Sometimes when you have had enough or you are bored and need to relax, get in the drift boat and float down the river.  Not only will it put your mind at ease, you may end up catching a nice brown trout while your there.   Well, that was the case this past Sunday while Matt, Eli, and I (Monica) took a “prime time” float simply to get out of the house. 

            We put in on the Holston below the Weaver Pike Bridge.  Of coarse Matt (who is a fly fishing guide) rigs our rods up, and we were ready to set stream.  I made a few cast on a spinning reel, to get me warmed up.  Matt suggested I take control of the fly rod and see what I think about fly fishing.  It was my second time fishing with a fly rod so he had some coaching to do.  I am experienced enough to know you set the hook when the indicator is under though. So on my third or fourth cast my indicator went under, I set the hook and low and behold I had something strong on the other end of my fly rod.  I had no idea how to reel in a fish on a fly rod.

            Matt dropped the anchor and he stood right with me while I landed that fish.  He told me to keep the fly line tight, when it started fighting  give him some line.  So I would keep it tight, he would fight.  I would give him line and then I would have to fight him back in.  This went one for about six or seven minutes and I finally wore him out enough to get him over to the boat.  Right before me was a nice twenty-two inch brown trout.  I have always asked Matt “when am I going to catch a big fish?” and finally I got what I have been looking for.  We took a couple pictures, let my son hold him and released him back to the water. He was pretty too. 

            It wasn’t until the next day I realized that I had actually caught a nice trout.  Matt was thrilled.  He coached me through the entire trip and it also let him know is expertise is still right on queue.  Those two hours will be my worthiest until our next float.  Hopefully we will have the chance to float again this Sunday.  I am ready.  If you ever want a guide trip down the South Holston or Watauga River’s call Matt Champion at the South Holston River Fly Shop in Bristol, Tennessee.  423-878-2822.

                                                 Good Luck,

                                                            Monica Eller