06-23-2010, 09:00 AM
My wife Judie wanted to take a boat ride down river today. We launched at the Riverpark at about 8:30 and headed south. I stuck a few (8) rods in the boat just in case we were attacked by some schooling sharks. Had a very enjoyable trip through the gorge down to TVA intake at Raccoon Mtn. Saw lots of Osprey, Kingfisher, Ducks, , Hawks, and some cows cooling themselves in the river. Only passed one boat with a single fisherman. <br /><br />Started to get warm so we put the bimini top up and headed back up river. We had fried chicken for a nice picnic lunch, and I was starting to get hungery and it was only 10:00 am, emoHungry . Coming back up river we passed a tug pushing a single barge, I was thinking I would not like to get run over by that as happened to 3 fishermen near Possum Creek. Made it safely back to the Riverpark and it was still too early to eat lunch so I suggested we try fishing in the boils below the dam. <br /><br />I rigged Judie with one of my 5&#39; rods and a tiny fluke on a 1/8th jig head and showed her where to cast. She has some arthritis in her hands, and wants a very light rod and reel combo as it hurts her less. I love fishing in the current, there are usually some fish breaking and you never know what you might catch. <br /><br />Then Judie hollers I got one and it is big. I see her rod bent down to the boat side and the drag is screaming. Must be a nice fish, and on 4# line. Hmmm this is getting interesting. Finally get the fish up and the boat has now drifted near the rock pile, so I have to get on the motor to move the boat. It is a big gar, at least 3.5-4&#39; long. About then it gets airborne with a couple of shakes and out comes the hook. Reminded me of a tarpon with that twisting leap. Very hard to stay hooked up on gar with a regular bait. Have to use the nylon rope stuff. Anyway lots of fun and Judie said I sure didn&#39;t want that big thing in the boat. Next cast I hook one and he gets airborne immediately and throws the hook. Saw several slashing near the surface. <br /><br />I finally hookup with a fair smallmouth and then Judie has another fish on and it is another good one. A hard fight, but she has quite a bit of experience and handles it like a pro. A really nice 3.5# bass. It had some of that dark patches that you see occasionally at Riverpark. I manage to hookup a couple more Spots, and then it is time for lunch, also getting hot.<br /><br />We find a shady spot under a bridge and have a great lunch and decide we have had enough excitement for one day. Time to head for home. Judie is already talking about our next trip. It doesn&#39;t get much better than this.<br /><br />Regards, Labman<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />