Beware: All S. Holston, Watauga fishermen...

[Loopdawg]

I read a small article in the latest American Angler magazine this week about an increase in car break-ins around the S. Holston, Watauga, and a few other main rivers in N.C. and Tennessee. Fishermen's vehicles were targeted in the parking areas of these streams. Police in the area have stepped up patrols, but they suggest leaving nothing of value in your vehicle and locking it up.

Loopdawg

[chuckwagon]

Thanks for the reminder Loop! It has been a real headache for the local fishermen up there. Its a real travesty to have such neanderthals in our society!

Trey
CW

[The Ole Man]

Yep---southeastflyfishingforum has an entire Forum just for theft info--titled "East Tennessee Theft Information".

[oscarflytyer]

I fished the area quite regularly from mid '93 to mid '95. There was always vehicle break-ins. And they would torch the occasional car as well.

I was working with the National Guard unit in the area and would fish after work.
I always had a car with US Govt plates, and I was always wearing BDUs after work. Wouldn't change, just pull off the shirt and wear my brown t-shirt.

Well, the locals warned me to start being careful going up around Laurel creek. Seems they had a penchant for burning cars w/ govt plates. Also seems the guys looknig for stills and marijuana in the hills also drove govt plated cars and wore BDUs. I started changing clothes after that!

Burning the govt car would have been one thing, but getting shot at an entirely different affair!

[dblhaul]

I lost a complete rod set-up on the SoHo. I was one of the fortunate, drift boats, thousands in gear and vehicles with one's entire travel contents have gone into the night. The crooks had it figured out. No cell service and target out of towners. Since my loss,the likes of Dan Genest, Bo Cash, myself and some TU officers got involved and started screaming in ears. First, that is TVA water. TVA has their own jurisdiction and police force.You get ripped-off, you call TVA, NOT Sullivan Co. sherriff.. TVA police are 24/7 since 9/11. You call, they'll come. Keep in mind also that you cannot possess a firearm on TVA property, no matter what permit you carry. The SoHo's popularity in the last 5 years has made it a hot spot for the travel ready angler. The local crooks have picked the bones of many a Range Rover driving, green rod carrying long-rodder. Again, talk to Eddie White at the Fly Shop of Eastern Tenn. he can set you up with a shuttle. Pack light keep your gear on you. The Watuga , just down the road is dealing the same cards, be careful.

[oscarflytyer]

Eddie White, or Eddie Wyatt???

If you are refering to Eddie Wyatt, pls let me know where he is these days. Last I knew, he was out of Mahoney's in Johnston City. He is an Umpqua tier, btw.

When I hung out up there in '93-'95, Eddie and George Grant were GREAT helps with the area. Again, last I knew they were both working out of Mahoney's in JC.

[dblhaul]

Sorry. i guess that is Eddie Wyatt-? ...If so, he's at the Fly Shop of East Tennessee. You have alot of good tiers and local ff'ers. Scott Lewis, Randy Ratliff, and Todd that designed Todd's wiggle minnow...I'll see if I can dig up the number for Eddie's shop.

[dblhaul]

1-423-928-2007..That's the number to Eddie's place....Ask him if anyone has came into the shop trying to unload a G Loomis GLX...hahaha..That was the rod that got fingered on the SoHo...Anyrate, great little shop, nice people, young guy working there had designed this awesome, homemade device for bimini twist and other leader knots.