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| General Information |
Angling prospects are compiled by fisheries biologists and are based on sampling efforts of the Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR), knowledge of past fishing trends, angling experience and information provided by anglers and marina owners. For more information, contact the Wildlife Resources Division, Social Circle Fisheries at 770-918-6418.
There is a fee to access this lake. For current fee, use the contact information below. |
| Boat Ramps |
| Public access to the boat ramp is through Black Shoals Park. |
| Best Fishing Bets |
| Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Bream, Hybrid Bass and Catfish |
Largemouth Bass - Randy Poynter Lake has a reputation for producing big bass. The lake, however, is relatively unproductive due to the amount of granite bedrock in its watershed, so , anglers likely will not catch as many per hour fishing as in some other area reservoirs. Nice catches of bass in the spring are common with more than 40 percent greater than 14 inches.
Technique - The lake is deep with fast tapering banks, and the water is normally very clear, so light line is a must. One of the few flats is located directly across from the boat ramp where an old road bed lies. Bass seem to use the roadbed as a transportation corridor. Focus on blowdowns and standing timber. Crankbaits, spinner baits, buzz baits, Flukes, Rat-L-Traps, plastic worms and jerkbaits fished around cover or structure such as creek channels and points produce good results.
Target - Springtime will produce the highest numbers and sizes as the bass move into the shallows to spawn. Starting off the bank in deeper water and then working towards the bank is the best way to locate bass. Bass are known to become more active a day or two following storms. Woody debris along the shoreline and shallow humps in the lake are good areas to concentrate efforts. |
Crappie - Randy Poynter also is known for producing good catches of black crappie. The crappie population is healthy with strong reproduction rates. Expect crappie to average 9 – 16 inches and weigh-in at or around a pound.
Technique - Use minnows in deep water near creek channels and the abundant standing timber. Crappie will gradually move to more shallow water as temperatures approaches 60 degrees (F).
Target - In March and April, crappie are concentrated in areas like the 16-plus acres of standing timber found throughout the reservoir. Crappie will gradually move to more shallow water as temperatures reach 60 degrees (F). Crappie fishing generally peaks sometime in April, depending on water temperatures, but some of the largest fish are caught during the fall. |
Bream - Redear sunfish (shellcracker) and bluegill offer the best fishing for bream during the first spawns in spring. Expect bluegill to run fairly small, but redear sunfish should be longer than 6 inches, with some 12 inches and longer.
Technique - Fish red wigglers, night crawlers or crickets using a small bobber. Small spinners (1/8 or 1/16 ounce) like Rooster tail or Panther Martins also are effective.
Target - Expect best results during the first spawn in spring. Redear sunfish spawn in mid to late April. Bluegill will spawn multiple times beginning in late May through early June. The best areas to target are their spawning beds, which look like small round craters. |
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Hybrid Bass - Thanks to regular stocking for the past three years, hybrid bass fishing has improved. Boat anglers will have more success with these open water fish than bank anglers. Expect most catches around 1-2 pounds, with a few larger than 6 pounds.
Technique - Shiny artificial lures that imitate shad work well. Spoons, bucktails, rooster tails, rattle traps, deep diving crankbaits and jigging spoons work. Some anglers like to use live minnows or bluegill or cut bait while trolling or drifting over flats.
Target - Hybrid bass are most active and vulnerable to fishing during the summer. These are open water fish - fishing from a boat will yield the best success. |
Other Fish Species - DNR stocks the lake with catfish when hatcheries have a productive year and these fish can reach large sizes in Poynter.
Technique - Catfish readily take nightcrawers, cut bait, chicken livers or prepared catfish bait (blood bait). Fish with a bobber or straight-line to the bottom. Anglers fishing from the piers at Black Shoals Park and along the shoreline have caught some large catfish over the years.
Target deeper water near old creek channels and timber during the spring through fall. |
| Additional Info |
| Directions: From I-20, take Exit 82 (Hwy. 138) north to Sigman Rd. Turn left and then right on Hwy. 20 north. Travel 5.3 miles and turn right on Bethel Rd. In about one mile, turn left onto Black Shoals Rd. into the Park. |
| Contact Info & Website Link |
| Black Shoals Park at 770-761-1611 - Randy Poynter Lake Website |
| Be An Ethical Angler |
Ethical anglers fish responsibly and consider the rights of others. They portray a positive image and help protect and conserve our natural resources. Be an ethical angler; the future of fishing depends on it.
Ethical Anglers:
 Know and obey the fishing regulations
Report viloations and pollution
Keep only the fish they can use and release all the others properly so they will survive
Pass on the tradition by taking a child fishing
Don't transfer fish or plant species between bodies of water - Non-native species can adversely affect existing populations.
Appreciate the environment by not littering, dispose of fishing line properly and leave a place cleaner where they found it
Show coutesy to other, lend a helping hand whenever possible and always ask permission before fishing on private property |
| Trip Checklist |
Each person on board must have a readily accessible U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved type I, II, II or V (hybrid) Personal Flotation Device (life jacket) in good condition with no rips or tears. Type V devices are acceptable only when worn and surely fastened. Each vessel, except for Class A vessels, canoes, and kayaks must be equipped with at least one type IV (throwable) device. Also, any child under age 10 who is on board a boat must wear an appropriately sized USCG approved life jacket at all times while the boat is moving, whether it be drifting, sailing, or mechanical power.
Boats with enclosed areas that may trap gas or vapors are required to be equipped with a USGC approved fire extinquisher.
Make sure your boat registration and fishing license are current. Carry your license and registration card with you.
Check your boat trailer lights, navigation lights and fuel before beginning your trip.
Carry a first aid kit, insect repellent sunscreen, extra clothing, rain gear, and plenty of food and drinking water.
Be aware of and abide by all fishing regulations. A copy of current fishing and boating regulations can be obtained from any DNR office and many sotres that sell bait and tackel. Have a float plan. Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
Follow these guidelines for a safe and fun recreation experience. |
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