I'm super excited. I decided to not get fly fishing gear because that was a lit more expensive than I was thinking it would be and I wouldn't really have anywhere to fly fish nearby where I live. So instead I just got a new lite spinning combo. I'm also bringing my baitcast combo. 

I've only fished for largemouth bass and bluegill before and occasionally catch a catfish and snapping turtle. This will be my first time fishing for trout and smallmouth. We will probably rent a small boat or a canoe or kayaks to go to the lake about 40 minutes from our campsite. 

I've been following the C&R discussion a little bit too. If I'm by myself I always do C&R. There have been a couple times at my grandparents pond that I've brought back a small catfish or crappie or bass. I've only brought back small to medium size fish though, any big fish I catch I release and just do t tell anyone about it. If they knew I caught a big fish they'd definitely want to eat it, but I like catching 5 pounders out there pretty consistently. It's very rare that a fish will die from getting hooked u less it's in the throat. I've never killed a fish with a hook. I was with a friend when she did that once, ot was actually her first fish ever and it took about a month to get her to go fishing again. Make sure to take care of the fish after you get it in and that it's ready to go when you release it. Gi shingles is great. It gives you some good skills and makes great memories. The fights are awesome too and to thank the fish you give it all the care it needs.

But anyways, has anyone else been to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park before and what are your recommendations for hikes or fishing and stuff? We are going to be on the NC side of the park near Cherokee.