HOW THEY’RE BITIN’: Southwest Georgia fishing — Dec. 2, 2017 weekend

THE FISHING LINE: ( * ) poor; ( * * ) fair; ( * * * ) good; ( * * * * ) excellent.

LAKE SEMINOLE ( * * ) – Bass fishing has improved with a recently “turned on” shallow crankbait and Rat L Trap bite. Nice fish are coming from the edges of grass flats on the main lake, with crankbait fishing best when there is wind present. During calm conditions, switch to a swimbait and swim it over the dying hydrilla patches. Crappies are on the upswing. Minnows are working well with jig-fishermen experiencing less success. Bream are very slow. Catfish are slow, as well.

LAKE WALTER F. GEORGE ( * * ) – Bass are fair on worms, crankbaits and jerkbaits. In the creeks, flipping Texas-rig worms is paying off. On main-lake points, try Carolina-rig worms. Dock fishing with crankbaits might pay off later in the day. Upriver, fish Texas-rig worms and lizards near the banks. Crappies are still deep along the channels and will take jigs or minnows. Catfish have shown a brief improvement activity-wise but are presently slowing. Bream fishing is extremely slow.

FLINT RIVER ( * ) — Largemouth bass are slow. A few might be taken throughout the day near the banks on small, dark-colored Texas-rig worms. Shoal bass might remain active, but possible changes in water level and clarity might influence the bite. For shoalies, use topwater baits and small crankbaits. Crappies are spotty, and bream are slow. Channel catfish might bite reasonably well in deep water if water conditions and temperatures warrant.

LAKE BLACKSHEAR ( * * ) — Bass fishing has been relatively good over the past week or so and, with the relatively light fishing pressure, might continue fair in spots. Fishing docks with Texas-rig worms or lizards in dark color patterns might pay off. Bass may also be sought on the ledges at 12 to 15 feet with Carolina-rigs and slow-rolled spinner baits. Stripers and bream are slow. Crappies are spotty and scattered. Fish deep along ledges and similar channel structure with minnows. Catfish have been slow to fair in spots.