My wife and I traveled south a couple of weeks ago to attend the PBS convention. Had an absolutely great time in Nashville, and there have already been plenty of reports of what a wonderful gathering that was.
We had the time, so as long as we were there we decided to spend an extra week wandering the south. First up were the Smoky Mountains where we ended up renting a cool little log cabin right on a beautiful river. Spent one afternoon with Alex Roche (Bear) at his hunting spot checking for turkey and hog activity and doing a little stump shooting.
From there we ended up in northeastern Alabama. While in Nashville Don Wilson was kind enough to invite me down for a day of bowfishing near his home. I sure am glad I made the trip!
We were joined by Don's son Skyler, and Rob Peel (Robtatto) First up was a visit to a local wildlife area which contained a flooded cornfield adjacent to Lake Guntersville. Don had scouted the area a few days earlier and the carp had been working it heavily. The water level had dropped, but there was still plenty left in spots, and it was loaded with fish.
Skyler drawing down
Rob on the prowl
The fish weren't quite in full spawning mode yet, and were a little spooky. And the water was just deep and murky enough to keep them hidden. What seemed to work best was a stealthy approach and let the fish work to us.