Thanks LRO & Rock Hopper

[thebig21]

I moved to Maryville from Brandon, MS about 3 months ago. My main goal was to catch a trout with my fly rod in the mountains. I have been fly fishing for about 10 years for bass, bream redfish or anything that would hit. Needless to say, a smoky mountain trout it by far the most elusive fish I have ever tried to catch.

I have to thank the staff at LRO for putting up with me through 2 1/2 months of asking questions and getting tips on what I was doing wrong. They ALL were very courteous and patient with my questions...day after day.

This past Wednesday I finally caught my first trout (about 4" long) and I probably scared the fisherman up the stream pretty good with my scream but I couldn't help it. 2 1/2 months of nothing and then bamm, 4" of the most beautiful fish of my life.

Yesterday I was fishing in the Metcalf Bottoms area and ran up on Rock Hopper, he took me under his wing and showed me something that I have yet to see...somebody else fishing with me and showing me what water looks best, how to mend my line, etc. Tips on the water are very, very helpful needless to say. After he left, I hooked and landed 2 small Brook trout and my first young Rainbow. 3 in one day was a thrill.

Anyway, thanks again to the nice folks at LRO and to Rockhopper. I love this place and can't wait to get back on the water.

[Paula Begley]

thebig21

You know we all share your joy! We really are thrilled for you .....seeing your smile as you talked about that fish made our day!!!!

Welcome to the area and welcome to smoky mountains fly fishing!

And, thanks for your great comments!

Paula

[Tsani]

The big 21, are you working at Denso? :) My son was working there the spring and summer of 2004 and 2005. We spent a lot of time together on the Hiwassee and a few streams in the Smokies.

[Byron Begley]

Big21, I was almost as happy as you when you told me in the store the other day about your first trout on a fly. That is a big thing in life. I wish I could have been there. And don't worry about all the questions and time spent with us. That's the fun part of our jobs here. We love it.

Byron

[Sage]

Big 21,

It was good for me to see someone who respects and appreciates both the mountains and the fish. *Your casting was really good, I could tell you had done a fair amount of fly fishing.

Congrats on the fish you caught Friday. *Hope to run across you up there in the future.


Rock Hopper