If you are running out of things to do at home and maybe thought about getting outside for some fishing or outdoor activity, here are some great tips to stay safe and enjoy the fresh air!
Recently, my family took a fishing trip to get some fresh air. One of my favorite hobbies is fishing and I thought it would be great to share with all of you some of the ways we have been able to stay safe and enjoy being outdoors. I've included some books that you can find at our library to help you get started. Make sure you have a library card and access to your PINES account to place these books on hold. If you need assistance, please give us a call at 706-453-7276.
Helpful Books on Fishing:
Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Book by Leon Leonwood Bean
Originally published in 1942, this Maine classic offers instruction on everything from packing a canoe to stalking a bear. The new edition pairs the original text and nostalgic photographs with twenty-first-century perspective from L.L's great-grandson and Outdoor Channel television host.
How to catch largemouth bass on Lake Oconee--all year round!
by Aaron Batson
Includes information about tournament winning techniques, the most effective lures, the best areas in which to fish, and weekly fishing tips.
Available in PINES at Greene County Library!
The Art of Freshwater Fishing.by The Freshwater Angler
Provides facts about fish and helpful tips for the modern angler. Includes advice on fishing basics and gamefish.
This book will teach you the techniques needed to successfully locate and catch every popular freshwater species. From the first section on fish and their environment to the last on basic gamefish techniques, let this book be your how-to guide for freshwater fishing.If you know how fish behave, you'll increase your chances of catching them. See how they use their senses, what food they prefer, how they use cover and why certain fish thrive in some bodies of water and not others.
Supplies you may need:
Fishing License (required by law)
Antibacterial Soap
Face masks
Live Bait
Catfish Bait (rooster liver or Shads)
Fishing pole
Paper Towels
Don't forget to bring someone along with you but remember to maintain social distancing. There are many places in our area to fish and you can find them by looking online at Georgia Power Lakes or Georgia State Parks to see what areas are available for public fishing.
You may also want to check a fishing forecast before leaving. There are different times throughout the day when fishing is consider to be most favorable for successfully catching fish.
Types of fish in Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair
largemouth bass
black crappie
hybrid-striped bass
blue catfish, channel catfish
white bass
Personally, I enjoy fishing for blue and channel catfish. I like to use live bait such as flat tailed worms, bread, hotdogs or home made catfish bait. (You can see a list of easy catfish bait here!)
You can find a help fishing forecast for various areas in Georgia at the link below: https://georgiawildlife.com/fishing-forecasts
Did you know?
According to scientific research and an article from Huffington Post (www.huffpost.com https://www.huffpost.com/entry/benefits-of-fishing_n_5754408), There are possibly stress relieving benefits to fishing. Fishing keeps you physically fit and helps you live a healthier, happier life.
I can honestly say that fishing is relaxing and definitely relieves some major stress after being at home for such an extended period of time. Of course, we are taking measures to stay healthy by washing our hands frequently and staying at least 6 feet away from any others who may also be fishing in the same area. Fish is also a really great source of nutrition. So, while we are at home, we can at least eat healthy. Seafood also happens to be one of my most favorite foods. Win-Win for me.
Eating fish could help you live longer.
"All of that healthy eating pays off. Some credit the long lifespan of the Japanese to a fish- and veggie-heavy diet. Japanese women have the longest life expectancy in the world, at 87 years,according to the World Health Organization. And while men in Japan aren't quite as lucky, they do live to an average age of 80." - Huffington Post
We're all in this together and getting outside is good for you! So, whether you are taking a solo fishing adventure or you bring you family to join you, stay safe and happy fishing!