Down The River IV
July 18-20, 2019
The trip was a resounding success. Some people even caught a few fish.
I love this stuff! I love looking at maps and weather forecasts, I love packing fishing gear into boats and loading coolers, and I love hanging out on the water with good people. I also love catching fish. Unfortunately for me this year's fishing was pretty slow. Honestly though it doesn't matter because I still got to do all of those other things that I love.
We switched things up this year a bit by launching at Clemson Island and taking out at Fort Hunter. It cut off a few miles from last year and let us really take our time on Friday. We stayed on our favorite island south of Duncannon and had great weather. By great I mean almost 100 degrees with high humidity. No problem, we just put up the patio umbrellas on the boats and spent time swimming and wading.
By the time we took out late Saturday morning we were all hot, gross, tired, hungry, and already talking about next year. That's exactly how it should be.
Trip Highlights:
We switched things up this year a bit by launching at Clemson Island and taking out at Fort Hunter. It cut off a few miles from last year and let us really take our time on Friday. We stayed on our favorite island south of Duncannon and had great weather. By great I mean almost 100 degrees with high humidity. No problem, we just put up the patio umbrellas on the boats and spent time swimming and wading.
By the time we took out late Saturday morning we were all hot, gross, tired, hungry, and already talking about next year. That's exactly how it should be.
Trip Highlights:
- America's Best motel, WITH adjoining rooms .... high class!
- Reliving the late 90's at Ruby Tuesday
- Forgetting the plug
- Lots of big catfish
- Having lunch IN the river
- Filet mignon in paper bowls
- Sleeping in 90 degree heat
- The nasty lady
- Aaron catches a muskie
- Wrapping things up with the Grandma's Breakfast
Details (READ THIS STUFF)
- Meet at Clemson Island Ramp at 5AM! Yes, I know that's early. But in the summer the absolute best fishing happens before the sun hits the water.
- Hotel rooms are booked for Thursday night at the America's Best Value Inn in Ft. Hunter. Check-in time is 3PM.
- Food that is provided:
- Friday lunch: Bacon cheeseburgers, and cookies
- Friday dinner: Caesar salad with seasoned grilled steak, and brownies
- Saturday breakfast: Sausage gravy and biscuits
- Bring your own beverages and additional snack items
- We will be back to shore in Fort Hunter a little before noon on Saturday. Typically we grab lunch and then head home.
- As it stands now, the boat assignments are as follows:
- Jordan's Jet: Jordan, Josh, Aaron (Josh's son)
- Matt's Marauder: Matt, Kenny, Aaron
- Wes's Whaler: Wes, Wes's best friend in the whole world, and Mike
- The Perechinsky Paddle-Powered Pelicans: Mark and Nick in their kayaks
- If there is anyone else you think would enjoy the trip, please invite them. I have a spare boat they could use if they have any experience.
- Two day float trip down the Susquehanna River, camping one night on an island.
- 5AM launch on Friday morning at the Clemson Island boat ramp. Drive up early, or get a hotel Thursday night.
- Gather for a shore lunch mid-day.
- Camping on a state approved public island South of Duncannon on Friday night. (State camping site 83a)
- Float to Fort Hunter on Saturday, taking out around lunchtime.
- Bring your own boat. We recommend a canoe, kayak, or flat bottom jon boat. Paddles are fine, but a motor can come in very handy at times. An anchor is also highly recommended. Life jackets are required.
- You must sign up as a boat team of at least two people. We will not allow boats with just one person. It isn't safe. Kayaks are an exception. If you want to go but don't have a boat or a partner, contact Jordan. We'll get you squared away.
- Don't like to fish? No problem! Just enjoy a relaxing float down one of the most scenic waterways in the country.
What to Bring (or Just Show Up - that'll work too)
- Two fishing poles with good reels and 6-10 lb line
- Assortment of lures for smallmouth bass ... spinners, crank baits, tubes, senkos, spinnerbaits, topwater, jigs
- Other fishing supplies like pliers, extra line, hooks, scissors or clippers, net, small swivels etc.
- Assorted clothing and footwear for two days on the water - rain gear recommended. Expect to get wet and wade in the water so bring appropriate footwear.
- Hat, sunglasses, sunblock .... you can get fried in a tin can floating on the water for two days straight
- Sleeping stuff - pillow, bag, ground pad (the ground is hard and uneven), teddy bear, whatever
- Tents: I'm pretty sure there will be three tents. People have been coordinating with each other to make sure we're covered.
- Water bottle and lots of water
- Small camp chair - It's REALLY nice to have a comfy chair around the fire after a long day on the river
- Snacks. Friday lunch and dinner along with Saturday breakfast are provided
- Some sort of sealed container or bag for phones, wallets, keys, cameras etc.
- Random little things like toilet paper, a flashlight, small multi-tool, bug spray, bar of soap, pocket knife,
- Things to AVOID - anything big, bulky, or heavy - they take up room in the boats - pack light and small - most guys wear shorts and a t-shirt that are quick dry, then bring a rain coat and rain pants. Big heavy coolers like Yeti's aren't needed for a one night trip. One decent cooler bag per boat is all we really need.
