The Nightmare of the Disappearing Page
Dwayne shares the gut-wrenching story of losing his massive Facebook page, which was on the verge of hitting two million followers. It wasn’t a slow decline but an instant removal triggered by “community standards” and a copyright claim from an overseas company regarding a reaction video. For someone whose livelihood and retirement plan are tied to these platforms, the sudden disappearance felt like a punch to the stomach. Despite the addiction to the dopamine hits of likes and shares, Dwayne is now navigating the “new world” of social media by starting over with Full Rut Nation.
“I’m sitting at home in the evening watching TV, get on the page, look at it, and it’s gone. So I’m like, ‘Oh that’s weird, it says page has been removed.'”
Smallmouth Bass and Scenic Views
With the headache of reaction videos behind him, Dwayne is shifting his focus back to what he loves most: original content featuring the outdoors. He spends his days guiding fishing trips on the New River, where the experience is about much more than just the catch. Whether he is taking out seasoned pros or first-time fishers who have never seen an eagle in the wild, the goal is to showcase the untouched beauty of West Virginia. From catching 212 fish in a single day to navigating the river in a raft, he’s finding peace away from the “wild wild west” of social media algorithms.
“Everybody that comes to West Virginia and goes on a fishing trip with me, they’re just amazed by the beauty. I mean, the fishing’s just an extra to them.”
Fighting for the Holler
Beyond the fishing tips and hunting stories, Dwayne believes a large platform comes with a duty to help others. He has used his reach to raise money for cancer patients, veterans, and local families in need. This sense of community drives a deeper conversation about the state’s priorities, such as the frustration of spending millions on a mobile Ferris wheel while families in places like McDowell County are left stranded without bridges or clean water. For Dwayne, it isn’t about politics but about having empathy for people who are struggling in the very places that make the state so special.
“When a page gets that big, it comes with some responsibility too. So we were helping a lot of people too, like with raising money for cancer, somebody sick, or someone’s kid.”
Want to hear the full story of the 1.7 million follower fallout and find out where the best secret fishing spots are hiding? Check out the original video to see the full conversation.
