Go Fish Georgia Initiative - Additional Information
Go Fish Georgia is a $30 million initiative that will leverage $19 million in state funds with private donations and financial support from local communities. This program will boost economic development in many small towns and establish Georgia as a national fishing destination.
Overview of the Go Fish Georgia Program
Program Brochure
Go Fish Georgia Facility Site Map
What is the Go Fish Georgia Initiative?
The purpose of the Go Fish Georgia Initiative is to promote and enhance boating and fishing tourism and to boost economic development in communities across the state. This initiative will result in a quality fisheries resource statewide, including family friendly fishing and recreation access points that will increase fishing participation in Georgia.
Fishing tournaments are a growing economic force in the nation. A single large tournament can contribute several million dollars to a local economy. Currently, all neighboring states attract more large bass fishing tournaments than Georgia. Georgia is the sixth highest among states in sending resident anglers to other states and 21st in attracting non-resident anglers. A better quality fishery would encourage those anglers to spend their dollars here. Georgia is also home to the world record largemouth bass (22 lbs., 4 oz. caught by George W. Perry on June 2, 1932). This catch presents a significant attraction for bass anglers.
Go Fish Georgia Goals
Goal 1: Improve Access to Georgia Waters
Bass Trail
The Go Fish Georgia Initiative will improve access to Georgia’s waters by the development of the Georgia Bass Trail. This 15-stop trail will provide a statewide system of large boating access areas capable of supporting large tournament events, and normal boating and fishing activities on major water bodies. Each site will provide its own unique bass fishing experience. Development of this trail will not require land acquisition in most cases. Sites and facilities will vary in size depending on the size of the water body. The economic impact of individual tournaments ranges from hundreds of thousands of dollars for a single-day event and up to $27 million for a championship multiple day event.
Fishing Tournaments
Family Friendly Access
The Go Fish Georgia Initiative will promote family friendly fishing opportunities by developing new boating access to water bodies in Georgia where access currently limits fishing and other uses. It will also improve access to currently under-utilized smaller reservoirs that have untapped fishing potential as well as add amenities and improve maintenance at existing access sites.
Virtual Access Guide
The development of fishing guides, maps and other products useful to anglers and boaters that are Web-accessible will improve the use of Georgia waters.
Goal 2: Increase Fishing Participation by Promoting Georgia Resources
Go Fish Georgia Center
The centerpiece of the efforts to promote fishing and increase participation is the new Go Fish Georgia Center. Centrally located in Perry, Georgia at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter, design plans include a visitors center with aquaria and other exhibits, public fishing ponds, interpretive trails and outdoor classrooms. The facility is expected to open in late 2009.
Partnerships
The Go Fish Georgia program will encourage sportfishing and conservation ethics through regular interaction with organized angler groups.
GOAL 3: Improve Quality of Fishing in Georgia
Improve Fish Stocks
The Go Fish Georgia Initiative will improve the quality of fishing in Georgia waters by managing and/or stocking additional forage species in Georgia reservoirs and rivers. This will increase sport fish growth rates and production. Existing warm water hatchery facilities are at maximum capacity to support current programs. The research and fish production necessary to improve the quality of fishing in Georgia will require additional production ponds and the construction of a new, state-of-the-art hatchery and research facility. The construction of a new, state-of-the-art hatchery/research facility will be required.
Improve Habitat
The Go Fish Georgia Initiative will increase productivity in state-owned lakes through a fertilization program - a current major factor in sustaining high quality angling on state-owned public fishing area lakes. It will also improve habitat in publicly owned small impoundments through fertilization, structure and other improvements to increase growth rates of fish. The program will also improve fish habitat in reservoirs and rivers through the introduction of native aquatic vegetation, other natural habitat components or artificial structures.
