Craig Oyler is a multi-season/multi-species angler who travels across the midwest chasing the next big bite. Craig likes fishing for anything that swims, but Pactola lake trout are by far his favorite. Craig’s passion for educating anglers led him to start Hooked on Hardwater, which partners 60 underprivileged boys from the Rapid City Club for Boys with 60 professional ice fishermen from across the country for a day of mentoring, fellowship, ice fishing, and fun. This interview is from a live storytelling event on Main Street Square in Rapid City, SD. Despite the equipment issues and venue noise, we had a great conversation. Enjoy!

Craig Oyler is a multi-season/multi-species angler who travels across the midwest chasing the next big bite. His passion for educating anglers led him to start Hooked on Hardwater, which partners 60 underprivileged boys from the Rapid City Club for Boys with 60 professional ice fishermen from across the country for a day of mentoring, fellowship, ice fishing, and fun.

Scott Mackenthun is a Fisheries Biologist and outdoor communicator from New Prague, MN. He is passionate about education, and talks about an experience with special people and a special program that altered his world view.

Scott Mackenthun is a Fisheries Biologist and outdoor communicator from New Prague, MN. He took time out of his day to chat with me about his career in the fishing industry, some of the people who have helped him along the way, and advice for the next generation of fishing enthusiasts.

This is a compilation of stories from pros who fish the annual Club for Boys Hooked on Hardwater event in Rapid City, So. Dak.

Andy helps out with Hooked on Hardwater, an affiliated program of the Club for Boys in Rapid City, SD. 60 pros come from all around the country (and Canada) to forge valuable relationships with club members, and spend some much needed time on the ice in South Dakota's Black Hills.

Chad helps out with Hooked on Hardwater, an affiliated program of the Club for Boys in Rapid City, SD. 60 pros come from all around the country (and Canada) to forge valuable relationships with club members, and spend some much needed time on the ice in South Dakota's Black Hills.

Hooked on Hardwater is a program created by Craig Oyler dedicated to enhancing the lives and outdoor experiences of members at the Club for Boys in Rapid City, So. Dak. 60+ professional anglers from all around the country and Canada forge bonds with children that will never be broken.

Chad helps out with Hooked on Hardwater, an affiliated program of the Club for Boys in Rapid City, SD. 60 pros come from all around the country (and Canada) to forge valuable relationships with club members, and spend some much needed time on the ice in South Dakota's Black Hills.

Robbi volunteers with Hooked on Hardwater, an affiliated program of the Club for Boys in Rapid City, SD. 60 pros come from all around the country (and Canada) to forge valuable relationships with club members, and spend some much needed time on the ice in South Dakota's Black Hills.

Jarrod and Shantel are an angling couple from Lennox, and pro staffers for Clam Outdoors. They help out with Hooked on Hardwater, an affiliated program of the Club for Boys in Rapid City, SD. 60 pros come from all around the country (and Canada) to forge valuable relationships with club members, and spend some much needed time on the ice in South Dakota's Black Hills.

Don and Tristan Cox are Nebraska ranchers and pro anglers who help out with Hooked on Hardwater, an affiliated program of the Club for Boys in Rapid City, SD. 60 pros come from all around the country (and Canada) to forge valuable relationships with club members, and spend some much needed time on the ice in South Dakota's Black Hills.