A perfect time for reflection

Every year at this time I agonize over what would be appropriate in this column.

The usual mission is to call attention to a holiday where Americans are supposed to find words of thankfulness and brotherhood. With that in mind, here's something in that vein.

I will always remember the late Gil Hamm, the man who helped start Muskies Inc. in St. Paul, Minn. I first met Gil in 1971 and our friendship endured for a long time until his demise.

I am thankful that there are dedicated anglers in this state who care about the lakes and rivers. I'm referring to the various muskie groups, especially the Illinois Muskie Alliance, that work closely with what's left of the IDNR's biological infrastructure. Without the muskie clubs and their tireless members, I could easily see the state's muskie program going the way of other conservation-related projects.

I doff my hat to the state's walleye clubs, Walleyes Unlimited, in particular. Here's an organization that continues to spread the word about the ever-illusive table fare. Thanks to that, club walleye anglers in Illinois have much to celebrate.

And for those of you who have a passion for trout fishing in Wisconsin and Minnesota, as well as Michigan and some of the western states, say thanks to Trout Unlimited and its minions who have worked their fingers to the bone in the rebuilding of trout streams and trout habitat.

How about some praise for Pheasants Forever? Here's an organization that continues to work to restore the once-great upland bird hunting we had in this state.

I am thankful there are still a gaggle of mom and pop bait and tackle shops left in northern Illinois. I know how tough it's been for those dedicated people to make a buck. These are the die-hards who to this day stay open seven days a week and spend 15 hours daily dishing out buckets of bait.

I would be remiss if I didn't pay tribute to the members of the Lake Geneva Fishing Club. This group goes to an extreme to put together a special kid's fishing day on Lake Geneva every year. Schaumburg angler and club official Ken Abraham has always been in the forefront of this outing.

What would this holiday be without a tribute to my late parents, Irv and Sylvia, for without their guidance and concern I would have never been exposed to the joys of the outdoors, the thrill of fishing and hunting, and the love of the woods and waters.

And lastly, I am offering a special thanks to the minnow family, otherwise known as the Fatheads. What other creatures step up to the "plate," so to speak, and offers itself to be on the business end of a jig hook to entice a fat walleye to bite?

So there it is, my list for the year. Oh yes, one more.

I am very thankful for two decades with the Daily Herald and the chance to write these columns every week.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend.

angler88@comcast.net