Public fishing area reopens near Claxton

After yearlong closure, recreational site back in operation

Twins Jadon, left, and Jada Smith, age 2, fish with assistance from their dad, Tamarshe Smith, during Saturday's reopening event at the Evans County Public Fishing Area. June 1 and June 8, the Saturdays bookending National Fishing and Boating Week, are free fishing days, no license required even for adults, at Georgia's PFAs. The year's third and final free fishing day will be Sept. 28. - photo by AL HACKLE/Staff

Fishing Family — Twins Jadon, left, and Jada Smith, age 2, fish with assistance from their dad, Tamarshe Smith, during Saturday's reopening event at the Evans County Public Fishing Area. June 1 and June 8, the Saturdays bookending National Fishing and Boating Week, are free fishing days, no license required even for adults, at Georgia's PFAs. The year's third and final free fishing day will be Sept. 28. - photo by AL HACKLE/Staff

After a yearlong closure and almost $750,000 spent on upgrades, the Evans County Public Fishing Area reopened Saturday with an influx of 37 young anglers – and about as many parents and grandparents – at the start of National Fishing and Boating Week.“With the rebuilding of the dam and the restocking of the lake, we’re looking for a better turnout than what it used to be like,” said Evans County PFA Manager Steve Mincey. “We’re looking for this to be like starting off brand-new.”The PFA, one of 10 operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, is state property. Accessible by Sunbury Road from U.S. Highway 280 about nine miles east of Claxton, the site encompasses 372 acres of land and water.

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