This past weekends Boliver trip was enjoyed by all. The weather was beautiful in every way. If I had brought my tent, I would've slept on the balcony and listened to the surf all night, instead of Buzz's "sleeping noises".

Though the weather was wonderful, this years water level was the highest I've ever seen in the 12 years or so that I've led this trip. Consequently, this made the fishing more challenging, as the reds spread out into the grass and back lakes behind the marsh. Most years, the tide is considerably lower, thereby concentrating the reds in well-known honey holes, which makes for very productive fishing, especially with live bait. But this year, the honey hole only held rat reds, sting rays, and tiny bait snatchers. Those who caught keepers, went into the grass, and back lakes- Bruce saw a huge school of reds in the 7th lake, which was a stones throw from the big grocery store. (About a 2 mile paddle) Caught 9 nice slots on Saturday on topwaters. Will Henderson had some nice reds and a flounder caught in the grass in the marsh. Steve and Davin Spadoni had great luck in the intercoastal  using a popping cork and Vudu shrimp.

This was Doug Atkinson's first PACK event, and not only did he catch fish (reds in the back lake), but he gained a pound or two on the famous Boliver Hilton cuisine. Dinner Thursday night was at the Stingeree Marina, as usual. Friday, Buzz provided a fantastic chicken dish, and John made the rice and Steve brought cobbler AND brownies! Saturday night we parted from tradition- instead of fried fish, we grilled- some on the half-shell and some grilled both sides. Brad made an outstanding fried fish hor d'oeuvre before dinner .And as usual, Joel prepared a tasty breakfast each morning.

But back to the fishing. Chris Busch snagged the biggest trout of his life, in the first back lake. He was standing in his fancy Solo, throwing a blue top-water, when a huge fish hit and knocked it 3 feet through the air. Then Chris suddenly noticed the lure had disappeared, and soon the fight was on. Unfortunately, the monster got off the hook just as Chris was about to net him, but he was clearly well over 25"..It still was not a disappointment as he was going to let the fish go anyway.

Bill Leary caught his one and only keeper red on his very first cast of the day on Friday, at the entrance to the marsh. He also caught an undersized Grand Slam, but a Grand Slam nonetheless along with numerous small trout.

Though this wasn't a "meathaul" like many other Bolvier trips, it was still productive and everyone had a really good time. Thanks to everyone for contributing to another successful trip, and especially to Buzz for cleaning the kitchen! I look forward to next year. Joel