Watauga River Social Club

When I visited Boone over Christmas, Matt Groce and John Leather took me out on their drift boat (Ole Tub) to go fly fishing on the South Holston River in eastern Tennessee. It was a cold day with snow along the banks. In the last few miles of the trip our anchor got snagged on a rock in a swift current, quickly sinking our boat for an icy swim back to shore. Unfortunately, we lost the drift boat, oars, dry boxes, and all the fishing gear on the boat that day; however, we all swam to safety and evaded hypothermia. Between John Leather and Matt Groce, they lost over $2000 in gear and their only fishing boat.

Matt Groce and John Leather are two of the founding members of Watauga River Social Club, a Boone area non profit that raises money for local river conservation and river education. Watauga River Social Club often host dinners to raise money which they donate to local charities doing conservation work. Although they are just getting started, they have a vision to eventually start their own unique version of a fly fishing guide service along with hosting future events for charitable endeavors. 

I don't have the funds to get them back on the water, so I am asking for your assistance to help some good guys who are trying to set a positive example in their community to continue pursuing their passion despite this setback. Much love to you all and deep gratitude to those who have the means to contribute anything at all!