Take ‘Em Fishing, LIVE On-Air!

I am betting most of you have heard of our Take ‘Em Fishing campaign by now. If not, let me tell you that the list of prizes is impressive!

2019 Take ‘Em Fishing Prizes

Gear

Bass Tracker Classic fishing boat — a value of $12,000. Donated by Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation and Bass Pro Shops

CampChef stove from Vista Outdoors

Lodge cast iron cookware from Vista Outdoors

Darin Erstad autographed baseball

Lifetime 10-foot Tamarack Angler kayak donated by The Nebraska Fish and Game Association

Rod holders donated by Cowboy Welding, Hyannis

Two fishing poles with tackle kits and lantern donated by Walmart, Chadron

Two spincast fishing combos donated by Bomgaars in Alliance

Minnow buckets, multitool, tackle box and fishing pole donated by Roller Hardware, Alliance

Minnow bucket and tackle box donated by Ace Hardware, Chadron

Filet knife, cutting board, kayak paddle, dry bag and camo vest donated by Jim Gleim

Eagle claw – Brave Combo complete fishing system donated by Wright & McGill

Rod & Reel Combo donated by Al Hansen

Outdoor Adventures

Full day guided fishing trip for two anglers with Captain Steve in either Lincoln/Omaha area, Calamus, or Merritt by Fins and Fur Outdoor Adventure Guide

Guided fishing trip for four hours of bass, crappie or bluegill within one hour of Omaha with DAB fishing

Two rounds of sporting clays for two people donated by Oak Creek Sporting Club

Passes to the Great Platte River Road Archway in Kearney

Nebraska State Park stay

Family pack of four passes to the Go Ape Treetop Ropes Course at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

Gift Cards, Subscriptions, & Cash Prizes

$500 SCHEELS gift card (2 winners); $100 SCHEELS gift card (2 winners); $50 SCHEELS gift card (6 winners). Donated by Lincoln SCHEELS

$500 in CABELAS fishing gift cards; $2000 in CABELAS hunting gift cards Donated by CABELAS

$40 gift card to Orscheln Farm and Home

$50 Walmart gift card

$25 cash prize donated by The Red Barn, Elmwood

Two $50 Gift Certificates donated by Hofker Auto

$75 cash prize donated by Nebraska AFS

Three complete flyrods donated by Trout Unlimited

Two memberships to Trout unlimited donated by Trout Unlimited

Subscription to Outdoorsman magazine

I have seen publicity on the Take ‘Em Fishing challenge all over the state. Had some fun publicizing it on Channel 10/11 here in Lincoln this morning:

https://www.1011now.com/templates/2015_Sub_Video_Share?contentObj=508565401

If you clicked the link and watched the video, you can tell there was a little breeze, and a steady rain all morning long. In a word, it was miserable. The video camera had an umbrella taped over the top of it. But we went fishing anyway! At least it was easy to collect bait, there were nightcrawlers squirming on the ground all around us. We had fun, I hope that shows, and Eddie Dowd caught his first fish!!!! I do not know why everyone was so amazed at that! I never had any doubt!

We need your help! I suspect most of the readers of my blog have fished before, many of you are hard-cores like me. You are the folks we need to find someone and take ’em fishing. Sure we all think of kids we know, or more likely are related to, and I am betting you have already taken most of them fishing. So, think outside the box, there are adults out there who have just never been fishing because no one has ever introduced them to the sport. Or, there are adults who fished when they were younger, but life has distracted them from drying off a few lately. Many of those folks want to do it, want to learn how, they just need a little encouragement.

I know most of you will find someone and take ’em fishing just because you love the sport, love the resource, and want to share it with others. But, if that is not enough, do it for the prizes!

Besides that, the governor told you so!

Gov. Ricketts proclaims May is Take ‘Em Fishing Month in Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. – Fishing improves Nebraskans’ quality of life and is crucial to the conservation of our natural resources. To encourage Nebraskans to go fishing and introduce newcomers to the activity, on May 6 Gov. Pete Ricketts officially proclaimed the month of May as Take ’Em Fishing Month in Nebraska.

Take ’Em Fishing is a new challenge introduced by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, which encourages experienced anglers to pledge to take new or lapsed anglers fishing. Now through Sept. 15, anglers submit a photo of themselves taking someone fishing can enter an online drawing for dozens of prizes including a Bass Tracker Classic fishing boat, SCHEELS and Cabela’s gift cards, kayaks, fishing gear, camping equipment, a stay at a Nebraska state park and more.

“Every angler learned to fish from someone,” said Nebraska Game and Parks Director Jim Douglas. “We hope this challenge will inspire our experienced fishermen and fisherwomen to remember those early trips that helped grow their love of fishing, and to pass on the tradition to someone new.”

Fishing is vital to the conservation of Nebraska’s natural resources, as money generated through the sale of fishing permits and aquatic habitat stamps is used to maintain healthy fisheries, improve water quality and to enhance access for anglers.

Economically, fishing also provides a huge boost, contributing $324 million to the state’s economy annually, and creating $210 million in retail sales.

On a more personal level, fishing also improves mental health, brings families and friends closer together, and creates more inspired workers.

“For many Nebraskans, fishing provides cherished memories and a long-held tradition of enjoying the outdoors,” said Dean Rosenthal, the Nebraska Game and Parks fisheries division administrator. “With Take ’Em Fishing, we aim to introduce this activity to a new generation of anglers, and we extend our thanks to Gov. Ricketts for understanding, recognizing and honoring this important goal.”

For more information about Take ’Em Fishing Challenge, including prizes, official rules and how to enter, visit Outdoornebraska.org/TakeEmFishing. For questions on getting started in fishing or public places to fish, visit OutdoorNebraska.org or contact your nearest Game and Parks office.