Fishing Forum

I may have given up my day job, but I really do still work a lot.... writing and promoting the guide business.<br /><br />HOWEVER, I sat at the computer way TOO long and about 3 pm I'd had enough. I hooked up the boat and headed for the Riverpark. Since capturing a trophy spot last Sunday, I've sort of been on a "Float & Fly High." Of course F&F is primarily a technique for extremely clear water. But I've always wondered how well it would work on the TN River so I figured, "What the heck. I'll try it."<br /><br />I fished quite a while with nary a nibble. Then I got distracted looking at my depth finder. When I looked back up, my float was gone, gone, gone! It didn't take long to figure out I was hooked up with a beast... of course I feared it might be a beast of a drum. However the fish made some speed demon runs around the boat, and even moved toward the top as if to jump a couple of times... so I was really thinking, "Smallmouth?" <br /><br />Using 4-pound test (S.O.S.) line, you don't make anything happen in a hurry... but finally the fish did break the surface and all I saw was brown... LOTS of brown. <br /><br />Those of you who have played the Float & Fly game, with an 8 - 12 foot leader below a float, know it's a challenge getting a fish in the net even when there are two people. Try doing it with one person. emoEek Trust me, you have to fight 'em to the finish. <br /><br />21-inches of smallmouth... I was pumped.<br /><br />Ten minutes later, I saw the float go down this time. Second verse, same as the first ... except this fish was a mere 19 inches. Oh woe is me. emoBig <br /><br />I fished about two hours and only got two bites... but they were the right bites, and that means life is good and gettin' better every day.<br /><br />Post-script: I catfished for a couple hours after dark. Nary a nibble.