Dale Hollow Guide

[hogdaddy]

Can anyone tell me who would be the best guide on Dale for Float n' Fly? I know that it's not time yet, but i was just going to reserve a spot in December.THANKS

[RC5]

I've heard a lot of good things from Jim Duckworth. He designed a Float and Fly rod and markets it I think through B and M I have one and intend to buy a couple more. I've emailed him before and he has always been helpful. His site is http://www.fishingtennessee.com/Ducktrail/default.htm

[bearbass]

I was a Bass guide for 19 years so I feel confident in saying I know what it takes as far as knowledge, personality, determination,etc. I have personally met with talked at length with many times and fished with, and I can truly say Andrew Robertson is without a doubt first class in all of these categories. Andrew truly wants you to understand how and where to catch these fish!, he can be reached at arsmallie.com or-1-615-207-3968. BEAR

[elnutsmalljaws]

John Davis is a class act. No need to bring your watch for all of his trips are Daylight to Dark. Known him for a couple of years now and he does an excellent job. He flat out knows how to FNF plus is Excellent with the Silver Buddy. Headrick, Coan and Sandfer are more well known but I would put John right up there with them all. Johns house and cabin that he owns at Dale are right in between Sandfer and Coan an the same road. John only guides Wintertime and focuses on that season period versus the others guide all year round. Smallmouthspecialty.com is his website.

Tight Lines

[skeeter11008]

Steve Hedrick is a fisrt class guy. He was featured in Bassmaster magazine on the float-n-fly. In person he is very likeable and took the time to show my 12 y.o son the ins and outs of the fnf, Punisher spinnerbait, and jig. He did this on his own time so you can imagine the detail you get on a paid trip. Plus the guy is a student of Billy Westmoreland. 'Nuff said.

[BassBest]

Maybe I am mistaken but I do remember "redneckshadrap", or "Mhall" talking about wearing them out on the fnf last year, not sure which one, but one of them loves the fnf, and has reported manymanymany big catches on this site, they are not a guide service to my knowledge but they are probably better than that. Hopefully they will chime in to tell. I know that one of them posted they were going to try the fnf on Ky Lake in a tourney and was wondering how they did, maybe I missed their post. Maybe you could discuss this with them.

Elijah Orr
Kentucky Lake Bass Club
Asst. TD
270-354-5285
[email protected]

[hogdaddy]

Thanks for all the replies! I've always just fished minners at Dale and for the last couple of years hadn't caught very much at all.I love to fish at Dale but can't get excited when you go a day or two without a bite.I've seen all of the guides on the computer and proably will go with one of them , just looking for some personal opinons and experinces(which there was plenty of replies, thanks).As for going with someone else, that would be great, just don't want to be a bum.

[JimDicken]

The absolute best guide to teach the Float and Fly is Bob Coan. Bob invented Bob's Bobber, and several of the innovations that are used in the technique. Not that the others are not good, but most of them incorporate methods Bob developed.. Not only that but In Fisherman also goes to Bob as well as Steven Headrick who makes the Float and Fly that most folks use... the Duck Feather. Bob got the duck feather from a friend who then gave the idea so Steven.. so Bob is responsible for much of the technology that is used today including the 3 way swivel.
http://www.bobcoanfishingguide.com
PLUS Bob turned me on to the Float and Fly for monster Redear.. see his site for 2 / 12 inchers he caught this week.
Jim

[TheJuice]

I've never posted here but I had to when I saw the topic.

As others have mentioned, John Davis is a great guide and person. I have been on the water with him 3 times now and he is a class act, very good fisherman, and a fun person to be around. I've also stayed at his new cabin he rents. I am already looking forward to my 4th trip with him.

[mhall]

>Maybe I am mistaken but I
>do remember "redneckshadrap", or "Mhall"
>talking about wearing them out
>on the fnf last year,
>not sure which one, but
>one of them loves the
>fnf, and has reported manymanymany
>big catches on this site,
>they are not a guide
>service to my knowledge but
>they are probably better than
>that. Hopefully they will
>chime in to tell.
>I know that one of
>them posted they were going
>to try the fnf on
>Ky Lake in a tourney
>and was wondering how they
>did, maybe I missed their
>post. Maybe you could
>discuss this with them.
>
>Elijah Orr
>Kentucky Lake Bass Club
>Asst. TD
>270-354-5285
>[email protected]

Mr. Shadrap is quite good with the fnf, and he just may go with you and give a good how to if asked. Guides are all over for the fnf technique. Most are very good such as the one ployboy suggested. Also Bob Coan, John Davis, and so on. A little computer research will turn up several for you to pick from. I'm still in the learning stages myself on the ole fnf, but I'm getting there.

[redneckshadrap]

I'm still a student on the F-n-F at Dale. Phillip Haley and John Davis have been my mentors. Phillips out of Glasgow and guides part time in his off tourney season. John Davis goes at it full time...www.smallmouthspecialty.com
I have no personal experience on the water with Stephen Headrick, but he also guides on Dale. I have talked to him several times on my trips there....

This year I'll be spending more time on Cland and Laurel throwing the fly.

I'm sure Elnut and Mark will chime in on this one.

Redneckshadrap
www.thecreekbank.com
[email protected]

[Bassky]

What length, power and taper do you suggest for FnF rod for smallies on Dale or Cumberland.. Never tried it, and I want to learn. I build my own rods and need some suggestions. Line weights too? Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Bassky