The days and weeks are beginning to blur, I guess that means that summer is in full swing.
The Trolling for the Troops event at Camp Ripley was once again a hit. Getting to be a guide for some much deserving veterans makes for a very satisfying day in itself. Now getting to do it with anglers such as Mark Courts and Ron Schara, well that really takes it to a whole new level. If these guys with so many things going on can take time from their busy schedules, well that just shows what a great event it has become.
Although this year's was kind of bittersweet, as it will be the last Trolling for the Troops with Col. Scott St. Sauver as commander at Camp Ripley. The event will go on and continue to grow, that I am sure of, but Scott has been a huge part of the success. If you know him, you know he has a special place in his heart for fishing and helping veterans. Believing that the two together make a great therapy for soldiers to spend some time outdoors and take their mind off things. Scott has had a huge influence on me. I just wanted to give him a shout out and wish him luck with his retirement, which I am sure he is going to spend fishing.
Also, last week was the Minnesota Fishing Challenge at Craguns on Gull Lake. This year I would not be fishing it just driving the boat for two of our Brainerd Warrior fishermen. In my boat were Zach Ruggles and Dillon Hines, although it was their first time fishing together, they would turn out to be a great team.
In the first 15 minutes of the tournament they had three bass in the livewell, so a long day of upgrading was ahead of us. And that is just what they did, fish after fish we got a little bigger bag. After putting over 65 fish through the boat they ended up in 12th place, which is pretty impressive considering the caliber of some of the anglers competing in this tournament. And for this being Dillon's first tournament I think he is off to a great start.
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This week is the 34th Annual Nick Adams Memorial Fishing Classic for Confidence Learning Center. It's a day of fishing I always look forward to. A day with good friends for a great cause. Next week you will find out how our team did. Wish us luck.
