After our previous unsuccessful attempts at catching Smallmouth, we thought that the best place to go would be Lake Dale Hollow in Tennessee where the current Smallmouth World record Bass was caught. To get to the lake took a 18 mile winding small road through forests which were magnificent. There was however a massive storm building and as we came to the campground the heavens opened up in a massive downpour. After an hour the weather had cleared and we started making camp. This is a pristine deepwater lake with clear water up to 10ft viz and nice ledges close to the bank. To confirm that there were Smallmouth present the kids got out the snorkelling gear and went to survey the waters. Michi and the others confirmed large sunfish and Bass. Soon Michi was into the first fish, but disappointment was big went it turned out to be a largemouth. Eventually that afternoon we scaled down our baits and walked the Bank and the ice was finally broken when I caught the first Smallie in my life ever. It was no monster,but who cares I finally achieved another milestone. Sven still caught a lot of Sunfish on the ever productive curly tail.
That evening Michi was still trying until late with only missed strikes on top-water, but Michelle saw a frog and then a snake. Upon further investigation I dangled the small craw in front of it and I was hooked into a snake, Needless to say Amelia and Michelle ran of and all fishing seized for the evening.
The following day we tried our luck again before heading back to Knoxville.
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