Dubuque Kids Workshop

[Keri Solis]

The Thursday night kids fishing workshop that was to be held at Table Mound School on Thursday night will be postponed until the tournament is rescheduled.

For those who are unaware, on the Thurday before the MWC tounaments, several fisherman volunteer their time to teach kids the basics of fishing, from casting and fish filleting to harness, jig and knot tying. The event is free. Both companies and individuals donate both new and used equipment to be given to the kids.

I would like to thank Doug Newhoff who contacted me about donating his time, along with Lenny Vabalaitis who donated some used equipment and Jenn Pawinski for picking it up for me this weekend in Dubuque. Jenn also had used equipment to donate. I'd also like to thank Tom Walters for arranging a donation of rod and reel combos from HT Enterprises, along with Wildlife Forever who was bringing donations. Ranger, Motorguide, Zebco, Quantum and the Iowa DNR also supplied handouts for the kids.

A big thank you goes out to Lynn Smith of the Miss. Walleye Club for all his help in arranging the Dubuque event and the club members who were going to donate their time on Thursday.

At the Spring Valley workshop, Colin Crawford, Jim and Tim Minnema, Dan Bodinger, Terry Mayhall, Pat Lynch and Doug Davis donated their time to teaching over 60 kids. In addition, John Lipinski, Doug Davis and Pat Lynch donated new and used equipment and Riverview Marine in Spring Valley donated a gift certificate.

At this time I have two Wisconsin team walleye workshops planned along with events in May with area (Montello) schools and throughout the summer with libraries in central Wisconsin. Again, all these events are free and everyone, including my dad and I are volunteers.

ANYONE can lend a hand to instruct the kids at these events, you do no have to be a tournament fisherman. Also, I'm always looking for donations, both new and used equipment, including repairable equipment. (Rods with broken tips, etc)

Thanks to everyone for their help see you when the river lowers! Keri Solis.

[Juls_WI]

Kerry,

Where can I send you some new equipment I want to donate? What is the addy I can ship it to? I don't want to keep hauling it around everywhere with me.

Thanks, and keep up the good work!

Juls
you can email me at juls@walleyecentral.com if you don't want to post the addy on the board.

[Dave Graham]

I would like to help in Dubuque when ever that is. E-mail is wblkhkfan@aol.com. Let me know.
Dave

[Keri Solis]

Thanks Juls and Dave...

The two things that are needed are people and product. Some people aren't able to give up pre-fishing time, but put in a call to their sponsors for stuff to give the kids, clean out their basements and garages, or pick up an extra crank or a couple extra jigs to donate. As kids are collecting their jigs, twister tails, etc., I often hear comments made from a parent to a child about how "now they'll have to start their own tackle box."

Others are more than willing to lend a hand for an hour and a half, to share their knowledge with the kids. It's amazing how many kids show up who have never made a cast. At first they're intimidated, but after awhile they don't want to put the rod down! Colin Crawford and Tim Minnema are "regulars" who helped out both last year and this year. They pretty much have their own tackle building shop going...Colin with harnesses and Tim with jigs.

One of my favorite comments at Spring Valley was from a mother. Earlier in the day her daughter wouldn't watch as her brother had stiches removed, yet that night she filleted her first fish! Amazing!

It doesn't matter if you can only help out one time or you have 5 jigs to donate-it all adds up.(I also forgot to mention Trapman Lures and S&S Wildflowers who donated to the workshops)

You can send donations to:
W2663 Grouse Road
Pardeeville, WI 53954
or call me at (608) 429-3339

I am often in the Appleton, Beaver Dam and Madison areas. I can always make arrangements with anyone to pick up donations.

Thanks again to everyone for all the support! Keri.

[Juls_WI]

Thanks Keri.
Hey, will you be around the usfa at winneconnie this sunday at all? If so, I will just give it to you there. Let me know, and if your not going to be there, I will get it off in the mail to you tomorrow sometime.

Thanks,

Juls

[Keri Solis]

Juls, I'll be there Saturday...I'm not sure if I'll be running up there on Sunday too.

[Juls_WI]

Change in plans Keri. I will be there on Saturday too. I will give it to you then. Cool, that saves me a few stamps..;-)

See ya there!

Juls