Bing Crosby…go straight to hell, because “baby, it’s cold outside”, but I don’t want to hear no singin’ about it….

In what is so adorably referred to as a “blizzard” in Tennessee, I met some HARDCORE musky guys, John and Bill Hickey yesterday for a trip out into the white yonder. After some shoveling and rock salt, we managed to eek the boat into the water and get out for the day. Alas, while the scenery was bar none the best I’ve seen so far down here, with squadrons of wood ducks lighting the blue water in a mist and squirrels romping around on the shoreline searching for something to take back to the tree from the frozen food aisle, the muskies on the other hand, decided to call in sick for the day and hit the snooze. Areas that usually produce fish were vacant. Techniques that usually produce at least a few follows were falling short sorely. While the pristine beauty around us kept is in perspective of things, it was still frustrating for the guide to be shooting blanks while aiming right at the target.

And speaking of squirrels, John and Bill are on par with just about any comedy duo of all time. Somehow amidst the constant ribs to one another and unapologetic flatulence, John, in one of the few moments he wasn’t really paying attention, managed to garner the interest of a fat low 40″ musky in one of the last places I’d expect to find one that day, in the back of a small slough mid-way down the lake. Talk about the proverbial “blind squirrel” finding a nut [just kidding John, we tight]. While the fish was interested, she just wasn’t committed…but all that aside, we wrapped up the day with alot of good times, ALOT of funny stories, and the promise that we’ll get out there again to chase after the great Questing Beast of Pellinore [a musky in excess of 55"]. Of course, like King Pellinore of T.H. White’s lore, I imagine when such a fish does reach the boat either by my sword or even better, a client’s, such majesty and wonder will force my hand to spare its life and release to chase another day. I only hope those of you who wish to pursue the coolest, sexiest, most badass fish in freshwater in one of its last untapped bastions in the world share my sentiments on the topic.

Muskies are too valuable to the ecosystem as a superpredator, thinning out stocks prone to overpopulation like carp, gizzard shad, and redhorse sucker, and to the state as an economic trophy fishing resource to be treated as a food source or killed for their skin as a mount over a mantle or bar when fiberglass replicas are just as good and last longer.

Let them go, let them grow. Come out and fish with us at “Stone’s Throw Adventures” by emailing us at stonesthrowadventures@gmail.com, and find out for yourself why these fish are as special as they are. We have all the tackle and know-how, just bring yourself, a strong-work ethic, and a penchant for the eclectic and irreverent personalities of your guides, Dwayne and Cory.

Fish are on the move, and so are we…game’s are changing, and so must we. Until next time, kiddos tight lines. Look for a new musky report later this week from both myself and Dwayne, and remember to stay tuned for the upcoming Larry Dahlberg filming at Rock Island. I can guarantee it won’t be a show to be missed.

-Cory Allen “Stone’s Throw Adventures”

3 words…Damn, it’s cold…

…After meeting Todd Smith, long time striper fishing friend, for the day at the Rock Island ramp, and having to let the boat set in the water on trailer for 20 minutes to thaw it from the bumpers, we set out full blast to the first run of the day in 10 degree temps [that's not counting the windchill kiddos]

We returned to a proven area to hit it before sunlight kissed its waters, and within about 15 minutes, I hooked up from the back of the boat [guides ALWAYS fish from the back] with a mid-40″ fish that followed beautifully into a figure-8, momentarily broke chase, and then with surprising speed returned to barely tag the back hook of a Krave. Only on for a few moments, we got a great look at the fish do a serpentine headshake worthy of lore, and then throw the hook back at our faces. Shaken, but not stirred, we continued casting a few minutes before turning to the highly unappreciated and misunderstood art of trolling.

After a few quick passes along a proven breakline, Todd’s rod starts singing my favorite tune, and we turn the boat to greet our new guest. After a brief struggle with a lumbering winter beast, I placed the Frabill net safely under the belly of a majestic 45″ musky, Todd’s first. I must admit, it’s always a treat to introduce someone to the experience of musky fishing, but for these fish to impress Todd, an avid and expert striper fisherman with fish up to 63lbs to his credit, is quite a feat.

After a war-whoop heard ringing off the limestone rafters and an epic high-five [regretted moments later due to our frozen fingers] we released the pretty girl back to the lake with a kiss and some cab fare.

Forgive the haziness, we were dealing with quite a rolling fog from the sunlight hitting the water just down stream. Poor Todd also got his first battle scars, the knuckle-cuts from the gill rakers of an agitated and camera-shy musky unwilling to hold still for the pose. Frankly, I’m proud of mine when I get them, and I bet he has the same sentiment.

Want to be in the next picture with a slimy beast? We’re in the middle of some of the hottest musky fishing of the year, and to boot, the fish are at their fattest. If you want a shot at the state record, now is the time. Book with Me or Dwayne today by calling 618-559-3494 or emailing us at stonesthrowadventures@gmail.com. Both Dwayne and myself are consistently putting BIG fish and BIG numbers of muskies in the boat in both the river and lake already this year. We both get no bigger kick than helping someone lock horns with one of these freshwater dragons. Don’t miss out on one of the best shots of the year, on the South’s best musky fishery.

Until next time kiddos,
Tight lines…
-Cory Allen, “Stone’s Throw Adventures”

Went out for a few hours this morning with Pete, an avid fly angler from Nashville who’d been wanting to hook up into a musky for some time. We were greeted by high water, an unwelcome site. But, we didn’t let it deter us, and guess what, a few minutes in after a quick game change, I hooked up with the first fish, a healthy 44″ female, on a Musky Armor Krave crankbait [in my opinion, one of the best new baits to hit the market in years, and an instant "classic"].

After working the stretch casting for a bit, and Pete moving another nice fish in the low 40′s on a Suick, we decided to try and conjure up some beasts from the depths using the art of motor trolling. Two passes in over a breakline littered with stumps right on the break, Pete slammed another twin 44″ musky, fatter than the one before, on a Super Shad rap [if you don't own these baits, you aren't a musky fisherman...one of the most versatile and effective ever made.]

After some quick pics, safe handling and a good release, both fish were returned to the water in great shape to continue terrorizing the neighborhood. We spent a few good minutes just high-fiving and enjoying the moment, but after 3 hours we decided to call it a day, and head for home. A great day, a great trip, and a great friend introduced to the great sport of musky fishing in, of all places, Tennessee. Come see for yourself…

If you’re interested in booking a trip with Dwayne Hickey, resident musky guide or myself [depending on individual availability] call 618-559-3494, or email us at stonesthrowadventures@gmail.com. We’ll be happy to set you up on the best shot on a big fat Tennessee musky. Accept no substitutions. No one spends more time on the water or puts more musky in the boat in Tennessee than Dwayne and myself. Not by a long shot. If you’re going to put your money down on a trip, make sure you’re going with someone who puts their time in on it. You’ll find no better shot in the state at both numbers of fish, and a great shot at a true trophy fish.

Until next time, tight lines.

-Cory Allen, “Stone’s Throw Adventures”

Coming up just around the corner, “Stone’s Throw Adventures” musky guides Dwayne Hickey and Cory Allen will be hosting the legendary angling pioneer and innovator Larry Dahlberg for a week around the Rock Island area, showcasing now only the fishery at its best, but also some musky angling at its finest. Larry is one of the most recognized anglers on the planet, and for good reason. He has caught many trophy fish in fresh and salt water, from the domestic to the exotic and even the downright bizarre, but has always had a love for muskellunge since his youth fishing the rivers around his home. Proficient at both conventional and fly tackle, we are very anxious to host Larry Dahlberg, and rest assured, the guides will be the students as well. We hope you will keep close watch on the site, as daily video blogs and photos will be posted from the water during the shoot. Stay tuned! And look for the show to air on the Versus Channel, “The Hunt for Big Fish”.