Here is a trip report from FATC member Steve Baker! Steve fished with FATC member and now guide Ryan Young.

On Thursday August 21 a FATC friend,Ryan Young and I were finally able to make it happen. Ryan had bought a Slipstream 3 man fishing raft and we have been trying to get together and float the  Meramec River and fish for smallmouth bass. Between the summer heat and other commitments it took us a couple of months to get together. 

I met Ryan at his shop and he had the raft ready to go and was rigging the fly rods up for streamer fishing. We drove out to Cuba Mo. and to the river access. After loading up the gear we were off. I had never fished for smallmouth before and Ryan was very good at showing me the methods needed to net one of these guys. After a couple of hours of fishing and drifting down the river I finally got the hang of the strip set needed for these guys. Ryan did a great job of rowing and putting me on the fish. It’s obvious that he has spent a considerable amount of time learning the river and scouting the water for fish habitat. I ended up with 4 smallies in the net and another 4 that I let slip away. I think we were on the water for about 6 hours, so for a newbie I think I did ok. Most of all I had a great day on the water with a brother FATC member. 

Ryan has indicated that he wants to keep honing his skills on the water and hopes to become a guide someday. Next time you see Ryan at a FATC event see if he’s available and he might be able to get you out fishing.