A trio of FATC members, Vernon Preston, Don Varner and Steve Baker tried their luck at Bennett Spring State Park on Thursday July 30. The weather kept us wondering even after we left the commuter lot. It had rained most of the night but as we drove down 44 the rain turned off and we had great weather all day. We made it to Bennett and were in the stream fishing before 9am. The water was perfect and there were a fair number of fishermen in the water but we managed to find plenty of room to fish. The morning was slow and Don netted a couple and I netted three and had a really nice fish break me off. Vernon didn’t have much luck but he got an E for effort.

We met up for lunch at 1pm and then went right back out. The afternoon was better. Don got 4 more mostly on wooly buggers. I was able to hit a streak of 4 on a size 20 midge, Bam, Bam, Bam, Bam. All nice sizes right next to the spring. Then it turned off and I was only able to catch 1 more for the rest of the day. Unfortunately Vernon was able to keep his fishless streak going. But he is proud to announce that he is the only FATC member to be skunked in all the trout parks.

We packed up our gear and were on the road by 5:30pm. Had a great fellowship dinner in Sullivan at the Mexican restaurant. No margaritas were consumed by the driver, or anyone else. The final trek back to the commuter lot was quite as everyone was tired. Overall the trip was great and really not that much longer than a trip to Montauk. Will definitely plan more trips to Bennett.

 Steve Baker