Thread: Darbonne Gathering 2019

Bruce & Didi made it Home safe.....thanks all for a great time....thanks to the Michigan guys for the coffee and maple syrup....just can't say enough to Warren and Josh for all of their generosity and hard work to make this event possible...Bud and Ms. Bonnie are always there pitching in also....really enjoyed meeting a lot of new faces and seeing plenty of old friends....special thanks to all of our sponsors for all the excitement their donations bring to the group...hope to see you all at Toledo Bend....

Go Tigers...

Mr. Gene and Mr. Bruce y'all both said it best, that was a great time and we really enjoyed all 4 days we were there! Thank y'all so much Bro. Warren, Juicy and Mr. Bud for all the time and dedication y'all put in, everything was outstanding!

It was great visiting with some good friends we've already made and Mr. Bruce it was really special finally meeting you and Mrs. Didi!

PPG and Mrs. Linda it is always good to see y'all, I'm so glad Linda is doing better!

Just Steve, Steel Guy & Yankee Doodler it was great meeting yall and the rest of the fellers that made the long trip down. JS and SG we were on the lake fishing when y'all got there and the rain started as soon as yall put the boat in but we watched from under the bridge as y'all stuck it out. Hats off to y'all sticking it out!!

I was lucky enough to have my name drawn early enough to win some beautiful jigs that 20watt hand tied, I can't wait to try em out! It was really good meeting you 20 and your boys also.

I had a lot of laughs talking with Cajun Dave, I look forward to fishing with you on Black Lake. (Green Shiner keep reminding us that some of Dave's tales are a little tall! Lol)

There was a lot more folks that I talked to that I didn't realize who they were and what there handle was until I heard yalls names called at the drawings. I enjoyed meeting all y'all and next time I'll have a face to go with some names. I'll get some big "my name is _____" stickers ordered for next year's event.

I regret that I didn't get a chance to meet and talk to Josh "Andrews" I didn't realize until after you let that PPG and Mrs. Linda told me you were there.

We had a great time fishing even though it was a little tough. Juicy and Bro. Warren we really appreciate yall taking us to some fishing spots we never would have found on our own and thank y'all for the great pre-fishing breakfast biscuits! We took some along with us and ate em on the lake. Maxwell 328, Juicy, Mr. Bud, Shadow, Skippa Chippa, Just Steve, Steel Guy, Yankee Doodler and the gang and everybody else out there we sure enjoyed hanging out on the water and fishing by y'all. We even saw John Godwin from Duck Commander fishing next to us down from the spillway.

I think we would have done better fishing if Danny "D" and his buddy wouldn't have kept cutting us off! (haha just joking bud!) It was awesome meeting you Danny, you made us laugh every time we talked to yall!

I can't wait till next year! We plan on being at the Toledo Bend gathering and I hope to see a bunch of y'all there. Until then good fishing to all and God bless!!!

Here's a few pics from the lake
1st pic) Juicy and his nephew Xander
2nd) Maxwell 328
3rd) Skippa Chippa
4th) Shadow (from a distance)
5th) Sweat Towel
6th) & me Nwla Sacalait
7th) a spoonbill catfish we hooked

I wish I would have took more pics

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We (Steelguy, Doodler and myself) got home yesterday early morning, taking turns at the wheel, got a little rested up and wanted to say a few words.

First a Big Thanks to Slab for the vision of this forum and the members of this forum.

Next, the Maxwells......Juicy, Warren and Bud putting this all together is a lot of work and you guys hit a grand slam again this year.

Then all of you fine folks who welcomed us Michiganders into your event and made us feel right at home......as ( I think it was Miss Bonnie) said, it is like a big family reunion......that is the best way to describe the southern hospitality and down home charm that seems to be missing these days in so many ways.
You all took the time to come up and talk to us and make us feel like your family......A Big Thanks to ya'll it is so very much appreciated!

The sponsors who gave prizes......wonderful prizes and so many of them too! I was able to win a 12' southern Crappie rod which I will definately put to use.

Some of you are more than just aquaintances (sp?) to me, there are year around calls, texts etc. and I appreciate that friendship.

The ladies who made those deserts and helped out to make this event.....a tip of the cap to you as well!

In closing, I looked forward to your event and it did not dissapoint, I will be making a YouTube video of it and will post when it's up.

and lastly, if we Michiganders can return the favor and you got some time to visit Michigan when it's warm.......we have our event in June.

Thanks again to each and every one of you!

Yeah Steve, ya just cant find that kind of hospitality anywhere but down south. I've run into it many times at the C.com events I've had the pleasure of attending below the Mason Dixon line. You said it all so well that I'll just add my "amen to that" and let it lay. Thanks to all from the Doodler!


Steve and Skipa chewin' the fat


John found a new use for Wilbur


Wilbur goes to the Friday night meet and greet


Saturday John finds the first fish


Jeri (Bassnlady) finds fish too


I found something that will be a fish one day


Lookin' in the rabbit holes


Sunday morning on da bayou


Some of the catch


and finally...my contribution to the trip. Sorry again John. That love struck buck just had one thing on his mind.

Don , you and Steve pretty much covered anything I could say!
everyone down there made me feel right at home, good times good food and good friends!!!!!!
thank you all again.

Glad to see you "Michigan" guys got home safe...I didn't know about the buck...thanks for coming down and visiting us "down south guys".....thanks for the pictures and looking forward to the video....

Bruce