By Steve Weisman
March is the month that anglers head out for the outdoor/fishing shows that appear annually in anticipation of the open water season. Folks will often travel to Sioux Falls, Sioux City, Omaha and Des Moines. However, the Iowa Great Lakes area has one of its own!
Oak Hill Outdoor is hosting its second annual “Quest for Net Open Water Fishing Expo” on Saturday, March 18. The day kicks off at 10 a.m. and concludes with a concert by the group She’s With Us from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The day will be filled with in-store specials, the chance to check out the latest in boats and watercraft, fishing tackle, clothing and a host of new product demos. You know the kind that will often trigger a new purchase!
Pro seminars with local fishing pro Chris Miller will take place at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Topics will feature a look at tips on electronics and batteries, along with key techniques for targeting IGL bass. Also, local area pros and product representatives will be on hand throughout the day for product demonstrations, to just plain talk fishing and to answer questions.
A special event begins at 11 a.m., when members of the Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club begin preparing the fillets for their much-anticipated fish fry. The frying will continue until the fillets are gone! Last year, the IGLFC went through nearly 500 filets.
A special concert put on by the popular musical group She’s With Us will kick off at 5 p.m. Of course, favorite beverages and food for the evening can be purchased.
Scholarship time
Seniors in northwest Iowa are reminded of a couple of special scholarships for the 2023-24 school year.
The Jim McDonnell Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by the Jim McDonnell family and the Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club will be given to a student or students who are seeking a career in either a conservation field, wildlife field or a teaching field. The amount of the scholarship(s) is dependent on the number of applicants and scholarships awarded, with a minimum of $500.00 each – given after the awardee’s completion of the first semester. Since 2012, over $20,000 has been awarded to students. Deadline is March 31, and those interested are encouraged to go the IGLFC website and complete an application under the scholarship link.
This will be the first year for the Steve Reighard Memorial Scholarship given in memory of Steve Reighard, a life-long Lakes resident and conservation officer for the Iowa DNR. The scholarships are being awarded by Iowa Lakes Community College (ILCC). Two $500 scholarships for incoming freshmen entering Environmental Studies or Criminal Justice in Clay, Palo Alto, Emmet, Dickinson. Visit the ILCC website to apply.
