Lake Oconee Summer Blue Cat

Big Cat Outdoors and The Woody Wood Fishing Show awaits the annual return to the barrels on Lake Oconee at Wallace Dam. In 2010, The Woody Wood Fishing Show got its start filming its first of many shows at the barrels on Lake Oconee. Wallace Dam has ideal conditions for Post-Spawn Catfish during the late summer months of July through September. Sit back and let me tell you about some of our experiences catching trophy catfish and how we do it. I promise to have you loading up and setting out for memories of a lifetime at the barrels at Wallace Dam.

The Woody Wood Fishing Show

I retired from professional education as a teacher in June 2010, to enjoy life and spend time with the family. Of course, I love the outdoors and fishing. So, my daughter, Delaney, said, "Dad, go do a fishing show". So, with a digital camera and my son John, we set off to fish the barrels at Wallace Dam on Lake Oconee. We had no clue what we were doing, but we caught 26 catfish and filmed the first show, Part 1. Part 2 and 3 were filmed with my 2 daughters, Christillie and Delaney. Since Delaney had a computer, she wanted to edit all the shows just for fun. After all 3 shows were produced, they ignited a fire under me to do more with my friends. I went out and bought a MacBook and learned how to edit IMovie. We were filming and editing 1 show a week year-round. I started a guide service and filmed some shows with my special guest. One day in Eatonton, Georgia, I was advertising Woody Wood's Guide Service at Wal-Mart and playing the shows, when Carey Brown, Marketing Director from the outdoor TV show, "Trophy Quest", on Outdoor Channel, saw the shows and stirred some interest to do some fishing shows with me. After spending time with the crew of Trophy Quest and Host, John Wilson, I learned the ropes of how to format, edit, produce and market my own show. Since then, several other well-known outdoor celebrities in outdoor TV, have supported me to go for it. Today, we have produced over 100 fishing and hunting shows on You Tube and seek sponsors for TV air time. 

How to Catch Catfish at the Barrels at Wallace Dam?

The barrels at Wallace Dam separates boaters from getting too close to Wallace Dam. For 3/4 of a mile across the water, a steel cable weaves through floating barrels from Hancock County to Putnam County. Begin going down the cables in your boat and keep an eye on your fishing graph, looking for fish. As you near the middle, the water get to depths of 100 feet. Somewhere, between 50-80 feet you should find fish suspended and on the bottom. Pick and choose where the biggest concentration of fish are located, tie up to the barrels and prepare you bait and rods for a lot of excitement. Usually in July, the fish begin to go into a Post-Spawn mode and search for shad to forage on and deep water to escape the heat. The barrels at Wallace Dam is ideal for some of the best cat fishing in these parts.

Equipment: Early in the Post-Spawn, usually July, I prefer to use light to medium tackle. This gives you the most fun and productivity. As the season progressively gets hotter, the bigger the fish are. So, go to heavier equipment. I prefer to use Shakespeare Ugly Stik rods, usually 7-8 feet long, Berkley Big Game Line, 14 lb. test, 20-45- lb. liter line and 1-4 ought circle hooks. Use 3/4 ounce lead weights and 2 prong barrel swivels. I also prefer to tie the "Fisherman's Knot" for the best results. Set your drags on each rod at 10-pound pull..Have at least 6 pole holders to attached the boat to set you rods out in.

Bait: Live baits of your choice is good, but I prefer to use cut bait. Catfish are scent oriented.

Presentation: :  By now, you are ready to put the bait into the water at the desired depths, and start fishing. If they are pulling water, the fish usually bite better. Check you graph and see if the fish are suspended or on the bottom. But, put a couple baits on the bottom. That's where the big ones are. After baiting your hooks, letting you bait down to where the fish are concentrated, click the bell, check your drags, place the rod in the pole holder. Keep your eyes on the rod tips. When you see it go down, don't jerk. Circle hooks take over from here.Don't jerk or snatch the rod, let the fish hook himself. Put just enough bait on the hook so the catfish can swallow it. Don't rush these catfish, play them down, and use a net to assure a successful catch.

Safety Tips: Fishing the Barrels in the hot summer can be dangerous. Here are some helpful hints to remember before going fishing. (1). Go at daylight to beat the heat. (2) Take an umbrella if you have no shade, (3) Use plenty of sunscreen, 50pf for best results, apply every hour. (4) Hydrate yourself with plenty of Powerade and water. (5) don't swim in the water when generating, (6) have a working cell phone in case of an emergency.

Historical: Be sure to check out the 2000 year-old "Rock Hawk" Effigy that was built by the Creek Indians located at the park. There's only 2 located east of the Mississippi River and both are located in Putnam County, Georgia

Location