Stocking Stuffers: Big Walleye
OutdoorHub 11.28.12
We’ve found the perfect gift solution for the hard-to-buy-for angler in your family: a spot in the 2013 All-Star Walleye School. What could be better than improving one’s fishing skill with the best walleye sticks in the country on the 8th through the 11th of August? Past instructors include Kevin McQuoid, Mark Courts, Brian “Bro” Brosdahl, Bill Shimota, Dan Stier, Eric Olson and Paul Meleen. School attendees traveled from Nebraska to New York to attend previous events. The two-and-a-half day class will surely land some eight-, nine- and ten-pounders in the foreseeable future. Now that’s a nice Christmas present.
“My wife bought me the school last year as a Christmas gift,” shared Jay Dering of Eden Prairie, Minnesota. “And then I won the drawing for a co-angler spot in a tournament next year at the end of the school. To take what I learned here and the confidence that I leave with, this is a huge opportunity for me. A big step. I’m excited for it.”
“Everyone’s confidence has grown leaps and bounds,” shared George Liddle of Liddle Marketing Company and Ranger Boats, sponsor of the school. Chip Leer, co-host with Liddle agreed. “When you get both classroom time to learn the techniques and then on-the-water time in the pros’ tournament-rigged Ranger Boats to apply the skills, they get a first-class experience that opens their eyes. The new techniques aren’t so intimidating anymore. The school gives them confidence to try those techniques on their own after the school is over.”
“I can’t wait to get back and put all that I’ve learned to work for me,” shared student Craig Sleeman of New York. Sleeman had fished some local tournaments and wanted to learn from the best. He certainly got that with a lineup like McQuoid, Courts, Stier, Brosdahl, Shimota, Olson and Meleen. Combined the group has boated well over a million dollars in tournament purse. “Their success shows that they know what they are talking about. I can’t wait to take what I’ve learned back to tournaments on my home waters. I’m a better fisherman for being here,” shared Sleeman after the last evening’s dinner.
However, not all school attendees need to be experienced anglers. Novice anglers, like Shane Kemper at the 2012 school, can benefit greatly. Kemper moved from California, decided to buy a boat and do what Minnesotans do: fish for walleyes. “I bought the boat and I just realized, I don’t want to be ‘that guy’.” Kemper caught his first walleye (yes, ever!) in National Guard/KrugerFarms.com-pro Bill Shimota’s boat on day one of the school. Bill Shimota agreed the school was a good experience for even a new angler. “He did great. They all did great,” Shimota added.
This year’s All-Star Walleye School is planned for August 8 – 11, 2013. “All the details of accommodations and instructors are coming together,” shared Liddle. Tentative location will be on Pool 4 of the Mississippi River. “It’s a perfect Christmas gift and we’ll include a nice presentation to wrap up and put under the tree.”
Space is limited and most packages include lodging. Pricing starts at $700 per person. Interested parties should contact Chip Leer at 218-547-4714 or e-mail: info@liddlemarketingcompany.com. The All-Star Walleye School is brought to you by Liddle Marketing Company.
