The Angler Magazine | April 2022 | Great Smoky Mountains & The Upstate Edition

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE EDITION

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CLASSIC RECAP NATIVE BASS

BIG FISH IN LITTLE PLASTIC BOATS

PHOTO CREDIT: MATT STONE IG: @SUNRISEKAYAKFISHING VOLUME 27 • ISSUE 325

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SIGHT FISHING

By Nick Carter

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“It’s about as close to Florida as you can get. You’re nglers are drawn to SUPs for many reasons. For Justin Hoover, the allure immersed in the mangroves,” Hoover said. “Most of a paddleboard is the style of fishing it of the time I’m alone for 10 or 12 hours a day on a paddleboard because nobody can reach where I’m at. allows.

Hoover is from Brevard County, Florida. The fish… they’ve never seen people. It makes it really For more than 30 years, he has explored easy for me, and it makes it really enjoyable.”

Hoover only targets fish he sees and studies their the backwaters and flats of central Florida’s Atlantic coast, where big fish push into super body language before making a cast. He can tell by skinny water that’s inaccessible to conventional looking if a fish is likely to eat his lure, particularly redfish, which clamp down their fins and “snake” along boats.

“There’s nothing else better. It’s literally the shoreline when they’re actively feeding.

“I’m looking for wakes, pushes, busts on the hunting, almost by foot,” he said of his passion. “I draft 2 inches. It makes it easier to travel to places shoreline and tails. If I’m not seeing any of that or you can’t reach, especially those back areas where seeing something that gives me that feeling there could big redfish will go back and pretty much retire for be a fish in this pocket, I’m moving on,” he said.

Covering water quickly is Hoover’s primary tactic. the rest of their life.”

Hoover’s platform of choice is a LIVE He advised newcomers to the sport to keep moving.

“Cover the ground. That’s the easiest way to catch Watersports L2Fish board. It is a 12-foot catamaranstyle SUP that is super quiet and stable. He is a fish,” he said. “Don’t get stuck in one spot on a certain minimalist in terms of gear, preferring to hit the group of fish. Just constantly keep moving. You’ll end water with just a pocket full of lures, three rods up finding that fish that’s going to bite.”

His favorite targets are redfish, snook, tarpon and and a cooler that serves as a seat and dry storage.

He does most of his fishing with a medium-light black drum.

“When I go out, all of them are on the list,” Hoover spinning rod and also carries a heavy spinning rod in case he sees a really big fish as well as a fly said. “I’m going down the line. I’m going straight to rod for subtle presentations. The lures he fishes their house, knocking on the door and saying, ‘Hey, are are mostly ultra-realistic Chasebaits soft plastics. you hungry today?’ If not, then I’m moving on to the He rarely throws topwater because the water is next fish.”

It sounds like a lot of fun. so shallow that fish can’t get an angle on surface baits.

Check out Justin Hoover on Facebook, Instagram and watch his Youtube channel The Backwater Angler.

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Suzuki Unveils New V6 for Performance Boats S uzuki Marine previewed the new flagship of its SS (Sport Series) motors at the Bassmaster Classic in March. This new engine, the DF250SS V6 4-Stroke, is a high-performance outboard engineered to deliver extra kick for today’s performance-based boats. It is sized and designed for bass boats, bay boats and shallowwater applications.

New for 2022, the DF250ATSS is the first SS Series outboard to feature compatibility with Suzuki’s state-of-the-art Suzuki Precision Control (SPC) electronic shift and throttle system that will integrate with Suzuki’s Digital Pro-Pedal Foot Throttle. Suzuki SS outboards were created to bring powerful hole shot, strong mid-range pull and great fuel economy to anglers and boaters.

Now, by integrating with Suzuki’s proven SPC system, boaters can add crisp, responsive shifting, silky smooth acceleration and sports car-like operation to the mix.

In addition to Suzuki’s SPC integration, the new DF250SS features a new lower unit gear case with an asymmetrically designed skeg. This new design slices through the water efficiently for improved performance, while providing enhanced steering stability. Inside this streamlined case are powerful gears for delivering plenty of low-end torque and the ability to swing a larger propeller.

More options include the newly updated intake system, the updated Thrust Mount system to reduce engine vibration and deliver stable operation under high loads, and a new line of Watergrip propellers designed to enhance overall performance.

The new Suzuki Big-Block V6 engine design ensures that the DF250ATSS not only delivers exhilarating hole shot, but also eye-watering acceleration all the way to wide-open throttle.

Today’s premium performance boats need to look as good as they perform, and the new DF250SS also includes a new revised cowling design that features additional louvers, upper cover grips and new updated “SS” graphics.

Suzuki continues with the popular Matte Black color as well as Suzuki’s optional new White. It is available in 20” (L) and 25” (XL) shaft lengths to accommodate different boat styles.

In addition to the new DF250ATSS model, Suzuki is also adding a new 115hp SS outboard for 2022. Suzuki’s new DF115SS outboard is ideal for smaller bass boats, aluminum fishing boats, flats skiffs and other vessels that need high performance with light weight. With this latest inline 4-cylinder model added to the line-up, Suzuki Marine now offers a range of high-performance SS Series outboards in 115hp, 200hp and 250hp.

Like all Suzuki 4-stroke outboards, these new SS Series models are backed by the company’s leading 5-Year Limited Factory Warranty, providing anglers with the ultimate in confidence and security.

To learn more about the new 250hp and 115hp additions to Suzuki’s popular SS Series family— or the company’s complete line of technically advanced 4-stroke outboards from 2.5 to 350 horsepower — contact Suzuki Marine USA headquarters at (813) 687-7200 or visit www.suzukimarine.com.

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APRIL 2022

NATIONAL 7

BIG FISH Kayak Catch & Release

Y

ou’ve done it! Thousands of casts, dozens of early alarms, countless cups of coffee, and now there’s a monster fish on the hook, and from your kayak, no less! It’s a feat to be proud of.

However, if you plan on releasing that fish, your attention should soon turn to proper handling techniques, which ensure safety for you and the fish. A sprinkle of chaos is expected when bringing a big fish into a small, plastic boat, but a few easy steps can ensure the fish goes home safely.

1. Keep Them Wet! Regardless of species, once you’ve netted or attached lip-grips to a fish, keep them in the water as much as possible. This is always true if you need to set up a camera, grab pliers or lay out a measuring board, and it’s especially important in summer months, when release mortality increases due to warmer water. I prefer to use lip grips on bigger catches, since it mitigates the need to untangle a large, fired up fish from a net.

Storing commonly used tools nearby is also key, particularly in a kayak where space is limited.

Once you’re set up, it’s time for a photo or a measurement!

:

By Matt Stone

2. Holding Techniques If there’s one thing anglers universally love, it’s the “hero shot.” You know, the one where you and maybe your buddy grin widely while posing with a monster catch. I’m a big fan of hero shots, and of taking them properly.

Handling the fish safely is key here, and that means keeping hands away from their gills, holding them horizontally and supporting their belly. Never weigh big fish vertically on a scale. This point is often debated in angling circles, and I respect both schools of thought, but I go with horizontal holds because I think the photos come out better. With length and girth measurements, you can figure out a rough weight, anyway. Now, smile big and grab that picture… and no straight-arming!

3. Respect and Revive Properly reviving big catches is important. It ensures continuity of strong genetics, allows a future angler a chance at the same fish, and it simply feels good knowing you’ve encountered an incredible animal and returned it home safely.

Face the fish into current, open its mouth, and if possible, pedal or paddle your kayak to get water flowing over their gills. Revival can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. A fish is ready to go when it raises its dorsal spines and lightly clamps onto your hand, or straight up kicks off and swims away like a rocket. If you don’t already emphasize this process, I encourage you to not only take revival time, but to enjoy it! Thank the fish, watch them swim off and get casting again!

Everyone should have a process for catch-and-release fishing. Above all, if you plan on releasing a fish, show it respect and reverence for the experience it has given you.

Matt Stone is a teacher from Chester, Conn. and a pro staffer for Old Town and Daiwa as well as a member of the Black Hall Outfitters Fishing Team.

Check him out on Instagram @sunrisekayakfishing.

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NATIONAL 9

YAMAHA 210 FSH

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here’s something unmistakably cool about the iconic design of center console boats. They are the sports utility vehicle of the boating world.

Yamaha’s 210 FSH center console boats are a modern take on the classic center console design, focusing on greater versatility made possible by Yamaha’s patented jet-drive technology.

Unlike other center console brands with outboard motors that dominate the stern, the 210’s dual engines and driveline are housed in the hull underneath the captain’s leaning post, providing a true 360-degree experience perfect for fishing. And because no outboard motor lower units are protruding under the boat, the shallow draft can get you in and out of places that other center console boats can’t access.

These boats include all the features fishing enthusiasts require as well as family features perfect for an entire day out on the water to include watersports, swimming and lounging – all in the same boat and at a competitive price starting under $46,000.

The 210 FSH is available in two variations, the 210 FSH Deluxe and 210 FSH Sport.

The 210 FSH Deluxe comes with wiring for dual batteries, stainless steel rub-rail, head compartment curtain, a trolling motor mount, and premium seating/cushions. The 210 FSH Sport comes with Deluxe features and the addition of a custom T-top.

Both models come with Yamaha’s award-winning TR-1 High Output marine engines.

Located under the starboard bow seat is an insulated fish locker, and there is a dedicated locker for a full-size Danforth anchor. There is more storage below the port bow seat, in the sole, and inside two large consoles.

In front of the helm console is more seating, and the console lifts to reveal an extra deep, large storage area that can also serve as a changing room or a head compartment.

The helm is thoughtfully designed with convenient access to all boat control switches, a locking glove box, and an open area to flush mount electronics such as a fishfinder, a GPS unit and other marine electronics.

The 210 FSH comes equipped with Yamaha’s 4.3-inch Connext Touchscreen Display, which is NMEA compatible to send vital engine information to third-party electronics.

The transom area on the FSH Series is unlike any other center console

10 NATIONAL

APRIL 2022

SPECIFICATIONS Yamaha 210 FSH LENGTH: 21’ 3” WEIGHT: 3,003 lbs.

BEAM: 8’ 6” DRAFT: 17” DEADRISE: 20 degree SEATING CAPACITY: 10 FUEL CAPACITY: 50 Gallons boat on the market. Since the engine and drive train are mounted in the hull, the entire back of the boat is open for unobstructed casting, towing and enjoying activities at the stern. Moreover, the boat’s leaning post is convertible and can be flipped back toward the helm for added comfort and versatility.

The 210 FSH features Yamaha’s signature two-tier swim platform that sits low at the water’s edge. A retractable stern ladder makes reboarding after swimming a breeze. The transom also includes a tow eye for watersports.

And like all Yamaha boats, the 210 FSH features Yamaha’s patented clean-out ports that allow for removing debris from the jet pump without having to get in the water or swim under the boat.

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APRIL 2022

NATIONAL 11

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WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA GREAT SMOKIES

If You Know, You Know

W

By Joe Woody

here do I begin? I could start with a diatribe about the constant

struggle to keep our wild places secret and protected or how people who talk publicly about said places are privately and publicly ridiculed by our self-appointed Wild Place Protection Possies (WPPP’s). I’m not ridiculing the WPPP; in fact, they are an honorable people who want our secret places to remain secret. I just needed to give this group a name for the article.

I could also start with a description of my sincere love of storytelling and how I love to describe the journey into wild places in our mountains to the reader. The planning of the trip, the logistics involved, the adventures

involved in getting to the stream…the bears…the people… the broken bones and twisted ankles. The whole story would inevitably reveal the location of the wild place, thus placing myself and my publication in direct confrontation with the WPPP. As you can tell by the dilemma described above, I’m internally conflicted.

In Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece, “Full Metal Jacket”, a gruff Colonel asked the main character, Joker, “How can you write ‘Born to Kill’ on your helmet Spring leading to right fork. and wear a peace symbol on your body armor?”.

Joker Now I’m not claiming that my coast of that island. responds, “I think I was trying dilemma is as devastating to the I’ve been lucky enough due to to suggest something about the soul as Joker’s. I’m just pointing my military and contracting life duality of man…Sir.” out that there is a conundrum to have traveled to some of those involved. places I used to dream about. Some Since I’ve gotten that off my places lived up to the hype. Hawaii, chest, how do I write a story The Nile River, Tanzania, The about a recent fishing adventure Hindu Kush, to name a few, could to a pristine wild place without be breath taking… others not so giving away the location and much. name? Should I speak freely about When I retired from the the place or appease my own Army and moved to the Smoky internal need to protect our areas Mountains, I inadvertently found described by Kephart as the “Back myself living in the middle of a of Beyond”? masterpiece. Although I was born I will attempt to do both. just down the Blue Ridge in Upstate Hopefully I won’t fail miserably. I’ll South Carolina, I was unaware of call it… the beauty and adventure waiting for me just over the horizon in Adventures in a Place That Western North Carolina and East Can Not be Named Tennessee. I had landed in the place I had searched for all my life Let those who can figure it out without knowing it. do what they will.

My love of trout fishing and exploration combined. I gathered So here goes… up my camping gear, fishing vest I’ve always had a passion for and 4-piece fly rod and hit the maps. When I was a youngster, I trails. I spent years wandering was lucky enough to have wall size through our mountains looking world map in my room. I would for wild trout. The further back spend hours studying every nook in the back of beyond the better. and cranny of mountain ranges and My exploring became almost an islands in faraway places. I would obsession. I would spend days then imagine myself standing on at a time either alone or with my top of that mountain or on the fishing buddies Ben Bailey and

Continued, see IF YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW Page 5 2 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

APRIL 2022

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age 5 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2022

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 3

Lake Chatuge Hybrids and Spotted Bass

I

f one thing could be said about April fishing on Lake Chatuge, it’s that April most certainly kicks off the start of some amazing fishing patterns. From explosive top water bites to monster schools of hybrid bass under the boat and everything in between April most definitely gets it all going! It’s absolutely time to get on this beautiful Western North Carolina/North Georgia reservoir and experience the fishing trip of a lifetime. There’s no better way to do that than booking a trip with the area’s top-rated fishing guide service, Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. We are Lake Chatuge’s premier charter service and will put you on those trophy spots and hybrids.

The hybrid bass bite lately has been off the hook! We’ve been wearing out some nice 7 to 10 pound fish in good numbers for early spring. The hybrids

By Shane Goebel

are currently staging in their spawning areas in the backs of creeks and feeding on small bait.

This should continue through the next month or so.

Early morning planer boards and free lines will work the best.

As the sun really comes out, the fish are moving to slightly deeper water and hitting on our down lines. Live bait is key here to catching some quality fish, but don’t hesitate to cast a spook or a Red Fin. especially when these hybrids are busting top-water and trust me…. We have been killing it on some ultralite tackle lately.

Our spotted bass bite has also been insane. It’s not uncommon to catch anywhere from 30 to 40

4 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

APRIL 2022

fish a trip out here. Lake Chatuge offers the best spotted bass fishing in Western North Carolina, and I highly recommend booking a trip with us to experience this super exciting fishing thrill.

These big spots are stacking up on shallow points, humps and flats all over the lake and preparing for the spawn. Look for these fish in the 10-30 foot range. The early morning bite has been okay, but it really fires up once the sun comes up. The late afternoon bite has also been pretty productive. Once you find these fish, they are hitting just about anything you can cast

at them. Jerkbaits and crankbaits have been working great, but as always, our super lively blueback herring are the biggest producers for some huge spots.

April is a fantastic month for catching a lot of trophy hybrids and spots on Lake Chatuge. Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1-rated guide service put you on some of best trophy fish during the fishing trip of a lifetime. We are Murphy, NC’s and Blairsville Georgia’s premier full-time guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lakes Hiwassee, Lake Nottely and Lake Blue Ridge in Blue Ridge, GA. So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in Angler Magazine, and let us help you get your fish on!

Shane Goebel owns Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service and is a member of The Angler Magazine Fishing Team. See the website at www.bigolfish.com or call (828) 361-2021

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s

Trophy Spring Stripers on Lake Hiwassee

By Shane Goebel

I

f you are looking for an explosive biting, line screaming, pole bending crazy good time fishing, then you must read this! Imagine someone threw a grenade in the water. That’s how these North Georgia and Western North Carolina stripers hit this time of year. It’s absolutely insane when that reel starts screaming, rod doubles over, and you feel like you have a Nascar on the end of the line lol. Yup! That all means it’s once again monster striper time on this wicked fun Western North Carolina lake located in Murphy, NC. April and May are two of my favorite months on Lake Hiwassee.

If all this sounds like something down your alley, then it’s time to book that striper trip with Lake Hiwassees #1 striper guide service, Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. We are one of the south’s premier striper guide services and have what it takes to put you on some trophy stripers!

Currently, Lake Hiwassee is 19 feet below full pool. Water temperatures have been in the low to mid 50’s. Water clarity is clear in the main lake and just slightly stained in the backs of the creeks and rivers.

Spring is in the air and striper fishing has been super out here lately. We’ve have had such an amazing early spring striper run and it’s only going to get better!

Most of the stripers we are catching have been in the 12 to 25 pound range, and we have been loading the boat with these monsters.

The warmer unusual water temps have had these fish schooled up and aggressively biting. Our boats have had a bunch of 20 plus striper mornings in the past couple of weeks. We have also been wearing them out on light tackle, which is so darn fun! This pattern should continue into the month of April and increase as the stripers start their pre-spawn. Pulling planer boards with live herring and huge gizzard shad in the backs of creeks and around shallow, sloping banks is going to be the best technique.

It’s also a good idea to work the banks by casting a Zara Spook or a Red Fin. As the sun comes up, turn your focus to fishing the mouths of creeks, as the stripers will follow bait to deeper water.

With pre-spawn in mind, more and more stripers will start to stage in the mouths of creeks in April and start to work their way to the

IF YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW continued from page 2 Barry Holcombe. Sometimes all three of us would take off and go.

It’s tough to find fishing buddies…

I’m a fortunate man.

In my explorations, there are few sections of streams in the Smoky Mountains that have eluded my footprints and fly rod.

One of those places is a section of remote water flowing out of the national park to its impoundment in a remote lake in North Carolina.

I’ve read stories from folks who’ve kayaked it but very few stories of those who’ve walked it. The rocks are just gnarly in there. They are what I call leg breakers, especially in the section closer to the lake. I’m sure there are people who’ve done it…I have not.

The other stream, I’ve not

had the chance to explore, until recently, is a magical section of the Smokies only spoken of in whispers. I’m not going to tell you what stream it’s on, you will have to figure that out.

This stream, on my bucket list since I first started fishing these mountains, is easy to find on the map. I identified it by its geography before I knew what it was, or its history. If you spend time studying a map of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in search of places to catch wild trout, you can’t miss it. The map details three streams emptying into a large pool marking the beginning of a fairly major river system. It calls out to the explorer…”Come find me”.

Steeped in local folklore and

backs. Also, keep an eye on your electronics for schooling stripers, and pay attention to where the bait balls are. I guarantee you, if you find the bait, the stripers will be close by.

April is a fantastic month for catching a lot of trophy stripers on this Western North Carolina Lake.

Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1-rated guide service put you on some of this

lakes best trophy stripers during the fishing trip of a lifetime. We are Murphy, NC’s and Blairsville Georgia’s premier full-time guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lakes Nottely and Chatuge (in North Carolina), and Lake Blue Ridge in Blue Ridge, GA. So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in Angler Magazine, and let us help you get your fish on!

Shane Goebel owns Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service and is a member of The Angler Magazine Fishing Team. See the website at www.bigolfish.com or call (828) 361-2021

legend, this stream has been explored for thousands of years by Native Americans and others. Its headwaters, remote and rugged, protected by thick vegetation, steep ridgelines, and deep gorges is rarely visited, even by locals.

The journey alone requires miles of bushwhacking or hours walking through creeks, climbing boulders, and scaling waterfalls.

Some say you would do it better with mountain climbing gear. It is no place for those unfamiliar with wilderness trekking. There are no “legal’ campgrounds within two miles of a large pool marking the confluence of its left, middle, and right forks. The trip from the nearest campsite to the pool is an exercise in terrain association, map

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reading and time management.

Believe me, your GPS will not work.

My buddy, Barry Holcombe, and I planned the trip for months.

We’d constructed detailed Google Earth maps complete with routes and terrain descriptions. Our gear was checked and rechecked.

Our September departure date was chosen so we would not have to carry the extra weight of cold weather gear. I won’t bore you with the route we chose to our campsite.

Let’s just say it is a moderately steep and rocky trail.

The campsite, considered decent by bloggers, was not ideal.

The main site, carved out of the ground on a sloping, washed out perch between two ridgelines,

Continued, see IF YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW Page 11 APRIL 2022

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 5

Bugs and Blooms

O

By Becky Hulsey

ver the years of teaching fly fishing classes, our entomology portion is one of the most exciting parts of the class. During this section, we grab a seine net and head out into the water to kick up bugs.

After we have gathered a good sample, we pull up the net and begin identifying the different bugs that have accumulated in the net. Everyone seems so surprised to see the prolific number of bugs that we have gathered out of the stream. I think that it’s at this point that our students put together that the flies we use at the end of our line match the bug life in the stream. Of course, you can have “junk flies” in your fly box, but matching the hatch can sometimes be the only way to outsmart the trout that has seen it all.

Next, we get out our fly boxes and match the flies to the different

bugs. We will show how we might have different fly boxes to carry flies based on the bug’s life cycle, such as dry flies and nymphs.

However, you may have a fly box dedicated to a type of bug, like terrestrials. The way folks choose to store their flies is mostly personal preference. I can always tell when my husband, David, has raided my fly boxes! Further, we explain how trout can zero in on the size and color of the bug for that day. This might help justify all the flies we accumulate in our fly boxes. But, realistically, after a while you get familiar with the common colors, sizes, and flies that you use most often on your most commonly fished waters.

In addition to identifying bugs in the stream, we also explain how the season, or time of year, is important to what flies you might want to cast out on the water. For example, we get excited

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Continued, see BUGS AND BLOOMS Page 8

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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 7

Family Memories That Last

By Ronnie Parris

H

ey folks, I hope everyone is doing well and you and your family are getting to enjoy some time outdoors. It’s been a fairly moderate winter but I always look forward to spring. If you’re tired of looking at the walls of your living room or staring at the TV and just want to get outside and connect with your family and friends, there’s no better place than the lake. Whether you’re on your favorite bluegill hole with your grandsons and granddaughter or out chasing bass with your precious wife, like I love to do, I

guarantee you’re going to have a great time. I guess I’m the luckiest man in the world because with my job guiding folks, I get to see families bond and make lifetime memories that I know they will be reliving for years.

The fish pic in this article was just one of thousands I’ve seen put a smile on a family’s face. I was fishing with Ed and his son when we watched a nice fish on the Panoptix screen bust through the middle of a school of crappie we were working. In a couple of casts, Ed’s son set the hook on

BUGS AND BLOOMS continued from page 6 when we see bloodroot and trout lilies blooming on the side of the stream. This means the start of the awakening of life from winter, so a March Brown pattern fly might prove successful. Some bug hatches will often correlate with blooming wildlife flowers and herbs. Good times are ahead when you hear grasshoppers or see ants dropping from a rhododendron flower in the summer. Time to get your terrestrial; nothing quite like seeing a trout rise to gulp your fly!

There are several hatch books that can show you the life cycle of the bug and which fly represents it. Dave Whitlock and Doug

Swisher/Carl Richards have fantastic books that dive into this subject more and make it easier for folks to understand. Some entomology books can get pretty intense. I highly recommend that you check out local or regional “match the hatch” books too.

We have a hatch chart on our website for North Georgia.

David developed this chart after spending many years guiding on these waters. I would carry a little hatch book with me in my fly vest or pack to help me identify bugs when getting started fly fishing especially if this helped me to catch the elusive trout.

Give David and Becky Hulsey a call at (770) 639-4001 to book a class or a guided trout trip. See his website at www. hulseyflyfishing.com.

this nice largemouth. The fish really put a strain on the 6-pound mono but he had fished for years with his dad and knew to keep his rod high and not horse this big girl. After a few quick pics, we eased her back in the cold water to spawn another batch of memories.

I’ve had the privilege of seeing kids catch their first fish and grownups catch their biggest fish. I’ve seen families that were separated by miles get to reconnect on the water where

there were no distractions pulling at their attention. I’ve truly got an awesome job. Whether you get a guide or just put the Ol’ John Boat in your local lake or pond, get the family together and get out and start making memories with the ones you love. As always, stay safe and take a kid fishing. If I can help by guiding you or you just need some tips on one of my local lakes, give me a call at 1-828736-9471. Life is unpredictable so don’t waste a minute with your loved ones.

Ronnie Parris is owner and head guide of Smoky Mountain Outdoors Unlimited-Fontana Lake Fishing Guides, headquartered in Bryson City, N.C., heart of the Great Smoky Mountains www. smounlimited.com; (828) 488-9711.

Fontana Lake Fishing Guides – Ronnie Parris, Owner & Head Guide LAKE, CREEK & RIVER FISHING • FLY FISHING • CAMPING We offer both full and half day trips with the most competitive rates available. All tackle and supplies you will need while you are on your trip is covered by our listed price.

1012 East Alarka Road, Bryson City, NC • 828-488-9711, Cell: 828-736-9471

smokymountainoutdoorsunlimited.com

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APRIL 2022

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 9

Thankful For What We Have

M

y wife Judy and I went to the lake this weekend just to ride and look. I realized it had been two years exactly since we took the same trip, as “lockdown” was in full swing. It really has been a two-year cluster. We didn’t know when we were driving then if we would be arrested, run up on road blocks, or all of a sudden be overtaken by a crew wearing hazmat suits and gas masks. The roadblock became reality at the Graham county line. Without our passports and other papers, there

By Capt. James McManus

was no guarantee we weren’t going to spend the night with others, who dared leave the house, in a COVID detention center. Kudos to the nice deputies; when they saw us with our boat, they let us pass to get to the boat ramp at Lemmon’s Branch on Fontana.

Fast forward two years, and we never thought twice about leaving our house. Thank God the worst of this mess is behind us. I have kin, friends, and others who have not been as lucky as we have; some are no longer with us. There have been terrible trials on us all through this pandemic. One of the saving graces though has been the ability to get on the water. At the onset, even that was in jeopardy. I pulled the boat to Hartwell at one point and found all the ramps closed. That seems like a century ago and thankfully that chapter didn’t last long. The point of this rambling is that we are blessed to live in a country, and particularly, in a part of the country

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that is surrounded by beautiful water.

Whether you fish, ski, swim, or any other water sport (except for wakeboard), we all need to be thankful for what we have.

This time of the year, our fish will feel the urge to hit the banks “lookin’ for love”.

Our mountain lakes typically hide fish in deep water during the coldest weather. Once spring breaks, they head shallow and that first cast to the bank that receives that well known “thump” melts my heart. I concentrate on gravel points that aren’t too steep.

They are better if a breeze is blowing into them, breaking up the surface and making an ambush station for our finny friends. Along with jigs,

I love to throw jerkbaits; toss them across the points and include some long pauses during your retrieve.

You might get the rod snatched out of your hand if you aren’t careful.

Keep a few for the table and again be thankful for what we have been granted. Share as you can with younguns so they can appreciate God’s blessings. Spend time just riding sometimes; it ain’t all about filling the cooler. Later, Capt. James

Capt. James McManus owns 153 Charters. Give him a call for a great day on the water at (828) 421-8125

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IF YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW continued from page 5 had a major flaw. We discovered quickly that any amount of rain created a creek right through the middle of camp. We resorted to pitching our tents in a level spot we found further in the woods. A water source is close by so drinking water is not a problem. There’s pully system for your packs and food just up the hill from camp like most sanctioned GSMNP campsites require.

Our plan was to hike to our site, make camp, and eat dinner the first night. We would then choose our route based on terrain and weather then strike out the next day for the large pool fed by the confluence of three remote forks.

Rain began to fall shortly after dinner the first night and did not stop until after breakfast the next morning. From our research, we knew we did not want to set out on our trek or get caught in the deep gorge of the right fork in high water. Long or heavy rain of any sort equaled dangerous conditions.

We had to make a decision.

The rain stopped shortly after

9AM. The water level of the spring we would travel down from our campsite receded quickly. The skies cleared and we made the decision to begin our journey. We gathered our gear and followed the spring down hill dropping nearly one thousand feet in elevation to its confluence with the right fork… the path to our destination.

We waded, slid, and climbed down the spring to the larger creek.

There were no discernable trails.

After a half hour or so, we reached the right fork, tied a ribbon on a tree branch to mark our entry point, then took a left turn, continuing our journey down the middle of the creek, climbing down waterfalls and slick rock faces.

During my research, I read several accounts from fishermen and other hikers describing the rocks on the right fork as extremely slick. Usually, creek rocks at high elevations are easily walked with standard wading shoes or felt tip boots. This is not the case on this stream. The rock faces were downright dangerous and tested

my water legs. Do yourself a solid and wear wading shoes with metal studs if you make this journey. The chance of a leg injury is significant and there is no easy way to get out.

We stayed in the creek for another two and a half hours before rounding the bend where it emptied into the big pool. We both stood there admiring the crystalclear waters for several moments before crossing to the other side.

We already knew that the creek we had just traveled down was worth a

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return fishing trip. We could spend a couple of days on it alone. We now discovered the left fork may have been a better destination.

The middle fork, although small, probably held fish if you followed it up to some pocket water further up the mountain. There is just so much water to fish. Once on the right side of the pool facing downstream, we congratulated ourselves on the journey, ate lunch and geared up for what we knew would be an epic day of fishing.

Continued, see IF YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW Page 12

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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 11

IF YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW continued from page 11 The “good medicine” surrounding this stream is stronger than anything I’ve ever encountered in the Smoky Mountains. Maybe I built it up in my mind with my research and planning. I remember saying a prayer to the Creator of All Things.

I asked for help with respect and patience and the ability to treat this water with all the reverence it deserved. I prayed for recognition of time and that I did not overstay my welcome. If you listen, you will be instructed.

In the first hole we fished, I caught a healthy, strong, and beautiful Southern Appalachian Brook Trout. I remember the colors of the fish were striking. The take was strong and confident like the fish had never experienced the danger of a stalking fly fishermen.

I quickly released it back into the crystal water. Barry, who had crossed the creek just downstream, gave me a mental high five. We then paralleled each other down the stream to the next hole.

On my next cast, I broke my line on a Rhododendron branch. While tying on another fly, I noticed the glare on the water had grown dimmer. I looked up in the sky and dark clouds had rolled in over the mountains, blocking the sun from the deep river valley. While walking to another hole, the Great Spirit, answering my prayer, sent a rain drop directly into my eye.

Barry and I made eye contact, aware that we were in trouble if we did not leave immediately. I’m

not saying we were frantic, but we quickly broke down our fishing rods and readied our gear for the journey back to our campsite. In total, we’d fished for roughly fifteen minutes.

With our gear secured, we made our way back up to the large pool, waded to the right fork, stopped briefly to pay our respects then turned sharply up the creek.

Five minutes into the journey, the sky opened up. Ten minutes later, the creek we had walked down just one hour earlier, never encountering water past our knees, was at our waist. Fifteen minutes later, we were fighting rushing, chest-deep water.

We climbed water falls with the water square in our faces. At one point, I lost my footing and washed down a slick rock surface twice before making it back to my feet.

It was quite funny, and I remember laughing out loud at its absurdity.

Barry didn’t see me do it as he was busy negotiating a raging waterfall that stood in our way. I’m sure I would have never heard the end of it if he had. I watched him trying to find a way around the falls without success. He turned to me just as I regained my footing as if to say, “What do we do now?”. We began searching for a way out of the water but the ridgelines on each side were so steep that climbing out was impossible.

We were in trouble.

In unison, Barry and I realized we had no choice but to continue up the raging creek. Adrenaline

Middle Fork

Left Fork.

12 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

kicked in; not that it had not already been there. We climbed the falls. In the military, we sometimes referred to these situations as “Embracing the Suck”. Time stood still. Even though the next part of the journey took over an hour, it felt like only a few moments.

We reached the ribbon tied on the tree branch marking our entry point to the small spring we’d climbed down earlier in the day.

We’d been extremely fortunate.

One missed step or injury could have been a disaster. We then climbed the steep branch and made it back to our campsite, soaked to the bone, bruised, and exhausted.

While we were gone, the wind and rain had knocked down the shelter protecting our site. We repaired the damage, fixed dinner then retired to our tent to wait out the rain.

Our plan was to spend another two days exploring other routes leading to this remote area, but the rain had other plans. We broke camp the next morning and walked out in the rain. Our gear was soaking wet and much heavier, making the rocky and slick trail even harder to negotiate.

The tension broke somewhat as we neared our truck. I began to relax a bit. About a quarter mile out, I stepped over a tree that had fallen across the trail. My front foot slipped in the mud and my back knee buckled. I limped into the parking area, but the damage was

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done. It’s been five months since the trip and my knee is just now getting back to normal; I still don’t trust it.

This adventure, if you decide to take it, is not for the casual hiker. It requires planning, the right equipment, and a confidence in your abilities. It also requires a certain reverence to the Spirit, palpable in every step you take in its waters and valleys. I’m positive that if you allow yourself to listen, it will speak to you.

In retrospect, and I think Barry agrees with me, our trip, although shortened by weather and riddled with danger, was the most exciting trip I’ve ever undertaken in our mountains.

We will go back.

Hopefully the WPPP will cut me some slack for telling this story.

Aftermath.

Joe Woody is Co-Publisher of The Angler Magazine with his wife Debra.

He is an Army Veteran and a self proclaimed “Adventure Angler”. You can usually find him wandering around Western North Carolina telling fishing lies. He is also a baseball nut and a crazy FCS Football fan.

He has a Bigfoot magnet on the back of his truck.

Right Fork.

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Hatchery Supported Trout Waters Open April 2 RALEIGH, N.C. (March 15, 2022) – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will open approximately 1,000 miles of Hatchery Supported Trout Waters at 7 a.m. on April 2. The season will run through Feb. 28, 2023.

The Wildlife Commission has posted the full Hatchery Supported Trout Waters stocking schedule on its website to give trout anglers opportunities to plan fishing trips in advance. The schedule is searchable by county and month and provides information on what days each water is being stocked.

Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, which are marked by green-and-white signs, have been closed since Feb. 28 for stocking.

Most trout are stocked April through June, with a few streams selectively stocked in July. Overall,

staff will stock nearly 964,000 trout — 96 percent of which will average 10 inches in length, with the other 4 percent exceeding 14 inches in length.

Hatchery Supported Trout Waters are open to public fishing; however, many of those miles are privately owned so officials with the Wildlife Commission urge anglers to respect the property they are fishing on and remember that landowners can take away access if they feel their property is being misused.

Anglers can help prevent the loss of public access to fishing by: • Respecting private property and landowners at all times.

• Removing all trash and litter from fishing and parking areas.

• Parking only in designated areas and leaving driveways open for

traffic.

• Closing and/or locking gates after use.

• Reporting wildlife violations by calling 1-800-662-7137.

For a complete list of all Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, as well as trout maps, the complete stocking schedule, and daily stocking updates on Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, visit the Wildlife Commission’s trout fishing page at www.ncwildlife.org.

About the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

Since 1947, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state’s fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific

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APRIL 2022

management, wise use and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities.

Purchase or a renew a fishing, trapping and hunting license and renew a vessel registration online at ncwildlife. org.

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 13

Great Budget Spinning Tackle for River Smallmouth

I

remember growing up with relatively little money to buy fishing equipment. The rods and reels I learned to fish on were… well, they were nowhere near the quality of what is on the market today when it comes to budget friendly tackle. I’ve used a very long list of rods and reels, particularly for river smallmouth, in just about every price range imaginable and have compiled a relatively consistent list of tackle options that I would confidently recommend to anyone not looking to spend a mortgage payment on their next rod or reel. Now granted, when I say “budget’’ that doesn’t necessarily mean that you can take 20 dollars and have a rod or reel last for multiple seasons. I’ve learned through guiding that sometimes spending a little extra money

By Ethan Hollifield

initially when purchasing tackle, especially bass fishing tackle, pays off tremendously in savings down the road. Here’s a list of some of my favorite budget friendly rods and reels, with nothing on this list being over $200, as of the writing of this article.

TFO Professional Series Spinning Rod 7’ ML - M: Coming in at roughly $100 bucks, this has always been a consistently durable rod for me. TFO also has one of the best rod warranties on the market. Combining that with solidly built components, it’s hard to beat.

Fenwick HMG Series 7’ MLM: Fenwick has had a solid reputation with smallmouth fisherman for many years, and the HMG series of rods provides a great deal of versatility. I’ve used

the 7’ medium from throwing everything from jerkbaits to small finesse tubes and drop shots. The rod itself is also very sensitive when paired with braid.

Shimano Stradic 2500 HGFL: Now, while most people don’t put “stradic’’ and “budget” in the same sentence: I’ve seen these reels last for over a decade of heavy use with the right maintenance. The casting ability and drag system built into these are well worth the initial investment.

Pflueger President 2500 -3000: It’s very hard to find spinning reels that will last for longer than a couple of seasons under $100. However, with the proper routine maintenance the Pflueger President has done very well

for me in my guiding career as a workhorse reel that can take a beating without breaking the bank in price. The drag systems and other components are well made, making this one a no-brainer for me to recommend.

While there are many other good options out there, these rods and reels are ones that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to get into river smallmouth fishing, and are some of the same ones that I use on guide trips on a consistent basis. With the proper care and maintenance, these rods/reels can last the average angler a very long time, and also provide some very good gear at an affordable price point for most to reach.

Ethan Hollifield is a member of a conservation organization called 2% For Conservation and a guide for Southern Appalachian Anglers

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The Season Of Fun

S

By Scott Norton

pring is here and it is that special time that all anglers have been waiting for. The bass are feeding up for the spawn and it is a great time for bites. This time of year, bass have been deep or have sunned in the shallows briefly, but it has been a while since they have been pressured from anglers. They are not finicky to common lures you see most anglers using yet, so you will be able to use any lure and have a good time with the catches.

We, as anglers, know we will be dealing with others there to catch bass. What you want to do is have a good plan so you can switch gears in case you have a special spot that someone is already on. Three plans you will need to follow will be showing up early, fishing deep, and using different lures than the rest. This is what separates the men from the boys. When you show up early you can cover the

spots not fished yet. Use a lure you can cover water fast with because you’re only looking for the most aggressive bass in those areas.

If the lake starts to get crowded, go deep and fish for bass coming in on the second wave. You can find fish in different stages of spawn or transition. Most people will more than likely be fishing shallow but there is more bass in the deep than in the shallows.

Bass up shallow are the early wave and more come in later, so you have options. If you are forced to fish behind other people, pay attention to what they are using so you can fish with something different. Just using this plan will get bites for bass that were on the fence with other lures.

When you find the bites tapering off, use big swim baits as the sun gets high. Most likely bass will go in the shade line up shallow or in the drop offs down deep.

This is a good opportunity to get those trophy bass. They like to set up in places where they can ambush forage. That sun allows them to see out further while they hide. These fish will be looking to the deep instead of looking to the shallows, so boat position is important. You will want to keep your boat in the shallow water and cast in the deep for this technique.

Springtime is a time when you can run into clear water or muddy conditions. Be sure to have a variety of lures to cover these kinds of water conditions.

Once the rain starts, the bass will move to the backs of the creeks to feed. When you see rising water, you will know they will be nosing really shallow or they

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will position on current breaks looking for food being washed into the lake. If no rising water or storms are affecting the water, check the secondary points to locate the bulk of fish moving in for spawn. I hope this helps and you enjoy the bounty nature has to offer.

Scott Norton is a Western North Carolina native. Born in Asheville, N.C., he is a long-time hunter, angler and weekend warrior.

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Beanpole Goes Seagull Fishing

B

eanpole sat in the back booth of Ronnie’s Diner as was our custom, only this time he was almost hidden behind a stack of outdoor magazines.

I approached cautiously as I’d learned that such signs foretold impending danger or at least discomfort. I wasn’t wrong.

“What’s with the magazine collection?” I asked while sliding in on the opposite side of the mound.

“Just studying,” said Beanpole, hardly looking up. He seemed capable of simultaneous reading, deep contemplation, and precise sopping of gravy with one of Ronnie’s biscuits.

Usually I didn’t have to pry words out of Beanpole, just unplug him and let them flow. So I waited until he finished either the article or biscuit, figuring one or the other would bring him out of his trance.

“You know,” started Beanpole, “striper fishing doesn’t sound that difficult. You just watch for seagulls and when they start diving into the lake, you zoom in on your boat and cast into the gulls. The stripers are underneath and will attack your lure.”

“Your boat doesn’t exactly zoom,” I reminded Beanpole.

“That 9.9 horsepower motor won’t even make your boat plane out until it’s warm.”

“True.”

“And you know that the closest striper lake is 200 miles away.”

“True.”

“And you’ve never caught a striper in your life.”

“True.”

“What am I missing?” I asked.

“Oh, I’m just looking to try something different,” sighed Beanpole.

“You could clean out your garage. That would be a first.”

“That’s what Nell said.”

“She’s a smart woman,” I responded. I then ordered breakfast without glancing at the menu. I knew it by heart anyway.

“Well, I’m going tomorrow,” said Beanpole. He gathered up his stack of magazines and

By Jim Mize

surprisingly, was able to balance them all. “I’ll let you know how it turns out.”

I waved over my shoulder and watched Beanpole out on the street attempting to get his keys out of his pocket while holding too many magazines in one hand.

It ended about the way I expected his fishing trip to end. It reminded me of watching someone falling on ice with no way to help and only one possible outcome.

Beanpole dropped his keys, his magazines went skyward, and the only two cars on the street screeched to a halt.

I didn’t hear from Beanpole for a few days and began to wonder how his trip went. On Sunday morning, I was back in the diner and Beanpole came in with a bandage over his neck. He sat down without a word and I waited.

“What happened to your neck?” I finally asked.

“It’s a long story,” said Beanpole, as if that was all the answer I needed.

“I’ve got time,” I said.

Beanpole sighed and seemed to get smaller.

“Well,” said Beanpole, “I went striper fishing like I said I would.

I got there before daylight after driving half the night. I drove out into the river channel like the magazines said I should and then I waited. Pretty soon, I hear boats screaming up the lake so I follow them.”

“But not screaming,” I offered.

“Not yet anyway. As I rounded the bend, the sky was full of gulls.

Just as I pull up, all the other boats leave and I think I’ve got the school to myself. So I start casting jigs and spoons into the school.

But nothing happens. No stripers.

Yet the gulls keep diving.”

“Then, I took one really long cast and fling it all the way across the apparent school. A gull flies into my line and gets tangled up.

You ever caught a gull on spinning tackle?” asked Beanpole.

“Can’t say I have.”

“It’s not pretty. For one thing, it’s just the opposite of fish. Gulls

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fly up, fish swim down. It swerved, crashed into the lake, got back up in the air, and finally got so tangled up I could reel it in. It’s a weird experience.”

“Then, when you get one in the boat, the gull is not happy to be there. As soon as I start to get it unwound, the wings, feet, and beak all start in on you. All that flapping and pecking is dangerous. Got me once on the neck.”

“So that’s under the bandage?”

“Yep. Hope I don’t catch something. I don’t know what diseases you can get from seagulls.”

“Me neither. So did you catch any stripers?”

“No. When I got back to the ramp, I asked one of the locals about the fish and all the seagulls.

He had a big laugh. Said every morning the guides get followed up the lake so they always dump a bag of Cheetos in the same spot to attract gulls. The fishermen who follow the guides don’t know any better and stop to fish under the gulls. Said it works every time.”

“So you drove all night and most of the next day and all you caught was a seagull?”

“Yep.” Beanpole was mopping up the last of his gravy and pushed himself out of the booth. It was unusual for him not to stay for at least one free refill on his coffee.

“Where you headed?” I asked.

“Striper fishing didn’t work out so I thought I’d try something else different.”

“What’s that?” I asked.

“Cleaning out the garage.”

Jim admits to having once caught a seagull himself. This story is an excerpt from his newest book of humor, Fishing With Beanpole. Jim’s books are available on Amazon or you can order autographed copies at www. acreektricklesthroughit.com.

Fishing With Beanpole On His Humorous Pursuit of Fish

Fishing With Beanpole is the second in the series of misadventures with Beanpole. If you have already read Hunting With Beanpole, then you and Beanpole have met. If not, I’ll introduce you to him. Beanpole is a curious fellow in all meanings of the word; he’s different, inquisitive, and gullible. These characteristics breathe life into a story when you add ingredients such as bad weather, tall tales, and natural phenomenon. By the end of this book, you will realize that your fishing buddies all have a little bit of Beanpole in them, or if not, you will wish they did. The world is a richer place once you have met Beanpole.

Jim Mize has received over eighty Excellence-In-Craft Awards, including for each of his first three books: The Winter of Our Discount Tent, A Creek Trickles Through It, and Hunting With Beanpole. Also, Hunting With Beanpole was selected for the Pinnacle Award from the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA), the organization’s highest honor for books.

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APRIL 2022

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 17

EAST TENNESSEE GREAT SMOKIES

Old ‘Tennessee Trash’ Is Still Alive And Kickin’

By David A. Ramsey

I

n the late 1970s, here in my home state of Tennessee, there was a well-known public service ad on TV that showed a nasty looking character, driving down an otherwise scenic highway in a nasty old convertible, throwing out massive amounts of nasty trash as he cruised along.

The lyrics to the twangy tune that accompanied the spot declared, “There ain’t no lower class than Tennessee Trash.” You can still find it on YouTube.

That ad campaign came along not long after the famous national campaign, “Keep America Beautiful,” featuring a commercial that depicted

a tearful Indian paddling his canoe through a river full of trash, sludge and dead fish. And sure enough, the awareness created by these and other such programs, all across the country, did raise awareness of the scale of industrial and general pollution, including the mindless trashing of our roads, waterways, parks and other public spaces.

But if you believe the despicable practice of trashing the great outdoors has actually ended since then, you’d be badly mistaken. It’s been getting worse. That’s right, ol’ Tennessee (Carolina, Virginia, Georgia—take your pick) Trash

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is still around, not only on the highways and byways as shown in the old TV spot, but also out there fouling and polluting our cherished recreational lands and waters at an alarming level—and pretty much getting away with it.

Research shows that sport fishing alone drives more than $1.2 billion in economic activity in Tennessee, supporting about 7,500 jobs, yet that activity is threatened by what is happening to the species and habitat that support it. Tennessee Wildlife Federation has stated that, “Despite public education efforts, Tennessee’s litter problem hasn’t improved. And studies are

finding litter is more harmful to wildlife than we thought— from releasing toxins when it’s eaten, to changing the structure and ecosystems of lakes and riverbeds.” For an idea of the scale of the problem, TWF also said that “…a recent study showed that the Tennessee River contains more microplastics per gallon of water than any other tested river in the world. It’s dumping 32 million pieces of it into the Ohio River every second. That is to say nothing of the non-plastic litter.”

Really? @#%&, people—that’s messed up!

Why is it that we still fail miserably in committing

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adequate resources to curtailing, if not eliminating, this blight on our natural resources and communities? The fact that volunteers, from various nonprofit and civic organizations throughout the region (and many thanks to them all), go out every year or so and attempt to clean up some of the mess does not excuse the rest of the population, especially elected officials and law enforcers, to ignore the problem or shirk from the responsibility of tackling it head-on. Fact is, the decision makers and enforcers will do pretty much exactly what we demand they do, if enough of us demand it. Unfortunately, it seems that sometimes even we self-professed outdoor lovers turn a blind eye to the garbage and its damage we encounter while we’re loving the outdoors.

Would just a few more well-placed refuse stations in

repeatedly dumped off beside the roads and streams that traverse the national forests in our region, there’s a problem. And when the vital streams, rivers and lakes that bring us such incredible recreational enjoyment and economic benefits are treated like liquid landfills, there’s a problem.

And I mean, if people can carry full their Natural Lite, Mountain Dew, Skoal, or any of a thousand kinds of food and snacks into

There are solid ways to get control of this problem—depending, of course, on the public’s wishes and will. our communities be that cost prohibitive? Would establishing and enforcing stronger penalties for dumpers and making an extra effort to identify and hold them accountable really be that hard?

Would a stronger, wide-scale education project be that hard to establish? As the saying goes, if we’re not part of the solution, we must be part of the problem— and believe me, there’s a problem.

For example, when household appliances, furniture and other types of junk are found along the treasured Appalachian Trail, there’s a problem. When garbage, old tires and car parts, building materials, TVs, couches, toilets, microwave ovens and countless other large objects are

the woods or out on the water, but then can’t manage to carry back out the empty containers and wrappers, there’s definitely a problem. That one blows my mind.

No rocket science here.

There are solid ways to get control of this problem—depending, of course, on the public’s wishes and will. In my view, one of the best and fastest ways to make a big difference is for a whole lot more of us outdoor-loving nontrashers to work harder to ensure the trashers are identified, legally and effectively penalized and their ways corrected. Otherwise (and, no, it’s not too strong at all), we are at least their enablers and at worst, their accomplices.

David A. Ramsey is a regionally and nationally recognized outdoor photographer and writer from Unicoi, TN. His recently released book, Rocky Fork: Hidden Jewel of the Blue Ridge Wild, is available at Mahoney’s in Johnson City and online at www.ramseyphotos.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2022

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 19

Captain Jim Fishing KY & TN Fishing Report

O

By Captain Jim Durham

wner StriperFun Guide Service, Tennessee and Kentucky Walleye, Bass, Crappie and Muskie Charters, Superbaittanks.com, Captain Jim Marine Electronics and much more.

Greetings to my readers! I hope that the world finds you and your family doing well!

LAKE CUMBERLAND AND CHEROKEE LAKE STRIPERS – DALE HOLLOW WALLEYE LAKE CUMBERLAND The early Spring Striper fishing on Lake Cumberland (southern KY) is terrific, with limits of nice 10-to-15-pound Stripers caught on many days, and the occasional 20-pounder as well! We troll live bait on planer boards 10 to 30 feet deep concentrating on main creek channel points. We also

cast Captain Jim “Striper Magic” lures. With five full time guides, StriperFun offers day trips on Lake Cumberland year-round (weather permitting).

CHEROKEE LAKE The Striper – Hybrid fishing on Cherokee Lake is very popular with our clients. In April, we troll live bait on planer boards 10 to 30 feet deep and also downline on suspended schools of fish, concentrating on main creek channel points.

The Striper and Hybrid fishing is simply off the chart! 20 and 30 fish days are frequent (TN allows catch and release)! With three full time guides, StriperFun offers day trips on Cherokee Lake year-round (weather permitting).

DALE HOLLOW IN TENNESSEE! We begin each year Walleye

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fishing on Dale Hollow, fishing at night under hydro glow lights (a great product we sell!) on lake points with drop offs and grass bed edges. Our techniques include jigging, live bait “snagging” and casting – casting a variety of lures – blade baits and jigging spoons. You will want to anchor up and be in place at least an hour before sunset. it is best to spend time during daylight hours “scouting” these lake points, grass beds or drop offs

so you are not disoriented at night.

It is great to be alive and be a “free” American! I look forward to seeing all of you this year on the water. Always remember to stop and shake the hand of a person in uniform or wearing garb that shows they are a veteran! Their service is why you speak English, can vote and can enjoy the freedoms you do!

Until next time, blue skies and tight lines!

With full State licensing and insurance, all Captain Jim’s Guide Service guides (16 guides on 14 waterways) can take you on a safe, fun and unforgettable fishing adventure! Check out all of our fishing services as well as our exclusive “online” store at www.striperfun.com or call 931-403-2501 to make reservations today.

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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 21

Adapting To the TLC’s of Water Conditions

S

o much interest is placed on the best flies to use and to have on hand when fishing for trout, as well it should.

However, there is much more than simply considering what trout will bite. Just as important is to determine the how, where, and why. Most experienced anglers have enjoyed an epic day on a stretch of water, only to return later to struggle to get a strike. A huge influence on the success or failure of a day on the water is the water conditions. To be honest, there’s little we can do about it, so we tend to accept what we have and fish on. The exception, of course, is tailwaters where we can plan our arrival to coincide with the best time, based on the generation/release schedules. I’m probably in good company with those forced do the proverbial fifty yard sprint in waders to reach safety as a result of a sudden release of water worthy of a “Poseidon Adventure” remake!

As a twelve year old, I was once trapped on an island with my youthful fishing buddies. Suffice to say, the ending included the local Rescue Squad! But that’s a different story for another time.

The hallmark of a great angler is the ability to adapt to the conditions, along with a gift for problem solving. Trout live in water and thus, water is a major factor for which we must know how to alter our approach, technique, and gear if we wish to succeed. The three major water conditions I consider in planning for a trip are, water temperature, water level, and water clarity TLC’s. Following is a synopsis of how I approach each aspect.

Water Temperature:

Bottom line, trout are cold blooded. For the most part, the ideal temperature range for trout is 55 to 64 degrees. The colder the water, the lower their metabolism, which means the trout become

By Jim Parks

hungry less often, but colder water carries more dissolved oxygen. High water temperatures can be one of the most lethal times for trout, as there is limited oxygen in the water, but they have a high metabolism. Think how you’d feel with an appetite but unable to breath. To make matters worse, warm, low water conditions where there’s little food can literally lead to trout starving to death.

Cold Water Throughout the day, the water temperature changes, which can be good or bad depending on the starting point and direction of the change. Let’s say the water has been in the upper 30’s and the temperature rises, to 45.

The change to a more preferred temperature range can turn the fish on. However the opposite is true, a sudden drop in water temp from 45 to 39 can turn off the bite.

Similarly, a high temperature, say 65, suddenly drops into the more preferred temperature of 60 can mean it’s a great time to be out on the water. So, always consider not only the temperature but the direction in relation to the preferred temperature range.

If the temperature is moving toward the preferred range, good things can happen.

As stewards of our resource, we should never fish during times of warm water where the trout are under stress. This can vary depending on the type of water and general location, but 67 degrees is where I generally draw the line in the freestone streams where I mostly fish for trout. As the water creeps upward

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above the low 60’s, trout will tend to move to “the bubbles”, at the foot of waterfalls or other locations where the water is more oxygenated than nearby locations. On the contrary, colder water tends to find trout lying in slower water, often at or near the bottom with a lower appetite.

Water Level:

Personally, low water levels make me sad. For me, low levels coupled with gin clear water, can make approaching the water without fish scattering, very difficult. Stealth is crucial and includes a slow approach and long, delicate casts. I much prefer slightly elevated water levels and flow. I guess I feel a bit more secure in my ability to get within casting range of where trout are feeding. Also, higher water levels tend to wash more food into the streams, inviting trout to dinner as well as provide a friendlier water temperature for the trout.

During periods of higher water, trout will be found in “softer” areas adjacent to the current, in still water, behind a rock or log, or sometimes lying on the bottom with their eyes up for anything appealing drifting by. It is during these periods that weight is often necessary to get the fly down near the bottom to the trout.

with low levels and it seems not even a twitch is required to send them scurrying to their hiding spot. However, a heavy hatch will often bring them out into the open for a good buffet. This is the time for dries and long leaders. My absolute favorite time is when water is going from clear to dingy. Standing in the stream as visibility drops, I can imagine trout coming out of hiding as more food is washed into the water. The dingy water gives them a sense of protection where their desire to stay hidden lessens and they feel free to roam and look for a nice large meal such as beetle, nymphs washed along, or small fish. I’ve had opportunities to fish a stream below where a muddy tributary enters. From my experience, fishing the seam where muddy meets clear has been very productive water.

Additionally, dingy water will allow the use of larger tippet sizes. For me, whereas I typically use 4x, I will go to 3x for a couple of reasons that allow me to land the fish quicker, thus reducing stress on the trout, and in the event I hook into a larger trout, I have more “leeway” in the force I can apply during the fight. The opposite is true for clear water, where I will decrease my tippet size, especially in water inhabited by wild or “educated” and leadershy fish.

High Water

Water Clarity:

Wild trout are naturally skittish, and lying in clear water makes them downright paranoid from underwater predators and those from above. Couple that

Clear Water, Note: 18” brown trout in center of image

Continued, see ADAPTING TO THE TLC’S Page 24

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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 23

ADAPTING TO THE TLC’S continued from page 22 EXTREME care must be taken in muddy water, as in two creams in a cup of coffee muddy, as it can make wading not only difficult, but dangerous. Where I fish, there can be holes you can easily step in over your head! The availability of a collapsible wading staff is a HUGE help. Finally, if you wish to risk muddy water, one method to overcome the trout’s limited visibility is the use of some form of vibration to get a trout’s attention and possibly a strike.

Find your Combination: My ideal “hunting” conditions on small freestone streams, I mean those times where I get jittery with excitement because I know the “big boys” will come out to feed, are when the water temperature is between 58-64 degrees and clear, then a sudden cloudburst, as often happens in the Smoky Mountains, dumps heavy, frog-drowning rain.

The water rises, gets murky, and I have either a streamer or two big, heavy nymphs on. I’ve caught the majority of my trophy trout in these exact conditions. Over the

past several years, I’ve learned to watch for weather patterns and blending that with USGS stream level information, I have been successful in hitting the conditions on a semi-regular basis. I try to my hide smile when asked if I’m going fishing when heavy rain is in the forecast. Of course I am!

fish or focus downstream of its entry. I’ve had magical moments in just a scenario. Also, alter your approach with a greater detail in stealth when the water is clear.

Regardless of the clarity, be wary of your wake if you’re wading.

Those are sound waves easily detected by fish. Remember the sun on bright days and be careful of your shadow on the water. Alter your tippet size based on water clarity and remember to focus on

the appropriate section of water based on the water temperature and level.

As you plan your next trip or find yourself on the water, remember to apply a little “TLC”, temperature, level, and clarity, to the water in your decisionmaking. May you find the combination that gives you jitters of excitement for what is about to happen.

Jim Parks is a frequent contributor of Costal Angler Magazine. He has fished the Smoky Mountains forty-four years and has written the book Tails of the Smokies, which can be found on Amazon and in Kindle and iTunes formats. Instagram Page: TailsOfTheSmokies

Fishing in a Downpour Takeaways: Take a thermometer, and use it on the stream. Sometimes there is a feeder stream that has a more optimal temperature that you can

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REACH 10,000 READERS!

Plus New Advertising Opportunities on Our Website woody@theanglermagazine.com coastalanglermag.com/great-smoky-mountains

828-768-9663

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APRIL 2022

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 25

UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA

A Different Kind of March Madness

states competing to see who can recruit the most weather observers SOUTH CAROLINA (March 10, 2022) — The SCDNR’s Climatology Office, in partnership with the National Weather Service, is recruiting citizen weather observers for CoCoRaHS. The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, known as CoCoRaHS, is a grassroots volunteer network of backyard weather observers of all ages and backgrounds. The program started in Colorado in 1998 and started in South Carolina in 2008.

Over 350 observers currently report daily rainfall and the occasional snowfall, and 70 of those observers have been with the program since 2008. Despite the hundreds of active volunteers, there are still areas with no observers, and every county needs additional observers.

According to State Climatologist Hope Mizzell, “These citizen scientists have been instrumental in measuring precipitation across the Palmetto State, by supplying data during high impact rainfall events, including the recent floods of 2015, and those associated with

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Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and Tropical Storm Florence in 2018.”

The data has also been vital in tracking drought conditions across the state, especially in 2010-2013, 2015-2016, and most recently in the fall of 2019.

Every March, the organization hosts a recruitment contest to add observers to the program. “South Carolina won the competition in 2018 and 2019 and finished 3rd in 2021. This year, the goal is 200 volunteers across the state,” said Melissa Griffin, Assistant State Climatologist and State Coordinator for the CoCoRaHS program.

By using low-cost measurement tools, stressing training and education, and utilizing an interactive website, the program’s mission is to provide the highest quality data for natural resources, education, and research applications.

Help us encourage participation in CoCoRaHS, one of the most recognized citizen science projects in the United States.

To become an observer, visit www.cocorahs.org.

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APRIL 2022

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 27

Proper Mechanics of Casting

W

hether enjoying sunny and seventy plus degrees, or a little snow with temperatures in the middle thirties or lower, old Mother Nature sure threw us a few curve balls for March.

Moving past the winter blues, and on to the pleasantry of singing birds, blooming forest shrubs, and mayflies and caddis hatches galore, as April comes in, the month truly brings one of the better months of the entire year for dry fly fishing.

As the spring weather warms, and thunderstorms arrive to refresh the water system, the rivers streams, and mountain creeks seem to evolve into an abundance of bug life.

Happiness seems to fill those who are familiar with the emergence of all the bug life on the water and frustrate those who are not so intertwined with each and every bug that hatches on the water systems. Luckily, we break that information down for anglers here at the shop, always having a hot

By Carl Ekberg

list since we are out on the waters to know when things are changing to in order to keep everyone informed.

Some of the hatching bugs do not last long while others may last for a few weeks. Understanding the color and size of the mayflies and caddis are important for successful days.

Fishing a size ten Stimulator, while being easy on the eyes to pick up after casting into the moving water, may not be the correct fly of choice while a Hendrickson hatch (closer to a size fourteen) is in full swing.

If we need to understand one thing throughout all the hatches, it’s that size matters. Some will argue that color is of the utmost importance, and yes, color does matter, but if the bug that is being cast towards rising fish is the wrong size, refusals will happen.

The excitement of seeing rising fish, at times, can bring overanxious casts, therefore putting the trout back to the bottom of the river bed, not to be seen again for the

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rest of the day.

A stealthy approach, both in choosing outerwear and understanding shadows cast from our appearance on the waterways, casting a good quality floating Jerry and his Brookie. line along with a longer leader, Striving towards cleaner and great dead waterways requires that everyone drifts of dry flies towards rising fish, remember to “Leave No Trace”. will help with a great day on the This should be the mission we all water. Cautious approaches towards undertake while enjoying a short the water, watching the feeding fish, stress reliever from work or a and then a delicate cast upstream, vacation in the forest. We hope to and subtle mends to the fly line, will see everyone out on the water or add great benefits to a successful during a friendly visit by our fullservice shop. fishing venture as well.

Karl and Karen Ekberg are co-owners of Chattooga River Fly Shop, located at 6832-A Highlands Hwy, Mountain Rest, SC 29664. Give them a call at (864) 638-2806 and visit their website at www.chattoogariverflyshop.com.

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APRIL 2022

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Lake Hartwell Fishing Forecast for April 2022

By Preston Harden

Water Temp. – 59, water level-full pool Water Clarity – clear in main lake, stained in backs of creeks

F

ish are moving shallow and preparing to spawn. Fishing gets easier as so many fish are up shallow. Lots of hybrids and stripers make a spawning run up the main rivers but many will stay down-lake and drop their eggs in shallow water. Largemouth and spotted bass will make beds in shallow water throughout the lake.

This behavior goes on throughout the month, as they don’t all spawn at the same time. So, the key here is to fish shallow.

In March, I fish the afternoons as the water warms through the day and fish move up shallow later in the day. When we move into April, the mornings become as good as the afternoons. By mid April, the mornings become better. But the fish can be shallow and active all day.

For hybrids and stripers, live blue back herring on free lines make fishing easy. Especially around main points, shoals, and other ambush locations.

Crappie fishing peaks as they spawn around wood, rocks, and other shallow structure.

Whatever your target species, look shallow in April.

Preston Harden / Bucktail Guide Service / 706-255-5622 / bucktailguideservice.com

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April Catfishing on Santee Cooper

S

By Capt. Darryl Smith

pringtime on the Santee Cooper Lakes is a magical time of the year for catfish.

I’m living proof with 23 confirmed World Records and 69 TV shows to my name. In April, with the waters warming, the catfish move up to shallow waters (less than 12 feet). They do this to spawn and feed on pan fish that also go shallow to spawn. This is an easy pattern to fish. Anyone can do it and be extremely successful on big catfish. We’ve landed catfish over 100 pounds using this method.

To be successful, all you need to do is to move into 2-to-12 feet of water around cypress trees, grass lines, or shoreline. This is where the warmest water in the Lakes will be. The reason why is that the sun penetrates the water hitting the bottom causing photosynthesis which raises oxygen and temperature levels. The hotter the water, the better! When these

catfish first move from deep water to shallow waters, they are real spooky, so try to be as quiet as possible getting into position. Shhh!

This is what I’ve found works if you want to be extremely successful. When I move into the shallow water, I generally tie the boat off to a tree. That way I’m not dropping an anchor on top of the fish I’m trying to catch. I NEVER drive over the water I’m going to fish!

I use seven rods, Carolina Rig Style with 40-lb test line, no more than 2 ounces of weight, 5/0- 8/0 circle hooks depending on what size baits are used. I prefer some kind of fresh fish for bait, cut into pieces. Shad, herring, or panfish are preferred. Sometimes I’ll use live bait as well. Cast the rods a quarter mile away. A lot of times during April, I promise you’re goin a 180-degree pattern around only a 100-yard move will do. ing to catch catfish and even maythe boat so you can cover a lot of Keep moving! be a monster. bottom. If you haven’t caught fish Capt. Darryl Smith If you follow this pattern within 20 minutes, move to another place. You do not have to move Give Captain Darryl’s Guide Service a call at 803-367-6275

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The Flint River: N AT I V E F I S H I N T H E I R N AT I V E W AT E R S

By Nick Carter

T

he fight didn’t last long, maybe a couple of minutes, but it was exciting. Between bulldog runs, the fish broke the surface and walked on water, shaking its head in anger.

When Kent Edmonds steered the fish out of the current and brought it to hand, a broad grin broke across the man’s face. He lifted a chunky shoal bass for appraisal before release.

It was a decent fish, maybe 14 inches. Still, on a 6-weight fly rod, the strength of the fight rivaled that of a largemouth twice its size. Shoal bass are aggressive and pugnacious. They are an intriguing sport fish native to just one Southeastern river system.

Shoal Bass Fishing for “shoalies” is so much fun. They exhibit the aggression of any black bass, yet their preferred habitat is the swift-water shoals other bass avoid. Like trout, they hover in eddies and dart out to grab prey adrift in the current. They readily attack topwater lures and flies and grow to record weights approaching 9 pounds.

Anglers regularly catch 2- to 5-pound shoal bass, and the largest fish reach lengths up to 24 inches.

A new Georgia record was caught from the Chattahoochee River near Columbus, Ga. in December.

It weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces.

The IGFA world record was an 8-pound, 12-ounce monster caught from Florida’s Apalachicola River.

With all that going for it, the relative anonymity of shoal bass is due to geography. There is only one small slice of the world where they exist. The species is native 14 NATIONAL

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to the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) River Basin, which drains portions of Georgia and Alabama down to the Gulf of Mexico through the Florida panhandle. They are a very cool fish that would be in serious trouble if not for one stretch of Georgia river.

Extensive damming has turned ACF River Basin into a series of reservoirs. Shoal bass still exist in pockets across the entire drainage, but habitat alterations have allowed non-natives like spotted and smallmouth bass to out-compete and interbreed with shoal bass.

The upper Flint River is the largest remaining stretch of unaltered native shoal bass habitat. It is arguably the best shoal bass fishery in the world.

The Flint River Edmonds has guided fly fishers on the Flint for about 30 years, and while he won’t admit it, he’s largely responsible for the river’s sterling reputation as a fishery.

In rural Upson County, Ga., the Flint is like a snapshot back in time. It twists through pine forests of the middle Georgia countryside, undammed for some 220 miles.

There’s a sweet spot for fly fishers in the middle of this long run at a geologic formation known as the Fall Line. The Fall Line is the coastline of an ancient sea that cuts a 20-mile-wide swath of rapid elevation loss across the region. For the Flint, the Fall Line features a 45-mile stretch of river with shoal-broken habitat perfect for wading anglers and shoal bass.

Contact Kent Edmonds through his website www.flyfishga.com.

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t was a perfect late autumn day in the northern Rockies. Not a cloud in the sky, and just enough cool in the air to stir up nostalgic memories of my trip into the backwoods. This year, though, was different. I was going it solo. My two buddies, pleading work responsibilities, backed out at the last minute. So, armed with my trusty knife, I set out for adventure.

Join more than 322,000 sharp people who collect stauer knives Well, what I found was a whole lot of trouble. As in 8 feet and 800-pounds of trouble in the form of a grizzly bear. Seems this grumpy fella was out looking for some adventure too. Mr. Grizzly saw me, stood up to his entire 8 feet of ferocity and let out a roar that made my blood turn to ice and my hair stand up. Unsnapping my leather sheath, I felt for my hefty, trusty knife and felt emboldened.

I then showed the massive grizzly over 6 inches of 420 surgical grade stainless steel, raised my hands and yelled, "Whoa bear! Whoa bear!"

I must have made my point, as he gave me an almost admiring grunt before turning tail and heading back into the woods.

I was pretty shaken, but otherwise fine. Once the adrenaline high subsided, I decided I had some work to do back home too. That was more than enough adventure for one day.

Our Grizzly Hunting Knife pays tribute to the call of the wild.

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I also made certain to give it a great price. After all, you should be able to get your point across without getting stuck with a high price.

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HOOKER ELECTRIC COMPLETE PORTABLE LIVE BAIT SYSTEM

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ver the years, Hooker Electric has a proven track record of dreaming up innovative new products to make fishing easier and more productive. Their Live Bait Tube Bucket is another instance of designers coming up with a simple yet effective solution for a problem many anglers face. The Hooker Electric Complete Portable Live Bait System keeps live baits frisky and ready for deployment all day long.

This patent-pending live bait system uses an internal pump and simple plumbing to circulate water inside a tricked-out 5-gallon bucket. The water flows over tubes, where it is cooled and aerated, while air bubbles are bled off to assure baits remain lively and ready to fish for hours.

The system is portable and comes preinstalled with 10-inch short tubes for smaller pre-hooked baits like gogs, threadfins, sardines, pilchards, hardtails, pogies and mullets. Optional 15-inch tubes keep larger pre-rigged Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, speedos, Boston/tinker mackerel and blue runners ready for action.

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The Hooker Electric portable live bait bucket system is designed for mobility. It can be used in fresh or saltwater.

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PELAGIC HUNTING WITH THE CORRECT TOOLS

T

Tim Barefoot

here are correct tools for any project, and we have to use our time wisely. First and foremost, I think water temperature is a key to finding the wahoo and tuna consistently.

I know it costs a few bucks, but you can subscribe to some sites (not promoting any here) that will give you a very clear picture of where you can find a degree or two temperature break on the edge. Once you narrow down a distance and heading for the desired water temps, you then need to locate the bait.

Granted, there are times when the fish will not be on the bait visible on the recorder or on the surface, but just oriented on structure and/or temperature break. This is when it gets down to visible and electronic hunting.

There are electronics available that can locate individual and groups of birds at long distances. This is always a good thing to find. If you have a few birds working an area, chances are they are there because the bait is there. Again, I know this electronic equipment is costly, but it’s yet another tool that can narrow down the search for wahoo, tuna and dolphin.

Then there are tools we possess as humans such as good eyesight (good binoculars) and judgement. If you see a noticeable water color change, birds and/or fish feeding on the surface, weed lines and floating objects, chances are, you’ve found the correct general area. A lot of these floating objects will hold bait and fish, especially wahoo and dolphin.

After narrowing down an area where the fish will likely be in due to temperature, depth, structure etc., this is when I prefer to high-speed troll.

High-speed trolling is another tool to locate the fish, and not a tool to use all day! This is true for wahoo, especially. Once you get a bite, mark that location on the chart. Now it’s time to go back to that area and go to work on ’em. By this time of day, the sun is up pretty good, and the surface bite might slow down a little bit.

Like I’ve always said, the fish don’t have Maui Jim’s shades, so they use depth to get the correct amount of light they want. They look up to see bait at, or near the surface like flyers, tinker, cigs and sardines.

They also look down for the squid down deep. This is the reason the planer rod is typically the one that produces in the middle of the day. When the sun is high in the sky, it’s time to go deep with your baits.

You can’t always catch them where you want to. You have to catch them where they are... down deep.

Visit barefootcatsandtackle.com, and look for “featured video” or Coastal Angler Magazine to see the videos related to this article.

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ason Christie finally did it. In early March, he won the Bassmaster Classic on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell and was named champion of the biggest event in tournament bass fishing.

In two previous Classics, Christie has held the lead headed into the final day of the tournament, once with a more than 6-pound lead and once with a 4-pound lead. Both times he came up short. This year, he found himself tied for the lead with newcomer Kyle Welcher after Day 2.

“Honestly, when I was sitting at the door waiting to come in and weigh my fish, I thought I had given it away again,” said Christie. “Stetson Blaylock had just weighed in a big bag, and Kyle Welcher used to be a professional poker player, so I knew he had more than what he was saying.

“I knew it was gonna be close. I honestly thought there could be a tie, and that was scary for me because I didn’t have any fish left.”

After Welcher weighed in and took over the “Hot Seat” from Stetson Blaylock, who had just weighed the largest bag of the tournament, Welcher and Christie stood side by side as the largest crowd in the event’s history cheered awaiting the final tally. On the stage, Christie’s five-bass limit of 17 pounds, 9 ounces was 5 ounces heavier than Welcher’s bag of 17 pounds 4 ounces.

Known as one of the best power-fishermen in the world, Christie utilized a 5/8-ounce War Eagle Jiu-Jigsu Jig with a Yum Craw Chunk in green pumpkin/purple. He used a green pumpkin/orange jig until the final day when he switched to straight green pumpkin because he “banged all of the other ones off docks” until they were unusable. He caught most of his fish on the final day fishing shallow docks in 1 to 3 feet of depth in clearer water where most of the other angler were not fishing. He liked the heavier jig due to its faster rate of fall, which drew reaction strikes.

Christie, who returned to the Bassmaster Elite Series a year ago after as short tenure with MLF Fishing, was looking hard for redemption in this year’s Classic. Maybe beginning tied on the final day took some of the pressure off, because the third time was a charm for Christie, who took home a $300,000 purse for his win that pushed his total career earnings to over $1,668,000.

Welcher earned $50,000 for finishing second with 53-11, and Blaylock earned $47,000 in third place with 53-5, which includes a $7,000 bonus for his Sunday catch of 20-9 that ranked as the Rapala Monster Bag of the Week.

South Carolina pro Brandon Cobb earned $2,500 for overall Berkley Big Bass of the Week with the 6-12 largemouth he caught on Day 2.

Phil Wolf is the co-publisher of Coastal Angler Magazine’s Orlando edition.

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Approaching Burano Island off of northern Venice was like being swept away in a dream. Known for its brightly-painted fisherman houses that line the canals, I was greeted with every color of the rainbow. Since before the Venetian Republic, Burano was home to fishermen and legend says that the houses were painted in bright hues so they could see their way home when fog blanketed the lagoon.

Inspiration struck. I wanted to capture this historical beauty in the centuries old art form of Murano. Still regarded as being the finest form craftsmanship in the world, Murano has evolved into modern day fashion statements.

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RUN LONG. RUN CLEAN. RUN STRONG.

Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-Approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. Suzuki, the Suzuki “S” ECSTAR and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. © 2021 Suzuki Marine USA, LLC.

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See Suzuki Limited Warranty for additional details. Suzuki, the “S” logo, and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki Trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2022 Suzuki Marine USA, LLC. All rights reserved.

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