Outdoor Writer Conference at Rend Lake Resort

While attending an Outdoor Writers and Broadcasters Conference at Rend Lake Resort, we had a great stay at this tremendous facility that compliments the fishing and other opportunities available in the area.
Sunday after registration and an outstanding lunch, we spent the afternoon exploring the lake and doing some fishing. While heading across the lake you get a feel for how big and beautiful it really is and seeing anglers out fishing was awesome.
Before heading to our room in the “Flagship” boatel with luxury Jacuzzi perched on the lake to freshen up, we met others at Reilly’s Lounge while taking in a view of the lake which is next to the Windows Restaurant with outdoor decks and out of this world food. That evening we had a fabulous dinner prepared by award winning Chef in the Conference Center Modern Great Room along with a talk by owner John Reilly.
Monday morning stated with a superb breakfast then on to our conference where John Reilly and Todd Gessner of Gessner Outdoors Guide Service. Our key speaker was IDNR Director Marc Miller and you can read his full speech at www.larrysfishinghole.com/speech.html. Also on hand was Chief Division of Fisheries Steve Pallo along with several fisheries biologists and other IDNR land and deer management reps. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineering Rep talked about their recreation programs that provide quality public recreation, making them rank #1 among federal providers of outdoor recreation. One good news item was the $53 million in Stimulus money which $19 million is set for Rend Lake improvements. These include campground upgrades, dam repairs and rehab, rehab of building and toilets and extension of boat ramps for low water.
That evening we all met for social hour and a fine dinner with wrap up talks, prize give-a-ways, a chance to meet our guides for tomorrow and a good time talking and meet all these great people.
Back at our room, we recalled how there was little need to leave this premier outdoor destination at Rend Lake Resort Complex nestled in Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park in beautiful Southern Illinois. This facility has luxury rooms, top rate restaurant and lounge, excellent boating facility, bait, convenience store, swimming pool, tennis court, riding stables, hiking trails, a class shooting complex with golfing in the area and more. And if you like roughing it, there is one of the best campgrounds adjacent to this complex that we have stayed at and highly recommend. You don't have to stay overnight to have a great time at this major year-round recreation area. And best of all is you do not have to drive far for a great vacation near home with “Something for Everyone”
On Tuesday morning after another great breakfast, our guide Bruce put us on some crappie while showing us some good spots on the lake and sending us home with fish.
If you have not been to Rend Lake, the second-largest man-made lake in Illinois, it is a tremendous lake for Catfishing, as well as other fishing possibilities are at Rend Lake that will make you appreciate this well managed fishery. Surrounding the lake is thousands of acres of public land, managed for the enjoyment of the outdoors and its natural resources.
It would be difficult to say what was the highlight of our stay but John Reilly says it best… “Come experience Life….the way it should be”.
We wish to give a big THANKS to John Reilly and his staff at Rend Lake Resort for their awesome accommodations, hospitality and meals and this memorable experience.
Thanks to Ron Allen and others of the Illinois Conservation Foundation for organizing this event and their support for the conservation, protection and management on natural resources of Illinois. Check them out at www.ilcf.org and for Guided Fishing and/or hunting trips, contact Todd Gessner Outdoors at 618-513-0520 or www.ToddGessnerOutdoors.com
For more info on Rend Lake Resort for awesome accommodations and meals, check them at www.rendlakeresort.net or call 800-633-3341. For more info the Rend Lake area, check with Franklin County Tourism Bureau at www.fctb.com or 800-661-9998 and Jefferson County Tourism Bureau (800)GEESE-99 or www.wctb.org
Visit us at www.larrysfishinghole.com for current Fishing Reports, tips, Product Reviews and more.

Till Next Time, GOD BLESS & GOOD FISHING !