by The Troutist, July 04, 2013
Six weeks ago I was asked if I could put together some speakers for angling and hunting seminars, some of the top guides, anglers, and manufacturing reps to share all of their years of experience and knowledge with our troops. I knew this was going to be a very challenging task mainly because most of these folks are booked out about a year ahead. Most people get at least an eight month head start to put something like this together. My way of thinking was that this was a very worthwhile cause to help our soldiers learn about the outdoor opportunities that are available to them here in the Northwest. Having been a GI brat I know what it is like moving from one part of the country to another and then trying to figure out what fishing and hunting opportunities were available.
There were many days that stretched into twelve hours and I drained the batteries on both of my phones, throw in sending and reading e-mails and you can see how time slips away in a hurry. We were having meetings, working on lay-out plans, promoting, equipment needs, and all of logistics that go into pulling something like this off. Thankfully I was able to get out on the water once or twice a week before I started banging my head on the wall. I was living and breathing this event to the point of being obsessive. I did learn one very important lesson, when ever I hear someone say they did something like this by themselves I know they are full of it. My experience was that there are a lot of folks behind the scenes doing many different things that put together make events like this happen. I pulled out all of the stops and called my friends, got names, contact numbers, and took it from there. Sure I was turned down a few times and had some last minute cancellations but what the hell that just makes things interesting.
There is one thing I want to point out, the folks that were a part of this showed up as a way of saying thank you and to be of any assistance they could be to these men and women and their families for their many sacrifices that they make on our behalf. The night before this event I got a total of 2 ½ hours of sleep, laying awake going over everything in my head, hoping for good weather, and a successful show. I knew going into this that this first outdoor show was going to have a huge learning curve and I wasn’t disappointed. One thing that surprised me was that the seminars were not the draw I thought they would be and I have got to tell you I had an all-star team assembled. I watched as the guides and tackle reps were drawing more of a crowd at their booths giving hands on demonstrations and one-on-one question and answer than were showing up at the scheduled seminar times. And in retrospect I can see why, if you can talk directly to the professionals ask your questions then why not go for it.
My job for this day was to meet & greet the folks and point them in the right direction and the people to talk to. I know what you’re thinking, why have a grouchy old man greeting these folks. It was a head scratcher for me too; I think I reminded them of their First Sergeant or maybe their grandfather. I enjoyed this duty, I not only put them with the folks they needed to talk to but got to personally thank them and shake their hands. Something else I want to point out everyone involved with this was well taken care of with coffee and bagels for breakfast, sub sandwiches for lunch, and water/soda thru out the day. I have already started booking folks for next year and I think with a little fine tuning here and there it will be larger and even more successful.
I want to end this column by acknowledging the unsung heroes that made this all possible with their support and the heavy lifting. Paul Claxton, whose idea and vision made this all possible. He also handled the logistics, equipment needs and more. Silvia Wilson, Michelle Saliu, Schamel and his crew from the Post Exchange. I probably didn’t spell the names right but you folks know who you are, many thanks. I also think that this is a good place to thank those who supplied me with contacts and much more. Ed Iman, Bobby Loomis, Bruce Warren, and Brianna Bruce, many thanks, it is always nice when someone else takes a little stress off of this old man. And of course the participants who made this show a class act, Hevi-Beads, Limit Out Performance Marine, WDFW, Extreme Musky Guide Service, Tica, Brads Tackle, Northwest Sportsman Magazine, Project Healing Waters, Fishing For Fun Guide Service, K & D Custom Tackle, Livin Lifes Adventures Guide Service, Dick Nite, Fetha Stix, Lucky Strike Guide Service, Hevi-Shot, Mossy Oak, North Fork Custom Rods, 7-Gill Outfitters, Rivers Edge Guide Service, Barbour Blacktail Guides, Kevin Bye, and my new friend who manned the information booth and worked his tail off, Tyler Edwards. So until next time may your next trout be your trophy mount.
The Troutist-“Uncle Wes” Malmberg.
Buy Western Washington Lakes Guide By Wes Malmberg Here
