Catching Good Times: Fishing Excursions at Goodstone Inn

Written by William Anderson | Photos by Sherri Holdridge

Jack Hardman, a Clarke County native, was kayaking down Goose Creek with a group of fishermen on a warm spring day. As they pulled off near a deep pool created by a large rock, a rustling in the bushes alerted the group to the presence of a deer. The deer sprang down the bank and splashed across the creek, disappearing into the woods on the opposite bank. “It felt like a scene out of a movie,” Hardman says. Everyone dropped what they were doing to watch the deer.

It’s moments like this that make fishing special for Hardman, who, as the activities coordinator, has been leading fishing excursions at Goodstone Inn for over a year. The Goodstone property covers 1.5 miles of Goose Creek as well as its own privately stocked pond. “I have fished Goose Creek over a hundred times now,” Hardman says.

Goodstone accommodates all skill levels on its catch-and-release fishing excursions. “We are more than happy to spend the first 10 to 20 minutes teaching you how to cast,” Hardman says. He tailors the outing to the group’s desires. If the group simply wants to catch a fish, Hardman knows all the spots where little bluegill are abundant. However, those more experienced at fishing may want the challenge of finding an elusive rainbow or brown trout. Given Hardman’s extensive experience, he is able to expertly guide groups through the waterways wherever adventure is calling. “Introducing people who are not avid fishermen, watching the natural smile that comes across their face when they’re doing something that they didn’t think they were capable of doing, is probably my favorite part,” he shares.

“Introducing people who are not avid fishermen, watching the natural smile that comes across their face when they’re doing something that they didn’t think they were capable of doing, is probably my favorite part.” –Hardman

Hardman grew up fishing with his father and uncle on the Eastern Shore, and he still enjoys fishing with his family. “It’s just the way that I find peace, and I like to relax out in nature,” he says. “Goose Creek definitely provides those wonderful scenic surroundings for us to enjoy.” 

For him, it’s not just about catching a fish; it’s about enjoying the outdoors, and one of his favorite parts is the wildlife. “Every time you go down there, you see something different. You see something beautiful.” He believes the experience is therapeutic. “Being out there in nature, taking the pace out of life, slowing down a little bit, becoming one with your surroundings, and recognizing what’s going on — that is the really special part,” he explains.

Goodstone provides standard spinning reels, but participants who bring their own equipment will also find Hardman a capable fly fisherman. He enjoys both styles of fishing, but prefers fly-fishing when he wants a challenge. Fly-fishing is more active; anglers have to get into a rhythm and be careful with their fly.

“Every time you go down there, you see something different. You see something beautiful.” –Hardman

Anyone who fishes with Goodstone can expect much more than just a day on the pond. “Just being out there and listening to the nature, listening to the whistling trees, the wind coming through, listening to the birds that are chirping, and just observing, is really the most special part about the experience,” Hardman says. ML

Published in the July 2026 issue of Middleburg Life.