By Steve Weisman

The Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club (IGLFC) works year around helping people, both young and old, learn more about the sport of fishing. Club volunteers were part of the June 6-9, JOY Camp, which is a four-day camp for individuals with special needs. The camp is held twice each summer at Camp Okoboji. Members of the IGLFC helped participants enjoy a fishing outing on the docks of the camp on Saturday, June 6.

What a time they all had. IGLFC members Paul Daniels and Terry Thomsen hosted the fishing outing. According to Daniels, “What an afternoon of fishing at JOY Camp today! Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club president Terry Thomsen and I had the pleasure of helping these camp goers and their helpers. Lots of fish were caught, and best of all there were even more smiles and laughs.”

Top catch went to Tanya, who caught a four-pound largemouth bass. Daniels says, “Tanya stole the show with the dandy largemouth bass. She handled it like a pro on her panfish rod!”

To top off the outing, everyone got a nice tackle box filled with great tackle from the IGLFC.

(photo courtesy IGLFC)
Fishing champ of the day! Paul Daniels helps Tanya show off her four-pound largemouth bass taken on a panfish outfit!

Adult Fishing Seminar Success

The IGLFC’s first ever Adult Fishing Seminar was held at West O Beer on Tuesday, June 4. It was definitely a big success with 35 attendees getting to learn about rods, reels, line, and various other equipment used for open water fishing.

They then learned about how to effectively fish from shore, docks, and with waders. They even practiced tying fishing knots and had the chance to watch an underwater video from presented by Tim Hilbert.

Dean Jacobsen, one of the key organizers, says, “We were very pleased with how things turned out. West O was a great host, and the entry fee covered wings and beverage for the participants was incredible. Thanks to all our board members that helped put this seminar on and share their vast knowledge of fishing experiences and expertise in our Iowa Great Lakes Region!”

If you missed this one or want to attend another Adult Fishing Seminar, plans are for a second one later this summer. Jacobsen notes, “In addition to the 35 in attendance, we had another 23 that wanted to register, but we were unable to accommodate do to space restrictions. So, stay tuned for more!”

A tip of the hat to the IGLFC and all the active volunteers, who give their time and energy to help people enjoy fishing on the Iowa Great Lakes!

(photo courtesy IGLFC) Attendees work at tying a good knot.