Georgia's nine public fishing areas can provide families with diverse array of outdoor activity

Georgia boasts nine excellent public fishing areas (PFAs) where families and friends can enjoy more than just fishing. These areas also provide a variety of outdoor fun and adventure.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) intensively manages PFAs for quality bass, bream, crappie and catfish and provides unique conservation education and kids' fishing opportunities. Birdwatchers, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts also enjoy the diverse array of wildlife viewing opportunities.

"PFAs make a great choice for fishing with the family, with a friend or by oneself," says WRD Chief of Fisheries Management Chuck Coomer. "These areas are located throughout the state and are within a reasonable drive for most Georgia residents. All of the areas offer much more than fishing."

Waters on PFAs vary from lakes several hundred acres in size to ponds less than one acre some are even designated as kids' fishing ponds only. Anglers can fish from a boat, along the shoreline or from a pier at most PFAs. Many areas have picnic tables, nature/wildlife observation trails, fish cleaning stations and restroom facilities. Some offer primitive campsites for those wishing to stay overnight on the area and many facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities.

Following is a list of Georgia's PFAs:

Rocky Mountain (706-8025087) Located 16 mi. N. of Rome in Northwest Georgia in Floyd County on 5,000 acres and includes two lakes totaling 559 acres. Species: largemouth bass, bluegill and redear sunfish, channel catfish, crappie and hybrid striped bass.

McDuffie County (706-5951684) Located 8 mi. E. of Thomson in Georgia's upper coastal plain on 570 acres and includes 13 ponds from 1-30 acres, a hatchery and an education center. Species: largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish and channel catfish.

Big Lazer Creek (706-8454180) Located 10 mi. E. of Talbotton in west central Georgia in Talbot County and includes a 195acre lake. Species: bluegill, channel catfish, crappie and largemouth bass.

Marben Farms (770-784-3059) Located 3 mi. S. of Mansfield in central Georgia in Jasper and Newton counties on 6,400-acres and includes 22 ponds from 1 95 acres, a wildlife management area and an education center. Species: largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie and channel catfish.

Dodge County (478-374-6765) Located 4 mi. S.E. of Eastman in Georgia's middle coastal plain on 444 acres and includes a 104acre lake. Species: largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish and crappie.

Evans County (912-739-1139) Located 9 mi. E. of Claxton in Georgia's coastal plain on 372 acres and includes three lakes from 8 84 acres. Species: crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish.

Hugh M. Gillis (478-296-6192) Located 12 mi. E. of Dublin in Georgia's middle coastal plain in Laurens County on 640 acres and includes a 109-acre lake. Species: largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish and crappie.

Paradise (229-533-4792) Located 8 mi. E. of Tifton in south central Georgia in Berrien County on 1,250 acres and includes 60 lakes totaling 525 acres. Species: largemouth bass, sunfish, crappie and channel catfish.

Ocmulgee (478-783-2557) Located 8 mi. N. of Cochran within the boundaries of Ocmulgee Wildlife Management Area in Bleckley County, this area offers a 106-acre lake for your fishing enjoyment. Species: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish and channel catfish.

The Flat Creek PFA (near Perry) broke ground for construction in 2005 and has an anticipated opening date of spring 2007.

All anglers between the ages of 16 and 65 must possess a Georgia recreational fishing license and wildlife management area (WMA) license to fish on PFAs. A one-day fishing license will serve in lieu of a WMA license on a PFA.

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