Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service

Rentals from Big Ol' Fish Guiding Service include life jackets, safety equipment, an anchor, cooler storage, fishing gear, comfortable seating and GPS navigation. Amenities vary by boat and by season, so confirm what comes with the boat you book.

Georgia Code Section 52-7-8.3 sets 16 as the minimum age to rent a vessel of 10 horsepower or more; the PWC rental minimum is 16. Unsupervised operation starts at 12, only on vessels under 16 feet, including PWCs, after passing a DNR-approved boating education course.

Under 12, a person may operate only a vessel under 16 feet that is nonmotorized or powered by 30 horsepower or less, with a competent adult age 18 or older who is not under the influence and carries proper identification; PWC operation is prohibited. Operators 16 or older born after January 1, 1998, must pass an approved course to operate any vessel and carry the card. Rental operators set their own minimum; confirm when booking.

Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (georgiawildlife.com)

Georgia does not require a boating license, but people born on or after January 1, 1998, must complete Georgia Department of Natural Resources approved boater education and carry the card when operating a motorized vessel, including a personal watercraft. Children under 12 cannot operate a PWC or boat 16 feet or longer; those 12 to 15 may operate boats under 16 feet, including PWCs, with approved education or a competent adult.

Rentals of 10 horsepower or more require operators to be at least 16. The rental’s approved course issues a certificate valid statewide for six months. Rental course exemptions include Coast Guard masters, valid DNR approved cardholders, and qualifying nonresidents with NASBLA approved proof; the general rule also exempts private lake or pond operation.

Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources (georgiawildlife.com)

Boating from Blairsville centers on Nottely Reservoir, including its broad main lake, Poteete Branch, Jack Creek and the winding upper Nottely River near Canal Lake. All are connected parts of the same reservoir, so you can leave a creek arm for more open water without trailering.

Poteete Creek Recreation Area has a boat ramp beside its campground and swimming beach. Jack’s Creek and Canal Lake also provide public ramp access. From these launch areas, cruise the central reservoir or continue toward Nottely Dam, while treating the narrow creek and river arms as more confined water than the main basin.

Source: Tennessee Valley Authority (unioncountyga.gov)

From Blairsville, boaters make Lake Nottely day trips to Poteete Creek Park, the Nottely Dam shoreline and the stretch between Canal Lake Boat Ramp and Coldwell Cove. Poteete Creek is the family stop, with a boat ramp, swimming beach, picnic tables and pavilion. The dam end provides a scenic cruise along wooded shoreline, while the Nottely Dam Trail follows the reservoir’s edge. Anglers favor the Canal Lake–Coldwell Cove stretch because Georgia DNR reports the lake’s highest largemouth bass catch rates there.

Source: Union County (unioncountyga.gov)