Saturday morning, my alarm chirped and I peeked out the blinds to see low clouds over Gull Lake. Good news. Just the kind of weather I wanted for a day of fishing with a new friend or two. Photojournalist Cy and I hopped into the truck, the Due North Triton Allure rigged on the back, and zipped down Highway 77 to Brainerd's Camp Confidence Learning Center. As
we pulled into the Center's entry, I couldn't believe the number of boats on trailers lining the road in. Yep, plenty of people had plans to make a day of Fishing Has No Boundaries. 58 boat captains and 164 participants. If you've never heard of FHNB, you're missing out. Last year, I had to cancel as a boat captain just a day or two before the event (work trip popped up). This year, I made darn sure my calendar was clear. The mission of the organization is pretty simple; To get people out on the water for a day of fishing. Folks who might not otherwise get the chance. FHNB digs up a bunch of volunteers, a bunch of food and supplies, Camp Confidence offers up its facilities and then a boat captains partner with fishermen and women and we hit the water for the day. My partner Saturday was David Theising. When David's not fishing, he works for a Brainerd company building fishing hooks. We had quite a day on the water. Windy conditions and sun much of the day. Highlights of our time on the water? Where to start? David and I talked a bunch about fishing and traded a few fish tales. He 
caught first fish and, of course, the most fish! Perch, sunnies, a pile of bass. He even took over as captain of the boat midday. Also along was David's friend and attendant, Volinda Cochrane. She got in on the fishing action too! As soon as Volinda's first fish hit, David was there with the net to finish the 
Volinda's Bassdeal. Afterwards, all the folks involved got together for a giant fish fry and a concertback at camp. Funny thing, but we all kinda noticed one, young man walking around the grounds carrying a giant plastic bag. Inside? Turned out he had quite a catch. We got Aaron Rush to hold up his trophy with his guide. Figures...Marv Koep. Marv remains a fishing icon in the Brainerd Lakes Area and he knows 
exactly where to find the big fish. Nice job guys! A perfect day I'd say. Well, almost. See, FHNB had to turn forty people away this year who hoped to fish. The reason? FHNB couldn't find enough boat captains. That's why I'd like to challenge you.. If you have a boat, a little fishing gear and, most importantly, a passion to share your love of fishing, then drop either me or FHNB a line and sign up for the 2009 event. Check out the organization's website for more info. ww.brainerdlakesfhnb.org Thanks to my fishing partner David! When we fishing together again? It is absolutely true: Fishing truly has no boundaries....
Fishing Has No Boundaries 2008