Spring 2016 TroutBust
A crisp fall day, colorful leaves floating around and you've got your line in the water waiting for a strike. Trout fishing is a leisure activity that many can enjoy. It is a stress reliever, a great way to enjoy the outdoors, assists conversation efforts and also gives you a chance to support a variety of good causes.
The 16th Annual Spring Troutbust will be held the weekend of May 13-15, 2016, at the Hidden Valley Outfitters Campground (HVOC) outside of Bennett Spring State Park in Lebanon, Missouri. The site runs along the Niangua River with very convenient access to it.
It is a weekend filled with fishing, incredible meals, music by the Cole Family (http://www.colesbluegrass.com/) and a chance to hook up with old friends and hopefully make new ones. Even if you do not fish, the weekend is a good time.
The registration fee for one person is $65 when paid by cash or check or $70 when using a credit or debit card. Your ticket includes all meals, from Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast, plus a primitive camp site. HVOC has level concrete pads plus electric campsites with full hookup for $25 per night or electric only for $15 per night. Each site has a dedicated water and sewer line, is handicap accessible and includes a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post.
Organizer and founder Jim Wallace also happens to be a professional chef and his meals are famous. Friday night is a classic BBQ with burgers, hot dogs, homemade chili, a variety of salads and dessert. The Saturday country breakfast includes biscuits, gravy, meats, fresh fruits and more. Then the smoking begins shortly after breakfast so your dinner features all types of smoked meats including brisket. Sunday breakfast is the legendary bananas foster French toast plus other morning favorites.
The weekend's entertainment is Proud Rooster and they will play on Saturday starting at 7:30pm. This band fuses blues, country, rock and folk music into great sets that will get your feet stomping and hands a clapping.
Also on Saturday night is the raffle, silent auction, attendance prizes and booths selling all kinds of great stuff.
The first Troutbust was held in 2000 with about 12 in attendance and has grown to just over 140 at the fall Troutbust in 201. Charities receiving funds include: Lt. Daniel P. Riordan Scholarship Fund, Reel Recovery, Reeling and Healing of the Midwest, Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing and the Troutbuster Scholarship Fund at Missouri S&T University.
The Missouri TroutBusters began when Jim Wallace met Chris Hellman, current president, and they discovered their shared passion for fly fishing. They began organizing weekend camping and fishing trips with friends and families. The term TroutBusters was originally a phrase Jim and his daughter used for their memorable father-daughter fishing trips, coining the term from the popular movie, Ghostbusters.
When a family friend was killed during combat in 2007, the TroutBusters rallied together for an official event to raise money for a scholarship started in the soldier’s name at St. John Vianney High School. That TroutBust had such an overwhelming response that the TroutBusters decided to formalize their events and create a nonprofit organization to raise funds for deserving veteran and trauma charities.
What began with a few dozen people enjoying the outdoors, food, and family has rapidly expanded into twice-a-year outings with over 100 people in attendance. The Missouri TroutBusters are now officially a tax exempt 501©(3) non-profit organization with many local, corporate and personal sponsors.
With continued success and the desire to find other ways to contribute, the TroutBusters has become the sponsor of the St. Louis Chapter of Project Healing Waters. This group is dedicated to the physical and emotional recovery of active and veteran military personnel through fly fishing and associated activities including education and outings.
Get ready for a fabulous weekend in the great Missouri out of doors. Bring your own beverages, chairs, camping and fishing gear, and cash or credit cards for the auction and attend the Fall Troutbust