by Keith Lozott, Contributing Writer
Are you thinking about planning a new fishing trip to a destination that you’ve never been to before? If the answer is yes, then I’d say we are in the same boat (no pun intended). “The Delacroix Crew” as I call them, have come together to plan a Southern Georgia trip to fill the need to get away and fish. South Georgia is only 5 or so hours away from our area and rumor has it the fishing is as good as gets. The area has huge tidal swings, oysters, shallow creeks, spartan grass flats that flood during high tides, main waterways, near shore, offshore and I presume everything in between, if I didn’t mention it. Therefore, I’d say getting some experience from an insider is a must. How you get this inside info is up to you. You can research the internet for the latest and greatest fishing reports and hope they are accurate. Buy fishing maps (Top Spot, Florida Sportsman, or whatever map has the destination you’re traveling to) that we have all used before trying to locate the hot zones that look best on the days being fished.
Another way and probably the best option is to book a local guide that fishes the area every day. You can’t beat on the water experience if you can afford to get it. What we have decided to do is call a local fishing guide and explain what our motive is for the trip. Always let them know that you aren’t there to take his or her spots, but are booking them to learn the area, so that you ensure a successful trip in the future. They can teach you what the best tides are, the best baits and or live baits to use, safety on the water, where to go and what to avoid, and what to look for when surveying the terrain. I’m going to book a full day with a buddy if the funds make sense at the time. If you can afford a three quarter day or even a half day trip it may be all you need to get the tip that may makes your upcoming trip a success or failure. It will be money well spent! However, I will say no fishing trip is a failure, just a learning experience and a great day outside enjoying the surroundings with friends or family. During the slow periods in Louisiana were when I’ve been able to take in the “Marsh” and ingrained it as a part of my mind that will never leave. Whenever I travel I-95 in the Golden Isles area I always say, “I gotta fish here someday”! Now I can say I’m on the way!!!
The good times that come with these trips are almost unmatched and should be experienced by all who have the itch to fish and take in the tranquility of the shallow water estuaries throughout the U.S.A. So, book a local guide if you can and get out there and experience life!
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