Not much has changed since my last report. Our boats have been out on trips everyday both north and south and the fishing has been very good overall. Mid-lake and south we are seeing some schools of busting stripers early and freelined bluebacks, Redfins, Spro Dawgs, and Spooks are all working.

There are also fish up shallow on reef poles and points early each day. After the sun gets overhead, we have done well on downlined bluebacks fished 20 feet deep over a 25 to 30 foot bottom on and just off secondary, slick bottom points.

Up north the water is warmer and your numbers of school size fish will be better, if you start downlining on points at daylight. There are a few big fish up both rivers and freelined gizzard shad will work best up there.

This report is brought to you by Shane Watson Guide Service www.lakelanierstripers.com, Hammond's Fishing Center, and Carolina Skiff Boats. Good Fishing.

The Lake Lanier Association has requested and received answers from several local congressional candidates.

The Association will hold its annual membership meeting on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at the Lakeview Center, 2057 Dawson Forest Rd., E, Dawsonville.

The meeting will begin at 5:30 pm with a light refreshments followed by the program from 6:00 pm until 8:30 pm. The association’s Board of Directors will update the membership on the association’s current activities and events.

Our guest speaker will be Major General Todd T. Semonite, Commander, South Atlantic Division, US Army Corps of Engineers.  Candidates for federal office will address their views on specific issues regarding Lake Lanier.  These candidates will be for the senatorial seat in this year’s election (Senator Johnny Isakson) and for Congressional District 7 (Represenative John Linder) and District 9 (Representative Nathan Deal).

The meeting is open to all association members, and non-members interested in preserving Lake Lanier.  Here are the questions and answers:

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Lake Lanier Rowing Club is getting ready to celebrate National Learn to Row Day this weekend.

You're welcome to come and get a preview of what rowing is all about.

When: Saturday, May 8th, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
A new class will start every 20-30 minutes with each class lasting approximately 45 minutes.

Where: Lake Lanier Olympic Venue, LLRC Boathouse (opposite side of Clarks Bridge Rd. from Olympic Tower at Clarks Bridge Park)
3105 Clarks Bridge Rd, Gainesville, GA 30506

Who: Ages 12+, no experience required

Cost: FREE!

What to Bring: Bring tennis shoes and socks for your instruction on the indoor rowing machines. In the boats you will want to have a pair of socks you may get dirty and a pair of shoes that may get wet (crocs or sandals are good examples).  Wear work-out clothing; it’s best to avoid loose fitting clothes such as long basketball shorts or baggy shirts and clothes that don’t have any stretch.  Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats and a bottle of water are also recommended for your comfort.

More information can be found at www.LakeLanierRowing.org

Shane Watson Guide Service Report (04-30-10). We've had boats out on guide trips everyday and many things are working on Lake Lanier. The topwater bite has been very good this week on bone Redfins and on the Spro BBZ-1. Freelined bluebacks have also worked well this week. On my boat, we have also done very well on downlined bluebacks fished 20-25 feet deep over a 25-40 foot bottom, on and just off points and humps.

Most of these downline fish have been 5 to 15 pounds, but the action has been great. Some of our boats have also done well on freelined gizzard shad both up north and down south. I have fished mid-lake and south everyday and caught stripers in every creek that we have went in. They are really bunching well in places.

Several of you have asked for me to show a photo and give my opinion on the new Lowrance Elite 5 graph and Elite GPS. I was able to take a quick photo while were catching downline fish. It has 4,000 watts of power and works very well. It works like the pre HD units, but with an improved screen and easier features than the old models. I like it because, like the old LCX units, once you set it, it requires no adjustment other than adjusting your manual depth scale if you wish. I use a stand alone Elite 5 fishfinder and a stand alone Elite 5 GPS. The gps also works very well. It updates quickly and is easy to use.

This report is brought to you by Shane Watson Guide Service www.lakelanierstripers.com , Hammond's Fishing Center, and Carolina Skiff Boats. Good Fishing.

Shane Watson Guide Service Report (04-20-10).

The last couple of days, the topwater bite has been strong on Lake Lanier. It is so great to see big stripers and spots blowing up on a surface lure and on a freeline. I spent most of last week rigging my new Sea Chaser boat and got back on the water on Friday. We spent a couple of days out over the main channel freelining and caught some nice fish, but there just wasn't enough out there yet.

The last 2 days, we found stripers up in 2 to 8 feet of water and caught them well on Bone Redfins, Spro BBZ-1's, and on Spro Dawgs. Fish as many points and reef poles as you can, and cast your lures up very shallow. Freelined bluebacks are also working well.

This report is brought to you by Shane Watson Guide Service www.lakelanierstripers.com, Hammond's Fishing Center, and Carolina Skiff Boats. Good Fishing and We Appreciate Everyone's Business.