With summer creeping closer like the sun before the dawn, many families have started pondering vacation possibilities. There's a lot to choose from in Georgia, which offers a veritable boatload of activities and destinations to attract a family's interest (and dollars).

Of all possible trips, however, the most enjoyable and rewarding will arguably be those that include some family fishing. Some folks may opt to restrict their fun to lounging around on the beach or getting jerked around on amusement park rides, but a getaway with angling on the agenda is apt to bring a family together in a way that promises lasting memories -- not least because the beauty of the natural world is so much a part of it.

Out of all the numerous destinations in the Peach State that would be ideal for a family fishing vacation, we've made three selections -- one for each of the lazy, hazy, crazy months of June, July and August. Each of these areas boasts its own unique characteristics and attractions and contains some fine fishing in its waters.

JUNE
When school's out, it's time to head for the beach. Georgia's several beautiful barrier islands have some gorgeous beaches, and around those coasts some great saltwater fishing awaits. The islands and beaches centrally located around Brunswick can easily serve as headquarters for a fabulous family fishing vacation.

Known as the "Golden Isles," the area around Brunswick includes Jekyll, St. Simons, and Sea islands. In the vicinity are about 10 public marinas and the same number of charter fishing services -- and you know that the area wouldn't support that many guides unless a lot of good fishing was there to be had there!

The salty waters along the Georgia shore teem with many species. Found inshore are seatrout, channel bass (a.k.a. "red drum") and flounder. Offshore bottom-fishing can yield up sea bass and several species of snappers and grouper; offshore trolling targets include king or Spanish mackerel, barracudas and jack crevalle. Marlin, sailfish, tuna, and dolphin are caught farther out by blue water trolling.

The spotted seatrout, the most popular quarry, can be caught year 'round in tidal creeks. Whiting are small but tasty fish that are easily caught, especially off St. Simons beaches. King mackerel, which can get up to 40 pounds, can be caught five miles from shore, on artificial reefs, or at Grays Reef National Marine Sanctuary. Forty miles offshore, you'll find the Brunswick Snapper Banks, where a variety of bottom-fish can be caught.

Some type of saltwater fishing can be found to fit practically any family's needs. Depending on your youngsters' ages and interests, the children can stay on the beach and fish, or go on an all-day charter far out into the blue sea, or do anything in between.

Some guide services target specific species; others go for whatever's biting. Also, certain times are better for catching one species rather than another. For instance, June's fishing for trout and red drum is good, while its action with flounder, cobia, sharks, and king and Spanish mackerel is considered excellent.

A family with the right boat, the appropriate equipment, and the necessary experience for do-it-yourself saltwater fishing may choose to take their own craft to the brine and have things their own way. Numerous marinas provide boat launching, bait, tackle, supplies, and advice. And those who prefer hiring a guide will find plenty of options. Before hiring a guide, it's important to ask some questions, such as: Does the price include bait, tackle, food and drinks? What kind of fish will you catch? Regardless of the answers, plan on bringing your own sunglasses, tubes of sunscreen, motion sickness medications, cameras, and optimistic attitudes.