Learning the Ropes on Lake Hartwell: Cold Rides, New Rigs, and Small Wins
With the Bassmaster tournament rolling into Lake Hartwell this weekend, I figured it was the perfect time to get back out there myself and keep chipping away at it.
I loaded up the jon boat, tossed on my Dove Bros hoodie, and hit the water for a midday trip — and even though the sun was out, that ride across the lake still had a bite to it.
You don't realize just how cold open water can be until you're ripping across it in a little jon boat with nothing but a hoodie and some determination to keep you warm.
This trip wasn’t about breaking records.
It was about learning.
Learning the lake.
Learning my gear.
Learning what it really takes to chase down these bass on Hartwell.
I spent the day switching back and forth between my new bait caster — running a Texas rig — and my spinning reel when I needed a different feel.
Still trying to get the bait caster dialed in. Some casts felt perfect, and others... well, let's just say the fish weren’t the only thing I was untangling.
But that’s the point. Every backlash, every missed bite, every slow drift across the points — it's all part of the process.
I didn’t catch anything this trip.
Haven’t caught anything yet on Hartwell since I started fishing here.
And honestly? I’m good with that.
Because right now, it’s not about loading up the livewell. It’s about getting better.
About figuring out what this lake wants. About learning how different rigs feel, how different reels work in different situations, and how every piece of the puzzle fits together.
There’s something peaceful about it too.
Being out there in the middle of the lake, water stretching out in every direction, no sound except the wind and the splash of your line hitting the surface.
It's a reminder that sometimes the best days aren't measured by how many fish you land, but by how far you've come without even realizing it.
I'll be back out on Lake Hartwell again soon, Dove Bros hoodie on, bait caster in hand, and a head full of lessons from every trip before.
Because that's what chasing the adventure is all about — taking flight, one cast at a time.
Healthy Fuel for Fishing Trips
When you’re out on the lake all day, what you eat and drink matters — not just for your energy, but for staying sharp and feeling your best.
Here are a few of my go-to healthy options for a day of fishing:
✅ Hydration:
Electrolyte water (like a low-sugar hydration drink or electrolyte powder packets)
Coconut water for a natural boost
✅ Snacks:
Protein-packed trail mix (raw almonds, cashews, dried cranberries)
Jerky made without added sugar
Rice cakes with peanut butter
Fresh fruit like apples, bananas, or oranges (easy to toss in a cooler)
Dove Bros Hydration (coming soon 👀)
✅ Meals (if you’re packing a cooler):
Grilled chicken wraps with spinach and hummus
Tuna salad packs with whole grain crackers
Hard-boiled eggs for quick, protein-packed bites
Fuel your body right and you'll be surprised how much better you fish — sharper reactions, more endurance, and a clearer mind for reading the water.
