The Angler Magazine | March 2024 | Great Smoky Mountains & The Upstate Edition by Coastal Angler Magazine

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VOLUME 28 • ISSUE 348

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KEEN SENSES

ARE ESSENTIAL FOR SUCCESS

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

t is always important to pay attention to our surroundings as we go through life, and fishing is no exception. How many of you have been fishing without any action and find yourself daydreaming and going through the motions until you feel the tug on your line? Suddenly you are frantically trying to remember the cadence of your retrieve to duplicate the action, but you are dreaming of fish instead of trying to catch them. Well, in this article and the accompanying video for The Angler Video Magazine, I will go over a specific situation when paying attention paid off, and you can see it and hear me talk through it on the video. I will also share some wisdom from two incredible Texas guides whom I was fortunate enough to spend a few hours with on the topic of targeting big trout. While wading in knee-deep water that

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was about 61 degrees, I could see a few mullet jumping in their casual mullet way. It was enough to keep me interested in the area. The bottom had undulating depth with grass and scattered potholes, or sand pockets for those not familiar with the term. I was throwing a slowsinking soft-plastic jerkbait, letting it slowly sink between twitches where the sand and grass met. With a cast in mid-air, I saw a mullet do an abnormal flip. It was distinct from the norm of the day and not as if it were being chased, but different, nonetheless. I burned my lure back in and made a cast just beyond where the mullet flipped. When my lure paused near the area, a nice redfish slammed my soft plastic. Had I not been paying attention and blew it off as just another mullet jumping, I would not have caught that fish and a few more in the general area. Since we cannot always have a bird’s eye view,

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we need to utilize the birds’ eyes. Here are a few tips I picked up on during a conversation with guides. Birds do not always need to be feeding to point us to fish. There are subtle hints, such as a head turn of a gliding pelican. They don’t turn their head for no reason; they saw something. Maybe they saw a huge trout and kept soaring because it was too big for them to eat. Also, watch the lines birds are relating too. They may not dive, bait may not flee from the shadow, but they are flying that line for a reason, and maybe you should work your way toward the area. Pay attention on the water and in conversation with old salts. You might need to read between the lines, but the answers are there. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures®, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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JACK CREVALLE: BATTLE THE BULLIES OF THE REEF

ometimes called the “poor man’s giant trevally,” jack crevalle will strike a surface lure or bait aggressively, and once hooked, engage the angler in a slugfest they won’t soon forget. Jacks are world-class fighters. These fish are perfect for small-boat anglers because they frequent inshore and nearshore waters. They can be caught in bays, inlets, canals and off reefs, where they target schooling baitfish. These fish are perfect for light spinning gear or a fly rod, as they will readily take any fast-retrieved bait imitation. They frequently show up in bays and estuaries following migratory baitfish like mullet. Strong current that concentrates bait is usually best, and you’ll find them at the mouths of the inlets on a strong outgoing tide. Any nearshore reef close to an inlet that has “nervous water” – a sure sign of bait schools—is prime territory for jacks. A 7-foot medium-action spinning rod equipped with a 6000 sized spinning reel and spooled with 40-pound braid is a prime tool for fighting these fish. I like a fluorocarbon leader in the 50-pound range for abrasion resistance. These fish are not leader shy. Jacks school up in large groups of juvenile fish under 10 pounds. The larger 20-plus-pound fish usually hunt in pairs. While a

By Mark Ambert

5000-class rod and reel setup will handle the smaller fish, a larger setup will be better for anything over 20 pounds. Pro-Tip: If you tangle with one of the larger fish, get a second bait or lure in the water for a double hook-up! Live bait and chum will usually find the biggest fish. Any local seasonal bait such as herring, pilchards, sardines or mullet will do the trick. For maximum fun factor, a topwater lure or fly stripped fast can’t be beat. I usually locate a school of feeding fish first then break out the fly or topwater spinning gear for sport. A 9- or 10-weight fly rod setup with an intermediate line is optimal. When fly fishing, a popper, Deceiver, Clouser or any streamer pattern will work. I use flies that cast easily and in colorful patterns to attract the fish. With spinning gear, any noisy or splashy plug such as a 3- to 4-inch Storm Chug Bug is ideal. I also use a 4-inch Heddon Zara Spook in white with a walk-the-dog retrieve. Watching this lure get knocked out of the water and eaten is worth the

price of admission. For sub-surface action, the Rapala X-Rap size 10 in Ghost finish can’t be beat. The initial run of a big jack is spectacular, with ever shortened runs to follow. Using lighter gear, you might have to chase bigger fish down, so be prepared to move. Once a fish is spent, I usually use a net or tail grab the fish boatside for a quick picture and safe release, as these fish have limited food quality. Now head out your local inlet and target these plentiful and eager sluggers. They will not disappoint. Find Mark Ambert on Instagram @marksgonefishing_™; Email: marksgonefishing25@gmail.com.

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MARCH 2024

NATIONAL 7

DO YOU WANT TO BE A CHARTER CAPTAIN? By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

went fishing while on Florida vacation about a decade ago. After returning home to Canada for two months, I drove back to pursue a career in the industry. I had zero experience, no connections, and less than half a clue on where to begin. For those with a similar dream, here’s what I learned. First, it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been a weekend warrior. If you want to be a captain, be a deckhand first. You don’t know what you don’t know, and working for someone fishing the waters you plan to guide provides all kinds of information. Every fishery has its own etiquette and unspoken guidelines. Community is crucial, and paying your dues and earning respect goes a long way. Captains communicate about fishing on the water, and often, we are each other’s first responders. This same-team mentality is nearly currency. Beginning as a deckhand is difficult. Nobody wants to train you, yet you must be trainable. On your own time, practice skills like knot tying, bait rigging and net throwing. Veteran fishermen are usually happy to flex knowledge to those who ask for help humbly. No matter what you learn, be ready to have a captain you work for tell you it’s wrong. Adapt, and learn things their way. The expectations of deckhands are high, and everything on board will be their fault. You are expected to arrive early, stay late, come in on days off, anticipate your captain and clients wants, and do it on minimum salary. The biggest issue with new deckhands is they sometimes don’t show up. Finding a replacement at 6 a.m. is nearly impossible, and it affects the productivity of a charter. Being a fisherman takes a special kind of person. If can fish six days a week and still want to go out for fun on your day off, this job

may be for you. If you’re on the boat watching the clock, you won’t last long. Showing up to the dock consistently is a great way to make connections and get work. If you can’t find work, show up an hour before local charters head out. Walk the dock and ask if anyone had a no-show deckhand. If you do this consistently and pass out your number, eventually someone will call you. They will see you have the dedication to show up. Deckhands are also required to be on a drug consortium. Sign up and keep your paper with you. Lastly, if you hold a captain’s license and are working as a deckhand, make sure your “captain” has one too. You do not want to be held liable for someone else’s mistakes. Protect your future in the industry. If this is something you want to do, I highly recommend going for it. In 10 years, I have never regretted it or lost the smile it puts on my face. Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Sweet E’Nuf Charters, Marathon, Florida Keys. Captainquinlyn.com; @captainquinlyn; (504) 920-6342.

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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 1

TENNESSEE/KENTUCKY/ALABAMA

CAPTAIN JIM DURHAM FISHING

KY / TN FISHING REPORT

rovided by Captain Jim Durham, Owner StriperFun Guide Service, Laurel Lake, located Tennessee and Kentucky Walleye, Bass, Trout, Crappie and Muskie west of Corbin, Charters, Superbaittanks.com, Captain Jim Marine Electronics and Kentucky, is one of much more……

the top walleye lakes DATE OF REPORT: March 2024. Greetings to my readers! I hope that in America! Our the world finds you and your family doing well! Kentucky Walleye KENTUCKY MUSKIE CHARTERS - CAVE RUN LAKE Charters guide is The late winter and early spring muskie fishing on Cave Run Lake Fred Hoskins. He is in Morehead KY with Kentucky Muskie Charters produces fantastic a Federally and KY big muskie on many days and the occasional 25 pounder as well! We licensed guide who cast Captain Jim “Magic” glide bait lures concentrating on main creek have many years of channel points as well as long sandy flats with lots of “hiding place” fishing experience stumps. Our award-winning guide Bob Kisler can put you on huge fish! for walleye on Laurel We offer TENNESSEE MUSKIE CHARTERS – DALE HOLLOW LAKE Lake. both day and night Similar to Cave Ruin Lake, the late winter and early spring muskie fishing on Dale Hollow Lake produces fantastic big muskie on many days trips. The fishing is We with the chance of nailing a true giant of 40 pounds or better! On Dale phenomenal! fish live bait and jig Hollow, as the owner I handle the muskie charters. I troll handmade under lights on night antique lures (at least 100 years old) concentrating in the backs of creeks trips as well as troll in 20 foot of water or less following old roadbeds. and cast Captain KENTUCKY WALLEYE CHARTERS - LAUREL LAKE Jim “Walleye Magic” lures during day trips concentrating on where creek channels hit the river channel. 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 16 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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MARCH 2024

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 3

Part III from January & February Editions

Hey pal, could you help a guy with a few pointers??

________________ By H. Eddie Fields

watched as my new teacher selected a brand-new braided leader from his pack and attached it to the end of my fly line. He placed a lot of value on braided leader as he explained that it works best in tailwaters because of less drag and better presentation for dry flies. I didn’t realize it then, but the braided leader he gave me was four or five bucks even forty years ago. I still always fish braided leaders today and I am convinced I catch more fish because of it. He continued explaining why five, six, or even seven weight tippet (depending on conditions) are the best choices for tailwater fishing. He tied about a four foot section of tippet to the braided leader, and then tied on a size 18 pheasant tail nymph, as he asked if it looked like anything I had seen. Of course, I immediately recognized it as an exact match of the nymphs we saw earlier on the bottom of the rocks. We stepped out into the water as he schooled me on reading the water around ripples and runs and pointed where to make my first cast. On the third cast – BAM – I hooked and caught my first fish on a fly rod! Over the next few minutes, I caught two more nice browns, and on that day, a fly-fisherman was born! I was ecstatic and from that moment I was literally “hooked” for life. My new friend patted me on the back and seemed almost as happy as I was. I thanked him repeatedly, apologizing for taking up his day, but he seemed genuinely glad that he could help. A few minutes later we

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parted, as he went back up the path and we waived at each other, both hoping we would meet again someday on the river. Though we never did, over the years I made a promise to myself that if I ever became good enough at fly fishing, I would look for opportunities to pass it forward to anyone who wanted to learn to fly fish. All these years later fly fishing continues to be an important part of my life. I never forgot the lessons that I learned about fly fishing in 45 minutes from a man I had never met. He taught me more in those few minutes than I learned from all the weeks and months of studying and trying on my own. I set my sights to build on that foundation and continued to learn all I could about fly fishing. Forty-two years later, I am still learning, but what a journey it has been! I studied until I learned all I could about hatches and life cycles. I taught myself how to tie flies, (thank goodness for the internet and YouTube) and I experienced the pleasure of catching trout on a fly that I had tied myself. Over the years, I have even built my own fly rods and built and gifted several to my good friends. I have also been blessed to have developed lifelong friendships with several fly-fishing buddies. As I began to look forward to retirement, and my dream of building my retirement home on the river, I searched for property for almost eight years, keeping my eye on 12 acres on the Watauga River that finally came up for sale. Although it was way too expensive, I still didn’t hesitate, and

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we were able to purchase the property in 2015. In order to offset some of the cost of the property, my wife and I decided to build two cabins with a private entrance to the property along the river, and we opened Rocky Shoals Cabins on the Watauga in 2016. The cabins have been a great success and we have been blessed to have hosted people from all over the country. We especially cater to people who fly fish and we have met some fantastic folks from all over – and since we all share the same love of fly fishing, many of them have become much more than just guests to us – we count them as friends. I have tried to keep my promise and always give my guests any help or tips about fly fishing any time they ask. All of that also evolved into another natural business for us. Realizing there were no fly shops in our town of Elizabethton, I recently partnered with a friend and opened Rocky Bend Fly Shop in downtown Elizabethton. Our main focus is for the beginner fly fisherman, and we want to offer low-cost beginner gear, so anyone can experience the sport of fly fishing. In addition, next spring, we plan to begin offering fly fishing lesson on our property in the stretch of the river from the barn to below my cabins. Since I retired, teaching and helping others is my focus these days. I have been blessed to experience the pleasure of giving several of my cabin guests their first fly fishing lesson and being there when they caught that first fish on a fly rod. I count it a very special honor and a thrill. Of course, at the end of those days, I often think back, and I have come to fully understand how a fellow standing in the Watauga River felt forty two years ago when he patted a stranger on the back and said, “way to go man, good job!” And it all started with the humble, simple question, “Hey pal, could you help a guy with a few pointers?”

Closed Harvest Season for Striped Bass on Roanoke River in 2024 RALEIGH, N.C. (Feb. 9, 2024) – N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Executive Director Cameron Ingram recently signed a proclamation that closes the 2024 striped bass harvest season in the Roanoke River Management Area. The Roanoke River Management Area includes the Roanoke River and tributaries from the Roanoke Rapids Lake Dam downstream to the Albemarle Sound, including the Cashie, Middle and Eastmost rivers. Despite reductions in harvest over the past two years, the Roanoke River striped bass population continues to decline. In 2023, Wildlife Commission biologists observed the lowest abundance of striped bass in the Roanoke River on record during their spawning grounds survey. High mortality rates in recent years have also resulted in a persistent low abundance of older fish, which are important for population recovery. Low abundance and the impacts of high mortality have resulted in poor spawning success over the past six years, even in years when Roanoke River conditions were considered optimal for spawning. The Wildlife Commission is working closely with the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries to address declines in the Roanoke River and Albemarle Sound striped bass stock. N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries has already closed coastal waters to both commercial and recreational harvest of striped bass in the Albemarle Sound Management Area. Striped bass in the Roanoke River and Albemarle Sound Management Area have the most protection

H. Eddie Fields is a fly shop owner, author and life-long fisherman.

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Continued, see CLOSED HARVEST SEASON Page 6

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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 5

The Future

________________ By Perry Hensley Sr.

et’s get started by saying that this will not be a technique or a gear article. Instead, I wanted to speak about the future of our sport. We can’t talk future without involving our children and grandchildren in this conversation, and I will warn you all I shall include mine. Growing up I myself had a lot of time on my hands and thank you Lord above that my dad was a fisherman. I spent many hours as a kid/teenager on the water whether it was a small farm pond at my grandparents’ home, a stream, lake or river. We must not forget those people like Bill Dance, Jimmy Houston and Hank Parker that filled that gap for a lot of those children that did not have the advantages that I did. These guys were a big inspiration for all of us who had fishing in our blood. Every angler out there knows or has a child or grandchild or even a neighbor that spends too much time alone or occupying their days by playing a video game or scrolling through all the social media for their entertainment these days. I urge you to try to get them out there and get them interested in our sport. All of us live fast-paced lives now compared to previous generations and as anglers we mustn’t let that die. I’m guilty of not doing enough and I say shame on me for that. Our Lord saved me from a lot of trouble as a child by my dad putting the interest of fishing in my life, and I applaud all of those who have stepped up and took the reins and started that little spark that ignites a great passion in us to become the best angler we can be. Yes, God has given us the greatest playground he could with the outdoors, and its our duty as the old saying goes to pass it on. Let’s

face it, our lives are short enough, and I pray that my grandchildren, although being all girls, will look at me one day and thank me for making that effort and creating those memories together that will last long after I’m gone. Please share this recreation of peace with someone in this chaotic world we live in. As always God Bless and Tightlines, Perry Hensley Sr.

CLOSED HARVEST SEASON continued from page 5 they have had in the history of their management in North Carolina. “The Roanoke River has the only self-sustaining population of striped bass in North Carolina and the reductions in this striped bass population are concerning.” said Ben Ricks, Coastal Region fishery supervisor with the Wildlife Commission. “We are working cooperatively with the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries to try to improve the Roanoke River and Albemarle Sound striped bass population. While harvest restrictions are an important management tool, we are also stocking striped bass in the lower Roanoke River and Albemarle Sound and are looking into other factors that may be limiting striped bass survival.” Anglers can continue to catch and release striped bass throughout the spring despite no harvest season. The Wildlife Commission recommends that anglers use a single, barbless circle hook when fishing with natural bait or a lure with a single, barbless hook to reduce handling stress on fish that are released, which is a requirement from April 1 through June 30 when fishing in the upper Roanoke River above the US Highway 258 bridge near Scotland Neck. Signage will be posted at boating access areas along the Roanoke River to notify anglers of the closed harvest season. 6 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 7

Springtime Bass On The Fly _______________ By David Hulsey

pringtime in the South is one of the best times to go after the most popular gamefish in America, which is the largemouth bass! Fly rodding for bass is about as much fun as you can have! One of the reasons bass are so popular is the fact that everyone knows where there is a close to home pond, lake or river that contains a few of these battlers. Both largemouth and spotted bass are pretty aggressive and will readily attack a well-presented fly. When the water temperatures reach about fifty degrees largemouth will start moving towards and staging for spawning. Luckily for the angler they will start eating pretty much everything in sight. I usually concentrate on fishing a little off the shore in about five to ten feet of water getting the fly down in that zone where staging occurs. Using an intermediate or sink tip fly line will accomplish this easily and be more fun to cast than a full sinking line we sometimes use in winter. Fly patterns that work include bluegill type streamers, jig style crawfish, and worm flies. Bass are wanting high calorie content food so don’t be shy about throwing some large gawdy imitations. Bouncing or swimming these flies close to a bass’s face will usually result in a pickup. I like a good stiff eight weight not only to chunk out these bulky flies but also to set the hook hard enough to get it in there good and get the fish moving toward the boat. At that depth, tippet size of 12 to 20 pound test fluorocarbon should be used depending on cover and water clarity. Pre-spawn bass will be at their heaviest and your tippet needs to be big enough to handle the fish as quickly and efficiently as possible. Handle that big female as gently as you would a trout and she should be able to continue on the way to spawning like nothing happened.

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Water clarity in spring can run from fairly clear to downright muddy. The dirtier the water the brighter and noisier your fly should be. Tying a rattle into your bass fly pattern can really up your odds in the fish locating it in stained water. At about 55 to 60 degree water temperature the bass will move into shallow water to begin the spawn. I have mixed feelings about fishing for bass on the bed. The trout angler in me says not to specifically target those bass on the bed, but bass aren’t trout. Bass are a lot tougher than their cold-water cousins. A bass carefully handled and released at the same spot you caught her will usually swim right back to the bed and resume life as usual. The problem is the minute or so she is not on the nest bream or other baitfish might swoop in and eat some of her eggs. So that’s your call. When bass are this shallow, frog poppers, light weight worm or bait fish patterns fished on a floating fly line will get crushed around brush or logs along the bank. This is some of the most fun you can have on the fly! A fly rod is perfect for this situation. Seven or eight weight rods are my choice depending on cover density. You need to be able to move the fish away from cover quickly! If you are interested in learning how to consistently catch bass on the fly in all seasons we offer classes to get you tuned in. No experience or equipment necessary! We have all that for you to use. The bass class is done from our custom outfitted ClackaCraft Head Hunter skiff. We fish some great electric only lakes here in North Georgia and show you how to catch fish from top to bottom. Check out our website for more information. Let’s go!

Give David Hulsey a call at (770) 639-4001 to book a class or a guided trout trip. See his website at www.hulseyflyfishing.com 8 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 9

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA GREAT SMOKIES

Opening_____________ Day: A Fisherman’s Rite of Passage

By Matt Mittan

s I sit here, reminiscing over the countless fishing columns I’ve penned, one theme resonates deeply within me: Hope. Opening Day embodies that feeling more than any other. For anglers like me, it’s more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a sacred occasion, a rite of passage into the heart of why I even fish at all. Opening Day isn’t merely about casting lines and catching fish; it’s about rekindling a connection with nature, embracing tradition, and immersing oneself in the beauty of the great outdoors. Every year, as the anticipation builds, I find myself eagerly preparing for Opening Day with the meticulousness of a jeweler and the intensity of a doomsdayprepper. Tackle is organized, rods are meticulously inspected, and maps are scrutinized in search of the perfect fishing spot. There’s an undeniable sense of excitement in the air, an electric energy that courses through every angler’s veins as they gear up for the dawn of a new season. But Opening Day is also an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As I launch my canoe

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out onto the tranquil waters, I’m enveloped by the serene beauty of the wilderness, my senses awakened by the sights and sounds of nature. The crisp morning air fills my lungs, and the gentle lapping of the water against the boat soothes my soul, reminding me of the inherent tranquility that can only be found in the great outdoors. As I cast my line into the shimmering depths, I’m filled with a sense

Continued, see OPENING DAY Page 17

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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 11

Watching The Trends

______________ By Scott Norton

e are knocking on the door to the spring transition. It is the most important season to fish all year. This is the season that is split up into 3 separate seasons such as pre-spawn, spawn, and post spawn. It is good now to prepare for the tackle rush that happens each year. You will see that the most important baits and terminal tackle get bought up with no restock until after the season ends. If you find yourself needing supplies and everything is out of stock checkout your local bait shops. They usually know based off of the previous year’s just how much supply they need to serve the local community. If that did not work then now is a good time to learn new lures or techniques that will make you better or at least forcing you to think outside the box. As of now the bass can be slow and nonactive especially in the upper elevations. The trick for this is the warming trends. Bass will pull up to the shallows to feed or just to warm up in the sun. This makes them predictable and easy to catch. You can make your time count by making your trips planned around these trends. You can still catch fish on any given day, but the juice may not be worth the squeeze. It is all about stacking the odds in your favor. Do not forget to check your line from the previous season. I cannot tell you how many times I have gotten on a good bite and either I did not have enough line spooled on my reel or the line was bad from fraying or too much line memory. Rusty hooks are the next problem that leads to being out of the hooks you need. Take inventory of what you have, and your baits will have more time in the water which is the point to have

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success on the water. Be aware of the condition of your batteries. If you are on your third year with your batteries keep in mind they may be on life support if you have left them in your boat in the cold. You will experience the shortest trip you have ever had not to mention the trouble you have if you cannot start your main motor. On windy days this situation can turn into a dangerous situation leaving your boat on the rocks. Be smart be safe and have fun this season. Fish on! 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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MARCH 2024

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 13

CAPT. CRAIG HENSEL

hat’s going on guys? Captain Craig here with AWOL Fishing Charters. I apologize for not having an article in the last month’s edition. I am currently traveling and doing fishing expos at the moment. We have been all over from Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, Kentucky, and to finish up the season I will be attending the Greensboro NC show running the Bass Tub and helping at the Deep Creek Lures Booth. I will be doing doing a couple of seminars at Greensboro and also be at Lake Lanier and Canton Georgia in the month of March. If you guys are in the area feel free to come join us and talk fishing. I always look forward to meeting new anglers from all over and sharing tips and tricks of the trade. Visit awolfishing.net and reach out to me that way or shoot me a message on Facebook at AWOL Fishing Charters if you’re interested in attending or doing a meet and greet. Now down to business. I have had a little time to run a few trips between traveling for shows. The weather

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here in the Sandhills of Carolina has been funky. We have had below freezing temps and above average warm days all in the same week. The fish have been as confused as the National Weather Service. The crappie have not slowed down at all. We have been boating lots of 2lb crappie on just about every trip. We have been dragging live baits as well as vertical jigging on the Livescope to target the bigger crappie. The crappie on some days were suspended in about 8-10 feet of water but most of them have been 15-20ft down. Dragging live bait over those fish that are down 15-20ft can be hit or miss. The winds we have had have not been in our favor, but we find ways to make it work. I have found that throwing a drift sock to slow the boat while slow trolling in 10-15kt winds has been effective so long as you have a good trolling motor and a little skill to keep that boat from getting blown around side to side. We can’t pick the weather for the fishing trips as you know, so if you’re out fishing and things start to

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frustrate you don’t give up, stay in those fish. It typically pays off. Now if those lines tight and those drags set. We will see you on the next one! conditions become unsafe obviously get back to the ramp. But don’t get Captain Craig Hensel, AWOL Fishing Charters with discouraged due to the changing weather patterns. I see a lot of people Capt. Craig Inc. - 910-916-3138 around me pack it in and leave when the wind starts to pick up. So let’s talk a little bit about the catfishing recently. I have only run a handful of catfishing trips this past month due to traveling but let me tell you they have been on fire. We boated several nice blue catfish on those days. We are still in winter patterns but the transition in my opinion is going to be a little early. The American shad have already started making their way up the Cape Fear River for their yearly spawn and the striped bass and catfish are hot on their tails. We have been fishing fairly shallow anchoring the boat in anywhere between 2-15ft of water with rods topped with fresh cut gizzard shad on slider rigs. There have been a few flatheads caught this winter with a little size to them, but wintertime blues are more targeted than the flatheads here in Feb., although picking one or two up is not uncommon. If you’re interested in a catfish, crappie, striped bass, American shad trip give us a holler. I will have my feet planted back in NC by the end of March to get back on the grind as the fishing expo and show season comes to an end. Visit us online or give us a call anytime. Until next time, keep

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MARCH 2024

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 15

Spotted Bass Fun ______________ By Ronnie Parris

ey folks, I hope all is well with you and your family. I’m ready for some warmer days. Starting to see a few warm days mixed in, so now it’s time to start thinking about getting the kids out on the water. I’ve always said try to make sure they have a good time when you first start taking them. You just don’t want their first trips to be too cold or the fishing so slow that they lose interest. One great species of fish to start kids on are the spotted bass. Spots aren’t native to our mountain lakes but were stocked illegally in most

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.

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cases. These fish are either loved or hated. Not a lot of middle ground here. I’m one of the people that love the spots. They’re beautifully marked, hard-fighting and great table fare and most of the time really aggressive. With that being said you may ask what’s the downside well as soon as the spots got established the smallmouth numbers started to dwindle. A lot of people think they outcompete the smallmouth for food, but I don’t think this is true. The reason I think is they cross breed and the spot being a dominant gene usually takes over. In the last 10 years we’ve started seeing a lot of cross breed fish. This happens so much most local fishermen will release the smallmouth when they’re caught. As far as table fare I would put the spot up against almost any freshwater fish. Same goes for it’s ability to bend a rod. They are very versatile as to how you fish them. I’m a live bait man most of the time an tend to throw minnows, but the spots can be caught on a variety of artificial baits. My favorite is the Keitech swim bait. I can’t stress enough how effective this bait is, especially in May when the spots are up shallow spawning. A lot of my tournament fishing buddies will throw nothing but Alabama rigs when chasing spots. Jerk baits such as Rapalas ex rap work great and are so exciting to fish when fishing breaking fish. Jigs are the rage when catching spots around docks and riprap. Almost any lure can be adapted for the spots. So if the numbers are so high, what can be done to help the smallmouth out? Well the state has been trying different ways to help get control of the spot numbers. Latest rules allows for a no size or bag limit on the spots to try and lower their numbers. This seems to be working. That in

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OPENING DAY continued from page 10

combination with the bait explosion sure seems to be producing some bigger fish too. I can’t remember a time when we’ve caught as many big bass as right now. With all this being said if you want to have some fun an bring home some great tasting fillets try targeting some of these hard fighting spots. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. As always stay safe and take a kid fishing. 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.smokymountainoutdoorsunlimited.com; (828) 488-9711.

of anticipation and possibility. Each tug on the line sends a thrill coursing through me, igniting a primal instinct that harkens back to our earliest ancestors. In those fleeting moments, I’m transported back to a simpler time, a time when our connection to the land was unbreakable, and the rhythm of life moved in harmony with the natural world. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and serenity. But perhaps what makes Opening Day truly special is the sense of hope that permeates the air. Whether I’m fishing with friends or strangers, there’s an undeniable bond that forms among anglers as we share stories, swap tips, and revel in the joy of an anticipated catch. It’s a reminder that, in a world filled with division and discord, the simple act of fishing has the power to unite us all. As the sun begins to set on another Opening Day, I will find myself filled with a profound sense of gratitude – of this I’m sure. Gratitude for the opportunity to immerse myself in the splendor of nature, gratitude for the camaraderie of my fellow anglers, and gratitude for the timeless tradition that is Opening Day. For me, Opening Day isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s a celebration of everything that makes fishing not just a hobby, but an allegory for life. So as I pack up my gear and head out, I will carry with me the memories of other successful Opening Days, knowing that no matter what the future holds, I’ll always have the memories of this annual tradition to look back on—and hold hope that I will have many more to come. Because like I said, for anglers like me, Opening Day isn’t just a day; it’s a state of mind—one that fills our hearts with joy and our souls with a deep, abiding appreciation for the beauty of the natural world – and reacquaints us with hope.

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Matt Mittan is owner of Serenity Outdoors Guide Service and Owner of BizRadio.US. He also co-Hosts Matt & Michele Outdoors, an outdoor themed travel radio show. Learn more at MattMittan.com

MARCH 2024

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 17

About Time

______________________ By Capt. James McManus

arch....it’s about time. As old as I am I never wish away time, but it will be a blessing when the calendar flips over to March. Just saw Scotch broom blooming at my dad’s and crocus blades are just showing themselves, so it won’t be long now. Every month has something special I think except maybe August when even fish get tired of swimming around in bath water and you get just as wet out of the water as in. But that’s months and tons of good fishing away so let’s celebrate the here and now. Our fish are waking up and they’ve got things on their minds. Number one is procreation, and with that comes a desire to feed up to

support all the coming activities. Spots dominate my home lake of Fontana and there is not a more accommodating fish when they are preparing to spawn. Winter puts most fish deep and if you can locate them at times they

Continued, see ABOUT TIME Page 20

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MARCH 2024

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 19

ABOUT TIME continued from page 18 will bite but there is typically a short time period. If you miss that you may go home empty. As the water warms they move up permanently to the banks and extend their feeding times. They also are spreading out looking for spawning sites so instead of looking for specific places you can pick general areas and simply cruise the banks. The real advantage of their location is that now you can throw anything you like. Stick to areas near the headwaters, I like Alarka and the Tuckaseegee arms but smaller areas like Greasy Branch and Tsali can hold tons of fish. The water will still be down so you can get a good idea of the composition of the banks, and they may prefer one type over another but that can change based on the weather. Throw crank baits, drop shots, top water or my favorite, an eighth ounce jig head with a Keitech. Fish can still move up or down depending on conditions but keep searching and you should be able to catch. My buddy said this time of year makes master anglers of us all. Enjoy, be grateful, take a boatless friend and kids and let me know if you want to catch a few. 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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of the durin start t start t Fe tempe below been filling As there Fishin hatch a men speed Reme flies a Aft “swing to rise very p

SOUTH CAROLINA

Transition Time

___________ By Karl Ekberg

s spring pushes winter to the back burner for another year here at flies in the air and a few rises, switch to a dry fly and drift your fly to Chattooga River Fly Shop, spring rains and the warmer breezes these rising fish. Dry dropper rigs will be a great way to fish as well, with from the south and west warm our days. The water temperatures either the nymphs or emergers of the hatching bugs delicately drifting of the rivers start to rise and stay in the mid 40’s and climb into the 50’s along. during the day, which makes a day of wading a delight. As the waters Let’s not forget that streamer fishing is still very productive as well. start their warming trend, the first emergence of the may flies and caddis Lately with the colder water temperatures and higher water conditions, start to appear on the rivers. Continued, see TRANSITION TIME Page 24 February was kind in the rain and temperature categories, as temperatures were a little warmer than normal then took a dip down below average as we wrote this article. As far as rainfall, the rivers have been about average for winter time fishing with some big rain events filling the water table nicely. As everyone enjoys the “top water” dry fly fishing, let’s remember, there are a lot more fish feeding on nymphs and emergers “down under”. Fishing a tandem rig with a nymph and an emerger while awaiting the hatch will be very productive. Fishing these tandem rigs, a cast up stream, a mend of the line, and a “dead drift” is key. At times depending on the speed of the water, which is being fished, a couple mends are necessary. Remember there is no correct number of mends, only to make sure the flies are dead drifting is happening. After the flies have drifted past your stance on the river let them “swing” down-stream, and let your line straighten which allows the flies to rise to the surface, as the naturals do. Fishing flies on the “swing” is very productive and will reward you greatly. Once seeing a few of these

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MARCH 2024

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 21

Gearing Up for Spring Fishing

____________________________________________ By Capt. Cefus McRae, Nuts & Bolts of Fishing Series

he days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer and that means one thing. It’s time to go fishing! Whether you love to target bass or stripers in our freshwater impoundments…trout in the mountains…or toothy critters in the salt, in the next month or so everything will be turning ‘on’. Now, it’s possible you haven’t done much fishing since the fall. Your gear has been gathering dust for several months, and it’s probably in need of a little TLC before you start making hundreds of casts. And speaking of casts, take a good hard look at the condition of your rods, reels, and your fishing line. If your reel is spooled with monofilament that’s more than three months old…change it now. The last thing you want to deal with is trying to cast a “Slinky” of fishing line. Mono retains a memory and sitting on your spool over the winter has really created some nice coils. Take all the old stuff off, and then clean and lubricate your reel before you re-spool. If you spool up with braided line, consider ‘reversing’ it. You really

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only use about the top 15% of the line on the spool, so the majority of the line never sees the light of day. It’s virtually new line. Get double usage out of expensive braid by cutting off 10 or 15 yards from the top of the spool, then simply wind that line onto a new reel. The ‘used’ line will be on the bottom of the spool and you’ll have virtually new line at the top. Be sure to run it through a towel dampened with line conditioner like Line & Lure. Next, examine your rod for nicks in the blank. The new super fibers used for rod blanks offer sensitivity, strength, and hooksetting backbones. But if there’s a little nick in the blank itself, especially on the lower 1/3 of the rod, the stress of fighting a big fish could cause the rod to break. Not a lot to be done for repair, but at least you’ll find out now and can retire the rod before it fails on a good fish. Also, check your guides and the thread that holds them on. A nicked, worn or loose guide is pretty easy to replace.

Continued, see GEARING UP Page 24

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ge 24

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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 23

TRANSITION TIME continued from page 21

GEARING UP continued from page 22

sink tips or weight pinched on to the leader has been necessary to keep the streamers down in the water column. Many large fish have been caught in the delayed harvest sections of both the Chattooga and Chauga rivers using these on the dead drift & twitch technique, and by stripping the streamers back through the pools and seams. As the water temperatures rise and water levels decrease, floating lines will be adequate. As Spring emerges, so do many delicate plants along the riverside and the trek to the favorite fishing spot on the creeks, rivers, and streams. Staying on paths and established trails helps to maintain the existence of these plants, while it’s okay taking pictures and being adventurous, let’s also remember about hiking off the beaten path and be careful of what is being stepped on. Also let’s everyone take out a little more than we walked into the outdoors with and “Leave No Trace,” as we need the outdoors for generations to come.

Now take a peak in your tackle bag. It’s a mess isn’t it? Mine usually is. So dump everything out, including that moldy pack of cheese crackers, and start re-stocking. How many lures have rusty hooks? You have two choices. Replace the hooks or replace the lures. It’s probably time to replenish your swivels, weights, hooks, and beads. And I’ll bet there’s one or two spinnerbaits or skirted jigs that have ‘melted’ into the bottom of the box. If you own a boat, perform all your springtime maintenance on the engine and the boat itself. Change the oil, lower unit lube, water pump impeller, spark plugs, and add some fuel treatment to your gas tank. Top off your batteries and check your bilge pump as well as the clamps on all your thru-hull fittings. Of course, check all your USCG required safety gear like life jackets, throwable, and check the expiration date of your flares and your fire extinguisher. Give your trailer and winch some scrutiny, including wheel bearings, tire pressure, electrical harness, trailer lights, and the condition of your winch and strap. I know this sounds silly but check to make sure you still have a license plate and that you’ve got a current sticker on the tag. Last year, I discovered my tag was hanging on by just one bolt and it was loose. I would probably never have noticed it, until I was visually checking my trailer lights. While you’re on the boat, take a look at your anchor, anchor chain and anchor rope. Are they in tip-top shape? All your navigation lights working? Anything in your toolbox need replacing…like fuses, tape, rusty pliers, spare lamps, or the batteries in your voltmeter and flashlight? It’s really easy to over-look some of the simple things. The things we seldom use. But checking or replacing them now will insure you have what you need…when you need it. Take care of your gear, and it will take care of you. Tight Lines and Calm Seas, Capt. Cefus McRae

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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TIPS FROM A PRO

ISOLATED TARGETS FOR BIG BASS

TYLER WOOLCOTT

round the country, spring is either here or it is rapidly approaching. There is an amazing tip I want to share to improve your chances for catching big bass this time of year. In spring, bass flood into shallower areas of any lake. Whether that be a bank, pocket or a flat shallow area, they move shallow to start their transition and get ready to do their thing. They use any type of readily available cover to stage up and then eventually spawn. This takes a lot of the guesswork out of the search for where your next bite may come from. What I look for is isolated cover and structure. Types of cover that I look for differentiate from state to state and lake to lake, but the general concept is always the same. The more isolated the better! For instance, here in Florida, anything from a couple lily pads or a very small patch of vertical grass sticking up away from most of the other cover is the ideal spot for a big one to be sitting. In other areas of the country, it could be a single rock, a piece of wood or any kind of debris or cover that looks out of place. Shallow brushpiles near a spawning area that you find with your electronics are also an awesome thing to look for. Some of my biggest spring bass have come from something so obvious that most anglers

go right past it. Fish also often replenish on these places very quickly, so don’t overlook visiting the same piece of structure multiple times in a single day. One of my favorite things to do is cast to isolated lily pads. There could be two tiny little pads out in the middle of a flat on their own, and I might catch multiple fish off the same two pads by revisiting them throughout the day. I often pick apart these objects by dragging something slowly by or through the structure. Typically, a wacky-rigged weightless Senko or a very lightly weighted Texas-rigged stick bait are my go-to lures. When in Southern states that have some stain to the water, I stick with darker colors like blacks and blues or junebug. When the water is clear, I’ll go with more natural colors like a green pumpkin. You can keep your gear pretty simple, but remember you’re fishing around structure fish can wrap you around and break you off. Use heavier line. Try stepping up your leader size to 12- to 15-pound Seaguar fluorocarbon on a spinning rod, and use 15- to 20-pound when throwing a Texas rig on a baitcaster. The 13 have fun and be safe on the water. Fishing Defy series of rods are awesome and Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament affordable. I use the 7’6” MH for baitcasting angler and guide. Check out his website at rods and the 7’1” MH for spinning. www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com. Good luck out there this spring and always

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10 NATIONAL

MARCH 2024

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A PAIR OF WILEY X SUNGLASSES THROUGH MARCH!

n December, Coastal Angler and Suzuki teamed up to award one lucky reader with an extra special Christmas gift as part of the magazine’s regular contest drawings. Jeanette Harkin, of Edgewater, Fla., is now the happy owner of small, but feature-rich Suzuki DF2.5 outboard, which she plans to use on the inshore fisheries around Smyrna Beach. “I was super excited when I found out that I won, because we’ve been wanting to get a nice trolling motor for a long time,” Jeanette said. “It was an extra special Christmas present from you guys! Thank you again!!!” The Suzuki DF 2.5 weighs just 30 pounds, and the smooth, quiet and dependable engine is a perfect fit for the 16-foot Gheenoe Jeanette plans to put it on. She goes out frequently after whitefish, redfish and blue crabs on the Intracoastal near her home, and this little rig will be perfect for zipping around on the flats and backwaters. Coastal Angler’s current Giveaway drawing is for two pairs of awesome Wiley X sunglasses. These high-performance and stylish glasses will be just in time for all your springtime outdoor adventures. Go to Coastalanglermag. com, click the “Contest” tab, enter the drawing, and you could be sporting some free new shades on the water this spring. To enter, go to coastalanglermag.com/contest.

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MARCH 2024

NATIONAL 11

WHERE THE SUWANNEE & STEINHATCHEE RIVERS MEET THE GULF OF MEXICO

PHOTO BY DAVID HAY JONES

GREAT FISHING!

Jus an

By CAM Staff

YOU CAN ALWAYS FIND A BOAT RAMP

DIXIE COUNTY

VISITDIXIE.COM

REDFISH TIP:

THE GARRETT REDFISH DRAG

ere’s a quick redfish tip from Capt. Garrett Ross, of Miss Judy Charters out of Savannah, Ga. “While using a traditional adjustable style cork, adjust depth to allow the live shrimp to sit directly on the bottom. This means that your cork will be laying completely over on its side. Now, when the cold-water redfish decides to take the bait in its mouth, you will not know until the cork stands up right and starts to make way. It is suggested to reel lightly tight and allow the circle hook to do its job of lip hooking your redfish!” Capt. Garrett’s reasoning for the Ethan Long, 13, with a nice redfish caught effectiveness of his while fishing with Capt. Garrett Ross. technique is that a redfish has plenty of time to eat the shrimp and begin to swim away before the angler holding the rod even knows the fish is there. It might sound counterintuitive, but circle hooks have a way of coming unbuttoned when there’s an over-eager angler holding the rod. For more from Capt. Judy Helmey, visit missjudycharters.com. 12 NATIONAL

MARCH 2024

very saltwater angler knows the frustration of losing their hardearned catch to sharks. With a hard thump, that big, feisty cobia or snapper stops fighting and all that’s left to haul over the rail is a head. Those delicious fillets were donated to the taxman, and there’s nothing you can do about it. Well, it seems the U.S. Congress is at least willing to take a look at the issue of shark depredation, which is a shark hammering a fish on the line before it can be landed. The SHARKED Act is a piece of legislation working its way through Congress right now with bipartisan support. The bill is just a first step toward mitigating shark interactions with anglers, both recreational and commercial, but it’s one of those rare occasions when legislators might just come together. According to the American Sportfishing Association, shark encounters are increasing on all U.S. coasts. The Magnuson-Stevens Act of 2007—the sweeping legislation that gave us the decades-long red snapper fiasco in the Gulf of Mexico—has been successful, maybe too successful, in rebuilding populations of many shark species that were previously reduced by fishing. In addition to being frustrating to anglers, there is concern that sharks are negatively impacting fisheries, and there is already talk among fisheries managers of stricter regulations on anglers intended to offset or avoid shark interactions. With support from several sportfishing and conservation organizations, the SHARKED Act unanimously passed out of the U.S. House of Representatives, and at presstime it was headed to the Senate and potentially to President Biden to be signed into law. It would direct NOAA Fisheries to develop a task force to study the issue of shark depredation. The task force would be tasked with improving coordination and communication across the fisheries management community to identify research priorities and funding opportunities and make a plan to reduce shark/angler interactions. We can only hope this future plan puts limitations on the taxman and not on anglers.

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ravel the globe, without leaving home—with this set of the world’s five most popular pure silver coins. Newly struck for 2024 in one ounce of fine silver, each coin will arrive in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition. Your excursion includes stops in the United States, Canada, South Africa, China and Great Britain, and this is the first time the Silver Passport Set has included two coins with obverses featuring Britain’s King Charles III!

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Each of these coins is recognized for its breathtaking beauty, and for its stability even in unstable times, since each coin is backed by its government for weight, purity and legal-tender value. 2024 American Silver Eagle: The Silver Eagle is the most popular coin in the world, with its iconic Adolph Weinman Walking Liberty obverse backed by Emily Damstra’s Eagle Landing reverse. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the U.S. Mint. 2024 South African Krugerrand: The Krugerrand continues to be the best-known, most respected numismatic coin brand in the world. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the South African Mint. 2024 Canada Maple Leaf: A highly sought-after bullion coin since 1988, this 2024 issue is the FIRST Maple Leaf coin to bear the effigy of King Charles III. Struck in high-purity 99.99% fine silver at the Royal Canadian Mint. 2024 British Silver Britannia: One of The Royal Mint’s flagship coins, this 2024 issue carries the portrait of King Charles III for only the second year ever. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at The Royal Mint. GovMint • 1300 Corporate Center Curve, Dept. WRD374-10, Eagan, MN 55121

2024 China Silver Panda: China Silver Pandas have been collectors favorites since their introduction in 1983—noted for their heartwarming one-year-only designs highlighting the maturing of Panda cubs. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the China Mint.

SAVE with this World Coin Set!

You’ll save both time and money on this world coin set with FREE Shipping and a BONUS presentation case, plus a new and informative Silver Passport!

Just Released and AVAILABLE NOW!

These amazing, just released 2024 Silver Passport 5-Coin Sets featuring five of the most popular Silver Dollars from around the world are in stock now. Don’t wait. Order immediately and your 2024 Set will ship directly to your door. Secure your Silver Passport Set right now—while they last!

BON US Case!

2024 World Silver 5-Coin Set Call for Price + FREE SHIPPING

FREE SHIPPING: Standard domestic shipping. Not valid on previous purchases.

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SPECIAL CALL-IN ONLY OFFER Not sold yet? To learn more, place your phone camera here >>> or visit govmint.com/WRD

Asset Marketing Services, LLC d/b/a GovMint is a retail distributor of coin and currency issues and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. The collectible coin market is unregulated, highly speculative and involves risk. Prices, facts, figures and populations deemed accurate as of the date of publication but may change significantly over time. All purchases are expressly conditioned upon your acceptance of AMS’s Terms and Conditions (www.amsi-corp.com/terms-conditions); to decline, return your purchase pursuant to our Return Policy (www.amsi-corp.com/productreturn-policy). Keeping your purchase means you agree to the Terms and Conditions. © 2024 GovMint. All rights reserved.

Ultimate Roll-Up Fishing Skiff Inflatable Sea Eagle FishSkiff™ 16 The newly redesigned high pressure FishSkiff™ 16 is now lighter to carry due to the new ultra-light, ultra-strong construction that bonds two layers of reinforced PVC together. It also has a new patented, high pressure, inflatable, drop-stitch keel that provides better handling & control in open waters and rough conditions. Traverse 30 miles on a 3 gallon tank of gas and hit over 21 mph with just a 10hp motor!

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GRAND LAKE TO HOST

2024 BASSMASTER CLASSIC T

he field is set, and the grandest spectacle in bass fishing will be renewed for the 54th time from March 22-24. This year’s Bassmaster Classic will be held on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, with weigh-ins and festivities in Tulsa, Okla. Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees has more than lived up to its name. The 46,500-acre fishery provided some of the grandest moments in the history

of the event when Classics were held there in 2013 and 2016. Now the picturesque reservoir in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains will add to that grand lore when it again plays host the Super Bowl of Bass Fishing. As with past Classics held in Tulsa, daily weigh-ins will be held at the BOK Center in downtown Tulsa, with the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo across the street at the Cox Business Convention Center. Daily takeoffs will be held about 90 miles away at the Wolf Creek Park and Boating Facility on Grand Lake. During the first Tulsa Classic in 2013, former Elite Series pro Cliff Pace of Mississippi claimed a wire-to-wire victory during a frigid event when icy precipitation tested the toughness of the 53-angler field. In 2016, local favorite Jason Christie led Days 1 and 2 and seemed poised to earn his first Classic trophy until fellow Oklahoma pro Edwin Evers caught a five-bass limit that weighed 29 pounds, 3 ounces to claim a dramatic come-frombehind win. “The Grand River Dam Authority is excited to see the Bassmaster Classic make its return to Grand Lake in 2024,” said GRDA President and CEO Dan Sullivan. “Not only will the event provide a tremendous economic benefit to the region but it will once again showcase Grand Lake to interested audiences across the country. “GRDA places a high priority on caring for the natural resources under its control, and being a three-time host of the Bassmaster Classic reinforces Grand’s reputation as one of the nation’s top fisheries. GRDA is excited to once again support the Bassmaster Classic, which is known as a premier event and competition for anglers.” On last year’s list of 100 Best Bass Lakes by Bassmaster Magazine, Grand Lake ranked 17th in the Central Division. That marks the 11th straight year that the fishery has ranked in the Top 100. The field will include 56 anglers competing for a $300,000 first-place prize and a total purse of over $1 million. “Since its inception, the Classic has been a tournament that changes lives,” said B.A.S.S. Vice President of Tournaments Chris Bowes. “The payday is great, sure. But the opportunity to refer to yourself as ‘Bassmaster Classic champion’ for the rest of your life — there’s no greater clout in our sport.”

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Endless Adventure Awaits.

With more than 60,000 surface acres and 1,300 miles of shoreline, Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees is one of the largest outdoor destinations in Oklahoma. Located on the Grand River, the lake is hugely popular with boaters, fishermen, campers and anyone else who loves spending time in the great outdoors. Anglers are sure to have a blast searching for largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, channel catfish, bluegill and the rare paddlefish on Grand Lake waters. And Grand Lake’s shores are lined with so many unique attractions, shops, restaurants, state parks and casinos that seeing everything in one trip is next to impossible. There’s truly something for everyone to love in the Grand Lake Area!

HOME OF THE 2024 BASSMASTER CLASSIC! Discover all the fun things to see and do in the Grand Lake Area as well as places to stay, places to eat, festivals and more at

GrandLakeFun.com