Fish and Camp at Shabbona Lake

Event

This event will be held at Shabbona State Park located in Shabbona, IL 60550. This fishing clinic will be held Saturday, May 1 through Sunday, May 2, 2021, and will be presented by fishing expert, Cheryl Smith. This event is limited to 10 people.

There are also numerous hiking trails at Shabbona Lake if you want to spend some time hiking.

"Captain Cheryl Smith, also known as OutdoorGirl is a multi-species angler on both open water and ice. Outdoors is where her passion lies and is where she feels alive and at peace. She feels blessed to have spent the last 11 years working in the fishing industry, representing leading companies such as St. Croix Rods, Daiwa Reels, Vexilar Inc, Live Target Lures, Mossy Oak Fishing, Stealth Rod Holders, Humminbird/Minn Kota, and now Fishe!

Cheryl is a USCG licensed Master Captain, local tournament angler, contributes to local radio shows, podcasts and was featured on Hank Parker’s Outdoor Notebook TV show along with Midwest Outdoors “Tips of the Week” segments. She is a contributing writer for IL Outdoors News magazine, seminar speaker, and a promotional staffer at fishing trade shows and in-store events. Her passion shows through when she is promoting her companies and the tools they provide to help her land more fish. It is apparent through her enthusiasm that she truly loves teaching others and volunteers for kids fishing derbies whenever possible."

-Fishewear.com

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/odgoutdoorgirl/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/CherylSmithODG/

You will be required to make your own camping reservations. Campsites can be booked here. A True North staff member will be on-site, camping, from Friday, April 30 to Sunday, May 2. The ticket purchased through this site is only for the fishing clinic. Food/drinks, transportation, and gear rental will not be provided for this event. Each client will be required to obtain their own fishing license. If you are unable to present a fishing license at check-in, you will not be allowed to fish, although you will be able to sit in on the lecture portion of this event.

If you want to arrive on Friday night you may do, but campsites are only available on a "Walk up" basis. Firewood will be available for use at the host campsite only. Will have kayaks on-site as well for those that want to spend part of the day kayaking. Life jackets and paddles will be provided.

Gear

Fishing gear will be provided. You will need to bring your own camping equipment, food, and drink.

Safety

All True North Expeditions staff are certified in First Aid/CPR and every one of our events is lead by a guide with a background in emergency medicine and a certified Wilderness First Aid instructor. Guides are experienced in wilderness and outdoor travel and are equipped with GPS and satellite phones during every portion of this event.

We ask that guests refrain from bringing alcohol, illegal drugs, or weapons of any kind (excluding a pocket knife for use on the trail). 

Cancellation Policy

No refunds will be issued for cancellations less than 7 days from the date of the event. All other cancellations are subject to a 50% service fee. A refund will be issued in the form of a check. Please allow 5-7 business days for processing, we will notify you when the refund has been issued. Additional information will be emailed to you after registering.

True North Expeditions, Inc. reserves the right to substitute the events listed in the description above in the event of inclement weather, availability, or other uncontrollable events.

Donate and Give Back to the Outdoor Community

We are teaming up with *Gear Forward in an attempt to collect new and unused gear, specifically sleeping bags, tents, and backpacks. Illinois resident Scott Gauvin is the founder of Gear Forward, an independent nationwide non-profit that provides gear to non-profit community organizations, youth groups, and charities working with young people in the outdoors. If you have one of the above-mentioned pieces of gear and would like to donate it, please bring it with you. After our winter events, the gear that we collect will be turned over to Gear Forward.

*As stated above, Gear Forward is an independent nationwide non-profit that provides gear to non-profit community organizations, youth groups, and charities working with young people in the outdoors. Founded by Scott Gauvin, Gear Forward aims to encourage people to donate unused outdoor gear they no longer want or need. Gear Forward also seeks partnerships with outdoor retailers and manufacturers to encourage donations of unused gear or donations by customers.

The outdoors are our collective greatest treasure and gift that we offer the next generation. Gear Forward, simply is about providing the next generation of stewards, adventurers, Scoutmasters, and Girl Scout Leaders the resources they need to get outdoors. No child should be denied access to all the outdoors has to offer because they don't have the necessary equipment. Through the collection of gently used outdoor gear, Gear Forward will work with other youth and outdoor-focused organizations to get donated gear into the hands that need it.

Through the donation of outdoor gear, Gear Forward will provide youth in need via various noteworthy organizations the ability to participate in outdoor-themed activities such as hiking, camping, and backpacking. You can find out more about Gear Forward by visiting their Facebook page or website.