Life can be seen through your eyes, but it is not fully appreciated until it is seen through your heart. Mary Xavier

Today I will talk about something in our own back yard that is a real gold mine, but that Troup County takes for granted. What am I talking about, you ask? That beautiful 26,000 acre lake we call West Point Lake.

Several years ago there were 27 fishing guides working the lake, but today I know of only two guides and they take over 125 trips a year. Keith Hudson and Joey Mines are good guides. If you have never been fishing on our local lake take the time to spend four hours with a good guide and see what we have just a few miles away. Both men have guided me on fishing trips and did a great job. One day I saw six different eagles in three hours.  That was worth the money to just see the eagles.

If you do not fish, get with a friend, rent a boat and ride around enjoying the view. Or better yet, go to GLL Marine on West Point Road or GLL Outdoors in West Point. They have the best selection of kayaks this side of Atlanta to paddle around in or catch that big bass out of the lake. They will even rent you one for the evening to see what size and kind you want.  Come see the staff, they are professionals  and have lots of knowledge to keep you floating with a smile.

What is all this talk about our lake? I see people driving 75 miles away in Alabama to go fishing when we have good fishing right here. Our lake is not crowded. I have been out fishing and only see two more boats in three or four hours. Please take time to enjoy West Point Lake.

Jerry Johnson is President of First Realty of LaGrange