[Tanyard Creek Carpin' Update!]

Tanyard Creek Carpin Update

We have been fishing the old beach area along Tanyard Creek Road for several years now with some great results! The area is practically dry in the winter but when they raise Lake Allatoona to full pool in the Springtime the water fills Tanyard Creek then floods over onto the old beach area that you see marked off by the posts in the right of the photos.

Once the area fills, the Carp leave the main lake, come under Tanyard Creek Road and eventually start searching and singing........

"Some enchanted evening

You may see a stranger,

you may see a stranger

Across a crowded room

And somehow you know,

You know even then

That somewhere you'll see her

Again and again."

Now folks, it's not exactly the South Pacific but it is surely a great place to meet and have a great time on the bank! It is also a great area to introduce others to the fine art of Carp Angling! In fact, my favorite memory from this venue occurred just last year when "Uncle Joe" encountered a beautiful 18 plus pound chunk of Gold!

http://forum.gon.com/showthread.php?t=802038&highlight=

Another unique thing about this area is the "Allatoona Weirdos" that are caught there. It seems that somewhere along the line Goldfish have found their way into the lake and occasionally they cross pollinate with the Common Carp! This produces a Hybrid Carp that we affectionately called Weirdos! FYI, Common Carp have two sets of barbels or whiskers. Note the barbels on this Common Carp caught at Tanyard last year by Tim "Cool Dad" Gill:

Goldfish have no barbels at all. Therefore these "Hybrid Carp" either have no barbels or very tiny ones. Here is an example of the one of the "Weirdos" that was caught at Tanyard by Jim "Hatman" Hatter. Along with the lack of barbels you will also note a more stocky body style as well:

In just a few more weeks the lake will fill and the Proper Pull Downs at Tanyard Creek will begin! You can monitor the water level at Allatoona by clicking this link:

http://allatoona.uslakes.info/Level.asp

Once it gets to full pool it will be time for you to come see us at Tanyard!!

[We only caught three]

We only caught three

A wise coach once said It is no disgrace to be defeated but it is a disgrace to stay defeated." Yesterday was not a very productive day Carp wise so rather than stay defeated Cool Dad, the Ol Captain and the Ultimate Carp Hound (Maximus Relaximus) picked up Jim Hatman Hatter before daylight this morning and headed west.

Our goal today was to bring a Grass Carp (White Amur) to the landing mat. Our dream was for each of us to catch one apiece. That is very difficult in that after fishing this venue for several years it is almost certain that at least one Crew member will blank on any given day. However, if you do catch one, it is usually a big one! It would take something just short of a miracle for all of us to land one but that was our charge and soon we were in hot pursuit.

We gain an hour heading west so shortly after the first light of day we had things set up and we were soon ready to get down to the waiting game.

As we waited we knew the cream would soon rise to the top. Jim Hatter has caught so many Grassers from this lake it is often referred to as Hatters Honey Hole! But even before his expected Pull Down the Hatman was already screaming Fish on!!!

Soon the Hatman had managed to place part one of three in the record book.

One fish down and two to go. Now folks, this lake traditionally hasnt been kind to Tim Cool Dad Gill. But today things were different! Today for some reason Tim decided to put his Big Boy pants on and be determined to bring one of these bad boys to hand!! Not long after lightning struck Jims pole the Father of Cool has a long distance call on the line!!!!!!! Within just a short time phase two of our mission was completed!

And then things came to a screeching halt. We waited. We had lunch. We waited. We talked it over. We waited. Nothing for hours not even a pre bump twitch!

Now folks, Ive shared that there were three fish caught but who caught the last one? I would expect it to be Jim. I would have been shocked and humiliated had it been Cool Dad. So many things went through my mind as we waited all the more. I asked myselfWould this be my memory of the unhooking mat today?

Would the Ol Captain have to go home empty handed today?

It seemed like hours but we waited some more. After a while I didnt know what would come first. Would I get a run or would the duck eggs that Id seen this morning beneath the Oak tree hatch?

Well finally and much like Cool Dad I got my heart right. I reared back and chunked my strawberry grits and Puff to dead center field and finally after waiting all day I too, finally had a fish on!!! After a few runs I finally rassled that thing to the mat, carefully unhooked it and soon had my picture made like a big boy!!!

Three fish, three anglers and every child a winner!! What a great day! By the WEIGH folks, we only had three fish but (change of direction) the three fish totaled just a tad over 85 pounds!!!!

Today was a Humdinger for sure but days like this happen on occasion. You want to try this on for size? Then come see us!

[Live from the Sycamores! (video)]

Live from the Sycamores! (video)

The Ol Captain and Maximus Relaximus took time to do a little video yesterday afternoon at the Hooch. We are heading back this morning in hopes of a Proper Pull Down. Stay tuned!!

https://youtu.be/B_rfO3QDkfo?list=UUfp4_BJ9DIyf2oy52EmqI_A

[We have a Sycamore Standard!]

Thanks Guys. Come see us!

[Once Upon a Time on March 12]

I want to catch one of those.

Brian: If you can get to the Atlanta Airport the rest will be on the house! (and I'm the house)

[Once Upon a Time on March 12]

Once Upon a Time on March 12, 2015

Once upon a time there were four pseudo prominent geriatric gentlemen and a middle aged dog. They were from L-R: Jim “Hatman” Hatter (with the Hound), Tim “Cool Dad” Gill, the Ol Captain himself and Bobby “Carp Chaser” Cochran.

This so called “Crew” gathered this morning in Douglasville, Georgia with plans set to head west in hot pursuit of some finicky and fickle giant sized Grass Carp (White Amur).

After setting up some random photos were taken and shortly afterwards the friendly banter and bank talk (along with the usual waiting game) began.

Topics of discussion today varied from preferred baits and strategies to who would be anglers today and who would be net boys. Lots of speculation was shared about the difference between a true “talker” and a “doer.” After such discussion lunches were eaten and this wise old bunch dozed, bragged and waited some more.

Without going into all the gory details I am simply going to report the facts. Fact #1 is that there were four “anglers” today and only two caught fish while two did not. Fact #2 is that the two fished combined for a total of 58 pounds!

Fact #3 is that Ol Dizzy Dean was right once again when he said “If you can do it, it ain’t braggin’!” Folks, sometimes you just have to print the facts, posts the pictures, and let the Puffs and Strawberry Grits fall where they may. Who caught fish today? I thought you’d never ask…….

Come see us for yourself folks. You will find out quickly while others may put their thumbs on the scales we only release the facts!

[We have a Sycamore Standard!]

We have done everything humanly possible to revive our home court on the Hooch. In late January we had a workday in hopes of changing a mudslide into something safer and with a bit more curb appeal.

We raked. We planted 50 lbs of Rye grass seed and we put down three bales of straw. And then we waited.

In the meantime we established a contest called the “Ruler of the Ramp.” Bottom line is the person catching the largest Carp under the Sycamores this season while fishing with the Ol Captain would be declared the “Ruler of the Ramp.”

We set the contest. We hung the weigh sling and scales. And then we waited.

Well folks, I am proud to report to you that our grass has come up with a vengeance and not only that but as of this morning we now have our very first “Ruler of the Ramp” for 2015!!!

The Holy Scriptures tell us that you reap what you sow and when I arrived at the Sycamores today this truth was confirmed once again!

Joining Max and I today were (in this order) Buddy Gilham, Tony Locke and Billy “Coweta Carper” Walden.

It was great to see everyone but most of all, it was great to see the return of the “Coweta Carper.” Many of you don’t know it but Billy is my PCT or Personal Carpin’ Trainer. Folks, in this game it pays to have an ace in the hole. It was Billy who first introduced me to his Strawberry Grit Bait and I have carried that bucket religiously now for 2-3 years! Because of Billy I am known in some circles as the Grandfather of Grits!!!

Finally today we had a run. A standard was set and we now have our first “Ruler” of the year! The fish weighed in at 8.75 lbs on our registered Sycamore Scales and now a line has been drawn in the sand. It may not seem fair to some that the new Ruler’s PCT was on hand to coach, net and photograph this first catch of 2015 but as far as I’m concerned that’s just the way the Grits goes! So who do you think caught the fish and who is this year’s first Ruler of the Ramp? I thought you’d never ask…..

……………

Before everyone arrived today I did a short video. If you are interested in it just simply click on the following link:

https://youtu.be/VGb4RADpH5s?list=UUfp4_BJ9DIyf2oy52EmqI_A

In the meantime if you have a chance please come see us. Carpin with the Captain can be very relaxing…….

[GA river carp moving at last!]

Well done Tony! Great job!!

[Carp Shark 2015 Debut!]

Can't wait to see what 2015 has in store for you fellas .. Always enjoy reading the adventures .. Best of luck this season!

Thanks so much Justin! Great to hear from you!

[Carp Shark 2015 Debut!]

Thanks for viewing! That area of the Chattahoochee River is about 25-30 miles from the Captain's Quarters.

[Carp Shark 2015 Debut!]

With very little wind in the forecast and temperatures in the upper 60's the Ol Captain and the Ultimate Carp Hound (Maximus Relaximus) decided to take the Carp Shark out for a spin! This is the first trip of the year aboard "Da Shark" and everything went smooth as glass! We would like to thank our good buddy Jim "Hatman" Hatter for joining us today on the Carp Shark's 2015 debut!

We hope you will watch the video because WKORN was THERE!!!

[172lb Carp - Jurassic Mountain Fishing Resort]

And I thought I could tell some whoppers

[Road Trips are Special]

Tim said we would make all you guys up there mad

[Road Trips are Special]

I hate winter. Now some of you might be saying “Now Captain, surely you don’t mean to use such a strong word as “hate.” “Perhaps you mean that winter isn’t you favorite season or you are inconvenienced by winter or you don’t appreciate winter like you do the other seasons.” No, I said it and I mean it. I hate winter. The only good thing about winter is the springtime to follow.

When you have experienced a dreary cold and boring February in Atlanta and you long for the warmth of April there are times when you just need to cut loose and take a road trip. I didn’t travel much last year but recently Maximus Relaximus (The Ultimate Carp Hound) and I felt like we could both benefit greatly from sitting in the warm sun for a few days, hanging out with some good friends and maybe even catch a fish or two. It was at that time that we checked the weather forecast and began to formulate a plan. Knowing that our good buddy Tim “Cool Dad” Gill also had six Saturday’s and a Sunday on his schedule we knew that we could rope him in for the trip as well.

There is an enchanted area approximately 255 miles due south of the Captain’s Quarters. It is a place where the most exciting thing in town at night is Legion Baseball. It is a place where people work hard, play hard and they appreciate the simple things in life. If you have never been on Legion Road in Sneads, Florida you have missed scenes such as this:

If you have never visited and or stayed in the Seminole Lodge you have missed a treat (and a bargain). But you’ve missed not only a chance to have a great quiet and clean place to stay but you’ve missed meeting some wonderful people as well.

Just over the Victory Bridge from Sneads sits Chattahoochee, Florida. Sure, there is a State Mental Hospital there as well as a huge Correctional Facility but there is also a magical river there that flows south out of the Jim Woodruff Dam.

The Dam was built in 1957 just below the confluence of the Flint and Chattahoochee Rivers. From the dam one can travel virtually unobstructed for approximately 100 miles before entering the Gulf of Mexico at Apalachicola Bay.

With temperatures in Atlanta in the high 50’s it is nice to slip away and just sit and relax in the upper 70’s of the precious panhandle area. There is something soothing and medicinal about the warm air, the sun shine and the time spent on the bank with friends.

If you are a Carpin’ man in the south this area has become known as a Mecca of Proper Pull Downs. Many have caught personal bests here. Many have lost large fish here and a few of us relive scenes in our minds where our very expensive rods were pulled into the depths by a leviathan never to be seen again. It is a place where memories are made and a place where you spend countless nights tossing and turning and dreaming about your return. On this particular trip Cool Dad and I were joined by our local friend Mr. O.D. Forrester. We met O.D. on the bank several years ago and we look him up every time we head down his way.

The water was still cold and probably 3-4 weeks away from the bite really turning on but you can see from the following photos that no one went home without a fish. In fact, at least one of our group got more than just a taste of fun!

It was a wonderful trip and I hope you enjoyed our story. Perhaps you can come see us one day soon when once again, we head down the road…..

[We fish, therefore we are]

That rye is tuff stuff good to see its taking hold!

I think it will look good in another 2 weeks. Stay tuned!

[We fish, therefore we are]

We fish, therefore we are

Descartes once said I think, therefore I am. If Maximus Relaximus (the Ultimate Carp Hound) and the Ol Captain were ever to need a catchy slogan like that we may say something like we fish, therefore we are. Week in and week out, Month in and month out, Year in and year out the story is basically the same. We set up our chairs and stuff and then bait up the spot. We wait on our prey to rise to the bait and then we reel em on in! The difference however in our skills and yours is that we are as interested in the many people that we catch (if not more) than any number of fish that we might bring to hand. Personally, I need all the friends that I can make because in a crisis, what good is a Carp?

Today was textbook. With temperatures predicted to hit 62-63 degrees Max and arrived at the Hooch Boat Ramp rather early for this time of year. The first thing we noticed is that quite a bit of the Rye Grass that we planted two weeks ago tomorrow is coming up and beginning to look good!

Hopefully by our next adventure under the Sycamores we will have a fairly good stand of grass. In fact, that is also one way to chum up our spot to lure our unsuspecting prey to the net. We have found that when they see a clean well kept venue they are more than likely to come see you.

Joining Max and I today was our good friend Buddy Georgia Power Gilham. His wifes baked goods often add to the bait that brings in the keepers.

Proper venue is so important in catching our two legged friends. Hundreds of people cross the Dick Lane bridge each day and have no clue about the wildlife and scenery that lies below. But (change of direction) occasionally the magic of the Hooch Ramp appeals to some and they head our way totally innocent and unsuspecting as we begin to weave our sticky web.

First of all, Max lies down and plays Possum. Now I must ask you, how could anyone resist coming over and petting Maximus Relaximus?

Once they touch Max and the Ol Captain starts his sales pitch you can almost hear another one bites the dust playing in the background. By now you may be asking well Who in the world came by on this unseasonably warm February day? or How many new friends did yall actually catch? Well dear readers, I thought youd never ask..

Our first guest caught me totally off guard. I didnt know if Santa had dressed up like Ron Putt Putt Pittman or if Ron was impersonating Ol Saint Nick. All I know is one minute he was there and with the touch of his nose the next minute he was gone!!

Shortly after Ron left a truck pulls up in the parking lot. Now folks, we have entertained a lot of folks over the years but I believe Phil Olson is our very first Stump Grinder!

Phil loves the Hooch like we do and came by just to glean some info about this stretch of river and hopefully he didnt go away disappointed. Our next guest came all the way from Mississippi. Stan Jones is a businessman as well as a freelance photographer. He wanted to take some photos of the area and in so doing he also took time to pose with one of the most photographed Hounds on the planet.

By the way folks, we did occasionally rebait our rods and pretend like we were Carpin but they were hittin so good on the bank we almost forgot about the fish!

So by now we had been set up for over six hours when a swarm of Yellow Jackets came down and attacked the Ultimate Carp Hound!! Thats right folks! A whole van load of Georgia Tech students dropped by just to be photographed with Maximus Relaximus! You cant make this stuff up folks and pictures clearly do not lie.

Now those of you who only fish for fish would have been sadly disappointed. You might have even been disgusted to sit all day on the bank without a catch. In fact, after several outings we still dont have a Ruler of the Ramp.

But that is OK with me and Ol Max because we know that in due time the fish will arrive. In the meantime we will continue doing what we do best because we fish, therefore we are.

["What will you do?" they asked.......]

THANKS TO ALL! COME SEE US!

["What will you do?" they asked.......]

What will you do? they asked..

There has been some concern expressed about my recent retirement from public work. After teaching school for 30 years then working PT at the Manheim Georgia Auto Auction for the last 12 or so seasons I felt the desire to finally and completely hang up my lunch box. Last Wednesday I hit the time clock, turned in my time card and rode quietly into the sunset.

When I first expressed this desire to retire questions immediately came to me from every angle. What will you do? they asked. Wont you get bored? they asked. How will you fill up all your time? they asked. All I can say right now is so far so good.

Since last Wednesday I have done several things. Last Friday I had the privilege of delivering a eulogy at the funeral of a dear friend and mentor. Then on Saturday Chad and I visited the new Cabelas in Acworth and Sunday I taught my Sunday school class and worshipped with my church family at County Line Baptist Church in Lithia Springs.

On Monday evening Maximus Relaximus and I hosted our first of several upcoming Monday nights with The Duke here at the Captains Quarters. Several Crew members showed up for Pizza, soft drinks and a ringside seat with Rooster Cogburn and True Grit.

Yesterday morning my good buddy Rob Fish Cop Beaudreau and I made a pilgrimage to Rome, Georgia.

Rob and I have taken several similar Field Trips this winter and this time I wanted to show him some of our fishing spots in Rome along the Oostanaula. I also wanted to show him some of my old stomping grounds at Berry College and then eat lunch at the Shrimp Boat before casting off and heading back home.

As we visited the water wheel and walked around the Ford Buildings on the Berry campus both my mind and heart were quickly flooded with many wonderful memories of days gone by.

I was especially taken with the Ford Buildings because I remember a certain day in the springtime when a beautiful young lady stood on that hallowed ground in front of the Ford Auditorium and sang The only music that makes me dance from Funny Girl. I was 18-19 years old at the time and I can even tell you that she had beautiful long dark hair and was wearing white pants and a blue top on that particular day. I remember getting goose bumps as she sang. The cool part is that when I got home I shared with my precious wife of over 41 years that I stood on the very spot where she sang that solo over four decades ago and how she and that memory were still very precious and dear to me.

Today marks one week since my retirement began so after working on Wednesday for over twelve years I decided to return once again to my Carpin roots under the Sycamores. We dont really expect to catch a fish there until probably March sometime but you just never know. More importantly you just dont know who might show up and who you might meet. Several of the regulars came by today but we also had some new faces as well.

To begin with (L-R) fellow Carp anglers Casey and Robby Kile came by to give the Ultimate Carp Hound their regards.

In no time at all they were sharing their passion for Carp fishing and their anticipation of new venues and springtime to come. As I listened I knew within minutes that we were on the same team.

Jaden Worsham also came to see us today. He has seen some posts of ours and dropped by to chat and meet Maximus Relaximus and the Crew.

It is always great to meet new friends and today was certainly no exception. So what will I do now that I am no longer gainfully employed? Im not 100% sure but if this first week is any indication I believe things are going to work out just fine. BYW, if you want to know more perhaps you need to .

[A Hooch ProGRASS Report]

Out of all your great adventures I enjoy the Hooch ones the best. Guess because it reminds me of sittin along the Monongahela River (The Mon) with Hillbilly, Justin, Mush and a slew of others! Thru CAG I have met a gang of quality folks and had a unbelievably good time along the way.

If that rye seed is anything like the rye we use up here it will even grow on wet slate!

If not get you some Kentucky 31

Thanks Possum. Come see us!

[A Hooch ProGRASS Report]

It was billed as a simple work day at the Hooch Boat Ramp. We were going to do some raking, chunk out some grass seed and straw and sit and fish a while when done. No biggy and no expectations. Well that all changed the moment Max, Cool Dad and the Ol Captain arrived at the Sycamores.

We haven’t seen Buddy “Georgia Power” Gilham in years. But he somehow got word that a job needed doing and when we arrived he was already busy with a rake!

I have several fond memories of Buddy but one really stands out. I remember very well that his wife would often send him to the Sycamores packing a sack of homemade brownies, cookies or some other baked goodies. I am very proud to announce to you this evening that this precious lady has not lost her touch.

We knew it was going to rain tomorrow so we were in hopes that we could get the area cleaned, raked, seeded and strawed today. I was a bit of overkill perhaps but I had purchased 3 bales of straw and 50 pounds of seed to put out on our little soon to be green patch on the Hooch.

It was like magic. One minute Buddy was there with a rake in hand and the next minute, he had Cool Dad, the Ol Captain and even Max in on the act!!

I didn’t know if anyone else would show up or not. All I know is that for a time there was some serious and intense labor being done on the Hooch bank. There is a funny thing about work. Sometimes we are called to do it even we really don’t want to do it. Sometimes we just throw our hats into the ring because there is a job that needs to be done. I pondered on that thought as I eased up behind both Tim and Buddy’s trucks today. They had also been called to do a job many years ago when they were boys in a land far, far away. I knew from their testimony and these stickers in their window that they had stepped up to those jobs as well. Not only did they go and serve. But I praise God that they both were able to come back home.

It seemed like no time at all but we worked and talked and worked and talked and before long our task was complete.

As the morning moved on other Crew members began to join us. “Hatman” Hatter. James “Daddy” Holley. Kevan “Ballet’ Butler. Later on the air turned cool and quiet and soon Max settled into his “Bivvy.”

One would think that this would be the extent of our excitement for the day but just as I was eating another homemade p-nut Butter cookie a cop pulls in at the ramp!! It seems like he had gotten word down river that a certain man was using Grass and a small dog to lure innocent and unsuspecting people to come see him under the Sycamores!! Before long Assistant Chief Lee Brown of Union City had both Max and I cuffed and stuffed and in the squad car!!

Finally after an intense background check he let us go with a warning until our next appearance. I was finally charged with telling “tall” tales while Max was warned about panhandling lunches and stealing hearts on the Hooch.

It was a joy to meet Lee today and I know for certain that we will be getting together again real soon.

I have a friend who has been amazed at the people that we have been privileged to meet over the years. That is one of the reasons I wanted to return to our home court. You just never know who might just drop by. Not only did all of the characters mentioned come see us but as the afternoon waned (without a fish of course) our final guest of the day arrived. Rick “Pine Box” Denson of the Batesville Casket Company came by to visit and hold court. I have grown to love Rick because he can talk with authority on most any subject at any given time. I just feel like I should get college credit every time I’m in his presence.

Rick closed our day with topics ranging from law enforcement and railroad investigation to transportation and the price of rice in China. He had Max completely spell bound for every bit of an hour and it was wonderful.

Folks, there will come a day before too long when we yell “Fish on!” or “Hey! Grab that pole!” but for today my heart was warmed and my creel was filled because I’d spent a great day with friends new and old, beneath the Sycamores.

If you get a chance, come see us!

[Work Day at the Ramp!]

We will be having a combination Work/Carpin day at the Hooch Ramp tomorrow (Thursday) beginning around 9:30AM. Ive picked up 50 lbs of Rye grass seed and three of bales of wheat straw this afternoon for the project.

Hopefully we can make some improvement over the current muddy conditions under the Sycamores.

If any of you have hard rakes to score the ground and clean the area a bit we will then broadcast the seed and shake the straw on top. This whole project shouldnt take but a little while. Rain is forecast on Friday so it shouldn't take too long to see some results. Hopefully it will help the footing and the looks of things at least until late spring or even early summer since it is mostly shade.

While we are there we might as well wet a line. I plan on fishing until around 3:00 Pm or so. Who knows? Tomorrow we may just work ourselves into recognizing our first Ruler of the Ramp for 2015!! The first Carp to hit this weigh sling will make history!!

If you get a chance between 9:30 Am and 3:30 PM why not come see us?

[I never grow tired.......]

I never grow tired……..

You may get bored with them. You may think that they are repetitious and redundant. You may even think the grammar is poor and the content is shallow but in the immortal words of Rhett Butler…”Frankly my dear…………”

I never grow tired of writing my Carpin’ tales. It’s not so much because of the fish that we do or don’t catch. To me it is all about the people and people are my passion!

I knew in my gut that reviving our home base under the Sycamores was the thing to do for 2015 and already today the plan started coming together. We had old blood, new blood and we also boasted 40% English blood that showed up for some quality time today under the Sycamores. When Max and I arrived early this morning I somehow knew that today was going to be a special day.

Max always keeps an eye out for action. If he isn’t watching the river like a hawk he has his ear to the ground listening for whoever might descend our Pathway to Proper Pull Downs.

Our first guest today was expected. I had traded posts with Tony Locke on several occasions. He hails from England and currently teaches Chemistry in a high profile prep school in the Buckhead area of North Atlanta. Since school was out today he decided to round out his education by stopping by to spend some time with the Ultimate Carp Hound. Not only is Tony a scholar and a gentleman but he is also highly skilled at fishing the “Method.”

As fate would have it Kevan Butler also made the scene today. Being originally from the UK as well him and Tony hit it off immediately and began chatting about their very own brand of “Football” and their favorite teams. It was great to see Kevan but highly unusual for this time of year. Normally we don’t see him until May because he isn’t a cold weather Carper. But I believe the sunshine and the lure of the Sycamores brought him out of hibernation today.

Our next two friends have become staples of the Chattahoochee Carp Anglers Crew. Both have deep California roots and both are dear friends of the Captain and the Hound. You never know what to expect from James “Daddy” Holley but today James showed up sporting his new “Red Rider” BB gun that he got for Christmas! People think I’m kidding when I tell you that a 70 plus year old man can crawl out of his truck at the top of the hill and before he hits the mud at the bottom he is a BB Gun totin’ 12 year old lad again!!

Jim “Hatman” Hatter completed our staff today. He came to chat today and not to fish.

He and James discussed the west coast with the same passion that our English friends discussed their Soccer teams. Max and I simply listened to both and occasionally nodded our approval. But as this scene began to unfold I knew that the plan was once again, coming together.

In the meantime we were actually hoping for a fish. We need that first fish to establish a standard or goal for this year’s Ruler of the Ramp Contest. I had everything ready. The scale and weigh sling hung from the Sycamores above like a Clint Eastwood Western but the only thing to hit the unhooking mat today was Maximus Relaximus!

You might get tired of this “stuff” and if you do just let me know. I’ll drop you like a hot rock and never look back. But….(change of direction) if you like what you see and read you might just need to come see us!

[A Revival at the Ramp!]

Several years ago while doing some internal work for the state of Georgia one of our dearest and very own Crew members learned a skill that he later would use to help put the good old boys under the Sycamores on the map. Little did we know when we first met under these magnificent shade trees on the Hooch what the future held. For many years we had a blast ‘neath the Sycamores and then we began traveling and fishing this area less and less.

Others moved in and trashed and littered the place and after that, we seldom went back at all. Time went by and we travelled far and wide. We caught fish in many states across our nation and met some of the most wonderful people to ever walk in shoe leather. But no matter where we went the memories of the Hooch Boat Ramp still tugged at our hearts. It was our home court. It was the place where many had landed their first fish. It was a place where THE stories were first heard and the lifelong friendships had begun. To some, it was just a muddy knoll in a curve on the beneath the Dick Lane bridge but to the Chattahoochee Carp Anglers it was a sanctuary and a place of fun and rest.

Mike "Big Bird" Strickland designed and made the logo and hand towels for our group that year. Many were distributed to guests who came to see us. Some towels were held in such high esteem that they were displayed and never used at all. It was an honor to have one and to be counted as one of the Crew. Somewhere along that same time a little Dachshund was rescued from the local pound. Although he was deathly ill at the time he soon made a full recovery and joined our band on a regular basis. He soon slipped onto the laps and into the hearts of people all across the country and beyond.

We have travelled and have certainly had a blast over these years but the time has come in my opinion for a revival of sorts and to return to our roots under the Sycamores. We have several things on tap this year. One is our "Ruler of the Ramp" contest to recognize the Angler who catches the biggest Carp while fishing under these wonderful trees with the Ol Captain this year.

Another important issue is a work day that I am planning this coming Thursday the 22nd beginning at 9:30AM. It has been suggested that with a little raking and some Rye grass seed and straw that our area could be converted from a muddy, slippery slope to the green, green grass of home. The Rye would hold and cover the mud throughout the winter and even until early summer with the Sycamore shade above. With that being said, I hope You can join us this Thursday!

Tomorrow is MLK day and I too, have a dream. I hope and dream that we can revive our little spot on the Hooch to the position that it once held. To some this whole notion is silly and meaningless. If you feel this way, then it is obviously not for you. But for some of us it is a magical place where we can leave our AARP cards in the truck, slip on our overalls and be boys again, if only for an afternoon.

If you want to know more several of us will be fishing there tomorrow from around 9-2 if you'd like to come see us and sit a spell. Perhaps you are reading this and you have access to some grass seed, wheat straw and/or a rake. Perhaps you are many miles away and would like to be a part of the action. We are not so proud that we wouldn't turn down a donation toward our clean up and improvement project (Contact me)

I hope you will join the Carp Hound and me as we try our best to revive the interest of Carpin with the Captain under the Sycamores!! BTW, our spot isn't far from the Atlanta Airport so stay tuned if you will and come see us when you can!

[If you aim at nothing........]

I’m sure there are those who would begin each saga of their fishing tales by giving them the title “Great Expectations.” I suppose each time they go out they expect to fill the boat with fish or expect to load the bank. These silly people expect to do something spectacular each and every time. While that is a lofty and noble goal, I am more of a realist when it comes to January Carpin.

Based on my experience when it come to Georgia Carpin in January I’d prefer to give my adventures the handle ……”If you aim at nothing you’ll hit it every time.”

I haven’t seen Cool Dad in a while so it was certainly time to get out. We have experienced almost two weeks of cold misty rain here in Atlanta so the Ultimate Carp Hound and I were almost mildewed. With the Sycamores being mired up in mud Tim and I decided to head east early this morning. Our destination was our beloved dock at Wallace Dam approximately 115 miles away. We have caught tons of Carp there in the past but probably never caught one there in January. We love this place for many reasons so once again we headed east aiming for nothing, requiring very little and not anticipating really much at all.

We departed Cool Dad’s pad around 6:00 Am. Once we got east of downtown Atlanta we certainly didn’t expect to find all lanes blocked on Interstate 20 just shy of the Covington exit where we intended to eat breakfast. Although I’ve been told I do well under pressure I didn’t aim on waiting two hours practically sitting still on the highway just after telling Tim that I really needed to go to the bathroom. We can usually reach the Waffle House at exit 90 in less than an hour from Douglasville but today it was closer to three. I didn’t expect my bathroom experience there and the coffee and All Star Breakfast to follow to be that big of a deal this morning but I can assure you that they were all very special indeed. Once again I guess you could say, if you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time.

After almost 4 hours driving we finally made it to Eatonton. We didn’t expect the sky to be so blue or the water so clear. We talked about the many people that we’ve met on this dock. We relived the many adventures and the many fish that we have caught there in the past. We didn’t expect to catch anything today and we were not disappointed. Tim probably didn’t expect to snore as loud as he did once the sun warmed the back of his neck and when he awoke we realized that we’d hit it once again!

We were packed and in the truck a bit after 3:30 and in two hours or so we were home again. The ride home was a breeze because it took us half the time as it did this morning. We didn’t aim for today to pan out like it did but for some reason it seems that we are seldom disappointed and we seem to hit it every time!

If you want to know more about our phenomenal style of pursuing Proper Pull Downs just contact us and come see the Ol Captain and Maximus Relaximus (The Ultimate Carp Hound.)

[The Status of the Sycamores]

I dropped by to visit an old friend today. Knowing that we have had tons of rain over the last few weeks I really didn’t know what to expect. I can see the water level by crossing the bridge but you just have to get down there amongst the Sycamores to really see how things really are.

One of our reasons for leaving this venue a while back was litter. I personally detest picking up after others but we usually wind up doing that at the Hooch. Upon arrival today I quickly realized that picking up after our latest “friends” would take more than rubber gloves and a plastic bag.

It saddens me to think that people don’t care about things the way they should. Being a closet redneck I did (for a brief moment) invision the couches all lined end to end on the bank and in my mind’s eye seeing the Crew laid back whilst waiting on a Proper Pull Down. I could almost hear Cool Dad asking Max to pass the salt for his popcorn but this whole scene of course, soon left my mind.

The intention of today’s visit was to see if the area was suitable for maybe a trip this Friday or even Monday. Although the river level was OK, the area under the Sycamores was a muddy mess. It was evident that all of this had been completely submerged just a few days ago.

We might possibly get by if we watched where we walked or put down large pieces of card board for some Card Board Carpin’ like we’ve done in the past but I just don’t think it would be worth the effort in January. Besides that I know Maximus Relaximus (The Ultimate Carp Hound) well enough to know that within 10 minutes he’d be bogged down somewhere on the bank all the way up to his rudder and I’d have to take him home.

The ramp was also full of mud and it was just plain soggy everywhere I looked.

So with that being said if we happen to get out over the next few days to pursue our first Proper Pull Down of the year it won’t be at the Sycamores.