Just a quick explanation. I have been having a serious problem with my I Phone every since the Sunday update that Apple did. When Apple Tech was helping me-somehow my pictures from Center Hill and Nick-A Jack Dam was deleted and we couldn’t find them. (What happened to the cloud?)  So for today  I bought a cheap phone ($30.00)  just to take pictures with. Monday Ken and I had 9 on Center Hill-my best came on a VMC  1/8th Weedless Finesse Jig and soft plastics-20lb Sufix Yellow Braid and 8lb Sufix Fluorocarbon. Ken had the Big fish which was in the 3 lb range. Tuesday Jared and I had 7 total bites below the dam-there was minimal generation/current so I don’t have to tell you what that can mean-big fish 2 ½ maybe 3. . My best bait was a Rapala DT6 River Shad on 10lb Sufix Clear Blue Pro Mix. Now for Wednesday/today at Tim’s. I only had a few hours to fish s I put in at the state park  hit a couple spots with no results throwing a variety of baits.  I was almost out of time so I ran into the very back of a long pocket (5ft deep)  to work my way back out and that’s where I found the 3 that you see above (Total Weight  for the 3 was 8lb 1 oz)   and 2 that I lost all on a Crush City Green Pumpkin Blue 3.5 inch Clean up Craw rigged  on a VMC Worm Hook and a 1/8th VMC Tungsten weight The legs have a very tight kicking action and the ribbed hook slot on the back make it perfect for throwing into some thick stuff. Salt-Scent and flake infused–great small package. Back at it since the 100 degree days have passed. Thanks for visiting my site Rick

This is the 1st time I’ve been on Center Hill since the spring of 2024. I spent this summer fishing with my grandson Marshall on Tim’s trolling Rapala Ultra Light Baits www.rapala.com  (see posts below) but now he is back in school and it’s time to get back to what I normally do.  This isn’t post on BIG FISH just a honest recap of what happened yesterday.  Ken and I had 1 Smallmouth-1 Largemouth and 7 Kentucky’s all about the same size that you see pictured and lost 4 that we didn’t see. Very little wind-mid 80’s surface water temp and good color. All we did was hit and run from spot to spot for 5 hours. We tossed a variety of moving baits but the best technique was soft plastics on a VMC 3/32 weedless jig head www.vcmhooks.com 20 lb Sufix yellow braid and long 8 lb Sufix Fluorocarbon leader.  www.sufix.com Good to be back at it, although as a grandpa  I do miss my little fishing buddy. Thanks for visiting my site Hopefully I’ll have more info on the trips to come Lord willing. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

I thought I would repost thi article I wrote in July 2005. I hope it gives you some good insight during all the 100+ heat index that we have ben and will be having in the near future.  Rick

Tip’s For The Beginner

Hot Weather Danger

Heat Exhaustion-Heat Stroke

Originally Written July 2005

Written By; Rick McFerrin

www.tennesseebassguides.com

Introduction

First let me say this. I’m not a doctor, a paramedic or any kind of medical specialist. The symptoms and first aid advice that you read here in this article can be checked out and confirmed by the American Red Cross. I’m not a doctor but rather a full time fishing guide that encounters all types of weather situations throughout the 12 months of the year. My clients and I fish in everything from freezing temperatures to snow, sleet, rain and during this time of the year “Extreme Heat”

 I have found that every person is different when it comes to physical tolerances on the water. Some people (like me) can handle colder weather far better than the heat. For others it might be the other way around. I have also found that AGE isn’t always the determining factor.  When it comes to this time of the year, my concerns for myself and those with me are heighten greatly. When it comes to age Extreme Heat is no respecter of person. Why? Let me tell you a quick incident that happened to me 3 years ago on a very hot sunny day on Old Hickory Lake here in middle Tennessee.

 I was fishing with a medical doctor (thankfully) from North Carolina. True to my normal routine back then I didn’t eat anything before I got to the lake because I was always concerned about the possibility of having a upset stomach during the guide trip. No port a potties on the water you know. We started at daylight and by 11:00am the sun was straight up and air temperatures hovered near 98 actual degrees. No telling what it was with the heat index. I was feeling great. I had drank a couple bottles of water through the morning, the doc and I was on fish, and THEN IT HAPPENED!! I was instantly sick!  I turned to the doc and said “Man I don’t feel good and then the next thing I knew I didn’t have the strength in my legs to hold myself up and I more or less collapsed on the front deck. His first reaction was to ask if I was having a heart attack. I knew it wasn’t that,  but I had become pale-dizzy-nauseous-and began to (sorry) vomit. The doc knew right away that I was in the stages of either “Heat Exhaustion” or a “Heat Stroke”.  He quickly motored us to the nearest shade we could find, which isn’t easy on Old Hickory Lake. He helped me loosen my clothing and since there was no access to cold compresses began to pour water on me from the lake until it looked like it had rained inside the boat. When I was able, he had me drink some water, drove us back to the ramp, helped me to the Tahoe, and put my head directly into the air conditioner vents. Over a hour period I began to gradually feel better but I was still weak and washed out.  What Happened To Me? Heat Exhaustion!!!!! Oh yes, Big Bad Me, the guy that could handle any weather….Wrong! I shutter to think what would have happened to me if I had been by myself that day….I most likely wouldn’t be around to write this article.

 Yesterday when we launched the Stratos at 4:45am it was already 84 degrees. Temps yesterday reached the high 90’s and the heat index was soaring well above 100 degrees. This weeks forecast is much of the same. Please take some advise from someone that had a not so subtle wake-up call-  Stay Safe, Don’t Take Chances On The Water. No fish is worth it. I hope the following information will help you.

If Your Fishing During A Heat Wave

First of all a heat wave is what we are going through right now here in middle Tennessee and most of the country.  It’s a prolonged period of excessive heat and humidity. Temperatures with the heat index factored in can reach well above the 100 degree mark very early in the day. Let me say that again very early in the day! You don’t have to wait until mid day for the danger level to rise excessively, it can happen by 9 or 10 am easily. The National Weather Service has been issuing warnings concerning the dangers of heat related problems. Warning have gone out for everything from humans to animals. Slow down and avoid as much strenuous activity on the water as possible. If you like to fish at night this might be a good alternative. If your fishing during the day start as early as you can and get off the water as early as possible. I know the fish aren’t always where we want them to be-but try to utilize the shaded areas as much as possible. Wear lightweight-light colored clothing and head gear. Drink plenty of water regularly and often. Drink fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty. Contrary to some national beverage companies advertising campaigns, studies have proven that water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies.  Avoid drinks with alcohols or caffeine, these just make the effects on you’re body during extreme heat worse. Eat small snacks several times while on the water. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so my your physician.

 What Are Some Signal Of Heat Danger?

(1) Heat Cramps: Heat cramps are muscle contractions, normally in the hamstring muscles in the back calve area of the legs. I have experienced these before and I can tell you that they can be very forceful and very painful. These cramps seem to happen in extreme heat.  Particularly if you are dehydrated or are in poor physical condition. OOP’s How many of us qualify there? I always thought that these cramps were due to some type of mineral imbalance, but from all the reports that I have read this doesn’t seem to be true.

 (2) Heat Exhaustion: This is brought on by excessive heat and dehydration. The signs of a heat stroke is exactly as I described in the paragraphs above. Paleness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fainting and a normal to moderately increased temperature.  This increase in body temperature isn’t a fever but rather caused by the heat.

 (3) Heat Stroke: Folks I can’t stress this enough. A Heat Stroke is a life threatening situation. It is the most severe form of heat illness. It can occur even in people who are NOT EXERCISING if the weather is hot enough.  Signs of a heat stroke is warm flushed skin and little to no sweat, rapid weak pulse and rapid shallow breathing. Body temperatures can be very high, as high as 105 degrees and the person may be delirious, become unconscious or go into seizures.

 Treatment Of Heat Related Emergencies

(1) Heat Cramps: Get to a cool place and try to rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and drink a 1/2 glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not drink any liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, they can only make things worse.

 (2) Heat Exhaustion: Get the person out of the heat and to a cool place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths such as towels or sheets. If available ice packs and a fan blowing on the person may also help. If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink. Make sure they drink slowly. Give 1/2 glass of cool water every 15 minutes/ No alcohol or caffeinated drinks.  Rest and watch for a change in conditions.

 (3) Heat Stroke: Remember this can be LIFE THREATENING! Get the person to a cool location out of the sun. Loosen or remove clothing and pour very cool water on the person if possible. Use cold compresses-especially to the head and neck area, also to the arm-pit and groin areas. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY. Do not give medications, do not use rubbing alcohol…DO NOT give them anything to EAT or Drink….Continue first aid until medical help takes over.

 Conclusion

We can prevent heat related illnesses. It’s important to stay well hydrated to make sure that your body can get rid of the extra heat. Be sensible about exertion in this heat wave that we are currently in. The hotter more humid the harder it will be to get rid of excessive heat. Wear the right clothing, drink plenty of water, stay in the shade and if you begin to feel bad at all get off the water and into a cool place. I hope this will give you some food for thought………like I said it’s just a fish and it’s just not worth the risk.

Marshall and I put in at the state park ramp on Tim’s at 6:10am this morning (and hour later than we should have) We went to an area that I know holds suspended fish (all varieties & sizes) in the hot summer months (water temp 86 degrees) and it didn’t take long for him to hook up. (Big Largemouth is pictured 2 times) Everything he caught was on a 7 foot ultra light rod-a 20 series reel-8lb Sufix Revolve Low Vis Green Braid-Vmc Crank Bait Snap and the 1  1/2 inch # 4 RS Shad Rap  Shad you see in his hands. It was all over at 9:15 am.  If you want to have a good time-see a kid’s eyes light up and watch a battle just cut and paste my last few posts on ultra light trolling with Rapala Ultra Light Baits and Revolve Braid  on a ultra light rod put it to work and see what happens.  If you need more info on my Rapala Baits and Sufix Revolve Braid  feel free to contact me at rickm@ dtccom.net Thanks for visiting my site Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

M

I always look forward to fishing with my 7 year old grandson Marshall when he is on summer break.  He caught what you see above (including the big rock) yesterday morning on Tim’s trolling ultra lite baits pictured above.  He caught and released 17 total mix and we had a great time just look at his face. I started doing this ultra lite trolling with him when he was 5 years old and he  caught on quickly-it’s an easy way for him to learn the basics of rod-reel-line-baits and watching the Garmin for suspended fish and bait balls without over powering him with heavy tackle.  Let’s talk briefly about what he was using. He used a 7 foot mirco lite rod with a #20 size spinning reel filled with  Sufix Revolve green 8lb test (0.005dia) finesse line which Rapala designed for multiple  finesse applications (strong smooth and hassle free) We also used a VMC #00 Crankbait snap which I have always been a fan of on all my crankbaits. Bait selection was simple we stuck with shad colors (pictured above) Rapala Ultra Lite Shad 4 that is 1 1/2 inches long and weighs 1/8oz and is slow sinking and runs TRUE at trolling speeds Rapala Shad RS which is a balsa wood  suspending bait that 1 1/2 inches long and 5/16oz. And lastly A true legend  Rapala SR5 2inch long and weighs 3/16oz.  We missed last year because of my open heart surgery but  when Marshall was 5 he caught multiple Smallmouth-Largemouth-Hybrid-white bass-cat fish-and even a 15lb drum using this same equipment-and it’s not about what grandpa catches (I’ve caught my share) it’s about Marshall and him learning and enjoying. I believe this technique works really well when fish aren’t very aggressive-and it’s hot like yesterday 91 when we left the lake.  Try it and see for yourself-it works and it’s a whole lot of fun. Thanks for visiting my site Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

I fished Normandy this morning from 6:00am until noon and the 5 above was my best. Big fish was 4.21 Last week they were all over a shad colored bait but would not touch them today-BUT they would attack the Rapala DT6 Blue Gill pictured above.  Not sure if it was the wobble? Color?  What ever it was it’s what they wanted today. You can see a number 8 on the rod-the whole tag say 8 Pro Mix (Sufix) that’s the way I keep track of what weight line I have on the various rods that I use–Old Age Bad Memory.  That’s it for this week I’ll let you know how it go’s next week. Thanks for visiting my site Rick McFerrin

This week I fished 3 days with long time friend Tim White. 1 Day on Tim’s and 2 days on Normandy. The pics above was our best for the week-even includes a Walleye and a Channel Cat.  Wednesday Tim’s Smallmouth was tough but we did manage to scrounge out  a few on  a Rapala Ultralight Purple Descent Shad (1/8 oz  & 1 1/2 inches) Normandy was much better on Spots and Largemouth using a OG Tiny 4 Rivershad.  www.rapala.com There is a shad spawn on both lakes and we concentrated as much as possible on those banks. The shad measured an inch to 2 inches so we stayed with baits the would match. The fish all 3 days that we caught was no deeper than 4 foot at best.  As always I used Sufix 6lb Clear Blue Mono www.sufix.com and a VMC Snap.  I’ve always been a light line guy-some folks are skittish about using 6lb but honestly through all these years I have lost very few fish from being broken off -you just can’t winch them in.  What I like about light line is that you gain depth on your small baits. For instance The Tiny 4 (4ft Deep) will run 5   or better using 6 lb test same thing applies to the Ultralight Shad. You can get added depth but with a small profile bait-and as you can see above it works-as it has for me for years.  Hopefully I get over to Lake Hartwell where Tim lives and fish with him this coming fall.  That’s it for this week. Thanks for visiting my site Rick McFerrin

Just a quick post. For several reasons I haven’t been able to fish lately, but yesterday morning I went to Normandy. I had a friend tell me at church Sunday that he had caught several Spots/Largemouth on a #5 Rapala Shad Rap earlier last week. So #5’s on and to the lake I go. I never had a hit of any kind on anything for the first 2 1/2  to 3 hours. I know Normandy well and the areas that I was on “normally” will give up a fish or 2.  So I decided to down size even smaller to the Rapala Blue/Silver Ultralight Crank www.rapala.com  you see pictured above in the left had corner. In the next hour or so I caught and released 5 with the 2 above being my best.  Through the years I have seen this happen on Normandy-Tim’s and Woods. They just at least for me wanted something very small on Sufix 6lb Pro Mix www.sufix.com  Something different (finesse )made a difference.

Just to let you know Rapala has an extensive line of ultralight baits-(1 1/2 to 2 inches) Such as Countdown Elite-Original Floater-Ultralight Shad-Rippin Rap-Minnow-and Crank. Also Shad Rap RS the Mini Fat Rap.  Our 13 Fishing Line has 2 hard baits and 13 soft ultralights.  VMC has Ultralight jigs and pan fish hooks-spinner baits and bobber stops. Blue Fox has a whole line of ultralight spinners  And the list can go on but I won’t. I urge you to go on Rapala.com take your time and check it out. 

Unless something else comes up I hope to be on the water 3 days next week-if so I will let you know how I do. Thanks for visiting my site. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Needless to say I’m proud of my grandchildren-the 2 above and 3 others not pictured here. The little guy in the white shirt is Parker he will be 3 in june and these are pictures of his FIRST FISH.  He caught 3 or 4 and he wanted to hold them and release them on his own. Good job Parker! The young man in the blue green shirt is Marshall who already has become a good fisherman in his own right. Shell Crackers-Bass-Blue Gill He’s the man. Take time-to take time to take your kids -grandkids-or maybe a kid that doesn’t have anyone to take them fishing. They will remember these times and you will be blessed as well. 

I spent a great day with the young man that you see pictured on Tim’s yesterday.  Jared has been a very close friend of our youngest son Daniel and Rena and I for years.  Jared just started bass fishing about 3 years ago and just keeps getting better and better. He asked me you go with him in his boat yesterday and I was more than happy to oblige . When we first got to the lake there wasn’t much wind for at least 3 1/2 hours but it eventually got stronger and stronger (20 + sustained-30 gusts) Great Tim’s Ford wind. I took us to a long shallow gravel bank that historically is a good jerkbait bank and the results was the 3 that you see above-4 that should have been and 2 or 3 smaller fish.  All but 2  on a   jerkbait.  Now in full disclosure we tried 2 other similar banks with zero results.  Thats Tim’s Ford-makes you scratch your head some times.  Rapala is a jerk bait industry leader with a  variety  that fits EVERY  situation.  From ultra light to 5 inch and larger. A unmatched variety of colors-depth-actions and match the hatch graphics . Best thing to do is go to  www.rapala.com  and check the possibilities out for you self and you particular needs.  I plan on doing a Jerk Bait post soon with pictures and specific bait details. Thanks for visiting my site. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com