By John Schwieger

The forecast of 90 degree temperatures did not bode well for the success of the 2016 Special Annual Fishing Day. The slightly lower temperatures and cooling breeze made for a perfect day for those fishing and their families/ caregivers that made it to our event. Fishing was very successful thanks to Jim and Steve Kalscheur restocking the ponds with trout, bluegill and bass. We had forty-six guests, plus forty-two caregivers or family members. The generous donation of time by some of our chapter members made for a day for all to enjoy.

First and foremost, the Southern Wisconsin Chapter of Trout Unlimited would like to thank Jim and Steve Kalscheur and their staff. Without Jim and Steve granting access to their ponds and facilities, a Special Annual Fishing Day would not be possible. My thanks go out to Jim’s staff, Ken, Jeff and Scott for taking their time to assist in all phases of making the day a success. Jim provided hot dog buns, baked beans, potato chips, condiments, beverages and ice cream sandwiches all served by Jim and his generous staff. Many thanks to Metcalfe’s (Jeffrey Schroeter) for the Johnsonville brats, Dorn Hardware at Nakoma (Jim Kiessling) for the Big Red worms used as bait, Scott’s Pastry Shoppe (Jackie and Russell Scott) for the breakfast pastries, and Colleen Campbell for getting out the invitations to our guests. Last but not least, I would like to thank the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (Kimberley Kuber) and the Loan-A Rod Program for making the tackle available to us.

The Mt. Horeb Fire and Rescue provides staff each year to help insure a positive experience for all. Thanks go out to Foster, Zach, Owen, Ryan and Devin for their assistance with wheelchair bound guests, as fishing guides and medical support.

In addition, I would like to personally thank those chapter members who made the day a great success. First, I would like to recognize Mark Rhinerson. He used his personal time to pick up and return the fishing tackle provided by the DNR. He assisted in the Friday night tackle set up and as fishing guide on Saturday.

My thanks to the Friday night tackle set up crew. As usual the technical expertise of our crew was tested as tackle required a gentle touch and sharp eye. All volunteers for the tackle set-up had the opportunity to fish with varying degrees of success. My thanks to Mark Rhinerson, Bill Engber, and Bob Brewer for coming out.

The geese residing at the site were prominently represented and Bob Brewer performed gallant duty as the goose poo crew.
The photographer for the event was Marty Jenich, who very generously, set up a shutterfly website for the event. It is possible to go to https://swtufishingday2016.shutterfly.com/ and
view pictures of the day’s activities and obtain copies at a very nominal fee at no profit to the chapter or Marty Jenich.

In closing I would like to thank those chapter members, family and friends for their assistance as fishing guides, fish cleaners, furniture setup assistants, strong backs for transporting wheel chair bound guests, greeters and photographers. All these jobs contribute directly to an extremely busy and successful Special Annual Fishing Day.

• Mark Rhinerson
• Bill Engber
• Michael Burda
• Rodd Wangen
• Bob Brewer
• Tom Dean
• Marty Jenich
• Henry Haugley
• Jim Bartelt
• Ellen Bertelt
• John Strauss
• Henry Anderson

Last but by no means least, I want to thank my lovely bride Rose for excellent counsel, administrative assistance and personal donation of bagels and beef hotdogs enjoyed this year.

As can be seen from the numbers of guest compared and the number of participating chapter volunteers named, a tremendous effort was necessary to make this day a success. We need to access whether there is sufficient interest in our chapter membership to continue this event.