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FOLLOW THE BAIT FOR NEARSHORE WAHOO

Tim Barefoot

his is the time of year when water temperatures allow pelagics like wahoo, dolphin and tuna to show up right on the beach… so to speak. I live in North Carolina, and every year there are stud wahoo caught “right on the beach.” Here “right on the beach” is the 20to 25-mile area off the beach. For some folks in Florida, “right on the beach” might be that first sea buoy right out of the inlet. In late summer, we have a monolithic water temperature from the Gulf Stream to the beach in the mid 80s. That allows wahoo to follow huge schools of bait wherever they go. This is what we call the beginning of the end… the end of summer. The cigar minnows and sardines come nearshore, and the wahoo follow them as far in as they are comfortable with the water depth, which is usually not much less than 75 or 80 feet. They will eat whatever they want, including live menhaden or cigs pulled around by king mackerel fishermen. We call it the beginning to the end of summer, but it’s also the beginning of a wonderful time of year for me… fall and winter. The cigs and sardines come in. The pelagics follow them for a month or so

until the water starts to cool in mid September. Then the magic happens. When cooling water runs off the wahoo, the gags show up in numbers. It’s all a very beautiful dance. Let’s enjoy every step along the way. I keep talking about the nearshore activity of the cigs and sardines, but the offshore schools are also getting bigger now, and this draws the attention of everything from pelagics to bottom fish. All the grouper and big snappers shadow these schools wherever they go. This is why it’s so important to “find the bait.” Cigs and sardines are not the only thing I’m looking for offshore. I like to find a big stack of beeliners. Wherever you find a big stack of beeliners, you can bet your bottom dollar there are grouper and big snapper directly under them and wahoo and kings around them. August is also a month to consider spending the night offshore. Yes, there are late afternoon thunderstorms that pop up, but overall weather patterns are consistent, and you can fish for days, back to back. Leave in the early afternoon, get where you are going and get acclimated to the setting sun. Anchor up on a pretty piece of bottom and bait, and turn on the lights. This is a “National Geographic moment.” The minnows and squid come to the light, so you can easily load up the livewell before the daylight bite starts. I will close with this: We lost a fishing pioneer and legend last month with Mark Sosin’s passing. Our thoughts, prayers and celebrations go out to his family. See more from Tim Barefoot at barefootcatsandtackle.com.

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NATIONAL 5

LIVE BAIT AND ARTIFICIAL TACTICS FOR

upiter, Fla. is a worldrenowned fishery. In the summertime it’s known for hot inshore snook. Offshore produces an epic sailfish, kingfish, tuna and pelagic bite. There are always fish willing to eat. One of my favorite bites is for springtime blackfin tuna. From March through May, jumbo blackfins migrate down the east coast of Florida. It is not uncommon to catch them anywhere from 20 to 35 pounds. From their deliciousness on the table to their long powerful runs, blackfin tuna are one of my favorite offshore fish to target. They are sure to send you to the tackle shop to get your reels serviced after a productive day of fishing. Blackfin tuna are excellent hunters. Often, they work together to ambush schools of baitfish. They are equipped with massive eyeballs, which are designed for pitch black and low-light conditions. They spend a majority of their time down deep feeding on squid. However, at dawn and dusk, the tunas move higher in the water column to feed near the surface. Be on the lookout for frigates and disturbance on the water’s surface. It’s not uncommon to see them exploding and flying out of the water on a bait ball. I keep an easily accessible casting rod, with a plug or weighted feather jig tied on, for this scenario or in case a school of mahi shows up. Blackfin tuna will often hold to areas with bottom topography like humps, reefs and wrecks. You can find success drifting over areas like these with live bait. Live sardines, pilchards, threadfins and gogs will all work. I prefer live sardines. For me, they have been the most productive bait.

Chumming is important to bring blackfins higher in the water column. Chunk up pilchards and throw a few pieces out at the bow, mid and stern every couple of minutes. The best chum is live chum. Small- to medium-sized pilchards are your best bet. I throat-hook a sardine and send it out on a free line. The bait will swim down on its own, and you should keep some tension on it. I also drop a live bait on a down rod and wait for the bite as I drift along. Blackfins’ excellent eyesight means they can be leader shy, so I often run a 40- to 50-pound fluorocarbon leader, but will go as light as 30 pounds. A triplehook rig for freelining or a single 4/0 or 5/0 circle hook depending By Ryan Izquierdo on the size of the bait is my hook preference. You can also catch them kite fishing, trolling feathers/spoons, with ballyhoo rigs, cedar plugs, planer fishing, vertical jigging and slow-pitch. Second to live bait, slow-pitch jigging is a fun and effective way to catch tunas when the hot mid-day sun pushes them down deep. My go to jig is a Jyg Pro 240 Gram strike jig. I like to jig anywhere from 200 to 350 feet. Send it down to the bottom over active areas and work your rod up high and let the jig flutter back down. You can change the pace and tempo of your jigging until you find what works. Don’t be surprised to get hit as you are burning the jig back to the surface. I hope these tuna tips bring you success and dinner to share with your close friends and family. Keep on fishing! Check out Ryan Izquierdo’s adventures on his YouTube channel: Ryan Iz Fishing.

You raise the flags of the fish just caught to show you weren’t skunked. Once onshore you can take it a step further showing your fellow anglers your catch of the day wearing “slippahs” from Scott Hawaii.

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Hanapa‘a - Marlin

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AUGUST 2022

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FREEDIVER SPEARS WORLD RECORD CUBERA SNAPPER A massive 137-pound Atlantic cubera snapper speared by a Texas freediver in early June was heavier than the existing IGFA all-tackle world record as well as the Texas state record. It will not, however, qualify for either record because of the method used to catch it. Who cares? The diver, Braden Sherron, a student at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, can rest assured that his monster cubera is one of the largest of its species ever caught by any method. It will likely be the new International Underwater Spearfishing Association’s world record. If approved, it will replace a 122.4-pound fish shot in 2006 off the coast of Brazil. According to a Field & Stream story on the catch, Sherron first encountered the giant snapper while freediving a Gulf of Mexico oil rig about 60 miles out of Port Aransas, Texas. He did not take his shot at the time because he was not equipped to handle such a large fish. A week later, on June 3, he returned to the rig with heavier gear, dove to about 55 feet and put a dart into the fish. Luckily, the cubera wrapped the trailing line up in the oil rig, which kept the fish from diving. While the fish fought itself, Sherron returned to the surface to wait 10 minutes before diving down to secure

By CAM Staff

his prize with two more shots. When Sherron brought his fish back to the scales at Fisherman’s Wharf in Port Aransas, it began making the rounds on social media almost immediately. It truly is an enormous fish, which outweighs the existing IGFA record—a 2007 Louisiana fish that weighed 124 pounds, 12 ounces—by more than 10 pounds. Sherron’s fish also outweighs the Texas state rod-and-reel record of 131 pounds. The only larger cubera snapper research was able to turn up was a 151-pound monster that’s listed as an “other methods” catch by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. That fish, caught by handline out of Port Mansfiled in 1984, weighed 151 pounds. The thing is, none of these other anglers were holding their breath when they caught their fish. Sherron’s catch is absolutely one for the record books. “I would equate it to shooting a 200-plusinch whitetail deer on public land,” he told Field & Stream. “It’s one of those things that happens once in a lifetime, and you can’t believe it when it does.” Check out video of Braden Sherron’s spearfishing on his Youtube channel: https://bit.ly/3yKm8EP

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AUGUST 2022

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 1

EAST TENNESSEE AND KENTUCKY

Bill Dance Signature Lakes to Solidify Tennessee as the Heart of Fishing in the Southeast

Anglers from Around the World Travel to Tennessee for it Excellent Natural Resources and Premier Fishing Spots

ill Dance Signature Lakes will connect the world’s most-loved angler with some of Tennessee’s most excellent natural resources – its lakes. Already known for its premier fishing spots, this program will make Tennessee a best-in-class destination for anglers worldwide – beginners, experts and every skill level in between. With the new initiative’s goal to improve and enhance Tennessee lakes, increase visitation and honor Dance’s legacy, TWRA and the State of Tennessee will invest $15 million in improvements above and below the water at 18 lakes that bear fishing legend Dance’s stamp of approval. Tennesseans will benefit from increased stocking, habitat and fisheries management and improved access for fishing and boating. The collaborative effort between Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee State Parks and Tennessee Department of Tourist Development seeks to solidify Tennessee as the heart of fishing in the southeast and drive

economic activity across the state. “I’m unbelievably humbled and excited to be involved in such a helpful project that will benefit so many people and our natural resources in my great home state of Tennessee,” said Bill Dance. “You can bet your favorite lure this project will have a ripple effect for a mighty long time, not only giving the weekend fisherman but tournament anglers a wonderful fishery as well, thanks to the great state of Tennessee and my friends at TWRA.” “Bill Dance is a tremendous advocate for our Tennessee rural communities, and we are thrilled to partner with him,” said Gov. Lee. “The Bill Dance Signature Lakes highlights the importance of lakeside tourism with premier fishing opportunities.” Including 500,000 acres of lakes and 1.7 million people who fish in Tennessee, Bill Dance Signature Lakes touches 39 counties, including 22 atrisk or economically distressed counties, and is an essential step in helping those communities create

new revenue streams through increased visitation. Fishing generates $1.2 billion in economic impact annually and supports 7,480 jobs across the state. “We have over a million anglers that visit Tennessee waters every year, so we try to give back and make it exciting for anglers to keep coming to Tennessee,” said Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency Executive Director Bobbie Wilson. “By investing this money into the Bill Dance Signature Lakes, we are going to bring people to our lakes and communities not only from within our state but across the borders as well. This means that we will have more people visit our communities, visit the restaurants, visit the stores and buy goods in the area, which all will help our local communities.” Nine large reservoirs will feature Bill Dance Signature Lake access points constructed to a standard of excellence endorsed

and designed by Bill Dance Outdoors in collaboration with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. These nine reservoirs include “Bill Dance Signature Lake access areas” with new or improved assets driving economic activity year-round for each surrounding community. In addition, nine “small venue” lakes entice anglers of all ages and experience levels to enjoy the outdoors while experiencing an above-average catch rate. Bill Dance Signature Lakes includes nine large reservoirs with a proven track record for quality fishing for a variety of fish. In partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority, reservoirs will receive new or upgraded bestin-class ramps to improve public access for both recreational and tournament anglers. Each of the 18 lakes will see such above-

Continued, see BILL DANCE SIGNATURE LAKES Page 7 2 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

AUGUST 2022

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AUGUST 2022

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 3

Caught Up In The Numbers Racket

y very first long rod experience took place on the deck of a big bass boat, out on a big Southern reservoir, stalking little bluegills in the coves and cuts. And I gotta admit, I wasn’t all that fired up for it when my buddy and chosen fly fishing mentor, Sonny Church, first told me what we’d be doing that day. Five or six hours and more than a hundred feisty panfish later (with a few decent bass in the mix), and I was already jonesin’ for more. Another buddy was the first to introduce me to fly fishing for trout. Every trip with Tim Bowerman was a numbers game. To call that guy competitive on the water would be like calling Earnhardt, Sr. assertive on the track. Oh yeah, and he could tell you how many he caught vs. you on any one of your last fourteen trips, each of which, by the way, was a “loser buys the beers and wings” affair, the loser being the guy that caught the fewest fish, of course. Hence, many of us (probably the

By David A. Ramsey

majority) simply applied the same winner/loser mindset to fishing that evolved from other sports we grew up playing. In fact, it’s clear that our deep-rooted sense of competition— physical and mental performance measured by scoring and winning— transfers naturally to most any aspect of our lives. But in today’s world, maybe that competitive obsession with keeping score isn’t necessarily a good thing for fish and the places where they live. Given that the popularity of sportfishing has dramatically increased in recent years and the great majority of fishers are driven to catch as many fish as possible, on every trip, the exponential impact from these two factors seems unavoidable. On your favorite waters: – Does the water stay more turbid or muddy than in the past, due to increased boating activity? – Do anglers consistently have to wait behind other anglers when

floating a river or fishing a shoreline? – Do you think many of the same fish are being caught every day, if not multiple times a day by multiple anglers? – Are you seeing more hook holes in the fish or other apparent fishingcaused damages? – Are there fewer than ever large fish? – Are there fewer fish overall? – Has trash increased significantly on the shoreline, in parking areas, and the water? – Are put-in parking lots consistently full, with long put-in and take-out wait times? – Are there more frequent angler to angler or angler to recreational user conflicts? If you are observing these things and you’re concerned, contact your state fish and wildlife agency and voice those concerns. If you know there are other people who share them, organize an informational meeting and invite fish and wildlife representatives to attend. Consider your own views on this issue, your real fishing values/ motivations, your honest level of concern for the resources that add much to your life. Maybe it’s time to get more involved. As an old mountain fisherman once said, “I reckon you don’t care much about

something you don’t take care of.” Not long ago, I was way up on a no-name headwater, and after some minor tearing of flesh from crawling through the rhododendron hells, a little ass busting on steep banks and the repeated banging of bad knees against immoveable boulders and rocks—without even seeing, let alone catching a single brookie—I was exhausted and frustrated and not having a good day, so I thought. Standing mid-stream, I cussed some, wiped away the sweat and checked my wounds. Then I took a really deep breath, slowly exhaled, and looked around me. Water, clear as alcohol, glided around my legs; deep-green moss carpeted boulders and rocks and hundred-year-old tree trunks; a fly catcher whirred past, banking and dipping past the rhododendron army that climbed from the stream banks up and over the ridges. Unexpectedly, a chill ran up my back, and something strong, but familiar, crystallized in my mind: “There’s no problem here. This is what it’s about—not how many you catch or whether you catch any at all.” Then I laughed out loud to the water and the woods and the unseen trout. Since that day I’ve thought and read more about the whole quality

Continued, see THE NUMBERS RACKET Page 13 4 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

AUGUST 2022

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Drifting the Elk River-Float Fishing for Trout

Submitted by ExploreTRV with John Felsher

rifting along with only singing birds, chattering squirrels and striking fish breaking the silence, one could easily believe the Elk River flows through a vast wilderness, but the river courses through populated Middle Tennessee and Alabama’s Limestone County before flowing into the Tennessee River. The hot/ cold treatment of water coming through Tims Ford Dam near Winchester, is carefully managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority to support a cold water trout fishery upstream of the reservoir and a variety of warm-water fish downstream. “The Elk River is a system where people can catch good numbers of trout with a chance of catching a really nice one,” advised David Perry with Southeastern Fly in Murfreesboro. “We’ve caught some browns and rainbows in the 20-to25-inch range. They would weigh about two to four pounds. In 2020, an angler caught a 30-inch brown trout that probably weighed about six pounds. We hear about some 10to 12-pounders from time to time.” regularly stocks Tennessee brook, brown, and rainbow trout in the cold waters closest to the dam. As water gradually warms farther from the dam, anglers can catch more smallmouth and largemouth bass as well as other species native to southern Tennessee. “We still catch smallmouth and even an occasional largemouth bass when fly fishing for trout within nine miles of the dam,” David said. “We’re doing more smallmouth fishing every year a bit farther down the river.” Avid angler and sportsman, John Felsher joined David and Angela Millet from Lenoir City, Tennessee on a day-long, early autumn float trip. The group boarded David’s drift boat, a craft specially designed to accommodate a guide and two flycasters, just below Tims Ford Dam at Highway 50. The trip included a fabulous shore lunch, provided by Angela. John provided a report from his trip. “We drifted

gently with the current nine miles to Farris Creek, catching browns and rainbows along the way. As we fished, we spotted various birds and other wildlife including a bald eagle. Twice, we even saw mink, animals few people ever see.” “If one is ever inclined to see ‘Gods Country,’ take a drive to Tim Fords Dam and hook up with David Perry for a float trip on the beautiful Elk River,” Angela remarked. “Rain or shine, it’s beauty all around and a day filled with magical laughs and memories of catching incredible brown and rainbow trout. Bring the net!” Just beyond the trees lining the banks, watercress farms dot the landscape. Farmers use river water to grow their crops. Several small waterfalls pouring from the fields plunge into the river, making excellent places to catch trout. The running water frequently carries bugs and other small creatures that trout eat. The group fished nymphs under floating strike indicators. Trout face upstream waiting for currents to bring them food. Ideally, suspend a fly just off the bottom so it drifts at the same speed as the current. People can also use various other feathered temptations. When bugs hatch during warmer months, fish dry flies. Streamers, which imitate minnows, work best during colder months when insects become scarce and trout feed more heavily upon small fish. Before fishing the river, check with Tim and Rhonda Page at Tim’s Flies and Lies Outfitters (931-759-5058) in Normandy to learn the best enticements to fish that day. Although we drifted, p eople can wade at the landing near the dam and at Farris Creek. Whether wading or drifting, always check the dam generation schedule at www.tva.com/Environment/LakeLevels/Tims-Ford. “The best time to fish the Elk River is when water comes through the dam at about 240 cubic feet per second to 400 cfs,” David recommended.

Photo courtesy Angela Millet Visitors can find food and accommodations in Fayetteville. People can stay at [Tims Ford State Park](tnstateparks.com/ parks/tims-ford and Tims Ford Marina. To book a trip with Southeastern Fly, call 615-7965143 or see southeasternfly. com](s out he aster nf ly.com).

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AUGUST 2022

For Fayetteville and Lincoln County information, see https:// fayettevillelincolncountychamber. com/information-request. The ExploreTRV mapguide is an online guide to the lakes and rivers in the Tennessee Valley. Know what the locals know. Share your story.

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 5

Captain Jim - KY Fishing Report

wner StriperFun Guide Service, Tennessee and Kentucky Walleye, Bass, Crappie and Muskie Charters, Superbaittanks.com, Captain Jim Marine Electronics and much more. DATE OF REPORT: July 9th, 2022 Greetings to my readers! I hope that the world finds you and your family doing well!

STRIPER FUN GUIDE SERVICE ON THE LAUREL DAM TRACE

The Laurel River Dam Trace is located in the Daniel Boone National Forest. We fish for Stripers in the “cold” trace waters that flow out of the Laurel Lake Dam for a mile then into the Cumberland River! This area is located only 25 minutes from Corbin KY, 20 minutes north of Jellico TN and only 55 minutes south of Lexington KY. Limits are caught frequently,

By Captain Jim Durham

with some 30 to 40 fish days as well (catch and release is allowed)! Prime season is July and August! STRIPER FUN GUIDE SERVICE ON TIMS FORD LAKE

Tims Ford Reservoir is on the Elk River and is about 86 miles from Nashville. In Tims Ford, the fish densities are greater than most of the other TVA Reservoirs due to the high-level dense forage base of Threadfin Shad, Gizzard Shad, and Alewife. The Striper and Hybrid fishing is simply off the chart! 20 and 30 fish days are frequent (TN allows catch and release!). StriperFun offers day trips on Tims Ford lake year-round (weather permitting). We use fresh caught live Gizzard and Alewives shad, as well as a variety of artificial lures to cast and troll with! We troll umbrella rigs to target suspended schools of fish. It is great to be alive and be a “free” American! I look forward to seeing all of you this year on the

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water. Always remember to stop and shake the hand of a person in uniform or wearing garb that shows they are a veteran! Their service is why you speak English,

can vote, and can enjoy the freedoms you do! Until next time, blue skies and tight lines!

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

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BILL DANCE SIGNATURE LAKES continued from page 2 water upgrades as courtesy docks, ample parking, additional access points, fishing piers and signage, to name a few. Several smaller lakes, many which are located within Tennessee State Parks, will be managed intensively by TWRA for Bill Dance approved family fishing with regular stocking to ensure the best chance for success. “Good fish management makes fishing special in Tennessee,” said Director Wilson. “We have such a diversity of fisheries. We have the Mississippi River all the way to the Smoky Mountains area and a diversity of fish species.” Agency partners and Bill Dance selected each lake for its ability to be a destination fishing location and provide quality fishing fun for avid anglers and families. Endorsed by Bill Dance Outdoors, projects are slated to begin in 2022 and near completion by the fall of 2024.

The Bill Dance Signature Lakes at launch are as follows: • 1000 Acre Lake, Huntington, TN (Carroll County) • Brown’s Creek Lake, Natchez Trace (Henderson County) • Chickamauga Lake, Harrison Bay State Park & Chester Frost Park (Hamilton, Rhea, Meigs, McMinn and Bradley Counties) • Dale Hollow Lake, North Central TN (Clay, Pickett, Fentress and Overton Counties) • Douglas Lake, East TN (Jefferson, Sevier and Cocke Counties) • Fall Creek Falls Lake, Fall Creek Falls State Park (Van Buren County) • Herb Parsons Lake (Fayette County) • Kentucky Lake, Paris Landing State Park (Henry, Stewart, Houston, Benton, Decatur, Perry and Humphreys

Counties) • Lake Acorn, Montgomery Bell State Park (Dickson County) • Lake Woodhaven, Montgomery Bell State Park (Dickson County) • Norris Lake, Northeast TN (Anderson, Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger and Union Counties) • Old Hickory Lake, Middle TN (Sumner and Davidson Counties) • Pickwick Lake, Pickwick Landing State Park (Hardin

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AUGUST 2022

County) • Pin Oak Lake, Natchez Trace State Park (Henderson County) • Reelfoot Lake, Reelfoot Lake State Park (Lake and Obion Counties) • Tim’s Ford Lake, Tim’s Ford State Park (Franklin and Moore Counties) • Travis McNatt Lake, Big Hill Pond State Park (McNairy County) • Watauga Lake, Northeast TN (Johnson and Carter Counties)

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 7

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WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA GREAT SMOKIES

Lake Chatuge Hybrids August

By Darren Hughes

hat is your favorite lake to fish this time of year? We are often asked this question and we’ve also covered this topic many times. I guess we can’t let it go, so I’m going to write about it again. The answer is straight up Lake Chatuge and especially in the months of July, August and September. The fish on this beautiful mountain lake really turn on during these summer months and I mean turn on. It’s not uncommon for us to catch 30-50 fish on Chatuge in just a couple of hours. It truly is an amazing lake to fish for the month of August. Currently, Lake Chatuge is at full pool. Water temps are in the mid 80s, and water clarity is clear throughout the lake. Hybrid and spot fishing has

been pretty phenomenal lately. Late summer patterns are in full swing. The fish are schooling in large numbers, and we are catching some big quantities (30 to 40 a morning.) Most of our hybrids are averaging 5-10 pounds. These are some of Lake Chatuge’s hardest-fighting fish, and we’re having a blast wearing them out. The early morning and mid-afternoon bite has been prime. Look for schools of fish along the main channel and off points. Downlining live blueback herring has been the best technique. Search out your areas and watch your electronics. When you mark fish, drop your lines. Fish will be slightly shallower in the early morning hours and will move to deeper water by mid-morning. Top-

water bite has slowed down considerably but you can still find a few busting. When these fish start busting on bait, it’s always a good idea to have a plug, spook, or red fin at the ready. Look for this same pattern to continue for the next month or so until water temps begin to fall. August is a fantastic month for catching a lot of trophy hybrids and spots on this North Georgia lake. Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1-rated guide service put you on some of Lake Chatuge’s best trophy hybrids during the fishing trip of a lifetime. We are Murphy, NC’s and Blairsville Georgia’s premier full-time guide

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service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lakes Hiwassee and Nottely, and Lake Blue Ridge in Blue Ridge, GA. So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in Angler Magazine, and let us help you get your fish on!

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

AUGUST 2022

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 9

Lake Hiwassee Stripers -August

ead of summer fishing isn’t what most people think. “It’s too hot, fish won’t bite and the skeeters gonna’ eat me alive”. Well, it’s definitely hot and the skeeters aren’t gonna’ eat you up. However, one thing is for sure…The striper fishing is super explosive in Western North Carolina and there’s no better lake to experience that late summer mayhem on than Lake Hiwassee. These stripers and hybrids school up in the heat of the summer and go absolutely crazy. It’s not uncommon to catch 30 to 50 stripers in an hour! This striper bite is intense; and it’s the perfect time to hit the lake and catch some amazing fish. And what’s the best way to do that? By booking a trip with Murphy, NC’s #1 striper guide: Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. If you want a ton of nice stripers, and I mean a ton, then August and September are perfect months!

By Shane Goebel Currently, Lake Hiwassee is at full pool. Water clarity is clear throughout the lake, and water temps are in the mid 80’s. Striper fishing has been excellent. These fish are schooled up and we’ve been killing it out here. Our morning trips usually average 20 to 30 stripers a trip. The early-morning and evening bites are your best times to see action. Target creek mouths and points off the main lake channel. Also, during the hot sunny days of summer, search out areas with some good shade. The majority of our fish have been caught from Point 6 to the dam. Your best technique will be down lining live blueback herring. The top-water bite has also been great. I like to keep a spook or a Red Fin at the ready to snag those surface-busting fish. The fish will continue to stay school up through the next couple of months. Just remember to keep an eye on your electronics and watch for schools

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of stripers when cruising the lake. Also, remember to try to get the fish back into the water as quickly as possible after they are caught. Bringing up stripers from deep water really puts a hurting on them and the quicker you get them into the water the more likely they will survive. August is a fantastic month for catching a lot of trophy stripers on this Murphy, North Carolina lake. Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1-rated

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

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

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ell, they’re here, the “Dog Days” and if you are a Georgia fan, that may be a good thing but for a fishing guide it’s just not my favorite time of year. To make the best of it, there are a couple of things I do to help out. One is to be on the water early. The only trouble there is that, for some reason, the fish this year seem to be answering to some sort of short term dinner bell rather than the usual break-of-dawn breakfast feed. Some mornings, the best bite has been around 10:30 or 11:00. Not that I complain, a bite at any time is a good thing. This summer just seems a bit off at times. My son and I took a trip this spring to salmon fish Lake Michigan. We caught some but our Capt. Kevin and wife, Trish, just said they are having the same issues up there. Like they say, it’s called fishing. The obvious solution to staying on fish is to change tactics as your targets change. This can be as easy as going deeper, moving to different parts of the lake, or something we are pretty blessed to be able to do is simply go to another lake. One of the most pleasant solutions is to move to higher ground. This means heading

Dog Days By Capt. James McManus

to smaller, cooler reservoirs like Wolf, Bear, Nantahala or Glenville. While you won’t be as isolated as you might think, being way off the beaten path you can usually get in a few hours before the dreaded wake board and jet skis show. Another solution is tail water lakes where the water stays cold enough to require a jacket first thing in the morning, Cheoah is a good choice here with lots of trout. If you want to stay on your home water, you might just change baits and gear. Put up your bass rods, grab your light stuff, and go after bream with bugs either live or at the end of a fly rod. There is nothing better than constant action followed by my favorite meal of fried whole ‘brims’. They don’t seem too picky unless you end up way up the Nantahala River on Fontana when the Smoky Mountain Railroad rumbles through. We have been loading the boat until the train comes and the bite stops for almost an hour. Don’t know why they quit but wouldn’t

venture out during an earthquake, you might be skunked. Remember to keep hydrated, you dry out quickly on the water. An occasional dip will cool things off, just be careful, I make everyone wear a life vest if they go in, adult

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or child, no sense pushing the envelope if you don’t need to. Different depths, tactics, targets, and places can keep you on fish even through the hottest days. When I was younger, I would fish at night but no more. If you do, you need to be really careful cause that can be a long, sleepy ride home. So, try different things, go different places, and don’t quit just because it’s gotten a little warm.

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

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Summer Fishing Opportunities By Becky and David Hulsey

he dog days of summer are sometimes best spent avoiding the heat of the day. Early morning or nighttime outings make the most sense when the sun is below the horizon. Trout fishing in the mountains of the Southern Appalachians is pretty much limited to the tail waters below hydro- electric dams and the extreme high country. Even then, an angler should check the water temperature with a thermometer looking for that magic 67 degrees or colder reading to avoid killing every trout you hook. August is a good time to explore some possibilities for fishing for bass and bluegill or other warm water species. The lowly common carp is a good target too! Carp cruising across the mudflats of your local lake is about as close to fishing for bonefish in fresh water as you can get. The great Lefty Kreh once said, “Fly fishing for carp is like fishing

for bonefish only harder”. Carp are very smart and difficult to catch most times. A careful approach is necessary, along with an accurate cast that doesn’t scare the fish into the next county. Carp eat a lot of different organisms including crayfish, minnows, nymphs, and the occasional dough ball. When bass fishing, I keep a rod rigged and ready for the carp that shows up unexpectedly, the golden ghost is a magician and can put the strongest drag to a test! A seven or eight weight rod, paired with a reel with a smooth disc drag, is required and you

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expect to see your backing peel off too if it’s a nice one! An Olive Rubber Legged Dragon is one of my favorite flies for carp. With its bead chain eyes, it sinks slowly and rides hook-up to prevent so many hang ups on the bottom. Dragon Fly or damsel fly nymphs are normally abundant in shallow areas of lakes in summer and that’s a great thing for the carp and the angler. Seeing the fish is aided by a good pair of amber

polarized glasses and getting the sun at your back if possible. You can wade if careful or use a boat or kayak to get close enough for a shot; either way, the first fish’s blazing run will have you hooked. Summer may slow down our cold water-loving trout but the carp are very well equipped to handle the hot water in style. Try a shot or two at the golden ghost and give the trout a break this summer.

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

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Why The Fly Line Tangles On The Last Cast

The Casting Corner – By Rene J. Hesse

t seems after a series of good false casts, my delivery cast will be a disaster. Usually, it is on a hurried cast or a long cast. When I make one of the casting errors, it causes a tailing loop. The fly line tangles or lands on top of itself. What is happening is that the line is being unloaded above the oncoming line. That’s because the rod tip went in a concave path. We want the loop to come off the end of the rod and form a loop over the tip of the rod. Here are the causes and corrections for the tailing loop. There are a few things that cause the rod tip to dip and come back up in a concave path: • An erratic or abrupt application of power. • Too short of a casting stroke for the amount of line out of the rod tip. • Creeping, which is coming forward with the rotation of the rod before the line has extended in back. • Trajectory - A high back cast and then a high trajectory forward cast.

Corrections: • Erratic Power - Make a smooth constant rate of power through the cast. Apply the proper amount of power at the proper time. When we put that last WHAM on a cast, it is going to drop the rod tip and cause the tailing loop. Keep that smooth power application you are using on the false casts when you do the delivery cast. • Short Stroke - Think in terms of ‘short cast/short stroke and long cast/long stroke’. As the false casting extends line, make sure the casting stroke length AND casting arc increase. • Creeping - This is one of the hardest to catch. When you stop in the back cast to let the line extend, if you rotate your wrist and the rod tip starts toward the target, it will shorten the casting arc and cause a tailing loop. Instead, when you stop in the back cast, drift your rod tip back toward the unfolding line. Be careful not to rotate down towards the ground with the rod tip, but go

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up and back. That will increase the arc and stop the creeping. • Trajectory - Aim your cast a few feet over the target. Too often, the forward cast is aimed 10-15 feet over the target on the false cast or delivery cast. There should be a 180 degree line between the trajectories of the back to the target. We want a straight line on all paths away from the target and back to it. Don’t let a V form between the back and front cast. Those are the main reasons I

tend to ruin my cast. By watching my back cast unfold, I can often correct a few of the errors. I am being aware there may be an issue if I rush or have the wrong trajectory. There are other things that can cause the rod tip to dip and go in a concave path. There are situations that we can use the tailing loop as part of a cast, too. Being limited in words here, I can’t do it justice, so go to Fly Fishers International for more info.

THE NUMBERS RACKET continued from page 4 vs. quantity issue in sportfishing, and I always come back to the same common-sense notion: Maybe when we’re out there on the water, if we focus more on a few fish caught well and carefully released, on the incredible places where we get to

catch those fish and, certainly, the great people we get to do it with and focus a lot less on the meaningless numbers game, then I believe our sport, the fish, their waters and we will long be better off for it.

David Arthur Ramsey is an outdoor photographer, writer and conservationist, born and raised in the mountains of northeastern Tennessee. His outdoor writing and photography have been published locally, regionally and nationally and are most often associated with work to preserve and protect threatened lands and waters throughout the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

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Some Like It Hot

By Ronnie Parris

ey folks, hope all is well with you. This summer has been a scorcher and doesn’t look like it’s gonna’ cool down any time soon.one species of mountain fish that gets overlooked is the bluegill. These great tasting, hard fighting little slabs of dynamite love the hotter temps of summer. Bluegill can be taken in a variety of ways from a fly rod with a rubber legged popper to small streamers, even dry flys. Probably my favorite is casting live crickets and catalpa worms that I get off my trees at my house. Almost every lake and pond or slow-moving river system, has good numbers of bluegill and most of the time, they are more than willing to bite. Some of my favorite trips involve get a few kids over a feeding school of bluegill and watching that rod

tip bend. Bluegill tend to love shade, so always check docks and submerged brush when you’re looking for these beautiful fish. Also, pay attention around cliffs as they sometimes suspend in large numbers in the cool shade on the cliff face. Any freshwater seep, be it a branch or trout stream pouring into the lake, will usually have good numbers of bluegill. Sometimes, if they are being finicky, I’ll use a bobber to keep my bait at just the right depth but usually, I’ll just use a small lead head or a number 6 hook with a small split shot above it for weight. When they are bedding, pay close attention to the circular getting small, back off and try take a kid fishing and make beds which sometimes get used deeper as the bigger ones usually memories that will last a lifetime! multiple times. Also, use your will be found there. And as always, nose. If you’re close to bedding Ronnie Parris is owner and head guide of Smoky Mountain bluegill, you can usually smell a Outdoors Unlimited-Fontana Lake Fishing Guides, headquartered real sweet smell. If you find a spot in Bryson City, N.C., heart of the Great Smoky Mountains www. that’s productive but you’re only smounlimited.com; (828) 488-9711.

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

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

smokymountainoutdoorsunlimited.com

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Trash Fish By Ethan Hollifield

“The last word in ignorance is the man who says of an animal or plant: ‘What good is it?”

~ Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac

ot long ago, I was fishing on the Davidson River when an event occurred that has caused me to ponder on the proclivity towards trout, and only trout, when we fly fish here in the mountains. It’s not unusual at all to see other folks fishing while out on the Davidson. And naturally, when someone else hooks a fish downstream, there’s a tendency for us to briefly glance our eyes over with both envy and curiosity at what the other person has caught. In this particular instance, an individual hooked and landed a redhorse sucker, another species of fish that is relatively common in low gradient trout streams, along with a whole host of other aquatic organisms that make up an incredibly complex ecosystem. With that being said, the individual made it very clear he was disappointed in having accidentally caught a redhorse instead of a trout, and proceeded to roughly, albeit quickly, dump the fish back into the water without much afterthought. Now, I’m not writing all of this to bash an individual on their bad sucker-handling skills; that’s not the point. I’m guilty of doing this myself with other bycatch species such as chubs, darters, daces, and so on. It’s easy to have

the mentality that other species of fish in a river are “trash” when we have been taught throughout most of our fishing careers that trout are on such a high pedestal that catching anything else while we fish is sinful, and a complete waste of our efforts. Seeing this all play out, however, did make me start and think about our views on the natural world as a whole, and how we tend to forget that trout make up just a small measure in the grander scale and complexity of aquatic ecosystems here in the mountains. These ecosystems are so complex, that the scientific community still doesn’t understand them fully, let alone the relationships that these species have with each other that makes one critical to another’s survival. Sure, we’re taught that being ginger and dainty with trout is critical to the future of our sport. But if the trout and the chub, or darter, or redhorse both share a symbiotic need for each other, then why not treat them with the same respect as well? Wouldn’t then a trout’s survival be totally intertwined with that of a chub? Granted, it’s not my first choice to catch a random chub while I go out and fish for myself. It does, however, make me think of all the times in the past that I

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have mishandled fish because they weren’t my target species. The main facet to all of this, is that it’s very dangerous to the greater ethical constructs of conservation to believe that only the fish that we try to catch are the only things in a river worth protecting. Everything in nature has a purpose and a reason for its existence, even that good-for-

nothing redhorse you spent an hour fishing for thinking it was a giant brown trout. All life in our rivers here is nothing short of a miracle, and I wonder how much better off our rivers and streams here would be if we all shared that view of reverence and respect towards all the critters living in them…Just something to think about.

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

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Dog Day Options

By Scott Norton

hen I think about summertime fishing, I think of hot-slow fishing. I want to discuss the options we have to be successful this season. First, I want to talk about the baits. When I think about summertime baits, I think of top water baits and plastics. Things that you can fish slow or weedless. Before you make a decision of what bait to use, you must first decide what kind of bass you are going for. If you’re hunting those early morning bass, I would go for those topwater lures. This will also work well fishing at night if you choose to get away from the heat of the day. If you have stained to dirty water you may want to fish with a slower action, such as a popper type of lure, to keep you in the strike zone longer. More than likely they will be close to solid objects, such as wood or rock. A Popping frog is a great way to catch bass trying to burrow deep under those overhangs on

steep banks or under docks. Once the sun gets higher in the sky, bass will do one of two things. That is, go for shade or go deep. This is a great time to pitch and flip with your favorite weedless plastic lures if you want to fish shallow. I think of those magnum worms when I think of going deep. Bass will congregate on those ledges and drop-offs on long tapering points. If you want a quality bite, go with a dark color such as, blue or your plum colors. If you want more bites, use a natural color like watermelon, pumpkin seed, or brown. Just keep it simple and slow. You can also rig them different ways to fit the situation. Fishing grass will produce big bass looking to ambush prey in an oxygen rich environment. You will want to use a lure that can swim across the top of the grass, depending on the depth the grass has grown. If you are looking at grass in the deep, you can go with

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jerk baits, chatter baits, swim jigs, and lipless crank baits. Just know that the shallower the grass grows, you will either loose some of these baits or adapt them. If you are getting grass just inches below the surface, top water lures come back into play. In some places, the grass will mat up on the surface and those frogs are great for that situation. Night fishing is one of my favorite times to fish. Top water lures that cover lots of water are the most fun way to catch them. If they will not bite top water, you will want to use a chatter bait or a spinnerbait.

These baits either put off a vibration or water displacement that may play into their mood. If this does not work, use a jig or worm. They will usually bite one or the other, so if you get a bite off one of them put the other oneaway. Enjoy this season and discover what kind of fisherman you are. There are lots of ways to get around the dog days of summer; just know you have options. There is something for everyone, so you just have to figure out what kind of summer fisherman you are. So have fun this season and I hope this helps.

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

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Utilizing Trout Tactics for Summer River Bass

rout aren’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about August, but there are still ample fly fishing opportunities in North Georgia for river bass. When water gets low, clear, and hot, we can take some notes out of the trout playbook to target bass! While baitfish are the predominant forage in many rivers, don’t be afraid to utilize “critter” flies when the fishing gets tough. One of my favorite ways to fish shoals and mild current for bass is with a crawfish imitation like Galloup’s Nancy P or Whitlock’s Near Nuff Crayfish. While both of these flies can be fished on a floating line and split shot, I like to drag the Nancy Ps through a shoal with a sinking or intermediate line if there is substantial current. When using the Near Nuff Crayfish or smaller crawfish imitation, I like to dead drift

Jacob Milholland these flies through runs either under a popper, utilizing a “Popper-Dropper” style rig like you might for trout with a foam hopper imitation, or high sticking the fly through fast runs. These techniques can also be used with hellgrammite imitations or larger wooly buggers (especially rubber-legged buggers). Utilize 5-7 weights for these techniques, and don’t be afraid to downsize your line if your water is clear. I typically start with 12lb fluorocarbon and will downsize to as light as 8lb, if needed. Popper fishing comes to mind first and foremost when talking about summertime bass fishing – we love targeting bass in big reciprocating eddies, around laydowns, and in shade lines this time of year with a big size 4 Boogle Bug. I will downsize to a large terrestrial pattern like a Fat Albert or Cherynobyl Ant for a more subtle presentation on

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occasion. “Trout” tactics come in to play this time of year in the sense that a long, dead drift can be preferred by these fish – I’ll do as much as a ten count between pops or twitches in order to give these fish time to come to the fly and eat it. When I’m fishing poppers, I like to fish a short, 7 ½ to 8 foot leaders with a stiffer butt-section like the Scientific Anglers Bass

Leader in 8-12lb sizes. I will also keep spools of nylon from 1X-3X in order to make adjustments as well as add length to my leader, especially in low and clear water, just like you might for trout. Slow down! Its very easy to get in a rhythm and keep fishing the same way when things aren’t working, but oftentimes, when things get tough, I’ll take a water break and check my knots. This

Continued, see UTILIZING TROUT TACTICS Page 20

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SOUTH CAROLINA

Lake Murray Official Venue of the 2022 Bass Fishing World Championship

tate College, PA: The bass fishing world has been patiently waiting to participate in the 2022 Bass Fishing World Championship. They are also eager to fish the legendary waters of South Carolina’s Lake Murray. The host Capital City/Lake Murray Country RTB has held several professional world championship events (Forest Wood Cups) in the past. This event is much different for several reasons. • This event is sanctioned by the amateur world fishing organization known as FIPSED - http://www.fips-ed.com/fipsed/ index.php/en/ • FIPSED is the link between sport fishing and International

Olympic Committee recognition as an Olympic sport. • This is a team event; qualifying nations can field only one eight person team. • The prize at this event is official World Championship medals – no prize money is awarded. Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board led by President/CEO Miriam Atria and her team made the decision to support the USA Bass program in 2017. Their support as our title sponsor made it possible for our USA Bass team to travel to South Africa, Mexico and Canada to pursue World and Pan American titles,” says USAngling President, Tony Forte. “Now we get to share this amazing venue

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and community with the world when we host the 2022 Bass Fishing World Championship. We are anticipating anglers from North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia

to participate. This event is truly next level for international bass fishing. It all started with Miriam and Capital City/Lake Murray Country RTB and we fully expect this event to propel fishing into

Continued, see BASS FISHING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Page 26

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Fish Your Strengths

here is no disguising that summer is here. Practically everyday most of us living in the midlands experience the bone melting heat as we walk from air conditioning to outdoors. “Why do I live here?” we ask. A river fisherman, though, realizes the brutal heat signals the arrival of prime smallmouth fishing on the Broad River. As the water temperature rises during summer months, so will the number of smallmouth you catch. That’s because as the water temp increases so does the smallmouth’s metabolism. Some of you are rereading that last sentence because it’s counter to what most think. I noticed this behavior early on, so I was thrilled to come across the following in a classic “must have” book on smallmouth by noted fly fisherman, Bob Clouser. “When the water reaches 80 degrees and above, the higher temperatures demand more frequent eating in order to supply the energy needed to survive. Some of my most productive periods for catching large bass are during midday in the month of August, when the stream feels like bathwater,” (1) wrote Clouser. Summer fishing on the Broad is superb. And this month’s Angler column addresses two topics that will help you catch more fish in the river, fish finding, and lure choices. Okay. You’re in the river so where do you fish? Some fishermen look for calm spots to anchor and avoid

By: Mike McSwain

rocks. Some drift and sling across the river. Some (a LOT of you) beat the bank fishing structure in slow water. For Smallmouth, during peak season it’s simple. Fish in and around heavy flow. This is why boat safety is so important. You MUST put your boat near heavy flow. You must fish consistently in and around fast running shoals. If you can’t get out of your watercraft, anchor above the shoal and work the lanes formed between the boulders, then drift down the rapids and anchor below the shoals to fish those lanes. The agility to get out of the boat offers more options. You’re then able to fish more lanes and also able to fish the fast-running water IN the rapids. YES the fish are in there! If you fish IN, ABOVE, and BELOW the rapids you will probably find fish. Then you can begin putting the pieces of the puzzle together and determine where the best bites are. Regarding lure tactics, most agree the primary forage for these fish are insects, crawdads, and threadfin shad. And anyone who has fished with me knows I can go out on the river with a bag of Zoom Ultravibe Craws and a few Mepps spinners and I’m set. Of course, your go-to baits don’t always work, and making adjustments is a big part of fishing. For example, in July I had a coangler mention he liked fishing jerk baits. The bite was a little slow, so I tied one on, even though that’s a bait I usually reserve for

cooler water temps. Much to my surprise, the fish crushed it. Other common adjustments might include dropping your weight size in calmer eddies, going to a bigger spinner in stained water, or going to smaller baits when the bite is really tough. You may even go so far as to drop your line size

(diameter) in really clear water. The final comment on baits is this: Fish your strengths. There is SO much to be said for being confident when you’re out there. So jump on the river NOW folks. Just be sure to check levels before you go and, stay safe!

Mike McSwain is from Charleston, SC but maintains residence in Columbia, SC on the Broad River. He guides for smallmouth bass on the Broad as water levels allow, usually from late Spring through November. Contact Mike at 843-7633805, or Facebook profile “Michael L. McSwain,” ( Instagram, Facebook Page, and YouTube @broad river smallmouth). 1) Author Clouser, Bob. “Fly Fishing for Smallmouth in Rivers and Streams,” 1st ed.2007

UTILIZING TROUT TACTICS continued from page 18 gives me time to reset before I start fishing again. I already mentioned a water break, but I can’t reiterate enough how important it is to stay hydrated this time of year! Cohutta Fishing Company is located in the heart of downtown

Blue Ridge, Georgia. We carry a large assortment of guide-tested fly fishing equipment and proven fly patterns, as well as have a knowledgeable and friendly staff. Come by and see us! 490 East Main Street Blue Ridge, GA 30513. (706) 946-3044

Jacob is a student of angling and the Store Manager at Cohutta Fishing Company. You can always find Jacob fishing on the rivers and lakes of his home area of North Georgia in his freetime. 20 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 21

Seasonal Hot Spots for 2022

have the good fortune to travel around the country, meet lots of great people, and fish some awesome waters. Inevitably, folks will ask about my favorite places to fish. My answer is usually, “Wherever they are biting”. But since we’re in the midst of summer, I thought I’d share some of my top places in the southeast to go fishing this time of

By Capt. Cefus McRae – NutsAndBoltsFishing.com

heat and spend a day or two on a cool mountain stream fishing for trout. Again, depending on the stream, you can fish with crickets or worms, small spinners, and crank baits, or learn to fish with a fly rod. There are numerous designated #1. Trout fishing in the North Georgia, Tennessee and Carolina public trout streams, all stocked by the DNR, across the Southeastern Mountains. Take a break from the summer Mountain Range. And there are also plenty of managed, private streams where you can go with a guide and learn the ropes of fishing for trout. A couple of my go-to guide services are Unicoi Outfitters in Helen, GA, and Southern Appalachian Anglers Guide Service out of Asheville, NC. Give these folks a call for an exciting adventure on the water. year. There are literally hundreds of great destinations that could make it into the top slots, but these are my go-to places where you are sure to stretch a string:

#2. The South Carolina Coast. Besides being a wonderful destination in its own right, the coastal waters off South Carolina are an awesome fishery. Big (and tasty) fish show up all along the

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coastline. And I mean big fish! Bull redfish over 30 pounds, spinner sharks that put on a saltwater acrobatic show like you’ve never seen, and large tarpon all roam the nearshore waters in search of their next meal. It’s a quick trip to the fishing grounds and screaming drags. Inshore, you’ll find speckled trout and slot-sized redfish, plus great flounder fishing too. The Murrell’s Inlet area is an excellent home base to start your fishing adventure. With easy access to the Atlantic and Gulf Stream, you can fish the inlet itself for trout and flounder or venture offshore for mahi and billfish. Further south, the Hilton Head Island area offers an abundance of backcountry fishing, as well as numerous offshore wrecks and reefs. Be sure to check fishing regulations for which species are in season. Currents can be strong in the rivers and creeks, and if you plan to bring

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a boat, be aware of the tides so you don’t get stranded on an oyster bar. #3. The southeastern striper and hybrid bass impoundments. There are at least a dozen reservoirs that offer excellent summertime fishing for stripers and hybrids throughout the Carolinas, Tennessee and Georgia. And 50+ fish days are not unusual. Strom Thurmand Lake, aka Clarks Hill Lake, that borders SC and GA is a great summer fishery. With its oxygen diffuser system, the southern end of the lake around Little River and the Monkey Islands are great places to downline live

herring or troll umbrella rigs. Put in at the Modoc Boat Ramp or spend the weekend camping at Elijah Clark State Park and you’ll experience lots of great scenery and some excellent fishing. A little further east, Lake Wateree is home to stripers and monster catfish. Call Capt. Justin Whiteside of Whiteside’s Whiskers Guide Service for a fun day on the water. And in North Carolina, High Rock, Norman and Badin Lake are great summer fisheries as well, with schooling stripers, white bass and bream on the bank. As the water warms up, the fish tend to go deeper, so umbrella rigs and leadcore line are tactics commonly used to put

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your baits in the strike zone. #4. St. Augustine, FL. I realize this is a little further south for folks in the Carolinas, but throughout the summer, herds of king mackerel gather just a couple miles off the coast. And St. Augustine is an awesome destination. Mixed in with the kings will be cobia, large jacks and sailfish. Trolling large natural baits and diving plugs will draw strikes all day long. Be sure to put a couple baits down deep with your Scotty downrigger to attract the bigger fish. And if the sea conditions keep you inshore, you can wrestle with

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big flounder, speckled trout, and redfish in the backwaters. Call Capt. Scott Shank of Full House Charters for a great time on the water. These are just a few places that will satisfy your fishing hunger, and there are so many more. Do a little homework, make a few calls, and start planning your next fishing adventure in the southeast. There’s a fish out there just waiting to jump on your line. If you’re having trouble deciding, check out our recommended guides and destinations on the Nuts & Bolts of Fishing website. Tight lines and calm seas, Capt. Cefus and Buck, the Wonder Dog.

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Dax and The Fiddlers By Gary Turner

e headed down to Clearwater beach for a little rest and relaxation, and yeah, maybe a little fishing. There are not many places I go where some fishing isn’t involved. I carry collapsible rods in the Rambox on my truck. When you go to a town to fish, there are several scouting options. First, I like to look for people fishing and see what’s biting and what bait is working. There was no one fishing on the beach, so I went to option number two and found a bait shop. Clearwater Bait and Tackle on Gulf to Bay Boulevard was great! A nice Italian gentleman who was a Manhattan transplant named John, gave us all kinds of information, and while we waited on the thunderstorm to pass, we bought some tackle and talked fishing. I had seen several sheepshead at the beach, so we bought some sheepshead rigs and a flatweight with a hook setting

up on it, making it easier to eat. With a bucket of fiddler crabs and tackle in tow, we headed back to the hotel. Well Dax, my grandson who is two years old, had to check out the crabs, so several ended up running around the hotel room, and I had to track them down and put them back in the bucket. That reminded me of the time, years ago, when my girls were little and we caught a 2-foot shark and put it in the bathtub at the hotel. I hauled a tub full of saltwater, 5-gallon buckets at a time, to put it in. It swam back and forth and was pretty cool. After a few hours of entertainment, we released it unharmed. The crabs were a lot less work in their little bucket. The next morning, we went to the beach to see what we could catch. Now Dax doesn’t know up from it, so when the weight sits on the bottom your bait sits

24 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

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Continued, see DAX AND THE FIDDLERS Page 32

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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 25

Lake Hartwell Fishing Forecast By Preston Harden

Water Level- Full Pool Water temp.- 87 Degrees Water Clarity- Clear

uly fishing for hybrids and stripers has been very good with large schools feeding good early mornings. As we go into August, I will limit my search to the lower lake in deep water, The time of day is not as important as it was earlier in the year. Sometimes the afternoon bite is better. The water usually is released from the dam in the afternoons. This water movement gets fish more active. Live herring work great. Power reeling with a big spoon or a big swim bait catch plenty of fish. Reeling a big artificial thru the school will trigger a reaction strike. Hopefully, we won’t get the huge rains of the last few years. I will be looking for the larger fish deeper than 80 feet deep.

deep. Brush piles on humps or long points can hold big schools of spots as the summer progresses. They group up like hybrids and stripers. The schools get larger as the summer progresses. Trust your electronics to show you the deep fish.

The bass move deeper also. I look for bass around 20 to 30 feet

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

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BASS FISHING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP continued from page 19 Olympic recognition. We are so blessed to have their support.” Capital City/Lake Murray Country RTB is excited to share one of the world’s top fishing destinations! Lake Murray is home to twelve of America’s favorite freshwater sportfish which makes it the perfect fishing hole. Visitors can book a trip with one of the many talented and well-known Lake Murray fishing guides. “We are excited to host the World Bass Fishing Championship and that Lake Murray, a world fishing destination, is the first to host this inaugural event. We look forward to welcoming the various countries from around the world and showing them our Southern hospitality,” stated Miriam Atria, President/CEO, Capital City/ Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board. The USA Bass team will be competing against teams from: Italy, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Australia, South Korea, Spain,

Portugal, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica and others. The 2022 USA Bass World Team includes: Team Captain Scott Martin, Jacob Wheeler, Scott Canterbury, David Dudley, Fred Roumbanis, James Watson, Mark Rose and David Fritts. They will be coached by Charlie Evans and Anthony Gagliardi. Stay tuned for more details regarding the 2022 Bass World Championship week. Events include a youth day, championship weigh-ins, an outdoor concert and awards presentation. Visit www.lakemurraycountry. com for more information on the Lake Murray area. Visit usabass. org for USA Bass team updates. Follow the USA Bass team on Facebook at: https://www. facebook.com/usabassorg

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e 19

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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 27

Working Through The Dog Days

s we roll through the “Dog Days of Summer” the rivers here around us have warmed up considerably. At times, we have stopped fishing for trout, as catching them in the heat and the warmer water temperatures, leads to mortality. One saving grace is that our water levels have been good, with thunderstorms dumping much needed rains into the watersheds. The outlook is for continued summertime conditions, with thunderstorms keeping water levels and temperatures about the same as they are at now. Any type of small drought will lead to much lower levels and much higher water temperatures than most shallow dwelling trout can survive. Higher elevation head waters, creeks, and streams will definitely be everyone’s best bet for later summertime fishing for trout. The rivers are loaded with a large amount of small nymphs.

By Karl Ekberg

While fishing, take a minute to turn some rocks over to find these and do not hesitate to tie on a nymph resembling these, trailing behind a larger stonefly. Tying these smaller nymphs on behind a larger stonefly nymph pattern will allow the flies to get deeper in the water column, where the fish are holding. Don’t hesitate to pinch a small piece of split shot on your line to get deeper, if you are not catching. Terrestrials have also been productive, using small beetles, ants, hopper, and small cricket patterns. Casting these towards the over-hanging foliage, and a dead-drift & twitch method will produce for you. These patterns will continue to work throughout the remainder of the summer. If the trout are being a little tough to catch, a great day on the rivers is the Bass and Panfish. Lower sections of the river are fishing good now. Top water and streamers seem to be the big hit now for a successful

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day. Wet wading is an enjoyable day to beat the heat of summer. A small pack, plenty of fluids (to keep hydrated), a small fly box, a good pair of polarized sun glasses, exploring waters you might not normally fish, what a way to spend a summer day, and did we mention, catching fish on a fly rod. While out on your day of fishing, expect afternoon

thunderstorms, and the river level to raise slightly. Although it may not be raining where you are fishing, the river level may start to rise as rain may come over the river upstream, so keep an eye on the water level around you. Let’s all remember to Leave No Trace, and let’s all take out of the woods a little more than we walked in with for a better place for all of us tomorrow.

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

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missmayfly.com as well as at local retailers across the country. About Miss Mayfly® Miss Mayfly® was founded in 2016 by Kimberly Ranalla, a female angler who struggled to find gear that fit, performed & looked flattering. In 2014, after suffering multiple spinal injuries that diverted Ranalla’s career, she was introduced to river fishing. After being unable to find gear that would fit appropriately, she was inspired to create her own. The first Mayfly wader entered the market in 2018 and has swiftly gained popularity due to its fit, performance, durability, and flattering design. In 2019 Miss Mayfly® joined Ranger Outdoors, LLC. With this partnership, Miss Mayfly® joined forces with Angler Sport Group, Daiichi® Hooks, and Chota® Outdoor Gear. CONTACT: Bethany C. McCoy, Vice President, Ranger Outdoors, LLC. bethany@anglersportgroup.com, 423-718-0812, https:// https:// www.missmayfly.com, www.facebook.com/MissMayfly, https://www.instagram.com/miss. mayfly.fishing

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FLY OF THE MONTH - COOPER BUG By Tom Adams, Alen Baker www.rockyrivertu.org/dry-fly-patterns.html

ontrary to the superstition that Eskimos might have been the first to use Polar bear hair on hooks to catch “hewluk-powak,” meaning “fish with wing like fin” or the artic grayling, or any other fish, they did not, for they never used anything but bait. The first known use of Polar bear hair for fly tying was in 1923 when T.V. Sandys-Wunsch,of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police,and F. A. Ashton,of Vancouver, Can-ada,used Polar bear flies made from a skin brought out of the North by Wunsch. By 1925, Polar bear hair flies were sold commercially by Harkley & Hayward of Vancouver, Canada.Ken Cooper of Detroit, Michigan,brought polar bear hair flies to the attention of fly fishers in the States. Ken, making no claim as the originatorsaid,“I was working for Lou J. Eppinger in

1932 and used to prowl around the taxidermy shop, looking for fur or feathers to make flies. They had a mounted Polar bear that had outlived its usefulness. It was a sorry sight and I said to the taxidermist, ‘Why don’t you throw it out?’ and he said, ‘I would like to, but the boss thinks we should save it.’ So, I asked Lou how much he thought it was worth. He smiled and said, ‘Do you want it for fly tying material? Well, help yourself.’ I walked into the taxidermy shop and cut about a yard of hide off that bear, told the taxidermist to wash it, cut it up in small pieces, put it in the tumbling barrel with some hard wood sawdust and do a good job, and we would soon be rid of that bear. I tied up some Polar bear flies for the store and sold the balance of the bear hide for fly tying. It did not last long.”Ken Cooper,who

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Cooper Bug A

created the Cooper Bug,later becamewell known for his Polar bear flies. Cato Holler,who lived on Armstrong Creek near Marion, North Carolina,shot his Polar bear in the early 1970s prior to the time it became illegal to harvest a polar bear. Cato developednumerous Southern Appalachian vari-ations of flies using dyed Polar bear hair. A few of his flies are on display at the Fly Fishing Museum of the

Cooper Bug B

Southern Appalachians. Although Polar bear hair was already popular in Canada, it had not been used in the States before Ken Cooper blazed the trail.There is a trout fly called the Cooper wet fly that was originated by George T. Cooper who was appointed on the New York Fish Commission in 1869 in Seth Green’s place, when Mr. Green resigned to take charge of the Caledonia Hatchery.

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Credits: Quotes and drawing from Fly Pattern and Their Origins (1944, 1950), by Harold Hinsdill Smed-ley, Westshore Publications, Muskegon, Michigan. Colored photo from Ray Bergman’s Trout.

The Cooper wetfly has an orange body,black hackle,and brown turkey wing. This article is not to be confused with, nor it isabout,the Cooper wet fly pattern. The originator of the Cooper Bug, Ken Cooper said, “This fly just happened. Bass fishing and bass flies do not intrigue me very greatly, but when I cannot fish for trout I do not scorn the bass or bluegill. They are an excuse to get out in the open, which always seems to give me a new lease on life.” “In 1936, while preparing for a

bass fishing trip, I put a hook in my fly-tying vise and tried to figure out what to tie on it to try out on this trip. A red tail seemed to be a good start, so I put on a red deer hair tail, then a red wool body with a gold rib, next a bunch of deer hair. I divided it to make wings at right angles to the hook. This gave me a fly that would look reasonably large but be light in weight, also lift and handle nicely with a bass fly rod. The butt of the deer hair blossomed out into quite a topknot but instead of cutting it off, it was tied to stand upright and was cut flat across the

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Tom Adams

Alen D, Baker

top leaving a V-shaped topknot about five-eighths of an inch high. The finished fly was tossed into the air a few times to see how it would land and much to my surprise it always landed right side up, the V top acting as a parachute.” “This was something different. I selected Pine Lake, a hard-fished body of water, for the try-out. It was a beautiful moonlight night and I fished alone and fished all night. The bass seemed to like this bug and so did I, as the topknot gave it good visibility.”

“I gave one of these bugs to Al Hilde, a brother-in-law of Paul Young of Detroit, Michigan, to try out and asked him to suggest a name. He said it looked like a French poodle that had been sheared and suggested the name Poodle Bug and thus was it born and named.” “In 1938 Ray Bergman came out with a book called Trout. While he was gathering materials for his book. Phil Armstrong thought he should have one of my flies and I gave Phil a Poodle Bug, which he

Continued, see FLY OF THE MONTH Page 32

AUGUST 2022

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 31

DAX AND THE FIDDLERS continued from page 24

FLY OF THE MONTH continued from page 31

how to swim well yet, so I put on his floaties and gave him his Zebco Micro 33 on a 3-foot rod. I handed his dad the GoPro, and we headed out to about four feet of water. You could see the sheepshead all around us. If you kicked up the bottom, they would come in to see if there was anything they wanted to eat. We rigged up a crab on the sheepshead rig and dropped it. The fish hit it hard, broke the crab then snatched it off without ever getting the hook. The water was crystal clear so we could see everything and so could they. After six crabs served as practice and warmup, a big one came by and swallowed the hook. It was on now! Dax was reeling and was making headway when the fish just took off tearing line off the little reel. I had to help him get that fish back under control as there were people swimming not too far away. Once we stopped the run,

personally delivered to Berg-man. Phil thought he could improve on the name of the fly, so he told Bergman the name was the Cooper Bug. On color plate number 15 in Bergman’s book there is a picture of this fly and it is called a Cooper Bug.”

Dax finished reeling it in. His first saltwater fishing adventure! We had a great time at the beach and enjoyed Clearwater. A local restaurant we really enjoyed was Perkins, and we had the best waitress there whose name was Bambi. If you are ever there on vacation, give them a try, the food and service were excellent! I am attempting to revive my old YouTube channel, so if you want to see Dax catching this fish, check it out at FishingWithGary. I’m not sure what next month’s article will be on or where I’ll be fishing, but remember, if you have an empty seat on your boat that needs filling, shoot me an email and maybe it will be about fishing with you! Please remember, if you are not going to eat it, don’t kill it. “Tight Lines and Squealin’ Reels put a Smile on my face every time.” Gary Turner

Cooper Bug - Rocky River Fly of the Month 7.19 Hook: Wet, 2xL Size: 10, 12, 14 Thread: 6/0 Red

Tail: Red deer hair Body: Color dubbing, your choice Rib: Silver tinsel Wing: Deer hair, may be tied as an overbody (alternate) Head: Deer hair stub Directions: Detailed tying steps may be found at the Rocky River Chapter of Trout Unlimited at www. rockyrivertu.org/dry-fly-patterns. html

If you are ever interested in info on any guides or places I fish, you can email me at gary@purgeright.com.

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By Will Schmidt

Your Grouper Grounds

inding new spots to fish has been one of the biggest issues facing us since… well, since fishing started. For years inshore fishermen have used satellite views to find points with cuts, oyster bars and other features that can be seen from above in the shallows. The good news is offshore anglers can now take advantage of similar imagery to make finding new spots feel like you’ve got it made in the shade. High-definition relief shading like that in the new Garmin Navionics Vision+ package gives anglers insight into spots they would have never known about unless they just stumbled across them. There are countless examples of offshore spots where I’ve marked and caught fish without knowing that just a few hundred feet away were even better looking spots. It’s hard to know every ridge or well-defined bottom feature, so getting a view of what is down there can be extremely beneficial. Of course, not all

spots that look good hold fish, but it’s a start. Once you find something of interest, spot lock trolling motors make it easy to move and drop baits to see if anyone is home. For larger areas, such as long ridges, sometimes trolling makes a bit more sense to cover more ground. When chasing bottom fish such as grouper, there are a few techniques that work well. Downriggers and planers with jig heads and large paddletail baits work well, but I find deep diving plugs to be even better. There are a host of deep divers out now that provide an accurate depth to which they will dive. The Nomad DTX Minnow is one of my favorites. It is deadly on grouper and does double duty with its high-speed capability for chasing pelagic species as well. I also love the fact that they come rigged with single hooks versus treble hooks. The key is to just graze the sandy bottom next to the rocks to get the groupers’ attention. They have keen sight and will charge out quickly to grab a meal, and the bonus is you start with them already away from the rocks. Just a few hundred feet away The great thing about using highfrom where the author has definition relief shading and trolling marked and caught grouper for grouper is you might have one is a massive ledge that holds even more fish. spot that quickly turns into four or five locations to drop baits in a relatively small area. Sometimes the spots are within a few hundred feet and sometimes farther. Regardless, this technology is a game-changer, and by covering new ground quickly it can make finding new productive spots much easier. Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament angler who has been writing about fishing from more than two decades.

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them carefully when dog-day temperatures peak. Fish are fighting for their lives with every ounce of their strength on the end of a line. The stress can kill them when water conditions are less than ideal. That, along with blazing hot sun on the back of the neck, is enough reason to strike out in search of a more appealing environment when it gets hot. My 11-year-old son and I recently spent a couple days on the headwaters of North Carolina’s Nantahala River at a place called Standing Indian. Standing Indian Mountain tops out at close to 5,500 feet, and its slopes feed the river with plenty of cold water from numerous headwater branches. This area, upstream of the U.S. Forest Service’s Standing Indian Campground, is off of U.S. 64 west of Franklin, N.C. The Nantahala at Standing Indian bears little resemblance to the big whitewater river it becomes downstream near Bryson City. In its headwaters, there are about six miles of public water that might be 20 feet across in the wide spots. It’s a great little stream for folks who enjoy slinging dry flies on a four-weight fly rod for pretty little rainbow and brown trout. The fishing wasn’t exactly stellar the two days my son and I fished in mid-June. There were thunderstorms each night, so the river was a little high and stained. My son is also new to a lightweight fly rod, and overhanging rhododendron and river birch are hardly easy terrain for a beginner. Still, we managed to catch numerous gorgeous rainbows slinging a dry-dropper rig with a small Pheasant Tail fished beneath a yellow Stimulator. There were little yellow Sally stoneflies in the air, so our selection of dry fly matched the hatch. Good small-stream browns in the 14-inch range come from this stretch of water pretty regularly, but all we caught were rainbows with a couple measuring maybe 10 or 11 inches. That’s a pretty good fish in terms of little By Nick Carter wild trout streams in the Southeast. We considered our mission accomplished returning to a riverside campsite each evening. While my son might not be old enough to appreciate it, the cool mountain rout anglers have two options when it comes to deep summer. They can air and bedding down to the gurgle of the creek were the highlights of the trip. either hit tailwater fisheries, where dam-controlled flows provide stable The air temperature was easily 20 degrees cooler than back home, and I don’t year-round water temperatures, or they can seek out high-elevation know if I’ve ever slept better. headwaters, where both fish and angler find comfort in rhododendron-shaded For information, check out Nick Carter’s book “Flyfisher’s Guide to creeks with water conditions perennially perfect for little wild trout. North Carolina & Georgia.” It’s available on Amazon or by Big fish and big hatches of tailrace trout fishing are certainly appealing. contacting the author at nsc8957@gmail.com. However, anglers should play fish intended for release quickly and handle

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TIPS FROM A PRO

SUMMERTIME BASS ON POPPERS

TYLER WOOLCOTT

ass are on the move in deep summer. Throwing search baits, especially topwater, is one of the best and most fun ways to find groups of feeding fish. A style of lure that was created a long time ago but still works wonders today is an old-school topwater popper. You can throw this just about anywhere around rocks, grass, wood, docks and in open water to get bites. When the weather gets hot and more people get on the water, getting fish to commit to a surface lure is sometimes almost impossible. What I like to do is put away the bigger topwaters like walking baits or Whopper Ploppers and take out a smaller Pop-Rstyle bait. There are a few reasons this bait gets more bites in the right situations. The first is it’s smaller and quieter. A smaller profile and less noise is sometimes what these finicky fish want. I have seen many situations when throwing a big noisy topwater won’t get a single bite, but throwing a popper in the same area makes fish eat. Another reason popper-style baits are very good is the speed at which you can work them. There are many topwaters that require highspeed retrieves. With a popper, the slower you work it the more it drives them crazy. I vary my retrieve and see what the fish are feeling, but usually I’ll pop the bait subtly a few times and vary the action to make it look like a dying baitfish. Then I’ll let the bait sit for a few seconds before creating another movement. This absolutely drives them crazy. One last reason poppers are deadly is that feathered rear treble hook. When fish are feeding on tiny baitfish or bugs, the feathered treble makes them bite. Sometimes even the small profile of the bait is still too big for them, but they come up and see the feathers and eat those instead. Fishing the right rod and reel with a Pop-R makes a huge difference in landing fish. You want a rod with a good amount of bend because you don’t set the hook. Instead, you just reel into them. I use a 13 Fishing Defy Black 7’ cranking rod. For the reel, you want something that is able to cast a light lure as far as possible. You also need one that will pick up the bait fast for another cast in case a fish misses or you spot surfacing fish. I use a 13 Fishing Concept with an 8:3 gear ratio. I spool it with 30- to 50-lb. Seaguar Smackdown Braid. Next time you get on the water, pick up a popper style lure like a 13 Fishing Poppy McPop Face and see how deadly it can be in the summer months. Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com.

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