Author Archive

Word of Mouth

Before you consider booking us, please feel free to look through our growing list of testimonials of individuals who have been out on the water with us. As much as we can toot our own horns, what really matters is the experience our clientele has, and their evaluation of the day. Here is a recent accolade from a client who booked us for a musky trip…

Winter musky fishing with Stone Throw Adventures guide Cory was a great time! The only thing better than Cory’s knowledge and friendly conversation is the amazing natural surroundings of the Cumberland Plateau. Cory’s skill is excellent and not only was the fishing great fun I learned some great new techniques and knowledge about the fish. Though during the trip we did not bring a musky to the boat we had a few bites and hooked a very large pre spawn female; though we did not land it we got to watch it fight and were able to get a great look at the fish before she got off. Musky fishing with Stone’s Throw Adventures is something I hope to do whenever I am in the Nashville area. Only an hour from downtown it is amazing what a beautiful escape it is along with great fishing. And you have a chance all year unlike northern musky where I call home. Thanks Cory for a great time!”

-John Clifford, Michigan

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The Campfire is Kindling…

Lo, Adventurers,
The Stone’s Throw Adventures Campfire message board is now officially up and running. Whether you fish, camp, hike, off-road, kayak, hunt, geo-cache…WHATEVER…THIS is the place to share your story, make new friends, and we hope that this serves as your home-base for all things outdoors in the Cumberland. All you have to do is register by clicking on the link at the top right of this page listed below “Join the Discussion” ["Forums" is the actual link, click it...now...DO IT, don't ask QUESTIONS!!! Questions lead to ANARCHY...just kidding]

To decrease the amount of Spammers infiltrating the board [no, I do not need to "increase my size"....] just put in a very indicative name of yourself and your brand of adventure [i.e. James Hiker; Johnny Bassfisher] and even still, finish off the name with good ‘ol STA [Stone's Throw Adventures] so that I KNOW you’re a fellow adventurer and not some guy in Russia selling old Cold War munitions in bulk. For example…say you like to musky fish…like me…make your user name “Cory MuskySTA”. See? It’s easier than Paris Hilton after 5 vodka cranberries…without the subsequent rash.

This will ensure that everyone has a clean, safe, and productive experience on the board, and that I can catch all the imposters in my net.

Also…while this is an open discussion board, please refrain from vulgarity, lewdness, smack, jive-talk, etc….I have complete omniscience over who and what gets said, and while I ENCOURAGE open discussion [I myself have been known to "rattle a few cages"], going outside the parameters will not be tolerated.

We want a nice, clean fight, gentlemen [and ladies]….

Sign up, tell your friends, and join the fastest growing outdoor guide service and networking base in Tennessee. And as always, if you have any suggestions or complaints, notify me [Cory Allen], your friendly neighborhood fishing guide and moderator by emailing me at stonesthrowadventures@gmail.com.

Tight lines, dirty treads, all that jazz….

-Cory Allen, “Stone’s Throw Adventures”

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Calfkiller Brewery…the Official Libation of Stone’s Throw Adventures

Stone’s Throw Adventures would like to announce it’s pairing with a FANTASTIC local brewery….Calfkiller Brewing Company.

Based out of Sparta, TN, literally along the shores of its namesake, this small but passionate operation, run by Dave and Don Sergio, is quickly gaining a reputation locally as one of the finest brews around.

While only available at a few local restaurants [Cosmopolitan Grill, J.D.'s Sandwich Shop, Thomas Andrew's, Char, Spankies, Crawdaddy's, and The Foglight at Rock Island], they are in the process of building a bottling line, which will allow you to pick them up at many local providers of fine drinks.

Great drinks made by great people with a passion for making great beer…not the kind of beer that frat boys put into bongs, but the kind that adds the perfect complement to a New York strip steak at the Foglight or an order of those famous wings at Cosmo’s in Cookeville.

Once the bottling system is up and running, those booking trips with Stone’s Throw Adventures will have the treat of receiving a complementary bottle of this fine brew with each guide trip.

Whether just chilling out after a hard day on the water, or cracking a top to celebrate a huge musky swimming off, there are few brews that compare anywhere in the world to the selections that Calfkiller currently offers…and rest assured, more creative libations are “brewing” in the minds of Dave and Don as we speak.

Also, Stone’s Throw Adventures has teamed up with Country Inn & Suites to offer a discount to those traveling to our neck of the woods in search of adventure.

If you book a trip with our guide service and choose to stay in the Country Inn & Suites in Cookeville, Tennessee, you will be treated with a 15% discount at the room of your choosing. These are the finest lodgings available in town, located just off the interstate, and just a “stone’s throw” away from not only all the guiding tours in our repertoire, but also all the finest dining and entertainment the area has to offer. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and able to point you in the direction of anything of your liking.

To receive the discount, just notify us upon booking of your intentions to stay, and I will personally call ahead to ensure you receive the discount. Granted, you ONLY receive the discount after I confirm your booking with us.

If you wish to confirm your room with this fine hotel, here is a link to the site for online booking and confirmation, as well as online pay. Or if you’re old fashioned, just the plain ol’ digits to call and get your lodging booked for your time with us.

http://www.countryinns.com/cookeville-hotel-tn-38501/tncooke

We are pleased to team up with these two area businesses to help enhance your experience with us here in the heart of adventure in the Cumberland.

-Cory Allen

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Waterwolves on the Prowl

The lake being in the funk it is, but soon to be on fire, the river has been producing the most action, with no less than 3 active encounters and up to 6 for the past several trips with a few nice hookups. The fish are slow to take, but the chance at a lumbering dragon is great. Check out the “Rock Island Muskellunge” page for information on booking your day on the beautiful waters of Rock Island with the best equipped musky guide boat operating in middle Tennessee. Call today to lock horns with one of these beasts, and look soon for upcoming video of the recent trips, and some AWESOME tackle reviews [i.e. Musky Armor "Krave" crankbaits, Justencase Tackle Storage, Dunwright Soft plastic crankbaits, and Larry Dahlberg's new selection of incredible musky baits].

Join in the fun, join in the action, join in the HUNT! Email us at stonesthrowadventures@gmail.com or call 931-261-2483 to book today. Some of the best fishing of the season is just around the corner. Don’t miss out!

Oh, did I fail to mention we are literally the ONLY true year-round musky fishery. Not only do we have spring systems which protect our fish from the strains of summer heat and allow successful fishing and release in the hottest muggiest conditions [some of the BEST fishing mind you, speed trolling over 8 mph is a trip when a 30 lber rips the rod!], but we literally NEVER stop fishing. This year already we’ve napalmed the ramps with gasoline and rock salt to fish in sub-zero temps with great success, but our lakes NEVER freeze, and the river is ALWAYS open. While others are watching fishing shows on OLN and ESPN 2, we’re on the water pounding away for the next big gator to bring in the boat. Don’t miss out on one of the most diverse, productive, and definitely full-season musky fisheries on PLANET earth!!!

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Blind Squirrels and Nuts…of the Frozen Variety

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”

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Ice, Ice Muskies

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.

Todd 45" 2

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”

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Rock Island Musky…ringing in the new year

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"].

11

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.]

Pete 44"

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”

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Larry Dahlberg’s “The Hunt for Big Fish”

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”.

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December’s Cold Blast!

Well, it’s not exactly been a December to remember as far as Musky fishing goes.  I’ve taken a few fish, old man winter has come early and fishing has been spotty at best.  Muskys are in there normal pattern for winter with gliders, pull baits and twitch baits working best.  You guys check out Musky Armors new Krave Jr.  It’s a killer twitch bait for winter Muskies!  New color patterns are going to be a hit for this area.

Will post some at the end of the month with the totals from December.  Happy Holidays fellow Musky nuts!

Dwayne

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The Dragons of Autumn

Dwayne Hickey, Stone’s Throw Adventures Musky Guide and Godfather of Tennessee musky fishing, has been throwing up good numbers on his recent musky trips to Rock Island. Every trip has produced at least one fish with multiple hookups each time. The colder it gets, the hotter the action. Book now with Dwayne for a taste of the winter heat as the line burns off your drag.

Picture 6

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