Lake Lanier Fishing Guides


The Catching Not Fishing Guide Service captains have a combined experience of guiding on Lake Lanier of easily over 40 years. The combined years of experience just fishing are too many to count. When you book Catching Not Fishing Guide Service you get the experience you are looking for to insure your best odds of success.


Captain Clay Cunningham

Lake Lanier Guide
Being raised about three miles from the shores of Lake Lanier has given Captain Clay a lifetime of experience on Lake Lanier. Early in life it was mostly tagging along with his older brother fishing but once able to drive he was able to head to the lake at all times. After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree from North Georgia College & State University. Captain Clay decided to pursue his dream as a guide on Lake Lanier. Now twenty three years have passed and Captain Clay is still happily fishing on Lake Lanier over 250 days every year for stripers. Capt. Clay is one of the few guides that are actively U.S.C.G. licensed. When not fishing, Clay enjoys spending time with his wife Carmen and two kids Cydney and Carter.

Ricky Holden

Ricky  has been guiding on Lake Lanier for decades. Several decades ago, he could be found bass fishing tournaments on the lake for spotted bass and largemouth bass. Then a little over twenty years ago, he changed over to being a full time guide on Lake Lanier.  For the last ten years or so, Ricky has teamed up with Catching Not Fishing. Ricky is easy going, likes to joke around, and great with kids. Ricky makes sure everyone has a good time.  When not on the water, Ricky likes to spend time riding his motorcycle with his wife, hunting, and spending time with his son and family.

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Tom Blackburn

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERACapt. Tom was born on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, served in the US Army, graduated with a BS in Accounting and an MBA and after 25 years of ownership, sold a successful CPA practice in Suwanee. Throughout this period, his love for the outdoors never faded. Capt. Tom became one of the few U. S. Coast Guard licensed captains on the lake. Furthermore, he recently authored a book entitled Fishing for Lake Lanier Striped Bass.  With respect to Striper fishing, Capt. Tom would describe himself as passionate, competitive, tenacious, and pervasive with a tendency to think “outside of the box”. While he is a conservationist, he understands that some folks really enjoy the savory flavor of a properly prepared Striper fillet.

When you sign-on for a trip with Capt. Tom, you will have a choice: you can be very involved in the process of fishing/catching (interactive) or you can enjoy having someone bait your hook, take fish off the line, and help with the rods/reels. It will always be your decision. Capt. Tom also helps with the instructional trips.


Captain Joe Kuhr

Captain Joe’s passion is striper fishing and also taking a little time to fish the coast. Captain Joe has been fishing Lake Lanier for close to two decades. Captain Joe obtained his Coast Guard license back and 2010. In addition to the time spent conducting weekly charters, Joe volunteers his time supporting numerous “Wounded Warrior” and Getting Kids Fishing Events throughout the year. Cpatain Joe’s boat is a 25 foot Carolina Skiff. It will accommodate 4 people comfortably making it ideal for corporate and family outings. Capt. Joe is currently taking some time off as of January 2022.

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Brian Nyswaner

Brian has been guiding on Lake Lanier for over a decade and been fishing Lake Lanier since the early 1990s. Brian graduated from the University of Georgia and a Dawg fan. The only time you might not find Brian on the water is during a Georgia game. Brian has a new 24 foot Sportsman Bay boat to provide the best fishing machine.

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Captain Larry Walsingham

Lake Lanier Guide - Larry
Captain Larry Walsingham has now retired and enjoying life. You may still see him out fishing.
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Here at Catching Not Fishing our goal is for you to have the best fishing trip you have ever had on the water. If there is anything we can do to make your trip more enjoyable be sure to let us know. The key is to catch fish and have a great time. We hope to see you soon on Lake Lanier.