Chris Popp

Sorry, I can't make this one. Have fun guys.

I can make it.

I may suggest that these kinds of activities be included in the email updates, directing people to go to the forum to respond. I don't go on the forums that often and wouldn't have seen it if I didn't run into Rich at another event.

I’ll be there.

I will be there.

I guess I have to be a bit of a contrarian on this topic. I do agree that fishing in general needs to grow as a sport and that, in the long run, younger people have to fill the ranks. A decent blip due to the pandemic has aided that. But when we talk about money to buy tackle, boats, and go on destination fishing trips, most in their 20s, 30s and 40s don't have a lot of that. And a lot of them have even less time with jobs, kids' activities, and other responsibilities.

I am a member of a local multi species club that is growing. We have several younger members, almost none of them with the time to be more than casual contributors. I find the age sweet spot to be 55 up to 75. These are the people that have money, time, and looking for things to do. Most are retired and looking to learn more about fishing, meet new people and get involved in club activities.  And they do. We get plenty of volunteers. Of course the effective length of productive membership reduces with advanced age.

I don't think the key to growth is necessarily limited to getting more young people, although that could help down the line.  What is important is engagement, communication, education, entertainment, camaraderie, relationship building, and a variety of activities that members of different skill levels can partake in. If a club isn't working to advance all these elements, yes, it will eventually waste away. But providing value to those looking for it, and with the time and money to pursue it, can be an effective way to keep a club vibrant and viable.

I’ll do the same as John, make it to breakfast then head to the show. - Chris Popp.

I almost forgot that Outdoor Life did a review of fishing kayaks earlier in the year. Always the pricey ones, as usual, but interesting to compare. http://www.outdoorlife.com/articles/gear/fishing/2012/05/yak-attack-field-tests-top-five-kayaks-angling?page=0%2C0

Chris

Having only tried Kayak fishing a couple times, I could see how a sit on would be better for the stream if you were going to get in and out a lot. Or carrying more gear as Ryan said. But for pond fishing, which I do more of, once your in your in. Plus you don't have to worry about stuff falling off the deck into the water.

When I started looking, I knew I wouldn't get my money's worth buying top notch only going out a couple times a season. So I didn't want to spend a lot in case I didn't like it. I think I scored well this Summer, using a timely sale and additional discount coupon to get my Fishing Excursion 10 (http://www.klindustries.com/kayaks/excursion.html) at Sports Authority for right around $200. Not a lot of whistles and bells and I wouldn't run whitewater. But it does float, have rod holders and it runs true using my $30 paddle. May not be adequate for hard core users but to me it's perfect for once a month outings to the forest preserve.

It was a great day on Sunday. My first time attending. A bit of a drive for me but I'll definitely be back. Lucky the Boy Scouts had the fishing pond covered. Made it a lot easier for those of us hanging around. Allowed me time to actually check out what was there.

I can probably help Sunday. But got to call me to let me know what I have to do. If I don't answer try again or text. My VM isn't set up.

Chris Popp

630-915-5765

If you are looking for weekend camping try Smokey Hollow Campground about a half hour North of Madison in Wisc. A lot of stuff on site for the kids and Lake Wisconsin is two minutes away. Good for walleyes. I would avoid weekdays, though. They bring in a couple of buses of kids for day camp.