July 25, 2007 by Joel.

Jan and I got away for a short vacation last week. We spent three nights in a B&B in Washington, Virginia, right next to the Shenandoah National Park. We stayed at the Heritage House B&B, a great place. Had dinner at the Inn at Little Washington, which was quite an experience. We hiked Old Rag, hiked White Oak Canyon, and watched the deer in the fields behind the B&B, visited wineries. Took my flyrod and fished a bit in White Oak Canyon. Saw some beautiful brookies, but wow, they were spooky. Didn’t hook one.

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July 16, 2007 by Joel.

Back from Bassclave 2007. Great job by Drew Nix (with help from the Flying ‘Clave Monkey) in organizing this, the 11th Annual Bassclave. What a good time! Spent two days doing float trips on the upper James River. A beautiful place! Did two floats…Friday from Iron Gate to the Gala gas works (11 miles), and Saturday from Saltpeter Cave to Narrow Passage (~6 miles). I floated both days with Henry “Give me the Clave Monkey” Bowser, Rob “Look at my Paddle” Tucker, and Drew. Caught plenty of bass, sunnies, redeyes, and fallfish; probably about 20 bass each day for me (and about 20 other fish each day), and similar numbers for my compadres (except Henry and the magic crayfish pattern). My best fish was probably 14″; with several 11-12″ fish along with many “standard” 8-10″ bass.

I had forgotten how vigorously the fallfish fight. They hit a popper with authority, and a big one of 14″ or so can really make you think you have a nice bass.

There were a total of 9 folks at the ‘Clave, small by past standards, but a most pleasant gathering. Mark Wendt caught “Moby Bass”, a 15-16″ inch fish. Much good scotch, quite a few beers, and cigars for some (but not for me — that’s a vice I don’t have). Here’s a shot of me (holding the ‘Clave Monkey) and Drew enjoying camp camaradie.

This was the first time I’d used my pontoon (an ODC816) in fast water. Much fun! Check out this shot of me going through the “squeeze” on the Iron Gate to Gala run.

Can’t wait until next year when the clave moves to West Virginia on the Greenbrier. See you there!

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July 6, 2007 by Joel.

…more fish for me!  Reports are there of 75 bass days floating the James.  Hope that holds.  Planning to head up Thursday night, and float Friday & Saturday.  Woohoo!

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July 1, 2007 by Joel.

…the clave dates are July 12th-15th, 2007 at the Campground at Natural Bridge, Natural Bridge, VA.  This gathering has been taking place since 1997 and is predominantly a gathering of the denizens of the Flyfish Listserve.  I’ve been to several of these, and am really looking forward to this!

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