Record Walleye!
On the afternoon of May 21, 2025 I landed a record walleye – in a manner of speaking. This 4.75 lb. 24″ fish was the largest walleye caught so far this season by a guest at Fred Thomas Resort on Lake Chetac near Birchwood, WI.
The Boys in the Boat
I spent a week there with my cousin Martin, who is standing beside me, and four other men from his family. Martin’s mother and my father were siblings, and very close. They died just two months apart in 2002. During my childhood our family occasionally visited Martin’s family. However, I hadn’t spent any meaningful time with his side of the family for decades. After completing a Genogram (a diagram of our family) going back seven generations, I wanted to learn more about my extended family. A week at a fishing cabin is a great way to do that. I’m grateful to the Westerfields for inviting me to participate this year in one of their longstanding annual family traditions.
Values Run Deep
This annual extended family fishing trip reflects a priority on spending time with family in nature. In addition, another deeply held extended family value has been religious faith. Martin appears to be giving thanks for our good fortune to the Almighty, who worked through me using a 5.5″ black & silver Rapala Husky Jerk fished 4′ deep in 12′ of 58-degree water.
Source of Our Strengths
From our families we have received our strengths, and to our families we leave the legacy of all our endeavors. Family history becomes a potent asset when it is connected meaningfully to the enduring values of our forebears’ legacies. Ever considered how your family history can reveal shared values and an implicit “internal guidance system” for addressing challenges in business and family life? To get your family started in making those connections, use the form below to contact us today.
