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The charm of Wingate's
By MIKE SCARANTINO "Mr. Jack" and the rustic lodge have been luring bass anglers to Georgia for decades. Tradition means the passing down of elements of a culture from generation to generation, especially by oral communication. In Bainbridge, Ga., there is a person and place that personify the definition -- "Mr. Jack" Wingate and Wingate's Lunker Lodge on Lake Seminole. Mr. Jack, as he is widely known, has been elected to the Freshwater Hall of Fame, was an early participant in Bass Angler Sportsman Society tournaments and is a founder of the Catch and Release Program. To bass anglers, he is a legend. Outdoor celebrities from around the globe have visited and fished with Wingate. Jerry McKinnis, host of The Fishin Hole, dropped a line with Mr. Jack when black and white film and wind-up cameras were the modern mode of televised communication. Action on Lake Seminole was superb back then, as evidenced by the film. "After two 500-year floods, one in 1994 and another in 1998, fishing is about as good as it has ever been," Wingate said. He never turns down an opportunity to pass pleasant conversation, a kind word or fishing story from way back when. At nearly 74, Wingate speaks intimately of where the fish are today. He never turns down a good fishing trip either. Wingate tells it like it is and loves poking serious fun at politicians. He often can be found peeling vegetables for the kitchen of the lodge's restaurant or sitting in one of the comfortable rocking chairs out front. His simple southern style is genuine. His easy-going way is perfect for holding the attention of his listeners, and pay attention they do when Mr. Jack talks. I met up with him early one morning. He was sipping coffee in the lodge's store and doling out weather and fishing information to numerous media outlets. His descriptions were simple and accurate. "Water temperatures on the surface are 62 degrees, water levels are 2-3 feet above normal at Blountstown, and the moon is waxing towards full. If the wind lays off, it will be a great day to get out on the water," Wingate said over and over. Cupping the phone, he said: "Gotta let'em know what's goin' on around here." The lodge has changed hands, but Mr. Jack remains. "He is an icon to this place," Tina Barfield said. The lodge, with its comfortable and rustic charm, has been the starting point for thousands of fishing trips and tournaments and hunting excursions. Visitors have a choice of camping accommodations, mobile home trailers and brick or wood cabins. The cabins are the newest additions to Wingate's. People can camp in the recreational vehicle park next to the lake or elect for more primitive sites to set their tents. The sprawling 16 acres, open year-round, play host to many fishing tourneys and hunters. The Bainbridge Bass Club calls Wingate's home. Large populations of bream and trophy bass exist in the lake and are considered some of the best fishing there is. Then there's that southern charm. The shores of Lake Seminole offer more than 37,000 acres of abundant waters for anglers. Large and numerous black, white, hybrid and striped bass are the targets for many. Others are content to while away the hours in pursuit of big blue gill, shellcracker and crappie. The lake is comprised of the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers. Their bountiful waters empty into the Apalachicola River and meander their way to the Gulf of Mexico. The 80-plus mile trip finds many houseboats along its route. Anglers wishing to tangle with the larger hybrids and striped bass will find that the best action occurs during cooler times. When the temperature begins to increase, the activity is smaller schooling fish that can be located in the lower lake near the dam. Diving birds indicate schooling shad, and where there are shad there are stripers and hybrids. The fishing and hospitality are long-standing traditions at Wingate's. To enjoy both and a lesson from Mr. Jack is more than one angler could ask for. If you have a question or comment, call Capt. Mike Scarantino, (352) 683-4868.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 
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