Walleyes Unlimited spread the love of fishing to those in need

When David Gonzales, 16, went in for a check-up at the Bullhook Community Health Center, a chain of events that will hopefully benefit many more minors began to take effect. Michael Schnittgen, a Medicaid case manager with the clinic, began talking with the 16-year-old and discovered that despite health problems, David truly loves to fish. The problem was purchasing a conservation license. With all the other expenses in their lives, the Gonzales family just could not afford the cost of the license. Schnittgen took that information and started down the path that has led to the Fresno Chapter of Walleyes Unlimited setting up a fund for children to obtain the proper license to fish. The first call went to Shane Reno, a warden with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Reno thought immediately of referring Schnittgen to Doug Grubb with the Walleyes because they "do a lot for the youth," Reno said. Although the Fish, Wildlife and Parks department has fishing tackle for the public to check out and return, they don't have a scholarship or donation program for fish and game licenses. "Fish, Wildlife and Parks partners with Walleyes Unlimited on quite a few projects," Reno said. The Walleyes were very excited for the opportunity to help out. "They asked for a letter requesting the help for David," said Schnittgen. "After that they brought up the idea of helping other children in need also." We were "open to it before, but the circumstance didn't arise until Mike brought it to us," said Grubb. Once they had decided to help, the Walleyes donated enough money to purchase licenses for many children. The funds were distributed to the Human Resources Development Council, Bullhook clinic and Hill County Health Department for other children who are in need of help with purchasing licenses. "We originally asked for one license, and they offered to do more. It's just really great how they stepped in to help," Schnittgen said. A large part of Schnittgen's work is to help improve preventative care for the patients and to assist in making their lives healthier and more enjoyable. "I try to find even one thing to make their day and life a little easier," Schnittgen said. That's exactly what he and Walleyes Unlimited are accomplishing with David. "Fishing is really the one thing that gives David solace," said David's mother, Gylinda Gonzales. "He just truly loves it." Walleyes Unlimited is hoping that this will help get more young people fishing. "It's a new program right now. We're in the planning stages," said Grubb. "We want to see what happens and what the requests are like, and then we will decide where to go from here." At this point, the offer is open to children 12 to 15 whose families can demonstrate financial need, and 16- to 18-yearolds who have financial need and an illness or disability that prevents them from working. These families can go to HRDC, Bullhook clinic or the health department and request an application for the license funds. Cards valid for payment for the appropriate licenses are then given to the qualifying families to redeem at Stromberg's Sinclair E-Fish- Hunt Sports. "It's a great thing," Reno said. "It's awesome that they can get someone who can't afford a fishing license one so they can fish."