urp Posted August 21, 2011 Posted August 21, 2011 I'm retired and thinking of relocating. Specifically, I want to be far enough south to be able to fish most of the year but far enough north to enjoy a good SM fishery. Further, I'd at least like the chance at a 6 lb SM. I know this site has bassers from all over the country and would like to hear your opinions. Quote
Chris W Posted August 26, 2011 Posted August 26, 2011 I live in TN and a 6lb fish here is a nice fish not a trophy. It takes 7lb+ for it to be a trophy. There are many lakes here that are capable of producing a 7+ lb smallmouth. I have lived here my whole life and do not have a trophy smallmouth yet but have been close many times. But one day on Dale Hollow I caught 3 fish and missed one. The three were 6lbs 3oz, 6lbs 11oz and 6lbs 13oz, and the one that broke my line was bigger than all of those. Plus no state income tax like KY and pretty low property taxes. Only bad thing is our sales tax is high. Putnam Co where I live has 9.75% sales tax the highest allowed in the state other counties it is a little lower but it is over 9% everywhere in the state. Just some food for thought. Quote
fishinkeebs Posted August 27, 2011 Posted August 27, 2011 The New River in VA! The New river is always producing big smallies. There are a big smallies in the James River, but not the numbers of big ones like the New! Quote
Super User Dwight Hottle Posted August 27, 2011 Super User Posted August 27, 2011 I live in TN and a 6lb fish here is a nice fish not a trophy. It takes 7lb+ for it to be a trophy. There are many lakes here that are capable of producing a 7+ lb smallmouth. I have lived here my whole life and do not have a trophy smallmouth yet but have been close many times. But one day on Dale Hollow I caught 3 fish and missed one. The three were 6lbs 3oz, 6lbs 11oz and 6lbs 13oz, and the one that broke my line was bigger than all of those. Plus no state income tax like KY and pretty low property taxes. Only bad thing is our sales tax is high. Putnam Co where I live has 9.75% sales tax the highest allowed in the state other counties it is a little lower but it is over 9% everywhere in the state. Just some food for thought. Hey Chris. I think your doing pretty good. A 6lb-13oz is only 4 ounces away from a 7lb-1oz trophy. Once you get over 6lb-12 oz you could call it a trophy. I have a buddy that fishes with me prespawn every year for 10 days that has three 6lb-12oz but never bigger. Quote
Chris W Posted August 27, 2011 Posted August 27, 2011 Hey Chris. I think your doing pretty good. A 6lb-13oz is only 4 ounces away from a 7lb-1oz trophy. Once you get over 6lb-12 oz you could call it a trophy. I have a buddy that fishes with me prespawn every year for 10 days that has three 6lb-12oz but never bigger. The really bad part is I have had at least 9 or 10 7+lb smallmouth on over the years never landed a one of them. Most of them have been at Dale Hollow in the winter or early spring with 4lb or 6lb test. I have also had several at Picwick that broke me off. I am convinced that a 7lber is my white whale. Quote
Super User VolFan Posted August 27, 2011 Super User Posted August 27, 2011 Someplace near Big South Fork in TN. Lots of smallies around and Dale Hollow is close if you want to go big. Musky around there too! Beautiful country and it's cheap. Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted August 30, 2011 Super User Posted August 30, 2011 Visit Pickwick Pines: http://www.pickwickpinesresort.com/ Affordable living near Pickwick Lake. This location provides easy access to the lake and the Tennessee River below Pickwick Dam. The drive to Wilson Dam is about 45 minutes (McFarland Harbor) http://www.outdooralabama.com/fishing/freshwater/where/reservoirs/pickwick/access/mcw/pix.cfm Florence, AL is another area you should consider, especially if you prefer city amenities. Shopping, dining and medical facilities are abundant. From the Florence area you have immmediate access to the headwaters of Pickwick. This is where Hite weighed 77 lbs: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_123/bass-pickwick-lake-3-11.html Florence provides easy access to a number of Tennessee River reserviors: Wilson, Wheeler and Guntersville to name a few. Florence is a very nice town with a great deal to offer. I hope you visit both locations, it really depends on what you are looking for. To many, no state tax in Tennessee may be a deciding factor. Either way, you can fish all year and have an opportunity to catch the next world record: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/smallmouth_record.html Quote
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