Not since I was a child have I had more fun doing less. Remember the thrill of going to the fair? To Disney Land? Where you had to do everything all at once, do it twice, and then be drug away near teary-eyed for never wanting to leave? To those who know the magic of the Texas Hill Country rivers in transition from summer to fall- you know the kind of days I’m talking about.
Add to this the abracadabra of a fly fishing festival and I was in heaven.
This year the Oktoberfisch Fishing Festival weekend sponsored but the Fredericksburg Fly Fishers was held at Shady Morgan Park in Junction, Texas. Curbed up against the Llano River- the Shady Morgan camp grounds held every expectation of quaint Hill Country charm. The staff was friendly and accommodating in every aspect.
Friends and flies (of the angling type) swarmed the vendor booths. Tips, techniques, and many many many lies also flew about. There was no way to dodge any of them. Nearby, casting instruction and competition ensued on schedule and convenience.
Now, I mentioned having fun doing ‘doing less’. Majority of the time I sat helping Dave in the Texas River Bum booth- but I was dying to get on the water too. Still the time passed pleasantly until it happened- we broke camp Sunday morning and went fishing.
Thinking we were only going to do a morning fish float, we ended up being on the water over 8 hours. Tragically as fate would have it we fished the lesser of the two halves we tubed. The better water was towards the end when, Dave, Jason, and I realized we had to get going and kicked our way to the take out. Between we three, we caught over 100 fish total. Mostly sunfish pocketed with Bass here and there.
If you have the opportunity and you get the chance- make your way down the Llano River. If you fish, you will not be disappointed. If you float, the views are exceptional. And if you dream, you can do it while you’re wide awake.
Fish on,
Anthony
