The Angler Magazine | September 2021 | Great Smoky Mountains & The Upstate Edition by Coastal Angler Magazine

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE EDITION

FREE

@CAMTAMagazine

BEST OF

CATFISH THREE WAYS

PHOTO COURTESY OF CASSIDY JO SIEGRIST INSTAGRAM: @THATKANSASCHICK_CASSYJO VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 318

F R A N C H I S E

LOCAL FISHING REPORTS

THEANGLERMAG.COM O P P O R T U N I T I E S

A V A I L A B L E

SEPTEMBER 2021

W O R L D W I D E

Bad to the Bone Full tang stainless steel blade with natural bone handle —now ONLY $79!

he very best hunting knives possess a perfect balance of form and function. They’re carefully constructed from fine materials, but also have that little something extra to connect the owner with nature. If you’re on the hunt for a knife that combines impeccable craftsmanship with a sense of wonder, the $79 Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re looking for. The blade is full tang, meaning it doesn’t stop at the handle but extends to the length of the grip for the ultimate in strength. The blade is made from 420 surgical steel, famed for its sharpness and its resistance to corrosion. The handle is made from genuine natural bone, and features decorative wood spacers and a hand-carved motif of two overlapping feathers— a reminder for you to respect and connect with the natural world. This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers. But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99 8x21 power compact binoculars and a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Huntsman Blade. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. Limited Reserves. A deal like this won’t last long. We have only 1120 Huntsman Blades for this ad only. Don’t let this BONUS! Call today and beauty slip through your fingers. Call today! you’ll also receive this

Huntsman Blade $249*

genuine leather sheath!

EXCLUSIVE

FREE

Stauer® 8x21 Compact Binoculars -a $99 valuewith purchase of Huntsman Blade

What Stauer Clients Are Saying About Our Knives

êêêêê

“This knife is beautiful!” — J., La Crescent, MN

êêêêê

“The feel of this knife is unbelievable...this is an incredibly fine instrument.” — H., Arvada, CO

Offer Code Price Only $79 + S&P Save $170

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: HUK590-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

Stauer

Rating of A+

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. HUK590-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

shown *Discount is only for customers who useNot the offer code versus the actual size. listed original Stauer.com price.

California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product. • 12" overall length; 6 ¹⁄2" stainless steel full tang blade • Genuine bone handle with brass hand guard & bolsters • Includes genuine leather sheath

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

Protect your baby (and their toys) with coverage for fishing gear and personal property too. 1- 8 0 0 -PROG RE S S IVE / PROG RE S S IVE .COM

Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. & affiliates. Additional charge may apply. Prices vary based on how you buy.

Shhhhh. No wake zone.

F M

featu Silve colle thes Min Ame fine onethey bulli silve offer $5.0

Wha Silve built Ame was famo whe arou Nev see t mirr

GovM

GovM GovM public or call

P360-COAS-FP-JAN-2021-OUTLINED.indd 1

1/12/2021 12:00:28 PM

12:00:28 PM

Grab Your Piece of America’s Silver Legacy 99.9% Fine Silver Bars

Actual size is 30.6 x 50.4 mm

Fill Your Vault with Morgan Silver Bars

ot only are these hefty bars one full Troy ounce of real, .999 precious silver, they’re also beautiful, featuring the crisp image of a Morgan Silver Dollar struck onto the surface. That collectible image adds interest and makes these Silver Bars even more desirable. Minted in the U.S.A. from shimmering American silver, these one-ounce 99.9% fine silver bars are a great alternative to one-ounce silver coins or rounds. Plus, they offer great savings compared to other bullion options like one-ounce sovereign silver coins. Take advantage of our special offer for new customers only and save $5.00 off our regular prices.

Morgan Silver Dollars Are Among the Most Iconic Coins in U.S. History

What makes them iconic? The Morgan Silver Dollar is the legendary coin that built the Wild West. It exemplifies the American spirit like few other coins, and was created using silver mined from the famous Comstock Lode in Nevada. In fact, when travelers approached the mountains around the boomtown of Virginia City, Nevada in the 1850s, they were startled to see the hills shining in the sunlight like a mirror. A mirage caused by weary eyes?

BU Y MORE E! S AV E M O R

No, rather the effect came from tiny flecks of silver glinting in the sun.

A Special Way for You to Stock Up on Precious Silver

While no one can predict the future value of silver in an uncertain economy, many Americans are rushing to get their hands on as much silver as possible, putting it away for themselves and their loved ones. You’ll enjoy owning these Silver Bars. They’re tangible. They feel good when you hold them, You’ll relish the design and thinking about all it represents. These Morgan Design One-Ounce Bars make appreciated gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and graduations, creating a legacy sure to be cherished for a lifetime.

Order More and SAVE

You can save $5.00 off our regular price when you buy now. There is a limit of 25 Bars per customer, which means with this special offer, you can save up to $125.

Hurry. Secure Yours Now!

One-Ounce Silver Morgan Design Bar

$49.95 ea. RE Special offer - $44.95 ea. +s/h B U Y M O E ! O S AV E M R SAVE $5 - $125 Limit of 25 bars per customer Free Morgan Silver Dollar with every order over $499

(A $59.95 value!)

FREE SHIPPING over $149!

Limited time only. Product total over $149 before taxes (if any). Standard domestic shipping only. Not valid on previous purchases. For fastest service call today toll-free

1-888-201-7144 Offer Code MSB156-01

Please mention this code when you call.

SPECIAL CALL-IN ONLY OFFER

Call right now to secure your .999 fine silver Morgan Design One-Ounce Silver Bars. You’ll be glad you did.

GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. MSB156-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 GovMint.com® is a retail distributor of coin and currency issues and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. The collectible coin market is unregulated, highly speculative and involves risk. GovMint.com reserves the right to decline to consummate any sale, within its discretion, including due to pricing errors. Prices, facts, figures and populations deemed accurate as of the date of publication but may change significantly over time. All purchases are expressly conditioned upon your acceptance of GovMint.com’s Terms and Conditions (www.govmint.com/terms-conditions or call 1-800-721-0320); to decline, return your purchase pursuant to GovMint.com’s Return Policy. © 2021 GovMint.com. All rights reserved.

FRANCHISOR-CORPORATE DIRECTORY

EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com COO : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Laura Kelly • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Ryan Clapper • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com ADVERTISING & FRANCHISE INQUIRIES:

info@coastalanglermagazine.com • 321.777.2773 FRANCHISE DIRECTORY LINK

www.coastalanglermag.com/directory

Franchise Opportunities Now Available If you love the outdoors and dream of being in business for yourself, now is the time to choose a Coastal Angler or The Angler Magazine Franchise.

Help Starts Here.

Priority service for members.

Our Captains are on scene in an average of 1-hour or less. Inshore, offshore, or destination sportfishing — our Captains are standing by 24/7. Are you a member? Join today and save 10%. seatow.com/angler

Established Brand • Proven Systems Training & Ongoing Support Work From Home • Be Your Own Boss • • • • • • • • •

Alabama Arkansas Connecticut/Rhode Island Destin/Pensacola, FL - SOLD Georgia (Coastline, Savannah) Lake Erie Lake Michigan Long Island, NY Okeechobee, FL - SOLD

• • • • •

Miami, FL Panama City, FL New Hampshire New Orleans, LA North Carolina (Raleigh, Wilmington) • South Carolina (Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach) • Texas (Coastal, Houston) • ...YOUR HOMETOWN!

Don’t see your location? Ask one of our specialists about franchise availability in your area.

321.777.2773

info@coastalanglermagazine.com

franchise.coastalanglermag.com

4 NATIONAL

SEPTEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

PR DI

Il St ag

—

Explore the Depths in Style For Only $99 PRAISE FOR STAUER DIVE WATCHES

êêêêê

I love it. I have several Stauer watches and once again you don’t disappoint.” — F. from Jersey City, NJ

Dive in Without Taking a Plunge

The Explorer is one well-constructed 20 ATM dive watch for a price that won’t take you under.

he market’s swimming with overpriced dive watches. We’re here to tell you those guys are all wet. At Stauer our philosophy is everyone deserves the best without having to dig deep into their pockets. We’ve been in the watch industry for decades and know more than a thing or two about getting the ultimate bang for our buck— which means we can pass the fruits of our know-how onto our clients. Case in point: The Explorer Dive Watch. This tough-as-nails sophisticate would cost you in the thousands if you got it from a high-end retailer that’s really in the business of selling a big name more than a quality watch. We keep the big names out of the equation so we can price this top-notch timepiece for just $99 –– a price that let’s you dive in and have enough left over for an excursion or two...or three. You’re getting a lot for your money with this watch. The Explorer is the perfect companion in any locale–– whether you’re exploring coral reefs or investigating the rum options at a beachside bar. With a case, band and crown of stainless steel, this watch is built to last, and its water resistance rating of 20 ATM means it can handle most of your aquatic adventures to a depth of 678 feet. The striking metallic blue face reflects the “...dive watches feel authentic—they project an air of necessity which other categories of timepieces simply fail to match” —Hodinhee.com

deep waters it was designed to explore and it’s sporty screw-down crown can take the pressure in stride. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you are not completely convinced you got excellence for less, simply return the Explorer Dive Watch within 30 days for a refund of the item price. At Stauer, we never leave our customers high and dry. Limited Edition. Sure you could give your hard-earned money to those other guys, but why would you? We’ve got the thinking man’s timepiece right here. This watch takes six months to engineer and it’s already making waves, so we can’t guarantee it will be around for long. Call today, and experience how good it feels to get true luxury for less.

Limited to the First 1400 Respondents to This Ad Only Stauer Explorer Dive Watch $399† Your Cost With Offer Code

$99 + S&P Save $300

1-800-333-2045 Offer Code: EXW138-01

You must use this offer code to get our special price.

† Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer. com without your offer code. 14101 Southcross Drive W., ® Ste 155, Dept. EXW138-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 Rating of A+

Stauer

www.stauer.com

• Precision movement • Stainless steel crown, case, caseback and bracelet • Date window at 3 o’clock • Water resistant to 20 ATM • Bracelet ﬁts wrists up to 8 1/2"

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.® COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

SEPTEMBER 2021

NATIONAL 5

IN THIS BATTLE, YOU NOW HAVE THE ADVANTAGE OF SHOCK AND AWE.

The next generation of our workhorse spinning reel, the new PENN ® Battle ® III now features our proprietary CNC Gear ™ Technology for ultimate durability, and the proven HT-100 ™ Carbon Fiber Drag System for ultimate control during the fight. Available in nine different sizes, from 1000 to the new 10,000, and in select high speed models, it can handle any situation. The new Battle® III. Fish won’t know what hit them. PENN. LET THE BATTLE BEGIN.

nc.

See Extensive ICAST Coverage In The Angler Video Mag

CAST 2021 marked a return to normalcy for the fishing industry. In the 64th exhibition of the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, the halls of the Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center bustled with activity July 21-23. As usual, the event kicked off with the ICAST Cup bass tournament at nearby Lake Toho, and the renowned big-bass factory did not disappoint. In a short four-hour tournament, the winning team weighed a tournament-record 25-pound, 7-ounce five-fish limit. But most of the action went on indoors. The annual ICAST New Product Showcase is an event the fishing world eagerly awaits every year. It is the venue where industry heavyweights and innovative newcomers roll out their best new gear for the year to come. This year, 686 new products were entered by 218 companies to compete for Best of Category awards in 30 different categories. From rods, reels and lures to apparel, electronics, gadgets and accessories, the New Product Showcase is gear-head heaven. The Angler Video Mag team was on-hand at ICAST 2021 to cover the show and give you a first-hand look at some of the cool and innovative products that will make you a better angler this year.

Raymarine Evolution EV-150 Hydraulic Autopilot System Pack • Designed for small to medium sized hydraulically steered vessels • Steering ram capacity between 4.9 cu. in. (80cc) and 14.0 cu in. (230cc) • Eliminates the need for complicated set up and calibration

For comprehensive coverage of ICAST 2021, go to: https://bit.ly/3jr3BWs

HIGH PERFORMANCE TRAILER COMPONENTS TACO Marine GS-280 Grand Slam Outrigger Kit - Base: 1-1/2” Diameter • Includes (2) 15-Foot Outriggers, (2) Mounts, Rigging Kit and Line Caddies • Line Caddies Eliminate Tangling and Hold Rigging Dexter offers the most comprehensive line of axles, actuators and disc brakes engineered specifically for the marine market. Popular features include removable spindles on Eliminator™ axles, aluminum master cylinders and

Defender.com | 800-628-8225

corrosion resistant coatings. Choose Dexter for trouble-free towing.

Together. Carrying what matters most. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

NATIONAL 7

Live Bait Snook on South Florida Beaches

ere on Florida’s East Coast, we have access to some of the most exciting shore-based fishing there is. From spring, through summer and into fall, big snook run the beaches of South Florida, and they can be caught from the sand with lures and even sight fished with flies. I am a lure fisherman, and everyone knows it, but fishing with artificials can be difficult during the doldrums of late summer and fall. The Atlantic Ocean is flatter and big snook become wary. The fish are still here; what are we to do? Here’s a pretty simple technique that will catch snook when the fishing gets tough. The hottest bait this time of year is live croakers. Croakers are catching so many snook right now that the local bait shops here in the Stuart, Fla. area sell out as soon as they get a shipment. With the artificial bite kind of drying up, my friend and occasional fishing buddy, Mike Vars, showed me how to catch big snook on live bait. Mike buys a dozen croakers when he can get them. All you need to keep them alive for a couple days is a round bucket with an aerator. Good baitsized croakers are 5 to 8 inches, anything larger might catch a big snook, but they are harder to fish. Mike uses a 3 or 4 size circle hook and hooks his croakers through the nostrils so they can

8 NATIONAL

SEPTEMBER 2021

By Richard L. Matteson

swim freely. Some anglers prefer to hook them through the tail. Since the tactic involves free-lining, with no weight, casts should be just past the trough on a high tide, which is about 20 feet here. Then open the spool and let that croaker run. On low tide, it might be necessary to wade past the trough and cast farther out. Mike uses a 60-lb. leader and 20-lb. braid on a spinning reel. Before the snook takes the bait, the croaker will often wiggle excitedly—this is a signal you are about to get bit. When the line suddenly starts moving fast, it means a snook has your croaker. Let her have the bait for a few seconds, and then begin reeling steadily so the circle hook lodges in the corner of her mouth. Mike Vars with a nice beach snook Mike averages three or four big female snook caught on live bait. each trip with this method. He has caught several over-slot snook, with the biggest measuring about 40 inches. Florida’s Atlantic Coast. You’re allowed one per day If you want to catch your own bait, use a between 28 and 32 inches. sabiki rig and tip hooks with a small piece of Richard Matteson writes for the Stuart Rod & shrimp. Or fish the trough with light tackle and a Reel Club and he is a long-time contributor small piece of shrimp. to Coastal Angler Magazine. Sept. 1 marks open season for snook on

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

EAST TENNESSEE GREAT SMOKIES

Fishing License For ‘Dummies’

e’ve had a lot of requests for an article about fishing licenses in Tennessee, specifically around the Smoky Mountains. To fish in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you do not need a trout stamp…. I know, I know, it’s already confusing- just bear with me and it will all make sense. The National Park waters consist of wild trout due to the GSMNP being last stocked in 1975, so your 077 $20.50/3 day or 079 $30.50/10 days for nonresidents is valid. If you are fishing in the city limits of Gatlinburg, you will need a type 097 $11.00/per day or with the purchase of an all-species license, you can get a 099 $4.00/1 day or a 096 for $10.00/3-day. Still confused?? Yeah, most likely you are, it’s ok, I’m here to hold your hand through this whole process. Now on to stocked

By Chad Fouts

state water; this includes Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Little River in Townsend and all of our local tailwaters. The all-species license 079 $40.50/3-day or 080 $61.50/10day is what ya’ll are going to need for any of those bodies of water. Now if you have an all-species license, you are also valid in the National Park, but still not valid in Gatlinburg. I will Break it down in bullet points below. All fishing licenses can be purchased at www. gooutdoorstennessee.com. Just Fishing Gatlinburg • 097 $11.00 Per day

• 080 $61.50/10-day

and I’m letting go of your hand. The crew at Smoky Mountain Angler wishes you good times on the water, and tight lines! If you have any additional questions give us a call, 865-436-8746 or come meet us at the shop.

Gatlinburg With Trout Stamp • 099 $4.00/Per day Just Fishing The National Park (no • 096 $10.00/3-day trout stamp) • 077 $20.50/3-day Now, the training wheels are off • 079 $30.50/10-day Chad Fouts is the Fly Shop Manager at The Smoky Mountain Angler in Gatlinburg, TN. He is a self-described fly fishing junky. If you have any Stocked State Water (trout stamp) questions about fishing in this area, give us a call 865-436-8746 • 078 $40.50/3-day

2 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

SEPTEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

The ‘Trick Worm’ Technique

By Ken Sturdivant

nnovations often come about by accident. It happened 65 years ago when Nick Crème, an Akron, Ohio machinist invented a game changing fishing lure. Crème decided he was tired of digging for earthworms to use as fish bait. This is where it all began. The Crème Bait Company invented the rubber worm, and they still make them today, but now they are made with soft plastics. Back then, Crème had the only “rubber worm”, and since the company was, and is still, based in Texas, so came the name the Texas rig. Their original Sportsman’s Super Floater worm started the revolution, and anglers started using the floating worm technique to catch lots of bass. Now comes the fun part. After years of catching a lot of bass on the floating worm, anglers began using small sinkers to make the worm sink. Now the market is loaded with all sorts of plastics both

floating and sinking. Anglers began using a variety of hooks in these worms, and now the standard is an offset worm hook. With a 7-inch worm and a size 2/0 offset worm hook, the secret is out. Today’s worm hooks are super sharp, so there is no need to take a file and sharpen them. Using light 8 to 10-pound test line, tie a Palomar knot on the 2/0 offset worm hook. Thread the worm on the hook by sticking it ¼” into the top of the worm and pull the hook out. Twist the worm and pull at the same time and make sure the worm hook comes out and the worm hangs straight on the top of the hook. Now “tick” the hook into the side of the worm and stick the tip of the hook into the worm. Do not bury the hook into the worm. Be sure the worm and hook are all straight. Do not use any weight. The hook and the worm will fall slowly, making it an east target for bass. The trick worm can be fished

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

three basic ways: Floating, subsurface, and then letting it sink to the bottom. Start out by working this worm on the surface and keep the line tight and the rod tip down. DO NOT PULL THE WORM. If you pull the worm, it will corkscrew in the water and twist the line. Make the worm stay right up on the surface and even make it jump over the surface. The subsurface technique is just a little slower than having the bait on the surface. Let the bait sink 3 to 7 feet deep and slowly twitch the rod with the tip down. The last technique is called “dead stick”. Just let the bait sink to the bottom and work it very slowly. With no weight, the bait is very hang

free in grass, wood and all sorts of underwater structure. As for colors, start out with a bright color so you can see how the bait swims. The right hook in the worm will allow it to swim evenly, and you can see the hook as like a keel on the lure. In stained to muddy waters, use black or June bug so the bait creates a shadow. A bright worm in off colored water is hard for the fish to see. The trick worm technique can work year round in all conditions: hot, cold, fast, slow, clear or dirty. Just fish with it.

Ken Sturdivant is a member of the Lowrance Pro Staff. You can find him at 770-889-2654; www.southernfishing.com, or kensturdivant@att.net

SEPTEMBER 2021

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 3

he 1907 Brewing Company, established in 2019, is Morristown’s first taproom and brewery. The beautiful historic building amongst the legendary overhead sidewalks welcomes your family and friends to enjoy some of the best craft beers, ciders, and sodas our area has to offer. Not familiar with the craft beverage world? No problem! The staff is trained to be able to find something that everyone will like. Even our 1907 kiddos will have options to enjoy! 1907 Brewing Company also has options to take your favorite brew home to enjoy – fill up a growler to grab a six-pack to-go!

The Owners

Kris Yarlett is a born and raised East Tennessean with passions for family, beer, community, and business. Kris and his wife Hannah, originally from Maryville, have called Morristown home since 2016. A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Kris served in

On Tap in Morristown several leadership roles within the Air Force including a deployment to Afghanistan in 2010-2011. Additionally, Kris has achieved Masters Degrees in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas and Financial Planning from Golden Gate University. In 2013, Kris began his career as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones and has been involved in several other businesses around the southeast. In his free time, Kris enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, and enjoying a good brew! David Ellis has a love for all things beer! Having lived in Tennessee, Louisiana, and Kansas, he has seen his fair share and looks forward to remembering his experiences with you. David lives in Morristown with his chocolate lab Herschel and calico cat named Bud and is a 35+ year employee of Holston Gases, where he serves in outside sales. He also loves to travel, duck hunt, cook, and visit as

4 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

SEPTEMBER 2021

T 1907 owners and general manager, from left: Brandon Tomassoni, David Ellis, Haley Fugate (GM), and Kristopher Yarlett.

many breweries as possible in his spare time. Brandon Tomassoni, a proud Morristown native, is a graduate from Walters State Community College and East Tennessee State University. Since 2012, Brandon has been employed by Holston Gases and enjoyed much success. He spends his free time with

family, friends, and enjoys going to rock concerts. He has two dogs, Holston and Marley, along with a cat named Callie. Brandon loves to hang out with his favorite nephew, Jace – whether at a wrestling match or just to grab a bite to eat. He has been to breweries throughout the country and is looking forward to bringing some of these ideas to the community.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Knoxv Chero of Jeff stocke brown Tenne Agenc brown year b for a even d This confu South North Th Tenne for tr destin trout a and a fishing caddis

ni,

Fly Fishing On The Holston River In Tennessee

By James Marsh

he Holston River is a tailwater trout fishery located just north of Knoxville, Tennessee below Cherokee Dam near the town of Jefferson City, Tennessee. It is stocked with both rainbow and brown trout by the (TWRA) Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Both the rainbow and brown trout holdover from year to year because the stream stays cold for a short way below the dam, even during the summer months. This tailwater is sometimes confused with its neighbor, the South Holston Tailwater to the Northeast. The Holston River is one of Tennessee’s premier fly fishing for trout and smallmouth bass destinations. Rainbow and brown trout are usually fairly easy to catch, and anglers enjoy a busy day. Fly fishing the Holston River tailwater caddisfly hatches can be a lot of fun.

The river can be waded when they are not generating water through the dam. However, there are only a few places you can access the river where wading is possible. It can be fished from a drift boat when they are operating the turbines but if it is running high, it usually isn’t worth the effort. Caution should be used anytime you are fishing the Holston Tailwater. The water can rise fast. Holston River Fly Fishing Guide: “Public access is

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

very limited on the Holston River.” This limits the number of wading anglers. The best access point for waders is at the Nance’s Ferry boat ramp. Starting there, you can wade a good distance upstream. The river mostly consists of shallow riffles in that area. During the warmer months of the year, this area isn’t that desirable because the water can become too warm. Another public access for

wading anglers is just below the Cherokee Dam. This section of the Holston fishes well most of the year. The cold bottom discharge from Cherokee Dam keeps the water fairly cool in this area even in hot weather. The best area from the dam access is downstream. There you will find shoals and if the flows are right, some easy to wade water. Yet another access is the Indian Cave public access. It’s about midway between Nance’s Ferry and the dam. There’s only a small amount of wadable water but it is an additional option. Floating the river is the best option but again, access is still very limited. T h e public boat ramps are located at Cherokee Dam, Indian Cave, and Nance’s Ferry. Floating the Holston tailwater can be tricky. There are a lot of problems that can arise from

Continued, see FLY FISHING ON THE HOLSTON RIVER Page 8

SEPTEMBER 2021

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 5

Cherokee Lake

herokee Lake in East Tennessee is a jewel that is very accessible from the surrounding states of North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky. There are a lot of amenities on Cherokee Lake to include many campgrounds, marinas and a few restaurants. But most important is the fishing! Cherokee Lake is home to many species of freshwater fish, some of which are very popular and some that are little known. Most people thing of “Cherokee” as being a striper fishing lake, and there is some truth to that. The striper population is very strong, thanks to the stocking efforts of the TWRA (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency). Striper can be found throughout the year, from the John Sevier Steam Plant dam at the north end of the lake in Rogersville, all the way to the southern tip of the lake near Jefferson City. Two of the most common methods for fishing for stripers on the lake are

By Jeff Willis

trolling live and artificial baits, and fishing “down lines” with live biat. While using these methods, it is not uncommon to catch some decent Hybrid Bass, otherwise known as “Cherokee Bass”, and white bass. Crappie fishing is phenomenal on Cherokee and slabs can be caught most all year long. Techniques include long lining, spider rigging, vertical jigging and using live minnows or goldfish. The list of effective artificial baits used is as extensive as that of what is available. Bass fishing is also very popular on the lake and many tournaments are held throughout the year and include local tournaments as well as regional and nationally recognized tours. Large mouth and smallmouth are equally plentiful on the lake and catching a trophy bass is a common occurrence. Springtime smallmouth fishing is one of my favorites and can provide non-stop excitement on a good day. Catfish tournaments are also

6 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

SEPTEMBER 2021

common on Cherokee as are sport fishermen seeking a good catfish dinner. Blues, Flatheads and Channel Cats are all plentiful throughout the lake. The techniques vary for each species and I will cover that in a later article. The population of Walleye, sauger and saugeye are little known to most, but they are large in number and size. Techniques used while fishing for these species are very similar to techniques used in the northern parts of the country such as the Great Lakes. It is not uncommon to catch walleye in the 25 – 30 inch range with the common eater size (15-20 inch) providing impressive numbers. As you can see, Cherokee Lake affords many opportunities for the fishing novice, to the seasoned tournament veteran. I haven’t

mentioned every species that is living in the lake, such as paddle fish, blue gill and the popular gar for the bowfishers. That said, Lake Cherokee is truly a jewel located in the District IV region of East Tennessee. There are numerous resources available to help in learning the lake, most of which are available at local marinas and by visiting the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency online. So stay safe out there and remember, “You Cant Catch Them On The Couch”.

Jeff Willis runs High Ridge Adventures in Marshall NC. He’s fished and hunted our mountains most of his life. He has years of experience as a fishing guide in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. He also makes the best BBQ in the mountains.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

SEPTEMBER 2021

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 7

FLY FISHING ON THE HOLSTON RIVER continued from page 5 floating the river. There are several, very long sections of water that flow slowly and you often need a trolling motor or a lot of paddling to get downstream. The stretch from the dam to Indian Cave Ramp is a long one and that can present problems. The stretch from Indian Cave to Nance’s Ferry is usually the best bet for most anglers although it too, can require some rowing or a small electric motor. You should always be aware of the generation schedule of any tailwater. Cherokee Dam can let go of a huge amount of water. Your safety and pleasure depends on knowing when these releases are scheduled. The river flows at about 300 cfs, or cubic feet per, second when no water is being generated. Minimum flows are usually during the winter and early spring. Holston River Hatches and Trout Flies: Our information on aquatic insects is based on our stream samples of larvae and nymphs, not guess work. We base fly suggestions on imitating the

most plentiful and most available insects and other foods at the particular time you are fishing. Unlike the generic fly shop trout flies, we have specific imitations of all the insects in the Holston River and in all stages of life that are applicable to fishing. If you want to fish better, more realistic trout flies, have a much higher degree of success, give us a call. We will not only help you with selections, you will learn why, after trying Perfect Flies, 92% of the thousands of our customers will use nothing else. 1-800-594-4726. There are two basic ways to fish the Holston that are almost opposite of each other. One is using small imitations of midges and the other is caddisfly imitations. Midge larva, pupa and adult imitations will catch trout year-round. Many anglers use a tandem rig with both a larger mayfly nymph and a small midge larva or pupa fly. Most of the midges are either cream or red (blood) midges. Most of the time, midge imitations

8 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

SEPTEMBER 2021

are the best choice of flies. They will work, day in and day out. Caddisfly imitations work when a hatch is occurring, or egg laying is taking place. There are several species of caddisflies that live in the Holston River. Caddisflies are the most important hatches on the Holston. Most all of them are commonly called Cinnamon Caddis. Most all of them are netspinning caddis. Few free-living and only a few cased caddis exist. There are several minor species or caddisflies that hatch in sparse quantities. The hatches start in March and peak in May. Some species hatch during the summer but in smaller quantities. A few hatch in the fall months. The opportunity to catch larger trout on a streamer always exist. The best streamers are imitations of baitfish and sculpin. Crawfish

imitations also work for the larger size browns as well as the smallmouth. The river has some fine smallmouth bass fishing in its lower sections. Streamers and at times, large top water flies work great for them. Terrestrials work fine in the late summer and early fall. Beetles, ants and grasshopper imitations catch their share of Holston River trout. Craneflies are plentiful in the Holston. At times, imitations of the Cane Fly larvae adults work fairly well. Black flies are very plentiful and more important in the colder months of the year. You should have imitations of the Black Fly larvae, pupae and the adults. Sulphurs are the most common mayfly. There are plenty of bugs to keep trout rising on the Holston. Sulphurs hatch in May and June.

James Marsh has made his living fishing since 1980 through hosting and producing the first ever national syndicated weekly TV series on saltwater fishing for five years; hosting and producing forty-six instructional saltwater fishing videos more of which have been sold on saltwater fishing than anyone’s in the world; and for the past twenty-two years hosting and producing nineteen instructional videos on fly fishing and founding the Perfect Fly Company.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

hosting series rty-six old on ty-two fishing mpany.

Prime Time of The Dog Days

By Scott Norton

he keys to success in the dog days of summer come in the form of strategies and planning. Don’t fish without reason and know what you’re doing. The wisdom comes from years of patterning weather in relation to how it effects fish in their seasons. Key prime times to fish the summer is pre-frontal weather, full moon nights, storms, early morning, late evening, and shad spawn. If you plan these times in your plans, I promise you can escape the grind of hot summer weather. I will break down each situation so you can incorporate these categories into your plans. Pre-frontal weather is the most common time to fish. You have the ingredients of shade from clouds, wind, and barometric pressure that cause bass to feed, or come out of their hiding spots. In times of low light, the shad spawn will relate to

this as well. This is the time bass are more willing to chase baits. Just remember, the more wind you have the more chop will be in the water. You’ll need to use louder more aggressive lures. You have the choice of baits that have rattles or create water displacement. The bass will tell you what they want. Full moon nights are such a great way to catch bass off guard. This is the time when they are not pressured like they are in the daytime hours. Remember when the water is calm, use a subtle lure to start with. When the bites increase, use more aggressive lures to draw in bigger fish. Time your trip based off of the moonrise time. Storms are the best times when bass feed aggressively. You may have to fight wind and getting wet, but the results are worth it. This time to fish is not for everyone, but for those who go will provide chances

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

for quality fish catches. You will usually have the lake to yourself as the recreational boaters will scatter at the sight of rain. Just remember, larger bodies of water can get rough due to the chop, wind, and lightning. Now, if you only have certain days to fish and it’s not the right weather, make sure you’re on the water before the sun comes up. The early morning will give you a few hours of good feeding time, but as soon as the sun comes up the bite will shut down. These kinds of trips are short, so fish fast and do not stay in one place too long. It’s all about covering as much water as you can before the sun comes up. Make sure you don’t spend too much time messing with your gear. Come prepared with the right lures tied on. The more poles you have the better, as with more poles you will

cut down on changing lures. You just want to pick up a pole and go to work. This will also apply to the evening time as well. The shad spawn is a great time to fish. The reason why is that bass are focused on the feeding not the anglers. The times to catch will be times of low light, such as early mornings, late evenings, and cloud covered days. The lures of choice will be top water walking baits, spinner baits, crank baits, and swim baits. Try these strategies and you will have success.

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

SEPTEMBER 2021

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 9

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA GREAT SMOKIES

Lake Hiwassee Striper Fishing

f you asked us which of the months were our favorites for striper fishing, the answer would definitely be September. Fishing for these Lake Hiwassee monsters is wide open in early fall. With the cooling temps and water levels falling, it really gets the stripers schooled up and feeding like crazy. This means we can absolutely wear them out and trust me, we do! This is a perfect time to experience some extreme striper fishing, and what’s the best way to do that? By booking a trip with Murphy, NC’s #1 and only fulltime striper guide: Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. We’ve been striper fishing these area lakes longer than anyone! We have what it takes to put you one some sweet trophy stripers. Currently, Lake Hiwassee is 6 feet below full pool. Water clarity is clear and water temps are in the

By Shane Goebel

mid to low 80s. Striper fishing has been extremely excellent for us lately. We’ve been averaging around 20 to 30 stripers per morning out here and on other surrounding lakes. Most of our fish have been in the 8 to 15 pound range. We have also caught some bigger stripers in the 20 to 30 pound range. The earlymorning and evening bites are your best times to see action. With the cooling water temps, Stripers will really start to show up in the mouths of creeks and points off the main lake channel. Also, these fish will start working their way up the Hiwassee and Nottely Rivers. The majority of our fish have been caught from Point 6 to the dam. Down lining live blue back herring will be your best technique. The top-water bite on our ultra-light tackle has picked up a bit too, so

10 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

SEPTEMBER 2021

keep a spook or a Red Fin at the ready to snag surface-busting fish. The fish will continue to be schooled up throughout the next month and will remain in deeper water before starting to spread out. Just remember to keep an eye on your electronics and watch for schools of stripers when cruising the lake. September is a great month for catching a lot of schooling stripers on this Western North Carolina lake. Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1-rated guide service put you on some of Lake Hiwassee’s best trophy stripers during the fishing trip of a lifetime. We are Murphy, NC’s and Blairsville Georgia’s

premier full-time guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lakes Nottely (in North Georgia), Chatuge, and Lake Blue Ridge in Blue Ridge, GA. So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in Angler Magazine, and let us help you get your fish on!

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

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

The ‘Call of The Wild’ By Ben Bailey

t was the time of the Corn Harvest Moon. My son, Zeb, and I were visiting my parents. We had enjoyed a fine meal and were just sitting in the living room talking. It had been a hard year for all of us, especially for Zeb. His mother and I were going through a divorce, along with other things that I won’t bore you with. Zeb had seen 18 winters. He had tested the white man’s firewater and wacky baccy. I was somewhat concerned about the direction he was going. My concern deepened when, at about 9:00PM, Zeb just got up and said, “Dad, I gotta go!” Well, I didn’t want to make a big scene in front of my parents, so I just excused myself too and I walked out to Zeb’s car with him where I asked him, “Zeb, where in the world are you going tonight at 9:00PM?” His answer was so rich and pure, so filled with integrity and goodness,

so right, so filled with all the things a man wants to see in his son. “Dad, I have three friends that are camped up at Shining Rock and I want to walk in tonight and find them.” I said, “Zeb, do you realize how stupid and wonderful that is? Do you realize that there is just a very small handful of grown men that would do that? I am very proud of you son. You go for it, even if it don’t make no sense.” What he heard that night was what I call the “call of the wild”. It’s a call that some men and yes, some women, hear and respond to. It’s a call to leave the path of ease, the warmth of the hearth, the safety of our locked doors, the luxury of our beds and recliners. We trade it all for the satisfaction that we have what it takes. We have stood the test. We can be counted on to come through. We can be trusted to serve and protect those we love. It’s

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

a fierce pride in “who” and “what” we are. It’s our sacred honor. Needless to say, I quit worrying about the direction that my son was going. I just knew I didn’t have to anymore. Today, Zeb has seen 39 winters, is married and has four children of his own. I can see that he is passing those same principles on to his children. He is a man of integrity and honor. I would trust him with my life. Perhaps you are thinking that I put too much stock in a story about some teenaged boys on a camping trip. John Eldredge, in his book, Wild at Heart, asserts that “Men need things such as a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to win”.

That is why sitting around that campfire and braving the elements and hardships of the wilderness feels like coming home. It’s who we are. When I see someone with a backpack or on a canoe, loaded down for a trip to the backcountry, I know that there goes my brother, and I feel a kinship and respect for him. We are a fraternity of brothers and I salute you!

Ben Bailey, is a native of Western North Carolina, Master Carpenter, Avid Angler, and Naturalist.

SEPTEMBER 2021

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 11

f lat th Chatu destin hybrid This locate Moun hours plenty oh, d insane is his hybrid and it going lookin morn We ar servic and sp Cu feet b are in clarity

12 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

SEPTEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Lake Chatuge Hybrids

By Darren Hughes

f you’re looking for that late summer fishing trip, then look no future. Lake Chatuge is one of the best fishing destinations for hard fighting hybrids and huge spotted bass. This beautiful mountain lake is located in the North Georgia Mountains and is only about 2 hours north of Atlanta. There’s plenty of accommodations and oh, did I mention the fishing is insanely awesome! September is historically a great month for hybrid fishing on Lake Chatuge and it’s looking like this year is going to be even better! If you’re looking for an action- packed morning of fishing, give us a call. We are Lake Chatuges #1 guide service for loads of trophy hybrids and spotted bass. Currently, Lake Chatuge is 3 feet below full pool. Water temps are in the low 80s, and water clarity is clear throughout the

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

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

these fish start busting on bait, it’s always a good idea to have a plug, spook, or red fin at the ready. The spotted bass bite is also off the hook! Using the same techniques we do for catching those schooling hybrids, we’ve been killing it with the bass. We’ve been catching at least 20 or so spots every morning. These aren’t small spots either. Just this morning we had several fish 5 to 7 pounds and probably average 3 to 4 pounds. Huge spotted bass! August is a fantastic month for catching a lot of trophy hybrids and spots on this North Georgia lake. Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1-rated guide service put you on some of Lake Chatuge’s best trophy hybrids during the fishing trip of a lifetime. We are Murphy, NC’s and

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

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.

SEPTEMBER 2021

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 13

September Prepping By David Hulsey

eptember is prep time for the fall fishing season here in the Southern Appalachians. The trout fishing this month in the Blue Ridge and Western North Carolina streams can be a little sketchy. Usually, low water and high temperatures rule until the end of the month when we normally get a little reprieve from the heat in the form of a cool breeze from the North. Decent fishing can be found up high in the mountains or in local tailwater fisheries before lake turn over screws up the river for a few weeks in the fall. Trout stocking will almost halt after the Labor Day holiday until the delayed harvest kicks off, in October in North Carolina and November in Georgia, making chasing the stocking truck so “yesterday”. Even with slower fishing in

September, there is plenty of opportunity for prepping for the fall! Finding time for stockpiling flies and leaders is a little easier if you’re into tying either, or both. Flies that are great producers and easy to tie such as Wooly Buggers, San Juan Worms, and Soft Hackles, qualify for hording, being that going through hundreds of them on the stream with clients is a guarantee. I custom build leaders for each and every trip through the year so making nymphing, dry fly and streamer leaders is a must and having them already built is a huge time and money saver. Changing a worn-out fly line or two will add to your enjoyment on the river. Nothing can ruin a good presentation like a sinking fly line dragging your fly under the surface right at the worst moment. I’m always scouting new

14 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

SEPTEMBER 2021

water for fishing and September is a great time to see the streams at their lowest water levels and to see fish. Thick streamside foliage allows the angler to stay hidden from your quarry and determine if it’s worth coming back to. Finding a good, isolated run to fish later in the year is great to add to the list of possibilities. Learning a new skill for fall and winter fishing is best spent in the late summer prep time. The new surge of anglers learning to spey cast for trout, or “trout spey” as it’s called, is extraordinary. Smaller micro-Skagit gear is making it increasingly easy and effective to use two handed rods and presentations to trout sized gamefish. Southern waters are the new frontier for this method

of swinging flies to fish in notso-easy areas to reach. West coast stream fishers were the first to adopt this method for anadromous fish running up the huge coastal rivers, but our slippery southern rivers are also good candidates. We teach many introductory trout spey fishing classes every year and it’s growing in popularity more and more. We’ll see you on the river!

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

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

guided g.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

SEPTEMBER 2021

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 15

16 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

SEPTEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

River Bassin’ The Dog Days

Transitioning Into Fall By Capt. James McManus

By Jacob Milholland

ummertime in North Georgia brings warming water temperatures to the point that many of our trout streams become unfishable. Luckily for us, Georgia isn’t limited to trout. Spotted, redeye, shoal, and some largemouth bass are abundant in many creeks and rivers throughout the state, providing opportunities to fly fish close to home.

Where: Look for public access in Wildlife Management areas or public parks that have creeks or rivers that flow into a major lake such as Allatoona or Lanier. For those looking for trout stream caliber beauty this time of year, check out some of Georgia’s seasonal Delayed Harvest trout streams or lower elevations of some of your favorite trout rivers and creeks. Once summer temperatures arrive, these creeks and rivers can harbor bass. On bigger rivers, target shade lines, especially through the hottest part of the day! You may have heard the expression, “Bass don’t have eyelids!” This is a simplification of the truth: shade lines provide perfect ambush points and cooler water. Oxygenated water such as a riffle or shoal can also hold bass. “Foam is home” applies for bass as well as trout. Flies: My favorite way to catch bass is with Boogle Bug poppers. These flies showcase the aggressive attitude and explosive hatred of topwater bugs that make bass so enjoyable to catch. If you want to

double your chances, the popperdropper rig can pick up fish that don’t want to come up to the surface. This rig is a repurposed trout tactic: tie a light subsurface fly such as a size 8 Pat’s Rubber Legs below a popper with a short length of tippet based on the water depth and current speed. Twitch and pop the bug every so often but follow with a dead drift. Experiment with cadence between twitches and pops; these fish will demolish a faster retrieve, but more often than not, the fish will take a fly while drifted along current seams. For streamers, have a mix of both mid-column and bottom bouncing flies. Try various retrieves with baitfish flies such as the Clouser Minnow, Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow, or Henry Cowen’s Somethin’ Else. Crawfish and hellgrammite patterns such as Kraft’s Krittermite, Whitlock’s Near Nuff Crayfish, and various colored Wooly Buggers drifted through seams and riffles or stripped on the bottom can entice bites when baitfish patterns won’t. Equipment: For this style of fishing, I use my trout gear while wading fishing creeks and rivers. Think nine-foot, five weight fly rods and matching reels. If you’re floating a bigger river, try going to a six or seven weight fly rod to aid in distance as well as fishing fighting ability, in case you need to pull a true monster bass out of cover. Regardless of rod size,

eptember is just around the corner as I am writing this. Hate to say it but tourists will be thinning out, at least temporarily, until color change and that will be a good thing. I enjoy fishing with them but despise driving with them. Good news continues as the fish will start coming back to life after a hot summer’s hiatus. Schools in for our scaly friends, which means easier to find bunches and cooler temps driving them to start putting on the feed bag. Early season hunters, football fanatics, jet skiers, and wakeboarders have vacated the water to some degree so calmer, quieter, more relaxing fishing prevails. All in all, it’s coming up on my favorite time of year. This has been one of my best striper years, after a couple of down years. Numbers, and especially size, have been great. Except for the lake turnover period, I expect this fall will be excellent. Blue backs will still be king but topwater spooks, big strike king spoons and jerkbaits

all will be good choices to get those linesides. Our spots on Fontana have had a resurgence after a couple of awful years, where they all but disappeared. Size will continue to improve but the numbers are increasing all the time. Plenty of bait to fatten them, just remember now for a while, baits need to be on the small size. I haven’t targeted them much but there have been a few walleyes showing up, hard to say what’s up with them but some is better than none so we’ll leave it at that. Trying to get to Nantahala and shoot for some kokes, but just haven’t made it yet, NCWRC stockings are encouraging so kudos to those folks for trying to improve our lakes. All this is to say I am optimistic for the future, looking forward to time on the water in my new Blue Wave ride and give me a shout if you want to hit any of our beautiful mountain lakes. Thank you, God for this and all our many blessings. Later, Capt. James

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

Continued, see THE DOG DAYS Page 26 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

SEPTEMBER 2021

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 17

Tiger Trout, Nature’s Pink Unicorn By Ronnie Parris

ey folks, hope your faring well with the summer heat. If we can weather another couple of months, we should see some relief. As I have noted in recent articles, one way I love to beat the heat is wade fly fishing trips in the Great Smoky Mountains. On days where the thermometer hits the 90s, it will be cool and comfortable, as long as you are in the stream under the heavy hardwood tree canopy. On one of my recent guided fly fishing trips with a client named Kerry, we caught a rare tiger trout. It was not the first tiger trout I’ve caught but it was one of only three that I have had the pleasure of getting to see. This day, we had started around 8am and by 11am, Kerry had landed and released at least 25 to 30 wild brookies and rainbows. I’m not going to give the name of this stream as I don’t want to see it get too much pressure. As

we rounded a bend in the creek and started climbing higher, I told Kerry of another tiger trout I had taken in this same stretch of water while fishing with my buddy Tommy Fuller. As Kerry eased up trying to keep his shadow from hitting in the pool he was working, I laid back one pool as to not add unnecessary movement. The pool had a large boulder with an undercut but was almost blocked by an overhanging rhododendron. Kerry had caught on quickly to the slingshot cast when overhanging limbs obstruct a clear cast. As soon as the fly hit the water, I told him that he should get a hit and as if the tiny trout had read his script, he took the royal wolf and turned back to the undercut rock as Kerry flipped him out. I know some folks would find it hard to get excited over a 6-inch trout, but this

never gets old to me. After taking a couple of quick pictures, we released this beautiful little guy back and watched him disappear under his boulder hideaway. The strange thing is both wild tiger trout came from within a couple of pools from each other. The first was caught around 18 years ago. I did catch a hatchery tiger trout a few years ago out of Santeetlah Lake, but I’ve fished for probably 46 years, and I’ve only seen these three. A tiger trout is a cross between a Brown Trout and a Brooke Trout. There are several variations in the color and pattern, but I really felt blessed to get to see this rare species. Try to stay cool the next couple of months and as always, take a kid fishing! Ronnie Parris is owner and head guide of Smoky Mountain Outdoors Unlimited-Fontana Lake Fishing Guides, headquartered in Bryson City, N.C., heart of the Great Smoky Mountains www. 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

SMSS has all the essentials for hunting, target shooting, home defense, reloading and more Call for date & time of monthly concealed carry class. 53 Peachtree St, Murphy, NC • 828-837-7677 Beside the Courthouse

www.smokymountainshooters.com www.facebook.com/smokymtnshooter

18 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

SEPTEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

ASHEVILLE / HENDERSONVILLE / BREVARD

If You Could Only Have One Fly… By Ethan Hollifield

think one of the more compelling parts of the human condition is how willing we are to try and limit ourselves, especially when it comes to skill related endeavors like fly fishing. Aside from being good conversation starters when sharing lies and drinks with your buddies, questions like, “If you could only have one fly rod/ fish one river/ pick one fly”, actually present unique opportunities to better ourselves as anglers, if we allow it to do so. Particularly when it comes to the endless

fly in my entire lifetime. The beauty behind the platform of a Parachute Adams is that it can look like a whole myriad of different aquatic and terrestrial insects just by switching up the size, and color. While originally intended to imitate the profile of a mayfly sitting in the surface film: I’ve personally used this fly with great success in the middle of midge and caddisfly hatches on tailwaters and finicky freestone streams like the Davidson. If you add rubber legs and darken the color scheme, you have an

I will argue to the day I pass on to glory that the only “fly” a fly angler needs is a good presentation. supply of fly patterns that are on the market today. Too many anglers, especially beginners, will attribute the leading cause of their success to the fly pattern more so than their own skill. I will argue to the day I pass on to glory that the only “fly” a fly angler needs is a good presentation. With that being said, I would be lying if I didn’t have flies that I have an endearing amount of confidence in. Instead of trying to narrow it down to just one… I’m going to pick my top three fly patterns for trout broken down into my favorite dry fly, nymph, and streamer pattern that I wouldn’t be caught fishing without anywhere in the Southern Appalachians.

instant beetle/ ant imitation for the summer. It’s as close to a “perfect” dry fly as I could ever think to have in my box.

Dry Fly – Parachute Adams: Ever since I was a kid, I was always drawn to the fish catching simplicity that comes from a standard Parachute Adams. This one fly pattern has probably resulted in over 80% of the trout I’ve ever caught on a dry

Streamer – Muddler Minnow: This is where I’ve probably thrown a curveball for some people by not picking a generic “wooly bugger” style streamer. The Muddler Minnow, while an old pattern, can be tied in a myriad of ways that can

Nymph – Pheasant Tail: Like a Parachute Adams, the pheasant tail has this base platform that can be modified in seemingly endless ways to throw off the profile of anything in a trout’s diet. I’ve thrown giant size 8 pheasant tails with rubber legs in muddy water to imitate golden stonefly nymphs, and also one’s as small as size 20-22 to pick off selective tailwater trout during a midge hatch. Since its inception by Frank Sawyer, the pheasant tail has probably landed more trout than any other fly in existence.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

entice different desired actions into the fly on the retrieve. The original, tightly packed deer hair head is a deadly fly pattern when fished either on an intermediate or full sink fly line. When tied and fished correctly, it gives off an erratic action that is very similar to a conventional jerkbait. Throwing dumbbell eyes onto the head for weight can also give the fly a jigging action that can be very effective when using contact styles of nymphing close quarters. The overall profile of the fly itself,

and the wide variety of ways it can be fished, offer the angler almost endless possibilities on how to fish it. I find that the one key factor that I can attribute to my choices in fly patterns is that I have confidence in them to put fish in the net regardless of where I am at in the mountains. Having the confidence in not just the fly, but also yourself and your abilities as an angler will result in more productive days on the water.

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

SEPTEMBER 2021

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 19

THE CASTING CORNER:

What Is The Best Fly Line? By Rene J. Hesse

e have all seen the choices of fly lines that are out there, and it seems there are more every day. Why would you want to have so many different lines? Do you really need them? It depends. I think it’s super important to know how line characteristics work for you, or against you, in different situations, and why. Understanding the taper and how to use it in a cast is most important. Getting to know the core (the part inside the tapered PVC) and the sink rate are important too. There are tropical lines that stay hard and don’t get sticky in the heat. There are also cold-water lines that are designed to stay supple in the cold.

Thirty years ago, I used a great fly line. It was summer and I was fishing for spots on Lake Lanier. The line held up in the heat, didn’t get sticky, and had a small head and thin running line. When striper season came around, it was the worst line I had ever used. The difference was the air and water temperature. Cold was making the mono core of the line coil in the worst way. Did I need to get a different line the next time out? YES. The mono core of the line gets stiff in cold weather, so I had to go to a multifilament core. One of the things I liked about the first line was the relatively short head. It allowed for a quick change of direction casts, so if a school of

20 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

SEPTEMBER 2021

fish popped up, it would be easier to redirect, make a back cast and shoot quickly into the running line. So, I looked for that quality in my new line. Changing lines is sometimes very important. Read up on what makes things happen when using a particular type of line. For example, there are lines that are designed for shooting the banks or making repetitive casts, generally at the same distance without a long retrieve. They have very short heads and front tapers and longer line management sections or rear tapers. That’s an example of something that is getting more and more technical in line design, and if you don’t get familiar with the tapers, it can

be difficult to cast when you get out of the consistent rhythm that specific line is designed for. I would compare fly line to a bike. There are some that get you from point A to point B and do the job. There are others that are so advanced that unless you are practiced with them, they will not help you much unless you are in a situation that bike is specifically designed for. Don’t take a road bike on a mountain bike trail, but you can take a mountain bike on the road. It will not be as efficient as the road bike, but it will work. Get to know the line characteristics, pros and cons, and life on the water can be much more pleasant.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Stop! Don’t Pop!

By Jeff Durniak

amous Georgia sportsman O’Neill Williams said the best turkey hunter he ever knew was the late Roscoe Reams, who said “patience kills turkeys.” Roscoe’s lesson applies well to fly flingers on September’s skinny waters. Stop. Don’t pop! Have patience. Let me explain. Our aggressive springtime approach of popretrieve-pop is fine at that time when predators chase food. But in September, that retrieve will scare the heck out of summer survivors hiding from herons in low, clear flows. Instead of popping, try some of our Unicoi Outfitters tips: plop, drift, and twitch, and maybe even dance a bit. Let’s start with the plop. Cast your popper or foam bug just upstream of a likely lair. That could be bankside shade for river bass or an undercut bank for a Rockies cutthroat. Let it land loudly, via a plop or a splat, just like the real bugs do. Then leave it alone. If you

just wait, the plop and radiating surface rings often are enough to call them up. But if you pop, you’ll often spook these nervous inspectors and just see a surface bulge from their tail-wag as they dive back toward cover. So, fish the plop first and resist the pop. Next is the drift. I know you’re really itching to pop, but refrain. Let your popper or hopper drift along naturally. Wait 10 or 20 seconds and just let it ride. If you have a good pair of sunglasses, you might even spot that fat smallie or shoalie with its nose bumping your bug’s butt, as both drift downstream together. It’s sizing up your offering and trying to figure out if it’s real. Don’t spook it with a pop! Okay, by now you’ve lost all patience and are about to lose your mind, so we’re going let you do something. Twitch the bug. Give a slight twitch of the rod tip and shake the bug without moving

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

it more than an inch or so. I saw a great article recently in a national magazine where the smallmouth guide advises his clients to “bend the knees” of their rubber-legged popper. That’s how subtle of a movement he’s looking for. The same soft twitch goes for your stimulator or caddis on headwater trout pools. After the twitch, go back to the long drift, and don’t take your eyes off that bug! They’re known to disappear. The one exception happens on summer trout waters. Rig up a fluffy yellow stimulator and add

a 2-foot dropper fly to it. Then dance the dry in pools and runs. The deep dropper will anchor your rig and let the top fly dance on the surface instead of tangling above you in the trees. That dancing bug can wake up some plump summer trout. Give these “patience” techniques of plop, drift, and twitch a try this fall. Maybe even dance a bit if you’d like. Stop by either one of our stores if you need a hand learning the subtle ways of September. Thanks for the lesson, Roscoe!

You can find Jeff Durniak at Unicoi Outfitters. Stop in or call the Helen shop at (706-878-3083) or our Clarkesville store on the square (706-754-0203) if we can help you further. After all, we are pretty darn good trouting caddies!

SEPTEMBER 2021

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 21

Improve Your Low Water Tactics for Trout

eptember is a month when we usually have low water and some relief from the high temperatures that are usually widespread across the Southeast. Normal early fall conditions with low water means– Stealth! You simply cannot catch a trout that you have spooked and sent running a hundred feet either upstream or downstream. Low water conditions also require some tactics that many anglers do not know about or simply choose not to use. Here’s the short list: observation, learning to use obstacles and cover, and finding a trout’s new holding area. I always tell clients when fly fishing that they should be stealthy like a hunter. Clumsiness, stumbling, stepping on a limb that breaks, wading too fast, talking too loudly, or allowing rod guides to reflect sunlight off them during a cast decrease your opportunities for hookups as trout have superior

By James Bradley senses like eyesight, inner ear for hearing and even a lateral line for vibration sensing. Observation is a key component to knowing what is going on and where the trout are. Just because you are going fishing doesn’t mean it has to be fishing. Observe the stream from a high bank by staying low to the ground or from behind an obstacle to hide your presence. Take five minutes and watch everything that comes alive. You can learn more about trout and insect behavior in five minutes than you can fishing for ten hours. Have a decent set of polarized sunglasses, as they are essential. It is easy to see a trout rise to a fly, but many will miss a trout sipping a fly. You will have to train your eyes to see the flicker of a tail or to see a shadow of a trout. Again, be observant, as it will pay dividends in the end. Use obstacles and obstructions to your benefit. Here are just a few

22 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

SEPTEMBER 2021

to be aware of: I see anglers who will climb up onto a large rock to cast from. This angler has spooked everything around that vicinity. Stay down and behind the rock to make your cast. Most of our mountain streams descend quickly, leaving higher whitewater to our front as we move upstream. Use the higher elevation of the stream to your benefit by making your approach to your casting spot as low as possible. Do not blow the opportunity by walking upright to this casting spot! Use that large log out in the stream as cover to cast from. These little things will make for more hookups.

The trout you caught back in the spring will probably not be in the same riffle or run. As water conditions change, a trout’s lie will also change. This is not necessarily because they wanted to move but because of what Mother Nature is offering them. When low water appears, feeding lanes change. Learn to read the water and have a basic understanding of a trout’s needs. After you learn to read the water, you will know where all the trout’s lies are. You just simply target that spot and possibly hook up with a trout of a lifetime!

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

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

SEPTEMBER 2021

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 23

HIGH COUNTRY

My Heart’s Home By Matt Mittan

very once in a while, I think back to when I would spend summers at my grandparents’ Maine home. It was a beautiful old house with a big red barn and vast field in the back, extending into the distance. The hard blue of Frenchman’s Bay peeked in through the tall pines that lined the shore. Over to the right, across the bay, were the mammoth mountains of Mt Desert Island. Her windswept rocky crests stood tall above the cold waters of the North Atlantic, with lush New England forests serving as the backdrop of her rugged shoreline. I go back to that place often in my mind, whenever I need an escape, a safe place that offers me peace and tranquility. Many ‘firsts’ took place there. My first solo adventure, absent parental supervision and protection. My first genuine responsibilities that required physical effort. My first time

sailing. My first memory of being taught real discipline. My first love. And my first broken heart. I also first started to grasp the bigger picture of family and devotion, sacrifice and loyalty, compassion and firmness, compromise and taking a stand. These lessons and life experiences obviously developed and occurred in many places and circumstances other than at the home in Maine. There was just something magic about being there. I absorbed and truly understood things more clearly after spending time there. Even at an early age, I can remember sitting alone atop a rock cliff shore, just down the hill from my grandparents’ house, and having significant epiphanies. I remember gazing out upon the mountainous shoreline, seeing a couple of porpoises swim by, breaking the surface in unison, or

What started as a small sea fisherman’s house back in the mid-1800’s has been added to, one part at a time, over generations, to become the homestead that exists today, for our entire family.

a lonely harbor seal poke his head up, with his thick whiskers and large dark eyes surveying what I was doing. The cool salty breeze tickling the pores of my skin, the sound of waves crashing onto the crushed seashell and worn stone shore. The fresh smell of old pines, mixed with the tidal wash. The early morning calm, where the ancient bay resembled a sturdy sheet of glass stretching into the horizon. A wall of fog rolling in from the sea so dense and white that you thought it might have solid mass behind its edge. These moments were not rare, they were the norm. Comprehension and discernment of life events came easily to me in these settings. The countless hours our family spent picking wild blueberries, so that Nannie could cook up her famous muffins, pancakes or jam. The latenight games of cribbage, UNO and Monopoly around the dining room table with my cousins, aunts and uncles. (We didn’t have TV or Radio readily available there.) The feast or famine joy of Mackerel fishing off the pier. Skipping flat, sea worn stones out at Bennett’s Point. The old duck pond, with its miniature duck church. Digging through the mud flats, uncovered by the outgoing tide. The pure shock, disgust and awe I felt the first time I saw my Grandfather shuck and swallow a raw clam. The collective family effort to maintain the large old house and barn, garden and landscaping. Collecting baskets full of chestnuts at the end of each season to sell to the craft folks in

town. Sneaking into my Aunt Dottie’s unbelievable Raspberry patch that sat under the ever-watchful glance of Cadillac Mountain. The old ghost stories about Capt. Winterbothem, the seaman who built our home in the mid 1800’s, and whose penciled messages still adorn the interior walls of the old barn, along with each subsequent generation’s family autographs since – including my own as a child. All these singular events and routines, combined with the whole, helped shape who I am, how I look at life and how I relate with others. I will soon make the trip northward again with my youngest son, for the first time in five years, and this will be the first time there for my Partner Michele and my 14-year-old step-daughter. I’ve played a thousand scenarios in my head of what I want them to see, where I want to take them, the stories I want them to hear. Will they be interested? Will they grow bored with my sentimental reflections? There’s a sense of urgency on my part to introduce them to the splendors of the place that served up so much joy to me through the years. The settings and the spirit of the area and the people seem to be fading. The bonds of family seem to be thinning. The sense of neighborly bonding seems to be burdensome to newcomers. I worry that, as each year passes, so do the opportunities to share with them the experiences that were so magical to me. The

Continued, see MY HEART’S HOME Page 26 24 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

SEPTEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Beech Mountain North Carolina Is for the Birds By Kate Gavenus

irdwatching is a popular activity in the United States, with more than 45 million participants. Nestled in the High Country of North Carolina, the tiny town of Beech Mountain is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Soaring to an elevation of 5506’, the highest town on the North Carolina Birding Trail has multiple types of habitat and elevations which attract many different feathered residents.

Approximately 127 bird species can be found on Beech Mountain throughout the year. Because of this great abundance of species, the High Country Audubon Society has recognized the Buckeye Lake Recreation Area as a “hot spot”. With an elevation of around 3,500 feet, rushing creeks, a lake, pine forests and rhododendron thickets, the lowest section of town brings water birds as well as numerous migratory songbirds. During the breeding season, follow the Falls Trail along the creek through a mature forest. Birders will find Cedar Waxwing, Wood Thrush, and a wide variety of warblers. Barn, and Northern Rough-winged Swallows, Indigo Bunting, American Goldfinches, Pine Siskins and Red Crossbills are often present, especially in good cone crop years on Beech Mountain. While birding enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the Buckeye Lake Recreation Area, the Town of Beech Mountain has excellent trails and birdwatching habitats at the peak of the mountain as well. Strong thermals forming along the upslopes create the perfect route for migrating hawks, as well as other birds, usually peaking in mid-to-late September. This year, the Buckeye

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

SEPTEMBER 2021

Recreation Center on Beech Mountain will host a series of birdwatching walks. These take place each Friday in September, starting from the public parking lot at 400 Beech Mountain Parkway at 7:45 am. The walks are free. There will also be a twoday Birding and Hawk Watch event September 21st and 22nd. This event will feature evening presentations by experts, morning guided walks, afternoon hawk watching, help in identifying birds, and a dinner. To register for the event or to get more information about the Friday hikes, call the Buckeye Recreation Center at 828-387-0994. For information about staying on Beech Mountain and other things to do, call the Beech Mountain Visitor Center at 828-387-9283 or go online to beechmtn.com.

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 25

THE DOG DAYS continued from page 17 I prefer to fish tropical or warmwater core, weight-forward lines with a long head during the warmest part of the year to combat sticky and ill-casting fly line. Leader and Tippet: I recommend beefing up from standard trout sizes. These fish can be as line shy as trout (especially in gin-clear water), but I start

Convenient to Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and Beech Mountain Our resorts offer the perfect vacation or getaway in the mountains of Western North Carolina

Located on the headwater of the Watauga River, we are convenient to all of the wonderful attractions of the High Country like Grandfather Mountain, Tweetsie Railroad, Linville Falls, Gem Mining and more. Enjoy the adventure at affordable rates! Hook up your RV, pitch your tent or rent on-site lodging. We are conveniently located 10 miles south of Boone on Hwy. 105 or 7 miles north of Linville on Hwy. 105. You’ll find the High Country of N.C. offers many activities for everyone in the family!

Call Today 800-788-2582

www.grandfatherrv.com 125 Proﬁle View Rd., Banner Elk, NC 28604 26 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

SEPTEMBER 2021

with a 1X, seven-and-a-half-foot monofilament leader to combat line twist caused by the cupped face of bass poppers and to provide a buffer of strength for bigger bass. Keep a couple spools of both monofilament and fluorocarbon tippet from 1X-3X to make adjustments when needed.

Jacob Milholland is the Store Manager at Cohutta Fishing Company. You can find their website at www.cohuttafishingco.com

MY HEART’S HOME continued from page 24 AirBnB roster is filled with pictures from inside homes that I knew as family homes and neighbors houses as a child, now owned by investors from far away. Has that changed the vibe of the area? That is the weight I have troubled myself with. Whether I’m being frivolous, or my fears are just, only time will tell. But my heart tells me that it is approaching the time where I will have one last dance with this pristine area, capturing its image in my family’s mind and then saying goodbye. And there persists a feeling that the unity that helped to build and sustain this precious home through the last 160+ years may not survive the passing of the torch through the next generation either. The fear of the change that is occurring all around the area has paralyzed some from letting the next generation take a hold and help. That is unfortunate. As a great, great grandchild of this legacy, now about to be a grandfather myself, I have little more I can do than to quietly reflect and appreciate the heavenly nature of the place and to offer up thanks that I had the opportunity to enjoy its blessings. I hope to pass that warmth along to my own posterity so that they may gain a respect for such natural treasures and so that they can feel the pride of being a part of something much bigger, deeper, and lasting, than what they see in the fast-paced world we live in today. I first journeyed there as an infant. I was held in the laps of many

family members long since gone. My great-Grandmother, of whom I still have sweet memories, was born in the late 1800’s. She shared countless stories, hugs, and kisses with us at this place and about this place. My own mother, who spent her youth traveling to this northern home, now returns as a great grandmother herself. So now, my turn has come to make the trip as my Line is set to initiate another generation, it would be the seventh generation in my 50-year lifetime to sleep within our homes’ hallowed walls. I pray that we might enjoy, together, watching the sun set on this, my heart’s home, before it is gone. With a little bit of effort and some old-fashioned caring, the magical tales of splendor that this home has witnessed and authored will not be surrendered to what Lincoln called ‘the silent artillery of time’, as so many other family treasures have before now. Each family has memories, traditions and tales that they abandon for a thousand separate reasons. Which of those do you have that you don’t want to die with you? Pass them along to your children and grandchildren. Dig deep for your vaguest recollections and start there. The kids you tell today will remember and appreciate the stories later in life. It means more than just the simple telling of the story itself. It’s family. It’s heritage. It offers a personal history. It’s the very foundation that a hearts’ home is built upon.

Matt Mittan is the owner of Biz Radio Asheville and Co-Host of the Matt & Michele Outdoors program. Visit www.MattMittan.com for more information and to contact him. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

SEPTEMBER 2021

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 27

UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA

Motorizing Your Kayak

By William Reed

ayaking is one of the fastest growing outdoor sports, and there is a new feature making it even more attractive. That new feature is the introduction of outboard and electric motors that blurs the lines between a kayak and a boat, making kayaks a very versatile tool for hitting the waters. For many years, the only way to propel a kayak was by paddle. Although a paddle kayak is by far the cheapest and fastest way to get on the water, it is also limiting. One of the biggest limitations on a paddle kayak is your arms are used to propel the kayak, so when fishing or doing other things, you are not able to paddle. This deficiency grows when fishing in waters with currents or wind. The other major limiting factor with paddles is speed. A paddle kayak is the slowest

form of propulsion. Kayak engineering now allows some kayaks to be fitted with pedal propulsion systems, outboard gas motors and bow or stern mount electric trolling motors. Most established kayak manufacturers are making direct bolt on motors or motor mounts. Motor companies like Newport Vessels and Motorquide actually make kayak specific motors. The Newport Vessels NK-180s is a brushless 24-volt motor that works on any kayak that can accept a stern mount bracket. Recently, I had the pleasure to run one and topped out over 5 MPH while towing two buddies in paddle kayaks behind me. The NK180s is the best stern mount motor currently available for a kayak. For a bow mount motor, the new Motorguide XI3 Kayak motor is amazing. This motor

was specifically built for a kayak with a short 36-inch shaft to accommodate how low kayaks sit in the water and is 100% controllable by remote control. If you choose the Pinpoint GPS model, with the push of a button, you can anchor in current or wind, in seconds. Choosing between the two, the Newport Vessel motor can cover more range at a faster speed, while the Motorguide offers faster turning/maneuverability and pinpoint anchoring features. Once you decide to go the motorized route, keep in mind the other components that are needed. First, you need to consider motor mounts and wiring. To highlight Nucanoe, their kayaks are all built with a square transom and can be paddled, pedaled, or equipped with a motor. For a motor, all Nucanoes are rated up to a 2.5HP outboard to really cover some water. Nucanoe also offers bow mount and transom mount adapters that offer a no drill application. With an electric motor, the other main component is a

battery. Standard deep cycle and car batteries will work, but on a kayak, weight is everything. Amped Outdoors makes lithium batteries that offer features such as half the weight and twice the power. I currently use an Amped Outdoors 100AH battery that will run my Motorguide XI3 all day and an Amped Outdoors 19AH battery for my graph and phone charger. The last things to consider with a motorized kayak are transportation and registration. Motorized kayaks weigh significantly more than standard paddle kayaks. A truck or trailer is almost required. Once you place a motor of any type on a kayak, it now has to be registered with the appropriate state office. In Georgia it cost $25 to register a kayak with the GA DNR. Take one word of advice and try before you buy, as any reputable shop will let you demo a kayak and motor before you buy. I always say no kayak or motor is perfect for everyone, and ensuring a perfect fit is essential to having fun on the water and staying safe.

William Reed is a Nucanoe National Pro Staff Writer. You can contact him at will@nucanoe.com or find him on InstaGram @wde_will

28 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

SEPTEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

SEPTEMBER 2021

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 29

Day playin apples little fi broug to th and n rain a contin fish. H summ tempe anyon the tr towar chang the tr that th fall fis lower

30 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

SEPTEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

September Cool-Down

By Karl Ekberg

hile enjoying September’s cooler weather as Labor Day arrives, watching and playing football, and picking apples, let’s not forget to do a little fishing. Tropical storm rain brought in large amounts water to the watershed in August, and now we’re hoping for more rain and cooler temperatures to continue for the pleasure of the fish. Hopefully, the huge heat of summer is behind us, as the water temperature was a bit higher than anyone would like to see, and the trout are definitely looking towards the cool-down. A few changes in color of the leaves on the trees in September shows us that the cooler temperatures and fall fishing is upon us here in the lower Appalachian Mountains.

Now is a great time to go out and seek trout on early mornings or later afternoons, as the fish will start moving out of the depths of thermal refuge from summer heat, seeking food in the shallower areas of the rivers. The fish may be a little wary and spooky so lengthening leaders and smaller tippets will be necessary. Stealthy approaches to the fish will be necessary as well, and at times the slightest movement of the water will send fish dashing towards the depths, seeking cover. The extended look into the forecast for September is below average temperatures, which we’ll all take after the summer heat. In the same outlook for September, forecasts show a below average expected rainfall. As we look forward to the cooler

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

temperatures of the fall season, we will start to see the emergence of the first of the “fall bugs”. These bugs will start to appear, as the water temperatures start to drop. The rocks in the rivers are loaded with very small dark nymphs as well. Try swinging a heavy nymph with a smaller nymph dropper, through the riffle areas of the river and into the heads of the pools. Deeper runs will also produce fish as temperatures heat up because the fish can still seek thermal refuge. As daytime temperatures heat up, the fish will move further into the depths of the rivers, so getting a bit deeper

with a heavier front fly or a pinch of split shot will help greatly. Streamers are equally productive and will continue as well through the fall season. With the heat of the summer behind us, a good amount of water in the rivers, and cooler temperatures, the fall fishing here looks to be excellent for another year. Let’s remember, we can all help in keeping our rivers clean, by picking up what someone else left behind, makes for a cleaner watershed for our next visit. As we leave no trace, we look forward to seeing everyone out on the rivers!

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

SEPTEMBER 2021

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 31

32 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

SEPTEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MAINTENANCE FREE With Optimus Outboard Electric Steering Actuator

OPTIMUS OUTBOARD ELECTRIC STEERING ACTUATOR The Dometic Optimus Outboard Electric Steering Actuator ushers in a new era for marine vessel steering and control. This ground-breaking product is an all-electric steering actuator for outboard engines, developed exclusively for use with our Optimus Joystick and Electronic Power Steering systems. It's easy to install yet technologically advanced, providing high performance, energy efficiency and season-after-season reliability.

www.dometic.com

BIG ICE TRAYS

- Makes six 4” cubes - 10 lbs. of Ice per Tray - Last twice as long! - No more plastic bags - Save money by easily reusing 10 NATIONAL

SEPTEMBER 2021

MAKE YOUR OWN ICE!

PHOTO BY ETHEL WARE CARTER

“A

iyeeeeee, yeeee, yeeee, yeee!” The shout sounded Cajun, or perhaps like the intro to a mariachi tune. Either way, it amplified the chaos on deck. Three rods were bent. Two anglers scrambled to uncross lines screaming off reels. A third angler dove to wrap an arm around the 10-year-old who held a death grip on rod number three. It was a tossup as to whether the kid would lose the rod or be yanked overboard into a very active chum slick. The whole scene unraveled when a 10-foot tiger shark rose to the surface. It smashed the boy’s cobia straight through the surface, blowing up close enough to drench us, maybe 15 feet off the stern. There was stunned silence, then... “Ayeeee, yeeee, yeeee, yeeee!” our captain hollered. “I love chaos!” Man, what a trip. It was a lot more than my two brothers and I expected upon reconnecting with a childhood friend in Bluffton, South Carolina. Our captain, Keene Reese, is a successful real estate agent with Ussery Group, Charter One Realty in the Lowcountry. He is also a very fishy dude. In mid-June, he invited us—along with my 10-year-old son— on a 20-mile ride offshore, where cobia were thick on a well-known wreck. With a beautiful chum slick snaking off the stern of Reese’s 25’ Regulator “Copacetic,” it didn’t take 10 minutes for “brownies” to start showing on the surface. There was no need for down-lines that day. All the action was on top, visible and simple. Pitch a live menhaden on a freeline, and a cobia would take it before you reached the rod holder. Over the course of a few hours, we boated well over a dozen cobia,

although the action came in such crazy spurts that no one could keep count. The thing is, we only landed four fish longer than the 36-inch minimum. That’s good news, according to Mel Bell, the director of Fisheries Management with South Carolina DNR. For decades, South Carolina was famous for its inshore cobia runs. May is the peak of a spawning run that once saw scads of cobia pushing into Port Royal Sound, Calibogue Sound, St. Helena Sound and the Broad River. Bell said boats lined up to target big eggbearing females before they could reproduce. The fishery collapsed. “We were in a bad place in 2016,” Bell said. “The numbers were scary. Even the anglers were telling us we had to do something.” While overall Atlantic cobia stocks are in good shape, according to the latest assessment, Bell said sound-spawners in South Carolina are a distinct “sub-population.” The Southern Cobia Management Zone was formed in 2016 to protect these inshore-spawning fish. The zone stretches from Jeremy Inlet on Edisto Island, S.C. south to the Georgia border. It extends three miles offshore, and within this zone there is a one fish per person, three per boat daily limit—except in May, when cobia harvest is closed. The limit in federal waters is one per person, six per boat. The minimum length is 36 inches, which brings us back to all the short fish. Bell said South Carolina DNR isn’t ready to release hard data. However, he’s heard fishermen reporting lots of smaller fish, which are likely the age classes protected since 2016. If anecdotes translate into survey data, it would mean the restrictions are working. Bell said next year might be time to take a close look and see just how well cobia are returning to the sounds. PHOTO BY GILBERT CARTER

By Nick Carter

For more information, go to www.dnr.sc.gov.

ENTER TO WIN A SWAG PACKAGE FROM COASTAL ANGLER!

20oz. Ice Retention Slide Mug, AO Cooler, SPF 50 Fish Mask, And A Visor!

bigice.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/CONTEST

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

SZ Q

could an the ell, the . cobia f cobia Sound g eggapsed. s were ng.” shape, ners in are a ation.” Cobia e was protect wning etches et on south order. miles n this ne fish er boat pt in arvest mit in ne per at. The is 36 ngs us t fish. wever, he age would take a

KEEP IT GENUINE PRECISION PROTECTION

Whether you take your boat out to the lake or the ocean, your 4-stroke outboard needs ECSTAR Suzuki Semi-Synthetic Engine Oil so it can run long and strong. ECSTAR features special additives that protect the engine in harsh salt and fresh water environments, advanced detergents that keep engine parts clean, and viscosity index improvements that help the engine start in cold conditions. No matter where your next boat ride takes you, go confidently with ECSTAR.

RUN LONG. RUN CLEAN. RUN STRONG.

Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-Approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. Suzuki, the Suzuki “S” ECSTAR and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. © 2021 Suzuki Marine USA, LLC.

MASTER YOUR GAME

SZ Q3 ECSTAR HALF HORIZONTAL CSTL ANGLR 7-16-21.indd 1

7/16/2021 9:56:33 AM

ALL SEASON LONG! T

he approach of autumn doesn’t mean you should fall back on the game! The seasons are changing, but the action isn’t. Fall is nothing more than a second spring. So, spring into action with the Contender series raglan long sleeve shirt. The raglan sleeve construction allows for increased movement, which you will need since the fair weather will liberate you from the sweltering summer heat. Even though the sun is less intense in the fall months, you still need sun protection, and the raglan long sleeve shirt delivers by blocking UVA and UVB rays for all-day protection. In fall, there’s no better time to be out on the water. With fall breezes blowing in, you’ll need to check out our men’s tournament anorak. Featuring a full storm hood and a center placket that provides critical coverage to protect you, you can count on the jacket to comfortably protect you, rain or shine. As the days get shorter, you will need something sturdy like the men’s pro series storm fleece. Designed with spacer-fabric and engineered with air pockets embedded in the fabric that provides insulation and temperature control to keep the piece lightweight, it is the perfect accessory to make your fall epic. No matter the season, GILLZ has you covered. Check out the website: gillz-gear.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

SEPTEMBER 2021

NATIONAL 11

W T

f yo cat typ flathea excess Fo everyt predat large c On to fish

good s river c Duo r Penn F spoole is a we 5-foot Th tourna when

very e

PARKIT360° TRAILER PARKING SOLUTION

ave the parking headaches—oneshot your boat into position every time with one of Parkit360’s Electric Trailer Dollies. The Force and Transformer models are compatible with almost every trailer thanks to ball-mounted Stablelock technology. Just connect to the hitch and steer your trailer into place. With weight capacities ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 pounds, these portable powerhouses handle the most difficult parking challenges with ease. The user faces the trailer, allowing complete visibility and control while parking. Park in ways that are impossible with a truck, with the flexibility to move around the trailer to check its position. The dolly’s compact design also allows the user to park hitch-end forward as a theft deterrent. All models include Intelligent Speed Control to move through open areas quickly and more precisely in tight spaces. Have a unique trailer hitch? Easily move any ball-mounted, fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer with standard adapters, or try the Telescopic Hitch Adapter. It’s a non-invasive, alternative connection point that bolts around your existing trailer frame. Built strong and secure to safely move on firm grass, packed gravel, and 4- to 6-percent inclines. Move your trailer with ease, and get PARKIT360.CA in and out of storage faster than ever!

12 NATIONAL

SEPTEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

THREE WAYS TO TARGET

BIG CATS

f you like the feel of really big fish on the end of a line, catfish are a good option. There are several different types, but trophy hunters set their sights on blue and flathead catfish. Both species grow large and can weigh in excess of 100 pounds. For bait, catfish have been caught on just about everything you can think of. But generally, big flatheads are predators and like whole, live, hand-sized bream. Blues like large cut bait like bream, skipjack or carp. Once you’ve got your bait, here are some ideas for how to fish it. Fish a Fan: My favorite technique is to anchor up in a good spot near rocky bottom or structure such as a ledge, river channel or creek bed. I have 14 Driftmaster 255 H Pro Duo rod holders, which I use to put out a fan of baits on Penn Fathom reels and medium to heavy rods. These are spooled with 80-pound PowerPro braid. The terminal end is a weight slide on the main line then a swivel and a 3- to 5-foot leader, with a Gamakatsu 8/0 circle hook on the end. These are the rigs I use to fish Cabela’s King Kat tournaments. They are heavy duty because you never know when a 100-pound monster will show up. Back-Trolling: On big rivers, back-trolling can be very effective. Use your trolling motor in reverse to slow

the boat’s drift in the current and present baits to catfish holding on the bottom. Bottom bouncing is Bill Dance’s preferred method on the Mississippi River. It’s also very popular on the Tennessee River. It allows you to keep your bait about a foot off the bottom and bounce it to fish facing upstream. Tie a three-way swivel to a mainline of 40- to 80-lb. braid. On the bottom eye of the swivel, tie in 12 inches of 20-lb. mono drop line and attach a bank sinker. The drop line should be lighter than your main line so you can save the rest of the rig when your sinker gets caught. On the third eye, use a 2- to 3-foot piece of the same line as your main line and attach a 6/0 to 12/0 circle hook, depending on the size of your bait. Drift Fishing: Drift fishing is very popular on big lakes like Santee Cooper in South Carolina. On windy days, set all your rods on one side of the boat with weights that will slide along the bottom. Pencil, Lindy and slinky sinkers all work well for this. If the wind pushes the boat too fast, deploy driftsocks to slow the boat. If you don’t have driftsocks, 5-gallon buckets work in a pinch. Gary Turner is a long-time contributor to The Angler and Coastal Angler Magazine. Contact him at gary@purgeright.com.

MASTER YOUR GAME TECHNICAL FISHING APPAREL _BUILT FOR ANGLERS _DESIGNED IN FLORIDA _TESTED ON THE WATER

these h ease. while ibility design models y and

heel or dapter. xisting acked

The highest level of innovation. Unparalleled ventilation. Extremely versatile. Your practical solution to a life lived less ordinary. GILLZ technical fishing apparel is there when you need it most. GILLZ keeps you cool and comfortable, so you can always master your game.

SHOP THE ALL NEW FALL 21 PRODUCTS VISIT GILLZ-GEAR.COM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

SEPTEMBER 2021

NATIONAL 13

o T y

r o h

, w lo

e B r

o k c

e D e

v o b

Z E

c n A

l u P

I r le

h T s

! o G

INSETTA BOATWORKS:

A LOOK AT THE NEW 35IFC AND ITS ‘RELATIVELY NEW STYLE DRUM WINDLASS’

nsetta Boatworks has always aimed to “continuously challenge the standards of an average catamaran” by setting the bar high for performance, stability and safety. Insetta’s IFC system (Internal Foil Catamaran) not only increases cruising speed and handling and stability, it also provides the boat with better acceleration and better fuel efficiency by 20 to 40 percent, meaning “20 to 40 percent farther cruise range.” Last spring, their commitment to being “the best-performing center console sportfish boat in its class by way of the hull design, cruise speed and best miles per gallon” expanded to the anchoring system on the new 35’ Internal Foil Catamaran. They installed an E-Z Anchor Puller Patriot EZ-3 drum anchor winch. The Georgia-based, fiberglass original equipment manufacturer excitedly announced in an April 23 Facebook post that they were “extremely impressed with the performance and reliability” of the installation, posting the maiden voyage of their demo boat on social media as well as writing about it on their official blog. “We kept it simple on Hull #2 with the Patriot by E-Z Anchor Puller Mfg. Co. and have really enjoyed using it,” they wrote. In another Facebook post from July, they wrote: “[It] takes up [approximately] 3 cubic feet and holds 560’ of chain, rope and dyneema.” Utilizing the Patriot series, Insetta’s boats are equipped with a complete 316 stainless steel unit, much like their commitment to use this corrosionresistant, marine-grade metal wherever applicable during the construction of their own vessels. Insetta has instilled a standard of transparency in their day-to-day processes as well, encouraging factory visits and taking a sales-

team approach to the buying process by giving customers a single point of contact for each buying experience. “The highest quality materials and best workmanship possible are paired to produce the finest boats on the market. From the first drawing to final installation, the Insetta design and construction teams ensure the final boat can withstand the rigors and stripes in adverse conditions.” - Insetta Boats, insetta.com

About the Patriot Series The Patriot series is the perfect shallow coastal saltwater anchoring solution for center consoles and sportfishing boats. With three sizes, the Patriot spools rope capacities from 1/2” nylon down to 1/4” dyneema. Completely 316 stainless steel components make the Patriot the ultimate saltwater anchoring solution. Engineered to evenly spool anchor rope, these units deploy and retrieve at an average 100-feet-per-minute. Call 1.800.800.1640 or visit ezanchorpuller.com for more information.

the

BO-JO

fISHLIGHT

�e �ltimate Fish �ttractor�

FREE Shipping!

Angler/Coastal Angler special oﬀer! Hook a 19% discount! Enter coupon: CA19

Watc h our 1-Minute V ideo by scanning the barcode or...

visit Bo-JoF ishlight.com ... or call 478-951-1490

“If you or someone you know has a pond, lake or boat-dock, get a BO-JO FISHLIGHT! The best fish attractor I’ve ever seen!” - Fish Fishburne

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

SEPTEMBER 2021

NATIONAL 15

16 NATIONAL

SEPTEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Sizzling Hot Deals From Suzuki’s Summer Sales Event Suzuki’s Summer Sales Event is finally here! It’s time to get to your local Suzuki Marine Dealer for a sizzling hot deal on the Ultimate Outboard Motor. You can get Low-Rate Financing on the all new DF140BG with Drive by Wire Technology, or our Flagship DF350. Get all the details at your participating Suzuki Marine Dealer.

REPOWER FINANCE

YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY†

REPOWER FINANCE Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards on approved credit.* [60 Months]

*REPOWER FINANCE is available through Synchrony Retail Finance, as low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new, unregistered Suzuki outboard motors, subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on creditworthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories, or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki outboard motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between from July 1, 2021 through September 1, 2021. †5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY applies to qualifying purchases of Suzuki outboard motors sold and delivered to the retail purchaser, for pleasure (non-commercial) use only, from April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022. See Suzuki Limited Warranty for additional details. The Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2021 Suzuki Marine, USA, LLC.

Order Your Passport Today!

800.828.4244 C h e e r s T r ai l.or g