I remember going fly fishing with my dad when I was a kid, they are some of my favorite memories. I wanted my son to have the opportunity to experience fly fishing and build memories that I hope he too treasures for life. The only problem was that it had been 20 years since I had been fishing - you know the same old problem, you get busy in life, working, raising a family, etc. Besides, where do you go that you get to be in the mountains and go after native trout? So, after doing some research I came across Smokey Mountain Guides (SMG). I reached out and Wesley contacted me within a day or so and we made plans for a half day trip before the bigger, more emerged trip into the back country. The purpose of the half day trip was to let my son have the chance to get a rod in his hands and learn how to cast and provide a little refresher for dad. This proved to be very valuable, not only did my son learn how to cast, he hooked into and landed several brook trout on this trip! He also formed an immediate bond with our guide Wes.
Three weeks later we returned for our main event of the summer. We met Wes and Clayton and drove into the Smokies laying eyes on some of the most beautiful seenery while talking fishing shop and sipping on coffee and breakfast provided by our guides on the drive to the trailhead. Once at the trailhead we packed up our backpacks and began our hike in about 4 miles to our campsite. When we got to camp Clayton said you guys don’t need to worry about setting up your tents, just get your gear on for fishing, I’ll take care of setting up camp. Well apparently Wes knew this drill already and was two steps ahead of us all. I’m not sure who was more excited to fish, Wes our us!
We fished all day and immediately started getting some great fishing action. We were even fortunate enough to catch some added delicious trout to the menu for dinner that night, which chef Clayton pan fried for us over the fire! That night after dinner we all set around the fire sharing stories and great company. It just felt so natural and comfortable to be there with Wes and Clayton even though we had only known them for a couple of hours.
Well daylight comes early in the great outdoors and no-one was more excited than my son to get back on the river and get back after the big one that broke off on him the night before. He was determined to catch that fish - and so was Wes. Well, it didn’t take long as my son landed a beautiful 10” rainbow and shortly after that he landed a 10” brown whose colors were so vibrant. He turned out to be my son’s favorite fish. This was absolutely special to me to see as I was sitting back on the bank just watching my son and Wes, side-by-side, teacher and student laugh, focus, high five and cheer as they hooked these fish. So Wes informed us that my son now has no choice but to now pursue the third trout species that day and go for the coveted Smokey Slam!! Wes was determined to make this happen. As we drive back from our backcountry trip Wes had Clayton pull the van over. He asked my son, are you ready to complete that Smokey Slam? Within three cast my son landed a nice little 6” Brooke trout which we snapped a photo for proof and let the little guy back into the stream.
Our trip with SMG ended, but our fishing did not. My son and I took our new knowledge and skills and pursued fishing for several more days on our own in the Smokies. To say my son is “hooked” on fishing for life is an understatement. After our trip with SMG he bought the same fly rod we used on the trip.
The whole trip was everything I hoped it would be and more. This would not have been possible if it was not for the patience and knowledgeable of Wes. I witnessed my son get snag after snag, tangle up the line on the pole, hook a branch, but Wes never once got upset or even appeared frustrated. He always had a smile on his face and was full of jokes. This eased my mind as I knew he was in good hands and it let me just enjoy being back out there connecting with the outdoors, my son and build more life long treasured memories.
Until next time Smokies…we’ll see you soon!