Get Out Magazine - Fishing

fishingMARCH GetOutChattanooga.com2016 trailSlitheringmates How to snakebiteshandle ChattanoogaMarathon Inaugural event fueled by community ContactHuman Meet local wildlife rehabilitators Gear, guideandstories,spots,advicemore

SOME DON’T PROVIDE ENOUGH PERFORMANCE & SUPPORT.

The one to choose, when you have a choice. Like you, we go the distance for greatness. HERE’S TO THE PERFECT FIT.

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I’ve never been much of a fisherman. It has more to do with poor skills than disinterest. After catching more limbs along the shore and logs beneath the water’s surface I decided at an early age the sport wasn’t for me. These days, I listen intently to my neighbor talk of secret spots deep in the woods along the area’s streams and rivers where he spends tranquil hours fly fishing. My wife’s brothers and father share big laughs about their week-long camping trips casting for bass and big catfish. My sister married into a family of coastal fishermen who catch buckets of crabs and reel in redfish during summer vacations. And one of my greatest pleasures is eating piping hot, lightly breaded fried crappie cooked on the shore right after it was caught (likely by someone other than me).

From the Editor MARCH 2016 On the Hook Editor-In-Chief Mark Jones Editor-In-Chief Bruce Hartmann Publisher Eric Taylor Design & Production Mark Kennedy Contributing Editor Jennifer Bardoner Managing Editor WRITERS Kelsie

Angela mjones@timesfreepress.comPhoneChattanooga,400GetCopyrightacard@timesfreepress.com757-6344CardThismagazineandtheplasticbagitismailedinarerecyclable.2016by:OutChattanoogaEast11thStreetTN37403(423)757.6505

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To me, fishing has always been stressful. But hearing from my friends and relatives, as well as reading some fantastic fish tales by Shane Foley in this month’s guide, it is clear that I’ve been doing it wrong. Shane shares stories ranging from peaceful time spent in solitude on the water to a good day out with friends, each setting the stage for great tales of record-setting catches, conservation and enjoying our natural surroundings.It’senoughto lure me back to one of our area lakes or rivers, even if the only thing I catch is made of wood.

PHOTOGRAPHY

on the first day of each month by the Target Publishing Group, a division of the Chattanooga Times Free Press. Opinions expressed by contributing writers and editors are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or Get Out Chattanooga. Reproduction of the whole or any part of content herein is prohibited without prior written consent from the publisher. The publisher will not accept responsibility for submitted materials that are lost or stolen. A PUBLICATION OF Jim Baskins

5MAR CH 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA

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7MAR CH 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA Like us on Facebook: getoutchattanooga Follow us on Twitter @getoutcha From the Editor 3 End of the Trail 66 Regulars Your Best Month Destination 30 Rocky Fork State Park Wild People 32 Trout Unlimited’s Steve Fry Eat Right 34 Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Calendar 35 Upcoming eventsCampingClimbingRunningCyclingPaddlingNatureBirdingHikingGOKids Fresh Air On the cover PHOTO: CHRIS LOIZEAUX 262422201816141210 MARCH 2016 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 3 Departments48Features Contents 366240Underfoot What to do if a snake bites Compassionconservationfor Happinestrehabilitatevolunteerswildlife On your marks Chattanooga Marathon hinges on community Hook, line and sinker An angler’s guidebook BY SHANE FOLEY

RUNNING CLIMBING HIKING PADDLING CYCLING GOKIDS CAMPING BIRDING FISHING NATUREFreshAirREAD MORE ON PAGE 49 How catchtoafish... 9MAR CH 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA

BY MYRON MADDEN

PET FRIENDLY HAVE NO FEAR, DOG LOVERS! THOUGH CASTLE ROCK IS NO LONGER OPEN TO DOGS, THERE ARE STILL PLENTY OF CLIMB ING SPOTS TO TAKE YOUR FURRY PAL. JUST REMEMBER TO BRING A LEASH!

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SUCK CREEK CANYON | SUNSET ROCK ZAHND | LEDA SOURCE: ROOTSRATED.COM

PERFECTFORDOGS

—Mandy Rhoden

“It’s important for everyone to know that it’s a privilege to have our dogs out, and it just starts with being a responsible dog owner. The emphasis is on the dog owner. Do the right thing so we can continue to enjoy these areas with our pets.”

Hit andarrivingprizeslikefriendlyandadoptionboothstheinauguralisReflectionpooch.explore31719.dog-friendlyspots,fameddoesn’tandRidingThoughFidoTrailthewithReflectionArboretumNatureCenterboastclimbingit’sbecomingMarchThatmeansnewacrestowithyourTocelebrate,RidinghostingtheTailsonTrails,featuringwithpetcentersotherpet-partnersRockCity,andforthefirst-membersguests.

andy Rhoden’s dogs, Milton and Meadow, crave adventure just as much as she does. They’ve marveled at Rocktown’s massive boulders, sniffed the oak trees towering Stringer’s Ridge and panted after conquering Foster Falls. Rhoden hoped to introduce them to the sandstone giants at Castle Rock, but now, she will never get the chance.

to enforce a strict leash rule, Castle Rock recently closed its doors to dogs, who were happily lapping, playing and urinating in the land owners’ source of drinking water. the landowners over the years,” says Cody Roney, executive director of the Southeastern Climbers Coalition. “It’s just gotten out of hand, so … we just decided it would be best to just not allow dogs at Castle Rock at all.” who love exploring with their furry companions, it has raised questions about pet responsibility at similar trails and parks. Roney — who climbs with her own dog, Beta — noted that many pet owners ignore basic rules when climbing with their dogs. Using leashes, minimizing barking and pre venting digging may seem like a hassle, but each rule is in place for a reason. their dog digging a giant hole in the ground is a big deal, but it is,” Roney says. “If every body’s dog did that, our areas would just look terrible.” the rules, Roney says many others sim ply don’t know what the are.rules

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Obedience Training

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TABACHNIKIOSIFPHOTO:

1930s: New Balance creates its first shoe for competitive runners.

Michael Green points out newspaper clippings framed on the wall of Fast Break Athletics. In his hands he holds a pair of Onitsuka Tigers from 1974.

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1950s: A lot of movement can be seen in the running shoe industry during this decade, with various innovations by Onitsuka, PUMA, New Balance.

1920s: Running shoes are mostly used for track and field events, and Adi Dassler develops handforged spikes for better traction.

“What’s old is new again,” jokes Fast Break Athletics assis tant manager Michael Green as he peers into a glass display case situated at the front of the shop. Inside are running shoes from over 40 years ago from brands like Onitsuka Tiger (later to become the Asics brand), New Balance and Nike. The worn-in shoes are minimalist and flat, which Green says is the way the market is trending again today. “Of course, a lot of the old stuff was polyurethane insoles. … We have much better cushioning materials today,” he adds. “People back in the ’70s — when running [as a hobby] really started — ran a lot of miles and now their knees and hips are worn out.” For a period of time, he says, shoe manufacturers seemed to think the more support — in the ankle, in the sole — the better. Even just a few years ago, the typical drop from the heel of a shoe to the toe was 12 millimeters, says Green. “They thought getting your body leaning a little forward would help with forward propulsion,” he explains.

2000s: Minimalist models start appearing on shelves, as well as the FiveFingers shoe, with sales largely inspired by best-selling book Born to Run Source: holabirdsports.com; runnersworld.com

1980s: Reebok comes out with first shoe designed specifically for women, called the Freestyle; Adidas comes onto the scene.

1960s: Blue Ribbon Sports, to become Nike, is founded; Adi Dassler creates market’s first jogging shoe.

BY KELSIE BOWMAN

1970s: With more and more runners hitting the scene, companies compete to come up with more innovations in a better fit and improved performance.

A brief run through history

1940s: Spiked shoes are still popular among track and field competitors; customizable spikes come into play.

hen comesit to the thelutionevoofrun ning shoe, design is coming full circle.

What do you think is coming next in the world of running shoes? Tell us at com/getoutchattanooga.facebook.

Adi Dassler Altra’s Lone Peak trail running shoe

CONTRIBUTEDPHOTO:

1990s: Saucony creates a midsole that provides cushioning and support.

Green says the new Altras are a prime example of what’s ahead. The shoes have a 0-millimeter drop from heel to toe, though Altra’s vari ous models provide different cushioning levels depending on the needs of the runner.

History Lesson: Evidence of shoes made specifically for running can be dated back to 8,000 B.C., but here’s a very quick look at their evolution over the last century.

“Everyone’s goal today is getting away from stuff like this … and strengthen ing your feet, strengthening your legs,” he continues. The thought is that all the extra support built into running shoes is actually a crutch for the runner, not allowing the feet, legs and ankles to become naturally strong.

MARCH 2016 ABOUT MICHAEL GREEN: Green has been running since 1989 and working for the owner of Fast Break Athletics — the oldest still-operating running shoe store in the state — since 1991 as an employee of Athletic Attic. Find out more about Fast Break at fastbreakathletics.com.

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SORBA and the Parks and Rec Department say they’re looking for the new trail to help introduce newer riders to a more intermediate course.

None of the work requires experience with trails, and Charmichael says it will give people the opportunity to see what goes into the creation of a bike trail. Contact SORBA’s directors at ofshovelsCharmichaelforvolunteersorbachattanooga.comtanooga.orgbod@sorbachatorvolunteer@foropportunities.“Everyoneisexcitedthetrail’sopening,”says.“Onceareinthedirt,itkindbecomesrealforus.”

“We’re definitely looking to expand even further,” says Charmichael, though there isn’t anything concrete in the works just yet. “It’s our responsibility to provide a place for people to build their skill.” The new trail is expected to be more difficult than the trails already at Enterprise South, he says, offering a “tighter, narrow and more challenging ride.”

Andy Sowell of the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association uses a mini-excavator as he works on a new mountain biking trail at the Enterprise South Nature Park in January. The pink flags show the route of the trail.

He hopes it won’t be the only new trail at the park.

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SORBA has opportunitiesvolunteeravailablefor those who wish to contribute to finishing the new trail system.

so they’ll be

“The trail will provide additional opportunities for park users, allowing for more users without crowding the trails,” adds Tom Lamb, head of the Hamilton County Parks and Rec Department.

“Our philosophy is to create a bridge to other trail systems,”

Charmichael says. There is a steep increase in the difficulty of other local trails, such as the trails on Raccoon Mountain, as compared to those at Enterprise South, he explains.

RAWLSTONJOHNPHOTO:

MARCH 2016

he isChattanooganitycommucycling-inalways looking for new trails to ride, happy to know six new miles of trail at Enterprise South are completed.being

SORBA is also looking into add ing some man-made features that will give riders the ability to practice with obstacles.

For more information about SORBA, sorbachattanooga.orgvisit BY SHANE FOLEY

Shawn Skelly rides his mountain bike along the “Log Rhythm” section at Enterprise South Nature Park. ESNP will be getting an addtional six miles of trail designed for more experienced cyclists.

Down the middle Enterprise South gains intermediate trail

Lee Charmichael, president of the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association, which is partnering with Hamilton County's Parks and Recreation Department for the trail, says it should open around mid-April.

HENRYDANPHOTO:

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Easily adjustable, pleasantly padded and a breeze to install, the Comfort Tech Seat will have you fishing at your most comfortable.

Wavewalk 500 R ($1,372)

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o you’ve got yourself a kayak, a fish ing pole and an eagerness to paddle out to land some fish. Seems like they should be easy enough to com bine, right? They are — provided you have the knowledge and gear to make it possible. Don’t worry, we’re here to help.

Emotion Kayaks’ Stealth line is designed specially with fishermen in mind. Its name is no lie; it glides silently and tracks well through the water. It also features specific spots and ample storage for any gear you may have brought.

Crazy Creek S.O.T. Kayak Chair II ($73)

GTS Expedition Molded Foam Kayak Seat ($199)

MODELS TO CHECK OUT Emotion Kayaks’ Stealth 11 ($499)Angler

Take some 1 1/4-inch PVC pipe and cut a small, square notch at one of the ends. That will be where your reel rests. Bolt the side opposite the notch to the milk crate at the top and bottom of the PVC and you’ve got yourself a rod or net holder. If you’ve already purchased a rod holder, you can bolt or screw it into the crate with ease for something more adjustable than the PVC. You can make your new tool box as versatile or as straightforward as you’d like. Some thin metal grate and some zip ties make for an easy lid for the top of the crate. Some foamwrapped PVC bolted to the bottom of the crate will ensure it doesn’t shift around while you’re on the water. Some cheap carabiners and cord screwed to the side of your DIY rod holders can ensure your reels don’t sink to the depths if your kayak flips. You can even secure a small cooler inside the crate to hold any fish you catch. Really, the possibilities are Justendless.ensure your crate is strapped into the moorings on your kayak well, or you could see your hard work sink out of sight.

SEATING OPTIONS Ocean Kayak Comfort Tech Seat ($59)

S BY SHANE FOLEY

While it may be a mouthful, the Kayak Chair II offers a soft yet firm memory foam base and incredible stability out on the water. You can easily unclip it from your kayak and use it as a camp chair, as well.

One of the most important aspects of kayak fishing which is often forgotten is body position. Many kayaks aren’t designed with fishing in mind, so if you have a whitewater or open-water kayak but have caught the fishing bug, using your old craft for your newfound hobby might not be as easy as you think. A piece of gear to seriously consider is a quality kayak seat or backrest. The lower back pain brought on by fishing in an uncomfort able position for hours can easily ruin a trip. In addition, a great kayak seat will help you stay stable while casting and reeling in your catch. If you don’t have a kayak and are interested in kayak fishing, you should choose a kayak with this in mind. A perfect model to look into is a W kayak (the initial is a signifier of its brand: Wavewalk), which is shaped exactly like it sounds. With a W kayak, your seated position will be more natural, with your legs comfortably bent, offering a more relaxed position from which to cast and paddle. This type of kayak also offers a much more stable ride than a traditional kayak due to the W’s catamaran-esque design.

The ultimate in comfort and form. An 18-inch-tall back and 2-inch-thick seat ensure that anyone will stay comfortable while angling, and the foam backrest provides excellent lumbar support. You won’t be feeling your trip in the morning, no matter how long you spend in this seat.

Kayak fishing: Consider this

MARCH

A superior choice in design, the Wavewalk series is the pinnacle in control and comfort for fishing. While the price point can be more backbreaking than fishing in a cheap kayak, if you’re looking for the best, look no further.

ORGANIZATION IS KEY: Kayaks aren’t huge, so having everything easily at arm’s reach can make the difference between a fun and a frustrating outing on the water. A cheap and simple fix for getting gear organized is strapping a milk crate to your kayak using bungee cords. However, you don’t have to stop at a mere milk crate. You can create a DIY organizational masterpiece using the crate, some PVC, a few screws and some zip ties.

If a W kayak breaks your bank, consider a sit-inside kayak over a sit-on-top kayak. Sit-inside designs aren’t as conducive to comfort and control while fishing on the water, but should work just fine. Again, you can upgrade your seat with a relatively inex pensive seat back or cushion.

Here you’ll discover a place where hearts beat to the sound of live outdoor concerts, the cascade of waterfalls and the laughter of friends enjoying another beautiful night. Considered a Southeast culinary hotspot, we’re serving up something for everyone – and that doesn’t stop at food. Discover a passion for the arts, world-class venues like The Peace Center and a multitude of museums, unique shops and galleries. Great venues, great vibe, great people. To learn more, call 800.717.0023. GreenvilledowntowninRiverReedytheoncomplexCenterPeaceThe

Where the fish are: TVA population rankings are rated between 20 (poor) and 60 (excellent).

Black Bass 52 Melton Hill Black Crappie 48 Guntersville Channel Catfish 46 South Holston

Spotted Bass 50 (tie) Chatuge Spotted Bass 50 (tie) Bear Creek Largemouth Bass 52 Old Hickory

For an interactive map on notable fishing locations in the region, visit ofreservoirrankssuchgis-boating-fishing-access.tn.gov/twra/topic/Forfurtherinformation,asasportfishguidewhichfishingbybothtypeandwiththebestchanceabigcatch,visittva.gov.

MARCH 2016

If you’re using live bait, don’t dump it. Similar to the invasive species concern with boats, bait dumping can harm an area by potentially introducing a non-native species or an abundance of one in particular.

uckily, Chattanooga is home to an abundance of fishing opportuni ties, thanks in part to Tennessee Valley Authority’s tracking of wild life conditions in the water and the periodic stocking of sport fish.

Do’s and Don’ts:

Pick up any trash, even if you aren't the litterbug.

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency regularly stocks streams with trout, says Mark Thurman, Region 3 fisheries manager for the wildlife education and management organization. According to TWRA’s website, 325,000 9- to 12-inch trout are stocked yearly across the state between February and October. The best fishing can be found in stocked streams from February until the summer heat drives them elsewhere in search of cooler waters. If you’re in search of a superb new spot on your own, there are several key factors you can use to determine how success ful you’ll be, Thurman says. For instance, fish fre quently congregate below dams, or where aquatic vegetation is heavy. “A fish isn’t going to be in the middle of a stream,” he says. “They’ll be behind the big rocks or the big log in the water.”

BY GABRIELLE CHEVALIER

See more at: Where-the-Fish-Are#sthash.Fo6OwDMH.dpufhttps://www.tva.gov/Environment/Recreation/

If you’re in a boat, clean the bottom before transporting it from one body of water to another. Invasive species that live in one environment can easily be transported to another waterway that isn’t equipped to handle it.

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There are several things you can do to keep your newfound fishing haven clean and ecologically sound, says Thurman. So anglers, remember:

All the equipment in the world does little good if you can’t find the fish.

Smallmouth Bass 42 Tims Ford Walleye 50 (tie) Beech Walleye 50 (tie) South Holston White Bass 50 Wheeler White Crappie 50 Barkley

This one is a no-brainer: just try to leave the location cleaner than when you arrived.

Scouting the right spot

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You have two easy — and humane — options when dealing with a squirrel coup d’etat of your feeder.

Finally, if you can’t beat them, feed them. Stock a separate ground feeder a safe distance from your bird feeder. Squirrels are opportunists, not glut tons. Keep the furry “friends” full and you’ll likely keep them away from your birds.

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DON’T let the sprout ing go unchecked. That’s like rolling out a welcome mat for rats and mice.

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No matter the kind or quality of birdseed you buy, birds will make a mess of it — which can help create habi tats for unwanted creatures. DO sterilize your birdseed. It’s easy: For a gallon of bird food, bake it in the oven for 30 minutes at 300 degrees. Or, put it in a paper bag and cook it in the microwave for five minutes. This will prevent spilled seed from sprouting, but it will not change its nutritional value.

PreventionDisease

Fact: Between 100 million and 1 billion birds in the U.S. die from window strikes each year. DO locate your feeders at least 30 feet away from windows. Or, place them within three feet of windows. Thirty feet is too far for a bird to confuse its reflection for a foe invading its turf. Three feet is too close for the bird to harm itself in the event of mistaken identity. It also helps to hang blinds or curtains inside your home, which fragments the window’s reflection.

BY SUNNY MONTGOMERY

If your squirrels are acro bats and make it up the pole anyway, attach a slinky to the bottom of the feeder. Thread the pole through the center of the slinky, then let it hang. Thanks to the toy’s springiness, when the squirrel goes for a grab, it will just be lowered back to the ground.

A squirrel steals from a backyard bird feeder.

DO try a pole-mounted feeder. Squirrels are sly, but the slick ness of a metal pole typically prevents them from getting traction. The feeder should be five feet off the ground and at least 10 feet from trees, homes, fences — anything from which a squirrel might launch itself.

DON’T assume win ter months will be cold enough to kill bacteria. ore than 52 lotmeansbirds,feedAmericansmillionwildwhichtheofyou can identify with the associated struggles: from greedy squirrels to sprouting seed. Here are some quick tips on what to do (and what NOT to do!) to help promote a happy backyard ecosystem.

Feeding Birds: Solutions to Common Quandaries

The SituationSquirrel

MARCH 2016

Window Collisions

Sprouted Seed

Birds are messy fel lows. Between spilled food and haphazard poo, bird feeders can be a breed ing ground for disease. DO clean bird feeders twice a year: at the end of summer and the end of winter. Toss old seed, then rinse the feeder in a 10 percent chlorine bleach solution. (Mix 9 parts water with 1 part bleach.) Rinse and dry thoroughly, then refill with fresh seed. Remember: Disease spreads quickest in wet, warm weather. While biannual cleanings suffice, seasonal cleanings are ideal.

DON’T use capsaicin-coated seeds or anything laced with hot peppers. While birds don't seem to mind some spice, squirrels detest it … because it burns them. In extreme cases it can cause blindness, or worse.

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The constant battery could cause your fatigued knees to buckle out from under you, creating, at best, an embar rassing situation. It could also cause permanent damage to the cartilage behind your kneecaps, bringing your hiking days to a halt. But all hope is not lost. Dorizas says there are several simple things you can do to make your descent as harmless as it feels.

BY MYRON MADDEN

Not according to Jad Dorizas, a local orthopedic sports medi cine provider for three area universities. Trekking uphill may feel like the workout, but it’s the trip down that puts the most strain on the body, Dorizas says. Gravity tugs each step to the ground with additional force, and since your foot doesn’t land in a planted position — as it does when climbing uphill — your joints bear the brunt of each blow.

Merrell Moab Mid Plantar fasciitis is a common injury among athletes and those who spend a lot of time on their feet. It’s marked by pain in the heel or bottom of the foot when walking or standing, since your natural shock absorbers have been stretched to the limit. Merrell Moab Mid hiking boots are a great choice since they feature a specialized midsole and air cushioning throughout the heel.

Speed: Slow down! The faster you go, the more force you apply to your knees. Try not to let gravity and momentum get you going too fast. Use a trekking pole — or even better: two — if necessary.

POOLCONTENTBULLNEVINS/REDBRIANPHOTO:

The Downhill Struggle

Weight: Your knees bear roughly four times your bodyweight when descending. That’s your weight times four. Carrying a backpack? Limit the weight you’re carrying if you know you’ll be tackling a big decline.

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ou’ve trudged to the top of the

Remember the old butterfly stretch from school? It works! You can even lean forward a bit to increase the stretch if need be, but be sure to keep your spine straight and don’t round your shoulders.

Heel: Avoid letting your heel strike the ground too hard … unless you want stressfractures and inflammation. Try to land on your mid-foot or forefoot to let your ankle and calf absorb some of the force.

easygoingthepeacefulyournowsumingEnduredinfireIgnoredtrail.theburningyourcalves.theall-confatigue.Andit’stimetoreapreward:anice,strolldownincline.Becausedownhillisthepart.…Right?

Force: Bend your knees to help them absorb some of the impact. Depending on the terrain, sidestepping or walking in a zigzag can also help minimize gravity’s forces.

Stretch it IT band hamstringandstretch Hook your right foot behind your left. Once stabilized, bend over and shift your arms to your left and grab your ankle for support. You should feel this down the back and side of your leg.

At 41 ounces, this ultralight backpack is a touch heavier than most. But its roll-top closure easily transforms it for more or less gear. Plus, there are options when it comes to the hip belt and shoulder straps, helping to make it the perfect pack for any number of occasions and people.

Exercise: The goal is to keep your calf and hip muscles strong. Dorizas recommends a regular dose of exercises like calf raises, squats, leg presses and knee extensions to keep the pain away.

Shoes: Your toes will jam into the front part of your shoes if you don’t have the proper footwear, causing bruises, blisters and toenail problems. Invest in a snug shoe that prevents your foot from sliding back and forth. Finding a pair with a cushioned heel wouldn’t hurt either.

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Ultralight BackpackEquipmentAdventureCircuit

Groin stretch

Karl Meltzer summits Mount Washington while attempting to break the record for fastest completion of the Appalachian Trail.

Hamstring and groin stretch Another classic: Sit with your legs outstretched to either side, in as wide a V as you can comfortably get them, then lean forward. Again, be careful to keep your spine straight and not round your shoulders.

Stretch: When hiking, your hamstrings get very tight. This could worsen the pressure you feel behind your kneecaps. Show your hammies some love before the descent with a few basic stretches. Make sure to pay attention to the groin muscles and IT band as well.

23MAR CH 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA 39507796 888.489.4144 · visitabingdonvirginia.com The curtain rises on another day IN HISTORIC ABINGDON. HOW WILL YOU SPEND IT? Catch a performance at BARTER THEATRE. Pedal along the scenic VIRGINIA CREEPER TRAIL. Sample the cuisine including LOCAL BEER AND WINE.

SOURCE: TIMES FREE BY KELSIE BOWMAN

An adult angler must be in the boat with student com petitors to run the motor, but it’s the students who tie their knots and cast their bait to win, Brady says. “There are opportunities [for students who fish] and it’s just getting bigger and bigger,” he says. “Both [Kennedy and Marshall] are talking to schools about scholarships now. I’ve got other kids on our team who have opportunities if they want to pursue them, as well.” Brady says the best part about high school fishing teams is the ability to introduce the sport to so many young people.

Learn More Learn more about the Battle of Chickamauga High School Classic at battleofchick.com.

Many of the teams are already gearing up for the new season’s tournaments, like the Battle of Chickamauga Classic which takes place this month, March 11-12. “Some of [the students] just love to fish. Some of them have aspirations that one day, just like a kid playing foot ball who wants to be in the NFL, they would like to fish on the FLW tour,” says Brent Brady, fishing team coach for Silverdale Baptist Academy, a private preK-12 school in Chattanooga. His team of Daniel Kennedy and Braden Marshall took home the title of state champion last summer.

Last summer’s Fishing League Worldwide Tennessee State Championship on Chickamauga Lake saw lots of local high schools com peting for the biggest catch, from Central High School to Soddy-Daisy and Sale Creek highs to schools across Bradley and Rhea counties, and more.

■ In 2014, the county hosted 34 fishing events, leading to: ■ 18 percent increase in lodging tax ■ 5,500 more night stays than in 2013 ■ 12.2 million additional sales tax dollars than in 2013

“That’s the beauty of it,” he says. “I’ll get some people like my son who’s a senior who’s been doing this his whole life … but then again I’ll get some people who I have to teach how to tie a knot because they’ve never had anyone teach them.

Brady, who has been fishing professionally for the past 30 years, has 18 members on his team this year, which makes nine different pairings for tour naments. Some schools with larger fishing programs, like Rhea County High, have scores of boats while others have one or two out on the water during a competition, he explains.

A A new generation of anglers

“Baseball, football days will all come to an end, but you can fish for the rest of your life.”

PRESS ARCHIVES

Fishing is becoming more and more prominent at Silverdale Baptist Academy, one of the few local schools with a program, as well as other schools throughout the region. Senior Cody Thomas just signed scholarship papers to fish on Bryan College’s inaugural bass fishing team. “This year we’re putting a team together. Hopefully next year we’ll be fishing,” says Bryan coach Mike Keen.

WINNING CATCH: Daniel Kennedy and Braden Marshall’s 21-pound, 13-ounce yield won them the tournament — and a $10,000 scholarship to Bryan College, which has one of the fastest growing college bass fishing teams in the country, according to the website for The Bass Federation’s Student Angler Federation. The single 7-pound, 4-ounce bass Kennedy and Marshall caught during the tournament also won them the Big Bass award. Want to see a fishing team at your school? Visit highschoolfishing.org to learn more.

BIG BUSINESS Rhea County is home to one of the area’s largest high school fishing teams. It’s no wonder when you consider what big business fishing is for the county.

MARCH

FreshAir24GETOUTCHATTANOOGA 2016 mong the local fisher men in withpingtheiranglersarea,Chattanoogatheyoungarecastinglinesandstepintothespotlightthebestofthem.

25MAR CH 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA 39687349 Nobody does camp better thanGirl Scouts! Whether it’s overnight, day camp, or family camp, we’ve got it all for your summer fun. Visit GirlScoutCSA.org or call 1.800.474.1912 Visit gscsa.co/camps16 or call 1.800.474.1912

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System

The worst thing that can happen on a camping trip is getting injured without any way of calling for help. Even if you’re in cell service or you have a GPS, if they run out of battery power, you could be faced with a dire situation. The Powermonkey Extreme is a solar-powered charger that can restore power to smartphones, handheld cameras, action cameras like GoPros and GPS and sat nav devices.

Helio Pressure Shower

Gear and Gadgets on the cutting edge

If($59.99)$100is a little steep to you for a glorified light bulb, or if you prefer a hands-on approach to things, check out Sawyer’s innovative water filtration system. The filter attaches to one of three different sizes of pouches, from 16 ounces up through 64 ounces. Fill the pouch up with water, squeeze it out through the filter and you have drinkable, potable water. Perfect for backpackers, the Sawyer filter only has a total field weight of 3 ounces and rolls up easily to fit in any pack.

The Extreme can be charged beforehand, or charged while you’re out using the solar panels on the 1-pound device.

SteriPEN Ultra

26 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA MARCH 2016 FreshAir amping is a great way to get away from it all for a few days of relax ation. But what happens when “getting away from it all” involves getting into weather or situations you weren’t prepared for? No weather forecast is perfect, and Murphy’s Law applies to camping as well: Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. Stoves won’t light. Pots in which to boil water will be forgotten. These things happen, but they don’t mean your trip has to be ruined. Here’s some gear that will ensure things run smoothly (provided you don’t forget these items as well). C BY SHANE FOLEY

You’re($99.99)out on a hike, about a mile in, and you realize you left your water bottle back at the campsite. Or, you’re on a backpacking trip and the unseasonable heat has led to you being out of water faster than you anticipated. That’s when a SteriPEN comes in handy. SteriPENs, and similar products, use UV light to filter stream or river water, making it safe for human consumption in about two minutes. The Ultra model is USB rechargeable, so there isn’t any worry about forgetting batteries.

The($99.99)Helio Pressure Shower won’t end up potentially saving your life like some other products might, but it will save you from being unbearably stinky after a camp outing. The Helio doesn’t hang up like gravity dependant showers do. Instead, it rests on the ground after being filled with water, and you create water pressure by stepping on a pump. It’s got a near3-gallon capacity, and the nozzle is versatile enough to make it useful for cleaning dishes, your hair or your bike. Leave it out in the sun to get a warm bathing experience. Who’s ever heard of a warm shower while camping? Powermonkey Extreme 12v (£120, or roughly $179)

27MAR CH 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE CHATTANOOGA! 816 NW 25th Street Cleveland, TN 423-473-702737311 5414 Hixson Pk. Hixson, TN 423-708-774537343 Bring this ad for 10% off your next purchase. (excluding safety footwear) Walker’s Oak & More Hand Made Amish Furniture 2707 LaFayette Rd. • Fort Oglethorpe, GA 706-866-2491 | www.walkersoakandmore.com

28 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA MARCH 2016 SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2016 | 1-5 PM | THE CHATTANOOGAN HOTEL VISIT TIMESFREEPRESSEVENTS.COM FOR TICKETS EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR BIG DAY! Booth Opportunities Still Available 423.757.6914 Presented by Sponsored by please note: New Date & New Venue for 2016!

Your Best Month WILD PEOPLE › DESTINATION › EAT RIGHT › CALENDAR OF EVENTS The awe-inspiring peregrine falcon. 29MAR CH 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA

State parks offer a bounty of activities beyond the usual camping of family vacations past. With dozens and dozens of state parks within a reasonable drive time from Chattanooga, there’s a whole world waiting to be discovered in virtually our backyard. This series highlights some of the best for just as many reasons.

30 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA MARCH 2016

BY JENNIFER BARDONER State Park MarchDestination

Why we love it: A diamond in the rough teeming with unique wildlife and plant life; emerging famed fly fishing spot Closest town: Flag Pond, Tenn. Drive time from Chattanooga: 3 hours, 45 minutes

What better place to get away from it all than Tennessee’s newest state park? Cradled by the Appalachian Mountains, Rocky Fork State Park promises the soul-rejuvenating sprawling vistas the range is known for, along with plenty of hidden — and still undiscovered — gems along the way. Which also makes it the perfect place to get closer to fly fishing. The park is still in the design phase, meaning there won’t be any facilities, but there also won’t be much traffic. Numerous falls, streams, pools and eddies criss-cross the more than 2,000 acres. The park, which takes its name from one of these streams, has been called “one of Tennessee’s best-kept secrets” and “a mountain gem,” and the fish that call it home are one of the prime reasons. The streams harbor Appalachian wood trout, native brook trout and wild rainbow trout, and wander through limestone, lending a pH level that’s ideal for trout repro duction, survival and growth. However, they also lay beneath unobstructed sunshine which, while making for an enjoyable “sun on your face” kind of afternoon, also mean the streams can get a bit too warm for comfort when it comes to trout. But the streams are well-stocked, and one is hatchery supported.

Rocky Fork State Park

The park’s trout fishing season stretches year-round, though spring is generally the best time. In the summer, search for shady spots. In the fall, you’ll easily find big brown trout in the lower South Indian Creek.

Bear Country The park is part of the Unicoi Bear Reserve, meaning it’s home to a large number of black bears. Before backing away from the park, consider this: Black bears have killed 67 people across North America since 1900. Bees, wasps and hornets kill about 50 people every year. Still, these are no teddy bears. As the number of us humans has grown, there has been a documented increase in the number of bear attacks, mostly from preda tory males. So, what should you do if you come across one of these hungry men?

Unique Residents

The park’s uncharted territory also makes it a top among mountain bikers. Old logging roads make for challenging routes, even for cars. Though plans are still in the works, its backcountry singletrack could become the next major destination for cyclists. As Far as the Eye can See There are two reputed over looks within the park: White House Cliffs and Buzzard Rock, with the latter possibly being one of the best places in the region to catch more than a glimpse of the oldest moun tains in the world — and nothing else. It’s no surprise, then, that Rocky Fork is Tennessee’s only state park containing portions of the AT.

More to Come

Remember that cheer from high school? Be aggressive, be be AGGRESSIVE! Yell or throw things. Make threaten ing gestures. Grab whatever’s handy and use it as a weapon if need be. Or just stock up on bear mace.

31MAR CH 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA

Comprised mostly of Appalachian Cove Forest — offering some of the most diverse ecosystem in the world — the park is also home to a number of animals, including 10 species that are listed as either “in need of management” or “state endan gered.” One of those is the peregrine falcon, one of the world’s fastest flyers. If you’ve ever experienced or imagined the stomach-lurch ing speeds of skydiving, add about 75 mph and you’ve got this falcon’s hunting dive. When in its dive of up to 200 mph, this is the fastest animal on the planet, in a manner of speaking. Most birds cruise along at 20-30 mph, and a cheetah, the fastest land animal on earth, sprints at around 60 mph.

The Next Big Thing

Fishing Season

PHOTO: ADAM BAKER Learn More about/rocky-forktnstateparks.com/parks/

The park is part of an overall nearly 10,000 acres; what was said to be the largest privately owned and unprotected tract in the Appalachians. It nearly became home to a gated resort, but the U.S. Forest Service purchased several tracts in 2011 and 2013. The Land and Water Conservation Fund (remember that now-defunct bipartisan funnel for oil money from our November 2015 edition?) and partners bought out the remainder. That land will be turned over to the Forest Service and state of Tennessee as funds become available, so stay tuned.

Trout Unlimited is a vol unteer-based organization whose mission is to conserve, protect and restore North America’s coldwater fisheries and watersheds. It is a conserva tion group, not a fishermen’s club, says Fry. There are 400 chapters across the country with eight in Tennessee.

The Appalachian chapter, focused on the Tellico River watershed, has about 270 members. It was established in the 1970s. Back then, Fry remembers, the best place to catch trout was a portion of the Little Tennessee River north of Tellico Plains. “It was known as the Little T,” he says. And it was a famed fishery; rocky and wild, its edges flanked with Rhododendron and river birch. Then, in 1979 the Tellico Dam opened, which impounded water from the Tellico River and the Little Tennessee River. Now, says Fry, that once-prized stretch of mountain stream is known as Tellico Lake.

Those were his first infor mal fly lessons. Fry received his first formal lesson at age 12 when he traveled with his father to Borgarnes, Iceland, for what he says was a lifechanging fishing trip. There, Fry was given instruction by world-famous fisherman Leon Chandler. (There is even a Trout Unlimited chapter in upstate New York named “The Leon Chandler Chapter.”)

Rainbows now inhabit almost 90 percent of East Tennessee’s trout streams. They are larger and heartier than brook trout, and surviving brook trout popu lations struggle to compete. Brook trout are an impor tant indicator species, says Fry. When water quality

BY SUNNY MONTGOMERY

Fry took to fly fishing eas ily. As a child, his skill was showcased in Fly Fisherman magazine. As an adult, he was featured on ESPN’s Trout Unlimited Television, a 30-min ute fishing show broadcast every Saturday morning. But as he got older, fly fishing became less about the catch and more about conservation. Today, much of Fry’s work through Trout Unlimited involves brook-trout resto ration. The cold mountain streams of East Tennessee once teemed with the native fish. But pollution and overfish ing took a toll on the species. By the early 1900s, many populations had been extir pated. Rainbow trout from the western U.S. were brought in to restock the waters.

Fishing for a Better Tomorrow

Fry had been too young to remember fishing the Little T, but he learned about it through his father, Hubert Fry, creator of the Tennessee Riverpark’s Fishing Park and avid fishery conservationist who bestowed upon his son more than just his surname. Fry remembers, when he was around 8 years old, he began to accompany his father and his father’s buddy on sum mer fishing trips. His father would wake him at 4 a.m. “He wanted to be on the boat and fishing before sunlight,” says Fry. In the murky pre-dawn, the trio would putter out of Harrison Bay to Patten Island where the willow flies were hatching in droves. Fry’s father would give him a pole and bag of worms, setting him up to catch brim. Then the adults would cast out their fly rods. Fry was mesmerized by the grace ful back-and-forward flicks of their forearms. He would wait until the men grew tired, then he would ask for a try.

SHARPEJEFFERYPHOTO:

STEVE FRY CATCHES RAINBOW TROUT ON THE HOLSTON RIVER

The Boy Scouts have a rule: Always leave a campsite cleaner than you found it. It is the philosophy that Steve Fry, president of Trout Unlimited’s Appalachian chap ter, has adapted to his own life. “When I leave this world, I want to leave it better if I can,” he says.

Steve FryWild People 32 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA NOVEMBER 2015

Help Keep Your Streams Clean

Through Trout Unlimited, Fry has established partner ships with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Tennessee Valley Authority and the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute to help bring back the brooks. He organizes volunteers to aid in laborious projects that manually remove rainbows and restock some streams with brooks. He helps raise funds to support the Tellico Hatchery, which breeds brook trout in captivity then releases them into the wild. In 2012, Fry developed Trout Unlimited’s Tennessee Chapter grant program. The program uses proceeds from the organization’s specialty license plate (which pictures a brook trout) to help sup port education or restoration projects proposed by any of Tennessee’s eight chapters. When he can, Fry still man ages to get out and fly fish. His favorite spot is the Hiwassee River. Sometimes, he says, he brings his catch home to cook. Mostly, he releases the trout — especially the big ones, he says — but not for conserva tion purposes. The Hiwassee is stocked with rainbows intended to be caught. “Catching big fish is very enjoyable,” explains Fry, and if he can help it, those prize catches will still be there for the next fisherman.

On Saturday, March 12, join Trout Unlimited for its annual Tellico River Clean-up. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. at the Tellico District Ranger Station, 250 Ranger Station Road, Tellico Plains, Tennessee. Contact Don Denny at dd37312@hotmail.com to learn more.

declines, brooks are one of the first species to suffer. That’s a problem, he says. After all, “This is the species that God designed to live here.”

BASHLINEJIMPHOTO:

FRY AT AGE 12 IN A 1972 ISSUE OF FLY FISHERMAN MAGAZINE HUBERT FRY AT THE NORTH RIVER IN THE 1970S

The Hiwassee River Clean-up is scheduled for Saturday, March 19. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. at the Gee Creek Campground Office. Call the Tellico Ranger Station 423-253-8400 for details. Bags and bag pick-up provided for both events. Free lunch will also be provided to participants.

33MAR CH 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA

1 Place the carrots, potatoes and onion into the bottom of a slow cooker, pour in the water and place the brisket on top 2 Pour the beer over the brisket. Sprinkle on the spices, cover and set the cooker on High.

Cabbage can keep for weeks(!) in the fridge. Store it in a plastic bag in your crisper, keeping the head whole until you’re ready to prepare it.

34 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA MARCH 2016 Your Best Month Eat Right Slow KEEP&CornedCookerBeefCabbageITFRESH:

SERVINGS PREP: 15 MINUTES READY IN: 9 HOURS

in! What you need Why we love it What you do ■ 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into matchstick pieces ■ 10 baby red potatoes, quartered ■ 1 onion, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces ■ 4 cups water ■ 1 (4-pound) corned beef brisket with spice packet ■ 6 ounces beer ■ 1/2 head cabbage, coarsely chopped

Fact or Myth?

BY JENNIFER BARDONER | RECIPE FROM ALLRECIPES.COM YIELD:

3 Cook the brisket for about 8 hours. An hour before serving, stir in the cabbage and cook for 1 more hour. While cabbage has always been one of the most affordable vegetables, it’s often overlooked; bypassed for trendy cousins like kale and spinach. You may think of it in terms of the goopy meals your grandparents only ate because there was nothing else, but cabbage is versatile. It can be a source of color, that satisfying crunch factor and whatever flavor you’re going for since it’s easily meldable. It’s definitely deserving of a place in the “in” crowd. Part of the cruciferous family, it’s chock-full of nutrients: Vitamin K and anthocyanins for brain function, Vitamin C and sulphur to remove toxins and do wonders for your immune system, hair, skin and nails, potassium for lower blood pressure, and a slew of others to help ward off cancer. Peak season is November-April, so dig

When you think of St. Patrick’s Day, do you think of corned beef and cabbage? Then chances are you aren’t from Ireland. It was never really consumed in the motherland until it became popularized here in in the U.S. In fact, until British rule, cows were treated in Ireland like they are still in India. It wasn’t until the Irish started immigrating to America when their prime food source — potatoes — was destroyed that the dish became an Irish staple … in America. 8

35MAR CH 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA Your Best Month Eat CalendarRight

20 StridesofMarch

12 Foto @ the Falls Photography and spelunking collide at Ruby Falls’ eighth annual Foto at the Falls event. Photo enthusiasts are guided through a limited-size tour, allowing them to capture unique pictures of the cavern and waterfall. To reserve a spot, call 1-800755-7105 or visit com/foto-at-falls.rubyfalls.

event?

This family-friendly 5k lets you support local charities and businesses the tastiest way possible: by getting covered head to toe in fruit-flavored, colored powder. Dash through every color in the rainbow, then stay for the Post-Run Flavor Festival filled with live entertainment, fresh fruit, local vendors and children’s activities. To register or find out more, visit flavorrun.com.

Have upcoming Tell us about editor@getoutchattanooga.comit. Only legitimate events will be considered. Please include any websites or materials with contact information.

22 Siskin LuncheonPossibilitiesHospital’s Grant Korgan was the first spinal cord-injured athlete in history to ski 80 miles to Antarctica’s South Pole. His wife Shawna, whose dedication and experience as a certified personal trainer, helped him reach his goal. Meet them both and celebrate “Life Beyond Disability” during Siskin’s 13th annual Possibilities Luncheon at ddeweese@siskinrehab.org.callCenter.ChattanoogatheConventionTopurchasetickets,423-634-1208oremail

First, take a virtual tour of the nation’s most iconic natural treasures during a screening of National Parks Adventure 3D in the yourimax-cluborg/membership/community.tnaqua.267-3474youbeFitness,Pointwithandappetizers,WithfeaturedtheMaxpresentationinTheater,Aquarium’sTennesseeIMAXthensettleforaspecialbyLowe,oneofadventurersinthefilm.aselectionofacashbaranafter-partyLoweatHighClimbingandthereshouldnothingstoppingfromcalling423-orvisitingtopurchasetickets.

Events

an

19 WorkshopContainerGardening

Beginning gardeners are welcome to join this class designed to make container gardening easy and fun. Held at Crabtree Farms’ Evelyn Center, the course covers everything from selecting the best container, potting mix and location, to tending raised bed gardens. To register, call 423-4939155, ext. 10, or mtalley@crabtreefarms.org.email 19 RumpRun

promotional

MARCH

Join the hundreds expected to turn out at Renaissance Park for Chattanooga Cares’ 21st annual Strides of March AIDS Walk and Fun Run. Participants walk or run from the park to the Bluff View Art District and back via the Walnut Street Bridge. Registration starts at noon. Visit information.chattanoogaorg/strides-of-march-chattanoogacares.formore

26 FlavorRun5k

22 NationalParksAdventure

Help the visitregisterforfuntimed.Center.EnterpriseappropriatelyCancerCancerChattanoogaGreaterColonFoundation“KickintheButt”inthisnamed5katSouthNatureTheracewillbeThereisalsoa1-milewalkforthoselookingamorerelaxedpace.Toorfindoutmore,rumprun.com.

Celebrate World Water Day and the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service with this month’s biggest double feature.

36 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA MARCH 2016 SNAKEBITES

BY KELSIE BOWMAN

When Dr. Chris Moore gives educational presentations on snakebites, he likes to make his audience squirm with a nice, big picture of a snake to kick off his lecture. After watching their collective shudder, he’ll ask, “Why is it we are so afraid of something that is a fraction of our size?”

It’s a good question. Moore says whenever he gets the chance, he tries to educate outdoor lovers on the truth about these slithering reptiles. Should you happen to run into one on your next trek in the woods, here’s what you should know.

TRAIL SURVIVAL: SNAKEBITES MAR CH 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA 37

■

A quick look at a snake distribution map will show you that, though cottonmouths’ natural habitat isn’t very far outside of Chattanooga, really the only snakes we have to be aware of in our area are the rattlers. That being said, according to Moore there’s a lot of misinformation floating around about these creatures. He says it’s important to know that:

Moore strongly advises just staying away from the snake. “All of these things are true, but they are really subtle and things can change,” he says, adding that the hog snake, a nonvenomous snake, has evolved to learn how to triangulate and flatten

FIRST, SOME EDUCATION

EASTERN CORAL SNAKE Micrurus fulvius fulvius

STAY AWAY!

■

■ They do, however, have a superior sense of smell and are extremely sensi tive to heat and vibra tions, which means they can easily sense when a large creature — like a human — is coming at them.

■ Snakes are coldblooded animals with terrible vi sion and hearing. They’re slow, lacking stamina, which means they won’t go chasing after you if you leave them alone.

■ While it might be handy to know how to iden tify a venomous versus non-venomous snake, Moore says what’s more important is to get out of the situation. “If you see a snake, there’s really no reason to determine whether it’s venomous or nonvenomous; just leave it alone,” he says.

have:snakesNonvenomoustraditionally ■

■ “When we think snakes are out to get us, it’s the furthest thing from the truth,” says Moore. “All of this is set up for their ad aptation to stay alive and to replenish as a species and to feed themselves. They’re going, ‘Oh my God, there’s not a chance in the world I can take [that human] down and eat her.’”

■ Snakes don’t want to waste venom. “We know now … in between 30 and 50 percent of all bites from venomous snakes, no venom is released,” says Moore. These are called “dry bites.” The idea is that snakes use their venom to kill their prey so they can eat. Sensing the size of an WHO CARES?

38 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA TRAIL SURVIVAL:

Aside from coral snakes, venomous traditionallysnakeshave: Triangular head ■ Single row of subcaudal scales Heat-sensitive pit, elliptical cat-like eyes, retractable fangs, which are their only teeth.Coralsnakes are very different. They have a round head, fixed teeth and can generally be determined by their “Red next to yellow will kill a NOT? Tapered head ■ Double row of subcaudal scales on the distal anal plate Round pupils and fixed teeth SNAKEBITES

■

BE PREPARED: on common outdoor injuries or dangers and what to do about them. Check next month’s issue for more Wilderness Medicine 101. Visit for anything you might have missed.

VENOMOUS OR

Out of the 120 species of snakes in the United States, only 19 of them are venomous , says Moore. Of those 19, two are coral snakes, one is the copperhead, another the water moccasin/cottonmouth, and the remaining 15 are various types of rattlesnakes.

According to Moore, about 45,000 snakebites are reported every year in the U.S., and 9,000 of those people are treated for venomous snakebites. Death by snakebite does not exceed 10 to 12 people per year, he says.

ACTIONTAKING

■ DO NOT panic. Remember, there’s a 30-50 percent chance the bite wasn’t venomous. Ex amine the wound and look for signs of swell ing and severe pain. Note: A venomous bite can have anywhere from one to four puncture marks, as a rattlesnake can already be grow ing a second pair of teeth in the back of its mouth in case its current fangs get broken off.

Bites largely occur on the upper extremities, and men are seven to nine times more likely to be bitten than women, largely because they’ll be the ones to go up to the snake and try to grab it, Moore laughs. Though it’s rare, a snakebite can happen. If it does, here’s what you should (and should not) do:

■ DO NOT use a tourniquet. “Venom is spread through tissues and the lymph system, not arteries,” Moore explains. “When you put a tourniquet and occlude veins and arteries, you’re not helping the snakebite. What you are helping is the possibility to kill the arm or leg.”

■ DO get to definitive care as soon as possible. The only known cure for a snakebite is a dose of antivenin. Let’s say you’re hours out onto the trail when you get bitten, and the wound is swelling and the pain severe. How long do you have? Moore says it depends on your body size and where you were bitten. For instance, if you were bitten on an artery, the venom will travel faster throughout your body. But ultimately, “You have to get to definitive treat ment as quickly and in the best way you can,” says Moore.

■ DO NOT try to cut the wound and suck out the venom. Cutting could introduce more bacteria into the wound and damage the arteries and nerves. Also, it’s highly unlikely you’ll be able to access the venom pool se creted by the snake’s curved fangs. Basically, there’s too much risk involved for a method that has not been proven effective, says Moore.

ABOUT OUR EXPERT Dr. Chris Moore is a medical doctor who has held many wilderness safety roles in the community during his tenure. He was the director of wilderness and event medicine at the UTC College of Medicine, helped start Baylor’s Walkabout program and servedChattanooga,Outdoorandhasastripphysician on multiple outdoor excursions far and wide.

■ If you didn’t get a good look at the snake to determine if it’s venomous or not, DO NOT go looking for it. While the snake probably hasn’t gone very far if the bite was recent, sending someone off to find or kill it is really unnecessary. First, it could create another victim and delay getting help for the current victim. Second, emergency room doctors most often specialize in caring for snake bites, not identifying venomous snakes, says Moore. Then there’s the fact that a snake’s head can still bite for up to 60 minutes after being severed from its body.

DID YOU KNOW? Many people might see a snake swimming in a body of water and automatically assume it’s a water moccasin, but this isn’t necessarily true. “All snakes swim,” says Moore.

MAR CH 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA 39 RATTLESNAKE Crotalus cerastes

40 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA MARCH 2016

BY SUNNY PHOTOGRAPHYMONTGOMERYBYDANHENRY

41MAR CH 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA A ABOVEFROMGIFT

42 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA MARCH 2016

Still she brought the fledgling home. She spent the spring season nursing it back to health. The grackle became her companion. When Parks took hikes, the bird followed along in the treetops above her. At night, it slept on a perch in her kitchen. One day, Parks noticed another grackle landing on a nearby tree and peering through her window. She decided to find the flock. Parks climbed onto her bicycle, her grackle perched on her shoulder, and rode through town until she found the birds in a thicket of trees by Thrasher Elementary School. Every day after, she peddled her grackle back to the flock. The grackle would go sit with the other birds, but it always returned to her shoulder. Until the day it did not. “The flock accepted him so he went with them. I had him about a year. That was too long, but I didn’t know back then,” says Parks.

Alix Parks had been hiking on Signal Mountain when her destiny fell from the sky and landed at her feet: a disoriented baby grackle, sticky with blood after being dropped by a red-tailed hawk passing overhead. As a child, Parks had often cared for orphaned squirrels or opossums, but she had no experience with birds.

Federal permits require the applicant be at least 18 years old, have at least 100 hours’ experience rehabbing birds, and have a valid state wildlife rehabilitation permit.

43MAR CH 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA

Parks’ caging ranges from plastic pet car riers to 100-foot-long custom built aviaries. For the most part, wildlife rehabs itself, she says. Often, the rehabber’s job is to provide a safe, non-stressful environment for the animal to recover on its own. Other duties include cleaning the cages and feeding the birds: once a day for adult raptors; three times a day for the young.

In the world of wildlife rehab, an education animal is an animal that is non-releasable. Lovely cannot be released for two reasons: First, she was taken as a nestling and hand-fed a nutritionally deficient diet. This led to metabolic bone disease, which causes long bone fractures. “By the time I got her, she was like a rub ber chicken,” Parks says. Second, the person who found Lovely kept her too long. Consequently, Lovely imprinted on that person. Imprinting is the natural phenomenon where a young animal comes to recognize another ani mal or object as its parent. Simply put, Lovely does not know she is an owl. To keep an education bird, one must obtain a special license. In order to rehab birds, one must obtain a state permit from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and a federal permit from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. State permits require 200 hours of apprentice work or one year of full-time employment as a veterinary technician.

Twenty years later, Parks is the matriarch of Happinest Wildlife Rehabilitation & Rescue, a nonprofit orga nization that rehabs raptors, songbirds and small mammals. In 2012, Parks co-founded Happinest with her mentee Sherry Teas. In 2015, the two finally turned their partner ship into a nonprofit. Parks’ focus is raptors. Teas’ specialty is songbirds. There are six apprentices in training to treat small mammals. Happinest’s rehabbers are all volunteers and work out of their homes. They foot their own expenses. Last year, Parks spent around $6,000 on frozen mice alone, she says. Teas says she spent $5,000 on meal worms. Each songbird’s rehab costs a minimum of $60. On average, each year, Happinest rehabs 600 songbirds. Other expenditures might include vitamin supplements, surgical gloves, prescription medication, cages, aviaries and more.Kate Harrell, who is apprenticing to spe cialize in squirrels, says she won’t tally her total costs. She doesn’t want to know. “It’s all my spendable income, I know that,” Harrell Happinest’ssays.ultimate goal is to open Chattanooga’s first wildlife hospital. But first, the group hopes to become finan cially sustainable. One thing is certain: The rehabbers’ devotion is immeasurable. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit each of their homes. I was awestruck by their commitment. Alix Parks with Lovely the Owl

Both state and federal permits require two letters of recommendation from permitted rehabilitators, a letter from a licensed veterinarian who will assist when necessary, and an inspection of the prem ises and caging.

I mistake it for a decoy, until the bird dips its head and flares its wings to the side. This is a warning, Parks explains. The owl, whose name is Lovely, feels threatened. I take a few steps back. Lovely relaxes.

RAPTORS

I pull into Parks’ sloping driveway and park behind a bumper-stickered RAV4 tout ing messages like “Give Wildlife a Brake!” A diamond-shaped “Hawk Crossing” sign is mounted to the backyard’s wooden privacy fence, beyond which I see the corrugated metal top of an aviary. No doubt about it, I am in the right place. Parks is a caretaker, through and through. She shares her home with her 97-year-old mother. She has five rescue parrots, a rescue cockatiel and two large dogs, one of which is 11-year-old Falco, a retired police K-9 abused and abandoned by his former owner. “There was talk of putting him down, but I think he’s still got some good years in him,” Parks says, running her hand over the dog’s spine. She leads me into her kitchen and offers me coffee and a slice of homemade banana bread. Behind her, an owl calendar hangs on the wall; the back sliding door is stickered with bluebird decals. She nods to the top of her refrigerator where there sits a barn owl. “That’s my education bird,” says Parks.

“THEWILDTHINGBEAUTIFULABOUTANIMALSISTHATTHEYWANTTOBEWILD.”

— Kate Harrell

44 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA MARCH 2016 I follow Parks into her attached garage, which she has converted into a makeshift hospital. Parks calls it “intake.” It smells of feces and hay. One on side of the room there is a long terrarium where Parks breeds mice for food. On the other, a row of pet carriers where the birds are placed upon arrival. But first, Parks conducts a thorough examination. If necessary, she will provide splints, broken-bone wraps, antibiotics or pain medicine, which she obtains from the assisting veterinarian. Parks points into the first cage. A young red-tailed hawk balances unsteadily on its perch. “This is Electra,” says Parks. Electra crashed into a power line and suffers from spinal trauma. The bird arrived paralyzed. As Electra gets stronger, Parks will move the bird to increasingly larger cages so it can exercise its wings.

“She’ll run before she’ll fly,” Parks says. We exit the garage through a side door and out into the backyard. There are five structures on

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Parks’ property. In one rests a screech owl. In another, a cooper’s hawk. We enter the largest avi ary, where a great horned owl has almost recovered after being tangled in barbed wire.

“He’s telling us to back off,” Parks says, adding that a bird will let a rehabber know when it is ready for release. “They become very vocal,” she says.

In addition to hawks and owls, Parks has rehabbed falcons, vultures, cranes and geese. In fact, she often receives calls about “injured” Canadian geese on the Tennessee Riverwalk. The injury is actually an affliction: angel wings, a syn drome where the bird’s wings grow flipped out to the side. It is caused by well-meaning birdwatchers who feed bread to the birds, explains Parks. Bread contains more protein than water-birds need. When it comprises the bulk of such a bird’s diet, it results in bone deformity.

For instance, it is a hugely perpetuated myth that a mother bird will abandon her young if they are handled by a human. Frequently, Teas receives healthy baby birds taken from their mother.

The great horned owl is a magnificent animal. King of the treetops. Its diet ranges from rats to other raptors. The bird swoops and lands on a beam above our heads. It casts its ominous yellow eyes onto us. It flattens its ear tufts against its head, which, Parks explains, are not actually ears. Ear tufts are just long feathers used to communicate.

“We call it kidnapping,” says Teas — who was once a culprit. The first baby bird she ever rehabbed was one that she inadvertently kidnapped.

Happinest hopes to put signs along the water, encouraging people to buy special pellets if they want to feed the birds. Rehabilitation is only half of the organization’s mission. Education is its second.

The owl begins to rapidly puff its throat muscles — gular fluttering, Parks calls it. It is the bird’s form of panting or sweating. The owl is nervous.

Currently, Teas has 15 regular volunteers to help clean cages, prepare food, do dishes and tend baby birds during the busy season.

Sherry Teas with a cedar waxwing

SONGBIRDS

“I tell all my volunteers, ‘You can enjoy them, but you can’t treat them like pets.’ We don’t cradle them; we give them space,” Teas says.“The beautiful thing about wild animals is that they want to be wild,” says Harrell, one of Happinest’s prospective mammal rehabilitators. “Everyone has that critter that connects to their heart.” For her, it is baby squirrels, which are also known as “pinkies.”

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When I arrive at Teas’ home I again know I am in the right place. I step out of my car and hear a symphony of muffled squawks on the other side of her garage door. Teas’ home is located in a tree-less neighborhood near Harrison Bay. In 2011, she remembers standing at her front door and watching as a tornado tore through her front yard and all its vegetation. After the storm passed, she went to inspect the damage. Beside one of her downed trees she found a robin’s nest. There were two babies, but only one survivor. The mother bird was nearby chirping loudly. “I had no idea I could just put the nest someplace else and the mama would keep caring for it. So I took it with me,” says Teas. The robin was a fledgling, which means it could fly. Teas went to the tackle shop and bought crickets. She hand-fed it every time it begged. Still, she was fascinated how quickly the bird’s natural instincts took effect. “Wilding up,” Teas calls it. Most songbirds are less susceptible to imprinting. The exception is corvids, a family of birds that is highly intelligent and includes species such as crows, ravens and blueLikejays.Parks, Teas is a nurturer. She owns a hair salon. She has three indoor cats and two small rescue dogs, who eagerly greet me at the front door. We cross through her kitchen, past her living room where her third rescue dog, an elderly blind Chihuahua, is tucked into a playpen beside a flickering fireplace. Also like Parks, Teas has turned her garage into a makeshift animal hospital. It is lined with bird cages, pet carriers and mesh reptariums, collectively housing over 20 songbirds. There is a mockingbird with a respiratory infection, a woodpecker with a head injury, a wren that had been stuck to a sticky trap, etc. According to Teas, the first and most important thing to do for an injured songbird is to stabilize it. Stress can kill a bird. She recommends putting the bird in a box with a towel or T-shirt. Set the box in a dark space and do not disturb it. If the bird is lethargic, place a heating pad under half the box. Then, call her. Happinest receives calls from the public 24/7. Teas is accustomed to the chaos. Her garage resounds with chirps, coos and flut tering wings. But this is nothing compared to springtime, she says. Between April and September, Teas is inundated with baby birds. Baby songbirds must be fed as often as every 15 minutes from dawn to dusk. Peak months are May through July. During that time, Teas will care for 50-70 babies … a day. Sleeping in on Saturdays is no longer an option. If Teas and her husband want to go to dinner or catch a matinee, they must hire a “babysitter.”

As a general rule, if the squirrel does not return to her young within three hours or before dark, then the babies have been abandoned. Rabbits, on the other hand, tend their young only twice a day. To determine if a den of bunnies has been orphaned, Cheek suggests sprinkling cornmeal around its opening. Wait 24 hours, then check back. If the cornmeal has not been disturbed, the babies need rescued. “Put them in a box. Put them in a quiet spot. Don’t talk to them. Don’t touch them. Call a rehabber,” Cheek instructs. Each year, Happinest averages 150 small mammals. The cost per animal ranges from $75 to $100, says Parks. But the most expen sive thing will probably be divorce papers, jokes Schott. Busy season takes a toll on her marriage, she admits. “It becomes your whole world,” Schott says. Her kitchen sink is filled with feeding bowls. The laundry room is heaped with bedding. Schott will sleep on the couch to monitor sick babies. The emotional price is steep. But all Happinest’s rehabbers agree: This is their destiny. “We take so much from wildlife. The least I can do is give these animals a second chance,” says Harrell. As we talk, the women flip through their phones, gleefully sharing photos of their work. Cheek holds up an image of a pintsized opossum wrapped in a blue washcloth. Its pink mouth agape, its black eyes shiny and wild, she holds humanity in the palm of her hand. Apprentice Lisa Gyure Schott with a rock pigeon

Happinest’s small-mammal branch is still under development, pending certification of its six Mammalapprentices.rehabilitation requires only a state permit. It covers animals such as squir rels, rabbits and opossums. It does not cover foxes or raccoons, which are more prone to rabies. In order to rehabilitate these species, one must obtain a special state “rabies vec tor” permit. In the state of Tennessee, it is illegal for anyone to rehab bats or skunks. I meet with three of Happinest’s appren tices — Kate Harrell, Misty Cheek and Lisa Gyure Schott — all working on their Class 2 wildlife licenses. Class 2 wildlife includes all species native to Tennessee but excludes bear, deer, wild turkey, poisonous snakes and those aforementioned rabies vectors. We gather around Schott’s kitchen table in her Hixson home. The three are giddy with enthusiasm.“Ididn’tknow I could love anything as much as I love squirrels,” says Harrell. Schott will also specialize in squirrels. Cheek will focus on rabbits. Rabbits are one of the most difficult animals to rehabilitate. They are so sen sitive to stress, handling them more than twice a day can cause death. In fact, captive baby bunnies have a 90 percent mortality rate, says EducationCheek.isparamount.

MAMMALS

Kidnapping is also a big problem in the mammalian world. It is common for squir rel mothers to move their nests. While they do, they might leave a helpless-looking cluster of pinkies at the base of a tree. It is an honest mistake, and better than apathy, for a person to want to rescue them, says Harrell.

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All the volun teers are self-taught. They attend wildlife symposiums, read online forums and confer with experts. “It is such a helpless feeling to watch an animal die because of something you did,” saysForHarrell.instance, cow’s milk or infant formula will clog most small mammals’ intestines. Still, the young are enthusiastic eaters. “They’ll suck down whatever you feed them, too fast,” Cheek says. This can cause aspiration, which is when food gets into the lungs. Without antibiotics, it can quickly kill the animal.

48 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA MARCH 2016

Diving in to the wide world fishingof

SHANE

So, you’ve decided to cast a line and see what gets hooked (fish-wise). Great! However, the world of fishing is vast, and sometimes difficult to navigate. What kind of rod is suited for you? What style of fishing are you interested in? What are the differences between lures?

BY FOLEY

49MAR CH 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA

What are the benefits to live bait? These are just a few of the dozens of questions you might be asking yourself before diving in, metaphori cally. Chattanooga’s fishing scene is one of the most vibrant in the Southeast, so you’ve picked a great place to start. We’ve loaded this guide with tips, gear and more to help get you started in the wide, open sea of fishing.

He’s seen his clientele haul in bigger fish than he’s ever caught, but Simms has never been envious of his stewards.

“We all believe we’ve had 100-pound-plus fish on the line that we didn’t or couldn’t get to the boat,” he says. “I’ve seen it numerous times where people start jerking on their rod thinking they’re hung up on the bottom, when really, they’ve prob ably hooked a huge fish. People don’t realize it, but one big bite can be the bite of a lifetime.”

“I always tell folks that I don’t like to fish, I like to catch fish,” Simms says. “I don’t deal with fighting tediousness well. When you’ve hooked a fish, though, there’s no boredom at all. You just have to control yourself.”

FISHING TALES: 50 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA MARCH 2016

About Richard Simms: A U.S. Coast Guard captain, Richard Simms holds a wildlife & fisheries management degree, is a former game warden for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and an outdoor journalist and book author with 50 years’ experi ence as a Tennessee river rat.

He smiles as he recalls the memory, but Simms says he’s confident there are more record breakers in the local lakes and reservoirs around Chattanooga.

While his clients have caught larger catfish, Capt. Richard Simms, owner/guide with Scenic City Fishing Charters, shows off the largest cat he has personally caught — a 65-pound blue caught virtually in downtown Chattanooga.

CONKLETYPHOTO:

“She’s always quick to point that out,” he says with a hearty laugh. Simms has helped hundreds of people catch their largest fish ever through his guide service, Scenic City Fishing Charters. Everyone from the Tennessee wildlife commis sioner to completely new anglers have caught trophy catfish with Simms’ guidance.

A few weeks later, for tune struck Simms when he ran into the same fisher man on the lake again. “I asked him if he had a weight and he told me it was 116 pounds,” he says. “So I turn to him and tell him that was a recordbreaking fish. I’ll never forget, he looked at me, shrugged and said, ‘Ah hell, I don’t care about that.’ I had my hands on the state record and helped it get in the boat, and that guy couldn’t care less,” Simms laughs.

Master guide lands his biggest

All he’s looking for are plenti ful bites and a good fight.

With the moon beaming in the sky above, the scale’s measurement was clear: 65 pounds, Simms’ largest to date. “It’s a really good feeling when you see your partner lower that net under the fish,” says Simms. “At that point, you’re just ready to sit down.” Simms is proud of that catch, but 65 pounds is nowhere near the largest blue catfish Simms has had his hands on. He recalls one crisp Sunday morning a few years preceding his big catch. He was relaxedly casting his line out, enjoying the cool breeze on Lake Chickamauga, when out of the corner of his eye he noticed a man on another boat a few hundred yards way frantically waving at him. Perhaps the man or a fishing partner needed medical aid, Simms thought. Or maybe his boat had run into an issue. He quickly made his way over to the older angler.

“I estimated it at about 20 or 30 pounds, but he fought harder the closer I got him to the boat,” Simms says. “I came to realize, ‘Oh crap, this is a whole lot bigger than I thought.’” Roughly five minutes into the fight it became abundantly clear to Simms that this was no average fish. The excitement and antici pation was palpable in the humid night air as the distant rush of cars along the parkway provided a low hum in the background. Simms’ fight with the fish lasted over 30 minutes, at times seeming like a never-ending backand-forth of reeling to bring it closer before giving a bit of slack so the line wouldn’t break. He’d been part of long battles before; during one of his charters he had once helped a client fight with a blue catfish for an hour and a half. “Catfish are like heavyweight fighters,” he says. “You can’t hook and reel them in fast. They fight hard, but it’s a different kind of fight. They try to wear you down with their size, and you have to stay strong.” Could this be his biggest fish ever? Simms wasn’t sure. Even for an expert such as him it can be difficult to gauge the size of a fish based solely on its fight. With the net ready in Konkle’s hand, Simms brought his catfish up to the surface. The fish was none too happy about this devel opment, but once ensnared in the net, there was little it could do about it. The pair swiftly brought the fish onboard for weighing.

“I get up to him and he asks me for help,” Simms recounts. “He had hooked a huge catfish that I knew was over 100 pounds and he couldn’t get it in the boat.” The fish was positively gargan tuan. Simms had never seen one so massive. It took considerable effort, but the two managed to work the fish up and onto the older angler’s boat. Simms had friends at the aquarium he knew might be interested in such a monster catfish, but the fisher man he’d assisted was intent on taking his catch home. Simms went home that night curious about the catfish. He was confi dent it was over 100 pounds. But by how much? The recreational fishing record for blue catfish in Tennessee is 112 pounds. Could it have been a record breaker?

“All these catfish have per sonalities,” says Simms. “You can have a 20-pounder that fights like a 60 [pounder]. Every time you get a bite, you just don’t know what you’ve got.” Konkle had just managed to work his catfish onboard, but Simms was distracted. Right as Konkle’s quarry had been hauled in, one of Simms’ rods had jerked as a fish contemplated the free meal in front of it at the bottom of the river. Simms snatched up the rod to set the hook.

Capt. Richard Simms is proud of his largest fish ever, even if his wife periodically reminds him that the largest fish she ever caught is bigger.

On a warm July night in 2013, in the moonlit shadow of the Tennessee Aquarium on the riverfront, Simms got the good fight he was looking for. He and his fishing partner Ty Konkle had been looking to escape the heat. As the sun dipped below the horizon, bites were coming periodically for the pair, and at that moment, Konkle was battling something that wasn’t in the mood to leave the river.

BROOK TROUT

SIMMSRICHARDPHOTO:

A 3-pound, 14-ounce brook trout was snagged on the Hiwassee River by Jerry Wills in August 1973. While nearly 4 pounds doesn’t sound like much to brag about, remember that many brook trout only grow big enough to fit into a grown man’s two hands, so a nearly 4-pound brook trout may as well have been a beast living in the rapids. It’s a long-standing record, but that’s all the more reason to try to break it.

FRESHWATER DRUM

BASSLARGEMOUTH

Clint ChickamaugaflatheadtrophycapturedBaileythis40-poundcatfishonLake.

Barely one year prior to Keen bringing in his record-setting largemouth, Shane McKee of Cleveland, Tennessee, landed a 7-pound Alabama bass in the Parksville Reservoir by the Ocoee River. McKee’s bass caused minor controversy when it was caught. Alabama spotted bass are not native to the Tennessee region; the only spotted bass naturally found in Tennessee waters are northern spotted bass. However, when it became clear that Alabama spotted bass had found their way into our waters, officials decided to create records for both species.

FLATHEAD CATFISH

Part of the appeal of fishing is never knowing what’s on your line until it’s already hooked. Any angler of any skill level is capable of hooking a true monster or a record breaker. Actually hauling it in is another matter, but the point stands. Part of the appeal of fishing is never knowing what’s on your line until it’s already hooked. Any angler of any skill level is capable of hooking a true monster or a record breaker. Actually hauling it in is another matter, but the point stands.

The Big One

KeenGabe

A relatively uncommon, but still catchable fish in Appalachia and throughout the Eastern Seaboard and Midwest, the world record for freshwater drum (54 pounds, 8 ounces) was hauled in right here in the Nickajack Reservoir in April 1972 by Benny Hull. Freshwater drum live to be very old, with the oldest on record living 72 years in Minnesota, so the odds are there for an old titan to still be slowly swimming around in our waters.

The yearLakeChickamaugawasmouthrecordTennesseeforlargebasscaughtinjustoveraago,in February 2015, by Gabe Keen. The bass, which weighed 15 pounds, 3 ounces and was 30 inches long, broke a record that had been standing for over 60 years. Local fishermen believe an even bigger bass could easily be lurking in the depths of the reservoir.

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There are several species of catfish found locally in our waters, and flathead catfish is one that trophy fisherman are on the hunt for. An 85-pound, 15-ounce monster catfish was caught in the Hiwassee River by Larry Kaylor in July 1993. If 85 pounds sounds enormous, flathead cats aren’t even the biggest species in the region. The blue catfish record is a whopping 112 pounds and was caught on the Cumberland River in 1998. Still, trophy anglers in Chattanooga are always watchful for a tripledigit catfish to take a bite on their line.

ALABAMA BASS

There are, without a doubt, record breaking fish currently swimming through the waters of Lake Chickamauga, Nickajack Lake and the rivers and streams of Southeast Tennessee. Some of the state’s — and even the world’s — largest fish have been caught in and around the Chattanooga area. Here’s just a small sample of the local river monsters that have been tamed.

SIMMSRICHARDPHOTO:

Fish are at the bottom during the heat of the day or otherwise inactive

At The End Of Your Line

BestJIGSwhen:

BestSPOONSwhen: is high Spoons are similar to spinners in their simplicity, though they differ in their application. Spoons are, like the name implies, shaped like spoons, with a concave piece of metal with a hook attached to one end. While spinners are designed to create noise and vibration when reeled in, spoons are designed to wobble in the water, as well as reflect light toward potential predators, mimicking an injured bait fish. Their effectiveness falls off in murky water. To use this style of lure, just cast and reel it in at a brisk pace. Varying your speed can be helpful, just make sure you don’t go too fast or the spoon will start to spin, a dead giveaway to whatever you’re hunting that this is no bait fish. Because spoons are trying to imitate small fish, they are particularly effective at catching larger predatory fish, such as largemouth bass. If the lake or river you’re aiming to fish in is particularly weeded or heavy with vegetation, look into weedless spoons, which are designed to reduce snags on greenery.

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The jig is a classic for a reason: It’s easy to use successfully, while still offering a challenge as you gain experience, it’s inexpensive and works for a variety of fish. A jig can be used to catch just about any type of fish you’re after, provided you’re skilled enough with it to make it mimic the movements of prey. The way a jig works is simple. Jigs feature a small, weighted head at the front and something flashy at the back, whether that’s string, feathers or even live bait. They come in a rainbow of colors and a variety of weights and sizes. Using a jig expertly takes time and experience. When casting a jig, let it sink to the bottom, then slowly and repeatedly jerk it back toward you. This is known as the presentation. The size and speed of the jerk are completely dependent on you, and should change to reflect what’s working and what isn’t. Actually landing a bite will require your full attention: A nibble could be a subtle twitch in the line. Practice will make perfect with this lure. Figuring out what style or size best fits your needs and the fish you’re after are what makes this lure anything but simple. While jigs are straightforward to use but can pack a sea of complex ity depending on your skill, with spinners, what you see is what you get, making them perfect for new anglers. Spinners feature a plastic host, a hook and a thin metal blade which spins while it is dragged through the water. You can opt to bait the hook or leave it bare. With spinners, the presentation couldn’t be easier. Just cast and reel back. The spinning of the metal blade creates noise and vibrations through the water which help direct the fish to your line. Keep in mind, different fish are attracted by different sizes of the metal blade on the spinner. The larger the blade’s size, the more distortion and noise it will create in the water, simulating larger and larger bait. For example, bass prefer a medium-sized blade, while large fish like pike and muskies would go after a large spinner. Ask your local bait shop or inquire online about what kind of spinner the type of fish you’re after would prefer.

Thankfully, they’re all fairly straightforward, and it’s easy to determine what you need based on what you’re hoping to catch and the conditions or time of day. Here’s a quick rundown of the different kinds. With these, you won’t necessarily need to add the expense of bait.

One of the most important parts of a day spent fishing is deciding on your lure. Venturing into a tackle shop, the sheer number and variety of different lures can be intimidating.

PLUGS Best when: Fish are active and hungry (dawn and dusk)

Plugs have been around for decades. The first plugs were carved from wood to replicate the look and feel of a bait fish swimming near the surface of the water. Since then, plugs have become incredibly diverse. There are plugs designed to mimic frogs, snakes, small rodents, insects and any thing else that predatory fish might find appetizing. There are plugs designed for deeper water or subsur face fishing, but the most common plugs are designed to be quickly reeled in while at five or fewer feet under the water.

Despite a veritable smorgasbord of different lure types, using live bait on a simple hook can still be more than sufficient. There’s a reason running through the grass looking for grasshoppers or digging through the mud on the shore looking for worms are common memories of fishing as a youngster, as evidenced in yellowing photos of a fish on a line held up next to a smiling young face. The smell and sight of live food could be what entices a fish to your line. While every live bait type has its own advantages and disadvantages, the most useful tip is to use something native for the fish you’re after. Bait shops are usually stocked with local bait, but it never hurts to check. All fish are much more inclined to go after bait they’re familiar with, so hooking your line with something foreign to the area is rarely a good call.

LIVE BAIT Best when: Fish aren't biting

Surface plugs work best when the fish are active and moving, so look for water that is warm and calm. Lightweight minnow plugs that float when not moving are very common, and are perhaps the first you should look to add to your tackle box. They come in a wide array of colors, but you can’t go wrong with black. Black is visible when the water is clear and the sun is up, but also provides a silhouette for the fish to notice when it’s darker out.

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REMEMBER: With all these lures, remember that one single method of casting will never be sufficient. Make sure you mix things up if nothing is biting. Per haps throw a small twitch or pause when reeling in your spin ner, or vary speeds when bringing in a plug. relatedprogress,doesn'tInnovationjustdriveit’salsotolandingagreatcatch.

The competitive fishing series both Weber and Hill compete in, the East-Tennessee Catfish Anglers Tournament Series, was holding a tournament at the very same lake not a week later. After a week of congratulatory claps on the back and praise for being part of the 100 club, Hill hadn’t given much thought about where he had released that blue catfish.

“We would have missed it if we didn’t get it in the boat that second time. It took both of us to pull it in, and even then it wasn’t easy,” says Hill. “Erich turned to me and said, ‘Nah, I think you’re in the 90-pound club.’” Once back on shore, they posed for some photos with the catfish when a local group of motorcy clists who were driving by insisted they take some photos as well.

As the day wound to a close and they headed for the ramp to get their haul weighed in, they spotted something on the shore.

FISHING TALES: GET OUT CHATTANOOGA MARCH 2016

“We must have sat there the whole entire day, I’m talking at least six hours, without getting even a single bite,” says Shane Hill. He had been out on Watts Bar Lake on July 4, 2007 with his fishing partner Erich Weber. Hill had been fishing with Weber for over seven years, but this was shaping up to be one of their worst outings yet. “We were definitely dis couraged. I mean, we’d been out on many a trip, and you always at least get a bite or something,” Hill says. The sun was drifting lazily through the sky above them when they decided to call it quits. The day certainly wasn’t over; they had a family cookout complete with fireworks to go home to. Just as the pair began to gather up the rods they had been trolling the waters with, one of Weber’s lines took off.

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“He went and got himself caught again not 50 yards away from where I initially caught it,” Hill says with a guffaw. “This fish was a king fish. He just ate what he wanted. I bet I wasn’t the first time he’d been hauled in, and that tournament won’t be the last.”

A tense battle of nearly 20 minutes ensued. With finesse, aptitude and strength, Hill managed to work the behemoth close to the surface, free from the murky depths. His arms were exhausted, and his legs were shak ing from strain and excitement. “You got to have patience with stuff like that. I think it’s one of my strong points,” says Hill. “I’m not patient when it comes to a lot, but out on the water I definitely am.” Weber lowered a net into the water to bring in Hill’s catch. He wasn’t prepared for the beast of a fish his partner had caught. Weber almost dropped the net; he couldn’t haul it on the boat on the first try.

About Shane Hill: Shane Hill, who turned 40 on Feb. 9, has been an avid fisherman his whole life. He’s fished with Erich Weber since they were 15. A native of Maryville, Tennessee, Hill says some of his preferred spots are around Chattanooga and Chickamauga, though his favorite is Caney Creek in Kingston, Tennessee, where he says he’s had his best luck. Shane Hill proudly holds up the 100.3-pound trophy blue catfish he caught on July 4, 2007. Although he has had numerous big catches in the years since, none have trumped his tripledigit behemoth.

“The story doesn’t end there, though,” Hill says, smiling.

It was a mammoth blue catfish whose battle-scarred body and slashed fins were evidence of a long life fending off those that would usurp him as king of the lake. He refused to stop thrashing even as he cleared the surface.

“At that point we were just happy to have gotten a single bite,” Hill says, laughing. Hill watched as Weber began to wrestle with the fish. At that moment, one of his rods began to jerk. Hill rushed over to the rod and attempted to set the hook, but something was off. His line felt completely dead, and his hook didn’t feel like it was going anywhere. He sighed to himself; he’d hooked a log, one of the banes of any fisherman. Over his shoulder Weber was hauling in what ended up being a 23-pound catfish. Hill smiled despite himself. At least the trip hadn’t been completely bite-free. As Weber scanned over his catch, he asked Hill what was on his line. “Well, I told him that I just hooked a log was all, so he went back to packing everything up,” Hill says. “I grabbed the spool and started to pull up, and I’ll tell you, I’d never hooked anything that felt like this before.”

“I felt like a bit of a celebrity, honestly,” Hill remembers. “He bottomed out our 75-pound scale, so we knew he was bigger than that.” Hill had to call his friends to bring a deer scale to get the official weight. There was no way he was letting that fish go before getting a real weight.

Had Hill hooked the bot tom of the lake? He didn’t think so: usually, all it took to free your hook from that was a bit of jostling on the line. “Well, it was about when I was trying to pull it back up to the boat that it decided it wanted to fight back,” says Hill. “I had no idea I’d hooked a fish. Neither of us had ever hooked a fish that just stopped dead like that.” Suddenly, Hill had a battle on his hands, and one he was more than willing to oblige. The lake was nearly empty, and the air was still. The only sounds were the tension of the rod as it creaked and bent, the soft jostling of the boat and Hill straining to keep whatever he’d hooked on his line. “At the time, the biggest fish I’d ever caught was 48 pounds, and this felt a lot bigger than that,” Hill says. “I turned to Erich and said, ‘I might be in the 50-pound club!’ I was really excited that this might be my biggest fish ever.”

Another angler was holding up a suspiciously large catfish, complete with scarring on its skin and notches cut in its tail.

Shane Hill is no one-trick pony. Although he hasn’t been able to beat his largest catch from 2007, he still manages to hook and haul in monster catfish from the depths of Tennessee’s rivers and lakes, such as this 80-pounder he caught on Chickamauga Lake.

On the water, patience pays with interest

As dusk overtook the sky, Hill weighed his monster cat at a whopping 100.3 pounds. Forget the 50-pound club; Hill had broken into triple digits. Hill and Weber released the catfish back into the lake three miles upriver from the boat ramp, close to where it had initially been caught. The pair returned home triumphant; six hours out on the water without a bite had been more than worth it.

Watauga River ......................... Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout

Chickamauga Lake .................. Largemouth Bass, Blue Catfish

FISH TREE

If you feel like you’re ready to get out on the water, you’ve got a multitude of spots from which to choose. Chattanooga and Southeast Tennessee have some of the most diverse waters in the world. Between all our rivers, streams, lakes and tribu taries, it may be a little difficult to figure out where the best spots in the area are.

Finding the Spot

Top-of-the-line in features but not in price, the Humminbird 698ci HD Side Imaging fish finder is a powerful bet. Split screens allow you to view the sonar and built-in GPS at once, and it even comes with UniMap cartography. A card slot allows you to save waypoints or additional maps. Its side and down imaging are powered by 4,000 watts, meaning fish will have to swim pretty far to be out of your sight. Temperature and speed are also included in the readings. Its large screen is easy to read and offers picturelike quality. And while all the bells and whistles are extravagant, the mounting system is simple.

FISH FINDER

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Nickajack Lake/Reservoir ..... Large Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, Blue Catfish

Sequatchie River ..................... Largemouth Bass, Brook Trout, Brown Trout

.............................

Marrowbone Lake .................... Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Blue Catfish Stones River ............................ Bass of all kinds, Crappie, Catfish

Local angler Matt Marsden recently patented what he says is a more durable fish attractor. If you've tried to outsmart them, you know fish love to hide. This creates the kind of environment they crave almost as much as tasty bait, and is easily picked up by sonar equipment, so you're guaranteed to find your fish. Devices like his are especially helpful when casting in places where vegetation is minimal or has been destroyed or rotted. Visit americanfishtree.com to learn more or snag yourself one.

Chickamauga Dam .................. Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, Bass

Dale Hollow Lake ..................... Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth, Walleye, Muskie

Hiwassee River ........................ Bass, Brook Trout, Sauger Watts Bar Lake ........................ Large, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie Tellico River Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout Guntersville Lake .................... Bass of all kinds, Blue Catfish

GO TO ................................. FOR

About Eric Maurer: Eric Maurer has been fishing for over half a century, although he says it’s become a bigger part of his life since he retired. A resident of Cleveland, Tennessee, for over 35 years, his favorite fishing spot is, without a doubt, Lake Chickamauga. The diversity and variety of fish, coupled with their size, he says, makes for a great trip every time.

A quick weight and measure ment told him the fish weighed 44 pounds and was at least 44 inches long — a mammoth in the bass world. After snapping a few photos for posterity, he realized the fish had gone limp in his hands. As the sun began rising through the morning sky, Maurer saw he had a nearly dead bass on his hands, some thing he was hoping to avoid.

For Eric Maurer, fishing is all about the pursuit and the journey.

Eric Maurer poses with the 44-pound striped bass he caught in the fall of 2014. Immediately after this photo was taken, he put the fish back in the water and spent nearly 20 minutes trying to revive it. After considerable effort, the bass was strong enough to swim away — but only after Maurer realized he’d just released a world record-tying fish.

One misty morning in the fall of 2014, Maurer got a moment of such excitement. As fog gently crept over the surface of Lake Chickamauga, he sat on his boat, gently trolling for catfish. He was off to an excellent start with four catches. They weren’t anything to write home about, but a caught fish is a caught fish. As he released his fourth catch and it wriggled back into the lake, he prepped his rod to start another drift on his boat. Within moments, Maurer felt a tug on his line. Before he had time to even think about what it could be, his reel took off like a shot, and it didn’t seem to be slowing. Seconds later, nearly half his spool of line was off the rod. “In the beginning I was wor ried that I lost it,” says Maurer.

“I had to follow it with my trolling motor to make sure it didn’t get so far away.” Such speed and strength from the fish meant it was a big one, and also meant Maurer was in for a long fight. He was only using 6-pound test line, which would easily snap under the strain of a large catch. Maurer settled himself in and smiled. He had plenty of time.

“A day on the water is why I go out. Catching the fish is a bonus,” he says. “I can go out and enjoy the day, and I’ll always at least come home with good stories.” Maurer is positively flush with stories. He’s the holder of 22 various line class records from the International Game Fish Association, meaning he’s caught the largest fish on record on a certain weight of line. “After you’ve caught so many fish, you look for a little bit more of a chal lenge, and one way is using lighter lines,” he explains. “With light lines, you can’t put much pres sure on the line. You’re fighting the tackle as much as the fish, and that’s part of the excitement.”

The one that got away really didn’t FISHING TALES: 56 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA MARCH 2016

“If I’m not going to use it, I want it to live, especially with bass,” he says. “With them, catch-andrelease is important because of how many fishermen target them, but really there’s no need to be wasteful with any type of fish.” Striped bass die easily after a long fight, Maurer explains. “Stripers fight until they’re completely worn out, so it doens’t take much,” he says. He immediately put the fish back in the water to see if it would swim away. Nothing. The fish lay just as lifeless in the water as it had on the boat. Over the next 15 minutes, Maurer worked tirelessly to keep the bass upright in the water while trying to get water to flow over its gills. Ever so slowly, the fish began to show signs of life. “Most fish you just drop back in and they’re good to go,” he says. “He was a big fish, though. He definitely deserved to keep living. Plus, it gives someone else the opportunity to catch a really nice fish. “You just develop a respect for them after a while,” Maurer adds. Eventually, the striped bass began to swim away. But Maurer’s work wasn’t over. Just over a minute later, the bass came back up to the surface, moving weakly. It took not one, but two more revitalization attempts and releases before the fish returned to the lake healthy. Maurer stood up to admire his handiwork. He’d caught a monster bass on light line, and the bass had lived to tell the tale. As he thought of his good deed, he paused, and blinked. How big was that fish? He got out the paperwork he kept with him and looked up the line class world record for striped bass on a 6-pound line. Forty-four pounds. He’d just spent 20 minutes try ing to revive and release a world record-tying fish! He immediately went to the edge of the boat and scanned the water to see if the bass was intent on giving up the ghost despite Maurer’s effort, but no luck. All his work had paid off and the striper was swimming free, the only physical proof of Maurer’s record-breaking catch gone. He couldn’t help but chuckle at himself.

For nearly 45 minutes he main tained a steady composure and constant vigilance to the stress on his line. Even a moment of overreeling could mean his target would escape forever, the hook embedded in its mouth a testa ment to Maurer’s overeagerness. Slowly and assuredly, Maurer brought his catch close to the surface. Then, in one swift motion, he netted the fish, which turned out to be a striped bass. It was certainly not what Maurer had intended to catch when he started the day, but he was happy nonetheless.

“What I remember thinking probably isn’t fit to print,” he says with a hearty laugh. “But it wasn’t really important to me. I wasn’t trying for a record. It was just coincidence that I picked up this big fish.” He stayed out on the water for a few more hours and brought in a couple more catfish before returning home. Despite having lost proof of his record-tying catch, he says it was a good trip. “It’s like I said, I had a great day on the water and I came home with a good story. I don’t need more than that,” says Maurer.

REELSSPINCASTER

CONVENTIONAL REELS

While they’re not one size fits all, the fishing you can do withfamiliarizeespeciallycated,mayworry:siderations.arethisReelsmostgorodofrequireChattanoogaarounddoesn’tanythingouttheordinaryinthedepartment.Justwithwhatyoufeelcomfortable.aresimilarinregard,butthereafewmoreconDon’tWhiletheylookcomplithey’renot,onceyouyourselfthem.

SPINNER REELS

BAITCASTER REELS

To cast, open the bail and hook the line with your index finger next to the rod. As you go through the overhead casting motion, release the line that was held by your finger and the weight of the lure will pull the line out. To reel your line back in, just close the bail and start reeling. Spinners offer more control with your line, and work better with heavier lures than spincasters. They’re also capable of holding quite a bit of line, so consider using this reel when several hundred feet of line might be needed. Since there is more of a trick to casting spin ners, taking some time to practice casting might be a good idea before heading out on the water.

This is the reel with which people are perhaps most familiar. If you ever went fishing as a child, your rod probably featured one of these. Spincast reels have a closed face; all the important bits are inside the case. The reel rests on top of the rod, and although many kids learn on this reel, in no way is it entirely for children. Spincasters are designed to be easy to use: Just press the button on the top of the reel as you pull back, and release as you cast. Reel in once to re-engage the line and you’re good to go. The downside to the simplicity spincast ers offer is less control and accuracy with your casts. However, as you’re learning, spincasters are a fine choice.

Any time you go out on the water, there’s a good chance you’ll see a lot of these open-faced reels. Spinner reels are affixed below the rod, and have a bail which controls whether you can cast or reel in.

If you’re just starting out, you probably don’t need to worry about conventional reels for a while, but if the opportunity to go ocean fishing arises it will help to know about them. They’re not too differ ent from baitcasters aside from their size and weight — a conventional reel is basically just a baitcaster that’s been scaled up at least 50 percent. Able to hold several hundred yards of heavy-duty line, con ventional reels are most often used to haul in the biggest of the sea, such as marlin, tuna or shark. These reels have a lever that, once engaged, puts the reel into free-spin to enable casting. Like baitcast ers, the weight of the lure and line are what pulls it to your target. Due to conventional reels’ weight, you may have to apply some pressure with your thumb as the line is in the air. Then, right before the lure hits the water, firmly press down with your thumb to stop the reel and flip the lever to pull the reel out of free-spin mode. Conventional tackle is by far the most challenging reel to use properly. Unless you’re aiming to land the big one out on the open ocean, you shouldn’t really need one.

Baitcasters are the most chal lenging of the traditional reel setups, but offer unparalleled con trol and accuracy with your casts. Designed for optimal use with heavy lures and lines, a baitcaster will give you the most distance out of any reel and let you land bigger fish than its counterparts. Baitcasters are positioned above the rod similarly to spincasters, but have an opening at the top for your thumb. The control of the line is entirely on you; the spool moves as the line is being cast, so stopping the line with your thumb right as the lure hits the water is paramount. Forgetting to stop the line can (and will) lead to a messy tangle of loose line around your reel, but stopping it too early will leave you short of your target. Practice makes perfect with these reels, so don’t get frustrated if you find them to be a challenge at the beginning.

When it comes to rods, there are a few things that make some better than others, but for getting started, your primary concern should be your budget.

57MAR CH 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA

GEAR: Reeling it In

YOUR FIRST FLYGHT: Trekka Outfitters offers monthly meet-ups for beginner and veteran fly fishermen alike, usually on the third Saturday of each month. The shop also offers $25 rod rentals. After evaluating what the water is like in other areas, everyone carpools to the chosen location that month to fly fish for about four hours. Loizeaux says it’s a great op portunity to not only be introduced to the sport, but also to the local fly fishing community. Check Trekka Outfitters’ social media profiles on Facebook and Instagram for details.

More than anything, though, people who already do — or would like to try —fishing as a hobby should give fly fishing a shot because it’s something new that they just might love. You’re denying yourself a great new experience if you shrug off fly fishing just because it’s different, Loizeaux says. Sure, it may not be for you, but if you haven’t tried it, you could be seriously missing out.

“A lot of people have complaints of boredom out on a lake, and I think they’d have a good shot at gravitating toward fly fishing,” he says. “It’s far more immersive as an activity. You’ve got the sun on your back and the water at your waist. You’re constantly aware of the current. You feel the fish on your line with your whole body. It’s a much more tactile experience.”

LOIZEAUXCHRISPHOTO:

58 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA MARCH 2016

Some may wonder at the allure of fly fishing versus traditional baitcasting, and anglers already versed in the traditional style may ask themselves why they’d want to consider it. Chris Loizeaux of Trekka Outfitters here in Chattanooga says that although the end result is similar, the experience is funda mentally different, and you would be remiss if you didn’t at least see what fly fishing has to offer.

Try your hand at fly fishing

Loizeaux, who is an avid backpacker and hiker, also says the journey, not necessarily the destination, is a big draw with fly fishing. Some of the best fly fishing spots around are in beautiful streams and brooks hidden away in the Smoky Mountains. “Very often, people can walk away from a fly fishing trip feeling great even if they didn’t catch anything,” says Loizeaux. “It’s still a spectacular experience.”

Fly rods are categorized by their action — that is, how flexible they are. Fast-action rods won’t flex too much during casting, leading to sharp, long and powerful casts which make the lure dance on the water. Slow-action rods flex much more, lending to gentler casts and a smoother motion, making this type of rod simpler to use on short casts. Rods can be anywhere between fast- and slowaction. Moderate-action rods are considered the most versatile, featuring the best of both worlds. Loizeaux recommends a medium-fast rod for beginners, but really, you can’t go wrong with whatever rod feels most natural when you’re casting. With fly fishing, the type of lure you pick is all about your surroundings — you’re trying to create the illusion of naturally moving prey the fish you’re after would be looking for. There are thousands of different variations of flies mimick ing different types of prey.

TASTY-LOOKINGRODS

LURES (TO A FISH) 59MAR CH 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA LOIZEAUXCHRISPHOTOS:

Dry flies are the lightest and float on top of the water like an adult fly would, meaning you’ll get a graceful show of a fish arcing out of the water, or at least the satisfying smacking sound as they surface for your bait. Nymph flies aim to mimic the pre-adult stage of local insect life. Since aquatic nymphs usually rest under rocks or in other secluded parts of the water and are only active if jostled from their hiding place or if they’re hatching, if you opt for a nymph fly, you should cast it as low as you can get it under the water’s surface. As such, nymph flies can be difficult to use since you won’t your line. Streamer flies are supposed to act like larger, more active prey, such as bait fish or leeches, leading to a bigger bout of action since they’re more likely to attract bigger fish. For more advanced anglers, the differences may improve their chances, but for all intents and purposes, a new fly fisherman shouldn’t stress too heavily about them. Loizeaux says beginners can stick with streamer flies and the occasional dry fly as they get more comfortable with their rod and casting. More than anything, he says, matching the fly you’re using with what is native to the region and active at the moment is key. When you go to your local fly fishing shop, ask for flies that are viable in different seasons and in different areas. The more versatile, the better. Observation of your surroundings, he

Retrieve all your lures: Inevitably you’ll cast and your line will get hung up and caught on something. When that happens, retrieving it will not only keep you from losing your lure, but will also ensure no wildlife gets snared by it.

LOIZEAUXCHRISPHOTO:

Everyone out on the water has a duty to preserve the fishing habitat for everyone else around them, and for those in the future. Fishing is a great sport and hobby, but can quickly sour if your favorite spot’s population dries up from the irresponsible actions of other anglers. Nothing on this list is particularly hard, but it all goes a long way to making sure our local lakes and rivers are sustainable for future fishermen. Never dispose of anything into the water: This may seem like a “duh” suggestion, but the amount of trash in America’s lakes and rivers is staggering. In 2015, the National River Cleanup organized over 1,000 river cleanups around the country and removed 2 million pounds of trash. It’s simple: Don’t toss anything into the water, and if you see any trash, do your part and pick it up. Be wary of monofilament fishing line: Monofilament is made from a single strand of plastic, and is extremely common. However, when it breaks, it can lead to serious issues for fish and other local wildlife. Multifilament fishing line is more expensive, so if you opt for monofilament, just be sure to collect any line that breaks or that you see on the shore.

Chris Loizeaux

Avoid lead sinkers: Lead is a highly toxic contaminant in any water supply, and lost or discarded lead sinkers accumulate over time to decrease the quality of the water. Handle your fish with care, and release them quickly: If possible, remove your hook while the fish is in the water to keep the fish breathing. Also, try to avoid touching the fish’s gills; this can create respiratory issues for them after release.

Consider using barbless hooks, and avoid J-hooks if you are fishing for sport: J-hooks are much more likely to gut-hook the fish, meaning it has hooked the fish deep in its gullet, making it difficult or impossible to retrieve. Barbless hooks ensure that when you catch a fish, the hook is easily removed, which increases survivability for the fish after release. Also, if a fish is hooked deep in its mouth, try cutting the hook instead of removing it.

Responsibility on the Water

CONSERVATION:

Campers with Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute’s CLAW program sample stream water to study the stream’s health.

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The Tennessee Aquarium doesn’t house and protect just the fish and wildlife behind the glass in its exhib its. For years, the aquarium has funded the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute, which has been at the forefront and worked behind the scenes to help preserve and protect the aquatic environments present in Tennessee and throughout the Southeast. The institute’s current director, Dr. Anna George, is a biologist with a Ph.D with a focus on ichthyol ogy who is doubling down on the institute’s efforts to protect the nearly 320 unique fish species living in the waters of Tennessee. “The Southeast is an amazing place. We have an underwater rainforest with species that are only found here, nowhere else in the world,” says George. While many of the species the TNACI aims to protect are small minnows, aquatic snails and other out-ofsight creatures, George says the health of our waters is dependent on everything in them, no matter how small. “We’re drawn to diversity, I think, and that’s what these species provide. You never know what services the animals are provid ing to the environment,” she says. “The South has a national heritage with these species, and people overlook that a lot.” Any angler who’s caught a lake sturgeon or Southern Appalachian brook trout recently has the TNACI to thank. The institute and its partners are singlehand edly responsible for the reintroduction of the two species, which are grow ing in popularity among game fishermen. The TNACI relies on local anglers reporting their catches of the two game fish in order to track their growth and development, and thus the program’s success. “Lots of work is being done in monitoring the quality of rivers and streams,” says George. “The water is all intercon nected, so the health of one region often spreads to others. The quality of our water is absolutely key.” While the TNACI’s efforts might not always be the most visible, even the group’s most minor efforts can lead to restor ing a stream or lake into a popular spot for anglers. For instance, an endan gered minnow, the laurel dace, is only found in two places in the world, and they are both on Walden’s Ridge. While seemingly innocuous, George says the fish, and others like it throughout the Tennessee Valley, are key players in each individual ecosystem. George is currently lead ing the TNACI to work with the University of Georgia to create a broad, regional conservation plan to assess and understand needs across the South. “One of our goals is to always let the Southeast know just how special it is,” she says. “We’re on the world’s biggest hotspots for diversity. We can’t just protect it, we want to make sure people know and celebrate it with us.”

AQUARIUMTENNESSEETHEBYCONTRIBUTED

COMING UP: The TNACI is closing in on its 20th anniversary, and will be opening a new riverfront facility in September to better study the health of our water and wildlife. Soon after, the annual Tennessee River Rescue will take place to help clean up Chattanooga’s most famous river. To learn more or get involved with the cleanup, visit tennesseeriverrescue.org.

Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute Director Dr. Anna George releases a young Southern Appalachian brook trout into a Chattanooga-area river. The TNACI is deep in the middle of an extensive program to reintroduce the trout species back into Tennessee waters.

Tennessee Aquarium leads the charge for conservation CONSERVATION:

STAILEYTODDBYCONTRIBUTEDPHOTO:

When it comes to major outdoor sporting events, Chattanooga is basking in a national, even global, spotlight. The city successfully hosted the U.S. Pro Cycling Championships three years in a row, not to mention both the full and half Ironman events, with the 70.3 World Championship hitting the Scenic City’s streets in 2017. It’s pretty impressive, and we’re extremely proud.

AT THE STARTING BY KELSIE BOWMAN

62 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA MARCH 2016

It’s not that the city doesn’t have great options for marathons already, Morgan clarifies. There’s the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon, the 7 Bridges Marathon and numerous trail marathons. But the partnerships involved in building the Chattanooga Marathon from the ground up give the event the poten tial to grow into that 5,000-plus race which officials are dreaming of. “What’s great about it is the nature of the partnerships of all the people involved. We have access to much more than we typically would for one of our events because it’s a city event,” says local runner and Chattanooga Track Club Manager Stacey Malecky.

The CTC was responsible for designing the brand-new mara thon course, the half marathon, 5k and kids’ run that comprise the Chattanooga Marathon. “We gathered a group of folks who had, between the group, over 300 marathons under our belts, all over the country,” she says. “The same group of people also run all over Chattanooga all the time, so they really knew what neighbor hoods would be best to highlight and see along the way.” With the help of city officials to guide the process, Malecky says, the design team gathered multiple times to brainstorm the perfect course for this community-centric race. The finished product takes runners from the Tennessee Aquarium through downtown and into St. Elmo, back north over the bridges and into Riverview, with a big fin ish right next to First Tennessee Pavilion and Finley Stadium.

STARTING LINE

This race is different, Morgan says, in that it’s made by our own community, for our commu nity.“[The idea was], we have the local experts, we have the local passion,”he says.“We have all the tools in the shed. Let’s get them out and build this one as a community.”

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But Tim Morgan, president of the Chattanooga Visitors Bureau’s Sports Committee, says the city is still missing something. “This is a market that should be hosting a 5,000-, 10,000-, potentially 15,000-person running event,” he says.

“And we don’t have that.”

So last summer, the CVB, city of Chattanooga and Chattanooga Track Club, among others, joined forces and announced the inaugural Erlanger Chattanooga Marathon presented by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, debuting this month, March 4-6.

“It’s a course that an event has never run in this community’s history,” says Morgan, adding that at the finish line there will be a large expo inside the pavilion, with everything from a Michelob ULTRA activation unit and seating area to live music to vendors and sponsor stations, and more. “This isn’t just a running event — this is a research tool, a music event, a health and wellness initiative for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee; this is a

BM: You can’t skip the basics. You MUST ensure a safe, wellorganized event. Once you nail down those things, you can really start to listen to the athletes and try and figure out what they want. That changes annually, so you have to constantly try and stay on top with your production. That could be advances in live timing and tracking, SWAG options, post-race food. It’s also important to look out for the host community when planning something of this size. In order to ensure long-term success, you have to balance the needs of the event with those of the community, and that is something I think we have done a really good job at.

64 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA MARCH 2016 Q&ACONTINUED

How long have you lived in Chattanooga?

Myrick: I moved here in the fall of 2013, just after announcing that Ironman was coming to Chattanooga. I spent that first year as a part-time resident, but it quickly became apparent that this was a place I wanted to stay. After years of traveling full time, it’s been really good to have a city that I love and enjoy to call home.

People like Tim Morgan with the Chattanooga Sports Committee, Molly Cooper with Mayor Berke’s office, Philip Grymes with Outdoor Chattanooga, Sgt. Garrett and Officer Tolson with the Chattanooga Police Department have all been vital in the planning and execution of high-caliber events like this.

Race GetIronmanastheonrunningineventfounderAnfirstThisBrianDirectorMyrickisnotBrianMyrick’srodeo,sotospeak.athletehimselfandofafull-servicecompanyspecializingtriathlons,cyclingandevents,he’sworkedhigh-profileracesaroundglobe—includingservingtheracedirectorforthehereathome.Out:

Monday, March 4 4 1-7 p.m. Firstpickup/RegistrationExpo/PacketatTennesseePavilion Saturday, March 5 7-8:30 a.m. Registration and packet pickup for Classic 150 5k 9-10 a.m. Classic 150 5k starts from First Tennessee Pavilion 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Expo/ Packet 10Registrationpickup/a.m.Classic150 5k 11awardsa.m.Kids’ 1-mile Fun Run starts from First Tennessee Pavilion 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Live entertainment Sunday, March 6 6-7 a.m. Emergency packet pickup at First Tennessee 6-7:Pavilion30a.m. Bag drop at race finish/Shuttle from finish line to race start 6:30-8 a.m. Morning clothes drop at race start 8 a.m. 1awards11party9TennesseeBroadmarathonmarathonMarathon,relay,halfstartatStreetandAquariuma.m.to3p.m.Post-raceandfooda.m.Halfmarathonp.m.Marathonawards

BM: Over the last two years I have been fortunate to develop great relationships with folks in this community, and to pull off an event like this we have to rely on those relationships.

“A big part of this marathon is that it came together as a group of local folks interested in creating the best marathon in the city,” she says. “We knew part of that was to get the com munity involved. Chattanooga Track Club runs races all over the country, and it was evident that part of what makes a mara thon great is excitement … and engagement along the course.” It’s possible for these neigh borhoods to witness hundreds, if not thousands, of runners jog ging their streets. Though final registration numbers aren’t in, and Morgan says he expects a lot of walk-up registrants, officials have bought 3,500 medals for participants across all the events. “You always have an aspiration of 5,000 [registrants] and beyond,” he says. “The reality of the situation is that if and when we hit 3,500, we deem that to be successful for year one. “If we come in under, we understand. This isn’t one and done. It’s building that foundation so we can enhance the quality on an annual basis.” Learn more about the Chattanooga Marathon chattanoogamarathon.com.at

GO: What key things do you think makes a race of this size successful?

GO: What are you most looking forward to on race day?

GO: What do you envision for the future of the race?

ofScheduleEvents

BM: We would love to see this event become a staple in the Chattanooga area and the region; something that athletes, spectators and the community get behind and support for years to come. With the infrastructure already in place to host large events, there is no reason this can’t be a 5,000- to 7,000-person event in the next few years. Chattanooga has been a wonderful host to me, my business and our athletes, and we feel that it will be no different for the thousands of folks coming to Chattanooga [this month]. health and wellness initiative/ brand awareness campaign for Erlanger, specifically Children’s Hospital, which is associated with the kids’ fun run,” he says. A Call to the Community Though the marathon was born out of an organizational partnership, city officials are also working to partner with the community on an even more personal level. City of Chattannoga’s Molly Cooper is heading up an initiative to inspire locals who live in the neighborhoods along the course. Cooper and other officials have been spending their time attending neighbor hood association meetings and the like to inform the community of what’s coming.

BM: Seeing the athletes cross that finish line. For some it will be the first time, for others it will just be another long run. But they each have a story, and those stories make what we do so unique and special. GO: How will you utilize your experience with Ironman Chattanooga to make this race great?

SextonNathan Among the throng of run ners on race day, spectators might recognize some faces of local Bellhops. The com pany, which offers a flexible and less expensive way to hire movers, employs a man who is running against the odds. And come race day, he’ll be running with the support of up to 60 other employees. Bellhops Vice President of Business Intelligence Nathan Sexton was diagnosed with brain cancer last summer after a series of seizures. As a seemingly healthy, active 28-year-old, Sexton and his family were shocked by the diagnosis of glioblastoma, which usually means a prog nosis of an average remaining life span of 15 months. The following weeks and months were a whirlwind of doctor appointments and a surgery at Vanderbilt that removed 95 percent of the baseballsized mass on his brain. “I’ll never be cancer-free unless there’s a cure,” Sexton says. “Death is a reality for all of us; I just know when it might take place.” This experience has changed his perspective on every thing, he says: his time with his family, his faith, as well as what’s really important in life. “It’s the biggest curse that’s been turned into this awesome gift,” says Sexton. “I don’t ever take a second for granted. When I am with my family, I am with them 100 percent, not checking email.” And running a half marathon is on his bucket list, so between bouts of chemotherapy, which he undergoes for five days every 23 days, he strives to stay on track with his train ing for the Chattanooga Half Marathon, so far maintaining an average pace of 8:30. “Nathan is kind of a legend around here,” says Bellhops CEO and co-founder Stephen Vlahos. “The guy is just Halfphenomenal.”oftheBellhops employ ees are running the race with Sexton, he adds, with the company covering the cost of their registration so they can donate to the American Brain Tumor Association. “They’ve honestly been like a second family through all of this,” says Sexton. “And my wife has been unreal through this whole process; she’s so strong.” The training itself has also been helpful, he adds. “It was really hard to train and pace myself,” he says, explaining his struggle to slow down and experience every mile during a long run. Sprinting to finish a workout as quickly as possible will just wear a long-distance runner out, leaving him ill-prepared for the hard miles toward the end of the race. “But it’s like another metaphor. Like God’s trying to get me to slow my life down and not worry what’s ahead for me.” Based on his last scans, Sexton is happy to report no further growth of the can cer has occurred. If all goes well with the Chattanooga Marathon, he says he’d love to try another destination race.

of Health and brain.”outdoorslookingwithsomethetoinfarther.technologyhelpwithnewfoundtheexplainingforintermediate“Thethrough,thethecolor-codedDisplaysPavilionTVstransmitandsoftwarelocalwithofthankswelldetectstechnology,headbandswillmarathon’ssaysUTC’sExpo.ChattanoogacanFivePerformance,HumanCarbonandEBP,youfindoutattheMarathonDr.GaryLiguoriacoupleoftherunnerswearspecialwithEEGwhichbrainwaves,asasarmbandsthat—totheexpertiseAlexCruikshankCarbonFive,acollaborativedevelopmentdesignfirm—willdatatoEPB’satFirstTennesseeonraceday.willshowmapsofrangeofemotionsrunnersaregoinginrealtime.marathonisanstepus,”saysLiguori,thatdepartment’spartnershipCarbonFivewillthemtaketheastep“Wepersonallyourdepartmentwanttakeitfurtheraftermarathonanddoactualresearchthetechnology…howbeingintheaffectsthe 65MAR CH 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA Racer Spotlight

Ever wonder what’s going on inside the brain of a long-distance runner? to the Department

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66 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA MARCH 2016

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