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Welcome to GAS!
Who We Are…
The Global Anglers Society (GAS) is a community of anglers united by a shared love of fishing, adventure, the outdoors, friendly competition, and the lasting friendships made along the way.
Today, GAS brings together people who enjoy great fishing and even better company. Our members travel to remarkable waters—from remote Canadian lakes to the Florida Everglades, the Gulf Coast, and beyond—drawn by the chance to explore new places, learn from one another, and share time on the water.
Some members come for the pursuit of the big fish. Others come for the adventure, the stories, the laughs, and the camaraderie that turn a trip into a tradition. What connects us is the belief that fishing is at its best when it is shared.
As a society, we value curiosity, sportsmanship, good humor, and respect for the places we fish. We exchange knowledge, techniques, stories, recipes, and a healthy amount of good-natured competition while encouraging responsible stewardship of the waters and fisheries that make these experiences possible.
At its core, GAS is about connection: to the water, to the outdoors, and to one another.
We fish to explore.
We fish to learn.
We fish to compete.
We fish to laugh.
And most of all, we fish to build friendships that last a lifetime.
That is who we are as the Global Anglers Society.
Our History
The Global Anglers Society began in June 2011, when Marlin Schul invited Trip Todd and Dean Bender to join him and his father, George A. Schul, for a remote fishing trip to Silsby Lake in Manitoba, Canada. That gathering brought together the four people most closely associated with the Society’s founding and became the starting point for what would later become GAS.
The trip captured the spirit that would come to define the Society: challenging fishing, shared meals and drinks, time outdoors, Euchre, stories, and the easy fellowship that comes from traveling together. What began as one memorable trip soon grew into a tradition, with the group continuing to fish together across the United States and Canada once or twice each year.
After George’s passing in 2021, the idea for the Global Anglers Society took shape as a way to honor his life, his love of the outdoors, and the lasting impact those trips had on everyone involved.
Over time, the Society’s adventures expanded beyond the original Manitoba trip. Canadian fishing destinations became an important part of GAS history, and trips have also taken members across the United States, including Florida, Everglades National Park, Indiana, North Carolina, and Louisiana.
Along the way, traditions developed that continue to give GAS its character. Members fish and learn from one another, enjoy the outdoors, share meals and stories, play Euchre, and recognize memorable accomplishments through fishing awards.
Today, the Global Anglers Society continues to build on the tradition that began at Silsby Lake in 2011. New trips, destinations, members, and stories add to the Society’s history while preserving the spirit of the original gathering: fishing, fellowship, adventure, and friendship.
From Silsby Lake to every new destination, the adventure continues...
The Return to Eardley 2026
Eardley Lake, Manitoba
GAS returned to Eardley Lake in Manitoba provided through Jackson's Lodge & Outposts. Our first visit was in the fall of 2025 and our member's again found the facilities to be well suited to our needs and the fishing was terrific!
Eardley Lake boasts numerous islands and reefs; an endless variety of structure that provides habitat and forage for fierce trophy Northern and tasty Walleye in quantities that will test your angling endurance. Eardley is an east-west oriented lake that is intersected about mid-point by the Assinika River.
Awards
Largest Northern - 30.5" Trip Todd
Largest Walleye - 20.5" Mark Meissner
Smallest Walleye - 6.5" Dean Bender (not really an award but definitely an honorable mention!)
Euchre Champion - Trip Todd
Avery Achievement Award - Dean Bender for piloting their boat through afternoon storms while slaying numerous walleye and bringing home plenty of fish for dinner!
Walton Heiress Award - Marlin Schul for forgetting to pack a rain jacket resulting in a second trip to Bass Pro Shop in Winnipeg before we flew out to the lodge!
New Business
Based on the experience this year of being caught out on the lake during passing storms and our inability to communicate via radio at times, we unanimously agreed to create emergency kits to help us survive in the event that we end up stranded awaiting for help. The kits will contain thermal blankets, matches and fire starter kits, water purification bottles and other such necessities to help survive several hours or even the night should a catastrophe occur.
How to Fish Eardley
This year we found the best way to fish Eardley was slow trolling with a variety of lures and colors. The "hot n tot" proved most successful as you could get control the depth across the various areas of the lake. We were able to catch both walleye and northerns with this approach.
We made multiple attempts at jigging in various areas of the lake with little to no real success.
Because of the varying topography of the lakebed, bringing a depth finder is critical to avoiding the rocks.
Eardley Review
This was our second time to Eardley and based on the overall experience and set up of the outpost, we are definitely planning a return in 2028!
We have found the fishing to be plentiful, having caught more than enough walleye to meet our culinary needs! While we did catch many good size northern and walleye, Eardley does not appear to be a "master angler" lake. That said it is a great environment with many different areas to explore and fish.
We have found the outpost facilities to be more than suitable for our needs. The solar power generation more than met our needs for the week.
We really only have two complaints: 1) Being at the outpost in September brought cooler weather and we did require the use of the wood stove. Unfortunately we had to cut our own firewood throughout the week. We believe that Jackson's staff should make sure the outpost is fully stocked with cut wood to last the season. 2) The boats, again we found that some of the boats have slow leaks requiring them to be bailed out each morning and multiple times throughout the day. In addition on some of the boats the seats are in poor condition and are unstable. Which is particularly troublesome when the waters were rough from wind and storms.
GAS Brothers Fish Alaska! 2026
Family Time
The Brother's Todd, Trip & Newton, were able to enjoy some incredible fishing in Alaska this month (August 2026) where they caught Chinook (King) and Sockeye Salmon, Lake Trout, Rainbow & Arctic Grayling.
Chelanta Lake Lodge
They fully concur with this quote by Andy Prow- “Chelatna Lake Lodge is a perfect Alaskan lake-front lodge, accessible only by sea-plane, nestled in the mountains of Denali National Park." https://chelatna.com
Venice, Louisiana: A "Changing" Sport fishing Paradise
Venice, Louisiana—situated at the mouth of the Mississippi River—offers fishing guides one of the most productive fisheries in North America. Yet beneath its reputation as a sportfishing paradise lies a fragile and rapidly changing landscape shaped not only by natural forces, but also by decades of industrial activity. For guides, this creates both opportunity and long-term uncertainty.
Opportunity in a Dynamic Ecosystem
The same processes that built the Mississippi River Delta—sediment deposition and nutrient flow—continue to fuel extraordinary fish populations. Guides operating out of Venice benefit from immediate access to diverse habitats, from shallow marshes to deep offshore waters, allowing them to target species like redfish, tuna, and snapper in a single trip. This ecological richness supports a strong charter industry and draws anglers from across the country.
However, the productivity of the fishery is directly tied to the health of the surrounding wetlands. These marshes serve as nurseries for countless species, meaning that environmental degradation has a direct impact on the long-term viability of guiding businesses.
Erosion and the Oil Industry: A Growing Concern
One of the most significant environmental challenges facing the region is coastal erosion and land loss in the Mississippi River Delta—issues that have been closely linked to oil and gas development. Scientific research has documented how decades of industrial activity have altered the delta’s natural systems in ways that accelerate wetland loss.
A 2020 review published in Water found that oil and gas operations have contributed to wetland degradation through canal dredging, subsidence, and pollution, altering hydrology and increasing saltwater intrusion. Similarly, research in the Open Journal of Soil Science highlights how extraction activities—combined with levee systems that restrict natural sediment flow—have contributed to widespread subsidence and erosion. Additional findings from the U.S. Geological Survey show that petroleum contamination can accelerate shoreline retreat following exposure events. Journalistic reporting, including coverage by The New Yorker, has also pointed to the extensive network of oil and gas canals as a major factor allowing saltwater to penetrate and degrade marsh vegetation.
Implications for Fishing Guides
For fishing guides, these environmental changes create a paradox. In the short term, shifting coastlines can open new fishing areas and concentrate fish in certain zones, sometimes improving catch rates. But over the long term, the loss of marsh habitat threatens the very foundation of the fishery.
Guides must constantly adapt to changing conditions—navigating new waterways, learning evolving fish patterns, and adjusting to areas that may no longer exist in the same form from year to year. This requires deep local knowledge and flexibility, but also adds uncertainty to trip planning and client expectations.
There are also practical concerns. As wetlands disappear, natural protection from storms diminishes, increasing exposure to rough conditions and potential infrastructure damage. Combined with volatile weather and rising operational costs, erosion adds another layer of risk to an already demanding profession.
How We Can Help: Paths Toward Solutions
Addressing these challenges will require coordinated efforts among guides, policymakers, scientists, and the broader public. Fishing guides themselves are uniquely positioned as frontline observers of environmental change, and their knowledge can play a critical role in shaping solutions.
One key avenue is supporting large-scale restoration efforts led by organizations such as the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. These initiatives focus on sediment diversions, marsh creation, and barrier island restoration—projects designed to rebuild land and restore natural processes. Public support, funding advocacy, and participation in stakeholder meetings can help ensure these efforts remain a priority.
Collaboration with scientific institutions is another important step. Programs associated with entities like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration often rely on local data and observations. Guides can contribute by reporting environmental changes, participating in tagging or monitoring programs, and helping researchers better understand shifting ecosystems.
There is also a role for policy engagement. Industry accountability—particularly around canal restoration and environmental mitigation—has been a topic of ongoing legal and political debate in Louisiana. Supporting policies that require restoration of abandoned canals or fund coastal recovery can directly benefit the fishing industry. Guides, as small business owners, can lend influential voices to these discussions through local associations and advocacy groups.
At a grassroots level, guides and clients alike can promote sustainable practices: supporting eco-conscious charters, educating visitors about coastal issues, and contributing to conservation organizations. Even small actions—like habitat restoration volunteer work or donations—can collectively make a difference.
Conclusion
Fishing guides in Venice operate at the intersection of abundance and vulnerability. The region’s unmatched fishery continues to provide exceptional opportunities, but ongoing coastal erosion—driven in part by oil and gas activity—poses a serious long-term challenge. Supporting restoration efforts, engaging in science and policy, and elevating the voices of those who depend on the water may help chart a more sustainable future—ensuring that Venice remains not only a world-class fishing destination, but a resilient one as well.
GAS Chapter Meeting Minutes
Eardley Lake, Manitoba
Eardley Lake was the choice for the GAS Fall meeting. Sitting in Northern Manitoba, it boasts cool waters and steady supply of baitfish. We had 1st timers Gene ‘walleye whisperer’ Bowers and a true rookie in Mark (WH) Meissner. In all we had a great time learning the lake and the camaraderie was once again amazing.
Awards
Awards were straight forward and go as follows:
- Largest Northern Pike 26” - Mark Meissner
- Largest//Most Walleye 26.5” - Gene ‘the Walleye Whisperer’ Bowers
- Euchre Champion - for the first time in history the Euchre champ was Trip Todd
- The Avery Achievement Award went to Gene Bowers for his wealth of knowledge, his boat guiding skills, and his overall presence during the trip helping above his assigned duties. (There was no close competitor).
- The Walton Heiress Award was truly up for grabs this year. Yet in the last two days, Mark’s series of events clinched this prestigious award. Mark went on to thank all those responsible for helping him win this year.
General Business
As for business update, there was a mix of voting and non voting members. Our pleasure with the changes in the executive team was palpable, helping move the GAS forward.
The first vote was to honor Gene’s influence this year by changing the ‘Walleye’ award to the ‘Walleye Whisperer’ award. We had a quorum of voting members and the vote was unanimous.
The 2nd vote involved the 2026 Fall meeting location. Based on the quality of the facilities, the beauty of the lake, and the abundance of fish, Eardley was unanimously chosen as our 2026 Canadian destination. As a result, Trip was assigned the task of exploring options for the previously planned outing to Reindeer Lake at Lawrence Bay.
Upcoming Events
GAS has 2 events being planned for 2026. The first will be held in March in the Gulf of America around New Orleans. Our second trip will be to return to Eardley Lake in Manitoba September 6-10, 2026.
March 2025 Annual Meeting - Everglades City, FL
Highlights
New Business
New Business
At the Global Anglers Society (GAS), we celebrate our love for fishing and the various fishing techniques that enhance our experiences. Join us as we explore these techniques and share the thrill of the catch with fellow enthusiasts.
Fishing is not the only passion of the GAS membership. When participating in GAS events, you must also be
At the Global Anglers Society (GAS), we celebrate our love for fishing and the various fishing techniques that enhance our experiences. Join us as we explore these techniques and share the thrill of the catch with fellow enthusiasts.
Fishing is not the only passion of the GAS membership. When participating in GAS events, you must also be prepared to demonstrate your skill as a euchre player, always remembering the right from the left bower—especially if you’d like an invitation to join us on a future GAS adventure!
No game of euchre is complete without a fine bourbon or single malt scotch! And of course, any great GAS member knows that you catch more fish when you are downing a Molson Canadian beer or sipping on a refreshing margarita!
When GAS members gather, it is always a great time filled with food, fun, and fellowship—an opportunity to build friendships that will last a lifetime!
New Business
New Business
New Business
The Global Anglers Society (GAS) traces its origins to June 2011, when Marlin Schul invited Trip Todd and Dean Bender to join him and his father, George Schul, at Silsby Lake in Manitoba, Canada. It was during this inaugural trip that a brotherly bond was formed around the fun and fellowship of fishing, drinking, and the card game Euchre,
The Global Anglers Society (GAS) traces its origins to June 2011, when Marlin Schul invited Trip Todd and Dean Bender to join him and his father, George Schul, at Silsby Lake in Manitoba, Canada. It was during this inaugural trip that a brotherly bond was formed around the fun and fellowship of fishing, drinking, and the card game Euchre, which laid the foundation for GAS events that commit to gathering each year in various locations around the world. Since that first trip, we have enjoyed inducting several new members over the years, sharing various fishing techniques, and we look forward to having you join us in the future.
Advocacy
New Business
Advocacy
On the final day of the GAS events, JB made a motion for the Global Anglers Society to explore the environmental impact of the explosive growth of the catfish population in Everglades National Park. The concern raised is that catfish are invading the typical gamefish environment, negatively impacting the enjoyment of anglers and frustrati
On the final day of the GAS events, JB made a motion for the Global Anglers Society to explore the environmental impact of the explosive growth of the catfish population in Everglades National Park. The concern raised is that catfish are invading the typical gamefish environment, negatively impacting the enjoyment of anglers and frustrating local guides who have to constantly remove them from their charters' hooks. JB further voiced the concern that anglers are aggravating the problem by using certain fishing techniques, such as feeding the catfish with our bait and then releasing them back into the environment. JB then moved that if the impact study validates these concerns, GAS should develop a campaign to encourage local guides to execute the catfish when caught in an effort to reduce the population growth rate. The motion was unanimously approved, and a committee was assigned to lead the project.
Do you have GAS?
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Welcome to the Global Anglers Society (GAS), a vibrant community of fishing enthusiasts who share a passion for fishing techniques, euchre games, and bourbon tasting!
Make your first year payment of $75 today to receive a GAS hat, towel, and equipment decal, and start enjoying the many benefits of GAS events! Annual re