Retiree Events
Assemblages of the Grand Order of Whoever Can Make It
There are a couple of (mostly) annual gatherings of retirees and others. At this point, these opportunities all involve boats, water and, hopefully, fish. Cards, libation and socialization are also prevalent. Both retirees and active duty types are involved and invited. Check out the photo gallery while you're here.
If you are interested in participating, use the E-mail button on the first page to send a message and we will get back to you with the necessary information. Both retirees and active duty folks are welcome!
Solinger's Resort, run by Jon Solinger on Lake Lida near Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, boasts a bucolic setting reminiscent of what you would expect to see in fish camp decor of the 1940's, i.e., it's picturesque and a little rustic. This gathering began in 1998 as an excursion primarily of the GPR folks. It has since evolved into an annual affair of national proportions bringing in retirees from both the east and west coasts and as far south as Texas as well as active duty folks. Click here to take a look at the resort.
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The usual time for the Pelican Rapids trip is around the last week in August. Boats and motors are there so you don't have to haul yours. Just bring your fishing gear. The weather is pleasant, avoiding the heat and bugs of summer, but well before the first frost or snow.
The fishing has been good every year with northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleye and perch appearing to be in plentiful supply. In other words, if you don't catch 'em, its your fault.
You can get your Minnesota fishing license online by clicking here.
You can enlarge or download Ron Sidener's photo of the sunrise by clicking on the picture.
2008 dates: August 23 - 30
(click on photo to open)
The Mudfish Rodeo originated in the early1980's in the SER. This annual spring fishing expedition ventured to various exotic spots in Florida and south Georgia with varying degrees of excitement and success, but always a mudfish was caught. Wingate's Lunker Lodge in south Georgia (snakebite, tornados, and gorgeous babes) and the state park at Salt Springs, Florida (the attack of the killer raccoons) are memorable. Usually, the cabin fever of winter (along with the everyday joys of OIG) made everyone anxious to escape at the first sign of spring despite the unpredictable weather. When we were younger and more resilient, there was a lot of tent camping so not much advance planning was necessary. (Tents + unpredictable weather = excitement) However, age and stiffening joints have mandated more luxurious accommodations with the accompanying upgrade of facilities visited. Four walls, a roof, mattresses, electricity and indoor plumbing are now a must.
This soiree underwent a hiatus of several years when most of the participants were scattered by the fickle winds of OIG. However, the affair finally resumed in 2001 at Lake Weiss (billed as the crappie capitol of the world) in north Alabama. Other locations since have been Lake Walter F. George at Eufaula, Alabama, and Lake Hartwell in north Georgia.
2008 information: Erieau, Canada, June 28 - July 4.
You can get your fishing license online. Click on the state you want.
Alabama Florida Georgia Minnesota
