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Go Fish Georgia Initiative

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 sup

local communities. This program will boost economic development in many small towns and establish Georgia as a national fi

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 de

communities across the state. This initiative will result in a quality fisheries resource statewide, including family friendly fishi

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 doll

economy. Currently, all neighboring states attract more large bass fishing tournaments than Georgia. Georgia is the sixth highe

states in sending resident anglers to other states and 21st in attracting non-resident anglers. A better quality fishery would enco

anglers to spend their dollars here. Georgia is also home to the world record largemouth bass (22 lbs., 4 oz. caught by George 

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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

provide a statewide system of large boating access areas capable of supporting large tournament events, and normal boating an

activities on major water bodies. Each site will provide its own unique bass fishing experience. Development of this trail will n

land acquisition in most cases. Sites and facilities will vary in size depending on the size of the water body. The economic imp

individual tournaments ranges from hundreds of thousands of dollars for a single-day event and up to $27 million for a champ

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 b

Georgia where access currently limits fishing and other uses. It will also improve access to currently under-utilized smaller res

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 improv

Georgia waters.

Goal 2: Increase Fishing Participation by Promoting Georgia Resources

Go Fish Education Center

The centerpiece of the efforts to promote fishing and increase participation is the new Go Fish Education Center. Centrally loc

Ga., at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter, the center features aquaria and other exhibits, a hatchery, a stocked f

interpretive trails and classrooms. The facility opened Oct. 8, 2010.

Partnerships

The Go Fish Georgia program will encourage sportfishing and conservation ethics through regular interaction with organized a

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 f

in Georgia reservoirs and rivers. This will increase sport fish growth rates and production. Existing warm water hatchery facili

maximum capacity to support current programs. The research and fish production necessary to improve the quality of fishing i

require additional production ponds and the construction of a new, state-of-the-art hatchery and research facility. The construc

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 majo

sustaining high quality angling on state-owned public fishing area lakes. It will also improve habitat in publicly owned small i

through fertilization, structure and other improvements to increase growth rates of fish. The program will also improve fish ha

reservoirs and rivers through the introduction of native aquatic vegetation, other natural habitat components or artificial structu

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Dollars & Cents

 Resident and non-resident anglers currently spend about $569 million each year on fishing in Georgia.

 The economic effect of angler spending is about $1.5 billion.

 There are 10,649 jobs related to sport fishing in Georgia, which generates $15 million in state income taxes, and $19 mi

sales taxes.

 A major bass fishing tournament can have a $4-5 million economic impact on the local community. A championship ev

$27 million economic impact.

PERMITS & OTHER SERVICES >

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LICENSES - 3 Ways to Buy

1. Phone 1-800-366-2661

2. Online - here

3. Retail License Vendor listing - here

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Georgia Wildlife Resources Division

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