Smoky Mountain Vacation

Today’s post is a continuation of an article I wrote called, “Techniques, Tips and Trout Fishing How To”, which can be found at Ezine articles.  In it, we were discussing the different aspects of trout fishing, and were looking at the different kinds of rods used in trout fishing.

So, to continue where we left off:

Those wanting to learn more about basic trout fishing how to, here’s your first bit of knowledge to get you started.  There are 3 main types of fly rods - Cane, Fiberglass, and Graphite, so let’s see what each one does differently from the rest.

Cane rods were very popular in the early years of this last century. People enjoyed the smooth natural feel of the wood, but after casting out into the water all day fishing they could get pretty weighty, which was a drawback.

Fiberglass is fairly popular among some people today. There are fishermen who won’t use anything else because they feel their fly fishing is greatly enhanced with the fiberglass rod.

But by far, the Graphite is the most popular because of their ease in use by being lighter, as well as outlasting the others. The size weight is measured from zero to sixteen, of course the 16 being the biggest. For your trout number, five is about perfect. Going up or down depending on fish size.

I recommend for the average, all around size, anywhere between a 5 to a 7. Also, rods come in a range from soft to fast action. In a strong wind your medium is about right. So, for the beginner, probably the medium fast will work best for you.

You’ll find the Reels in 3 popular sizes as well, going from small, mid, to large arbor. Your large arbor can crank in more line faster, but it can also build up to the side, messing you up unless you are an experienced fly fisher.  So, for the beginner again, the medium would work best for you.

One last note in this trout fishing how to information session, there is a rating for reel weight lines.  In other words, be sure your rod and reel match.  Don’t use components made from plastic if possible. A disc drag is much more desireable.  If you’re left handed be sure the reel is properly set so you can crank with your right hand.

I hope you have enjoyed the rest of the article, and if you have a genuine love for trout fishing, make sure you check out this great trout fishing guide that we recommend for anyone who wants to get an edge.

Share This

Tags: trout fishing guide, trout fishing how to

Just wanted to let you know that I’ve put a new page up called NC Trout Fishing.

Mountain trout streams provide exceptional fishing along with scenic views of the beautiful Smokies as you catch them.

The trout are abundant but smaller in size as are all streams where you’ll be fishing wild game fish. They give you a real challenge which makes fishing so much more fun and exciting.

Unlike most other states you don’t have a set time, you can fish all the four seasons throughout the year. This is a fishermen’s paradise that you’ll literally love.

Simply click here to read article

Share This

Clingmans Dome-  How would you like to see for 100 miles?

On days that are clear, you can see that far from here - but sometimes you’ll find it hard to see even 20 miles because of pollution in the air.  The clear days though, make up for the loss of distant seeing.
Only 23 miles from Gatlinburg, and from Cherokee, just 25 miles - making it less than 30 minutes to get there if you’re in a hurry.

Clingmans Dome being the highest, (6,643 feet), area point in Smoky Mountain National Park, and in Tennessee being the highest point, as well as being the third highest mountain east of Mississippi.
Only two others are higher - one being 6,684, (Mt. Mitchell), and the other being 6,647, which is Mt. Craig, the two being located in Mt. Mitchell State Park in Western North Carolina.

If you don’t mind climbing up the half mile walk to the top at the tower, there is a 360 degree view on the summit of Clingmans Dome on the observation tower.  You can’t imagine the thrill until you see for yourself the view!

There are pullouts with awesome scenery for 7 miles, stopping at a big parking area, and a .5 of a mile paved, steep trail to summit. There’s a trail, (Appalachian), crossing Clingmans Dome, which is the highest point along its journey out of Georgia to Maine.  (Read more about Smoky Mountains Hiking here…..)
Finally, Forney Ridge Trail, which leads toAndrew Bald - a grassy and high elevation bald.

One last note- Clingmans Dome is open all year, however the road that leads you to it is closed during bad road conditions, and always from December through March.

Share This

Tags: climgmans dome, smoky mountains, Smoky Mountains Attractions

Dollywood Tennessee consists of 118 acres of rides, music shows, mountain crafts, and country style foods that will delight the whole family.

Dollywood has been open since 1986 and is the namesake for Dolly Parton, renowned country music star and Sevier County’s most notable native.

Dolly is part owner of the fantastic amusement park and remains extremely active in the planning and continued development of the park. You will find lots of greenery, flowers in abundance and an overall rustic country ambience that takes you back to the real mountain way of doing things.

Dollywood was built around an existing park known as Silver Dollar City Theme Park which operated from the late 1970’s to the mid 1980’s when Dolly and company took over, and have turned the park into a 2 million visitor per year load of fun.

Dollywood Tennessee is open April through December. The theme park is open daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM in the summer and 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM in the spring and fall.

The Winter schedule generally runs Thursday through Sunday from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM with extended hours on the weekends. The park is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas day.

I recommend visiting the Dollywood Tennessee website for current pricing and show information.

Dollywoods address is 1020 Dollywood Lane in Pigeon Forge and can be reached at               (865) 428-9488        or               (800) 365-5996       .

To help stretch your hard earned money a little further while visiting Dollywood, here are some tips:

• A season pass costs less than 2 one-day tickets
• Arrive after 3:00 PM and get in the next day free
• Purchase a discounted ticket pass for both Dolly’s Splash Country and Dollywood cheaper than buying them separately.

You will need to bring plenty of money for food, parking, games, and shopping as the prices are inflated just as they are at any theme park around the country. (It costs $5.00 to park your vehicle and $8.00 for RV’s and oversized vehicles.)

Share This

Tags: Dollywood, smoky mountain dollywood