge where it is backing up into the coves. The water in the lake has become a milky
Speak... t1 white. With a film of what looks like soap

floating on top. And if you stir it, it has flakes

of stuff in it that look like snow flakes. It

also sticks to everything, and smells bad.

There's nothing magnificent about this mess.

MIREX NOT BAD

As you may or may not know, this is from the sewers of the city of Atlanta, and also

First, I would like to compliment you on an Decatur.

excellent publication that I have enjoyed for

I suggest that instead of dredging the

many years. As a sportsman and conserva- Alcovy River, that they dredge and clean up

tionist, I appreciate the effort your organiza- South River instead.

tion has made to conserve our natural re-

I don't see any use to try to stock striped

sources.

bass in this lake if Atlanta is going to con-

I would like to pass along to you, however, tinue to dump their sewer waste into South

a few friendly suggestions concerning your River without first treating it.

articles on pollution . I am greatly concerned

If this continues I would ' like to be here

with environmental pollution , and have been about 30 or 40 years from now and see what

engaged for many years in efforts to reduce the next generatio.n does about it. However,

pollution on the Ocmulgee River. A journal- I probably won't hve that long, I'm 62 now.

ist will never contribute to this problem however, unless he deals with hard facts

. L. Winburn

that can be substantiated. Your article in the April issue by Margaret Tucker is a good

LIKES TOURNAMENTS

example of an opinion on pesticides unsubstantiated by research . One little example on page six states that Mirex is a long-lived chemical. An entomologist can tell you that Mirex will persist only about forty eight

In regard to the article by Mr. John Turner from Albany, Ga. in the April issue of Georgia Game & Fish titled "Tournament Taboo". I don't believe Mr. Turner has checked into these tournaments to see if they are hurting

hours when app)ied to the soil. These pesticides are vital to the people
that are raising our food and fiber-and most of our wildlife. We already have enough trouble without some wild-eyed person caus-

bass fishing instead I think he has been listening to some gossip and wild rumors about how much bass fishing is being dam-
aged by tournaments so r would like to show
him some facts about these tournaments

ing an equally wild-eyed legislator to propose _that may convince him that tournaments further .regulations, while all of them stay being sponsored by the Bass Anglers Sports-

extremely healthy on clean, pest-free food man Society just may be improving bass fish-

produced with these so-called dangerous ing instead of hurting it.

chemicals.

Since Mr. Turner referred to the Semi-

I dont think it is asking too much to re nole Tournament which was held on Lake

quest that you consult experts in the field Seminole March 19, 20 and 21st I will use

of pesticides before you submit something some figures from that tournament, the total

of this importance to public scrutiny. I would catch for this tournament was 1956 lbs. of

refer you to Dr. C. R. Jordan, Head of the bass which is a little short of one ton so

Department of Entomology, Cooperative Extension Service, Athens, or Dr. Richard B. Chalfant, Entomology Department, Coastal

round it off at 2000 lbs. for the 3 days we fished and you get a total of 666 lbs. of bass per day, divide this by 116 fishermen who

Plain Experiment Station , Tifton . Dr. Jordan fished this tournament and you get 53/4 lbs.

is probably the most knowledgeable person per man per day or about 17 lbs. per man

in the state on the role of pesticides in our for the tournament.

economy and ecology, while Dr. Chalfant has

Lake Seminole has about 38,000 acres of

prepared a very accurate and fair paper on land covered with water so to catch 2000 lbs.

this problem which is one of the best I have of bass we caught 1 lb. of bass for each 19

read. There are many other scientists I acres of lane! Lake Seminole covers. To gain

could refer you to, but neither of th ese men a pound per year a bass must eat 3 times its

have bones to pick, they have no reason to own weight in smaller fish and since a hungry

present anything other than cold facts- bass eats anything he can catch we prob-

which is what we need. A few more of these ably saved 6000 lbs. of small bass this year

hysterical, unsubstantiated articles like this by removing the 2000 lbs. of bass from Lake

will cause the loss of friends that we who Sem inole during this tournament.

are interested in wildlife conservation and

Game & Fish officials made a check on

pollution abatement cannot afford to lose.

Ross Barnett Lake at Jackson, Miss. after

Sincerely,

we held a tournament there in 1968 and reported that the Bass tournament was the

J. E. Collier

best thing that could happen to th e lake

County Agent- Chairman

since removing the bass would put the lake

Ben Hill County

in a better balance and would improve bass

fishing, this was proven when we held a

WILL THE CITIES LISTEN

tournament there in 1969 on the average the bass were larger in 1969 than in 1968.

I have your recent copy of regulations on

Game & Fish officials stated before the

hunting and fishing.

tournament at Eufaula, Ala . in July 1969 that

It says these laws are designed to con- the tournament would help remove some of

serve Georgia's magnificent wildlife re- the larger bass that were having to eat 3

sources not just for today's sportsmen, but times their own weight each year to gain a

for generations to come. Do your part by pound.

knowing the laws and setting an example for

Mr. Turner asked local fishermen to voice

your fellow sportsmen. Laws on paper don't their feelings about the damage these tourna-

mean anything. It' s enforcement that counts. ments do to their lakes, I would like for the

I'm doing all I can, but it don't seem to be Georgia Game & Fish officials to state the

enough. It seems to me that about all the facts they have about them also the Cham-

people are interested in these days, is the dollar.

CbehrasttoafhoCoocmhmeee,rcaendOfMficairaialsnnfrao,mFlBa.aitnobrsidtgate~

about how much money these 116 fishermen spent while enjoying a week or two stay in these nice towns. It may look like we expert bass fishermen are cleaning the lakes but I doubt if one pound of bass from each 19 acres of Lake Seminole would hurt it much, I imagine if anyone would check the fishermen coming into Jack Wingate's dock you would find most of them would make us experts look silly when it comes to catc hing bass in Seminole. I'm sure. most of them catch more than 53/4 lbs. per day.
The Bass Anglers Sportsman Society may be a little rough on bass but I believe it is the best thing that has happened to bass fishermen since the hook was invented and
J believe if Mr. Turner woul.d check the facts
and attend one bass tournament he would see that we are not hurting any lake with these tournaments we are just having a lot of good clean fun which I believe is what the.good Lord had in mind when he put these bass in the lake with a mean streak down their backs.
Bass wishes, Harold Sharp
Our concern is not so much that bass tournaments harm the resource; we do believe, however, that it is erroneous to assume that the bass caught from Seminole would have eaten 6,000 pounds of other bass. Food habit studies indicate that shad and bream, not bass, predominate as the primary food of adult bass in Seminole.
It is an established fact that in Lake Walter F. George, Lake Seminole and a majority of our southeastern United States impoundments there is some stunting of bream populations and surplus shad due to an insufficient number of bass as predators to control their numbers.
The emphasis on numbers and pounds of bass killed, regardless of size, as the ultimate reward of a day of bass fishing is, we believe, misplaced. Don't you believe that a prize offered for the largest fish caught and a requirement that tournament fishermen release all bass, say under three pounds, would teach better conservation?
the
outdoor world
Marvin Tye Named Regular Member of Pope & Young Club
Marvin Tye, a staff writer for GEORGIA GAME & FISH, was recently named a regular member of the Pope & Young Club. This organization is limited to 100 regular members. To qualify, one must kill three separate species of North American big game with bow and arrow, with at least one of these animals being large enough to be listed as record class. Tye qualified with whitetail deer, mule deer and a black bear. The bear at that time was the largest ever killed in Utah with a bow and arrow. He is the only member of this organ ization living in Georgia.

16

MANAGEMENT STREAM
SCHEDULE
Sportsman's Calendar
SEASONS NOW OPEN
TROUT
Open Stream Season-April 1, 1970 through October 3, 1970. Creel Limit-Eight (8) trout of all species per day. Possession limit-S. (Management Area Streams-Open on scheduled days, May 2-Sept. 7, 1970.) Arrowhead Public Fishing Area April 10ct. 31.

Manarement Area
BLUE RIDGE

Stream Jones Creek (Artificial Lures)
Montgomery

M1J sat., San.
Wed., Thurs.

June sat., Sun.
Wed., Thurs.

Sat., sun.
Wed., Thurs.

Aua:ust Sat., Sun.
Wed ., Thurs.

$IJIII. . . . . (Set., Sept. 5; SUn., Sept. 6: Mon., Sept. 7)

Noontootley

Rock Creek

CHATTAH OOCHEE Chattahoochee

CHESTATE

Dukes Boggs Dicks

Waters

LAKE BURTON

Dicks Moccasin

Wildcat

LAKE RUSSELL Middle Broad

WARWOMAN

Finney Sarahs

WSeetd.,.,sTunhu.rs.
Sat., Sun. Wed., Thurs. Wed., Thurs. Sat., Sun. Sat., SWI. Wed., Thurs. sat., Sun. Sit., Sun. Wid. Sat Sun. Wid., urs. Wed., Thurs.

Wed., Thurs. Sat. , Sun.
Wed ., Thurs. Sat., Sun.
Wed. 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. Sit., Sun.
Wed., Thun. Set., SWI.
Set., Sun. Wed., Thurs. Wed., Thurs. Sat., Sun. Sat., Sun. Wed., Thun. Sat., Sun. Sat., SUn. Wid. Sit., Sun. Wed., Thurs. Wed .. Thurs.

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.

(Sat., Sept. 5;
~':;:.~~.~)

(Wid., Sept. 2;

Tllun., Sopt. 3:

Ssuont..,,

Sept. Sept.

5: &,

Mon., Sopt. 7)

(Wid., Sopt. 2; Tllun., Sept. 3; Sat., Sopt. 5; SWI., Sept. &o Mon., Sapt. 7)

(Sit., Sopt. 5: SUn., Sept 6: Mon., Sopt. 1)

(Wid., Sapt. 2; Thurs., Sept. 3)

(Wid., Sept. 2: Thurs., Sept. 3)

(Sot., Sept. 5;
=i.=-:.=.~
(Set., Sopt. 5;
~':.;:, ~)

(Wed., Sept. 2; Thurs.. Sept. 3)

(Set., Sept. 5; SUn., Sept. 6: Mon., Sept. 7)

(Set., Sopt. 5;
::.=i.~)

(Wed., Sept. 2: SaL, Sept. 5; sun., Sopt. 6: Mon., Sept. 7J

(Wed., Sept. 2: Thurs.. Sapt. 3: Mon .. Sept. 7)

Walnut Fork and Hoods Creek
Tuckaluge

Sit., Sun. Cloud

Wed. , Thurs. Sit., Sun.

Closed

Closed

Wed. , Thurs. Closed

(Set.. Sept. 5;
=:n:.W~.si>

Georgia Power Aids Wildlife
The Georgia Power Company, in an effort to promote wildlife conservation, has increased the pay rate on cash benefits to landowners planting wildlife cover or feed crops under power lines. The maximum payment has been increased to $75.00 per acre for landowners clearing the land and planting the designated crops.
The program was initiated two years ago with a twofold objective. To cut down right-of-way maintenance cost by the clearing and cultivation of the lands under the transmission lines was one objective. Another was to encourage landowners to plant and maintain crops beneficial to wildlife as a conservation measure.
More than 130,000 acres in the state are included in the power service area. Most of this property is not owned by Georgia Power, but is held under easement from the landowner. Under the original plan the landowner was paid $40 for clearing and cultivating the land. The increased benefits are hoped to encourage even more people to constructively help our wildlife species.
Additional information can be obtained from any Georgia Power office.
-Aaron Pass

Trout Unlimited Comes To Georgia
A new chapter of Trout Unlimited has been chartered in Atlanta. The Chattahoochee Chapter, as it is called, will provide an opportunity for serious trout fishermen to get together and work toward improvement of their sport.
Trout Unlimited is a national organization formed in 1959 by a group of Michigan trout enthusiasts who were concerned about the future of trout fishing. T.U. is a non-profit corporation dedicated generally to conservation, and specifically to the preservation of trout and trout fishing. The organization supports intelligent trout management, pollution abatement, and habitat preservation . An area of major interest is in maintaining a healthy wild trout fishery in streams with suitable conditions.
Sportsmanship is another prime concern. T . U. urges fishing for sport rather than meat, holding the idea that fulfilment comes from the challenge and the wilderness experience. Respect for fellow anglers, and respect for the trout and his habitat is also encouraged by the organization.
The Chattahoochee Chapter will concern itself with the same type of issues. and will try to apply them on a local scale. Thev are interested in new members who share their desire to improve

trout conditions, and are willing to work toward this goal.
Anyone interested in joining this worthwhile organization should contact the president Zack Layfield III at 5256561 , or vice-president Jerry Jernigan at Roach Sporting Goods, 261-8000.
-Aaron Pass
Outdoor Writers Elect Officers
J. Wayne Fears of Athens, an employee of Safari Camps, was elected president of Georgia Outdoor Writers Association at a recent meeting in Milledgeville. Don Pfitzer of Decatur, conservation education co-ordinator for the U. S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, was re-elected vice president of the group, and Marvin Tye of Decatur, staff writer for GEORGIA GAME & FisH, was elected secretary-treasurer.
Editorial
Wild Trout (cont'dJ
cated anglers who relish challenging quality fishing. It should also go a long way toward conserving a very unique and valuable natural resource which is growing scarce along the eastern seaboard. That resource is the fishing for wild trout, an institution well worth perpetuating.
-Aaron Pass