This page is dedicated to Matt Hoffman.

Early in the morning Matt fumbled with the rod and reel. Matt was not catching fish other than zebra mussels. As he studied the other anglers he seemed to get the hang of it. Then he yelled "fish on". A nice one at that. Then, it happened again. While the captain netted the next fish, Matt had another fish on for the mate to net. Three fish, maybe twelve or so pounds total, in less than twenty minutes. Anyone could tell by Matt's smile he was soaking it in. Everything, the fish, the blue water, the boat ride. As we all enjoyed the ride back, Matt was asked if that was his first walleye of the year. Matt said it was his first fish. More questioning revealed, this was not his first fish of the year, not his first walleye, but his first fish ever! It seemed kind of strange for young man of his age, raised on a midwestern farm, that those would be his first fish, ever! It was apparent, that you were not going to take this day or his smile away from Matt. Matt contacted me several times during the following week trying to get a trip scheduled. Farming, weather, and schedules just didn't allow Matt to share his experiences with friends and family. Matt left us just two weeks after that "first fish".

I have always enjoyed sharing my outdoor experiences with others. I can't express the pleasure I felt seeing Matt smile that day fishing. I feel I owe something to somebody for sharing in that "first fish". So, in honor of Matt, please contact me if you know someone deserving of a complimentary trip. I would like to donate a trip a year in honor of Matt.

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