Intrepid explorers Jack C., Luke C., Charlie J., Browning G., and Chuck J. led by nurse Elena Richardson and assistant director Alex Kvanli hit the trail on Lake One one hot summer day on a fishing trip for the record books. Chuck J. navigated the crew with occasional assistance from Jack “Gouverbolt” while Alex guided them to secret fishing holes he’d uncovered from a dozen Little Triangle trips spanning nine summers.
Alex shared that sometimes river fishing is simple: Keep your line wet, cast near moving water, don’t get snagged, and use wacky worms. A few failed attempts casting into stagnant water and snagging crankbaits on sunken logs inspired the boys to try following Alex’s four commandments of fishing. Fishing below swift water, the boys caught a few smallies to shake the rust off their rods and motivate them to keep at it despite several more frustrating snags which Alex and Elena patiently helped untangle.
Shortly after lunch, they decided to stop at the small, baby-leach-infested waterfall a few miles west of Lake One. While Luke and Charlie cooled off near the falls, Browning and Jack tossed wackies into the swirling water below. Soon, Browning turned around and looked at Alex with eyes the size of headlamps exclaiming, “I got a BIG one!” Browning bent his knees into a ready position, rocking back and forth channeling his entire body into pulling and cranking his rod and reel. For a moment, everyone thought it was just another snag, but Browning persisted. Sure enough, they saw the back of the huge smallmouth bass surface! Alex calmly encouraged Browning to take his time and wear the fish down while Jack helped adjust his drag. The entire crew surrounded Browning, shouting encouragement as he fought the fish with everything he had. Finally, he got the fish near shore. Elena screamed in shock when Jack grabbed the fish, handing it over to the ecstatic fisherman. After a few quick snapshots and the weigh-in, Browning released the river monster back into the dark brown water. The inspired crew fished that spot for another hour, catching several more bass and pike.
Over the next couple of days, the crew caught more fish, swam down Twin Rapids, paddled next to swans, and accidentally visited Mystery Lake. Chuck J. earned his Junior Bushwhacker and practiced being a Big Man, which he officially earned the following trip. Browning’s fish will forever be scribed in Camp Voyageur’s record book, or plaque, for catching the biggest smallmouth bass of 2024. What a fish, what a trip!
Established in 1951, Camp Voyageur stands in stark contrast to larger, corporate-style day camps filled with water slides and bubble blowing. This rustic, family-owned camp offers a traditional four-week program for boys ages 10–18 that challenges their self-concept and inspires them to push beyond perceived limits. Through this experience, they build confidence, gain independence, and develop the resilience they’ll carry into life beyond camp.
More trip stories you might also like:
