Featured Image Courtesy: Trout Fest 2022
Saturday was a beautiful spring day in North Georgia to get out and enjoy being around other people. Here in the South, small towns thrive on festivals to advertise what the locals have to offer in terms of goods and services. I love attending the festivals for fellowship, people-watching, music, arts, crafts and food (I’m really there for good food). My adventure on Saturday took me to the town of Blue Ridge in North Georgia for the Trout Festival.
The Main Reason
The main reason for me going to this festival was to learn a little more about fly-fishing. With a trip to Yellowstone looming in the near future, I knew that this novice fly-fisherman needed some quick reminders on proper technique. Yes, there is a specific technique to casting so that you do not “spook” the fish. Members of the Atlanta Fly-Fishing School were there to discuss and demonstrate how to make your fly-rod work for you. The biggest take for me was that you do not use your wrist to help cast your line. It is all arm or shoulder depending what works best for you.
The Next Reason
I love to catch trout because they are good to eat and they are good for you. So, the next reason for me to go was to see the different ways that trout can be prepared. There was a tent set up called Georgia Grown Cooking Demos where food was prepared by Senior Executive Chef Holly Chute. She was serving samples of smoked trout lettuce cups with horseradish dill dressing. The way she presented it and the way it tasted created a long line of trout enthusiasts. She later prepared brown-butter trout with mushrooms, pecans and bourbon. I did not make it back to get a sample of this one. My only regret of the day was not getting back for this.
Overall Experience
The cost to get into this one day festival was $7. There were well over a hundred booths set up. Several fishing guide operators were there to advertise their business. I remain amused by the number of booths set up to show the crafts made to the satisfy the fishing connoisseurs. Fishing gear supplies from boats to waders to fishing rods were set u to sell their wares. I was most impressed with the inflatable kayak with a seat sitting above the kayak. it looked like something I might want to invest in for future articles/stories. It was only $1600.
There were plenty of activities for festival goers, especially for young ones. A playground in the center of the festival made for a great break for families with small ones. The portable climbing wall was fascinating to watch the patrons try to ascend to the top.
Next Year
Attending next year will be a must. I did notice that McCaysville, GA has a Trout Trot that runs later in the evening, but on the same day as the Trout Festival. I may just make an entire day of it and finish it with a fat man shuffle at the Trout Trot. That just sounds funny, but probably not as funny as watching me do it.
For all the latest news that should be fun, keep checking out That Park Place!
Be blessed, safe travels, eat more fish tacos!!!
