Merry "Fish"mas!!

The Two Dog household has had a fishy 2024. Looking back through photos of fishing trips and adventures warms our hearts and makes us dream about fish that will be caught in 2025. So let's take a trip through our "Fish"mas Awards and see what 2024 had to offer.

The First Fish of 2024

This coveted award went to the youngest of the group, Julie. She quickly caught a rainbow trout on a stocked pond in early January. Being content to win the first fish award, she proceeded to play around the lake instead of fish. You can read about it here: Seventeen fish is enough - The Tryon Daily Bulletin | The Tryon Daily Bulletin

Julie has come into her own in the fishing world and earned the nickname "Catfish" after a successful trip to The Olde English District in SC on Lake Wylie.

Biggest Trout

It's safe to say that any time you have to hug a trout to get a picture, you will be in the running for the biggest trout award. Paul caught this monster in Georgia with Corey, Jim, and a good friend Mr. Mike (editor of Rivers and Feathers) . Mr. Mike taught Paul a secret technique called the "Watusi Wiggle." Paul hasn't told a soul this technique and is getting close to out fishing us. A private water trip is a great gift idea if you are looking. Check out Fern Valley or Davidson River Outfitters.

Oldest Fish

Around Easter, we took a quick drive down to Charleston for a different kind of fishing trip. We hooked up with Captain Lawton Mattson (Fishing Charters, Fossil Hunting and Shark Tooth Excursions in Charleston, SC) for a fish and fossil combination trip.

This fossilized tooth was the oldest fish of the year. We also found fossilized whale bones, vertebrae, and pretty shells.

Smallest Fish

Besides being able to find tons of fossilized shark teeth (hence, the oldest fish award), we even caught a few trout. This time, the saltwater variety. One of Julie's may even be in the running for the smallest fish of the year. We will definitely be giving Lawton a call to fossil hunt again in the future.

Biggest Fish

I was happy to claim the title of biggest fish award for 2024. This 35 pound monster came out of Lake Wateree with guide Jason Wolfe. He is the man when it comes to catching catfish and stripers wherever they are biting.

Most Fish

Once again, this award goes to Corey. Fish should be on notice. She looks to repeat in 2025. No bluegill or trout is safe.

Redfish, tail at your own risk. Stripers beware....

We hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Even if it is cold, it is always a good time to have an adventure. If you are looking for good gift ideas, here are some options:

Corey's dad, Jim Mize, is a wonderful storyteller and has many books that would interest outdoor enthusiasts of any age : A Creek Trickles Through It

If you are looking for a kids book, check out Mike Watt's new release: Amazon.com: Pond Fishing with Papa eBook : Watts, Mike: Kindle Store

A gift card for a fishing trip is always a fun idea. Along with the guides mentioned in this post, here are some other guides and shops we recommend:

Mountains (Trout and Bartram's Bass): Chattooga River Fly Shop | It's A Sole Cleansing Place To Be!

Lake Hartwell- Chip Hamilton at Lake Hartwell Fishing Charters

Santee Cooper Lakes:

Stripers- Leroy Suggs-Meet Captain Leroy Suggs | Captain Leroy's Striper Charters

Stripers and Catfish- Kevin Davis 843-753-2231

Catfish- June "Mouse" Withrell- Facebook

Redfish on the fly in Hilton Head/Beaufort area:

Captain Mark Nutting: Loco Fly

Bay Street Outfitters: Bay Street Outfitters

Reach out to us if you have any questions on planning fun fishing trips with the family!

-PH