Susquehanna River: July 2009
Burt Reynolds Would be Proud
For the first time in many years, we did not head north for our annual fishing trip. Instead, we decided do follow in Burt Reynolds footsteps and take a canoe trip down the river, camping and fishing along the way. Fortunately for us, we didn't encounter any creepy kids with banjos or crusty mountain men with a swine fetish. What we did encounter was beautiful weather, decent fishing, and boat load of fun and adventure.
Kahler and Pete were riding in style in Pete's new 14' luxury liner cushioned swivel seats and carpeted floors. Heck, they even had a gas motor, which unfortunately decided to go all wacky on them about 45 minutes into the trip. Henceforth the luxury liner was referred to as "The Barge". Those two certainly got a workout maneuvering that thing down the river for two days.
Josh and I were also rather comfy in the same green Coleman canoe we have been fishing from since our childhood. Josh still can handle a canoe with great proficiency, and I can still sit in the front with ease and let him do all the paddling. Nothing has changed.
Kahler and Pete were riding in style in Pete's new 14' luxury liner cushioned swivel seats and carpeted floors. Heck, they even had a gas motor, which unfortunately decided to go all wacky on them about 45 minutes into the trip. Henceforth the luxury liner was referred to as "The Barge". Those two certainly got a workout maneuvering that thing down the river for two days.
Josh and I were also rather comfy in the same green Coleman canoe we have been fishing from since our childhood. Josh still can handle a canoe with great proficiency, and I can still sit in the front with ease and let him do all the paddling. Nothing has changed.
Talk about relaxing!
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Those seats were worth their weight in gold!
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Attack of the Mayflies
Our overnight lodging on this trip was a beautiful island campsite with picnic tables, a fire ring, and soft wood chips to pitch the tents on. Well, that was the plan anyway. The first few campsites we came across were already occupied. Josh and I decided to scout around looking for an alternative site, but we ended up too far down stream and wound up walking the canoe back up to where Mike and Pete had found a potential spot. That would have been fine if I hadn't left my cell phone in my pocket. Which, also, would have been fine if Jenn wasn't eight and a half months pregnant and needed to get in touch with me. Oh well.
We ended up camping on the back side of an island in a fairly decent spot. Nothing fancy, but it worked. We cooked up some good pasta and just hung out chatting. Right at dusk, the most amazing hatch of white mayflies came off we'd ever seen. I'm not sure I can explain just how many bugs were in the air. You could literally reach your hand out and close it around four bugs at the same time. And us without our fly rods!
We ended up camping on the back side of an island in a fairly decent spot. Nothing fancy, but it worked. We cooked up some good pasta and just hung out chatting. Right at dusk, the most amazing hatch of white mayflies came off we'd ever seen. I'm not sure I can explain just how many bugs were in the air. You could literally reach your hand out and close it around four bugs at the same time. And us without our fly rods!
Next time, I'm bringing chairs
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Talk about a beautiful evening
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Lets Get Wet
One of the coolest things we did on this trip was take the time to pull over, get out of the boats, and wade fish for smallmouth. It was awesome. You could really slow down and work an area. Not to mention that the cool water felt great on a hot July day.
The man sure can fish a tube
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I hope he tied off that boat
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Bright red swim trunks?
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Look at that clear water
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Classic Josh right there. Nice fish, big smile, and his well earned fishing shirt!