Dysfuntion at the Junction: 2010-style

[DoahRiverRat]

I've set up our litlle 'swa-ray' again for the last weekend in September down at New River Junction.

Here's a couple of details from my (far too late) post last year:

You bring your own gear/boat/and food and if you have extra, a little bit more in case somebody needs anything over the 4-5 days these things can run. We like to say a guy could show up at one of our shindigs naked, with an empty gas tank and in short order, have clothes on his back, fishing gear and boat to fish out of, food to eat, a place to sleep, and gas money to get home. Not that anyone has actually tried that before (thank goodness 'cause NOBODY needs to see a nekkid fisherman!) But we have had guys who were on business trips FLY in and spend 2 days of the weekend with us with just their fishing clothes and they were loaned a boat, gear, had food, and a dry place to sleep….I kid you not.

We start about Wednesday with the first arrivals and go all the way to Sunday when we get up, make breakfast and then strike camp. We generally don't orginize hard fast groups to fish with. It's sort of a wander around and see who's fishing where and you make your decision on who or where to fish depending on where you fished yesterday, or who you wanna fish with today. Very informal as I said.

Cost last year was 5.50 a night, may be higher this year I don't know yet. (nope..same as last year...5.50 a night) But you'll pay Dave at the yellow office building as you come into the campground. A link to his website is posted below…he has directions and everything right there. (I think he has GPS cordinates posted as well)

On top of all this…you'll be fishing the mighty New River in Virginia. Probably THE premier smallmouth destination east of the Mississippi if the guide books are to be believed. Another well-kept secret is the New River IS the best Muskie fishing in the Mid Atlantic Region. The area we'll be fishng produced the current state record at 45lb 8oz of “Mountian Gator” , it also produced the state record smallie about 7 years ago. Neither one of those turn ya on?..how about Rock Bass (or Red eyes to some) 13-14″ long? We got 'em on the New. If you wanna see some of the sceanery, check out Drew's post on his New river trip a couple of years ago. THIS is the area we'll be in.

And BTW…if you play a guitar, bring it. We have some pretty good pickers and singers in this bunch and the talent (or lack thereof in my case) usually gets put on display in the evenings at “Camp Central”, which is just a communal fire where most of us gather in the evening. But it's not mandetory. A poker game, or even a beer pong game has been known to break out on occasion.

Anyway, thats the basics. Hope to see a few of ya there.

New River Junction website: http://www.newriverjunction.com/

Dave has a facebook page as well with more photos if ya wanna 'freind' him.

3 and 5 day VA license are avaliable for purchase on the VDGIF website: http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/licenses/

Drop me a line at doahriverrat@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Ya'll come on up.

[bmp]

Get your boats ready. This is a fun event, even in a monsoon. It can't rain 3 years in a row can it, Hershel? No matter, it'll be worth staying at New River Junction that weekend.

[JustFishin]

If everything falls in place I plan on being there. More than anything, looking forward to spending time with some of the RiverBassers I've "met" on the forum and learning a few new tactics for outsmarting those New River smallies and muskies. Been fishing some of the South Carolina flows and the James River mostly this spring so I haven't gotten in my normal number of New River trips; however, the few I've made have resulted in good numbers and quality of fish. September/October is always a good time to wet a line in the New so I would encourage those that can plan on attending.

[kodyspringer]

Will the tubing girls in the 1st picture NRJ web page be there?

[SwampCobra]

Will the tubing girls in the 1st picture NRJ web page be there?

WOW, Hey great question KS LMAO

DM<

[Stump]

Count me in !!!!

[DoahRiverRat]

Don't count on it kody. That's kinda late in the year to be tubing, but if it's warm, you never know. But other, 'more intresting' diversions have been known to happen. 2 years ago we had a group of 8 "easy-on-the-eyes" teachers from Charlotte camp down near us. They helped us make a couple of guys 'famous' who passed out at the campfire, and an impromtu beer pong broke out later that night. I knew my guys were in trouble when after 3 or 4 rounds...one of the teachers went to her truck and broke out a half gallon of Tequlia. It was only half...because the it was half-empty Gallon jug!!

NEVER try out drink teachers...thay have a job that makes the Friday afternoon happy hour tax-deductable.

Trust me..we have fun regardless of what the weather does. ;-)

[kodyspringer]

I checked on Mapquest and it's an 8 hour ride from my house, I'll look at my work schedule then beg the wife and see what I can come up with. I would love to hunt sown some Smallies on the New River!!!

[DoahRiverRat]

kody, come on up we'd love to have ya. We have a guy from Michigan who's coming down to hang with us, May as well have someone come UP almost as far to hang with us as well. Best time to catch the "Bikini Hatch" at New River Junction is late August. It's hot, humid, and Virginia Tech is back in session (only 15 miles away) and the rocks around McCoy's Falls and the park Dave owns next to the Falls, looks like a Playboy "Girls of the ACC" photo shoot on the weekends!!! Hard to concentrate on fishing and hitting the correct chutes running McCoys with all that distraction around too! Dave's 'Staff' is pretty easy on the eyes as well. His uniform for the girls he hires is little red running shorts with the word "STAFF" in big yellow letters across the butt. The guys wear baggies with the same word, but "STAFF" sure looks better on the girls letmetellya!

[New River Rat]

Will the tubing girls in the 1st picture NRJ web page be there?


the park Dave owns next to the Falls, looks like a Playboy "Girls of the ACC" photo shoot on the weekends!!!

Hey, Dave @ NRJ did once had a photoshoot of Playboy's "Girls of the ACC" once.

[DoahRiverRat]

McCoys Falls and Daves little park would be where *I'd* wanna take pictures of VA Tech girls for something like that! ;-P

[TheFishinFool]

I stayed there for a week last year when us tn guys went up there for our yearly trip and am planning to return this year if we can get it together.Great place and lots of good floats within 10 miles or so.Even though last year the water was high and muddy and it rained everyday we had a blast,not to mention the shooting at the falls to.

[DoahRiverRat]

We're starting to get some folks from here coming over to RS and saying they wanna be "on the list". Not that you have to BE on the list to show up..shoot...if we let New River Rat show up ....we'll take ANYBODY!

...who loves ya Sammy?!?!?!? ;-)

[Catawba]

I'm all in for this one!

aka MikeByrne on RS

[riverlover]

Man I'm jealous that trip sounds right up my alley. Maybe next year; I've always wanted to fish the New. And after you throw in all the additional "scenery" it sounds to good to be true.

[New River Rat]

if we let New River Rat show up ....we'll take ANYBODY!Hey!!!!!! Who's the invasive species here? You know somewhere on this board it was stated "Sam and McCoy go together like peas and carrots."

I hope we get rain before this frolic, as the NRGS* should be in rare form by then.


*New River Green Sh*t, aka aquatic veggimentation

[DoahRiverRat]

Alright boys,....wer're less than 2 weeks away at this point. I'm doing Spaghetti for the gang on Thursday night, so if you want some ya better be there (I make a mean Spaghetti if I do say so)

[JustFishin]

Plan on being there sometime Wednesday. Is there a specific place that this group will be assigned to, how do I identify what group I'm with, and does anyone else plan on being there on Wednesday?
Also, is there a group reservation or do I need to make one for myself?

Already getting pumped - just hope I can remember how to set up my dang tent and I hope the old camp stove still works - its been awhile.?

JUST READ ON THE NEW RIVER JUNCTION FACEBOOK SITE THAT THEY WILL ONLY BE OPEN ON THE WEEKENDS AFTER LABOR DAY - has there been a change in the Disfunction at the Junction 2010 camping trip?

[DoahRiverRat]

Plan on being there sometime Wednesday. Is there a specific place that this group will be assigned to, how do I identify what group I'm with, and does anyone else plan on being there on Wednesday?
Also, is there a group reservation or do I need to make one for myself?

Already getting pumped - just hope I can remember how to set up my dang tent and I hope the old camp stove still works - its been awhile.?

JUST READ ON THE NEW RIVER JUNCTION FACEBOOK SITE THAT THEY WILL ONLY BE OPEN ON THE WEEKENDS AFTER LABOR DAY - has there been a change in the Disfunction at the Junction 2010 camping trip?

Okay relax....breath slow and easy. No change in the dates. Dave always puts that up every year on the website. Our forst arrivals will be there on Tuesday. I'll be pulling in oon Wednesday. The dates are still the same and we are ON for the last week/weeknd of September as always.

[JustFishin]

DoahRiverRat,

Thanks for the update -- Looking forward to some night time river rapid music.

[JRiver]

Only 7 more days to go!! i'm starting to get a little excited about a long weekend of fishing and some beer inspecting of course:)

[takers]

i will only be able to make it on Sat or Sun for a few hours due to a work thing I have to be out of town for wed-fri

blah

[DoahRiverRat]

Tim, whatever time you can spare brutha...be happy to have ya. I gotta beer with your name on it.

Jriver...you stay outta MY cooler ya heah?!?!?! BWHAHAHA!!!

[Catawba]

I added another day off, so now will be arriving Thursday morning. I'm really looking forward to my first trip to this part of the New.

[rivertoons]

less than a week away looking forward to it going through gear as i speak 2 more days to work then off for 17 days love vacations.

[Catawba]

17 days!!! we call that a leave of absence where I work. Then again, it's common in our European operations.

[DoahRiverRat]

Guys...just becuase RS is down right now does NOT mean the Dysfunction is cancelled...we are so ON. Making a big old pant load of Spaghetti this weekend for it too!

[takers]

looks to be beautiful weather too!

hope i didnt jinx it!

[patrick reif]

did a wade float with Tony yesterday, and the water was very nice. Maybe a bit too clear, but nice none the less. If the forecast will hold, we're in business.

[DoahRiverRat]

It's looking really nice down around Blacksburg for the next week or so so. Warm (but not too warm) days and cool..some would even say chilly nights. Will make for a good evening fire and good sleepin' at night. Lets hope the fishing is just as good. First arrivals will get there tonight, I'll be there on Wednesday...ya'll come on...

[DoahRiverRat]

Tim, Sammy, Patrick, Jriver, Tommy...anybody down in that direction...I paraphrase Johnny Cash here for a moment: "How LOW'S the water Mama?"

I'm pretty sure it's get'n boney, just curious as to 'how' boney....

[BasserDrew]

Man I wish I could make this! I have a previous trip planned this weekend and have had it for some time, but I am going to get up to VA soon whether it is during a get together like this or just a trip I take one weekend. Thanks for keeping us up to date on this and I hope it is a good time for all! Take lots of pics!

[patrick reif]

very low. very boney.

it'll concentrate the fish, but be prepared to drag the yak.

[takers]

went over it this morning

extremely low and extremely clear...clearest I have seen it in a LONG time.

[New River Rat]

Skinny water, no fish, everybody stay away!!!!!!!!!!

[New River Rat]

oh yeah,




:)

[DoahRiverRat]

Nice try Sammy...;-)

Drew, any time you wanna get up here, drop me a line or give me call, I think I could maybe rustle up a couple of fellers to go with us.

[Catawba]

Patrick,

I plan to arrive mid-day on Thursday, will you be at the campground Thursday evening? Hope to see you there.

[Catawba]

At this point, "wild horses couldn't drag me away..." :)


Skinny water, no fish, everybody stay away!!!!!!!!!!

[JustFishin]

Think I'll move my arrival time to Tuesday afternoon. Been out of town for a week doing some saltwater fishing with the family. Would have tried to get up that way today but had to spend all day trying to revive my landscaping with some serious watering. Can't believe how dry everything can get. Been well over a month since we have had any significant rain.

Going to be alot of dead trees around here over the next few years.

[hennedup]

I'm gonna try and make it up to fish one day. Not sure which one yet. The river is super low and very,very clear. However it is fishing great. Had a friend catch a 21.5" pig last week!!

Tony

[jbcook]

Low and clear sounds good to me. It will be a very welcome change from the perpetual central peidmont mud/brown stain.

My window for arrival is Weds. between 12 and 4. If all goes well I'll be fishing the campground ledges in the afternoon.

[JRiver]

Think I'll do the ********** to ***** **** float everyday. no certain reason,just like that float.

[patrick reif]

Think I'll do the ********** to ***** **** float everyday. no certain reason,just like that float.

I like that float too.

Sam and I will be up early on Weds morning. We'll work out the logistics for whatever float you guys want

[DoahRiverRat]

Think I'll do the ********** to ***** **** float everyday. no certain reason,just like that float.

Good...it'll keep you out of my way. ;-)

[takers]

They are putting more water in the river for you guys!

https://www.appalachianpower.com/info/news/viewRelease.aspx?releaseID=923



NEW RIVER USERS BELOW VIRGINIA´S CLAYTOR DAM SHOULD BE AWARE OF INCREASED FLOW
ROANOKE, Va., Sept. 17, 2010– A fish sampling project on New River downstream of the Claytor Dam will change water flows and elevations unexpectedly next week.

Beginning September 21, fisheries biologists with the Wildlife Resources Bureau of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries will sample three sections of New River to estimate the numbers of smallmouth bass, rock bass, redbreast sunfish and other fish species in the river.

River flows are currently lower than what is required to sample these sections of New River. To assist the biologists Appalachian Power will release supplemental flows from the Claytor Dam for the three-day fish sampling project.

The current average discharge from Claytor Dam is approximately 1,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). New River flows will be increased to 1,500 cfs for fish sampling at Eggleston and Rich Creek in Giles County on September 21 and 22, and at Whitethorne in Montgomery County on September 23.

Persons participating in recreational or commercial activities on those days on New River should be aware that they may experience unexpected water flow changes.

Water levels for Claytor Lake and all American Electric Power and Appalachian hydroelectric facilities are posted and regularly updated on the company’s Web site: http://www.aep.com/environmental/recreation/hydro/

The Claytor Hydroelectric Project is operated by Appalachian Power and is located about five river miles upstream of Radford, Va., in Pulaski County. The dam powerhouse and generators produce about 75 megawatts of electricity.

[DoahRiverRat]

I was wondering if they were gonna jack it up a tad for Joe, Chip and the boys when they do their "Bank to bank" flotilla. Good to know. That should help us out immensly.

[DoahRiverRat]

Alright boys..truck is packed and the Spaghetti I promised everybody is loaded as well. I have the 'toon straddling my loon so it looks like I have this tri-hulled hybrid river-monster of a boat...We'll see yall Monday sometime...with pictures.

[New River Rat]

We'll see yall Monday sometime...with pictures.Oh, there'll be pictures alright.............:cool:

[Owl]

I'm hopin' for some live feed video footage? That too much to ask? :) Have a great time, guys - be safe out there.

[tjn293]

Any good fish caught? How was the river looking / fishing?

[patrick reif]

I just got back this afternoon. Sam and I were the only ones who floated yesterday. Everyone else was setting up tents and getting ready for today. There were a few waders around the camp grounds, but no other floaters

Sam landed the first muskie of the rodeo. It was only a 24" baby, but it still counts.

We landed about 50 bass between us with my 17" being the biggest. The rest were 11"-13" dinks. Dinks are the way of the New right now and into the foreseeable future.
Sam lost one yesterday he figures to be over 18".

The water is clear, but it's now falling. I looked at the release from Claytor, and there is another spike heading downstream for those guys. Should be getting there about right now.

Fish are where they're supposed to be, but it'll be difficult for some of the traveling anglers to spot the deeper holes with no experience on this river.
Jigs are a complete waste of time. The grass and rock snot are too thick to work them properly.
Spinnerbaits and deadsticking plastic seems to be the way to go... anything off the bottom will work.

Noticed the first of the grass releasing yesterday. It could be in part because of the released water, but with the nights getting cooler, it's that time of year.

I didn't stay up late last night. I woke up at 3am yesterday, drove 3 hours, rowed my toon and fished for about 9 hours, ate, drank some beer, then about fell asleep in my chair by 10:30pm. I called it a night.

It was good to put a face with a name, and to see some of my buddies again.

[JustFishin]

Got back from the Dysfunction a few hours ago. What a blast. Met alot of great guys and as Patrick said it is good to put a face with the name. Most everyone seems to have caught good numbers of fish with most being in the 10 to maybe 13 inch range. Only had two that I bothered to measure - one went 17 1/4" and another at 16".

http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af263/JustFishin_photos/DisfunctionattheJunction112.jpg
Patrick Reif's first trip in his new ride.


http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af263/JustFishin_photos/DisfunctionattheJunction116.jpg
New River Rat showing us how it's suppose to be done


http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af263/JustFishin_photos/DisfunctionattheJunction160.jpg
Catawba couldn't wait to wet a line

http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af263/JustFishin_photos/DisfunctionattheJunction168.jpg
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af263/JustFishin_photos/DisfunctionattheJunction164.jpg
RiverBasser's relaxing after a spaghetti feast prepared by DoahRiverRat

http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af263/JustFishin_photos/DisfunctionattheJunction167.jpg
Even the local dog couldn't resist Doah's cooking


http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af263/JustFishin_photos/DisfunctionattheJunction181.jpg
Campground starting to fill up

http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af263/JustFishin_photos/DisfunctionattheJunction132.jpg
Typical New River ledge area

http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af263/JustFishin_photos/DisfunctionattheJunction148.jpg
What's not to like ---- View from my tent

[Catawba]

Thanks for posting Dale, nice photos. I got home about 2:30 pm today. Broke down camp and packed in the rain this morning but like you said, what's not to like. Had three beautifull days on the river. It was nice to meet and talk with you, wished we had a chance to fish together. Hopefully we will soon and hope your wife is doing well.

[PawPaw]

Great report and photos, Dale!!! Thanks for sharing with everyone!

[rvrfshr]

What a weekend of camping and fishing. Had a good time meeting everybody, new and old. Fishing was to not hot for me but, then again you need to get in the water to catch fish. Will post more when i get some sleep.
vince

[Catawba]

That will be well deserved sleep Vince! You and your James Gang crew did a great job hosting. Food was great and you are one hard working guy. Great to see you post.

[rivertoons]

hey had a great time good to see everybody from rs and was great meeting some from here Catawba, justfishin, good meeting and getting to know yall vince thanks for all the cooking u and sigmo did enjoyed it, and Hershal thanks for getting this together great job as allways looking forward to next year already, the fishing was ok caught some small ones but seen some nice ones but a rodeo is not all about the fishing to me its about getting away and spending some time with some good people, plan on some pics to come soon as i figure out how to do it agian lol.

[DoahRiverRat]

As Dale put it..whats not to like? I got to camp Wednesday about 11:30am and had been beaten in by about 5 guys already, Patrick Rief, Jusfish'n and Rivertoons among others. Thursday was golf day for a couple of us that had pre-arranged to play a local course. We needed to be back in camp early because Thursday was Spaghetti night. I was a tad nervous about it as I regularly do my spaghetti for just friends and family at the house but cooking for 35+ hungry (not to mention smart-arsed) river-folk was a tad daunting. But it all seemed to work out. I was told that I now have a 'signature' dish that I would be expected to bring to everyone at this thing. Works for me. Friday, we went Muskie hunting and struck out under bluebird skies and gin clear water on the New. We saw plenty of 'mountain gators' but as anyone who pursues them with any seriousness...If you can see them...they already know you're there. I did have one follow but he wasn't interested, he just wanted to sniff my big black spinner bait's butt apparently. Second half of the float was thru what is historically some of the most productive water on the entire river. Alas, water was so low, we had to concentrate more on moving a large, 2 man pontoon boat thru the boney ledges rather than fishing or it would have been midnight before we got back to camp. But given how low the water was thru that float, I doubt we could have picked up any decent smallies anyway.

Friday we went downriver with DougL and Catawba to do a float I knew would hold more water. Deep-water ledges and large pools strewn with car and dump truck-sized boulders meant Muskie habitat with the possibility of some bruiser smallies if we were lucky in the ledges. We definitely got lucky. My partner and boat driver, and fellow PRSC member nailed a personal best 21 inch smallmouth. The fish was very typical of the trophies to be found on the New in Virginia this time of year. Long, with a lot of thru-the-body thickness spelled healthy fish getting ready for the Fall feed. She was even right where she should be; a nice deep corner pocket below a ledge. I even got to help on this one, handling the net (see photo below) Not an hour later, I nailed a beautiful 18incher just a couple of ledges down in very similar structure. There were a number of smaller fish dispersed thruout the float, but most came in the swift water and seams right at the ledges.

And as usual, there was much merriment made about the evening campfires, some good music made by a couple of RS guys who came out from Ohio, good food shared, (I think I had to eat 2 dinners just about every night) not to mention gear loaned, gear repaired, ice and food bought and delivered and batteries freely given...that's just how this bunch rolls...and I am proud to call them my friends.

Nice to have a couple more to add to the pile in the form of Mike (Catawba) and Doug (DougL) and Dale (justfishin') Next year guys...same place, same river. The rest of you yaa-whos are invited as well.

I'll try and remember how to stick some pictures in a couple of additional posts.

[DoahRiverRat]

Catawba gets to know some RS denizens
http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/47258/2874645890039169678S600x600Q85.jpg

Rivertoons and Rattletrap catching some rays. When you're this comfortable in a boat, I don't think you caqn call it fishing.
http://inlinethumb23.webshots.com/6038/2934589100039169678S600x600Q85.jpg

This is how low the water was. At 'normal' water levels, you see this area as a series of cascading ledges...not THIS weekend.
http://inlinethumb05.webshots.com/46532/2544877170039169678S600x600Q85.jpg

Dale had to leave early and left me a very kind note on my table. He didn't have to do that..that's just how riverfolk are. Thanks Dale, I appreciate it bud. Hope the wife is feeling better.
http://inlinethumb11.webshots.com/31370/2080190830039169678S600x600Q85.jpg

Just a typical view on the New River
http://inlinethumb04.webshots.com/29891/2754258310039169678S600x600Q85.jpg

My friend and fellow PRSC member, NoVASteve lands a 21 inch New River beauty
http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/44174/2097540510039169678S600x600Q85.jpg

Another New River vista..."In the mountians, we forget to count the days" -Chinese Proverb
http://inlinethumb34.webshots.com/45089/2585215900039169678S600x600Q85.jpg

The New treated the old DoahRat pretty well too. 18 inches of bronze fury.
http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/46333/2624702160039169678S600x600Q85.jpg

Catawba and DougL just chillin'
http://inlinethumb09.webshots.com/40392/2167581120039169678S600x600Q85.jpg

Spaghetti night!! Ya'll missed a good batch if you wern't there. But we're gonna do it next year too.
http://inlinethumb26.webshots.com/27481/2036050660039169678S600x600Q85.jpg

Catawba caught a couple of nice action shots of Steve's trophy fish (a personal best for him), The "Hero" shot:
http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/46363/2732393460039169678S600x600Q85.jpg

I call this one "The Scoop"
http://inlinethumb24.webshots.com/17047/2817185070039169678S600x600Q85.jpg

Speaking of Catawba..here he is taking on the mighty New River in fine style...
http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/43330/2819155650039169678S600x600Q85.jpg


It was a great weekend and good to see so many folks come out. We're doing it all next year, same time, same river, so you guys start planning for 2011 now.

[patrick reif]

I really wish I could have stuck around longer than I was able to. I started my new job Friday, and still had to get in touch with the main office for my designated run, so all I was able to do was one day.

It was good to meet everyone.

Dale I hope your wife is doing better.

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/4790/1234jigs104.th.jpg (http://img828.imageshack.us/i/1234jigs104.jpg/)

Here's Sam's muskie

[DoahRiverRat]

It was nice to finally be able to put a face with a name Patrick...we've been 'talking' to each other about 4 or 5 years now..it was about time. Good luck with new employer bud. And thanks for putting up NRR's Muskie, I had forgotten Sam got hisself a toothy critter..congrats Sammy! I know in all the 'm-gators' you've caught down there, hefalls into the "practice" category..but hey...a Muskie's a Muskie...right? And like you said,,"It feels good to feel good!".

[takers]

think I will just have to take the week off next year so I dont get caught up in work stuff...

Looks like you guys had a great time! Even if you did have to pack up and leave in the rain yesterday

[DoahRiverRat]

Tim, packing up in the rain is no biggie for this crew. This is NOT the first time we've had to do it. ;-) As a good friend and RiverSmallie guy Grubthower said: "Adversity, upon fond rememberance, becomes adventure." Besides, since was year three we've had to packup wet gear, it probably wouldn't feel like a DatJ if it WASN'T wet!!

I hope you DO take a week off and join us next year...would love to see ya.

[takers]

cant complain missing it really I HAD to spend 4 days at the Homstead playing golf and fly fishing....

Still hate i missed putting names and faces together, and wed - sat were awesome days to be on the river.

[Catawba]

Arrived Thursday about noon after a pleasant (once I got to Lake Norman) 3.5 hour drive north from the Lake Wylie area in SW Charlotte. I checked in with Dave of the New River Junction Campground and set up my tent in a nice shady spot. I then met and spent some time getting to know JustFishin (Dale) and admiring his customization of the 119. About 4pm or so I headed down to the river for a quick wade to tune up for Friday's float. The spaghetti sauce DoahRiverRat prepared for Thursday night was so good even my Italian grandfather would have approved. I brought a bottle of Chianti to enjoy with the pasta breaking my low-carb eating just for this special event. My compliments Herschel.

I made arrangements to float Friday with jbcook (Jason from Carrboro, NC), Sasquatch (Luke from Ohio), Mat (from VA), Wool (Mike C. from Indiana) and Rodeo Clown (Doug from Winston-Salem) on a very picturesque float of about 6 miles. Jason took the front seat of Luke's tandem pontoon and had a great day. We all caught fish with Wool taking the largest at about 16.5" I think. We got a late start on this float but enjoyed a beautiful sunset on the river. It was after dark by the time we got back to camp. We enjoyed chili dogs waiting for us skillfully prepared by Vince and the gang.

I was honored to be invited to float with DoahRiverRat (Herschel Finch) and NoVaSteve (Steve) on Saturday. The fact that they intended to fish the same float we did the day before made it all the better as I had such a good time the day before with Jason and the others. Herschel had been generous enough to lend Doug the use of his yak on Friday and the four of us set off to the consesus most scenic float on the river. Just like the day before we all caught fish. This time however, we had some really nice fish caught. I had the good fortune of a front row seat to Steve's personal best 21" catch, I saw the picture taking from a ways up river of Herschels 18" and Doug managed a personal best 17" as well. This is the second time this year I've had the pleasure of fishing with Doug on the New. In August we fished from the New River State Park in Jefferson, NC but with much tougher conditions. Similar to the day before I concentrated on surveying the younger fish on the New and can report the future looks bright. Like RiverToons mentioned I too floated over many nice fish both days. We got off the river an hour or so before dark and made it back to camp where we were treated to barbecue compliments of Vince and the gang. Thanks again for all the effort guys.

I regret that I missed seeing you Patrick, next year I'm going to arrive on Wednesday instead of Thursday.

Really enjoyed the music provided by Ed, Ray and friends from OH.

I rarely posted on RiverSmallies but have had my eye on this rodeo for I think the past 3 year. This event exceeded my expectations and I hope to become a regular for many years to come.

Thanks again Herschel for your efforts to promote and organize this event and for the opportunity to fish with you. I respect your contribution to the great resource so many of us enjoy.

Catawba a.k.a MikeByrne on RS

[DoahRiverRat]

Mike, you are WAY too kind and extend way too much credit in my direction my friend. It takes a LOT of good people to make these things what they are, I just make a single phone call and say "Hey Dave...we're coming... lock up the horses and decent folk and alert the local constabulary"! BWHAHAHA But I enjoyed getting a chance to meet you, Doug and Dale this past weekend and we'll definately be looking forward to next year.

[New River Rat]

Well, another DysFunc has come and gone and I must admit this one is ranking as my favorite yet. Nice to meet Mike and Dale and lots more, and this time I was able to remember names. And a big hillbilly Thank You! to everyone than lent me a hand.

Fishing was atrocious, but like I said years ago,"It ain't all about the fishing". Most of my babies were caught on Patrick's (CEO of Big Dummy Baits) 3" Dum-Dum Jr. The muskette came on one of my Sparkelybaits, first one I've ever landed in my 'toon. Saturday, I did a solo float on the lower half of my favorite float.

Hope I'm able to do this for many years to come.


Patrick with ~17"

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv205/newrivercat/Rodeov10/Disfunct1011.jpg

Music at night

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv205/newrivercat/Rodeov10/Disfunct1012.jpg

Why go anywhere else?

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv205/newrivercat/Rodeov10/Disfunct1026.jpg

[HiCountry]

Man that looks like some fine water! I will put this one on the calendar for sure.

[DoahRiverRat]

Sammy, as always it was good to see ya and I have to agree..."why go nywhere else?"

HiC...come on up, be more than happy to see some deep south represented at this thing. And it is indeed fine water...take it from me.

[BasserDrew]

Congrats to all on a fine event. Doah, thanks for putting it on as always. I really wanted to make this one but work called. Anyway, congrats to NoVaSteve on his pigbeast and an 18incher is not too shabby either Doah. Of course its like someone said, these events aren't really as much about the fishing as they are the fellowship anyway. Thanks for the reports fellas!

Next rodeo is in TN on the Duck River this weekend and after that is the GA/Bama Slam so come join us a little further south on the next couple rodeos if you can! Check the calendar for details.

[jbcook]

What a dysfunctional chain of events. Just the way I like it. I had a great time as usual. It was great to get to see old friends and meet some new ones. Catawba and DougL were a hoot. Dale I hope your wife is feeling better. We will have to hang out and fish next time. I met Luke (Sasquatch) for the first time and he rowed me around in his toon one day. The ability to stand and fish while doing nothing else, paired with the amount of joking around we were doing made for a very memorable day. Hershel thanks for organizing this again. It is definitely my "fishing" highlight of the year.

Wednesday I got there after dark and met Mat (ionized?) at the office. The festivities were already underway. I got to finally meet Scott (graydog) and Patrick. Dirty Ed, Phillyray, and riverdog played some music and we all BSed. I woke up to this.
<a href="http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/jbcook/?action=view&current=P9230282.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/jbcook/P9230282.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Thursday I fished with Wool and Luke. Well, I guess I just fished with Wool because Luke got frustrated by the low water and paddled back to the campground, drinking beer all the way. The fishing was difficult. Gin clear, low water with snot grass all over the bottom. I caught a few fish. Some on some senkos that Patrick gave me. Thanks for the hand pours BTW Patrick. They are very nice and I cannot wait to try out the chunks.
Wool
<a href="http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/jbcook/?action=view&current=P9230287.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/jbcook/P9230287.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Friday I fished from Luke's front seat with Catawba, DougL, and Wool on a very scenic section of river. The fish were biting the shallow jointed crank early and then took a liking to the shakey head jack's worm, so I was happy with that. I didn't catch any big ones but plenty were caught. Luke caught the best one from our watercraft. We tried to pass it off as a 22 incher but no one would buy it.
<a href="http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/jbcook/?action=view&current=P9240305.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/jbcook/P9240305.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Catawba enjoying the view.
<a href="http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/jbcook/?action=view&current=P9240310.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/jbcook/P9240310.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
DougL on what I think was his first kayak float.
<a href="http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/jbcook/?action=view&current=P9240326.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/jbcook/P9240326.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
We got the take out at dark and I was left behind with a stray kitten that would not shut up. I tried to feed it a stale payday candy bar to shut it up but that just seemed to piss it off. Then I tried to take its picture in the dark. Here you can see the sweet little kitty clinging to my nipple. The next several seconds were very painful and the locals did donuts in the parking lot.
<a href="http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/jbcook/?action=view&current=P9240332.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/jbcook/P9240332.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/jbcook/?action=view&current=P9240334.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/jbcook/P9240334.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Saturday Daddy Dave and I ran McCoy falls and we met up with Kevin (rarevos), Wool, and Mat for the rest of the float. Kevin actually ended up running the falls in a SOT without a helmet. Here are some pics of Dave playing in the falls.
<a href="http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/jbcook/?action=view&current=P9250347.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/jbcook/P9250347.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/jbcook/?action=view&current=P9250353.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/jbcook/P9250353.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/jbcook/?action=view&current=P9250352.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/jbcook/P9250352.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
I love this view.
<a href="http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/jbcook/?action=view&current=P9250357.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/jbcook/P9250357.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Saturday night was a blast. Kevin and I were the last men standing with the Everclear berry beverage (thanks Dave), which was after the moonshine was gone (thanks Paul). I think Kevin won the drinking contest but he also ended up asleep at the fire with beer cans on his head.

I can't wait for next year.

[JustFishin]

jbcook,

Really enjoyed your post and the great pictures. Gotta agree that the Dysfunction is a hoot, so much so that I'm already looking forward to next year's event. The success of an event like this is dependent on the personalities of the participants - I would give this an A+. RiverBassers are the best!!!

[Catawba]

Great post an pictures jb, thanks. I really enjoyed fishing on Friday with you, Sasquatch, Mat, Wool and Rodeo Clown (Doug). I take exception regarding the last men standing Saturday night! I heard from Luke and he is enjoying his obx trip with his wife this week.

This trip was Rodeo Clown's third in a kayak I think. He and I fished the New near Jefferson, NC in August with a group of about 15.

Look forward to many more trips to come Jason.

[rivertoons]

catawba sitting around http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/rivertoons/8-21-10033.jpgnovasteve and hershal http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/rivertoons/8-21-10024.jpg dont fall asleep around the fire http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/rivertoons/8-21-10027.jpg me and david (rattletrap) floating along http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/rivertoons/62709_157482260945943_100000525102897_411688_70116 36_n.jpg matts 17 inch smallie http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/rivertoons/8-21-10012.jpg listening to dirty ed and philly ray picking and singing http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/rivertoons/8-21-10010.jpg

[JustFishin]

Herschel (DoahRiverRat)

Just wondering if you had a rough count of how many showed up at this year's Dysfunction. Looked to me like it was well over 30 (of course a couple of shots of shine can do funny things to the brain sometimes). Regardless, this gathering is way too much fun for any of the RiverBassers to miss. Thanks again for all the hard work you and others put into this year's event - it was a blast!!!!.

[Catawba]

The Dysfunction was my 4th rodeo, and I think it was the best of them all. That is saying a lot since I've thoroughly enjoyed them all. I'm anxious to do it again next year and adding Wednesday to the trip.

[DoahRiverRat]

Dale, It's just a rough estimate on my part, but if I didn't forget anyone...we had 42 folks show up for at least part of this Rodeo. That counts all the people who just came to visit and didn't necessarily stay the night, (thanx for coming Mrs Rorrer) or who just showed up and fished one day. I'm pretty pleased with the turnout. I know we had a list of 53 people right before Riversmallies.com died, but I always figure a lot of folks get mighty "ambitious" about whether they'll make it or not; family matters intervene (as you well know), jobs rear their ugly heads, and of course, personal health issues play a part as well, there was at least one knee injury, one back surgery, and of course one guy lost a third of a lung that's just what I know of personally...in other words ...'stuff happens'. We WILL be doing it again next year and I'm hoping it'll be bigger still. It might be a little more involved getting a headcount, I'll be posting the notice on 4 different websites that I know of to cover as many of the old RS gnag as I can, and of course here, to drum up more RB folks.

If you didn't make it this year, I highly encourage you to attend next year. Catawba and Jusfishn can tell ya, we know how to party, to fish the New River and you WILL have a good time and you WILLl be well fed if nothing else. You're only a stranger in this bunch until the point you stick out a hand and say "High, my name's _______ and DoahRiverRat invited me!".

Seriously..we like to say a guy could walk into camp naked and in short order have clothes, fishing gear loaned, a bag and dry place to sleep, a boat loaned to paddle and fish out of, food to eat, beer to drink, and a ride home afterwards. Nobody has actually tried that yet (thank God, 'cause nobody needs to see a nekkid fisherman!) but thats just how this bunch rolls.

See ya'll next year.

[New River Rat]

and didn't necessarily stay the night, (thanx for coming Mrs Rorrer) or ............a ride home afterwards.

Thanks Hersh (Mrs Rorrer knows at the end of the day I think overall this is a special bunch), and a big thanks to Patrick, Vince and Carl.

[timfreese]

Looking forward to next year

TF

[DoahRiverRat]

Looking forward to next year

TF

HEY!!!! Lookie here what I found. ;-) Welcome aboard Tim. We missed ya this year, and I told the broken Cutty bottle in the fire story once again...for about the 6th or 7th year running now. Hope you're healing up well Tim.

[Lucky Doug]

Dale, It's just a rough estimate on my part, but if I didn't forget anyone...we had 42 folks show up for at least part of this Rodeo. That counts all the people who just came to visit and didn't necessarily stay the night, (thanx for coming Mrs Rorrer) or who just showed up and fished one day. I'm pretty pleased with the turnout. I know we had a list of 53 people right before Riversmallies.com died, but I always figure a lot of folks get mighty "ambitious" about whether they'll make it or not; family matters intervene (as you well know), jobs rear their ugly heads, and of course, personal health issues play a part as well, there was at least one knee injury, one back surgery, and of course one guy lost a third of a lung that's just what I know of personally...in other words ...'stuff happens'. We WILL be doing it again next year and I'm hoping it'll be bigger still. It might be a little more involved getting a headcount, I'll be posting the notice on 4 different websites that I know of to cover as many of the old RS gnag as I can, and of course here, to drum up more RB folks.

If you didn't make it this year, I highly encourage you to attend next year. Catawba and Jusfishn can tell ya, we know how to party, to fish the New River and you WILL have a good time and you WILLl be well fed if nothing else. You're only a stranger in this bunch until the point you stick out a hand and say "High, my name's _______ and DoahRiverRat invited me!".

Seriously..we like to say a guy could walk into camp naked and in short order have clothes, fishing gear loaned, a bag and dry place to sleep, a boat loaned to paddle and fish out of, food to eat, beer to drink, and a ride home afterwards. Nobody has actually tried that yet (thank God, 'cause nobody needs to see a nekkid fisherman!) but thats just how this bunch rolls.

See ya'll next year.

I will vouch for that! Catawba told me about this gig in the middle of August, I got signed up and had an invite immediately. I had a boat to float within an hour of arrival, thanks to DoahRiverRat, and so much food I hardly got into my own supplies. It was really a great time. I feel like I have twenty or thirty new best friends now. I will definitely be back next year and maybe try some of the other ones. Thanks Hersh!

[Catawba]

Rodeo Clown,

It was great fishing with you Friday and Saturday and we definitely need to do it again next year. Great that you got your pb too. I'm planning on adding Wednesday for an extra day on the river. See you Nov. 6th.

[DoahRiverRat]

It was good to meet ya RC...I always have a couple of boats with me, you're welcome to use whatever I'm not in anytime. See ya next year in September if not before.

[Flybeetlefly]

dont fall asleep around the fire http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/rivertoons/8-21-10027.jpg
Nice! :D

[riverlover]

LOL, all that fishin' will wear a boy out.

[DoahRiverRat]

Somebody told me that using Duct Tape was cheat'n

[Lucky Doug]

Hey everybody! I didn't know an easy way to put out feelers so I decided to post here.

I am wanting to buy a kayak or solo canoe secondhand if anyone would happen to hear of something. Just let me know.

douglipscomb@hotmail.com