Free Excerpt from "The Big Ones"

Found this online and enjoyed reading about the details of David Hayes famous catch on Dale Hollow. Thought I'd share it here:

[URL]http://www.freado.com/read/937/the-big-ones-the-world-record-smallmouth-bass-of-dale-hollow-lake[/URL]

After reading this, I suddenly realized that I caught my very first "Dale Smallie" very, very close to where Hayes pulled in that monster so long ago. I caught it on a fluke in the little cove just under the bluff where the lodge now sits, so according to what the book says, that would be just right around the corner from the bend where he was trolling that day. I had always heard he caught it in the mouth of Illwill creek, but in this book it appears it was in the bend near Trooper's Island, which is just down from Illwill. Wish mine had been half that size! LOL

I probably catch less fish at Dale than anywhere, but I don't think there's a place on earth I'd rather fish.

The Hayes Smallmouth

[QUOTE=timmbur22;499431]After reading this, I suddenly realized that I caught my very first "Dale Smallie" very, very close to where Hayes pulled in that monster so long ago. I caught it on a fluke in the little cove just under the bluff where the lodge now sits, so according to what the book says, that would be just right around the corner from the bend where he was trolling that day. I had always heard he caught it in the mouth of Illwill creek, but in this book it appears it was in the bend near Trooper's Island, which is just down from Illwill. Wish mine had been half that size! LOL

I probably catch less fish at Dale than anywhere, but I don't think there's a place on earth I'd rather fish.[/QUOTE]

I know what you mean Timmbur, I to love to fish Dale probably better then any lake I have fished. There is just something about it that separates it from other lakes. I also read the book that was posted and really enjoyed it and really thought it was base on a true story but after thinking about the temperature being 19 degrees and 4 inches of snow on the ground that morning I had second thoughts. But I still enjoyed reading it and I think of just knowing that the world record came from Dale Hollow Lake that is one reason that keeps me going back. Beautiful lake!

[QUOTE=timmbur22;499419]Found this online and enjoyed reading about the details of David Hayes famous catch on Dale Hollow. Thought I'd share it here:

[URL]http://www.freado.com/read/937/the-big-ones-the-world-record-smallmouth-bass-of-dale-hollow-lake[/URL][/QUOTE]

Two years ago, I contacted Mr Hayes and we arranged a time that my wife, son and I drove to meet him at his home. We met him and his wife Ruth, who recently passed away, and sat and talked for a couple of hours about fishing and life in general. One fine man and anyone that questions his integrity is crazy as a loon. He made the comment that there are many times he wishes he never caught the fish. The fish was caught just around the corner of Trooper Island while trolling a Bomber White Crankbait. I have a signed picture of him holdi g the fish on my wall plus many other photos. Great Man and outstanding fisherman as well. He had a Walleye mount in his garage. Hr did not just luck into catching that fish.

Thanks for the link. Enjoyable read.