Striped Bass

While Coolidge, Georgia, isn't directly on a major striped bass river, targeting these fish requires a bit of a drive. Your best bet is to head east towards the Flint River. While the Flint doesn't have the reputation of some other Georgia striper fisheries, it offers a chance to tangle with these powerful fish, especially during the cooler months. Late fall through early spring is when the stripers move upstream to spawn. Focus your efforts around deeper holes, river bends, and areas with current breaks. Live bait, such as shad or herring, is highly effective, but large swimbaits and crankbaits can also produce. There are several boat ramps along the Flint River, but be sure to check water levels before you go, as conditions can vary. The stripers here may not be as large as those found in reservoirs, but a 10-20 pounder is certainly possible. Local tip: Pay attention to the Georgia DNR stocking reports to see where recent striper releases have occurred, and concentrate your efforts in those areas.