So what was going on? We had already floated the river in the early morning and we just went back to the pool to kill some time and laugh at the recreational folks who were tying up the ramp. Frankly, it was exciting backing the trailer down the ramp, while two trucks took up the launching end. But, finally after politely asking someone to move their truck, we dumped the drifter and got down to business.
There was minimal movement in the water and we were done for the day so we just picked up the slightest flow and dropped some nymphs in to see what happened. The action was slow and the sun was hot. But, the conversation was good and we were keeping ourselves entertained by watching the ramp, which was nothing short of the zoo. We were bobbing around and had the best vantage point for viewing the carnage that is a public boat ramp now days..
The nymphs were producing fish here and there as people and watercraft came and then went. The sun was almost unbearable...almost.
Slow moving nymphs with perfect dead-drifts were all that was working. While other boats were chucking big streamers with no action, we at least were keeping ourselves somewhat busy with a fish here and there. Besides, we had already done our float, this extra time on the water was a bonus and we had nothing but fun in mind. Chucking big streamers is macho and all (you've heard how some folks are- "yeah dude we are throwing streamers and only going for trophies...blah, blah, blah") but heck we aren't afraid to float nymphs anywhere and occasionally catch a nice fish or two.
There we were bobbing around in the pool and bringing some fish to the net and fending off the occasional boat that wanted to fish our water. And that's when our somewhat peaceful float was interrupted by...Josh setting the hook.
The fight was on right away as Josh began a tug of war with something that had the ability to pull hard enough to stay deep for an extremely long period of time. The fish pulled the drifter around for a while as Josh struggled to gain control. Josh is no stranger to catching big fish, but this one was different and it was perfectly content with staying on the bottom... thank you very much.
Eventually with some coaxing the fish came off the bottom and Josh began to gain some line and control. It was a fight worth watching as the fish slowly pulled like a train leaving the station. Brent and I were watching and giving orders from time to time just to see if Josh might have the ability to take our heckling and still gain line. Josh did well with both tasks.
The fight probably didn't last as long as it felt and eventually Josh tricked the fish into the net. It was nothing short of a good time and always made better when other people are watching. The fish was a nice one, well above the 20" mark. Josh was happy and this fish apparently made it worth his drive from Mississippi. It was a nice catch for the F/V Southeastern Fly taken from the super-secret fishing hole.
If you are a seasoned angler or have never picked up a fly rod and want to set up a day on the river e-mail or call/text 615-796-5143 to book a day on the water. For additional booking information see our Homepage and to see the latest fishing report click here.
