On our calendar of outdoor possibilities we established back in January the schedule calls for a trip to Paradise Public Fishing Area near Tifton, a trip to Charlie Elliot/Marben Farms Public Fishing Area outside Mansfield or taking advantage of Georgia’s great pan fish population in the local ponds that abound around the state. Today, we will take a quick look at these three options.

    Paradise PFA
    Paradise PFA is located on more than 1,300 acres in Berrien and Tift counties. There are more than 60 lakes totaling in excess of 350 acres that are extensively managed for fishing. In addition to the great angling opportunities, you are likely to see all types of wildlife such as geese, several species of ducks, hawks and bald eagles. Paradise is a pristine place that offers fishing from the bank or from boats and is an ideal setting for the family or individual seeking a relaxing day with nature.
    Among the lakes available at Paradise PFA is Lake Patrick (the largest) at 112 acres. If you are not a boater there are three fishing piers and plenty of accessible shoreline for use. The lake is known for excellent catches of bass, bream and crappie. The north end of the lake is dotted with plenty of cover and is one of the prime spots for largemouth bass. 
    Another popular lake on the property is Lake Tacklebuster. At 17 acres it is full of heavy cover and has a reputation for big bass. Tacklebuster is also a high-quality lake for channel catfish. If you prefer fishing in smaller ponds you still have plenty of others to choose from that range from one-half acre to five acres. 
    If you decide to make this trip there are some things you need to know so here’s a short check list:
    1. If you are using a boat there must be a Coast Guard-approved life vest for each person, as well as a type IV throwable device.
    2. All children under 10 years old must wear a life jacket while in a boat.
    3. You will need a valid Georgia fishing license and a WMA license to fish if you are 16 years old or older. If you have a three-day fishing license or a lifetime license you do not have to have a WMA license.
    4. Public Fishing Areas such as Paradise have special regulations that are posted on site as well as published in the Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations. Be sure to check them before getting started.
    5. If you are using a boat with enclosed areas that might trap gas or vapors, a USCG-approved fire extinguisher must be on board.
    Paradise is open year-round, seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset.
   
    Charlie Elliot PFA
    As with Paradise, you don’t need an expensive bass boat and a lot of fancy equipment to be part of the modern-day bass fishing set. All you need is a john boat, trolling motor and a few basic lures to catch your share of the highly prized largemouth bass. If fishing from the comfort of a chair on the bank is your idea of heaven, that also is available. As a bonus, you can accomplish this feat in relative seclusion and in a beautiful, serene environment. Such a place can be found within the stunning acres of the Charlie Elliot Wildlife Center/Marben Farms Public Fishing Area in the edge of Newton County.
    Marben Farms PFA currently has 16 lakes open to the public. They range in size from one-acre Teal Lake (a catch and release pond for anglers age 16 and younger) all the way up to 95-acre Fox Lake. Most of the ponds are stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, red-ear sunfish (shell crackers), and about half of the lakes have black crappie. Lake Bennett (69 acres) also has hybrid bass. Several of the lakes have excellent boat ramps from which to launch and several have easy walking access around them to accommodate the bank fisherman.
    You can pick up information sheets at the entrance but here are some basic rules at Marben Farms:
    Boats with gasoline-powered motors are allowed on Lakes Fox and Bennett but can be used at idle speed only. Gas motors are allowed on the other ponds but may not be used to propel the boat. All boats must carry the required safety equipment, including appropriate personal flotation devices, and all boats must be registered.
    Fishing is allowed from sunrise to sunset and there are daily limits that are different from statewide regulations. Check your information packet for specifics.
    No alcohol — no swimming — pets must be on a leash — vehicles stay on improved roads — do not block gates.   
    The Charlie Elliot Outdoor Center is definitely worth the time to visit. It contains interesting displays, game mountings, books, videos and a wealth of information on Elliot’s life. There are outdoor discovery programs for kids and summer day camps, as well as overnight camps, offered during the summer. There also are hiking trails and trails for horseback riding.
    All information on these two PFA’s can be accessed at www.gofishgeorgia.com.

    Ponds   
    As a third option for May, don’t forget about the abundant bream population Georgia’s ponds have to offer.
    The bluegill and shell cracker bite should be great this month and it’s one of the most enjoyable and simple outdoor traditions we have.
    As always, if I can help with details on any of these places don’t hesitate to send an e-mail and we’ll get you set up.
   
    Alvin Richardson can be reached at dar8589@bellsouth.net.