Challengers Lock Horns With Marathon Man Jeff “Kolo” Kolodzinski for the Guinness World Record
OutdoorHub 07.28.11
Minnetonka, Minn.—Last year fishing’s ironman and Frabill marketing guru Jeff “Kolo” Kolodzinski captured the official Guinness World Record for most fish caught in a 24-hour period: 2,143 (or somewhere around 15,000 fins and just over two scales…released slime covered, of course). This year he and three other wannabes (challengers) aim to obliterate that record in an effort to raise money for charities in their areas as well as Fishing For Life.
For Kolo, the real Marathon Man, the first cast breaks the surface at 11 a.m., Friday, July 29th from the fantabulous docks of Maynard’s Restaurant on Lake Minnetonka. His contenders will hail from near-faraway lands and lakes. Take Dennis Salmela, for example, who will be crushing crappies and other swimmers-by from the docks of Sand Lake Resort near Moose Lake, Minn. Good luck, Dennis – some sarcasm intended.
Straightaway from the 11 a.m. opening volley, all competitors will fish continuously for the next 24 hours, checking their watches and scoreboard at eleven bells on Saturday through bloodshot eyes to see if they even held a candle to Kolo. And if you’ve seen the boy wonder and his European match-style techniques, follow Vegas’ lead where they currently have him at better than 2 to 1 odds. We don’t expect that to change right up to kickoff, either.
This year, charity meets technology to bring spectators the option to witness wicked fishing skills live at Maynards, or see he and his suitors simulcast live online throughout the grueling competition.
The sole purpose of the event isn’t for Kolo or one of his daring opponents to challenge the record, either, but likewise generate awareness and investment in Fishing For Life and a variety of philanthropic fishing outreach programs. These guys aren’t doing it to see how many Red Bulls they can slam or bragging rights at the bar, but rather to get kids fishing…period. They are the stewards, recruiters and educators that keep our sport afloat and ensure that the next generation doesn’t only know ‘fishing’ as a new video game release, fish caught from the couch with controllers.
About Fishing For Life
Fishing For Life is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving youth through organized fishing programs. In 2010, FFL was selected by the National Parks and Recreation Association to serve as one of 70 TakeMeFishing Agencies in the U.S. dedicated to promote and engage youth in fishing activities. Programs include Real ‘Em In Kids, Fish Fair, GEM fishing camp and lake events throughout the summer.
