WOW!!! There are so many new things to see and do in the greater Smith Mountain Lake area. Most of my time at Smith Mountain was about 15 to 20 years ago when Jim Baugh Outdoors was producing a fair amount of inland striped bass features. My kids spent a lot of time at the lake and we found it was also one of the best lakes for crappie fishing anywhere.
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| Smith Mountain Lake |
JBO TV was filming in the area as a part of our 25th anniversary series to air later this spring. First up there was a big Oakley Bass tourney being held out of Bridgewater and boy did these anglers catch some Bass! Great event and turn out. There was also a festival being held at the New Moneta that had some darn good BBQ, some of the best!
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| Oakley Bass Tourney SML |
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| Bridgewater |
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| Moneta |
Things have certainly changed over the years. The old campers paradise which was sort of an old fisherman’s hangout where you could go for a breakfast platter, buy oil for your boat, and also get a bucket of minnows to your liking. Now the place has been totally overhauled, or almost rebuilt as the new “Jakes”. One fantastic restaurant and bar complete with scenic outside Caribbean patio dining. The place is truly gorgeous, very well done and we can't wait for a return visit.
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| "Jakes" SML |
On the cooking front we had the pleasure of working with the Landing Restaurant and interviewed owner chef “Bruno”. This chef is both artist and craftsman when it comes to cuisine. All homemade recipes with a strong flair for the original and delightful. This has become a very popular restaurant and has a beautiful view of the lake.
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| The Landing Restaurant, Bernards Landing. |
Other stops during our filming included the home of Booker T Washington which will be featured in Jim Baugh Outdoors “Lure of the Shore” with Donna Bozza. Moving southward we filmed some art stores in Rocky Mount as well as Ferrum College.
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| Booker T. Washington |
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| The Grainery in Rocky Mount |
We based our trip out of Bernards Landing where we enjoyed
bucolic views of the Lake. This is also an
amenity rich place complete with workout room, sauna, steam, indoor and
outdoor swimming pool and hot tubs. The Landing Restaurant is also on the premises.
Now is a good time to book your summer vacation at Bernards Landing, the place
is awesome. We will be back!
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| Bernards Landing |
Once the show is finished post production, we will broadcast the show and also stream it online 24/7. This feature will be broadcast along with our feature on Talbot County Maryland. We are filming there later this month.
Stay tuned!!!
Below results from last weekends Oakley Tourney.
Godspeed,
Jim Baugh
Overall Leaders- SML Oakley Tourney
Rank
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Angler
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Weight
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1
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LONNIE GIVENS
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7.37
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2
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TOBY PETERS
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6.46
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3
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ELLIOTT ROBERSON
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6.45
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4
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BAILEY MILLER
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6.11
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5
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GREGORY AARON SCOTT
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5.91
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6
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BOBBY MCDANIEL
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5.85
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7
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DENNIS HILL
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5.79
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8
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TIM BOOTHE
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5.65
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9
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RALPH HOLIFIELD JR
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5.63
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10
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PHILLIP COX
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5.60
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Also....Just out and now available in Stores!
The latest article by Jim Baugh Outdoors very own host of the "Lure of the Shore" segment, Donna Bozza.
