I finally kicked my Spring Cold well enough to make the short drive South into an area of Georgia i had never seen before, quite beautiful and as one approaches Rienhardt College the landscape becomes streamy, mountainous, forested. And as a seasonal bonus i figured to see an elusive Fungi amongst the streamside Mayapples and Trillium.
Glad i made it and most of the fish were familiar to me as they are also Conasauga residents. A few pics...
Campus Alert! Put your wading boots on!
Small pod of seiners, members of Group #3 Storm, CamoGal, Michigan, RedCross and Spotted Boots.
One of our first catches was writhing Lampreys, 2 or 3 per darter shuffle. With patience and a good eye someone may have caught sight of a spawning mass. The water was cold but if i had brought along a mask several spots offered enough depth for a chilly quick looksee. Inviting for a summer return.
I cannot recall what it was named? Cricket, Spring? A pretty green toadish skin.
Snake name... Ribbon? Not a biter.
Tricolors were in splendid color which suprised me. Such a beautiful, elegant shiner. Many were caught in this small creek.
Upstream we were headed in this beautiful, sheltered ravine.
The seiners pulled this Redhorse sucker from a narrow starstepping maze of shelf pockets. Big fish in a little water refuge, waiting for the next big rain.
Full body of the handsome beast. Scales were counted but i am unsure of the final call. A trained eye is needed for most Redhorses.
Group 3 all gathered, a happy, alert, enthusiast team.
Back downstream, crossed the highway and into a few Rainbows and Sunnies.
Back at the lab Ssss says the snake around Ale's neck.
Pickled Michael and the Hellbender. I do not believe Benders are found in these parts except in collection jars.
Michael peering at the pondering Pine Snake.
A nice experience with enthusiast students and fellow NANFA members Michael, Alejandro, Camm and a Father Son team. I also got to know Team Leader Keith a bit more and shared stories from a distant SFC experience. Afterwards i had offered to help Michael on his fishy data quest but being in recovery mode and another adventure planned starting Monday, i returned home late for a Sunday rest. Off to find those Buffalo and Dry Land Fish.