U.S. Grains Council Treasurer Julius Schaaf and the Iowa Corn Growers have rounded up a crackerjack team to take on all comers in The Grains Foundation’s Fishing Derby, to be held July 29 prior to the Council’s 52nd Annual Board of Delegates meeting in Vancouver, Wash. We’ll let Julius speak for himself:

“The Iowa Corn fishing crew has filled a boat of mates that have packed their last month with intense preparation to hone their collective fishing prowess. Captain Dick Gallagher recently returned from the Florida Keys where he took on the challenges of indulgence in huge game fish and adult beverages. This master fisherman set many records on both accounts.

Skipper Duane Aistrope has been visiting the local dentist office, pouring over past issues of Field and Stream. Duane has acquired a vast knowledge, although I’m not sure what good field dressing a raccoon will have in the fishing tournament. First mate Kurt Hora has become a legend in Iowa fishing with his secret fish bait that is rumored to have come directly from his hog finishing building. All that can be disclosed is that the secret bait ingredients may have a tough time clearing through TSA security. As the second made, I have just returned from a week long training mission on Ottertail Lake in Minnesota. Everyone knows if you actually catch a fish in Minnesota, the Columbia River fish is a cake walk.â€�

Iowa Challenges any state to come forward with a more seasoned crew. Game On!

For more information about the Fishing Durby, click here.