Fishermen in Decatur County and the rest of Georgia can look forward to hooking a monstrous largemouth bass, perhaps the biggest they’ve ever caught, with the opening of Panic Pond at Silver Lake Wildlife Management Area.
A 15-acre natural lake, Panic Pond opened last Saturday for the first time since the state took ownership of the area in 2010.
The 4-year lull has given the bass inside plenty of time to breed and grow without interference from fishermen.
“Fisheries staff have seen some incredible fish as they prepared this pond for its opening,” fisheries management chief John Biagi said.  “With an average weight of more than six pounds, and a heaviest weight of more than 10 pounds, I think this area should definitely be on the destination list for any bass angler that wants to hook a big one.”
Anglers are permitted to harvest one fish per day of a minimum 24 inches, but are permitted to snap as many photos of their catches as they like.
Panic Pond is open Saturday through Monday from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. It will be closed July and August.
Silver Lake WMA is a historic and large tract highly significant for its pristine forest habitat and recreational value.  The area is identified as one of six priority areas in Georgia’s State Wildlife Action Plan, and contains extensive native longleaf pine/wiregrass forest stands estimated to be 60-90-years-old.
Panic Pond is accessible via the main entrance to Silver Lake WMA, located approximately one mile west of Highway 310 on Silver Lake Road.