Dale Hollow 2/9-10/2012

They say to have success at Dale Hollow one must pay their dues. In other words, you have be skunked a few times. I am still paying dues. My fishing friend from Memphis, Doyal, arrived Wednesday afternoon. We enjoyed a catfish dinner at Uncle Bud's Wednesday night and hit the sack early. Headed out to Dale around 6:00 am Thursday. Got to Celina in less than 2.5 hours, stopped at Fisherman's One Stop, home of Punisher Lures, to pick up a few items and fill our thermos with coffee and headed for Horse Creek. Checked in with Thomas, got the latest reports and headed for the ramp. We fished a long point near the dam in 20-30 feet of water. Doyal picked up a beautiful rainbow trout on a crank bait. The trout was 17" long with incredible color. Unfortunately our picture did not come out. (It is not true that since he didn't have a trout stamp that we erased the evidence). I zeroed for the day. Dues you know. Pulled out about 4:30 pm, checked into our room and headed for Celina at Doris' Cafe for dinner. The motel has a common area and kitchen. We met a guy from Cincinnati who fishes Dale often in the winter. His nickname is Noodle? He had caught 8 smallies that day on a Bug Head and Biffle Bug. Gave us some advice for Friday. Also promised to put some Bug Heads and Biffle Bugs in our boat the next morning. And he did.  Back to the room and introduced Doyal to the Swamp People on TV watching Troy catch alligators.

Up at 6:00 am and back to Doris' Cafe for a great breakfast. Started out fishing points in Indian Creek with the Bug. No hits. Did I mention that it was 27 degrees Friday morning. It didn't get much warmer during the day. We both fished the Bug hard but no success. I switched to the Big Hammer swim bait on a 5/8 oz jig head. Finally caught my first Dale Hollow smallie, a near 17", 2.5 pounds. A bit later I caught a 3.75 lb largemouth on the Hammer. Things looking up. I then hooked the best smallmouth that I have ever had on. It was at least a 5 lber. Jumped 3 times and made some strong runs and then sent the Hammer back to me. Great disappointment but a payment on my dues. We continued to fish the points and cuts in this creek but no more fish. Doyal had tough day but I was elated to at least catch a smallie. We began to see some spitting sleet and a few flakes of snow. Decided it was time to put it on the trailer and head back to Franklin. Snowed on us all the way.

We really had a good time and love the lake. We just need some more experience on this smallmouth mecca.

Saturday morning went to the Boating and fishing Expo at the Nashville Fairgrounds. Best show I have been to in years. Many, many vendors of fishing equipment. Almost every booth had Alabama (or Tennessee) rigs priced from $24 to $10. We picked up a few odd and ends. Had a great lunch at the Cajun Steamer in Franklin and then loaded up Doyal's truck for his trip back to Memphis.