“We’re big on anything that benefits kids,” says Nate Molstad, President of the Fresno Chapter of Walleyes Unlimited in Havre. “If we can get a fishing pole into a kid’s hands, we do it.”
Each year, the organization gives away hundreds of fishing poles to area youth at various events. At Kids’ Education Day, over 300 students from local schools gather at Fresno Reservoir to learn about fishing. These kids receive a free fishing pole. At the Kids’ Fishing Tournament, Walleyes Unlimited members take youth out for a half day of fishing, help them measure their catches, and serve them lunch. These kids receive a free fishing pole. At the Fresno Chapter’s annual banquet, children accompany their parents for a night of good food and fun. These kids receive a free fishing pole.
“We want to get as many fishing poles to kids as possible,” says Molstad.
In order to fund so many fishing poles, youth activities, conservation and restoration projects, and other events, the Fresno Chapter relies on the annual banquet as its biggest fundraiser of the year. In 2020, it will take place at the Havre Ice Dome on April 18.
“About four hundred people come for a fun night,” says Molstad. “We have great community support.”
The Fresno Chapter’s banquet includes fun games, great prizes, and a wonderful walleye dinner.
“I’m not sure anyone in the state does better,” Molstad chuckles.
Getting a taste for this walleye may be enough to lure in new members.
For more information on the Fresno Chapter of Walleyes Unlimited, visit fresnowalleyes.com, find them on Facebook, or call (406) 230-0342.