Banks WMA and Alapaha River adventure

basshappy

BANNED
My boy and I packed up our van Friday and headed south leaving Metro Atlanta in our rear view mirror. Spent some time Friday and Saturday exploring Banks WMA and a stretch of the Alapaha River nearby.

I hadn't told my boy anything about Banks WMA so he was in awe with the natural beauty. "Wow, Papa!" was the first thing I heard him say. I echo that "wow" part because the place is awesome. Going to share some snaps with y'all from.our adventure. Sure beats anything on an electronic screen.

We appreciate history and architecture of yesteryear. Love the town squares.

20230604_135422.jpg


My boy staring in awe at Banks WMA. He couldn't wait to get in his kayak and start paddling!

20230602_180105.jpg


First little gator we saw. Only saw a few others, one big one was in some remote area I imagine only accessible in a kayak. Sucker was at least 8-10 feet.

20230602_225551.jpg


Just beauty.

20230602_180059.jpg


My boy getting ready to enter a section. Paddling in amongst the trees and floating mats was a joy in and of itself. The fishing was a bonus. Just navigating and exploring was a real treat.

20230602_185617.jpg


I did mention fishing. That is after all why we hit the road. I had read in advance how tough Banks can be to fish. Especially to newbies. Here is a nice 1.9 pounder my boy landed in the thickets. He was so happy! It hit after maybe an hour of casts. Even with the beauty of the area no strikes can be frustrating for my boy. He did listen to me though, changed up lures and presentation and BAM this little fatty smacked hard.

20230602_192614.jpg


20230602_190052.jpg


Sun setting in Banks is a sight to bask in.

20230602_201332.jpg


As well as a time the bass action picks up. So make those casts!

20230604_174703.jpg


Here us a 2.5 pounder from sunset.

20230604_175337.jpg
 

basshappy

BANNED
Here is a 2.2 pounder also from sunset at Banks.

20230604_175203.jpg


We enjoyed a fishing free paddle back to the ramp as the sunlight faded and the frogs really came alive. The owls, too.

20230602_204959.jpg


Saturday late morning we set out in our yaks to enjoy the Alapaha River for a bit.

20230603_121441.jpg


Surrounded by cool trees we paddled up stream to enjoy the ride back down.

20230603_123138.jpg


Fished a rocky section and landed this little guy who fought like a tank on an ultralight setup.

20230603_132131.jpg


Enjoying our current ride back downstream in the Alapaha.

20230603_135533.jpg


20230603_135735.jpg


My boy loved this sandy section. It really was beautiful.

20230603_140035.jpg


We went back to enjoy Banks again Saturday evening. LOL

20230603_174256.jpg


My boy fought this tank through the weeds and couldn't believe the lure it hit (big Worm he was fishing for bass).

20230603_171152.jpg
 

tjchurch

Senior Member
Lifetime memories. Awesome pics.
 

Big7

The Oracle
The
Here is a 2.2 pounder also from sunset at Banks.

View attachment 1230964


We enjoyed a fishing free paddle back to the ramp as the sunlight faded and the frogs really came alive. The owls, too.

View attachment 1230965


Saturday late morning we set out in our yaks to enjoy the Alapaha River for a bit.

View attachment 1230967


Surrounded by cool trees we paddled up stream to enjoy the ride back down.

View attachment 1230968


Fished a rocky section and landed this little guy who fought like a tank on an ultralight setup.

View attachment 1230969


Enjoying our current ride back downstream in the Alapaha.

View attachment 1230970


View attachment 1230971


My boy loved this sandy section. It really was beautiful.

View attachment 1230972


We went back to enjoy Banks again Saturday evening. LOL

View attachment 1230973


My boy fought this tank through the weeds and couldn't believe the lure it hit (big Worm he was fishing for bass).

View attachment 1230974
Them Cypress water Bass sure have dark colored backs unlike the green color in the rest of the state.

I caught one that weighed 7 or 8 pounds in the Suwannee River just over the Okefenokee Sill camping at Stephen Foster State Park. That thing was black as a tire. It looked almost like a Catfish until I got him closer to the surface.

If you go Boondock'in there, don't go in the summer. The bugs will tote you off.
 

basshappy

BANNED
You should be locked up for child abuse! :rofl: Looks like more great times Bebe will remember when he looks over at his boy like that.

LOL. Yes my Beppe is making memories. He just turned 11 so he may not even be aware of it really. Every now and then I wonder if he'll have kids down the line and what he might do with them. And what I might get into with them. LOL. We are gonna be back out your way soon fishin'
 

Batjack

Cap`n Jack 1313
LOL. Yes my Beppe is making memories. He just turned 11 so he may not even be aware of it really. Every now and then I wonder if he'll have kids down the line and what he might do with them. And what I might get into with them. LOL. We are gonna be back out your way soon fishin'
No matter what.. he'll remember these times with you for the rest of his life. When he's old and gray and a funny little smile come across his face for no reason... he'll be remembering these times with you.
 
Top