Yes, as James Taylor said, “In my mind, I’m gone to Carolina,” we decided to actually go to Carolina. North Carolina that is, as we visited long time FATC member (since 2009!) Dave Beerbower. Dave sold his house last year and moved full time into his condominium in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. He was getting a little lonely for his fishing buddies, so he invited a few of us out to fish with him. Before I even talk about the great trip we had I have to thank both Dave and Becky Beerbower for their unbelievable and wonderful hospitality. Becky cooked for us in the mornings and evenings, and it was impressive. To say the least we all gained a few pounds when he returned home.
Dave invited me (Kenny Klimes), John Muckerman and Ron Fiala (the Berwyn Bear) to come out to the western part of North Carolina to test our fishing skills. Dave set up this trip with a few float trips I mind on the famous Watauga River in the eastern part of Tennessee. We arrived in Charlotte, NC on Sunday evening after a few delays at the airport, got to bed around midnight to get up at 5am the next morning to travel the Tennessee. On Monday was our first float trip of two on the Watauga River just below the dam. Our two guides, Alyssa and Sky met us at a grocery store parking lot to drive us to the put in point. Kenny and Ron picked Alyssa as their guide. Of course, with those two in the boat she will have the “trip” of a lifetime as they badgered each other the entire day. Dave and John went with Sky. On the first day they all fished the upper Watauga River and caught many fish, mostly browns of small size. This float turned out to be more of quantity than quality. Browns in the 8 – 13-inch range were caught. It was a fun day and both guides did outstanding work for the four – Alyssa seemed to work extra hard just keeping Ron and Kenny in line.
On the Tuesday, the guys hit a few small streams near where Dave lived. The heat, low clear water made fishing tough, but a few were caught. It seemed the “Euro Style” fishing did the best in these small streams. With the heat in the upper 90s everyone decided to do a little sightseeing. What a beautiful area of our great country. Although smaller mountains than out west scenery in the Smokies was spectacular!
On Wednesday, the boys were at it again with guides Sky and Alyssa. This time they fished the lower section of the Watauga. The guides were a little concerned as a flash storm the night before turned the river fast and muddy. But we opted for the chance for bigger fish and pushed forward. Kenny and Ron again went with Alyssa as their guide. They figured if she could stand them for one full day then maybe she could go just one more. It was a great float but by noon the heat started taking its toll as sloppy casting cost us a few fish. Yes, we caught bigger fish but not in the quantities as Monday. Both Sky and Alyssa worked hard to put us onto fish. Gotta say one thing – the scenery was beautiful.
On our last day, Thursday, we ended up fishing a few hours on some smaller streams again. This day the catching was much tougher, and the heat was much hotter. So again, we did some sightseeing and eating and drinking. On Friday we headed back to St Louis which was just as hot.
Overall, we had a fun time chatting, eating, and drinking with our good friends Dave and Becky. We laughed a LOT and if you get the chance, ask Dave (or Becky) about Dave Beerstein! Also, I think if you ask really nice and catch Dave in one of his “lonely” moods he might just invite you out. Blowing Rock and Boone, NC are both wonderful places to visit and vacation. Thanks Dave and Becky for one awesome trip!!
