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By Don Rego | September 12, 2008
Hello and welcome to the Illinois Smallmouth Alliance! I invite you to browse through this web site. After reading about us I encourage you to join the Alliance.
I first heard about the ISA at the Rosemont sport show back in 2002. The Alliance has grown by leaps and bounds since its beginning back in 1994 but the message has always been very clear. We're passionate about fishing and conservation.
I've actively pursued smallmouth bass since 2002. Actively may be putting it mildly for I've been known to fish for smallies in the most extreme conditions. A few years ago a fellow member and I wade fished for 10 hours with the heat index over 100 degrees. The following winter I tested the other extreme and fished while it was -29 with the wind chill. I may never do that again but I'll always be after the mighty bronzeback.
My first experience with the ISA was a very memorable one. I decided to go on one of the many fishing outings that the club offers to its members. I shared a ride with a fellow member up to the Apple River. We had plenty of time to talk about everything under the sun. One of the benefits of membership are all the wonderful connections you can make with like minded people! The group of eight anglers caught plenty of fish that day and I was introduced to one of the prettiest rivers in the state. Since then, I've been hooked.
Besides attending as many fishing outings as I could, I figured it was only right to help out with the various conservation activities that the ISA offers to its members. My spirit of volunteerism started in my youth. I delivered hot meals to those that were home bound for the Meals On Wheels program. More recently I've helped out with the Ride For The Cure which is a motor cycle rally to raise money for autism research. My mom volunteers her time working with disabled people in Oregon, IL at the Village Of Progress. So I guess you might say it's in my blood.
From river clean-ups and kid's casting days to water willow plantings each conservation/education related activity is filled with a 'feel good' that one simply can't describe. If you do decide to join give one of these events a try. You won't be disappointed! The moments are memorable and of course there's usually some fishing to be done afterwards.
With my already active involvement in full swing I was then asked to be the Chicago Region Coordinator by the former president Rich McElligott. It didn't take long to decide this is where I should be. I've always enjoyed scheduling trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Quetico Provincial Park. Scheduling fishing outings and meetings along with organizing clean-ups, crib plantings and smallie hunter outings just came naturally.
Which brings me to today. As your president I'll continue to be involved with all aspects of the club. If you are a new member or a long standing member that wants to get more involved with the Alliance feel free to contact me and together we will find a place for you to volunteer your efforts.
I may have to do a bit more typing and a little less fishing. Or perhaps I'll just learn to type a little bit faster.
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