I'm just now digging out from the aftermath of the Carolina Conclave. I had to hit the ground running (almost literally) when I returned home with a busy end of year school schedule, rod builds and a few unexpected things.

We had people come from quite literally all the way across the country as well as folks from just around the corner and it was as close to perfect as possible.

My good friend Steve (Mary, his wife, deserves the credit honestly!) from Missouri catered some incredible brisket, coleslaw (vinegar based) and chips Friday night for our meet and greet.

Ecusta Brewery hosted us and Hawg Wild Bar B Que fed us Saturday night.

The weather was just right. The water was up and provided a little challenge but we were up for it.

I'm not much of an organizer (not fishing for compliments here, it's reality!) and couldn't have pulled this off without the help of SO MANY people. FIrst a big thank you to EVERYONE who made the effort to be there. Fishing and fellowship are what these gatherings are about. Thank you to Jillian and Jacob for the help, Larry Christopher at the Pipe and Pint in Greensboro for the BEER, Davidson River Outfitters, Josh at Ecusta Brewing, Hawg WIld Bar B Que, Steve! (and mostly Mary), The FIberglass Manifesto, Vedavoo, Nate Karnes, Fred Paddock, Joe, Jon, Dan and Kevin, Brook, Bob, David (the rod winner!), Chris, David and LInda, Tom and Alexis (406 Fly Lines!), Doug, Roy, Ross, Dave and Ed. There are more but that's what my memory can handle at the moment.

I'm already looking forward to planning next year's event (ideas and feedback welcome!). The area was perfect for it with plenty of lodging opportunities, awesome and various fishing opportunities and the locals know how to show hospitality. Couldn't ask for better.

At this very moment last week I was fishing with Jacob and Jillian (betweentwobanks.com) on a small Pisgah Forest creek stalking rainbows. What a perfect way to end an incredible weekend. RIght after that, I was eating venison around a campfire with some very good friends.

p.s. watch out for the clear 'Virginia Creek Water' being passed around in a Mason jar.

2018 Carolina Conclave

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