Striped Bass Fishing Elberton GA Jodys Guide

Half Day Striper Fishing on Clarks 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 trip runs from March through mid-September, hitting the prime striper season when these fish are most active. You'll meet at Bobby Brown State Park at 6:00 AM sharp – early start means better fishing, and trust me, you'll thank Captain Jody for getting you out there before the lake gets busy. His 22-foot Triton Bay Boat handles up to 3 guests, so you're getting a personalized experience whether you're bringing the family or just a couple of fishing buddies.

What to Expect on the Water

Captain Jody's got everything dialed in for your striper hunt. The 22-foot Triton gives you plenty of room to move around and fight fish without getting in each other's way. All your rods, reels, and tackle come included, plus he's stocked with fresh live bait – the kind of presentation that gets stripers fired up. The captain's been working these waters for years, so he knows exactly where to find fish based on the season, weather, and what the stripers have been doing lately. Kids and first-timers are absolutely welcome – Jody's got the patience and know-how to get everyone involved, no matter your skill level. The best part? You keep whatever you catch, and if you want them cleaned and ready for the dinner table, Captain Jody can take care of that for an extra $50.

Techniques & Hot Spots

Clarks Hill Lake is a striper factory, and Captain Jody uses a mix of techniques to keep you connected to fish all morning long. Depending on conditions, you might be trolling with live bait along the main channels, working structure with jigs, or even sight fishing when the stripers are pushing baitfish to the surface. The lake's got deep channels, rocky points, and creek mouths that hold fish at different times of the year. Early in the season, stripers are often found in the upper ends of creeks as they follow the shad spawn. As summer heats up, they move to deeper water and suspended schools that Captain Jody tracks with his electronics. Live bait fishing is often the ticket here – nothing beats a lively threadfin shad or herring when you're trying to tempt a big striper. The captain reads the water constantly, adjusting tactics based on what he's seeing on the fish finder and how the fish are responding.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Striped bass are the main attraction on Clarks Hill Lake, and for good reason – these fish put up an absolute battle and taste fantastic on the table. Clarks Hill stripers typically run anywhere from 3 to 20 pounds, with some real giants lurking in the deeper waters. These fish are most active from March through September, which is exactly when Captain Jody runs his trips. Stripers are schooling fish, so when you find one, there's usually more around. They're aggressive feeders that love chasing baitfish, and when they're on the hunt, the action can be non-stop. What makes stripers so exciting to catch is their initial run – they'll peel drag and make multiple strong runs before you get them to the boat. The lake's population is healthy and self-sustaining, with fish spawning in the upper Savannah River tributaries each spring. During summer months, stripers often suspend in deeper water during the heat of the day, but Captain Jody knows how to find and catch them consistently. These fish are also incredibly versatile in the kitchen – whether you want to grill fillets, make fish tacos, or try your hand at smoking, striped bass delivers excellent eating.

Time to Book Your Spot

This half-day striper trip with Captain Jody Powell gives you everything you need for a top-rated fishing experience on one of Georgia's best striper lakes. You're getting a seasoned guide who knows the water, quality equipment, live bait, and a boat that's built for fishing. The 6:00 AM start time puts you on the water during prime fishing hours, and the 6-hour duration gives you plenty of time to work different areas and techniques. Don't forget to grab your Georgia fishing license before you head out – it's required for everyone 16 and older. With the season running from March 1st through September 15th, you've got plenty of opportunities to get out there and experience some of the best striper fishing the Southeast has to offer. Captain Jody's approach works for everyone from seasoned anglers looking to improve their technique to families wanting to create lasting memories on the water.