Floatin' the New River: My Radford Smallie Adventure

Well howdy folks, it's your old pal Bob here. Last week, I loaded up the trusty Scanoe and headed north to the beautiful New River up near Radford, Virginia. Let me tell you, if you haven't paddled that stretch of water, you are missin' out on a real slice of heaven. I packed light, kept my lodging simple at the local Super 8, and spent every waking hour on the water. I tell you what, that river is absolutely teeming with smallmouth bass. For those who haven't caught the fever yet, the Ned rig is just about the most honest way to catch a fish I've ever found. You just let it sink, give it a little hop, and hold on tight. We were pulling in about 60 bass a day, which is enough to make any man's arms feel like jelly by suppertime. Most of them were solid, scrappy 15-inchers that fought like they were twice their size. But the real stars of the show were those big brutes. We managed to land two gorgeous 19-inch smallies that really put a bend in my rod and a smile on our faces. There is a certain kind of peace you find floatin' in a Scanoe, watchin' the current swirl around the boulders, waitin' for that tell-tale 'thump' on your line. After a long day of pullin' on fish, headin' back to the Super 8 for a hot shower and a cold brewski felt like royalty. It wasn't fancy, but when you're tired from a day of reeling in bronzebacks, a clean bed and a quiet room are all a fisherman needs. Folks ask me all the time, 'Bob, why work so hard to travel for fish?' I just tell 'em it's the hunt, the river, and the stories you get to tell. Whether you’re a pro or just started yesterday, get yourself out on the New River. And keep track of those catches on Stringer, ya hear? It’s the best way to remember exactly which lure did the trick when the bite is hot. Tight lines, everybody, and don't forget to keep your rod tip up!