Withlacoochee- Madison Hwy/GA 31 to Florida Shoals

As you can see I've got my kayak high and dry not wanting it to wash downstream. That would have been a chase!

These shoals are about 2 1/2 miles upstream (west) from the Madison Hwy/GA 31 launch site (see September 2009 post) and occupy approximately 600 yards or more of the river.

Look at the map below.



You will notice that if you go west from GA 31 up the Withlacoochee you will meander up into Georgia then dip back into Florida. As you dip south into Florida you will arrive at the shoals just before the river turns west and back into Georgia.

A leisurely paddle of just over an hour by kayak if the water is low and slow as it was this day.














George was paddling the Ocean Kayak Trident 13 while I was in the OK Big Game. I could tell the BG was a bit slower to get under way than my Tridents but the river was like a pond except when the water got skinny so it was no big deal. Once the Big Game was underway it wasn't that hard to paddle.

The river has some interesting limestone banks. With the water this low they are very evident. Gives one the feeling of being in North Georgia.


















At some points the bank was very high, maybe 20-30 feet above our heads.

Arriving at the shoals we got out of the kayaks and waded.














I fished here with George for awhile but eventually decided to go further upstream to explore and get some more pictures.


















































I hope you can tell from the pictures that one would have a difficult time trying to float through these shoals. Count on portaging over parts of this section. I did find a trail along the bank which would make it a bit easier to tote your 'yak.














If the river rises this would be underwater. However, with the water up you may be able to float through.

Looks like the beavers were having a time. Wonder if it'll be there when I return. I'm guessing not!














We had a great time. Spoke with a group of paddlers passing us going downstream who had put in at the Nankin bridge. Said it took them close to 8 hours to make it to the GA 31 bridge.

I'd love to end this post with pictures of fish but we were skunked.

We'll return and do better next time. Like they say. It's called fishing not catching!

**********
LINKS
Current Georgia river levels: Real Time Georgia Streamflow
Solunar Tables for your zip code: HERE
Rigging your kayak: Captain Dick
Interactive map by Angling Technologies: HERE

FORUMS
Georgia Kayak Fishing
Georgia River Fishing
Jax Kayak Fishing
Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing (you might need to be registered to view this one)

FLY FISHING RESOURCES
Fly Fishing West Georgia
Books and DVD by George Roberts:
Master the Cast
Fly Fisherman's Guide to Saltwater Naturals and Their Imitation
Saltwater Casting - 10 Steps to Distance and Power (DVD)

**********
If you are a resident of Georgia and like to fish from a kayak I recommend becoming a supporting member of the Georgia Kayak Fishing Association located at GeorgiaKayakFishing.com.

Reed Bingham State Park - Adel

Reed Bingham State Park: Over 1600 acres
Reed Bingham Lake: 375 acres
Entrance Fee: $5 per vehicle

Reed Bingham State Park is located approximately 40 miles north of the Florida line. From I-75 take Exit 39 at Adel and go 6 miles west on US Hwy 39. It was formed by damming the Little River. It has nature trails, swimming beach, canoe/bicycle rentals, camping areas (RV/tent/trailer), pontoon boat tours and more. There's a good web page HERE with more information and a calender of events.

For supplies Adel Outfitters is located in Adel at 413 Hutchinson Avenue which is on US 41. You can call them at 229-896-7105. Haven't seen any fly fishing gear there but they seem to have everything else including firearms and hunting supplies.

On this trip I was fortunate to fish with George Roberts. George has published two books and a DVD on fly fishing and written articles for several fly fishing magazines.

Master the Cast
Fly Fisherman's Guide to Saltwater Naturals and Their Imitation
Saltwater Casting - 10 steps to Distance and Power (DVD)

We got there close to lunch time. Temp in the mid 80's, some breeze and gnats! Geez, they were bad. Fortunately, once we were on the water they were not a problem.

We launched at the northwest boat ramp. This site is closer to the river which is where we were headed.

Click any picture to enlarge














You can fish the lake but you will have to put up with waves from ski boats and jet ski's. My gear for the day was a light spin caster and a fly rod (9 foot 6wt). I was using a small baby shad arty on the spin and a popper on the the fly.















George was using a 6 foot 4wt fly rod. I believe he used a popper most of the day. It's fun to watch the distance he can get with this little set up.

Here he is casting under some overhangs close to the launch site. We were still picking up waves from the boats on the lake at this point.




























The river water is typical for our area being brown tannic colored. The river is beautiful (and fishy looking!).







































You'll see DNR patrolling in their pontoon.














Midday fishing was slow. None of those I talked with on the river had done much. George caught two. A panfish and a bass that straightened his hook.

I had a panfish suck my popper and spit it back and caught this one on my shad.














We headed off the water a bit after 3 PM. A bit tired, hot, thirsty and tanned (burnt!).













Gotta remember the sunscreen and cooler next time!

**********
LINKS
Current Georgia river levels: Real Time Georgia Streamflow
Solunar Tables for your zip code: HERE
Rigging your kayak: Captain Dick
Interactive map by Angling Technologies: HERE

FORUMS
Georgia Kayak Fishing
Georgia River Fishing
Jax Kayak Fishing
Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing (you might need to be registered to view this one)

FLY FISHING RESOURCES
Fly Fishing West Georgia
Books and DVD by George Roberts:
Master the Cast
Fly Fisherman's Guide to Saltwater Naturals and Their Imitation
Saltwater Casting - 10 Steps to Distance and Power (DVD)

**********
If you are a resident of Georgia and like to fish from a kayak I recommend becoming a supporting member of the Georgia Kayak Fishing Association located at GeorgiaKayakFishing.com.

Farm Pond Fly Fishing

Although, I didn't use my kayak (the pond was really too small to justify using the 'yak) this illustrates what's available here in our area by just asking around. Many ponds are plenty large for kayaks. This was also my first attempt at fly fishing.

Back down this little jeep trail, behind the trees is a nice little farm pond.

Click any picture to enlarge


























Won't do any good to give the location on this one. It was an invite to a private pond. But again, by asking around it shouldn't be difficult to find one. Man-made and stocked, this one is unusual in that it's pretty clear. Many of these little ponds are not but that doesn't stop the fish from biting.

Another point. I've seen some ponds located at low areas in pastures where livestock graze. I'm not sure I'd want to eat fish from a pond that collects drainage from cattle, etc. Sure could enjoy some "catch and release", though.

Here's my first fish caught with a fly rod. I was using a little yellow popper. A humble beginning but fun. Small enough to fry whole and eat like a tator chip!














And a couple of others.






























Fun? Oh, yeah!

**********
LINKS
Current Georgia river levels: Real Time Georgia Streamflow
Solunar Tables for your zip code: HERE
Rigging your kayak: Captain Dick
Interactive map by Angling Technologies: HERE

FORUMS
Georgia Kayak Fishing
Georgia River Fishing
Jax Kayak Fishing
Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing (you might need to be registered to view this one)

FLY FISHING RESOURCES
Fly Fishing West Georgia
Books and DVD by George Roberts:
Master the Cast
Fly Fisherman's Guide to Saltwater Naturals and Their Imitation
Saltwater Casting - 10 Steps to Distance and Power (DVD)

**********
If you are a resident of Georgia and like to fish from a kayak I recommend becoming a supporting member of the Georgia Kayak Fishing Association located at GeorgiaKayakFishing.com.