Georgia
Georgia angler ties state record with massive spotted sunfish catch
Wesley Daniels of Pearson shows off a spotted sunfish weighing 12 ounces he caught on April 15, 2025. (Georgia Department of Natural Resources)
An Atkinson County angler has tied a Georgia state record with a catch from the Suwannee River.
Wesley Daniels of Pearson landed a spotted sunfish weighing 12 ounces on April 15, matching the current state record set in 2024, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). The fish measured 8¾ inches long.
What they’re saying:
“I was fishing for catfish, so the unusual thing was that he was caught on a piece of shrimp, and I thought it was a big catfish at first,” Daniels said. “When I pulled him into the boat, me and my friend just looked at each other because we had never seen a stumpknocker that big!”
“We are excited to have our first freshwater fish state record for 2025, and I don’t know about you – but that certainly fires me up to get out and get on the water,” said Scott Robinson, WRD Chief of Fisheries. “Who will catch the next state record? It could be you! Be sure to take advantage of the outstanding variety of angling opportunities all over our state and you just might catch one of your own. Let’s Go Fish Georgia!”
Wesley Daniels of Pearson shows off a spotted sunfish weighing 12 ounces he caught on April 15, 2025. (Georgia Department of Natural Resources)
Dig deeper:
Spotted sunfish, also called “stumpknockers,” are known for their preference for stumps where they find food. They typically weigh less than half a pound and feature dark olive or brown backs, light green or olive sides with small black spots, and dusky orange fins. They are found in multiple river basins across Georgia, including the Ocmulgee, Oconee, Altamaha, Ogeechee, Ochlockonee, Suwannee, St. Mary’s, Satilla, and Savannah.
When fishing for spotted sunfish, the WRD recommends using worms, crickets, small spinners, flies, and popping bugs, especially in heavily vegetated, slow-moving streams and warm, shallow ponds.
Wesley Daniels of Pearson shows off a spotted sunfish weighing 12 ounces he caught on April 15, 2025. (Georgia Department of Natural Resources)
What you can do:
Georgia anglers help support fisheries conservation through license purchases, which fund research, public fishing areas, and other programs. Licenses can be purchased at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com.
The Source: The details in this article were provided by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
According to the gallery, O’Keeffe worked with her agent and long-term friend Doris Bry to produce the collection, which it said showed how drawing shaped O’Keeffe’s thinking, from early charcoal abstractions to studies of flowers, landscapes and organic forms.
Rescue crews responded to an injured hiker who was found near the shelter at Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.
The hiker, who had begun his journey on Sunday and had to spend the night on the trail, became stranded after sustaining an injury and was unable to safely exit the woods without assistance.
Located within the Chattahoochee National Forest, Springer Mountain marks the beginning of the approximately 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail, stretching from Georgia to Maine. Although the area attracts many day hikers and backpackers, its rugged and remote terrain poses significant challenges for emergency responders, who often must hike long distances over steep ground to reach those in need.
Rescuers successfully reached the injured hiker and assisted him safely out of the area.
Dramatic shifts in weather conditions added to the difficulty of the rescue. When the hiker set out, temperatures were around 66°F, but by the time crews reached him, conditions had plummeted to 26°F with snow falling and a light layer blanketing the ground, complicating efforts for both the hiker and the rescuers.
Officials remind the public that conditions in the North Georgia mountains can change rapidly, especially during this time of year. Those planning to hike the Appalachian Trail or other backcountry areas are advised to:
• Check the forecast before heading out
• Carry appropriate cold weather gear and emergency supplies
• Let someone know your route and expected return time
• Be prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather
Authorities commended all personnel involved in the successful rescue for their dedication and hard work.
U.S. Agriculture secretary visits Georgia State Capitol to announce assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins visits Georgia on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, to announce federal relief for producers harmed by Hurricane Helene. Here, Rollins addresses the Georgia General Assembly. (Courtesy)
By Brooke L. Rollins – For The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2 hours ago
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene tore through the Southeast, causing catastrophic devastation.
Homes were destroyed. Lives were tragically lost. Georgia’s agriculture producers watched years of work vanish in a matter of hours as crops, land and operations were left in ruin.
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Disaster assistance will go a long way
Brooke L. Rollins is the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Courtesy)
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Producers are getting back on their feet
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins visits Georgia on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, to announce federal relief for producers harmed by Hurricane Helene. Here, Rollins (second from the right) meets with Gov. Brian Kemp (center) and others. (Courtesy)
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