Volzfan59

I have moved to Arkansas! I live in southern AR now. I hope to still get up to the Ozarks to catch some smallmouth. From what I gather, there's not a of smallmouth fishing down this way.

I had a 2001 19' ChampioN with 200 Mercury. Best boat ever! Lord, it rode like a dream and handled rough water better than any boat I owned. 2001 is the last year that ChampioN's were built in Arkansas. Wish I had never sold it. I would highly recommend a used ChampioN, assuming that everything checks out.

I live in East Knox County, about 9 miles from Neyland Stadium. It's still great and I think Pruitt will get us back, as long as the fans give him time.

I wish that I had some good Dale Hollow stories! I've fished there three times back in the early 90's I think? Pretty much stunk up the place, although it's a great fishery. I enjoy Center Hill, Norris and Cherokee for lake smallmouth fishing. For me, I'd rather hit the Holston, French Broad or the Upper Clinch for river smallie fishing. I love river fishing! As far as high mountain trout fishing, I've been up there a couple of times. One of my close friends is a fly fishing trout guide up there. We caught quite a few, but I'm not really a fly expert. Pretty much did what I was told! For trout, I usually hit the lower Clinch, Caney Fork rivers and a few creeks. Much more of a U/L spinning rod, 2 lb test and rooster tails kind of guy

I'm a huge University of Tennessee Volunteers fan, although we pretty much suck at football right now! I was born in 1959, therefore Volzfan59.

I guess it's strange to have a guy from east TN joining a Ozarks fishing forum. I love smallmouth bass fishing! I love river and creek fishing, also kayak and canoe fishing. I own a book about the good old days of Ozark fishing, entitled "Rivers to Run" by Larry Dablemont. I've read it so many times the cover's worn off. Between all of that, I stumbled across this forum. I hope to learn more and participate. Coming over that way to fish is on my bucket list. About me, I'm a Army veteran. I retired in 2013 from a 35 year Law Enforcement career. Worked at Bass Pro Shop for four years after retirement. I got tried of the corporate b/s after the Cabela's buyout and left. I now work three days a week delivering auto parts for a family owned shop. Fishing has always been my safe place, my solace if you will. Now it's pretty much my passion. My wife has also retired from a 30 year Law Enforcement career. Two son's, one is in the medical field, the other is making a career in the United States Coast Guard. Two grand kids that are the light of my life.