What Stewardship Looks Like.

The fishing industry lost a man larger than life this week with the untimely passing of Ray Murski. Ray was not just a legend, but a one of a kind type of guy who was a friend to everyone and a tireless advocate for our sport. I was privileged to know Ray through our shared appointment to the TPWD inland fisheries advisory board. Ray has been a fixture in the fishing world from the early days where he fished Ray Scott's first event on Beaver lake in 1967. He has been a professional angler, businessman, and a philanthropist to all things outdoors. He lists one of his greatest accomplishments as introducing over 50,000 children to fishing and the outdoors, but I tend to think that number could be 5 million if you count every young angler who caught his first fish on a Strike King lure. As a successful businessman, Ray contributed untold amounts of money to support programs like the Texas Brigades and focused his efforts on programs which benefited youth in the outdoors and conservation. Ray gave his time tirelessly to serve on many advisory boards and help influence the direction of many outdoor related programs. Without question his legacy will live on through his family, friends, and the Ray Murski Memorial Fund set up through Inwood National Bank in Dallas.  For details call 214-451-7250.

You don't need to be the owner of a multi million dollar company to be a steward. I know many and Andrew Oliver, the owner of Get Five Lures is one of them. Get Five is the definition of a start up company with the introduction of The Dinero in early 2011. Andrew has demonstrated his company philosophy of BE GREAT ON AND OFF THE WATER by supporting many programs and charities in the company's short history. "It’s not just a slogan" says Andrew "It’s a philosophy that goes to the core of why I started Get Five and how I want it to operate as a company." In the last year, Get Five has supported Fishing for Freedom, Warriors on the Water, March of Dimes, Seven Coves Bass Club Habitat Project, the Dell Children’s Hospital Kid Fish Event, ALS Therapy Development Institute, and countless club events and benefit tournaments across the country.
Andrew believes anglers need to give back more than they take from the sport we all love. Giving back can be monetary, involve donating your time at a youth event, working on a habitat project, or attending a public hearing defending anglers rights or resources.

Ray Murski's presence will be missed by many, but I am confident that others will step up to fill his shoes and Andrew Oliver is just one such young man who will make a difference.