June 2025

Many people in Wayne County believe that the Altamaha River produces the biggest catfish in the state. The Wayne County Board of Tourism is willing to put up money to prove it. The annual Wayne County Catfish Tournament will take place in Jesup, GA. The entry fee is $100 per angler with a minimum of two paying anglers per boat. Children under 16 can participate free of charge with a registered adult.

Fishing will begin on the Altamaha River at noon Saturday and will continue until the weigh in deadline of 12 p.m. on Sunday. Each boat will be allowed to weigh in up to five catfish–flathead, channel or blue (all fish except one must be alive). The boat with the heaviest total catch will be declared the winner. Prizes to be announced.

The entry deadline date is Future. After that date, only cash will be accepted. Registration will be accepted at the tournament site. Registrants MUST go to the weigh-in site to get their t-shirt.

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​Altamaha Area River Links: 

Come early and fish for bait. Lake Grace is a great place for bait fishing. Bait fish may not be caught by seining. You can even fish with goldfish.

The Official State Record Blue Catfish! This 93 lb, 0 oz whopper was caught by Richard Barrett on the Altamaha River in October 2017 while he was out on a fishing trip with his daughter. It beats the old record by more than 12 pounds! Richard said he was shocked when the fish surfaced and was worried he wouldn’t be able to get it in the boat. Congrats to you Richard – great fish! State record program info at http://georgiawildlife.com/fishing/recordprogram/rules