Fishing/JAKES Day Set Saturday
The Annual Kid’s Fishing/Jakes Day will be held this Saturday, May 9, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The weigh in for the largest fish and smallest fish will start at 11 a.m. Adults may fish after 12:00.
Please note there is a limit for catfish. Fishers cannot keep more than 10 per person. Several businesses and volunteers will provide a fun day of fishing and outdoor events. Jones County Farm Bureau volunteers will be serving hot dogs. Donations from local merchants will provide drinks, snacks, and other goodies for the families to enjoy.
Galen Shinkle, “The Modern Day Robin Hood” will be providing archery shooting and is sponsored by Muzzy. Georgia Hunter’s Education Association, and the Department of Natural Resources will be providing a shooting range with gun safety.
Catfish is the main type of fish that can be caught. However, the lake is stocked with largemouth bass and bream. For many kids this is there first time to learn about outdoor safety, hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities available in the Oconee National Forest.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources will also hold a Hunter Educational Skills Challenge. If you have a hunter safety card you may register and compete. This program is for any youth 18 years and younger. There are two age class divisions- Junior age 14 and under and Senior Ages 15-18. This is a new and exciting program. It is sponsored by Georgia DNR. The events include archery, air rifle, safety challenge trail, orienteering, and wildlife identification.
The US Forest Service would like to thank their many sponsors and cooperative partners-those that have been with us for 11 years of success with this program. The overall event provides fishing and hunting instructions to children ages 3-18. Prizes for largest fish, smallest fish, and Sportsmanship will be awarded. There will be some prizes and goodies provided by the efforts and donations of many volunteers and local merchants. T -shirts for children will be available for those that pre-register.
Please contact Jones County Farm Bureau to register. The number is 478-986-6434. Please bring your fishing equipment and bait. This is the opening day for fishing at Miller. Miller Lake is located off Hwy 129 north of Gray and south of Eatonton. Miller Lake will continue to be open from 8:00am to 8:00pm the rest of the summer and a $3.00 parking fee is required. For more information call the US Forest Service at 706-485- 7110 between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00pm.
