Today was the prime reason why they don't call it catching.  12 months ago we were asked if we would make it a priority to catch a fish in every State.  We quickly replied that we may be crazy but we aren’t stupid.  I know many of you still aren’t convinced.  Anyway, we began our journey with a quick dose of reality and humility. 

Day #1 Fish Tally:  Jeff (0); Taylor (0). 

Raising money for charity is sure hard work, especially if it depends on catching fish. Fortunately Brian Shumaker, our guide, helped by making a nice donation to the cause. 

For a year now we’ve talked about how this trip was not about the fish, but about relationship, experience, and adventure.  We got all of that today.  Brian met us at the River Front Campground in Duncannon, PA at 6:30AM.  He was a bit concerned as the smallmouth bass were just coming off of their spring spawn and in a bit of a lull.  That combined with the heavy early June rains made the Susquehanna water pretty murky.  It was a beautiful day on the water nonetheless as we fished hard from 7 AM to 11 AM.  Brian was a great guide and even better company on the water.  He brought his jet boat to help navigate the strong currents.  He also provided us with two great 8 weight fly rods and a variety of poppers and Clouser minnow flies.  We threw everything we had at them including our backs and shoulders.  We even tried a few Mister Twisters from our spinning rigs before the morning was over.  I mean really – if you can’t catch a smallmouth on a Mister Twister – then I say they just aren’t biting.  The scenery near Duncannon was gorgeous with lush green mountains all around us.  The weather sure cooperated - 65 degrees, party cloud skies, and calm winds.

We broke camp at 11:47AM.  Our next stop is 380 miles to the New River in southwestern Virginia.

Stay tuned….the fishing show will have to wait until tomorrow.