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oyster
07-05-08, 12:05 PM
Finally! With a futile hope of beating the holiday crowds to the river, I loaded up last Thursday to head up to the river.
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s313/oystersb/DSCF2009.jpg



After shoving in from the furthest thing from a boat ramp I've ever seen, the boat gets wet for the very first time.
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s313/oystersb/DSCF2010.jpg



Rich (AKA "RichinGA") answers the call for a short notice, midweek float. He's soon rewarded for having his priorities in the right place, with the first dry fly rainbow of the day.
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s313/oystersb/DSCF2012.jpg



The water was clear and cold with an emerald tint that, combined with our high perch on the casting platforms, allowed us to see hundreds of fish during the course of our float.
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s313/oystersb/DSCF2015.jpg



In the "fishier" looking spots we dropped anchor and gave them a good working over on foot. The 2:1 anchor system with foot release was flawless throughout the day.
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s313/oystersb/DSCF2014.jpg



Around mid afternoon we made the tight squeeze through the railroad trussle. I was happy to clear this before the water came up since there's no room for oars and you have to bumper boat your way through a bit.
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s313/oystersb/DSCF2019.jpg



About this time I realized that I'd been spending all my camera time admiring the boat so figured I'd better throw in a fish shot as well. This is a typical 9-10" rainbow that was the norm for most of the day although we did get a few good ones up to around 17" or so. Maybe RichinGA will add some of the fish photos from his camera.
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s313/oystersb/DSCF2026.jpg



As we neared the takeout the water began to rise just in time to give us that final push. We nestled into an eddy and dropped anchor for the last time in preparation for the shuttle back to the dam.
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s313/oystersb/DSCF2027.jpg



All in all it was a wonderful day on the water. No luck beating the crowds since we watched at least a dozen fisherman put in to float directly in front of us. However, fish were caught, the weather was beautiful, the boat was perfect, and I couldn't have asked for a better maiden voyage. We even got to meet a fellow NGTO'r (Rickster) along the way who's currently living the dream at his home on the river. The memories and photos will have to hold me over until my next float... in a few days. Can't wait!:D

Bill O.


_______________
www.oysterbamboo.com
Troutseeker
07-05-08, 12:29 PM
Bill, that's a great looking raft. Are those pvc pipes for launching
your boat?
James Buice
07-05-08, 12:37 PM
Very cool Bill. How much did ya drag her ;-) When ya ready to head to the Hi in TN?


I'm heading up today for a little covert float. Hey, what kind of trailer is that?

J.
oyster
07-05-08, 01:01 PM
Troutseeker,

The pipes on top of the Jeep were used for launching, those on the boat are there to hold extra, rigged and ready rods.


James,

There was VERY little dragging that day. The flow was 153cfs, so with the shallow draft we were able to squeeze over or spin off most obstructions. However, I think if it was down around the usual 135 it might be time to bring out the old kayak or head further north.

I'm absolutely up for a trip to the HI. Just say the word.

The trailer is made by T&W who build several a week for the guys up on the Watauga and SoHo. It is SOLID and at $850 fully rigged (15" wheels, triple rollers, submersible lights, jack stand, winch, loading guides, etc. etc.) out the door, totally worth the eight hour round trip drive.

Bill O.


_______________
www.oysterbamboo.com
oyster
07-07-08, 10:26 AM
OK, here's one of the better fish of the day. Richard was kind enough to allow me to hold his fish for the photo. I'll call it "success by association."
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s313/oystersb/troutpic.jpg

Bill O.


_______________
www.oysterbamboo.com
TOP TURRET GUNNE
07-07-08, 11:32 AM
Mr. Oyster--was your take out place Public or private and how long was the float?? Have never floated the river yet but want to --

Gunne
oyster
07-07-08, 06:37 PM
Gunne,

We put in at the dam and floated to a private takeout. We floated for about six hours (stopping to wade occasionally) before the water came up and rushed us to our take-out point. However, when the water comes up in the afternoon it will quickly take you wherever you need to be. Most folks float from the dam or Tammen Park down to Curtis Switch which is a LONG, all day, float. However, if you get a boost from the water release you will get there in a hurry, no problem. Now that I've got the boat up and running, you're welcome to join me sometime for a float and check out the river in person.

Bill O.


_______________
www.oysterbamboo.com
leadoverdistance
07-07-08, 10:09 PM
Lovely float, good fish, good people.

The Hi is going to blow your mind!


Great vehicle too!

http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/9389/2531565740103275390S600x600Q85.jpg

Since then it has a winch bumper, fogs, and other nik naks.

:cheers:

Paul
Richinga
07-07-08, 10:24 PM
Great day on the river Bill! Thanks for twisting my arm. Everything worked out according to plan....Nice new boat, great weather, a long float, and good fishing.

I also really appreciate you holding my nice sized Bow while I take your picture! (That was a nice fish).
GonetoSeed
07-08-08, 09:19 AM
It's great to see a plan come together. Enjoyed the report & pics.
Troutseeker
07-08-08, 11:13 AM
Gunne,

We put in at the dam and floated to a private takeout. We floated for about six hours (stopping to wade occasionally) before the water came up and rushed us to our take-out point. However, when the water comes up in the afternoon it will quickly take you wherever you need to be. Most folks float from the dam or Tammen Park down to Curtis Switch which is a LONG, all day, float. However, if you get a boost from the water release you will get there in a hurry, no problem. Now that I've got the boat up and running, you're welcome to join me sometime for a float and check out the river in person.

Bill O.


_______________
www.oysterbamboo.com



Bill, about this private takeout....hmmmm:)
TOP TURRET GUNNE
07-08-08, 12:02 PM
Hello Bill O---I really appreciate the offer to join you on a float--Gone Fishing has also offered to take me with him---Me and my S-I-Law--put my toon in at the D** took turns floating to the Park just to get the feel of it---works fine for me--Love it--- Bad Hip no problem----
I have permission to be on --"C*Fly's property so I will use that as a take out point---
I met you at his place that day of the fishing cookout when the BAD WIND & RAIN STORM came through--

Gunne :cheers:-
oyster
07-08-08, 01:02 PM
Gunne,

How could I forget that day, what with the howling wind, hail, and ceiling fans!:eek:

You could also float from there to Curtis Switch which would be a bit shorter. Let us know how it goes.

Bill O.


_______________
www.oysterbamboo.com
justin30513
07-08-08, 02:27 PM
Very, very nice rig! Looks perfect for the Toccoa's waters.

If you ever see a yellow Ranger, holler at me!

How stable was it going though that deep, still area below where Hothouse comes in?

Place gives me the creeps!
oyster
07-08-08, 04:12 PM
Will do Justin! This boat is a super stable casting platform, even with two guys standing to cast. Come and join me for a ride sometime.:cheers:


Bill O.


_______________
www.oysterbamboo.com
justin30513
07-08-08, 04:18 PM
Will do Justin! This boat is a super stable casting platform, even with two guys standing to cast. Come and join me for a ride sometime.:cheers:


Bill O.


_______________
www.oysterbamboo.com
Man I would love too!

Those pontoons (or even you) may not be to found of my treble hooks. You would let me still fish "my crazy way"? Heck, maybe you'd let me try out one of your nice rods? Huh? Maybe?

LOL!

You do some amazing work.
oyster
07-08-08, 04:24 PM
As long as you keep your hooks in the water or in a fish, I'm OK. I have the feeling there's a lot we fly-fishers could learn from a fisherman such as yourself. Although by the end of the float we just might having you fishing dry flies and wearing tweed!:D

Bill O.


_______________
www.oysterbamboo.com
rickster
07-08-08, 04:32 PM
Bill,

It was a pleasure talking with you as you floated by. Saw you guys hook up and get some aerial action just below us.

I thought I was set on getting a Clacka, but now I'm not as sure.

Can't wait to come see you.

rickster
zacmac2112
07-26-08, 01:11 AM
Bill, you will be ready for this in no time. the raft looks good man!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSXSxC8xjx4
oyster
07-26-08, 10:11 AM
:yikes:
I don't know how you'd even begin to get a good drift through that hole!

Bill O.


_______________
www.oysterbamboo.com