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Huron, Ohio
Anglers' Legacy
What is Anglers' Legacy?
When I first came across Anglers' Legacy it instantly caught my eye & I was curious to learn more about what it was.  In just a few short minutes online at anglerslegacy.org, I knew this was a cause that I wanted to participate with.  The message is simple, yet profound... introduce someone to fishing that has not previously had the opportunity.  The pledge asks that you do this at least once annually and also includes components of asking you to provide a "quality introductory experience".  Don't take my word for it though, click the logo to the right and check it out for yourself!  I can assure everyone that I have as much fun fulfilling the pledges as the person being introduced to fishing.  It is a mutually rewarding experience.  I stongly encrourage those who enjoy fishing to get involved with Anglers' Legacy. 
Some of the author's fulfilled pledges!
I have always enjoyed sharing my passion for fishing and introducing people to it.  The people closest to me have always gotten exposure to fishing as it plays such a huge role in my life.  This is true, even prior to me ever learning about this program.  What the Anglers' Legacy did do, is make my effort a bit more formal and helped to ensure that I focused on it at least once a year.  My first formal fulfilled pledge would surely have been someone I would have taken fishing, but happened to enter my life right around when I discovered Anglers' Legacy.  So my first official person, would end up being my girlfriend, Jill.  She was a natural at fishing and it took her no time at all to begin having success catching all kinds of fish.  We both had a blast.  To this day, I'm amazed I got her to hold that Freshwater Drum, something she would never do now!  She stuck with fishing and me, we were married in 2008!
While doing some ice fishing at Olander Park in Sylvania, Ohio, I had some boys that were playing hockey come over to see what I was doing.  Next thing I know a chance for an impromptu Anglers' Legacy opportunity arose.  These kids were a lot of fun to hang out with and I was surpised they put the hockey sticks down for a bit.  I only had two rods but they would trade off between catches of panfish, so it worked out fine.  I was more than happy to give up my rod and let them have at it.  It was a lot of fun to see them take an interest in fishing.  A guy with a photo journalism website happened to come up to us and take a picture.  I loved the title he gave it, "Ice Fishing Quartet".  I really feel fortunate to have this picture and it is a very fond memory.
I still think Amanda was hiding the fact that she was already a pro at fishing.  I might as well of just gotten out of her way as she was catching all kinds of fish on her own.  She showed off catching a variety of species that the Portage River near Port Clinton, Ohio, holds.  To the left, is a dandy White Crappie that she caught.  Look at the way she is lipping that fish, watch out Professional B.A.S.S. Women's Tour!  What a natural!  It  was neat that I was even able to create a certificate for her notable catch on the Anglers' Legacy site.  With a great smile like that, it was obvious she had an awesome time.  Please take a kid fishing!, you'll have fun too!
Hoping to add more fulfilled pledges soon!
Aunt Gail lives on what has got to be one of the most unique and beautiful properties I have ever seen.  Needless to say, I will not be going into any specifics of where it is.  I'll just call it the surrounding area of Cleveland, Ohio.  A private lake with no more than 3 or 4 houses on it, can you say prestine hardly touched water?!  Each time I visit I have fishing tackle in tow for these beautiful fish.  It occured to me in my selfishness of catch and releasing tens of fish, that I hadn't asked anyone else if they wanted to try.  I can't recall if Aunt Gail had said if she had never fished or just not fished in a very long time but it wasn't to difficult to talk her into it.  First or second cast and she hooked the best Largemouth Bass of the day!  I have a feeling it won't be long and she will not only be the one catching them, but also holding them for the pictures!  Great job Gail!, hope to fish with you again soon.  I also found out Uncle Kurt finished a jon boat refurb, we will be covering more of this water on future trips!