Huge catfish, great deer hunting, and true Southern hospitality are the rewards that await visitors to Jesup, Georgia, which is in Wayne County. This practically forgotten sportsman’s paradise on the banks of the Altamaha River is about a 4-hour drive from Gwinnett.

The flathead catfish, or appaloosa, is one of the most prolific and largest fishes in Georgian waters, and the Altamaha River is the premier flathead catfish river in the southeast. On an average day trip, one can land 10 to 20 catfish that average 3 to 25 pounds, and 30 to 50 pound flatheads are not uncommon. The Wayne County area also boasts three of the best Wildlife Management Areas (WMA’s) in our state (Little Satilla, Rayonier, and Sansavilla) for hunting trophy deer, wild hogs, and other small game.

Jaycees Landing near Jesup, Georgia has a good boat ramp and everything needed for a successful fishing or hunting trip. Home of Altamaha River Expeditions, it offers hunting and fishing guide service, canoe and kayak rentals, camping, on-river housing rentals, and license sales. They can be contacted at (912) 427-6570, (912) 588-9222, or at their web site: www.altamahariverexpeditions.com

The Jesup area also offers numerous historical sites and many unique eateries. Special needs and excellent information are always available from the friendly folks at the Jesup-Wayne County Tourism Board by calling toll-free (888) 224-5983.

Bill Vanderford has won numerous awards for his writing and photography, and has been inducted into the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Guide. Find out more about Bill Vanderford on his website http://www.fishinglanier.com, or drop him an email at [email protected]