Ok - the small mouth can't take it anymore... I have to give them a break. The big trout too! Had another fantastic day on the Holston river. Took a friend who said "I just can't believe you catch that many fish, time after time after time - you are full of crap". As they say where I'm from - I had to learn him . It was a bit chilly stepping into the waders and launching the drift boats Saturday morning as the sun rose. The thermometer at my house said 27F and it was even a little more brisk at the waters edge. However the water was indeed warmer than the air. But I promised my bud we would go and he had me over a barrel with all the great things I had said about the river and the fish. So off we went. Now I have to admit I was a little nervous after running my mouth so much about the great fishing. But after I landed a Rainbow that weighed a little over 3 lbs on my first cast, that all went away. I caught seven more really nice browns and rainbows over the next mile. My buddy hooked up with a few nice fish, but never got one all the way in. He was laughing and smiling the whole way so I guess that didn't matter. We crossed the dam and headed into small mouth heaven. We got to the first honey hole and the big bronze backs were chasing minnows all over the place. My buddy made one cast into the middle of them and WHAM - he had a nice one hooked up. He never got a chance to drop the anchor so we drifted past some good fishing trying to catch up with his fish. We finally did, and he landed it. A nice small mouth about 4 1/2 pounds. I got a few pictures but I promised not to torture Charger anymore . Over the next 3 miles or so we caught about 50 more bass, some large mouth some small. I managed one largemouth over 5lbs but did not stop to take a picture. We did see my buddy "george" the gold fish - well I think it's a Coy Fish someone let go - he looks like a 10- 15 lb gold fish. Always in the same little spot under a Sycamore tree. You can't miss him, he's bright orange and will come right up to the boat. We also saw, well mostly heard a pack of coyote's or wild dogs when a firetruck went by with his siren blaring. They went nuts howling. No deer sightings this time, but did see some raptors diving on fish in the river. Just another great day - and my buddy - well, he's a believer now. The main reason I told this entire tale is that it's probably one of the last float trips I make this year. And I hope it doesn't sound like bragging because that's not the intent. I'm glad to be here. To live in a place that has such outstanding fishing is truly a blessing. The invitation is still open to go - all ya' gotta do is show up. But let's wait until it warms up a little and it doesn't get dark at 5:00 PM. I was putting the boats on the trailer in the dark the last two times I went. So now I have to go crappie fishing - it's a must in life. I'm ready for a full on assault of Cherokee. Sinkum, Speck, Charger, Booger - how about Cherokee this weekend? Please advise.

Happy Veterans Day to all my fellow Vets - USAF '79 - '83. Take a moment and tell a young person why you did it and what it meant to you. It saddens me to see the decline in American pride and the lack of knowledge with regards to American history. I would have (still would) willingly given my life for this country - I'm not sure many of the young people today would understand or appreciate that. Hope that doesn't tick anybody off - just my two cents. And yes I'm working today - on a FEDERAL HOLIDAY - kind of hammers my point home. Many have just forgotten what it means and why we do it.

Best fishes',
Mark

Sent you a PM Mark.

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