Floating and Fly Fishing the Caney Fork River

1. Know the generation! I watched two couples get stuck on the wrong side of the river after the water started to rise. That would be a 4 hour wait for the water to drop out again so they could cross and get off the river.
2. Personnel water craft. My means of transportation is my decked out sit-on-top kayak. But a canoe or jon boat will work just as well.
3. Paddle and paddle leash – This is a must, unless you are lucky to have a Hobie Cat with a pedal / fin drive mechanism.
4. PFD (Personnel Floatation Device) – This too is necessary. This can prevent you from obtaining a $200.00 fine from the TWRA.
5. Kayak cart – This is one of those little carts with wheels you strap your canoe or kayak to so you can pull it rather than carrying it.
6. Folding anchor tied off to the kayak.
7. Fly Rod, flies and other tackle
8. Boat net – I learned this lesson the other day. Get a net with a longer handle. It helps you land those better fish.
9. Head Lamp – You never know how long you are going to be on the water.
10. Watch – How long have I been fishing today?
11. Hat
12. Polarized sunglasses
13. Sunscreen
14. Cooler – I prefer a soft sided cooler.
15. Drinks, drinks, and more drinks (H20, Gatorade, or Propel). Dehydration is a bitch. It gets hot out on the river and there is not a lot of shade. It is better to have too much than too little.
16. Lunch – PB&J or other sandwich, tuna fish, oranges, PB crackers, apple sauce or other pre-packaged lunches.
17. Camera – As a fisherman, sometimes you need proof. People seem to believe that fisherman tell tall tales.