The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Sports

August 25, 2007

If you’re into fishing ...

The Resort at Glade Springs offers many excellent angling opportunities

By Randall Jett

While most people think of golf when you mention The Resort at Glade Springs, several other outdoors activities are available, including some excellent fishing opportunities.

The resort offers both a half-day and full-day float and fish experience, a three-hour tour and walk-n-wade excursions, as well as a beginner’s fly-fishing instructional clinic for interested anglers or excited novices.

Activities concierge Bobby Bower is in his 20th year of guiding fishing excursions on the Gauley and New rivers. He became interested in guiding fishing trips while in college.

“It was a summertime job while I was in college,” Bower said. “I decided I would be a whitewater raft guide. I’ve always loved fishing since I was a kid. I met some guys who did fishing trips out of a raft and was super intrigued. I’ve been doing it ever since.”

Working at The Resort at Glade Springs, Bower has taken groups through some of the most spectacular and breathtaking fishing spots in the eastern United States on the New River.

Bower provides all the equipment, boat, tackle and lures, along with fishing expertise on the water.

“I can have up to 10 boats, but typically, I’m the only full-time employee of the company,” he said. “I have a lot of friends that are in the business that will help me out at the drop of a hat.”

The float and fish trip gives the angler the opportunity to fish one of the most renowned smallmouth bass fisheries in the country, the New River, for half a day or a full day. It is a one-of-a-kind trip in a custom-designed fishing boat that holds two guests and the guide.

Or set the hook on walleye, trout, rock bass or the ever-elusive muskellunge under the guidance of Bower or one of his fellow guides.

The beginner’s fly-fishing instructional clinic is the perfect way to learn how to fly fish. Bower gives the student instruction in fly selection and use, casting, equipment and on-water instruction in a two-hour clinic.

Bower admits his biggest thrill is guiding someone to that fish of a lifetime.

“The greatest thing about this job is watching somebody hook a big one,” he said. “I love it. I love meeting new people every day and taking somebody, getting them out of their element and into mine — just showing them a good time.”

Like a lot of other people, Bower got interested in fishing at a young age.

“I started fishing when I was a kid,” he said. “Going to the little ponds at the cemetery off Harper Road and going up to Bergoo with my uncle. My grandfather took me largemouth (bass) fishing down in Carotuck. I’ve just loved to fish since I was little.”

Bower tries to pass that love of fishing on to someone else every chance he gets.

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