TIFTON — In addition to the current 450 acres of water open to fishing, Paradise Public Fishing Area in Berrien County re-opened the 46-acre Lake Paradise at sunrise last Thursday, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.

Lake Paradise has been closed for renovation and restocking since summer 2007. During that time, the lake was drained and major repairs were made to the leaking structure. Once repairs were complete, the lake was restocked with bass and bream. Additionally, forage fish such as threadfin shad and other species have been stocked.

Division personnel overseeing the lake have determined that the bass population, while not high in abundance, is experiencing better-than-average growth rates. Future management plans for Lake Paradise focus on providing abundant forage-sized fish in order to grow trophy-size bass. Anglers may also catch good numbers of bream on Lake Paradise.

Paradise PFA is east of Tifton on 1,250 rolling, green acres. This area, with 60 lakes totaling 525 acres, boasts excellent boat and bank fishing for bass, sunfish, crappie and channel catfish.

The area is heavily forested with pine plantations and small communities of longleaf pine/wiregrass, which enhance the beauty of the area. A variety of waterfowl and birds of prey are frequently seen, including Canada geese, mallard, wood duck, red-tailed hawk and the bald eagle.

Facilities include restrooms, picnic areas, tent camping, nature trails, a fishing pier, a fish-cleaning station and concrete boat ramps. There is also group camping available for groups of 20-60.

Anglers using the area are required to meet all license requirements for the public fishing area and all current regulations apply.

For more information on Paradise Public Fishing Area, go to www.gofishgeorgia.com or call 229-533.4792.