Hall Of Fame

I have been thinking that over the years we have made this trip with lots of people. Some have come and gone, some have left there mark. But I think that a few have done more than that, some have made this the trip what we all love. In honor of that I would like to nominate a few to the Chutes Hall of Fame. First of all the Man who started it all. Andy Reightman: Over 80 trips, probably hundreds of people turned on to the trip. He has taught all of us Little Joe and the fact that you don't drive all that way just to fish. Jerry Virtue: Jerry shared Andy's belief that fishing was not the main theme of the trip. He would wet a line in the afternoon and was always ready for a good hand of showdown. He was also your man if you just wanted to stay up late and shoot the bull. Jerry was always the ultimate host. Bob Couts: He has not missed a trip since 1977, and has made two trips at least 4 years. Dad has become the driving factor of this trip. If not for Dad I'm not sure that this trip still exists. He also has made this trip a major part of Me and Trent's life. Now with Andy Couts making a couple trips, a third generation has begun. Steve Couts: He made his first trip in 1976 and brought Dad up the following year and the rest is history. Although Uncle Steve missed a few trips over the years, he has been a constant factor in the long term success of the trip. Uncle Steve fishes harder than any of the previously mentioned Hall of Fame'rs and is always in good spirits and very helpful to anyone who needs a hand including Anchor Boy. Uncle Steve also has burned this trip into the souls Ryan and Arron so he has a legacy of his own that will keep the trip alive for years to come. In my mind those guys were shoe ins, But I have one more that may create some controversy. Trent Couts: Started making this trip at the age of 6 and has just completed his 31st trip. I think he is more passionate about this trip than anyone else in the HOF and I would say He also fishes the hardest. I think he is our best chance to keep this trip alive years down the road and as I mentioned in earlier postings I think he is the best boat captain in camp with Aaron Couts a close second. But here is the part that is not going to sit well with the older guys and Ryan. After the year that Trent just had I think that he may be the best fisherman in the history of the trip. If not Trent than who? He catches more than his share of fish, but had the rap of not catching any big fish. Well those days are behind us. I mean I think that Ryan, Aaron,and I all catch a lot of fish and you can't leave Bernie out of the conversation. Even though Bernie looks and acts like he does not have a clue he has caught a lot of nice fish over the years. But in a argument over inches our fish are left wanting. I can't wait to see the comments over this one but before I end this posting I just wanted to thank all of you for treating Andy so well this year. He had a great time and is looking forward to going back, but I know kids can be trying and can even be a wet blanket on every ones fun. You all were very kind and showed great patience. Thanks again.