Gainesville Man Sets State Record Walleye Catch at Lake Rabun

It appears as if a state record fish was caught over the weekend in our back yard.

Wes Carlton, age 42, of Gainesville hooked the new state record walleye at Lake Rabun on Feb. 19.

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, this 14 lb, 2 oz, 31 ½” inch catch beat the existing state record, established in 1995, by almost 3 pounds! A new state record has to be at least one ounce greater.

If that has you in the mood to fish for walleye, the Department of Natural Resources says that they live in large, cold water rivers and lakes and are frequently found near boulders, points and humps. Recommended bait or lures include minnows, nightcrawlers, jigs, crankbaits and spinner combos.