By Steve Weisman

Across the Hawkeye state, Iowans are proud of their lakes, rivers and streams. And rightfully so! It’s not like we have an over abundance of them. No, when you look at some of our neighboring states, we are kind of on the short end of water. So, it is important for us to be ever vigilant of these waters and to work to improve the water quality.

That’s become a tough battle, too, with run-off issues and the appearance of exotics into these water systems. It is going to take all of us collectively to make headway in keeping our waters something of which we can be proud.

When I heard Governor Branstad’s 2014 fiscal year budget proposal was to cut funding for Iowa lakes projects from $6 million to $1 million, I became very concerned. These funds are the ones that have revitalized many of our smaller, shallow lakes such as Diamond, Four Mile, Dan Green and Trumbull (in the process).

Storm Lake has been part of a revitalization project over the past several years, and has been the recipient of money from this fund. The DNR planned to spend $1 million this year, but with this budget proposal cut, that could be slashed to $250,000.

Again, these are our elected officials, and if we truly care about our natural resources, we need to make our voices heard. If we don’t fight for and protect what we have, no one else will. Let your elected officials know how you feel.

Ok, I’m off my soapbox now.

IGLFC

There is an organization that is all about protecting our natural resources, while at the same time having fun doing it: The Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club (IGLFC). It began over 40 years ago, spearheaded by Jim McDonnell, the Fishing Professor, who passed away a year ago.

Until his death, McDonnell had been the only president that the IGLFC had ever had. With his passing, club members are wanting to keep his legacy going, and so the IGLFC has even gained momentum.

According to Terry Thomsen, IGLFC Vice President, membership is open to anybody in northwest Iowa. Club membership is $20 per family and offers a lot for members.

“Our club sponsors two seminars each year, and they are held in the Godfather’s Pizza party room in Spencer. One seminar is in March and the other is in November. The seminar in March usually concerns fishing techniques and hotspots in our 4-5 state area and new trends in equipment. November’s seminar has our area DNR biologists giving an update on what is going on in our local lakes,” says Thomsen.

Thomsen, continues, “Last November, our meeting addressed the Asian carp issue and the zebra mussel problem and what we, as fisherman, can do to help prevent any further spread of these invasive species. The seminars are open to all club members. Free pizza and beverages are included and raffle drawings are held for equipment and cash.”

Kid’s Fishing Clinic

On May 1st of this year, the club will host its annual Kid’s Fishing Clinic at Stolley’s Park in Spencer. This is open to area kids of all ages and their parents. Club members give demonstrations on fish cleaning, knot tying, casting, boating safety, fish identification, and other aspects of the fishing experience. There is an hour-long fishing tournament with prizes for the biggest fish of various species. That is followed by a drawing for prizes and a hot dog dinner. Every participant is given a bag of fishing tackle.

“The future of our sport and our club lies with these youngsters and we hope to give them a fun experience,” notes Thomsen.

In addition, the club offers informal club fishing tournaments in June and September, while an annual Christmas party is held in December for all members.

Scholarship opportunities

After Jim McDonnell passed, club members wanted to do something to make sure his legacy as a fishing educator lived on. “As a club, we’ve pledged $500 a year to fund a scholarship in Jim’s name. The McDonnell family has also pledged to fund at least one $500 scholarship per year. A college major that is directly concerned with our outdoor environment is a prerequisite of this scholarship. Funds aren’t paid out until the first semester of the students second year of school. We’re proud that three scholarships were awarded this year to area students and we hope we can help some members of the class of 2013 as well,” says Thomsen.

Emerson Bay fish cleaning station

As many of you know, the Emerson Park campground on the southwest side of West Okoboji has undergone a major renovation lately. Included in this project are plans for a fish cleaning station, which will be a great addition to this area. In order to help the DNR complete this station, the IGLFC has pledged $2000.

The future

The IGLFC was instrumental in supporting the new slot limit size for walleyes on the Iowa Great Lakes and the 25 daily panfish limit.

As for the future? “Some of the challenges we face are continuing to grow our membership and trying to keep our members active, making sure we do things to get the youth in our communities involved in fishing, and making sure that we continue to have a presence in our Iowa Great Lakes,” concludes Thomsen.

Again, the $20 membership is an easy way to get to know people, gain and share fishing knowledge and help support the betterment of our natural resources. If you would like to become a member, contact Ken Mead at (712) 262-7084.

Officers of IGLFC include (front row) Gary Biederman, president; Laef Lundbeck; Jim Taylor, secretary; (Back Row) Ken Mead, treasurer; Orville Belken; Terry Thomsen, vice president.