My crappie bite has been falling off, although I know others are catching them good. But yesterday I decided it was time to run my first guide trip in the Chickamauga Dam Tailwaters, searching for a mixed bag. True to form, the tailwaters produced. I started off with live shiners on light tackle. Both anglers were relative newbies, especially ten-year-old Paxton. But the kid was patient and took instructions well - fishing and fighting. Paxton out-fished his great uncle, Taylor, by a long shot. He landed several great bass - largemouth and smallmouth. Taylor caught us a spot to round out their Black Bass Grand Slam. Then it was off in search of catfish. The light tackle, chicken breast bite was just OK and we put several good eater-sized channel and blue cats in the livewell. Then the guys wanted to try for a "big bite." We didn't spend a real long time at it and it was a waiting game. But finally a hefty 17-pound blue bit. Paxton fought it for a little while and then decided it was too hot to handle. He did the "Tag Team" hand-off to Taylor who sealed the deal. It was great fun! Although I heard later that Taylor had an, "Oops!" He apparently dropped one of the bigger cats while cleaning, sending a spine through his leather shoe and into his foot. Ouch! Hopefully the fish fry will help him recover quickly. The last picture is just for the he!! of it - a chance to show off my shiny new Tacoma. Typical Tacoma except I got lots of those newfangled bells & whistles. Now I'm just waiting on ARE to ship my matching camper top. Then RSimms will be ridin' in style again. 
