Dale Hollow Trip - Topped by 6.7 and 6.3 Double

[Slimy Deck]

No place that I've been can match the magic of Dale Hollow when the dogwoods are just opening, lime green to white, and the redbuds are in their full glory, no place.....

We board the boat well before the the first evidence of the new day, stars vivid between broken clouds and reflecting just a hint of north wind in ripples running down the main channel to our west. The motor catches and the 2 stroke exhaust mixes with the the steam from the fresh cup poured for the 5 minute cruise to the first spot.

We come off plane with the first hint of gray appearing on the horizon above Sewell Bend and we slip silently within casting range of the mixed rock/shale/mud stretch of shoreline where we know that an adult smallie should be prowling for breakfast, having pulled up with the impending dawn.

One with a jig to bounce down through the rocky structure, the other with a rigged shiner to parade parallel, our work begins. Somewhere along this 100 yard stretch out to the point we know that we'll get thumped and our senses are tuned. But, as we work the structure it becomes clear that the one we're seeking isn't home in this slack water but optimistic that she'll be up at the point where the north breeze is creating some amount of current that should position the fish.

At the point, at the time the offering encounters bottom in 15 feet, a solid thump, hook-set, and solid fish! With incredible speed the fish rockets toward the depths and the lair where she left a short while ago. Leaning into her, she starts toward the suface and clears the water in her first acrobatic leap. A good fish. Several powerful, lightning fast runs later I reach down, lip, and hoist the first of the day, a husky 5.7 lb fish that in the 51 degree water is several ounces short of where she'll be when the temp hits 58.

http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/q...eHollow5-7.jpg

To the east the clouds are breaking and before the sun squeezes above the horizon the Dale Hollow symphony commences, starting with the two male cardinals claiming possession of the respective points behind and ahead of us and boasting virility to all females who hear. Joining shortly is a male loon's mornful lament, then accompanied by an echoing who-who who whohoooo from the hill-top poplars of a great horned owl. In instant refrain from mixed hardwood/cedar groves answers 3 Tom turkeys. Now a pileated woodpecker hammers out the stacatto percussion on a hollow beach. And, with the first rays of sun the orchestra is in full chorus. Magnificent!

We work hard through the day, the wind laying with high sun, and we find 57 degree water in a favorite spawning cove. There should be some staging fish here and we need to make 'em bite. Long-casting 5" shad-imitating jerkbaits retreived fast and choppy on the 8 lb spinning tackle, we seek to make a fish slash in reaction. Within a few rips/cranks along the black shale bank my X-Rap is slammed and the line screams toward deep water to my right. Immediately my buddy launches a cast and begins ripping on the same plane and instantly hooks up. His fish runs straight at us, makes a hard left and straight under the boat and launches skyward opposite the side where the rod is thrust into the water to counter the run.

For the next several minutes we battle the fish, swapping ends of the boat in Chinese fire drill fashion, successfully clearing lines under the troller and big motor a few times, seeing and knowing that these are both fish-of-the-trip, battling the sting in their lip and the threat to their freedom.

My buddy leads his to hand first and hoists a ripe 22" 6.7 lb tremendous smallmouth, soon followed with my 22 3/4" 6.3 lb cohort. Wow, what fish, what a thrill, what a day!

http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/q...6-5and6-11.jpg

This is why I go to Dale for several days each spring, returning as I have now for 22 years and will continue until my ashes rest where each day starts with this most beautiful, magical arrangement of sights and sounds.

Best regards,
Slimy

[WacoWildcat]

Thanks for sharing your report and pics. Nice fish! A double with fish like those is something to remember.

[Bonefish]

Very nice report. Thanks for sharing.

[Chubminnow]

I enjoyed reading the report Slimy. All the talk of nature all around you and so on, I always feel like if the critters on the land are stirring about, active, making noise, etc, then the fish are underneath the surface of the water being active too...this is just my own goofy way of seeing things but it's what I feel. Great lookin' smallmouth, thanks for posting.

[gillman]

After reading this great report I'll forgot the bad day I had two weeks ago ,at Dale, and I'll ready to go back. Thanks for the report

[mhall]

Cool well thought out report and was enjoyable to read. Those are monster smallmouth and to get two of those in one outing is awesome, well done. Any smallmouth over five is a super solid fish after they get over six pound they become another animal all together. You have Elwood tore clean up about right now, lol.

[ryan_ekubass]

looks like its about time to schedule a trip to the ole hollow.... them are some nice fish and that was some good narration too.....

[JD7.62]

I oughta slap you for making me read such a wonderful report while Im sitting at my desk at work! I think the rest of my day is now ruined!

[Shimano4Life]

Great story.......and even better fish! Thank you for sharing!

[Slimy Deck]

Fellas,

Leading up to this adventure I used the reports, the insights, and the experiences that you and those over at Smalljaw.com provided as I dreamed of, prepared for, and traveled to these hallowed waters once again.

I've pursued big smallies in many different places for a lot of years but all pale in comparison to Dale Hollow in spring. Each season on Dale, for me, brings change to the experience: Hunting fish at night in the summer; the schooling and surface bite coupled with the brilliant colors in the fall; and the deep suspenders during the cold, gray days of winter.

I decided that this year, as experience met with inspiration, I would return to those of you who have so unselfishly given to me, a gift, by capturing as best I could a few of the many magical moments from this spring's trip and post the story for you.

To those who posted up the kind words, thank you! A special thanks to Elwood, whom I haven't met but feel I know, who gives me inspiration and causes me to be very greatful for the many blessings bestowed on me. I hope that each of you are able to take in all of Dale Hollow while you're there, and along the way catch, admire, and revere this most special fish and this most special place.

Best regards,
Slimy

[Bandit1]

This is making me want next wed. to get here faster. Myself, austin30900, fisheater & his Dad, & onemorecast56 & whomever he brings are heading down there for a 4 day extended weekend of smallies. I read this post & got more excited about this. This will be Austins first time down there & I pray that he catches one like one of the ones in these pictures.

Jason

[mhall]

This is making me want next wed. to get here faster. Myself, austin30900, fisheater & his Dad, & onemorecast56 & whomever he brings are heading down there for a 4 day extended weekend of smallies. I read this post & got more excited about this. This will be Austins first time down there & I pray that he catches one like one of the ones in these pictures.

Jason

Good luck Jason, I hope you and the boys light'em up. If you get a windy day and that shouldn't be to hard, get Austin throwing that Red Flame spinnerbait in that chop and tell him to hold on to that rod, I hope he gets a five plus.