THE EARLY morning sun cast long shadows across the still waters of Woods Reservoir in Franklin County. A gentle breeze ruffles the surface, creating soft ripples that shine brightly in the golden sunlight. The atmosphere vibrates with the calls of waking birds. Chirps and whistles echo across the 3,600 acres of water. Since the beginning of time, experienced anglers have cast their lines along the shoreline, their figures silhouetted against the rising sun. Some perched on old wooden docks, a look of concentration resting on their faces as they waited for a tug on their lines. Others stood knee-deep in the shallows, casting their baited lines with practiced ease, their boots leaving behind fleeting impressions in the soft mud. In the distance, a lone boat, its white hull cutting through the glassy surface, left a gentle wake in its path. Its occupant, a figure barely visible under a wide-brimmed hat, scanned the water with a practiced eye, searching for the telltale signs of lurking fish. The air carried the faint scent of pine needles and damp earth, a mixture that evoked the feeling of the surrounding woodlands. A calm breeze carried the distant sounds of traffic from the nearby highway, a stark contrast to the serenity of the scene.
Jerry’s introduction to the world of fishing was not a mere pastime; it was a rite of passage, a heritage passed down from his father, Watt Little. As a young boy, Jerry, like a miniature reflection of his dad, took his first steps into the enchanting realm of the reservoir.
“My dad,” Jerry recollected, “took me fishing at a young age and introduced me to catching, cleaning, and cooking.”
Those early memories of special moments around the lake created the foundation for a bond that would last for decades. Jerry’s childhood memories unfolded like a reel of film, each scene capturing the essence of his connection to fishing.
Woods Reservoir became the breeding ground for these familial adventures. Watt and their next-door neighbor, Mr. Castleberry, became Jerry’s mentors and companions in the pursuit of the perfect catch.
“It was a joy to watch him,” Jerry recalled as he witnessed his father’s skills at play. The camaraderie they forged during those fishing expeditions laid the groundwork for a family tradition that would endure across the years.
Their best trips entailed cooking bass, crappie, and other favored delicacies by the lake and sharing meals together as a family.
“All the trips to Woods Reservoir were good. But the ones where we actually caught and cleaned some fish and cooked them at the lake, that’s about as fresh fish as you can get,” he said.
“We made hushpuppies and fried taters and just enjoyed ourselves as a family. Afterward, the old folks would sit and tell us fishing stories, and [we] kids would sit around and listen.”
Woods Reservoir offers plenty of bank and boat fishing opportunities, thanks to its easy accessibility and spacious waters.
Five public boat access sites and four fishing piers dot the shoreline, providing convenient launch points for anglers. The state has further enhanced the fishing experience by placing 10 fish attractors throughout the reservoir.
Over the years, Jerry witnessed many changes to the reservoir but remained captivated by its beauty. Its waters still held the magic of his childhood memories, rekindled when he took his son, Jeremy, fishing just as Watt had done with him.
According to Jerry, patience and enjoyment constitute a perfect day of fishing. He humorously added that you can redeem a bad day of fishing with a visit to the grocery store for a fresh catch. Sometimes, the experience matters more than the outcome.
When it comes to techniques for success, Jerry provides seasonal insights. In winter, slow fishing in deeper waters is key, while spring calls for a focus on crappie and bass fishing. Jerry advises casting lines further out to maximize success.
Many might remember the local convenience store that graced Woods Reservoir’s dock. For Jerry, memories of the shop bring back vivid and special memories.
“When I was a young person, it was a pleasure to stop in and get minnows and worms, or artificial bait,” he shared.
“The inside of the store was nice. They had fish mounted on the walls. They also served good food. It was just a friendly place.”
Though the small shop is no longer in business, those memories will last for years through stories passed down from generation to generation.
Generations have found serenity at Woods Reservoir. Following in his father’s footsteps, Jerry continues the tradition, casting memories onto the water alongside Jeremy. GN
