The Angler Magazine | September 2022 | Great Smoky Mountains & The upstate Edition

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Drop Shot Gear: Picking the right setup for a drop shot doesn’t have to be too difficult. I like a rod around 7 foot with a medium or a medium heavy action like the 13 Fishing Omen Black 7’1M. Pair up a 3,000 sized reel with some 10lb. Seaguar Smackdown braid and a 10-lb. fluorocarbon leader. Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com.at

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The water can be a little warm this time of year, and it makes bass finicky. When the bite gets tough, a drop shot flat out gets bit. It catches fish everywhere I go, and every angler should have the technique in their arsenal.There are a few reasons a drop shot can out-perform other techniques this time of year. The first of these is because of how versatile you can be with it. I have thrown a drop shot around rock, wood, grass and even in completely open water. Smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass will all pick up a drop-shot rig, so it’s a great option regardless of what part of the country you fish or what species you target.Another factor that makes this technique excel when other things aren’t working is it’s effective on heavily pressured and sluggish fish. Sometimes getting these fish to bite calls for light line and a smaller profile bait. The dropshot rig consists of a fluorocarbon leader leading to a hook of your choosing then, below the hook, about 12 inches of line tied to a drop shot weight on the end. This creates a rig that keeps your bait up off the bottom and drives finicky bass crazy.

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There are a few different styles of baits you can use on the drop shot, depending on what your fish are feeding on. This is what I usually base my bait and color choices off of. I usually throw a small finesse worm like the 13 Fishing Joy Stick Ultra Thin or a baitfish-style bait like the 13 Fishing Vertigo minnow. Both baits are small in size and can really pick up some bites when the fishing is tough.Bait color is important, but I like to keep things fairly simple. I typically throw a green pumpkin or a black-and-blue worm style bait. For the baitfish-style lure, I stick with whites or natural baitfish colors. Remember, you are trying to be as finesse as possible to trick a bass that’s not hungry into biting, so something simple and natural will excel. This technique has worked wonders for me all across the country. From down South in Florida all the way up to New York, bass eat this rig up everywhere. Next time you’re on the lake and the bite is tough, downsize your presentation and drag a drop shot around. It will pick up a few more bites.

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Agiant snook should be on every angler’s bucket list. They’re big, they’re strong and they’re aggressive. Southern Florida boasts the most prolific snook fisheries in the world, and Capt. Patrick Smith, of Swamp to Sea Guide Service, operates in the heart of one of the best. Swamp to Sea fishes throughout Palm Beach County up to Stuart, Fla. At times, the snook fishing can be so good that the prospect is almost mundane for Capt. Smith. “If I’ve got clients who want to catch the snook of a lifetime, we’ll go out to the inlet and let them catch one or two. Then we’ll go do something else,” he said. “It’s cool to check a big snook off the list, but light tackle is moreCapt.fun.”Smith’s nonchalance about catching snook 35 to 43 inches long and up to 25 pounds is an attitude geared toward conservation of a species he loves. When big females congregate in the inlets to spawn around the full moons of summer, they are easy targets for anglers armed with big live baits like perch and croakers.

“They’re not smart fish. If they’re turned on, they’re going to eat. If they’re not, it may be five hours before they do,” he said. “But there’s going to be 30 to 40 minutes on the tide when those snook are eating. There’s not a lot of thought that goes into it. If one is interested, they all are.”

Throughout the summer, snook are catch-and-release-only to protect spawning fish. On the Atlantic side, snook harvest opens Sept. 1, with a 28- to 32-inch slot limit. Capt. Smith said the spawning pattern lasts well into September most years, but the big females are over the slot and must be released, anyway. He is more concerned with the beatings these fish take all summer long. His solution is to limit the number of fish he targets and to gear up heavy. Smith fishes 10,000 size reels on 50- to 100-lb. rods. He runs 80-lb. braid to a 60-lb. fluorocarbon leader and locks down the drag. The weakest link is an 8/0 thin wire circle hook, which is easier on the fish but must be changed out Heavyfrequently.gear combats a big snook’s propensity for bulldogging into structure. It also shortens the length of the fight to lessen the likelihood of fish succumbing to exhaustion or sharks. Smith said these large spawners can be 25 years and older. He urged anglers to handle them carefully for release and never to hold them vertically by their mouths.Ifyou’re looking for a snook to eat, there’s plenty of opportunity for that also. Between the moons some of the snook spread out to the bridges, docks and deep holes. The smaller, slot-sized males become more interested in feeding. Also, the mullet run will kick in toward the end of September. When mullet schools show up, everything from the fish to the anglers switch over to chasing bait. Contact Capt. Patrick Smith through his website www.swamptosea.com.

By Nick Carter

Before the Transition

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The Texas heat and drought are one for the record books and can make a day on the water unpleasant if you plan to stay much past noon, but there are some methods to help you be productive until things start to cool off. Many of the estuaries that were impacted by the floods are some of our deeper bay systems, and that is a good thing this time of year. Heading out early will greatly increase your odds and give you more time on the water while it is cool, relatively speaking. I have found these bays have been forgotten by some, and they’ve never been fished by those new to our sport, which makes for less crowds on the water. I target the deeper reefs in the upper stretches of the bay near the rivers. Locating new washouts can also pay off, and those are not on the maps or public knowledge, so doing a little recon before you head out on each trip can make for a more productive day.

As always, the jetties are a favorite. The high current and cooler Gulf water attract every fish species that swims in our bays and nearshore waters. It’s not uncommon to catch some offshore fish there as well; it happens every year.

Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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Work with what Mother Nature gives you. Here on the upper Texas coast, we’ve had about seven years of excessive rainfall which, in general terms, made some of our bays unfishable for most of that time. Due to excessive fresh water, those of us who like to fish where the tributaries enter into the bays had to seek new areas where the salinity levels were suitable for speckled trout. This year, things are back to normal, and we need to relearn old patterns and work with what Mother Nature is giving us.

LURESTAILKNOCKINOFCOURTESYPHOTO

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

Although the temps are still high, you can have a successful day on the water if you modify your techniques. Remember to apply sunblock before you leave the dock, wear appropriate protective clothing and drink plenty of water. Stay safe and have fun!

Although I prefer lures over bait, success rates lean toward live shrimp or finfish this time of year. Depending on conditions, these can be free-lined, Carolina rigged, or fished under a loud popping cork. A free-lined shrimp tossed near a granite jetty is a good bet on any day. Stepping away from the live version, cut mullet or shad can be winners for a big pull from a red, black drum or shark. A circle hook Carolina rigged on the bottom can entice those large predators to strike. This is a great method if you have kids aboard.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 1

SOUTH CAROLINA Lake Wateree

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2 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE SEPTEMBER 2022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

By Tim Kelley

If you’re looking for a quiet place to kick back & relax, or go fishing, Lake Wateree is the place for you! Wateree is located thirty miles northeast of Columbia, and is a twenty-one square mile reservoir covering Kershaw, Fairfield, & Lancaster Counties. It was developed in 1919, and is one of South Carolina’s oldest man-made lakes. The maximum depth is around sixty-four feet. There are approximately seventeen fish attractors managed by South Carolina DNR. The most popular fishing is largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and striped bass. Along with Lake Wateree State Park, there are numerous marinas that offer gas on the water, including some restaurants that can be accessed by boat. Please check out the website at

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 3 September in the Appalachians

Here in the southern Appalachiana, the month of September is one of transition. What I mean by this is there are several things taking place. Rain is seldom seen during the month of September. Most streams are running at their lowest levels of the year. Water temperatures are in the upper echelon of being too warm on many streams and most will be extremely clear. So, what does this mean for the fly angler?

James Bradley is an Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide. Call him at (706) 273-0764 or look him up at www.ReelEmInGuideService.com. Reel ‘Em In Guide Service operates as an Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Outfitter in North Georgia’s Historic High-Country region. They have been offering their services to fly anglers since 2001. They have permits for guiding in North Georgia and North Carolina, offer over 7 miles of private trophy waters across Georgia, and operate float trips on the Toccoa River in GA and the Tuckasegee River in NC.

By James Bradley

For those of you willing to head up high into the mountains, here are a few things to keep in mind: stealth, observation, and cover. You simply cannot catch a trout that you have spooked. Low water conditions require tactics like stealth in your approach. Clumsiness, stumbling, stepping on a limb that breaks underwater, or even up on the bank prior to entering the stream, wading too fast, talking too loudly, allowing studded boots to slip causing the grinding effect, or allowing rod guides to reflect sunlight off them during a cast - these are just the little things that handicap the fly angler. Keep in mind that trout have superior senses like eyesight, inner ear for hearing and even a lateral line for sensing vibration. Observation is a key component to know what is going on and where the trout are. Having a good pair of polarized glasses can help in seeing a trout’s behavior. Observe the stream from a high bank by staying low to the ground or from behind an obstacle like a tree to hide your presence. Take five minutes to inspect the stream for insects, rising trout and your approach. It is much easier to learn what is going on at this time than while fishing. Be observant, it will pay dividends in the long run. Use cover for your benefit. Use any large boulder, shade, or even a log to help hide your presence. Most of our mountain streams descend quickly leaving white water to our front as we move upstream. Use the white water for your advantage as cover. These little things should increase your hookups. Keep in mind that Labor Day will bring the last of the State’s put and take stockings for the year on most streams. We help anglers of all ages catch their personal best, or a trout of a lifetime! If you are a beginner wanting to learn how to fly fish, we have a great staff of instructors who are schooled in the art of fly fishing. One of the best ways to learn about fly fishing is to spend time with those of us who are professional full-time guides. Don’t forget to ask us about our float trips. Currently, we are doing floats on the Toccoa Tailwater. She has been producing well on our early morning trips. We are the only Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide Service in North Georgia’s Historic HighCountry region. Reel Em In has been offering their services to fly anglers since 2001. They have permits for guiding in North Georgia and North Carolina, offering over 6 miles of private trophy waters across Georgia, and operate drift boat trips on the Toccoa River in GA and the Tuckasegee River in NC.

Lake Edwin Johnson is a 40acre fertilized lake located at the end of State Road 359 off SC 295 between Spartanburg and Pacolet. When Lake Edwin Johnson reopens in 2024, it will offer fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, bluegill, shellcracker and catfish.

“Despite the setback, SCDNR remains committed to maintaining Lake Edwin Johnson as a high-caliber fishery for South Carolina anglers,” said Ross Self, SCDNR freshwater fisheries chief. “Dam improvements are scheduled to be completed by late fall 2022, at which point we will focus our efforts on re-stocking the lake with bream, bass and catfish.”

Lake Edwin Johnson will be closed to fishing until July 1, 2024. Until the lake reopens for fishing, anglers may want to visit Lake Craig in Croft State Park in Spartanburg and Jonesville Reservoir and Lake John D. Long, both in Union County.

An unintended drainage of Lake Edwin Johnson, a public fishing lake in Spartanburg County, killed all the fish in the lake, but the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) says the unfortunate accident will not deter the agency from greatly improving the popular fishing area.

in Lake Edwin Johnson

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4 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE SEPTEMBER 2022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM Drainage Failure Causes Fish Kill

The unintended draining of the lake occurred as the Lake Edwin Johnson dam and dam safety and resilience. The water level was scheduled to be lowered by about 10 feet, to allow work on the dam, but on Aug. 8, system failures resulted in complete drainage of the lake and the subsequent fish kill.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 5

Waiting For Fall Bugs

September rolls in with Labor Day Weekend, college football, a taste of fall in the air, and a crisp cool breeze in the mornings as the first cast is made. Kids both young and old are now back in the full school schedule, and there is some solitude during the mid-week from the hustle and bustle of summertime on the watersheds. A small dip in temperatures in August, gave us a little hope that fall is not far away. A couple of nights that the temperatures dropped into the high fifties, added some afternoon thunderstorms, and the rivers here are actually in good shape headed into the Fall season.

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.

6 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE SEPTEMBER 2022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Folks have had good fishing trips on the Chattooga and Chauga rivers, fishing for the Red-eye bass and pan fish. Fishing top water has seemed to produce many fish to hand, a day. Using top water poppers and terrestrials has proven to be a great day on the water. Small streamer patterns have proven themselves as well, when the top water bite subsides. Fishing for trout has been good, with all of the summer rains we’ve been blessed with, and the fall fishing for trout will get much better as we receive the cooler fall temperatures, and the water temperatures start cooling towards the high fifties. As we look forward to the cooler temperatures of the fall season, we will start to see the emergence of the first of the “fall bugs”. The rocks in the rivers are loaded with very small dark nymphs as well. Try swinging the larger emerger imitation or a heavy nymph with a smaller nymph dropper, through the riffle areas of the river and into the heads of the pools. As daytime temperatures heat up, the fish will move further into the depths of the rivers, so getting a bit deeper with a heavier front fly or a pinch of split shot will help greatly. The streamer bite is always a great option, as many small baitfish cruise the banks casting patterns mimicking these fish will result in a great day on the river. Early fall is a great time to knock off the rust, if the fly rod has not been picked up for the summer. A guided trip for a half or full day, new fly line, any of the necessary gear, or the flies to have a successful day, and some of the local information of where to go is what we are all about. We hope to see everyone in the shop or out on the rivers, and let’s all remember to take a little more out of the rivers than we walked in with!

By Karl Ekberg

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 7

8 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE SEPTEMBER 2022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

The Myrtle Beach Area is a Natural Wonderland

By Julie Ellis

Horry County has both saltwater and freshwater fishing, thanks to the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, several inlets, and the Waccamaw River. With easy access to the water and great amenities, anglers of all levels can expect an amazing fishing experience in the greater Myrtle Beach area. Fishing charters and pier fishing are available through multipleCalabashvendors.Fishing Fleet offers charter boats, deep sea fishing, inshore, offshore, and Gulf Steam charters. If inlet fishing is for you, try Captain Smiley Fishing Charters! The happy captain offers some of the best gulfstream fishing trips available

The Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, area is home to some of the most bountiful natural beauty in the United States, and its temperate climate allows visitors to enjoy nature year-round. From hiking and bird watching in state parks to kayaking, fishing off piers, or booking a charter trip, there is much to discover and appreciate in the Myrtle Beach area’s great outdoors.TheGrand Strand region offers two state parks, Huntington Beach State Park and Myrtle Beach State Park. Both offer beach access, pier and surf fishing, hiking, bird watching, interpretive centers, and more!

Blue Wave Adventures out of the Crazy Sister Marina utilizes a 30-foot RAIV (Rigid Aluminum Inflatable Vessel), the Osprey, to take visitors deep into the most remote areas of the pristine ecosystem and then launch their inflatable kayaks from the boat. The Osprey serves as a “Mothership” for the kayak guides and provides adventure seekers remote experiences to see rare nature and wildlife.

Myrtle Beach area’s 60mile long beach is packed with dynamic attractions, but there are also plenty of activities that allow guests to slow down, relax and explore the region’s natural beauty. From the ocean to the many inlets, the Waterway or our rivers, various water activities exist for those with an adventurous and eco-minded spirit.

Voyager Deep Sea Fishing & Dolphin Cruises also provides private charters and deep-seaCrazyfishing.SisterMarina is located in beautiful Murrells Inlet, just south or Myrtle Beach, and it is a great place to find fishing charters for inshore/near shore, deep-sea fishing, shark fishing and a public headPierboat.fishing is a great way to enjoy the sun and the ocean and still catch dinner! There are several pier options along the Grand Strand, including the Apache Pier, the longest wooden fishing pier on the east coast! You can also check out Cherry Grove Beach Pier on the north end and Pier 14, which is in the heart of Myrtle Beach and includes a fantastic restaurant and amazing views! Also in Myrtle Beach, you’ll find the Second Avenue Pier, famous for its wide variety of catch--everything from finger mullet to flounder to Spanish and king mackerel, and even barracuda. The Surfside Beach Pier is currently being reconstructed and will be open thisThefall.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 9 on the Grand Strand for grouper, snapper, jumbo bass, triggers, and more. Guests can fish inshore sounds, inlets, tidal creeks, and near-shore wrecks. Also in the North Strand, there’s Hurricane Fleet and Little River Fishing Fleet, the area’s leaders in head boat and deepsea fishing charters. Located in Calabash, NC, their port is the closest to the ocean in the area, allowing for more fishing time and less riding time.

There’s no shortage of things to do in the Myrtle Beach area for outdoor-minded visitors and fishermen! Not just a tourist hub, Myrtle Beach is an exquisite area for outdoor adventure, education and relaxation. For additional information on the Myrtle Beach area, visit www. VisitMyrtleBeach.com.

Black River Outdoors and J & L Kayaking offer guided eco kayak tours that showcase an enchanting side of the Grand Strand that most visitors to the Myrtle Beach area miss completely.

10 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE SEPTEMBER 2022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

By Matt Mittan

Ireceived an unbelievable - and wholly unexpected - blessing recently. One that, quite honestly, got me pretty emotional. And I need to say some thank you’s. But first... I had recently been told that Honorably Discharged Military Veterans can receive a free day pass to National Parks, with proper documentation. I served 8 yrs Active Duty Air Force, including as a Medic during the first Gulf War with the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing out of RAF Lakenheath, England. I’m proud to have served my Country, but beyond that, I don’t talk about my experiences too much - unless it’s with fellow Vets. But this was an offer I was happy to accept while on vacation back to Maine. So I stopped in at the Schoodic Campground of Acadia National Park to get a day pass. I wasn’t really prepared for what happened next. When I gave the Park Ranger my Veterans Administration ID they looked up and said, “It says on here that you’re ‘service connected’.” I said, “Yes. That’s correct.” She put down the ID, looked me dead in the eyes, reached across the counter to shake my hand and very genuinely - and gratefullythanked me for my service and sacrifice.Most of you probably don’t know this about me but when I was younger, I wanted nothing more than to be a Park Ranger. Wildlife Officers were, and are, heroes to Growingme. up on Frenchman Bay in Maine every summer, I was heavily influenced by the full time resident Ranger of the State Park right next to our family homestead. He always took the time to talk to me about fishing, about the outdoors, about the wildlife of the area and about the science of good stewardship. He outworked everyone but also had a comforting laugh that never forgot to soak in the splendor around him. And he could outfish me 8 days a week! Something no one else could do. What I didn’t mention was that he only had one arm. He would cast out his line then tuck the butt of the rod up under the knob of his armless shoulder and then quickly twist his upper body to work his lure, while reeling with his one hand. His hook sets wereHeepic.made me dream of one day wearing a Ranger uniform. So, every time I see a wildlife officer, I see him too. That’s not the only reason why the gesture toward me at Acadia hit me so personally though. For those that don’t know, “service connected” is the term used by the VA to identify people who suffered injuries that caused a permanent disability of some sort, while serving in military uniform. For me, it’s my knee. It’s darn near useless. But other than it being on my Veterans ID Card, I don’t bring it up. I don’t see myself as “disabled”, just “mobility impaired”. I work through it just like my Ranger teacher did. He never complained once, so neither do I, but this Ranger knew exactly what that phrase on my ID meant and zeroed in on it - and on me. That’s when I got the big surprise, she informed me that officially designated “Disabled Veterans” get a Lifetime AllAccess Free Pass to ALL National Parks and Federal Recreational

An Unexpected Blessing

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 11

Schoodic Point, Acadia National Park, Maine. Photo by Matt Mittan Lands. That’s more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies! As she prepared my Pass, she thanked me again. I didn’t know what to say other than a shocked series of thank you’s.Another thing that some of you may not know about me is I’m an unofficial understudy of Jon Muir. He is often referred to as “The Father of The National Parks”. If you’ve been enjoying my writings of late, look him up. He’s the master naturalist, the bar that has been set on how to write about nature’s bounty of blessings. I am more than just a fan of the National Parks, I am a passionate believer in their purpose. So let me bring this back around to where I began. Thank you! Thank you to every American who’s taxes help pay for the preservation of our wild areas. Thank you to every American who helps to give an amazing gift like this Life Pass to a simple Veteran like me. And thank you to our Wildlife Officers and Rangers who devote their lives to making sure our great-grandkids have natural beauty to enjoy and be humbled and inspired by. Looks like I’m going to be doing a LOT more writing, about a LOT more places.

Matt Mittan is the Owner of Serenity Guide Service out of Asheville and is Co-Host of “Matt & Michele Outdoors” travel radio show.

From to Scott Martin, Scott Canterbury, James Watson, Jacob David Dudley, Fred Roumbanis, Mark Rose, David Fritts

The United States Angling Confederation and Capital City Lake Murray Country will host the 16th annual 2022 Black Bass World Fishing Championship in Columbia, South Carolina on Lake Murray. The event will take place October 16th-22nd 2022. The venue of Lake Murray is a world class bass fishery proven many times by the number of top-level professional bass tournaments hosted there. The southern charm of Columbia, SC and the surrounding area will welcome all international attendees and provide many cherished memories.Santioned by FIPSed International Federation of Fish Sports Freshwater. Call for captains with bass boats! Here’s your chance to participate in the 2022 Black Bass World Championship by driving your bass boat with a team ‘pair’ from launch to weigh-in. Fun and adventure doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Plan your night out with our guide to nightlife in the Midlands. For more information www.lakemurraycountry.com.visit The Black Bass World Championship is coming to Lake Murray Country!

Meet Team USA

left

Wheeler Bottom:

12 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE SEPTEMBER 2022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Save the date:

right. Top:

By McSwain

Mike McSwain is from Charleston, SC but maintains residence in Columbia, SC on the Broad River. He guides for smallmouth bass on the Broad as water levels allow - usually from late spring through November

Gateway To Fall

Mike

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 13

Here in South Carolina, September is the gateway to the fall. The magic day of September 22 is upon us. It’s day ONE of Seriousfall. smallmouth stalkers agree; fall is a great time for catching large smallmouth…One reason is that the end of summer - beginning of fall is almost always a low water period. Low water on rivers gives anglers a much better vision of where eddies, current breaks, rapids, and boulders are located. Low water also helps us identify streambed features, such as sand, gravel, shells, and depth Findingcontours.where fish are located means even more in the fall since these fish group up more tightly in cooling conditions. They are not as scattered. Fall is the time when we don’t just find a fish, we find a school of fish. And keep in mind that smallmouth generally school by size, so when you find a good bite, be patient and work your targets. Don’t be surprised if, thirty minutes later, you have a 15-pound bag of smallies! The Broad River’s temps in the hot summer are typically 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lake water. At the outset of fall, water temperatures are approximately in the mid 70’s. With the appearance of cooler weather, the water temperature doesn’t immediately plummet, but it does begin to cool. A few days of cooling water and there’s a great chance of increased feeding by these river smallmouth. When fall does arrive, the window here is quite wide. The water temp typically stays above 50 degrees well into December. I am reminded of a former client, Mark Bizacco. He hired me about three times a year, but always in October. He knew how tactics change in the fall and it fit his fishing style. On one of our best days we began fishing with air temperature in the mid 30’s. It took him about thirty minutes to catch a four-pounder on a buzz bait, and he caught four trophy fish that day. I also recall watching an instruction video with Stacy King crushing big bass in a Colorado highland reservoir on buzz baits with air temps in the low 30’s. The lesson is: don’t assume the fish are too cold just because YOU are. Last, topwater works well in the fall, and I don’t meet ANY fishermen who don’t like topwater bites. The YoZuri Popper and the Berkley Bullet Pop are solid choices, as are the classic walking baits (such as the Lucky Craft Gunfish and the Heddon Spook). Also take a good supply of spinner baits. The Mepps gold, silver, and black blades consistenly work. Plus introduce the jerk bait, which is always a good choice in cooling water, given decent clarity. I’m hoping a lot of you get out to fish more in the pleasantness of fall. It marks a stark contrast to summer heat and colors. Tight lines everyone!

Captain Jim’s StriperFun Guide Service

14 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE SEPTEMBER 2022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM EAST TENNESSEE AND KENTUCKY

Marine Electronics and much more…DATE OF REPORT: September,Greetings2022to my readers! I hope that the world finds you and your family doing well! STRIPER FUN GUIDE SERVICE

September and October are great months to fish! Come see us!

STRIPER FUN GUIDE SERVICE ON THE CLINCH RIVER

Captain Jim’s StriperFun Guide Service Clinch River Adventures in Tazwell Tennessee. The Clinch River rises in Virginia, and flows southwest into TN. We fish the upper Clinch River above Norris Lake, near Tazewell TN. StriperFun guides use huge gizzard shad for bait. We also catch big Stripers casting a variety of artificial lures!

Report

Cumberland River Adventures in northern Tennessee delivers monster Stripers. The smallest fish we generally catch daily is over 3 feet long! These fish mostly eat high protein Rainbow Trout and also fight the current all day, making them much heavier and stronger than “lake” fish. The TN State record is 66 pounds and was caught right where we fish! Tennessee allows the use of Trout as bait. Trout (known as “Striper candy”!) is the ultimate Striper bait! When a big river Striper comes after a Trout, the Trout will be tail dancing all over the surface trying to get a way. Sometimes the “dance” will last half a minute (as you watch the big predator circling the prey!) until the Striper finally gets the Trout then its “Kabam!”; the rod gets yanked down and the reel is screaming! This fishing is not for the faint of heart! These big fish hit like freight trains, making long powerful runs in the constantly flowing waters of the river! We use large rods, heavy duty reels, 50-pound test line and titanium hooks!

StriperFun offers day trips on the Clinch River year-round (weather permitting). Your limit is 2 fish a piece, 24 inches or longer. Catch and release is allowed. 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 USCG and State licensing and insurance, all guides who take Captain Jim’s clients (13 guides on 12 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.

Captain Jim - KY Fishing

Owner StriperFun Guide Service, Tennessee and Kentucky Walleye, Bass, Crappie and Muskie Charters, Superbaittanks.com, Captain

By Captain Jim Durham Jim ON CUMBERLANDTHERIVER

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16 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE SEPTEMBER 2022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

There are a variety of options and homebrews for bait, but the most common are waste cheese, cut-bait, dog food, soap, and soybean meal. The bait should be placed in a mesh bag to keep trapped fish from eating the bait too quickly. A well-placed and well-baited slat basket will easily pack a cooler.

Hank Williams Jr once immortalized running a trotline as a rite of passage for rural culture (among other pursuits). Trotlines are pretty simple, consisting of a mainline attached to the bank or a float with baited droppers every few feet. Trotlines are chiefly used to catch catfish, but anglers should be prepared for a little bit of everything. Trotlining is one of the few “methods other than” where gamefish may be kept according to local limits. Any meaty bait normally used for catfishing works for trotlining as long as it is durable. Nickel to quarter-sized chunks of cut bait is ideal, but anglers can opt for larger hooks and larger baits if they want to target big fish. Any type of hook is legal, but experienced trotliners go with a size 2/0 – 4/0 circle hook or a straight shank to decrease costs. Most trotlines have at least 210 pound braided nylon with a 150 pound dropper. Although a modern addition, heavy duty swivels attaching each dropper to the mainline will allow hooked fish to spin rather than tangle. Some trotlines are fished suspended in the water column, but this takes a little more practice and adds to the cost of the setup. An angler cannot exceed 100 hooks at a given time, whether that is on single or multiple trotlines, and droppers must be at least 24 inches apart. Trotlines can be tied to the bank or attached to a float; however, each trotline has to be marked/ tagged with the owner’s name and address or TWRA identification number. Trotlines cannot be used within 1,000 yards of a dam or 100 yards from the mouth of a river, creek, or slough. Trotlines must be checked at least once per day, but a good spot will yield buckets full of catfish in a morning or afternoon if you don’t have time to run a trotline camp like they did in the old days.

Methods Other Than Rod and Reel

Regulations state that in order to allow smaller fish to escape, there must be at least four openings in the catch area measuring 1 ½ inches by 6 inches long. Instructions on making baskets can readily be found online, or they can be purchased from tackle shops for under $100. Slat baskets cannot be used within 100 yards of the mouth of a river, creek, or slough. Regardless of where anglers get their basket, anglers can only fish one at a time, and a metal slat basket tag must be purchased annually from TWRA. Most slat baskets are used to catch catfish, but will catch redhorse and other suckers as well. Only nongame fish and catfish species can be harvested from a slat basket.

Fish traps are perhaps the oldest method of fishing, while ancient cultures used several types of fish traps, the slat basket (or slat trap) is one contemporary still used in Tennessee and that remains commercially available. Slat baskets can be constructed from wood, cane, or modern plastic materials. The design is fairly simple, with one end acting as a throat to funnel fish into the other end called the catch area.

Tennessee has a long history of fishing that does not necessarily involve traditional bait and tackle. We often imagine the modern angler with an expensive boat or hundreds of dollars invested in waders, not to mention the garage full of gear. However, when times were simpler, anglers fished to put food on the table using whatever means they could. Many of these methods were developed before reservoirs altered Tennessee’s landscape. River fishing was all that was available, and anglers pursued abundant fish like suckers, buffalo, and catfish. Some of the more notorious methods including the use of explosives, poisons, electricity, or firearms, have since been banned to protect fish populations, the public, as well as the angler. In recent years, some primitive approaches like archery and hand grabbling have returned to popularity. Many legal methods are still available for the Tennessee sportsman wanting to broaden their tackle box. Since these techniques enable the angler to harvest large quantities of fish in a single trip, the use of these devices are more strictly regulated than typical fishing gear. For the sake of brevity, this article will focus on just a few methods other than rod and reel.

SLAT BASKETS

SNAGGING Each year, massive schools of fish congregate on the swift and clean river shoals in an effort to produce another generation of offspring. Spawning runs normally start with the first big rain event in February and can last until early May. Most rivers produce a healthy run of native redhorse, suckers, and buffalo, but the best will be so plentiful you would think it possible to walk across their backs to the other bank. Snagging, the process by which Officers removing an illegal slat basket, 1951. seeFisherman catching a freshwater drum on a trotline, 1937.

Continued,

METHODS Page 22

TROTLINES

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By Stephen Tomasovich

18 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE SEPTEMBER 2022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Bead Shy

TO BEAD OR NOT TO BEAD, THAT IS THE QUESTION… I started tying flies shortly after I got serious about the sport of fly fishing. I remember an accomplished angler told me to limit my use of gold beads. Theory being that trout over the years had seen so much of that color they were “shy” to gold. During that time, tungsten beads were just being introduced, and most flies that had beads used brass. The highest percentage of these seemingly used gold brass beads so it made sense to me that fish might shy away. After all, the top bass anglers always taught us to “show them something new”. Fast forward several years and we have so many bead choices. All types of colors, shapes, mottled, painted, and metallic are available.

The popularity of euro-nymphing has magnified the use of Tungsten beaded flies. In fact, I don’t ever really use split shot anymore, regardless of what fishing style I am utilizing. So, is it possible that trout have become “bead shy”? Are there times that the best option is a good old fashioned lead wrapped nymph with a thread head? I think there are at least two circumstances that this may be the case.One is in areas where fish are pressured and see a lot of flies. The guides I use at my fly shop fish this type of water most of the time. We have had several days where the fish refused to eat anything with a bead on it but were often fooled with non-beaded flies. The second area I see this happening in is slower water, especially deeper pools. Wiser fish will take note of the sink rate of your offerings. While we usually strive to get down to the strike zone as quickly as we can, there are times that the slow descent will induce more strikes. Fish can be more likely to come up and eat a natural slowly sinking presentation than hang low and eat a fly with a lot of weight. The bottom line is, you should be carrying some beadless flies. Consider tying or buying some flies with lead wraps. Another option is to hide the bead in the thorax on flies. Some truly unweighted flies (especially soft hackles) are also a smart bet at times, and there is nothing wrong with using split shot to submerge them…even when euronymphing. Hopefully, if you don’t tie, you have a fishing buddy who doesn’t mind spinning you up a few. If you can’t find the flies you are looking for, reach out to me and I will point you in the right direction. Fish on! Big T Stephen “Big T” Tomasovich is the owner of Big T Fly Fishing, Outfitter and Ecommerce Fly Shop. Visit them at 106 Grand Ave, Suwanee, Georgia, or look them up online at bigtflyfishing.com

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20 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE SEPTEMBER 2022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Irecently made my annual trip to the western United States, fishing for trout. This time around, I went to a new locale, a fishing lodge on the North Platte River in Wyoming. Rather than taking air transportation with its hassle of airports and crowded flights, I like to drive via automobile.

Fishing Across America: Revisited

By Andrew A. Cox

Traveling through seventeen states in making the round trip from Georgia to Wyoming requires several days driving time. In my travels, I have always been one to look over highway bridges that cross over on-route waterways. On this particular trip, I crossed over many waters within the continental United States. The United States is a vast country with varied landscapes, terrain, and climate. Varied waters are found to include brooks, springs, streams, farm ponds, rivers and both natural and man-made lakes of multiple sizes. My thoughts are that it would be nice to sample these various waters and the fish species inhabiting them. Some of these waters have fish species not found in our local Southeastern waterways.Myson, his spouse, grandson, and a friend accompanied me on this trip and shared in the driving duties. To pass time in the automobile, as we traveled through a state or observed a particular body of water, I would look up fishing opportunities and descriptions for the state’s waterways. The internet still amazes me with the wealth of information available through this technological medium. There is much information describing fish species to target, fishing techniques, water access, and optimum time of the year for fishing bodies of water within each state.

Dr. Andrew Cox is a contributing writer to outdoor publications and newspapers. His writing interests specialize in angling and travel, human interest, and general fishing technique oriented topics. He is a member of the Georgia Outdoor Writer’s Association. He has been fishing the waters of Georgia, Alabama, and north Florida for over forty years. He has also fished the waters of most states within the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, and several Caribbean islands. He enjoys fresh and saltwater fishing for bass, bream, crappie, trout, redfish, and speckled trout using fly, bait casting, and spinning equipment. Dr. Cox financially supports his fishing habits as Professor Emeritus at Troy University, Phenix City, Alabama. He may be contacted at andrewtrout@aol.com.

Over the course of my travel to Wyoming, I was particularly impressed with Lake Barkley, Kentucky Lake, and the Land between the Lakes region of Tennessee and Kentucky. These are large lakes with good fishing for a variety of warm water species as well as other water and land based recreational opportunities. On several occasions, I crossed over the Missouri River as we traveled through Missouri and Nebraska. This waterway ranges from a large river surrounded by high limestone bluffs to a flat urban waterway. In Nebraska and Wyoming, we viewed various portions of the Platte River. This river has fish species ranging from high caliber trout fishing in Wyoming to warm water fishing throughout Nebraska. I was also intrigued with South Dakota’s fishing opportunities. As I spent several days in Wyoming fishing, I was able to sample a variety of waters within this state. Wyoming with its varied terrain and climate has diverse waterways ranging from muddy to clear streams and rivers as well as lakes suitable for angling and other water sports. It is interesting to see small to large streams and rivers traversing through a desert landscape. Each state through which we traveled had multiple fishing opportunities. These included the rugged, flowing mountain streams, and alpine lakes of Wyoming’s Rocky Mountains, the large reservoirs of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, and the lakes and rivers of Mississippi and Alabama. Even New Mexico has beautiful flowing streams with desert views interspersed among snowcapped mountains. This trip through a large swath of south, middle, and western United States impressed me with the fact that fishing opportunities exist virtually everywhere in the United States. A review of maps and the Internet suggests that all states have reservoirs, streams, and rivers that are open and managed for angling. The angler has to decide the fish species and the type of water desired to wet a hook. There is obviously more water than one can visit and fish in a human lifetime within this great country. Though I like to sample new waters and catch fish species that I have never or rarely caught, this trip made me realize that I do not have enough years left to sample fishing opportunities available in even the seventeen states that I traveled. What about the fishing in all the other states? Good fishing and be safe.

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6. Adjust liquids and place in pressure canner. 7. Process at 10 pounds pressure for 100 minutes for pints (160 minutes for quarts).

4. Heat about ½ inch of oil in a 5.pan.Once oil is hot, add patties and fry until each side is golden 6.brown.Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

PREPARATION

METHODS continued from page 16

3. Mix ingredients together until they reach a consistency to form patties. The amount of crackers needed depends upon the moisture of the fish.

8. Canning time varies depending your particular canner as well as 9.altitude.Follow your canner’s directions for properly prepared and preserved food. Store in a cool and dry place for several months to a year. Fish Patties -1 quart of canned fish -1 sleeve saltine crackers -1 -Oileggof your choice for frying

3. Score fillets ever quarter inch so bones will soften while 4.cooking.Packfish into sterilized jars leaving about an inch of head 5.space.Add a teaspoon of salt for pints (tablespoon for quarts).

Prior to refrigeration—which was not widely available until 100 years ago—fish had to be salted, iced, pickled, canned, or simply eaten fresh. Preserving fish helped early Tennesseans have access to a high protein food source throughout the year. Consider the timeworn, yet simple method of canning to preserve your catch. Canning fish has been around for nearly 200 years and many settlers would have brought that skill with them crossing the Appalachians. These fish do not need to be drowned in spices to be enjoyed. They are delicious on their own. Try these straightforward yet delicious recipes listed below. They are sure to turn your canned redhorse into tasty morsels your great grandfather would have enjoyed. Many hunters enjoy hunting with black powder or primitive archery as a nod to their forefathers and the challenge. Go ahead, be adventurous, try a method other than rod reel to get in touch with the traditions of the past, and become a Tennessee sportsman.

7. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve as a sandwich or on its own with a side of rice or fried potatoes.

fish are taken by a hook (most commonly a large treble) with a swift jerking motion, is often employed during spawning runs. Historically, snagging large river shoals or creek pools for redhorse, buffalo, and suckers was very common. This tactic may appear distasteful to some at first glance. However, it is a long practiced tradition in many communities and most fish caught using this tactic are eaten and not wasted. Several rivers, or portions thereof, are seasonally protected for sensitive spawning runs. Back in the 1940s, TWRA (then the Tennessee Game and Fish Commission) even operated a redhorse hatchery in Shelbyville to support a local “shoal fishermen association”. Most shoals are clear enough that anglers can identify the individual species from the bank, and will cast to a particular fish. Fishing too soon after a heavy rain may be difficult because of muddy and swift waters. In the past, some nimble anglers would dangle from trees and merely lift the hook into the rooter (mouth) as a fish would pass by. Typically, few gamefish are inadvertently snagged, but if caught, they must be released. All anglers need to get started is a large treble hook (3/0 to 10/0), a heavy sinker tied about 18” behind the hook, 2050# braided line or monofilament, and a stiff rod. Some anglers paint their hook shank white or tape the shank for better visibility. Using this method anglers are most likely to catch several 2-10 pound fish that make excellent table fare.

RECIPES

Wondering what to do with your pile of sucker or catfish fillets?

Regardless which style you try, if done correctly, a skilled angler will likely be able to catch more fish than can be eaten at once. While old time anglers certainly enjoyed running a trot line or snagging a shoal for redhorse, at the end of the day they were working to feed their families. Most anglers today are picky and eat only a few species of fish because they are easier to clean and require less preparation (i.e., crappie and walleye). However, with a little practice and work, many of the less desirable nongame species can still be quite delicious. Redhorse, white sucker, freshwater drum, and buffalo have thick scales and Y bones that need to be removed, but proper cleaning will make it worth your while. A fish can be scaled in seconds and working around the bones requires a little elbow grease and a bit more time.

Line of anglers trying to snag redhorse on the Duck River, 1950. Canned fish If this is your first try at canning, be sure to do a few trial runs of just water. Be sure to use clean and sterilized jars to prevent 1.spoilage.Descale and fillet fish, remove bones, and trim dark meat along the lateral line and remove the skin side of your catch and 2.discard.Cuttrimmed fillets into container length pieces or dice into chunks.

Some anglers use even heavier tackle to try snagging paddlefish (sometimes called spoonbill cats) downstream of large river dams. Since paddlefish are long-lived, reach giant sizes, and are very susceptible to overfishing, their harvest is heavily regulated: a limited season (April 24 – May 31), daily creel of 2 fish, culling is prohibited, and local closures exist in several tailwaters. Again, check the Fishing Guide for regulations as they do change periodically. Paddlefish yield a great deal of meat and their eggs are said to taste similar to caviar.

22 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE SEPTEMBER 2022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

2. Crush about ½ to 2/3 of the saltine crackers and add to the fish along with the egg.

1. Drain liquid from fish and dump drained fish into a bowl.

If you’re looking for that late summer fishing trip, then look no future. Lake Chatuge is one of the best fishing destinations for hard fighting hybrids and huge spotted bass. This beautiful mountain lake is located in the North Georgia Mountains and is only about 2 hours north of Atlanta. There’s plenty of accommodations and oh, did I mention the fishing is insanely awesome!

August is a fantastic month for catching a lot of trophy hybrids and spots on this North Georgia lake. Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1-rated guide service put you on some of Lake Chatuge’s best trophy hybrids during the fishing trip of a lifetime. We are Murphy, NC’s and Blairsville Georgia’s premier fulltime guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lakes Hiwassee and 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!

Lake Chatuge Hybrids

The fish are still schooling in large numbers, and we are catching some big quantities. Our average trips are consisting of 20 to 30 fish in just a few hours. Most of our hybrids are averaging 5-10 pounds. These are some of Lake Chatuge’s hardest-fighting fish, and we’re having a blast wearing them out. The early morning and mid-afternoon bite has been prime. Look for schools of fish along the main channel and off points. Down lining live blueback herring has been the best technique. Search out your areas and watch your electronics. When you mark fish, drop your lines. Fish will be slightly shallower in the early morning hours and will move to deeper water by midmorning. Top-water bite has slowed down considerably but you can still find a few busting. When these fish start busting on bait, it’s

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 23 WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA GREAT SMOKIES

September is historically a great month for hybrid fishing on Lake Chatuge and it’s looking like this year is going to be even better! If you’re looking for an action-packed morning of fishing, give us a call. We are Lake Chatuges #1 guide service for loads of trophy hybrids and spotted bass. Hybrid fishing is wicked good!

By Darren Hughes always a good idea to have a plug, spook, or red fin at the ready. The spotted bass bite is also off the hook! Using the same techniques we do for catching those schooling hybrids, we’ve been killing it with the bass. We’ve been catching at least 20 or so spots every morning. These aren’t small spots either. Just this morning we had several fish 5 to 7 pounds and probably average 3 to 4 pounds. Huge spotted bass!

Darren Hughes is a member of The Angler Magazine Fishing Team and a guide for Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. Look him up at www.bigolfish.com or give him a call at (706) 745-6569 or (828) 361-2021.

By Shane Goebel

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

If you asked us which of the months were our favorites for striper fishing, the answer would definitely be September. Fishing for these Lake Hiwassee monsters is wide open in early fall. With the cooling temps and water levels falling, it really gets the stripers schooled up and feeding like crazy. This means we can absolutely wear them out and trust me, we do! This is a perfect time to experience some extreme striper fishing, and what’s the best way to do that? By booking a trip with Murphy, NC’s #1 and only fulltime striper guide: Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. We’ve been striper fishing these area lakes longer than anyone! We have what it takes to put you one some sweet trophyStriperstripers.fishing has been extremely excellent for us lately. We’ve been averaging around 20 to 30 stripers per morning out here and on other surrounding lakes. Most of our fish have been in the 8 to 15 pound range. We have also caught some bigger stripers in the 20 to 30 pound range. The earlymorning and evening bites are your best times to see action. With the cooling water temps, Stripers will really start to show up in the mouths of creeks and points off the main lake channel. Also, these fish will start working their way up the Hiwassee and Nottely Rivers. The majority of our fish have been caught from Point 6 to the dam. Down lining live blue back herring will be your best technique. The top-water bite on our ultra-light tackle has picked up a bit too, so keep a spook or a Red Fin at the ready to snag surface-busting fish. The fish will continue to be schooled up throughout the next month and will remain in deeper water before starting to spread out. Just remember to keep an eye on your electronics and watch for schools of stripers when cruising the Septemberlake. is a great month for catching a lot of schooling 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 Lake Hiwassee’s 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 (in North Georgia), Chatuge, 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!

24 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE SEPTEMBER 2022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM Lake Hiwassee Striper Fishing

Woke up the other morning and, after heading outside on the porch, almost went back in for a jacket. Love the heat-breaking turn of time that gets us to fall. Fish love it too. Cooler weather triggers that urge to put on the feed bag and get ready for winter, still months away, but somehow they know it’s coming. At the house, I feed a lot of corn to turkeys. Usually don’t start ‘til a little later in the fall but turkeys and fish have similar habits. As the weather cools, birds and fish bunch up; guess the safety in numbers urge kicks in but you start seeing larger and larger schools and flocks. With turkeys, I think a summer season of herding a personal flock of polts gives way as they mature to adults wanting to see their old friends now that the kids are about grown. With fish, it’s a little different, but the gathering of adults is the same. Summer has lots of small hatches of immature bait fish scattered across open water. Early, on an August morning, you see spots and my map has lots of figure 8 trails off of points. As the day wanes, your electronics will lead you to the most productive areas. I am going to check out a process of searching for open water stripers while running 20+mph, and will let you know how that works in future articles.Getout now, less folks running around in wake boats and jet skis, way more comfortable temperatures, larger and larger schools of hungry fish, it’s a beautiful time of the year. Thank God for our many blessings of places to fish and the ability to chase them. Later, Capt. James

By Capt. James McManus

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 25 Fish Triggers

scattered breaks with a couple of fish chasing several shad or herring. As fall approaches and baitfish mature, they also answer the call to join up in greater numbers for safety. This triggers adults of gamefish to do likewise. It’s nothing on some lakes that are lucky enough to have stripers, to see hundreds or even thousands of fish breaking at once. This concentration of gamefish happens with bass and stripers, most notably.

While early mornings stand the best chance of hosting top water theatrics, the schools stay grouped all day. After the sun is up, check out points in particular but many times, I have found them suspended in mid channel. Early morning baits typically are spooks, jerk baits and chuggers. Later in the day, we switch to flukes and spoons as fish are typically 25 to 40 feet deep. On Fontana, we do a lot of trolling for 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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As an experienced fly tyer, we are dazzled by a new fly pattern with all it’s sophisticated parts, colors and even with the newer creative materials that the recipe calls for. We are drawn into more time consuming steps, new tools and new tying techniques as well. The fly we present this month is far from intimidating and will take us back to a firm foundation. If you were designing the perfect fly, here are some ideal characteristics:

• Suggestive or imitative of a highly available food source or at least highly attractive to trout May be tied in a multitude of color combinations for matching the variety of aquatic insects A dry fly for the ultimate top action and fly fishing enjoyment Floats high and for a long time in both smooth and rough water conditions•Durable enough to catch numerous trout, if not lost in a tree • Visible at great distances and in a wide range of light conditions • Economical to tie by using only a few readily available, lowcost•materialsSimple,quick and easy to tie, allowing one to re-fill the fly box convenientlyYouareprobably thinking that there is no one fly that meets all of the above criteria. As they say in the printing business “we do good, fast and cheap – pick two!” However, there is such a fly, an old pattern that has somehow become a wellkept secret - the Bivisible! A quote from Fly Patterns and Their Origins, “The idea of the Bivisible and its apt name must certainly be credited to Edward Ringwood Hewitt.” Edward Hewitt (1866-191) in his 1926 book Telling on the Trout, states “Dark colors are more visible to the trout from below than light colors, and, therefore, take more fish under most conditions and are more generally used. They are often however, more difficult to see on the water than the lighter flies. This is the reason for my favorite design of fly, which I call the BiVisible and consists of a palmer-tied brown hackle on the head of which is wound a small wisp of white hackle. The white resting against the brown becomes very visible in most lights to the angler; on the other hand, the trout see the brown hackle from below better than any other color used. This fly is by far the best of any I have yet seen for all species of trout and it is based on a sound physical principle.”

The highly visible white hackle in front is found in all the original variations. The Badger Bivisible is the first variation known to have been created in the 1930’s by Charles Merrill (-1940) and is known as the Dean of the Detroit Fly Tiers and founder of the F.F.F.F. Club. This fly pattern is white and badger. Hank Wilson, a guide on the White River in Arkansas, created the Bulbous Bivisible in the late 1970’s. This fly pattern is white and black with a black closedcell foam extended abdomen.

Palmering is an old technique that has been used in some fly patterns since the 1700’s. The Grizzly Bivisible fly pattern is white and grizzly with no specific originator associated. The Black Bivisible fly

26 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE SEPTEMBER 2022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

The Brown Bivisible has a place in most fly catalogs, yet it is often overlooked as we pursue more exact imitations of aquatic insects, hair wing dry flies for rough water and other specialized fly patterns.

By Tom Adams, Alen www.rockyrivertu.org/dry-fly-patterns.htmlBaker

•

FLY OF THE MONTH – BIVISIBLE

2) Begin wrapping the hackle forward in very tight, touching turns. The best way to keep the hackle from bunching, or not staying at right angles, is to wiggle as you wrap. It is odd but it works, wiggle as you wrap and keep a slight backward pressure against the previous wrap. This will add density and aid in maintaining the hackle remaining upright. Advance the hackle to the two-thirds mark and bind in with two or three wraps. Trim the excess hackle and neaten up the tie in by advancing the thread to the eye and back to where you stopped the hackle. Advance the thread to two or three turns back from the eye and let the bobbin hang.

pattern is white and black with no specific originator associated either. The original Brown Bivisible was tied with no tail, but at some point, variations began which included a tail of the same color, other colors with red most likely being the first and foremost variation. I have seen other color combinations such as orange and black, yellow and black, and white and white (probably not labeled a bivisible). Bivisibles are typically tied in a size 12, but also in 14 and 16. Like any dry fly, bivisibles are fished with a dead drift or with a skating presentation. In researching the use of the Brown Bivisible, I found that this fly pattern is also fished as a nymph. Use Camp Dry or Scotch Guard to waterproof the fly. Tie on with 5X tippet leaving a 10-inch tag. Tie an overhand knot at the tag end and put on a split shot. The fly will be suspended above the bottom, positioned to be seen and taken by trout that tend to hang at the bottom. This tactic is posted on www.flytyingforum.com by Cornmuse.

Directions :

Bivisible – Rocky RiverFly of the Month 10.13 Hook: Tiemco 100 or equivalent, Size: 14, 16, 18, 20 Thread: Uni 8/0 black or equivalent Tail: optional, rooster hackle to match main hackle Hackle-Abdomen: Black Rooster Hackle-Thorax: Tan, Grizzly, Cream, White Rooster Detailed tying steps may be found at the Rocky River Chapter of Trout Unlimited at htmlrockyrivertu.org/dry-fly-patterns.www.

3) Select a front hackle with a color of your choosing. Make sure the size is the same as the black hackle. Dress the hackle, as above, and tie in firmly and advance like before. Stop wrapping two or three eyelengths back and trim waste. Whip finish to form a small head and finish with head cement.

1) Wrap thread starting two eyelengths back from the eye to the end of the shank. Let the bobbin hang. Select a black rooster hackle. The normal hackle for dry flies would be about one and one half the size of the hook gape, however, for a proper Bivisible, the hackle needs to be about the same as the hook gape. Select and strip a small section of barbs for tying in. Also, strip a short section of barbs on the side of the hackle away from the tiein. This will allow one wrap without any barbs binding and slanting at an angle. Ideally, the hackle will begin straight up and at right angles to the hook shank. Tie in with the curved or dull side of the hackle, away from the eye with three or fours turns and advance the thread to the two thirds mark. Let the bobbin hang.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 27

Alen D, BakerTom Adams

Did you know that rocks are one of the biggest limiting factors for finding trout in a stream?

It’s surprising to many of my clients when I tell them that on trips. The geological makeup of a trout stream can significantly influence trout populations. I’ll try to explore this topic without hopefully bringing up any painful memories of your high school earth science class.

If we were to travel to central Appalachia, say to a Spring Creek in Pennsylvania, we would see a totally different perspective. Central Appalachia has much larger deposits of particularly sedimentary rock, which has a higher pH content due to the release of compounds called “carbonates” as the water runs over the streambed. This higher pH content from these carbonates in the water results in more nutrients being available throughout the course of a watershed, which results in higher populations of aquatic insects, and higher overall trout populations as a result. Having said this, it is important to note that there are more factors influencing trout populations, aside from it’s

28 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE SEPTEMBER 2022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Continued, see GEOLOGY AND FLY FISHING Page 30

By Ethan Hollifield

Rocks are classified into three major categories: igneous, sedimentary, and foliated/ nonfoliated metamorphic rock. Most of the Southern Appalachian Mountain range is composed of igneous rock, with examples ranging from feldspar, quartz, mica, and granite. Sedimentary and metamorphic rock types are also found here, but in extremely small quantities compared to the middle Appalachians, famous for its coal deposits. The igneous rock that is found along many streambeds in the Southern Appalachians are made up of chemical compounds that have an acidic pH in their nature. The pH level of a stream directly influences the availability of nutrients to aquatic organisms/plant life. This results in less aquatic insect life, and thus slower growth rates of trout. When you take into account natural predation and the mortality rates of fish from other factors, the result is that some trout streams have a relatively low population of fish. In some wild trout streams, it can take a trout four years to reach its reproductive maturity age, which roughly equates to a fish being around 7” long. (This is also why fly patterns and hatches aren’t as important in WNC as anglers think they are, but that’s a topic for another article).

Geology and Fly Fishing: How Rocks Affect Populations of Trout

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 29

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.

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

GEOLOGY AND FLY FISHING continued from page 28

geological make up. Tailwaters like the South Holston/Watauga Rivers in East Tennessee and the Davidson River in Brevard are two examples of streams with artificially high rates of nutrient content. Tailwaters that are released from dam generation constantly wash in nutrients from the bottom of a lake, which creates a constant source of nutrient rich, cold water that can make for extremely high populations of fish. The Pisgah hatchery located on the Davidson River also does this in a slightly different way. Water that is pumped out of the river into the raceways of the hatchery has to be filled with an artificially high level of dissolved oxygen which, when combined with the excess nutrients created by fish waste/algae growth in the hatchery, is then flushed back into the river. This explains why the Davidson always has a relatively high population of wild trout despite its geological make up being predominantly acidic igneous rock (and also, despite the extreme fishing pressure/ unfortunate amount of poaching that occurs on that river). Studying these factors has led me to pay closer attention to the overall geological makeup of a watershed, and as a result, has led to many conclusions as to why some trout streams in the Southern Appalachians seem to hold higher populations of trout than others. I’ve barely scratched the surface on this topic, but it’s just one of the many fascinating aspects of fly fishing that one can spend a lifetime learning about.

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30 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE SEPTEMBER 2022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

By Ronnie Parris Hey folks! We’re getting closer to fall all the time. I sure am enjoying these cooler mornings and the fish are enjoying them too. Been seeing some good scattered fish - some walleye and lots of spots. The walleye are holding mid-lake close to main points at around 70 ft. The spots and smallmouth have been biting on the surface down to about 40 ft. I expect the bite will get better as the lake drops some but early mornings has been pretty good. Soon, the temps will drop and the boat traffic will slow some and we should see a better bite. Best walleye baits have been Michigan stingers an x raps. The Alabama rigs are also producing well. Kietechs have been great casting into the breaking fish. We’re catching a few trout on Fontana but if your looking to catch trout, I would suggest Santeetlah and Bear Lake. Both have fished well, with the trout bite being from the surface to 50 feet deep. Best lures for the trout have been hootchies trolled behind dodgers and small spoons such as bouyants little Cleo’s and Loco spoons. I like to keep a small spinner out to since everything hits them. Best days have been overcast with a little chop on the surface. Be safe enjoy the beautiful weather and as always, take a kid fishing!

The art of fishing the night cycle is using stealth to your advantage. These bass are not used to hearing the sound of a motor like the bass in the day. The best part is that they are not pressured at night like in the day. I have fished from a boat to a kayak and this is makes the plan different as well. The advantage of a boat is covering a lot of water in a short amount of time but you can alert bass of your presence. The advantage with kayaks is the shear stealth of silence but you cannot cover much water in a given time. Either choice is great and even better if you have both to choose from.Choosing lures is just like it is in the daytime. It comes down to water clarity and the amount of light from the moon you have. I grew up hearing you have to fish a certain color but my own experience tells me otherwise. These fish have adapted to the night and that includes their sight so bass will be bass when it comes to senses. I would say the difference in fishing at night is that you will not have to worry about downsizing your line like the day cycle. You’ll notice that you will have the lake to yourself at night. It feels nice to not have to fight the crowds like you do in the day. This, I believe, makes fish unaware of being hunted. I am surprised that very few anglers try out the cycle, they don’t know what they are missing out on. The pattern of fishing is also different since you’re not fishing in the cover because you are primarily fishing for roaming bass. The best times to go are during the new moon and during the full moon. The new moon is very dark but you catch bigger bass. The full moon is nice because you can see without light. The only time you need it is when you are tying a knot.If you ever find yourself in a routine and you want to try something different, or if you want to satisfy your curiosity, this is it. I know some anglers that will not fish the dog days of summer but they are really missing out on some of the most fun fishing. There is always a way to switch gears and make things new again.

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

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 31 Night Bites

By Scott Norton

Weather in the heart of summer can be challenging to say the least. Many anglers learn the art of fishing cover with knowledge of the rigging and the talent it takes to make accurate casts. Some anglers have a change in plan all together. The sweltering heat can take the energy right out of you so some anglers will go at night. There are some bass that just bite at night and they are not afraid to let that aggression out.

IF you want to take a picture, do your best to keep air exposure to a minimum. Take as much time as needed to release fish properly. Keep a stream thermometer on you as take water temperatures before you start your day. Water that is 67 degrees or warmer is not conducive to trout fishing and you run the risk of injuring or killing fish regardless of how quickly you landWe’rethem. looking forward to college football, fall colors, and another busy season here in Blue Ridge! If you want to come to our neck of the woods, the next month of October kicks off the best trout fishing of the year! Call us whether you’re just looking for a fishing report or you want to get on the water and book a guide trip – we’re happy to help in any way we can!

32 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE SEPTEMBER 2022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Leaving the Resource Better Than you Found It

By Jacob Milholland

These days, if you ask any guide or lifetime angler, they will all harp upon the “good ol’ days” on their local water. There aren’t too many fisheries that people will claim are in their heyday. There is always a reason for this, and the finger can almost always be pointed at ourselves. I was raised with the belief that conservation is something you do every day; if you’re not giving back to the resource, you’re taking from it! While we would all like to participate in big conservation efforts, one of the little things you can do while you’re on the water is to carry a trash bag. All of our guides stuff their packs full of trash they find on the river. Line trimmings are litter! Keep a cup or bag on the boat or in your wading pack to dispose of line trimmings. Another form of litter that we see too often is line and flies in trees. While flies can be unrecoverable if they’re too high in a tree, I try to clean up any line or flies that I find on the river. It also never hurts your pocketbook to recover a few flies both from yourself and others. It might not seem like much, but if we all take the time to do a few minutes of clean up every time we go out, I think we would all be amazed at our collective results. No one wants to see a blatant act of abuse of a natural resource. If you see poaching, report it! We’re coming up on Delayed Harvest season this fall - I have witnessed poachers keeping fish during Delayed Harvest season on some of our trout streams. No one wants to be “that guy,” but it’s just as important to do our part to protect our resources! Georgia’s ranger hotline is 1-800-241-4113. For those that trout fish this month, get out early and finish up before the heat of the day. It is paramount to handle fish properly! Use heavier tippet and fish as quickly as possible, get them in the net and keep them in the water!

Cohutta Fishing Company is located in the heart of downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia. We carry a large assortment of guide-tested fly fishing equipment and proven fly patterns, as well as having a knowledgeable and friendly staff. Come by and see us! 490 East Main Street Blue Ridge, GA 30513. (706) 946-3044

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 NATIONAL 9

Contact Scenic City Fishing Charters via www.sceniccityfishing.com.

White catfish are rare anomalies that never fail to set social media abuzz each time an angler catches one. In most instances, biologists attribute the looks of these beautiful pinkishwhite fish to leucism, a genetic trait that results in reduced pigmentation and the pale, sometimes patchy coloration they display.

On June 28, 15-year-old Edwards Tarumianz caught a gorgeous, almost pure white blue catfish on the Tennessee River near downtown Chattanooga, Tenn. It was the latest in a string of such fish to come from one small stretch of river. While catching a white catfish has been likened to winning the lottery, it seems the odds are much higher on the Tennessee River below Chickamauga Dam.“It’s become pretty clear to us that we’ve got a little recessive gene floating around in the river right here in the Chattanooga vicinity,” said Richard Simms, owner of Scenic City Fishing Charters. “I actually saw another one just a week or so ago. A guy, just a regular fisherman, caught a piebald. So, yeah, we’ve got a recessive gene floating around.”

Scenic City has three captains who specialize in guiding anglers to catfish. They’ve encountered four of these white catfish since 2018. Simms keeps records of his catches, and he estimated Scenic City catches about 5,000 catfish a year. While one white catfish in 5,000 caught is hardly good odds, it’s a lot better than one in a million. This one stretch of river is producing more of these strange fish than anywhere else we’ve heard of.

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By TAM

The Tennessee River’s WHITE BLUE CATS

With their aggressive nature, willingness to hit almost anything, and ability to make drag screaming runs when first hooked, king mackerel are just a bunch of fun. Because of these qualities, there is a king mackerel tournament somewhere almost every weekend. Plenty of boats head out in pursuit of them from every port, and plenty of tackle dedicated to them is sold in coastal shops.

To get an idea of what a day chasing kings is like, I spoke Capt. Matt Paylor, of Sound-N-Sea Charters in Morehead City, N.C. For gear, he likes a 7-foot, live-bait trolling rod with a Shimano TLD reel filled to the brim with 20-pound line. Smaller, school-sized kings eagerly hit trolled spoons and frozen cigar minnows, and you can catch a lot of them.When 10- to 20-pounders are hanging out around a structure, such as artificial reefs, wrecks or ledges, casting to them with swimming plugs and topwaters can lead to fast action. For a challenge, try a 10-weight fly rod rigged with a sinking line and a big streamer fly attached to a wireAleader.20-pound king mackerel can make a fly reel sing, Paylor said, however, if you want to get the big ones, you have to use live bait. His go-to is live menhaden, but he also uses live bluefish in the 2to 3-pound range. For trolling live bait, tie 15 feet of 30-pound fluorocarbon to the end of your main line, and to that attach a double hook live bait rig made with No. 5 single-strand wire and size 4 “quad strong” trebleCapt.hooks.Paylor said kings are very predictable.

By Capt. Gordon Churchill

CATCHINGKINGSISABUNCHOFFUN

He recommends using a sea surface temperature chart and seeing where the water is hovering in the 70-degree range and starting your day at a reef or wreck in that zone. If you see bait working—and especially if you see kings feeding—give it a serious shot. If you have seen kings feeding in open water, you’ll never forget what it looks like; they skyrocket out of the water like a submarine-launched missile.

“They are so consistent with their yearly patterns that if you caught them in a spot in previous years, they are probably going to be there again,” he said.

Paylor said a rule of thumb is to troll live baits at around 2 miles per hour. When you get a bite, the rod slams down and the reel starts screaming. Make sure your drag is not set too tightly or it’ll be over.You’ll get a nice long run when the fish is first hooked. The smaller fish of less than 20 pounds will run out of energy pretty soon. Bigger ones, from 30 to 50 pounds, won’t tire as readily, and the real monsters may do it a few times before they tire. Keep your drag set light and let the fish do its thing; follow it with the boat if necessary. A fish (besides sharks) that is the bane of king mackerel anglers is the amberjack. If you troll near any high spot, usually the top of a shipwreck, there may be a school of them there. Their detractors call them “reef donkeys” with disdain. When you are trolling with a carefully prepared trolling rig and putting in hours looking for trophy kings, one of these bad boys can mess you up. Tournament anglers especially dislike them. If you are out trolling for kings and a school of amberjacks show up in your trolling spread, don’t get mad. Have fun! These fish are a blast and hit topwater plugs with abandon. Cast soda-bottlestyle poppers in the 5- to 6-inch-long range such as the Rapala Magnum Xplode or the Yozuri Bull Pop, retrieve them with a big pull and a pause to make a huge splash, and be prepared for an amazing display. Often a group of them will come up together and slash at it with reckless abandon until one finally gets hooked. Be prepared with a heavy casting rod. I’ve caught them on 12-weight fly rods with the biggest popper I could make. They can show up at any time over any wreck or reef. You just have to be ready. If you’re not fishing in a tournament, why not go have fun with them instead of cursing at them. They will come in fast, hit hard and then keep you occupied for about 20 minutes while they try to pull you out of the boat. This article was reprinted from CoastalReview.org.

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An angler from New Jersey caught a North Carolina state record for cubera snapper on Aug. 3. Thomas Madsen caught the 58-pound, 8-ounce fish offshore of Hatteras while fishing with Capt. Tyler Fleetwood and Sea Dream FishingMadsen’sCharters.big fish measured 49.5 inches total length and had a 41-inch girth. He caught it using a Shimano jigging rod, and a Diawa Saltist reel with 80-pound test. It replaces the previous record, which weighed 58 pounds and was caught off Beaufort Inlet in 2016.The IGFA all-tackle world record for Atlantic cubera snapper was caught off Louisiana in June of 2007 by Marion Rose. It weighed 124 pounds 12 ounces. For more information on North Carolina state records, find the State Saltwater Records webpage at deq.nc.gov.

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“Until I caught this guy, I didn’t even know [xanthic bass] existed,” Chrenko wrote in a Facebook post. “For someone that lives and breathes fishing for smallmouth, this is one I’ll remember my entire life… I can only imagine that this little guy had to overcome crazy odds to survive the first couple of years of his life from predation. Being neon-orange would make for a tough life as a small freshwater fish.” Chrenko released his orange smallie after taking a few photos. For more weird fish, go to coastalanglermag.com.

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Xanthochromistic fish are orange because the red pigmentation in their skin is replaced by yellow pigmentation.

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This is not someone’s escaped goldfish; it’s a bright orange smallmouth bass. Angler Josh Chrenko caught the rare genetic anomaly this summer from the Muskegon River in Michigan. Biologists explained that the fish’s odd coloration is due to a rare genetic condition called xanthochromism, which— like albinism or leucism—is usually caused by a recessive gene.

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