Bluegill

If you're looking for some sunny-day panfishing, West Point, Georgia, offers excellent bluegill opportunities, particularly in West Point Lake and the Chattahoochee River tributaries. The key here is understanding the seasonal forage. During the spring spawn (April-May), focus on shallow, protected coves with plenty of vegetation. Bluegill will be aggressively guarding nests. As the water warms into summer, they'll retreat to slightly deeper water near submerged timber or weed lines. A cricket or worm under a bobber is hard to beat, but don't overlook small poppers or dry flies for some exciting topwater action, especially in the early morning or late evening. A local tip: check the water clarity after heavy rains, as stained water can push the fish closer to the banks. Also, be mindful of the current; a slight drift can help present your bait more naturally.