Fishing tips from Savannah, GA

The following was written by Trail Mixxx contributor Joseph:

A Southern Kingfish, Croaker and Spot Fish caught at the Fort Pulaski bridge in Savannah, Ga.

The following are four fishing basics that will increase your opportunity to hook a fish before your first catch.

1. Always start with new hooks each time you go out. After a hard day of fishing, applying new bait, hooking fish and getting hung up on debris can easily dull you common steel fishing hook. You may only get ten bites in the time that you are fishing, so make them count! A sharp hook ensures that the hook will slide easily through the bait and up into the jaw of the fish with only the slightest amount of pressure.

2. Gear your tackle for the appropriate fish you are attempting to catch. Take notice of the necessary hook size, bait, and tackle you will need as well as the habitat where you will find your fish.

3. Know your knots. Some knots will reduce the strength of your line by more than half. The last thing you want once you hook that big one is for your knot to come untied or the line break because of a bad knot. There are many different knot types and ways to attach your tackle. Learn a few knots that will work for your purposes.

4. Attitude. This should be number one. Through my observations I have taken notice of something important; If you have a bad attitude while fishing and you get down that you are not catching anything or that you’re hungry, or that it’s hot, or that you’re bored you will be less likely to catch fish. Having a positive attitude will greatly affect your overall demeanor and will translate through your actions in your fishing! When others around you are catching fish, celebrate with them and tell yourself that the fish are biting. Stay positive and consistent in your efforts and you will make your catch!

By utilizing these basic tips you will instantly see improvement in your fishing game.

In future posts I will show you how professional crabbin' is done in Savannah as well as some awesome recipes to get the best flavor out of your fresh catch!

-Joe

Moon River, Savannah, GA

What's up from Savannah, Georgia, a nice little coastal town situated on the GA/SC border. I was having some medical issues and had to take a few days off of work so I headed down to see my best friend before Trail Mixxx relocates to Northern Colorado. Did some fishing on the Moon River and the intercostal waterway. Caught a lot of tiny sharks and sting rays but ended up catching a 13-14 in Southern Kingfish (pictured below.) All in all a nice place and I had a blast. River street is pretty rad with the street performers and just the general atmosphere, but if you're going to buy anything find it somewhere else. The markup is ridiculous on everything from homemade candy to alcohol. Also, I suggest acquiring a fishing license before casting into the waters, but I definitely did not have one. We try to break as many laws as possible as long as it doesn't hurt anyone. It's public water after all. :) Shout out to Joe Savy and his lady, Jasmine (official Trail Mixxers) They took care of me while I was there. I will definitely return.

See y'all in Colorado!

Lake James State Park: Nebo, NC- 9/5/2011

Our campsite.

Location:Lake James State Park

Date: 8/5/2011

How far we went: Too lazy and tired to do trails

How long it took us: n/a

Elevation reached: n/a

Weather: Rainy

What can I say about Lake James State Park? It was decent. It's technically "car-camping" but you have to hike your gear and crap in about 3-400 yards. The bathrooms are okay, about the par for NC State Parks. The lake was a murky green colour and the swimming area was closed. Probably for our protection. The rangers came by about 6pm in the middle of our relaxation and told us there would be 6-8 inches of rain and that all but us and someone else had left in fear. So we hunkered down ready for some man vs. wild type of action. But actually, nothing happened at all. We woke up to a couple of raindrops... Bummer. If you go here make sure you've made a reservation and scoped out the sites to see which one will suit you best. If you don't have a boat, a jet-ski or a fishing pole. There really isn't much here... A few trails and overlooks, but nothing compared to the other natural attractions on this side of the state.

If you take nothing else from this post, when you sign in, they will ask you if you want to buy firewood. You have to because you're not allowed to pick up anything and burn it... Anyways, after you pay the $5 they then tell you that the wood is located by camp site #3 in a giant pile and you can just take it at will. I am against paying for anything that is "public," especially after I've already paid for a site, a fishing permit, etc... So just tell them no and go steal the wood.

Dock across from site #17

Me prepping for dinner

Vegetarian camp cooking. Love it.

Joe catching a fish