The Annual Troutapalooza Trip 2019
What is normally a three to four day fishing extravaganza with my good friend Rob Clarke and his son Ben, in late July or early August, we only had one day this year for what we call our “Troutapalooza” yearly fishing trip. For those of you who read the Blog frequently, you would have seen our pictures of our overnight camping and fishing adventures the past few years. Rob, Ben and I normally camp on an island of the Bow River and fish hard for three consecutive days. Unfortunately with Rob’s work schedule, we were unable to do the four day trip this year. One day is better than no days I always say.
Rob and Ben arrived Thursday evening from Edmonton and we all gathered for dinner the night before our trip. I knew exactly where the fish were from previous guided fishing trips the weeks before. Over dinner and some laughs, we discussed how close to the bank the fish were holding and what kinds of baits the fish were taking. We only had one day so I wanted to maximize our time on the river! After strategizing our day over some delicious Vietnamese fare, we planned to be up early (4:30Am) and on our way to McKinnon Flats by 5Am. The Explorer Industry jet boat was all gassed up and ready to roll without having to make any morning stops on the way to the boat launch. After we finished our meal, I dropped Rob and Ben back off at the nearby hotel and headed home to get a good night’s rest, excited and prepared for the next morning.
My alarm woke me at 4Am and over to the coffee pot I immediately headed. I need copious amounts of coffee at that hour of the morning or I don’t function properly! Shortly after consuming my first java, Rob and Ben rolled up to my house, promptly loading their gear into my truck. I loaded up my thermos with more coffee before heading out the door to pick up the jet boat. We hooked up the boat in record time and off we headed into the early morning dusk.
As the sun was peeking over the East horizon, it cast glows of red and orange hues onto the wheat fields on either side of the highway. After the short drive from my place to the boat launch at Mac, we backed the boat up to the river’s edge and prepared our rods with the morning offerings of Rapala Countdown’s. I chose a traditional (G) for Gold; Rob tied up a (BT) Brown Trout for himself and the (RT) Rainbow Trout pattern for his son Ben. I slowly backed the jet boat into the river and off we went, happy and excited for the day’s adventure.
Please have a look at the video footage of our stellar “Troutapalooza” full day fishing trip. We landed some incredible fish and we all had a complete blast out there on the Bow River. If you are in or around the Edmonton area and are looking for fishing supplies, please head over to the south side Fishin’ Hole and see Rob. Rob is the assistant manager of the store and will be happy to help you with all your outdoor fishing needs.
I am very grateful Rob and Ben come visit me each and every year for this epic fishing trip. I am deeply honored and privileged to call you both my friends.
~Mike
