Striped Bass Fishing Elberton GA Jodys Guide

Half Day Bass Fishing Trip in Clark Hill Lake

Captain Jody Powell knows Clarks Hill Lake like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious striped bass action. This 6-hour guided fishing adventure runs from March through mid-September, giving you prime time access to one of Georgia's most productive bass fisheries. We'll launch at first light from Bobby Brown State Park and spend the morning working the best spots on the lake. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, Jody customizes every trip to match your crew's experience level. With all gear provided and live bait ready to go, you just need to show up with your Georgia fishing license and get ready to bend some rods.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts early with a 6:00 AM departure from 1891 Bobby Brown State Park Road in Elberton. Captain Jody's 22-foot Triton Bay Boat gives your group of up to three anglers plenty of room to fish comfortably while covering serious water. The boat's designed for these Georgia lakes, with shallow draft capability to get into those productive back bays and creek mouths where stripers love to hunt. You'll spend six solid hours on the water, which gives us time to hit multiple spots and adapt to what the fish are doing that day. Early morning is prime time for striped bass, and Jody knows exactly where they'll be staging based on water temperature, baitfish movement, and seasonal patterns. The captain provides all rods, reels, tackle, and live bait, so you don't need to worry about gear selection or rigging. He'll match the setup to current conditions and your skill level, whether that's throwing topwater plugs at sunrise or working live shad along drop-offs.

Proven Techniques & Tactics

Clarks Hill Lake offers incredible variety when it comes to striped bass fishing, and Captain Jody uses that to keep things interesting throughout your trip. Live bait fishing with threadfin shad is often the most productive approach, especially when fish are holding in deeper water or being finicky about artificials. Jody knows how to read his electronics to locate schools of baitfish and position the boat for maximum success. When conditions are right, you might throw topwater lures for explosive surface strikes that'll get your heart pumping. Casting spoons, swimbaits, and umbrella rigs all have their place depending on water clarity, wind, and fish behavior. The captain adjusts tactics throughout the morning as conditions change and fish move to different parts of their daily routine. Your live well will be stocked with fresh bait, and Jody handles all the technical stuff like finding the right depth, reading water temperature, and positioning the boat. He'll teach you the techniques as you go, sharing local knowledge about structure, current breaks, and seasonal migration patterns that make Clarks Hill such a consistent producer.

Top Catches This Season

Striped bass are the main attraction at Clarks Hill Lake, and for good reason. These hard-fighting fish can range from schoolie-sized 2-pounders that are perfect for kids and beginners, all the way up to hefty 15-20 pound specimens that'll test your drag system. The best fishing typically runs from March through September, coinciding perfectly with Captain Jody's season. Spring brings aggressive pre-spawn fish that are feeding heavily and positioning near creek mouths and shallow flats. As water warms into summer, stripers move to deeper structure but remain very catchable with the right techniques. These fish are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic fights, often making multiple jumps before coming to the boat. What makes striped bass so exciting is their schooling behavior - when you find one, there are usually more in the area. Captain Jody's experience reading the lake means he can put you on these schools consistently. The fish hit hard and fight clean, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Plus, striped bass are excellent table fare, so you can take home a cooler full of fillets to enjoy long after your trip ends.

Time to Book Your Spot

This top-rated half-day trip fills up fast during peak season, especially on weekends when local anglers and visitors alike want to experience Clarks Hill's world-class striped bass fishing. Captain Jody's reputation for putting clients on fish, combined with his patient teaching style and well-equipped boat, makes this a customer favorite year after year. The early morning departure time maximizes your chances of success while beating the heat and afternoon boat traffic. With fish cleaning available for just $50 extra, you can head home with a cooler full of fresh fillets ready for the dinner table. Remember to grab your Georgia fishing license before the trip - it's required for everyone 16 and older. Whether you're planning a family outing, buddies trip, or looking to introduce someone new to the sport, this guided experience delivers the goods. Don't miss your chance to fish with one of Clarks Hill Lake's most experienced captains during prime striped bass season.