TRILENE UNIVERSITY CELEBRATES 25 YEARS 1980-2005

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With the completion of the summer 2005 fishing seminars in Eagle River, WI, the Trilene University enjoyed the end of its twenty-fifth year. Over the years these weekly seminars taught thousands of fishing enthusiasts how and where to find and catch the fish specie that they were after.

AN IDEA BECOMES A REALITY

Way back in 1979 the then vice president of Berkley Tackle Company, Paul Johnson, had the idea to teach people to fish. There was a two-fold purpose in his thought. One was to generate additional sales in Berkley products and secondly and foremost was to truly teach people to fish and catch more fish. At that time fishing pro staffs were relatively new and one of its members was Lloyd Bottoni from Manitowoc, WI. Lloyd had a cabin in Eagle River and was a fishing guide. Paul discussed his idea with this pro staff member and wanted to get his opinion. Knowing Lloyd myself for several years and spending time with him, I found that he was extremely helpful in giving information, and willing to share it whether he was getting paid or not. Therefore it did not surprise me when in the spring of 1980 he informed me that he was putting together the new fishing program called Trilene University. Paul Johnson went on to write the book THE SCIENTIFIC ANGLER in 1984. This book has taught me more about fishing and fish habits than any other publication I have read.

LLOYD BOTTONI 1923---1998

Lloyd was born in Manitowoc, WI, on September 18, 1923 and spent nearly his entire life in that lakeshore community. He served in the Ufis. Navy aboard the ship Attala, in the Pacific during World War II after having attended the Naval Training Station in Farragut, Idaho. Upon completing his tour and getting an honorable discharge Lloyd returned to Manitowoc and attended the Badger Business College in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

His working career consisted of a short tour with Dewane Brothers in Maribel,WI, selling implements. While he enjoyed the employer and his job, his first love was hunting and fishing. This love drew Lloyd to change jobs and he went to work for Louie's Sporting Goods in 1948. A year later he married his true love Lorraine (Ainy) Kliment. Now Lloyd had a dependant that kept him working hard and paying attention. In 1953 he started his own sport shop, with partner Elroy Booth, called Sporting Goods Supply, in downtown Manitowoc. Lloyd and Ainy ran the business for twenty-five years and in 1978 they sold the store. At that time Lloyd retired—sort of. During Lloyd's last years in the store Paul Johnson sensed that Lloyd was about to retire and recruited him for the Pro Staff. Lloyd's tie to Paul Johnson was cemented during his time at Louie's Sport Shop. They developed a friendly working relationship together and later Paul was hired by Lloyd to work in his new store. Working on the Berkley Pro Staff, Lloyd called on sport shops in Northeast Wisconsin, worked sport shows from Seattle to Montreal, Canada and was featured on the front page of the Milwaukee Journal and newspapers around the Country. Two of Lloyd's favorite passtimes were his promotional work at the Coho tournaments in Manitowoc and Sheboygan, WI.

THE FIRST TRILENE UNIVERSITY SEMINARS

During the winter of 1979-1980 Lloyd contacted George Langley, the President of the Eagle River Guides Association, and presented the idea of seminars to him. George jumped at the opportunity. The guides at that time where eager to help teach people to catch fish. With all the ducks in a row Trilene University was ready to go and in June of 1980 the first University Seminar was held. They ran once a week through mid August. These seminars have been held every summer from mid June through mid August since that time. Over the following years Berkley Tackle Company (now Pure Fishing Company) started many Trilene University Seminars all over the Country. As of now, the Eagle River Trilene University is the only surviving one left in operation. For three years the first seminars in Eagle River were hosted by George Langley. Brian Crist then carried the ball as host for the next nineteen years. The past three years have had Brian Uttech at the helm as host. The evening seminars consist of support from Pure Fishing and three guides, or two guides and a DNR employee as speakers. Presentations are given on how to fish for bass, panfish, walleye and musky. When the DNR is present they talk about fish, game and boating laws. At times the fishery biologists discuss the fishery in the local lakes. Pure Fishing provides sample packs of fishing lures and line to introduce fishermen to their products. Questions are asked by the attendees at the end of the sessions, and the guides hold nothing back.

How, where and when questions are answered and lake maps are marked with the best areas. Being introduced to the seminars in the early 90's and having participated ever since, I personally have enjoyed each and every one in which I have participated. Next summer and in the years ahead I strongly encourage each and every one of you to attend these seminars and I can foresee another twenty-five years of Trilene Universities ahead of us.

Keep a tight line,
Yukon • 715-479-3219

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