By Steve Weisman
Need a break after all of this snow and wind? How about a chance for a good meal, an opportunity to learn more about fishing and the chance to win a few prizes? Well, this is your opportunity. The Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club (IGLFC) will be hosting its annual Club Fishing Seminar at the Hap Ketelsen Center in Everly on Wednesday, February 8 with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.
The evening meal starts at 6 p.m., with the fishing seminar to follow about 7 p.m. The club will also hold a silent auction and raffle. A cash bar will be available.
Terry Thomsen, IGLFC president, says, “The IGLFC has held this event for a lot of years. It’s a great time to get together, share a good meal and learn some top open water tips.”
This year’s speaker is Joe Henry, Executive Director for Lake of the Woods in northern Minnesota and veteran fishing guide and tournament angler.
Henry notes, “It’s an absolute privilege, and I am excited to be part of this year’s Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club’s annual meeting on February 8th. We will be sharing detailed fishing information about Lake of the Woods for both open water and ice. We will also dive into nuances to pulling spinners for walleye success, which will be of benefit on any body of water.”
A little about Joe Henry
As a long time guide, licensed charter captain, and tournament angler, Henry has made fishing a part of his everyday life. Joe “cut his teeth” on MN lakes and rivers and has guided and fished walleyes throughout the nation. Joe’s home water is now Lake of the Woods, which he has fished for over 30 years.
Professionally, Joe has enjoyed a variety of leadership positions. He is an award-winning outdoor communicator and a board member for AGLOW, the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers. His professional background combined with his many fishing credentials lead him to his current role, Executive Director, Lake of the Woods Tourism where he recently received the 2022 Minnesota Tourism Professional of the Year award from Explore Minnesota Tourism.
Joe works closely with 60 resorts, area guides and a number of stakeholders who have an impact on Lake of the Woods and the outdoor industry. He is an active writer, appears in outdoor TV shows, produces outdoor videos, digital media and speaks about fishing and outdoors across the Midwest.
Henry reflects on his love for the Lake of the Woods. “Lake of the Woods, including the Rainy River and NW Angle, is an incredible fishery with over 65,000 miles of shoreline, 14,552 islands and a myriad of fishing opportunities. It has a variety of species and big fish opportunities 12 months a year. We will bring to life this amazing fishery with a presentation including helpful images, videos and some lively discussion.”
Thomsen sees the evening as a great opportunity for club members, noting that the seminar and meal are both free for IGLFC members and their families. The cost is $10 for non-members. “This is a great time for current members to sign up for 2023 if they haven’t already done so. We certainly welcome non-members, and we’ll gladly get them signed up, too.”
Thomsen continues, “One of the IGLFC’s major goals continues to be to recruit youth to the sport of fishing, encouraging connection to the outdoors and fishing as a lifelong passion. We also want to help families connect with the outdoors and enjoy fishing as a family activity.”
(photo submitted) Joe Henry, this years IGLFC spring speaker, holds a 31-inch walleye taken during the summer on Lake of the Woods.
