Checking In...

Well, it is amazing how quickly time can get away from you.  A few years ago I decided to start this blog after watching a good friend David Knapp create his blog The Trout Zone.  Those first couple of years I worked to maintain and update my content and keep the blog current.  Shortly after life caught up with me and the process of raising the kids, helping maintain my parents' farm, and increasing job responsibilities has taken me away from contributing to the blog as often as I would like.  While those things are still occurring, they have change a little.  For example, my employer has recently closed my office and moved my work location to my home office.  That turns out to be a wonderful blessing from God because it gives me more time with my family, but also it allows me to focus on the other distraction in our lives.  That distraction being that we are in the process of building our forever house on the farm, a place where we can raise our kids where they feel safe and are free to roam and enjoy the country lifestyle that we so enjoy.  Hopefully, I will also be able to become more consistent in updating the blog content, and I really need to get back out on the water.  I had intentions of getting out recently, but work obligations popped up and I found myself out of town traveling instead of fishing. 

I did make a more dedicated effort this past turkey season to record every hunt, and I even took along a couple of special guests with me.  Below is Part 1 of a little video I created from the TN Spring Turkey Season.  Part 2 is in progress, but it will probably take a little while to complete because I managed to capture about 100 video clips over the course of 5 weeks, and editing these all together is taking some time.

NWTF 2016 National Convention with Trey

Farm Fun With The Boys

The weather forecast for Saturday was fantastic. High's in the low 70's, low humidity, and clearing skies. Amy and I loaded Trey up to take out to my parents house to play with cousin Bryce.

When we got there I found out dad had already killed a turkey, so had to take a couple quick pics of it:


Afterward, the boys wanted to walk down to the barn and play in the stream. Along the way, they just had to stop and enjoy some dandelions:

Bryce Showing Excellent Form

Shortly after picking every dandelion around, we were confronted with our first slithering friend for the year.

This black snake was out sunning in the middle of our path, and so I took this time to educate the boys a little about snakes. I quizzed Bryce throughout the day about what he had learned and what to do if he saw a snake again while out playing. After our snake encounter, it was just a short walk further until the found the stream. What else would one expect to happen when you mix boys with water than a little rock throwing.

I figured I would take this opportunity to introduce the boys to a common resident of the stream.

Got a dirt hill, need somebody to climb or dig on it? They spent the rest of the evening playing in the dirt and throwing balls. As we were leaving I couldn't help but snap this pic as the sun was setting.

It was most definitely a boys day, and I enjoyed every minute.

Trey's First Fishing Adventure

I was supposed to meet up with a buddy on Friday to fish the Clinch, but some external circumstances prevented me from doing so. Luckily, I managed to wrap those items up earlier than expected, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to take my son fishing and enjoy the mid-afternoon beautiful weather. He is 21 months old, and loves looking at my Flyfisherman magazines, watching people catch "ish" on Saturday's with daddy, and looking at fish pics online. I took him to a little remote park on Melton Hill lake to catch him a bluegill. It didn't take long for him to catch his first fish, and he wanted to participate in the landing, unhooking, and release of the fish. After about 10 minutes he needed to take a rock throwing break, before catching his second fish and heading home. It was so much fun, and I just tried to let him do things that would keep him interested and not bored. I look forward to taking him more as he gets older, as those are some of the fondest memories I have with my dad. Unfortunately those trips are few and far between now. Hopefully one day Trey will pick up the long rod, and I will be able to report on many more father & son trips. Here are a couple pics from the trip.

Trey's First Fish

Patiently Waiting

Trey's Second Fish

"Hep Momma, Hep"

Rock Throwing Break

Casting Practice

Long Time, No Feeshin'

It seems like it has been forever since I have wet a line. Work obligations and family vacation as well as TVA's lovely generation schedule have kept me off the water. Was hoping to make it out today, but NOPE! TVA was running wide open all day long today. So much for a successful spawn this year.

On another note, just returned from a family vacation to the Caribbean. Didn't do any fishing there either, but the scenery was amazing. Trying to convince the wifely to go on a 3 or 4 day Bahamas bonefishing trip in the near future. We will see if I can sell her on it.... Also while in St. Maarten I picked up a new lens that I hope to post a review for in the near future. A couple of the St. Thomas pics were taken using the new lens.

Use the links below to see some of the scenery from the trip.

The Bahamas

St. Maarten

St. Thomas

Grand Turk

Nashville and Caney Weekend

This weekend Amy and I went to Nashville for our 4th anniversary. While there we enjoyed some peace and quiet while we left Trey at home with family. We had an amazing dinner on Friday night of fried green tomatoes w/ a corn and Jonah crab salsa, oysters bienville, and antelope steak over a bed of wild grains, tomatoes, and huckleberries. Absolutely outstanding. Saturday we basically spent the day relaxing and starting to really miss the tiny kid.

On the trip back to Knoxville Sunday we had made plans to meet David Knapp from the Trout Zone and do a little fishing. We got a late start and made it to the river around 9:30. I got in the water and found David in short order. This was my second trip to the river ever, and I have to say this time left a much better taste in my mouth than the first. The first trip was way over-crowded and the bait fishermen really got me agitated. Today, the river was surprisingly empty, and I saw some sizeable browns rising right in front of the boat ramp. I only got to fish for around an hour, but managed to land 2 and stuck one that was pretty nice as well. I am already planning out my next trip to the Caney, and hoping for a chance to connect with some of those larger browns I saw today.

Above is a sample video taken on the river. Nothing spectacular, just an idea of what the camcorder can do. This was taken in full auto, so it could be optimized if it had been taken in manual mode.

Until next time, tight lines and God bless.

One Year Birthday

This past week we celebrated Trey's one year birthday. Where has the time gone? It seems like only yesterday that I was rushing Amy to the hospital. What a wonderful year it has been, and my little buddy is getting so big. Unfortunately I had to travel for work this past week, but luckily I was able to come home on his birthday. Below are some pics from his birthday. I am one proud daddy, and I am at a loss of words to explain the emotions I have experienced the past year.

Enjoy.

Edisto Island Vacation

I just returned from my family vacation to Edisto Island, SC yesterday. It was my first trip to this island, and it was quite nice. I had a guide trip scheduled, however just before leaving the guide contacted me to tell me that he had to cancel due to engine trouble on his boat. So, I guess it was for the best since nobody wants to be stranded in some of those backwater areas at the mercy of the tides. It was a very enjoyable trip and we even did a little fishing. However, the best parts were watching Trey and his cousin Bryce play on the beach for the first time and seeing dad enjoy himself fishing each day..

Trey and Bryce Playing

My parents also went along as well as my long time friend Scott and his girlfriend. It was a very enjoyable experience and we even managed to catch some fish from the surf.

Dad with one of his whiting

Scott's catch of the week

Not only was the weather beautiful, upper 70's with zero rain all week, but the resort was very beautiful.

Lagoon Footbridge

Edisto Island Lagoon

Upon arrival back in Knoxville, I found out that there has been significant rainfall while I was away. So much water that many of the tailwaters are expected to be blown out for the next week or so. And it is right smack in the middle of the sulfur hatch on the Clinch River. Hopefully, all this water will not end any chance of a hatch before it begins. I plan on trying to hit the water as soon as I return from business trip to Missouri, and have a report on here for you. Until then I plan on tying up lots of BHPT and split case nymphs in preparation.

Until next time, tight lines and God Bless.

Trey is No Longer Stationary

Here is a video of Trey and his latest advancement. He is crawling all over the place. Enjoy the video.

Merry Christmas

With only 4 days to go until Christmas, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. This is a wonderful time of year, and it is even more so now that Trey is here. With this as my first Christmas being a dad, and my second as an uncle I am so excited. Trey is not old enough yet to understand, but my little nephew Bryce is. Amy and I are very excited to see the look on his face when he opens one particular present we got him. Trey's primary present from me this year is his lifetime sportsmans license. Not that he will know what it is, other than wanting to eat it, its benefit will be seen in future years. Right now Trey thinks everything is something that is to be eaten, even his feet. Our little guy just makes everyday that much more special, and I can't remember what life was like before him. I have attached a few Christmas pics I took this year, and you can see how much he has changed.

I also have added a poll just to see what my readers prefer to say during this time of year. Personally, I choose to say Merry Christmas, because Christ is the reason for the season and I don't want that to be left out. I know that there is some debate right now about which is politically correct, and honestly I could care less about political correctness. So please feel free to vote in the poll and leave a comment if you feel so inclined.

As far as fishing goes, I plan to get out a couple times during the week between Christmas and New Years. The long term forecast once again is for rain/snow during that week, but I have all intentions of going unless icy conditions prohibit. Stay in touch in the coming year for more fly patterns, book reviews, detailed trip reports, and conversation.

Trey and Cousin Bryce

Alisha, Jeremy, and Bryce

Family Portrait

Merry Christmas and God Bless

First Father's Day

As my first Father's Day wraps up, all I have to say is wow. I have had 11 days so far with my son, and it has been so much more than I could have ever imagined. Not only have I spent time with my son, but I have spent a lot of time with my dad this past week and on Saturday. He is an inspiration to me, and I hope to be as good of a father to Trey as my dad was to me.

Today was our first day taking Trey to church, and I was told "Happy Father's Day" more times today than I can remember. Everytime I turned around somebody was walking up to me and slapping me on the back congratulating me. After church we went to lunch with my father-in-law and then back to the house for a day of rest. My wife had to have her incision reopened on Thursday to drain, and I am responsible for changing her packing and bandages. On top of that, Trey has plugged tear ducts, so I have been constantly cleaning his face throughout the day.

Around 6:00, my wife seemed upset, so I asked her what was wrong. She said she was so sorry that my first Father's Day was a bust. I told her that I thought it was far from a bust. To me, Father's Day is about showing dads and husbands about how much they are loved and needed. If I have ever felt needed, I felt it today. Taking care of my wife and son is an amazing responsibility, and even though it can be tiring it is extremely rewarding.

So, my first Father's Day, even though it wasn't filled with outdoor activities, sports, movies, etc., couldn't have been better. I feel a sense of accomplishment taking care of both of them today, and I don't think I would have changed a thing.


God Bless

Baby Trey, Welcome to the World

Yesterday I was introduced to emotions never before imagined. A whole new box of thoughts and feelings was opened that I never knew existed in me. From the day we found out that we were expecting I have been excited. But seeing him emerge, and holding him for the first time, words cannot explain the rush of emotions I felt. I saw a completely innocent little person who I am entrusted to love and care for. A little person who will work my hardest to show love to and show love to his mother. I still think that the greatest gift a father can give to their children is to faithfully love their mother, and I am to fulfill that promise I made. I am up to this entirely new challenge and consider this my most amazing and favorite responsibility in life.

Trey was born at 5:41 pm after 14 hours of labor. My wife, Trey, and I were all exhausted after the long day, but we were so very excited to share this day with friends and family. We are so blessed to have both our families here in Knoxville with us to support us in this time of discovery and wonderful task. I am also blessed to have a job that allows me to have a week off work to assist my wife in her recovery from the C-section. I always have a positive outlook on life, and love to tell people about how good life is. I feel that I am a mile high right now, and don't see any way that things can get any better, and I know that God is due all the glory for this.

My fishing adventures will be on hold for most of the month of June, but I may be able to sneak in a few hours on the Clinch one day after work. In the meantime, I will be enjoying my son and dreaming of all the wonderful days to come.

By thw way, the lifetime sportsmans application is already in progress......

Annual Fairfield Glade Fishing Trip

For the past 5 years my cousin and I have gotten together for a weekend of fishing in Fairfield Glade. Originally, it was just the two of us, and it grew to include his wife, then my wife, and now his daughter. Typically, I am a catch and release fisherman, especially when trout fishing, but my wife loves to eat bass and bluegill. So I usually try to bring some home from this trip, and since we are fishing for food I will even use bait to keep her happy. On Friday, when we arrived the wind was howling and the conditions were not looking too good. Because of this, I chose to leave the fly rod in the car and break out the finesse worms. First cast, bam fish on. A 14" largemouth, that did a nice tail dance across the surface. It had been a while since I had used plastic worms, so I was quite surprised that I hooked up so quickly. Since there is a slot limit on the glade lakes, I had to release it. We continued to catch another dozen or so bass is the next couple of hours, all just inside the slot. We ended the day by getting some barbecue at Big Boys BBQ, which is always nice.

On Saturday we planned on targeting bluegill to fill the wife's request, and then we would have some fun with bass. Another day, and another bass on the first cast. A little different than I had planned, but still much welcome. I am looking into buying a 'toon, so my fishing buddy Scott let me borrow his to see what I thought. Since I was unfamiliar with it, I spent around 30 minutest putting it together, the finished product can be seen at right. The wind made controlling it a little difficult, but with an anchor it shouldn't be a problem. Also, it was nice being able to access water that is normally inaccessible to other. My primary use for a 'toon would be on some of the local tailwater, mostly the Clinch and Watauga. I had a few concerns/complaints about the casting deck/lean bar, but those should be remedied in the one I am looking at. North Fork Outdoors, Fish Cat, and Outcast make toons with sliding casting platforms and fold back lean bar. After taking it out and playing around in it for awhile, it was back to business.

We broke out the crickets and crawlers and continued to catch about a dozen slab sided bluegills before lunch. I am talking about rod bending, pan filling, hungry gills. At lunch we went back to the room to relax and replenish our bait supplies, and managed to snap this quick pick of a future fisherman.

We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening chasing bass, and catching up on one every so often. I think the approaching frontal system had put the lock jaw on the fish because previous patterns had became unproductive. We ended up calling it a day and spending the rest of the day hanging out just enjoying the evening. This time next year there will be two more added to the annual trip, my son and my cousin's baby. That should make for an interesting trip, but I am still looking forward to it. I am very thankful for the opportunity to take this trip every year, and I hope to keep this tradition alive for years to come.

Next up:

May 1st and 2nd camping trip to the South Holston. I have some private property access that allows us to camp, and the sulfurs are hatching. This will be my last camping trip for a few months, so I am going to make the most of it. Should be an exciting trip, and I hope to have lots of pics and stories to share.

God Bless and Tight Lines