Back from WV!

[Duffy]

I also posted this in my "Attention West Virginia Members..." thread, but wanted to put it in a new one so it wouldn't be missed:

Well, I'm back, and I had a GREAT vacation with my family! Among the many things we did, the fishing was awesome! Thank you very much rubicon and larry for your recommendations and advice. I fished with my kids aling the Blackwater off that road out of Davis, now in the Canaan Valley Institute land. We caught a few rainbows, but mostly rock bass and bluegills, which was just fine for the kids. We didn't fish at Blackwater Falls State Park, nor did I fish the canyon, but I did fish by myself in what I believe is Grady Creek just south of Dry Fork on route 32. I waded and fished the same 100 yard section of that creek three times last week on three separate days, and limited-out each time on rainbows, with a couple beautiful golden rainbows in the mix as well. Size was not especially noteworthy, about 10-14 inches average, but lots of fun, and good eating for Friday night's dinner.

I do have a story, however, of the one that got away, though well after I had it. I caught a beautiful 20-inch rainbow on Sunday, our first full day on vacation. I took a picture of it, fortunately. As I was outside filleting it, my 2.5 year old son fell on the steps leading up to our cabin, and got a big goose egg on his forehead above his right eye. Long story short, he is OK and just fine, no problems or lasting damage, though his eyelid is still a little purple. Anyway, I left my fish to go inside and help my son, and my wife too who, as any mother would be, was more than upset at my son's mishap. After about 10 minutes or so, I was cleared to go back outside and finish cleaning the fish. I was shocked and very disappointed to see that the fish was gone! I looked all over for it, but couldn't find it. I did notice later in the week a few cats milling around from an adjacent property, so putting 2+2 together, I guess some cat or cats had a tasty meal. Oh well, at least I have a story to tell!

Anyway, thanks again, guys. It was some great fishing!