Spring 2015 Bust
It's all about the whisper of the line being released and hopefully the tug that soon follows. Trout fishing is a leisure activity enjoyed by many. It is a stress reliever, a great way to enjoy the outdoors, assists conversation efforts and gives you a chance to support a variety of good causes.
The 15th Annual Spring Troutbust will be held the weekend of May 15-17, 2015, at the Hidden Valley Outfitters Campground (HVOC) outside of Bennett Spring State Park in Lebanon, Missouri. The site runs along the Niangua River with convenient access to it.
It is a weekend filled with fishing, incredible meals, live music 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 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.
This year's entertainment is Donny Larson and he plays Saturday starting at 7:30pm. Donny is a one man act and spent his entire adult life as a touring band member and a highly regarded songwriter and recording artist. His main focus is Classic Rock, Jimmy Buffett, The Eagles, Bob Seger, Leonard Skynard and wows every audience with his Joe Cocker Tribute.
Donny has opened for Jimmy Buffett, REO, Little River Band, Willie Nelson, Charlie Daniels, Head East, Leon Russell, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Starship, The Beach Boys, Three Dog Night, Styx, CCR, Dr. Hook, just to name a few.
He is a unique entertainer and whether its a chill island beat or hard driving rock, Donny is a big believer in audience participation, so clap your hands and get up and dance.
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 100 at the fall Troutbust in 2014, which raised over $6500. 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 Spring Troutbust. For more information and to make reservations check out the website, Troutbusters.org.