Game & Fish South

Each issue of Game & Fish South details proven local strategies for whitetails, turkeys, bass, catfish and more. Discover the best places to hunt and fish from North Carolina to Texas, and learn the top times for success in the field and on the water. Get info on hot new gear and how it performs, as well as updates on trends, regulations, seasons and destinations to help you plan your next outing.

TACKLED

Game & Fish South

TRENDING NOW AT GAME & FISH ONLINE • GET TIPS, SEE GEAR AND CELEBRATE THE LIFESTYLE AT GAFMAG.COM

MOON TIMES

LETHAL LOADS • THE GUN, SHOTSHELL, SHOT AND CHOKE YOU USE DETERMINE WHETHER YOU HAVE A LOAD CAPABLE OF RELIABLY ANCHORING GOBBLERS. IS THERE ANY SINGLE BEST COMBINATION?

PANFISH GOLD RUSH • OFTEN THE HEAVIEST PAYOFF IS FOUND IN THE LEAST LIKELY PLACES.

READY-TO-GO TRUCK • BE PREPARED BY OUTFITTING YOUR RIG FOR ANY ADVENTURE.

A SEASONAL SALUTE TO THE HEN TURKEY • WHILE GOBBLERS GET MOST OF THE ATTENTION IN SPRING, TAKE A MINUTE TO CONSIDER THE HARDSHIPS OF NESTING HENS.

DECISION TIME • EVEN WHEN A SPECIAL PLACE IS KNOWN TO HAVE BIG BUCKS, HOW LONG CAN A HUNTER AFFORD TO HOLD OUT FOR ONE?

AROUND THE SOUTH • A SAMPLING OF THE REGION’S BEST HUNTING AND FISHING OPPORTUNITIES THIS MONTH

PILING ON • GIVE BASS COVER, AND YOURSELF A NEW HONEY HOLE, BY DROPPING DIY BRUSH PILES IN YOUR FAVORITE LAKE.

SUNNY DELIGHT • TARGET THE BIGGEST PANFISH IN YOUR LOCAL POND, QUARRY, LAKE OR RIVER.

CONSERVATION MINDED • Let the biggest sunnies live to fight another day.

SPIN IS IN • THE SPINNERBAIT IS RETURNING TO PROMINENCE AS ANGLERS REDISCOVER ITS FISH-CATCHING ATTRIBUTES.

BEST NEW BLADES • Spinnerbaits are back, and new ones are popping up in the marketplace.

ORIGIN STORY • The first spinnerbait came to market more than 100 years ago.

PUBLIC TURKEY PLAN • YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS BEGINS WHEN YOU ADJUST TO HOW TURKEYS RESPOND TO PRESSURE.

MAKING TRACKS • Comfortable footwear for covering ground on public land

EYES FORWARD • NEW SONAR ADVANCEMENTS HAVE COME TO THE SALT, FOREVER CHANGING THE WAY WE FISH.

LATEST AND GREATEST • A look at the newest technology in the forward-facing sonar market

SPOT ON • GEORGIA’S LAKE LANIER IS A TOP DESTINATION FOR THOSE SEARCHING FOR A PERSONAL-BEST SPOTTED BASS.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE • The Lanier area offers visitors plenty to see and do.

GEORGIA’S BASS SLAM • Peach State waters teem with different bass species.

2023 TACKLE TEST • WE PUT 53 NEW RODS AND REELS THROUGH THE WRINGER AT ONE OF AMERICA’S PREMIER BASS FISHING VENUES TO COMPILE AN EXTENSIVE REPORT ON THEIR REAL-WORLD PERFORMANCE.

THE WINNERS: BAITCASTING RODS

THE FIELD: BAITCASTING RODS

THE FIELD: BAITCASTING REELS

THE WINNERS: SPINNING RODS

THE FIELD: SPINNING RODS

THE ARSENAL • Top baits and gear we used during the Tackle Test

HOW WE TEST • The methodology used in our evaluation

SUPER SPINNER • Shimano’s Stella is a spectacular standout in the spinning reel field.

SHOT SHOW NEW PRODUCT PREMIERE • FIREARM AND GEAR HIGHLIGHTS FROM SHOT SHOW 2023

SUCCESS AFIELD • A GOOD HUNT ISN’T ALWAYS MEASURED BY GAME TAGGED—OR EVEN SEEN.