Thursday, March 20, 2008 8:51 PM CDT
COLUMN: Renowned angler and guide retires, backs sales event
By DAVE SHADOW, Hunting and fishing columnist
Long-time Lake Shelbyville fishing guide Walter Watts is retiring from his guiding service. Many of us know Mr. Watts from the fishing column he wrote or his weekly fishing reports on Decatur television, but many of us also got to know him as we called on him to help us locate the fish species of our choice on Lake Shelbyville.
As Walter closes this chapter, some of us may be able to gain some of his expertly-used fishing equipment. Mr. Watts will be joining the other sellers at the Lake Shelbyville Muskie Club’s second annual “Fisherman’s Flea Market”, where he will have a quantity of nice rods and reels plus numerous lures available for sale. The flea market will be April 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Shelbyville Senior Center in Forest Park. Offerings there will range from collectables, to new and used fishing tackle. If you have old fishing equipment, bring it for appraisal.
Its value might surprise you. Admission is free. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. It’s an all-fishing, all-species, sale, and should bring good bargains and good fun to those that attend. The Senior Center will again have great lunch items at reasonable prices.
Table space is limited. If you have items to sell, contact Roy Schodtler at 756-8636, or at rdschot@frontiernet.net. Pre-registration must be in by March 30th. If spaces are still available, payment will be accepted at the door, April 5.
Hawg-Dawg Bass Club
The first 2008 event will be held on East Fork Lake near Olney on Saturday. It will convene at 7:30 a.m., and the weigh-in will be at 2:30 p.m. providing everyone has not frozen to death by then. This is always a good early spring lake with many very large fish weighed in periodically. If you wish more information call John Garrison Sr. at 377-3977. Come and join in the fun.
IMTT (muskie) news
Last Saturday, the Illinois Muskie Tournament Trail (IMTT) kicked off its 2008 schedule with the annual Spring Lake North Muskie Tournament. Eighteen boats and 34 entries from three states attempted to secure the first tournament win of the 2008 season. They braved a blustery winter mix of rain, sleet, and snow, and temperatures in the mid 30s, made nastier by a stiff a northerly wind. Despite their efforts, only two fish were caught. A 33-inch muskie caught by Howard Chambliss from Mount Vernon earned the tournament win, while a 32-incher from Bob Jeffries of Palos Heights brought him a second place finish. Next week the Exploratory Flight schedule will begin at Lake Mingo, in Danville. For more information, call Ray Schodtler at 756-8636
Pheasants Forever news:
P-F President Gary Craig steered the attendees of the monthly meeting through discussions on several subjects including organizational aspects of the upcoming yearly banquet where everyone has a wonderful time while being served a fine meal. The banquet is always a gala affair and also serves to raise funds for many very worthwhile projects related to the preservation of wildlife and respective habitat. I would encourage everyone to get involved in this effort in whatever capacity you can whether it be a banquet sponsor. organization member, or especially to attend the monthly meetings. The meeting will be held on the second Thursday of each month at the Coles County Airport Restaurant at 6:30 p.m.. Come and join a good effort. For additional information, call Gary at 347-0347.
It’s faith, family and fishin’.
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