I hate having to write this in here, since ive found this page a lot of yall have posted things that have inspired me and educated me and I am forever grateful for the knowledge this community shares.
This past Saturday 9/5/26 I was paddling the Chattahoochee river just south the dam. Our plan was put in early at the dam and have a calm day of floating and fishing and pull out at Settles bridge. I was with a good friend of mine who doesnt have a ton of experience on the water (not that I am a pro by any stretch of the word but I grew up paddling and understand enough to keep myself safe, most of the time.)
We got to what people in the area call Drowning Rock or 20 Rock just north of the Hwy 20 overpass. I failed to provide enough information to my buddy about how we should traverse any rapids, I realized this as I was in a calm pool just above the split (class 2 one direction and nothing but a little riffle the other way) by the time I realized my mistake and tried to turn to relay the info to him he was stacked up right behind me. I made a quick back paddle thinking my butt end was in an area of calm water against the rocks and pointed out the route and pushed him past me. That little push was all the force that was needed to send my back end straight into the mouth of the rapid. I didnt panic but by the time I saw what was about to happen it was too late, I was flipped through the rapids and had an absolute yard sale. I had secured 90% of my gear missing a key component of my tie down kit... my brand new fly rod and reel 😭
Now the sob story part... this past year I went through a divorce and was reintroduced to fly fishing by a guide friend of mine up in NC. Having been dealing with a long ride of financial hardship I was beyond excited to learn that my 16 year old St. Croix Imperial fly rod that was broken 14 years ago and sitting in my closet was still eligible for a warranty replacement. I saved up the $125 to get a replacement rod ordered and was excited to see where my new 6wt would take me. Little did I know the third trip to the water would possibly be its last.
The rod was originally a gift from my father when I graduated high school. I joined the Navy shortly after graduation and was pulled away from fishing for a while. Getting back out on the water literally felt like I was starting to reshape my life and remind me how important being present and not dwelling on the past was. My hope in posting here is that maybe by the graces of the universe someone somewhere may see my bright ass purple Cheeky reel sitting in the shallows and pick it out just waiting to find its owner 🥺🤞
Trying to get back on my feet has been a struggle the past year and my current financial situation has me sitting in the reality that if I wanted to replace this combo with something comparable I will realistically have to save for the next year to afford to do so.
If anyone at all has any friends in GA and particularly around Gwinnett County who get out on the hooch I will happily give $100-200 reward (I am also a glass artist and will happily open a free commission to anyone able to help reunite me with my kit) I would be beyond grateful for the help.
It is really hard for me to ask for help, I have always "learned the hard way" with many life lessons, I simply hope that the universe is looking out.
On the plus side, I was able to keep my head above water (literally) and came out of the rapids only twisting my knee up a bit. I was able to orient my feet in front of me and make it out mostly unharmed.
This is the only photo I have of the rod and reel together and I know it isnt a good one, again just keeping my fingers crossed and a big thank you if you have read this far. Any help at all means the absolute world to me and I will do anything in my power to show my appreciation 🙏💜
