Fayetteville businessman takes Boys Ranch residents on trout fishing trip

An annual trout-fishing trip for Arkansas Baptist Boys’ Ranch residents almost didn’t happen this summer. That’s because Fishing Guide Extraordinaire Jerry Dudley’s doctor told him to rest four to six weeks after knee surgery. But the Fayetteville businessman vowed he wasn’t going to let these boys down – not after 14 years.

Dudley of Fayetteville had been anticipating the two Saturdays of fishing earlier this summer, and was just as eager as the Ranch boys to get out in the boats. He could hardly wait to watch the expectant faces as they cast their lines into the cool water. 

So, just a few of weeks after surgery, Dudley gathered up his fishing buddies, who readied their boats, poles and jigs and headed to the perfect spot where the Buffalo and White Rivers meet. This was the launch of an exciting day of trout fishing for the young men who make the Boys’ Ranch, near Harrison, their home.  

The recent summer outing, spread over two Saturdays in order to accommodate all the boys who wanted to participate, was the 15^th annual trip for Dudley and his circle of volunteer friends. The group included Bob Donaghe of West Fork; Kent Martin, Jeff Courtway and West Doss of Fayetteville; and Kurt Martin and Jeff Roberts of Fort Smith.

Thirteen-year-old Brennan looks forward to this trip every year. He has called the Boys Ranch home for almost four years. Brennan and his siblings were removed from their home after suffering severe abuse and neglect. 

On this Saturday, however, any disturbing memories were far from Brennan’s mind.  He and his Ranch buddies climbed in the boats and their grins grew as their guides navigated swiftly around jagged river rocks through the early-morning mist. Finally, as they settled on what looked like the perfect spot on the river, the poles came out.

Brennan was the first in his boat to catch a fish - on his very first cast. The shimmering Rainbow trout was the first of several more trout reeled in that morning. 

As the summer sun grew hotter, it was time to fry up some of the day’s catch for a delicious lunch on the banks of the White River.

 “Please, Mr. Jerry, we don’t want to break for lunch.  We want to fish,” Brennan pleads.  He wasn’t alone. Most of the boys were catching too many to stop now.  

Moments later, the biggest catch of the day, a 25-inch Brown Trout, was reeled in by Don Wheeler, 14. He couldn’t believe this was his fish.  As his boat made it to the bank, he held up the beautifully marked fish, and everyone started taking pictures. The teenager’s grin was as wide as the river.

While most of the trout were released back into the crystal clear water, there were plenty to filet and fry.  Dudley and friends set up tables and deep fryers and prepared a delicious feast of fried trout, hush puppies, French fries and cole slaw.

Dudley’s long time tradition with the boys isn’t all about fishing.  During each trip, he also shares his own story, and shares about Christ’s love for them.

“I had a home life similar to some of you,” said Dudley, as the boys gather around Him. He tells the boys of his own difficult childhood, his broken relationship with his father and how he finally accepted Jesus Christ as Savior years later as an adult.

 “For the first time in my life, I learned I have hope in something,” he said.  “I want to let you know there is hope for you.

Dudley told the boys that they don’t have to live without Jesus, and invited those who had not accepted Christ as Savior to pray with him.  As heads bowed, Dudley asked if anyone wanted to make a decision to follow Christ. One hand slips up.  A 13-year-old tells Dudley and the others that he wants his life to count for Christ. Two of the men gather with the teenager to pray and talk with him about his decision to follow Christ.

Witnessing the Ranch resident make a profession of faith in Christ, Dudley says, makes all the preparation for the trip and the pain from his recent surgery worthwhile. 

Dudley and his friends say they look forward each year to ministering to the boys through adventure and excitement of catching another big trout in a beautiful river in the Ozarks.

Following the outing, Brennan's trout was delivered to Coldwater Creations Taxidermist in Beebe to be mounted. This was made possible by gifts from Susan Murray Albright, Carla Pevehouse, Karen Gilmore, Ashley Hill, Dena White and Johnathan Griffith.