Teenage fisherman and outdoorsman Quinn Draz of Naperville has launched a “Funds for Fish” campaign, hoping to buy thousands of fish for young anglers to catch in DuPage County.
Draz, a junior at Neuqua Valley High School, has a background in helping the county’s fishing community. He built 30 submersible fish habitats from polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, pipe and 18 fishing line collection stations for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County to earn his Eagle Scout badge.
Now he wants to take it another step and honor the memory of the man who supported him with his project by helping other young fishermen enjoy the thrill of catching a fish.
Draz, 17, wants to raise $5,000 to buy a new species of hybrid bluegills that will be added to forest preserve waters. The project is in memory of Don LaBrose, a fisheries biologist who worked more than 30 years for the forest preserve district.
LaBrose, of Sandwich, died on the job in April 2012 when he was 56.
His sister, Karen Schaeflein of Aurora, says Draz’s project has touched her heart.
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“Don received his Eagle Scout when he was about Quinn’s age,” she said. “He lived nature. He breathed it. His passion was the outdoors. I’m sure he’s up in heaven smiling about all this.”
So far Draz has raised $600 including $300 of his own money earned through Naperville Troop 889’s Christmas tree sales.
“I remember fishing as a little kid in the forest preserve ponds,” said Draz, who is now working toward the Scout’s prestigious William T. Hornaday Award, recognizing Scouts for outstanding contributions to environmental and conservation programs. “I know that Don always thought it was important to have a place where kids could catch fish and learn about fish.”
An avid bass fisherman, he said he fishes all around the area with his father, Dan, and younger brother, Wyatt.
Draz and forest preserve ecologist Dan Grigas have their eye on the hybrid bluegill because they grow faster and larger than other bluegill, said Grigas, who handles lake management and fisheries for the district.
The fish have a large mouth and are not as prolific at reproducing as other bluegill, Grigas said. Instead, they put more energy into growing and can reach a size of 8, 10 or 12 inches.
How many fish will $5,000 buy? That depends on the size of the fish, but they estimate at least 3,000 to 5,000 will eventually be put in White Pine and Sand ponds at Blackwell Forest Preserve where rangers run many fishing programs for children.
Draz said he has no goal to finish by a particular date. He just wants to do it right.
“I know Don thought it was important for kids to be able to learn to fish and to catch a fish of quality size,” he said. “I just want to continue that for him.”
Donations are being accepted at the forest preserve website dupageforestgiving.org.
Joan Cary is a freelance reporter.