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.

Sign up

The Equipment

You will be fishing out of a 2022 Triton 21 TRX powered by a Mercury 250 ProXs. 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.

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.

Buy a License