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Griffin Daily News
12/10/00

Seminole. Just the word conjures up images of dark waters, cypress trees, Indians, gators, Spanish moss, huge underwater grass beds, ducks and - Jack Wingate!

Wingate has been associated with Lake Seminole as long as there has been a Lake Seminole. His story telling is legendary, as is his Wingate’s Lunker lodge. For almost 30 years fishermen and hunters have gone there to launch boats, eat meals and share tales with Jack.

When driving into the restaurant/marina parking lot you know you are in a special place. From the huge bass adorning the outhouse wall to the sign telling you "Cuz, they bit yesterday!" everything about the place says it is just where you want to be. And most likely Jack himself will be sitting in a rocking chair on the porch with a circle of friends, acquaintances and newcomers, spellbinding them with his stories.

Walk into the restaurant and you are likely to get neck strain looking at the ceiling. It is covered with memorabilia that includes everything from plows and turtle shells to old guns and some of the first rods and reels made. Indian artifacts mix with mounts of huge bass and other local wildlife. Don’t be scared off by the picture of the 14 foot alligator taken from a swimming area a few years ago. It will convince you to watch where you wade though!

Depending on the time of year, the boat basin will be filled with floating brush piles designed to fool ducks, or with ski boats and skidoos heading out to make the lake miserable for the fishermen. Shiny bass boats ready to hook the lunkers the lake is full of and the marina is named for are always present, no matter the time of year or the weather.

Jack can spin tales that will make you laugh and wonder how in the world anyone ever thought up such a story. He can also tell you the history of the area and name the people, places and events that make Seminole County and surrounding countryside come alive. He knows everything from the Indian tribe that occupied a specific bluff 200 years ago to the first name of the current Sheriff of every local county.

The lake itself is like no other in Georgia. Mile after mile of water filled with dead trees are a wildlife heaven. Birds, bass and alligators are everywhere. It is the only lake in the state where you run your boat in lanes marked by pairs of telephone poles, and dare not get outside them unless you enjoy boat repairs.

You can see three states from the top of the water near the dam at Seminole, and knowing you are almost in Florida, Georgia and Alabama at the same time can be a little disconcerting. Now, which license do you need when fishing right here? And can I go over there and fish that stump without buying another one?

Seminole is also Georgia’s Promised Land for duck hunters. Shotgun-toting visitors arrive from all over the U.S. to try for geese and all kinds of ducks. Many local guides will take you out in pontoon boats covered with camouflage to sit in their spread of decoys and shoot in comfort. Or you can bring your own boat and decoys, head out into the timber and set up just like you want it.

Duck season is open right now. Bass are biting, too. You can hunt in the morning and then catch fish the rest of the day if you head there now. And Jack is around to entertain you when you go in for some of the fine food in the restaurant. Head to Lake Seminole this winter for a great get-away and fantastic hunting and fishing.

Contact Wingate’s Lunker Lodge for info on fishing and hunting, lodging and meals at 912-246-0658.

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Till next time, Gone Fishin'!

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