Sarley: Reader benefits from fishing tip, explains why sportsmen are also environmentalists
I love getting mail from readers. Connecting with a reader enough to get them to open their keyboard and respond to me gives me a charge that is hard to explain. I love every letter I receive. Yes, even the ones that disagree with me. I know I am not right all of the time and the dissenting opinions keep me grounded.
I’ve been called names, had my sanity questioned, been physically threatened and have gotten my share of pats on the back. I have had the pleasure of meeting many readers who have written to me and that is always a great experience.
I just opened an email that made me so gloriously happy that I have a hard time explaining it.
“Dear Mr. Sarley, Thank you. I read your column regularly and am a novice fisherman. I recently moved near the Fox River. I was reading your article on floating lures, and bought the Pop-R. On my first cast on Memorial Day, I caught a smallmouth bass, So, WOW! Great advice.
“Any more tips on how to fish will be appreciated. Also, maybe an article or two about how sportsmen also tend to be environmentalists. I am, and my license fee helps support the DNR. Doesn't do us any good if all the deer are sick and all the fish are gone.
“Again, thank you for the great tip. I didn't catch anything else that day, but one was exciting. I also put him back. Joe Rosenfeld”
I am blown away. Joe Rosenfeld’s letter explained to me exactly why I do what I do. I helped Joe to catch a fish and I can’t be more proud of that fact. I write for you each week hoping to entertain, educate and amuse you. When I find out that I have done my job successfully, it excites me to no end.
I am also proud that Rosenfeld is asking for more education. That makes me feel good, as well. I am also proud that Joe is one of what I always believed to be a very intelligent group of readers. Joe, like most of you, understands the facts behind conservation and things like the importance of catch-and-release.
Joe Rosenfeld, your email will remain proudly hanging on my office wall. Thank you.
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If you think you know someone who has made a lasting mark on the outdoors in Illinois, The Illinois Conservation Foundation is now accepting nominations for the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame class of 2025.
Every year, the foundation honors outdoors people who have made extraordinary contributions to conservation and outdoor recreation in Illinois. Since 2002, inductees have included mentors who have introduced thousands to hunting, fishing and wildlife stewardship. These leaders have championed habitat restoration, clean water and helped preserve our outdoor heritage for generations to come.
“These are the people who don’t just enjoy the outdoors, they make it better for everyone,” said Jenny Vaughn, executive director of the Illinois Conservation Foundation. “We’re proud to celebrate their stories and their impact.”
Nominees selected for the 2025 class will be inducted at the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Gala next spring. Visit the ICF website and complete the official nomination form to nominate an outstanding outdoors person by July 15.
For more information, contact the Illinois Conservation Foundation by emailing jenny@ilconservation.org or calling (217) 785-2003.
• Daily Herald Outdoors columnist Steve Sarley can be reached at sarfishing@yahoo.com.