Fishing in North Georgia

Question
Hi Dan.  I haven't fished in, well, decades when I was a boy.  Now, my wife and I are taking our son to North Georgia (Blue Ridge) in two weeks for a family vacation.  Trout fishing, in the rivers, looks to be big up there.  I'm need to know what to fish for and, more importantly, what lures to use.  I just want a fun day with my son, I'm not looking to make the cover of a magazine!  Something easy, too, as I've never fly fished before.  Any help and insite would be greatly appreciated!

Answer
Sorry I didn't get to your note sooner, but things have been very busy, and I haven't been checking my emails.

As for trout, my main experience is on the White River in Arkansas.  Ironically trout will be stock at one of the parks where I work in Iowa on October 21, and I have to shoot some video for the local PBS TV station, which used to carry my TV show.

I'm not familiar with the area in which you will be fishing, but will try helping with a simple bait rig for using with canned corn, and Berkley Power Eggs and Trout Nibbles.

Place a egg slip sinker on the main line, and tie a barrel swivel, which will act as a stop.  To the other end of the swivel tie about a 3-feet long leader.  Use an aberdeen Tru Turn hook in the sizes of 8, 6 or 4.  I gave you a variety, as many times certain sizes will work better.  I would start with an 8, as that has been my best all around size for the above mentioned baits.

For colors of Berkley Power Baits I would get pink, and florescent yellow.  There are several colors, but those have been my best producers.  Of course, corn is corn, but if you can find the Kounty Kiss brand it has always been great in Arkansas.

Since you are fishing a river, cast slightly up stream (if fishing from shore) and follow the drift with your rod tip, while holding it at about a 10 to 11 o'clock position.  Watch the line closly for a quick or vibrating jerk.  There will be a rythmn of bouncing along the bottom, which will change when there is a pick up.

I might also suggest a float trip, if these are available in that area.  In fact, if you ever go to Bull Shoals, Arkansas look up the Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock White River Float Trips, or Ralph Chatelain's Famous White River Float Trips.  Both are excellent for both beginners and experts.

Hope this information has helped, and that you find some great fishing.

If you have any further questions about this, or anything else please feel free to drop me a line.

Best of fishing,
Dan