Book a Trip with Jeff on Lake Lanier in Georgia
Jeff’s Story
Jeff Nail was born in Clearwater, Florida and was raised between the rural pine forest of south east Georgia and the urban beaches of western Florida. He graduated high school in Clearwater, Florida and attended college at the University of Georgia prior to enlisting in the army in 2000.
Jeff spent his Army career primarily assigned to Airborne Infantry/ Ranger units and finished his career as an instructor at The Sergeant Major Academy in El Paso, Texas. While in El Paso, Jeff pursued additional education and holds his Masters in Public Administration from the University of Texas, El Paso. While in El Paso, Jeff met and married Janet DeGroat. Jeff was medically retired from the Army in 2020 and pursued a law degree from the University of Missouri, Kansas City.
In September of 2021, Jeff and Janet moved back to Cumming, GA so they could play larger roles in the life of Jeff’s son who was diagnosed with Autism.
Jeff has been fishing since he was old enough to hold a fishing pole and through the Army found a love of teaching, coaching, and seeing others succeed.
During his time in the Army he spent 8 years assigned to Camp Frank D. Merrill in Dahlonega, GA. If he was not working with Ranger Students he could be found on Lake Lanier.
When Jeff isn’t fishing he can be found on their small farm in northwest Missouri prepping for deer season or sitting on the porch watching the soy beans grow.
Lake Lanier Fishing Journal
When fishing a lake that changes as rapidly as Lanier, up to date information is critical.
Fishing journals (daily reports) are an invaluable source of information. In addition to my free weekly reports, I am offering access to all of the information that I record for myself. The only way to get more of this information faster, is to be on the boat with me.
The Equipment
You will be fishing out of a 2022 Triton 21 TRX powered by a Mercury 250 ProXs. Currently, Jeff is running all three major brands of electronics in a manner which showcases each manufacturer’s strengths.
Reels are all made by Shimano: Chronarch, Curado, and Stradic.
Reels are paired with St. Croix rods.
Jeff purchased his boat from Advantage Boat Center in Cumming, GA. Reach out to Tabor Reins.
Expectation for the trip
A couple days before the trip, Jeff will reach out to determine the best meeting place and time for the day. Jeff will have water and ice on the boat but anything additional will need to be provided by you.
Jeff wants to be sure you get the most out of the day, whether that means learning more about Lanier in general, seasonal patterns, or just fishing and having fun! Come prepared to learn and ask questions. Teaching is one of Jeff’s favorite things about being a guide.
You are required to have a Georgia Fishing License. Follow the link below to purchase a license for the trip.
Pricing
4 Hour Trip - $300
6 Hour Trip - $400
8 Hour Trip - $500
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I have fished with Jeff for over 7 years. I have learned a wealth of knowledge and techniques from Jeff. Jeff also has a great sense of humor that makes the day fun no matter what the fish are doing. I highly recommend Jeff for a guide trip.
Brett Matthews
Best fishing guide on the water in my eyes. highly recommended”
Joseph Castleberry
One of the best guys and fisherman to go out on lake Lanier with. Very knowledgeable about an amazing fishery. Very comfortable riding Triton boat is just the bonus. Thank you Jeff!
Sal Pinto
I have had the pleasure of fishing with Jeff on a few trips and you won’t find a better person to guide you on the water. Jeff is not only an amazing and knowledgeable fishermen but he is very passionate about teaching his clients so that they can use the skills they learn and apply them to their own fishing trips. I highly recommend spending a day on with him on the best spotted bass like in the country. You will have a blast!
RH Fishing
Jeff is the man on Lanier. Been with him twice now and both trips have been great. He’s a great teacher and knows where the fish are.
Wesley Kennemur
Fished with Jeff and can’t say enough good things. Wanted to learn more about the winter ditch bite and techniques. Helped me immensely and was able to go out and duplicate his info immediately. I was a guide years ago and am not very easy to impress. But Jeff did Impress me!! Can’t go wrong!
Bill Smith
Jeff is dedicated to our fishing community, and I catch more fish listening and trying to put that info into the way I fish. The quickest way to learn, would be to book a trip with him and sit back and learn his techniques. Tight lines!
Great report (folks, this guy will flat out find these hard-to-find winter bites!). Get in the boat with Jeff—you will learn more in one day (or half day) than you will all winter trying to figure out the bite yourself!
He is terrific!🎣🔨
Dave
Jeff is a true professional and an expert on Lake Lanier. His ability as a finesse fisherman is uncanny. Jeff is also an excellent teacher and is a joy to be around. Any day on the water with him is going to be a great experience.
Jeff D
Jeff has a tremendous amount of knowledge about this Lake and the movement of spotted bass. Jeff is awesome down to earth kinda guy. plus he served our country, you can't go wrong with Jeff, enjoy and hang on to that rod.
David Brown
We had a great time Jeff. Thanks for the informative trip. Success isn't just about the number of fish caught but the information and insight you passed on to us. We look forward to building on and honing the techniques you taught us today. You sir are an outstanding guide, a great teacher and most importantly a good man! Thanks again and tight lines
Another great day fishing with Jeff. Highly recommend him if you’re looking for great experience and knowledge of Lake Lanier. I have been out with Jeff a couple times and will continue with him on future trips. He is very willing to share and teach techniques that he knows works and will make every effort to make it a successful day. I walk away with great insights and most of all a great experience.
Eric Z