More Than a Challenge

Post Date

Thu, 06/01/2023

Rodney and a catfish he caught

Last year we started the Department’s Fish Challenge to encourage exploration of our diverse fisheries and ultimately to recruit, retain and reactivate anglers with the boost of competition.

We had 134 people submit at least one fish in 2022, but what was more rewarding were the accompanying photos.

The anglers weren’t covered head to toe in name brand fishing apparel in fancy boats, they weren’t just little kids, and none were holding a walleye.

Rather, they were average people, many standing on shore, holding quality fish and all boasting a big smile brought to them from a day on the water in the pursuit of the challenge.

And while we succeeded in promoting the challenge to more than just kids, 6-year-old Rodney Schlafmann was the first to complete the challenge.

We had enough positive participation and comments to bring the challenge back this year.

We’re offering last year’s Classic Challenge (northern pike, yellow perch, smallmouth bass and channel catfish) to those who did not get a chance to complete it, but also a new Sportfish Challenge (bluegill, walleye, bass and trout).

And to our surprise, just days after announcing the challenge, a Mr. Rodney Schlafmann had submitted all four of his necessary fish, becoming the first angler to complete the challenge again this year.

I had the pleasure of meeting Rodney and his dad, Nolan, last week as we interviewed them for a North Dakota Outdoors News story. And boy was it just one of those feel-good days.

While a little shy, you could tell how much Rodney loves to fish, but even more obvious was how much he loves spending time with his dad. And I think it’s safe to say the feeling was mutual.

His dad told stories of Rodney’s first outings, how he had to learn how to cast to get last year’s coveted northern pike and how it was Rodney who got him back into the outdoors.

In fact, Rodney’s first fish came shortly after his dad bought a used portable fish house online.

Rodney stated on the way that he’d like to catch a walleye, but his dad informed him there were unfortunately no walleye in Riverdale City Pond, but the young angler argued he wanted to catch one anyway.

Shortly after setting up, the bobber went down and to both of their surprise, Rodney reeled in a 21-inch walleye.

He was hooked, and he was now convinced anything is possible on the water.

His dad went on to tell other stories of Rodney’s magic touch, like the time he picked out a green crankbait, his favorite color, and while trolling exclaimed he had a fish, but dad was not convinced.

“That’s just the crankbait vibrating,” he said. Yet, when they reeled in to move spots, Rodney had a 17-inch walleye on his line.

Cayla and her dad with the pike she caught

This reminded me of a time growing up I was trolling spinners for walleye with Dad on Lake Mille Lacs.

Nearby was my brother and Mom in her boat and the plan was to switch at noon (I have the best divorced parents).

I felt a big tug on my spinner, and it bent my rod, but it wasn’t very lively. I told Dad I had a big fish, he looked at my rod and laughed assuming I was snagged and returned to fishing.

I shrugged and continued to reel in and once I had the rather large northern pike boatside I told him I’ve got it in.

He looked over the boat and said “geez” and quickly reeled in and grabbed the net.

Mom and brother came over to take a picture. I can’t say that it was that fish that sealed my fate, but it was certainly two parents devoted to exposing me to the outdoors.

Of course, I know Rodney and his dad are just two anglers impacted by the Fish Challenge, and it’s going to take a lot more to have a meaningful impact on fishing participation in the state. But I just can’t help but smile at the many years ahead for those two.

Not only the countless fish Rodney will undoubtedly catch, but the priceless memories they’ll both have forever.

That stuff doesn’t happen inside.

Rodney and his dad

Blog Category

Fishing

Author

Cayla Bendel

North Dakota Game and Fish Department R3 Coordinator

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