About
Go Fish Education Center in Perry, Georgia isn't your typical fish store — it's a state-run educational facility operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources that immerses visitors in the world of freshwater fishing and aquatic conservation. Housed on well-maintained grounds just off the beaten path in Middle Georgia, Go Fish combines indoor museum exhibits, outdoor aquarium displays, a working hatchery, and a fully stocked catch-and-release pond into one memorable experience. The outdoor aquarium section showcases native Georgia species — bluegill, trout, sturgeon, turtles, and even alligators — displayed in large, well-kept tanks that let visitors get up close with the state's freshwater biodiversity.
Inside, interactive exhibits teach visitors about fisheries management, wildlife conservation, and Georgia's geography, though some reviewers note that a handful of the touchscreen displays could use maintenance. A fishing simulator and a three-screen laser shotgun shooting gallery add unexpected entertainment value. The real star is the casting pond.
Go Fish provides rods, tackle, and bait (cut-up hot dogs, no less) with the cost of admission, making it effortless for first-time anglers of any age to wet a line. Reviewers rave about children catching their first fish here — bluegill and trout are common catches — and the patient, knowledgeable staff walks newcomers through every step. Multiple families describe spending entire afternoons at the pond without feeling rushed.
Behind the scenes, the hatchery offers a fascinating glimpse into conservation work. One visitor was captivated watching a staff member tend to baby sturgeons. Guided tours led by educators like Ms.
Chrystal receive glowing praise for being informative and genuinely engaging. The gift shop is well-stocked with affordable souvenirs, and admission costs are minimal. For families traveling through Middle Georgia — especially those with young children — Go Fish delivers a rare combination of hands-on learning, outdoor recreation, and quiet natural beauty that's hard to find anywhere else in the state.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
- FreshwaterPond
Highlights
What makes them special
- Free catch-and-release pond with provided fishing poles, tackle, and bait included with admission
- Outdoor aquarium exhibits featuring native Georgia species including bluegill, trout, sturgeon, turtles, and alligators
- Working fish hatchery where visitors can observe baby sturgeon being raised
- Interactive indoor museum with fishing simulators and laser shotgun shooting gallery
- Patient staff who teach first-time anglers of all ages how to fish
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Great for kids of all ages! Awesome displays and educational activities”
— Alex Wallis5.0a month ago“The employees are amazing and very knowledgeable.”
— Joseph Lane5.02 months ago“My daughter and I 1st time fishing. Staff was kind and b4 we left we felt like Pro's🥰”
— Chyna Bullock5.03 months ago“Great if you have kids”
— Nolan Roll4.05 months ago“Hidden gem, this place is not advertised. The inside of the museum was lacking as many of the interactive displays didn't work. However, just step outside to a peaceful oasis where the aquariums are! So wonderful! And they have fishing poles with bait available at the pond so you can fish. My granddaughter and I enjoyed it as neither of us had ever fished. I definitely will go back again!”
— Lucy M5.05 months ago“If you are going on a road trip with children and you like fishing, this is an excellent place to stop.”
— Jackeline Bianchi5.06 months ago“Great place for the family! Kids enjoyed the interactive games. The fishing pond and the local fish exhibits outside. Would highly recommend!”
— Ace5.06 months ago“Very nice educational center. The students were provided bait and fishing poles and were excited to fish! Catching fish was super easy, making it fun. Staff were very friendly and helpful.”
— Julie Barnes5.07 months ago“Informative and interactive. We had a great time.”
— Fini Rocha5.07 months ago“I had best time of my life being gofish”
— Javier Ruiz5.010 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (478) 988-6701 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Go Fish Education Center.