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).
ATLANTA, Ga. — Positive mosquito samples for West Nile virus have been found in Fulton County, according to the Board of Health.
Officials say the samples came from the Grant Park area and that infected mosquitoes are suspected to be present in the city of Atlanta.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report this year’s West Nile infections are the highest since 2004. The disease has been transmitted by mosquitoes, with reported cases in 23 states. Most of the reported cases are considered severe.
Health officials suggest using an insect repellent registered with the EPA. Wearing long, loose-fitting clothing is also recommended.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Top 10 overlooked cruise packing items before you sail
Packing for a cruise made easy with 10 overlooked essentials and smart boarding day tips to help you stay organized and stress-free.
It can be hard to find a truly unique experience for your next vacation. That’s where Travel + Leisure comes in.
Back in May, members of the publication’s team created a list in celebration of America’s 250th Fourth of July, highlighting a unique experience in each state “from hidden gems to iconic highlights and editor-approved favorites.”
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Most unique experience in Georgia
The Georgia spot highlighted was the World of Quercus. Here’s what writer Lydia Mansel said about it:
“The 3,800-acre property, dotted with pecan groves and cabins, isn’t your run-of-the-mill retreat. Guests are encouraged to roam the land by golf cart or on foot, visit the biodynamic vegetable garden, fish the Flint River, and connect with the ranch’s horses. Owned by Chiara Visconti di Modrone and her husband Angelos Pervanas, Quercus is a place where relaxation comes in many forms—and you can design your experience to fit your pace and preferences.”
Where is Quercus?
Quercus is in Gay at 208 Caldwell St. It’s about 30 miles east of LaGrange and over 50 miles south of Atlanta.
How much is Quercus per night?
The Sylva, Ember, and Cypress cabins are $2,700 per night. The Naya cabin is $4,500 per night.
Unique experiences in the South
- Alabama: Freedom Monument Sculpture Park
- Florida: Greater Florida Everglades
- Georgia: Quercus
- Kentucky: Kentucky African American Heritage Trail
- Louisiana: New Orleans Museum of Art
- Missouri: Anheuser-Busch Brewery
- Mississippi: Vikin’s Mississippi Delta Explorer
- North Carolina: Good Hot Fish
- South Carolina: Casual Crabbing with Tia
- Tennessee: Blackberry Farm
- Virginia: Chincoteague Island
- West Virginia: New River Gorge National Park
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
APPLING COUNTY, Ga. (WCYB) — The co-owner of Yurezz Home Center in Greeneville has been arrested in Georgia, according to a report obtained by News 5.
Earlier this week, News 5 told you about the dealership in Greeneville that abruptly shut down last month.
This has left homeowners with partially built homes and employees without jobs.
It is not yet clear why Richard Altman was taken into custody.
This is a developing story.
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