JUNE
Flathead Catfish: Coosa River
The Coosa River in West Georgia is loaded with large flatheads. In recent years, anglers have taken numerous fish above 40 pounds, with cats in the 10- to 20-pound range being common. Winding, tree-lined sections of river offer anglers an opportunity to catch the fish from along shore or from boats drifting the current.

During the day, target the bucket-mouth cats in deep holes near laydowns using live bream. At night, however, look for the fish to come shallow along sandbars or points.

Alternatives: Lake Tugaloo bream should be easy to catch this month. Try nightcrawlers and crickets along shallow, shaded areas for the 1/2-pound-sized critters.

The largemouths on Lake Oconee won't be hard to find this month. Look for fish in the 2- to 3-pound range along points and docks. Baits should include 10-inch plastic worms, large spinnerbaits or deep-diving crankbaits.

JULY
Largemouth Bass: Lake Varner
What this 830-acre impoundment lacks in size it more than makes up for with action. Lake Varner, located just 45 minutes from Atlanta, is home to some of the state's best bass fishing, with largemouths of more than 12 pounds coming out of its waters each year. What's more, as an electric-motor-only lake, it's not subject to the crowds seen on larger bodies of water in the summer months.

In the morning hours, try buzzbaits and soft-plastic jerkbaits along any shoreline grass. As the sun comes up, fish 3/8-ounce jigs and Texas-rigged soft plastics near points and stump beds for large fish.

Alternatives: The trout in Lake Rabun should be ready for the taking this month. Though they normally haunt deeper water, these fish can be taken in water that is 18 to 25 feet deep by trolling minnows or crankbaits this month.

The tarpon action should be good this month off the Georgia coast. Fish baits such as pogy or mullet on the bottom where baitfish are concentrated.

AUGUST
Flathead Catfish: Altamaha River
Home to some of the best big-catfish action in the country, the Altamaha River -- located in the southeast portion of the state -- produces large numbers of cats in excess of 30 pounds. The large river, which winds its way through the heart of the South Georgia, features numerous laydowns, deep holes and sloping points that are all havens for skulking flatheads.

Try live bream on a 5/0 hook during the day in water 15 to 40 feet deep and near wood cover. At night, try live bait along the top edges of points to intercept the fish as they move in shallow to feed.

Alternatives: The small lakes located on the Rocky Mountain Public Fishing Area, near Rome, can be dynamite for summer largemouth action. Fish main-lake points with topwater baits and Carolina-rigged worms for the best success.

The action for seatrout should be good this month around St. Catherines Island on the Georgia coast. Use shrimp-imitating soft-plastic lures or live shrimp around docks, piers and other cover.

SEPTEMBER
Striped Bass: Lake Hartwell
The striped bass should be schooling on top this month on Lake Hartwell. The deep, clear lake on the upper Savannah River brims with linesides and is home to some of the state's best striped bass fishing. Thanks to the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division's yearly stocking efforts, there are plenty of 10- to 20-pound stripers, with some fish topping the 40-pound mark taken from the lake each year.

For consistent action, target fish busting shad at the surface with topwater baits. Cut bait, free-lined shad and trolled crankbaits can also be used for these active fish. A minnow-imitating soft-plastic lure and a tail-spinner are other good choices for fish swirling at the surface.

For more information regarding Lake Hartwell, contact guide Lance Carter at (706) 377-3804.

Alternatives: The crappie at West Point Lake can be found in schools near brushpiles and standing timber in water 12 to 25 feet deep this month. The papermouths can easily be taken with minnows, in-line spinners or small jigs.

Lake Chatuge spotted bass are feeding on top this month, making them easy targets for soft-plastic or hard-bodied jerkbaits. Also try small spinnerbaits and crankbaits along rocky points.