Jig (Casting & Pitching) Fishing on Carters Lake
Carters Lake · Georgia · Southeast
Carters Lake is a scenic 3,400-acre reservoir in north Georgia featuring crystal-clear water and rocky structure that attracts trophy bass anglers throughout the year. The lake's steep banks, deep coves, and abundant submerged timber create ideal habitat for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Known for its quality fishing and relatively low fishing pressure, Carters Lake consistently produces quality bass in the 2-5 pound range with excellent potential for larger specimens.
A lead or tungsten head with a weed guard, skirt, and soft plastic trailer. Fished on the bottom by pitching, casting, or slow-rolling. The jig imitates crawfish and bottom-dwelling forage. More big bass have been caught on jigs than any other lure category — it's the lure that separates serious anglers.
Jig (Casting & Pitching) Setup for Carters Lake
| Rod | 7'–7'3" medium-heavy casting rod, fast action |
| Reel | 7.1:1 baitcaster |
| Line | 15–20 lb fluorocarbon (cover) or 50 lb braid (heavy grass) |
| Weight | 3/8 oz standard; 1/2–3/4 oz in wind or deep; 1/4 oz finesse |
| Hook | Built-in, typically 4/0–5/0 |
Seasonal Tactics on Carters Lake
Lake: Spring brings excellent topwater and shallow-water action as bass move into spawning zones in protected coves and creek channels. Focus on ledges transitioning to shallow flats where bass feed aggressively before and after the spawn.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Pre-spawn is prime season — pitch brown/green pumpkin jig to 45° bank transitions and rocky points.
Lake: Summer bass retreat to deeper structure and creek channels where cooler water provides relief from heat. Deep-diving crankbaits, vertical jigging, and early morning topwater near rocky points produce the most consistent results.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Football jig on offshore ledges 15–30 feet. Swimming jig around grass edges at dawn.
Lake: Fall is prime time as cooling water temperatures trigger aggressive feeding patterns throughout the lake. Target transition zones where shallow flats meet deeper water, and work crankbaits and swimbaits around creek channels and submerged trees.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Swim a jig around baitfish schools near points and flats. Shad trailer colors in fall.
Lake: Winter requires patience but rewards dedicated anglers with quality fish in 35-50 feet of water near main lake structure. Slow-moving presentations like finesse jigs and dropshots around steep banks and deep rock formations produce the best cold-water results.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Slowest presentation — drag a 3/8 oz football jig on deep hard bottom. Barely move it.
Best Conditions
All seasons, all depths, all cover types; most effective in 50–70°F water; excellent in pre-spawn and when fish are on hard bottom
Match trailer to conditions: craw trailer in cold water (slower fall, bigger profile), swimbait trailer when swimming, chunk trailer for flipping.
More Techniques for Carters Lake
Ready to fish Carters Lake?
Ask Hank about current conditions, water temp, and exactly what to throw today.
Ask Hank →