Fishermen crowd the shore as they return for the weigh-in during the Georgia BASS Chapter Federation Championship at the Fort Gordon Recreation Area on Lake Thurmond. JIM BLAYLOCK/FILE

There is also Thurmond Lake, with 70,000 acres of water and 1,200 miles of meandering, totally public shoreline that offers some of the region's best fishing for hybrid and striped bass.

The reservoir also has flathead catfish that can top 40 pounds; excellent winter crappie fishing around deep structure and rip-rap; bluegill fishing in the shallows and coves; and, of course, the ever-popular largemouth.

For information about Thurmond Lake fishing opportunities, or to acquire maps, visit the Resource Manager's Office on the South Carolina side of the dam or contact the Army Corps of Engineers at 1-800-533-3478.

One of the best places to fish in the Savannah River is the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam, which offers great opportunities for American shad in spring and summer, mullet in late summer and fall and other species year round.

For those who enjoy getting away from everyone, the Baurle Boat Ramp below New Savannah Bluff is the gateway to the lower river that flows all the way to Savannah Harbor - almost 213 miles.

Closer to Augusta, several public ponds offer easy-access and close-in fishing. The Mayor's Fishing Hole, a pond off Lock and Dam Road near Augusta Regional Airport, is open to pre-scheduled children's fishing events.

The New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam, located on the Savannah River, is a hot spot for mullet during late summer and fall. BILL BABB/FILE

Several ponds within the Phinizy Swamp Wildlife Management Area are open for public fishing, too, but you must park at the entrance and walk in - less than a half-mile. The ponds are former sand quarries.

In McDuffie County, four ponds at the McDuffie Public Fishing Area near Dearing are available for public fishing, although many other ponds have been drained and undergoing renovations. The available ponds are stocked with largemouth bass, catfish and bream.

The area also includes boat ramps, picnic areas and other amenities. There is a 14-inch minimum size limit on largemouths.

For information about the Georgia Department of Natural Resources McDuffie Public Fishing Areas, contact the manager's office at 706-595-1684.

Commercial fishing opportunities in Augusta include the Merry Brickyard Ponds near downtown Augusta. For directions and information, contact Bill Gibson, 722-2980; and the Sears Lakes in Richmond County, 722-8263.

Reach Robert Pavey at (706) 868-1222, Ext. 119, or rpavey@augustachronicle.com.