New Resident Eric Rasmussen - Setting Sails Toward Algoma
By Eric Rasmussen
My name is Eric Rasmussen, and I am a new resident of Algoma as of the summer of 2023. I grew up in Oregon, Illinois. My father instilled a love for the outdoors in me, and I quickly found myself venturing to Wisconsin to chase the world-class fish that swim in our waters. I followed my love for fishing and Wisconsin and ended up going to school in the driftless region of Wisconsin at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. I studied Biology and Broadfield Science with an emphasis in Secondary Education. I also competed on the Bassmaster College Series which enabled me to fish some of the best fisheries in the country.
As graduation approached, I found myself with the not-so-tough decision to leave Illinois and find a new place to call home. I applied and got teaching job offers from all over the state but one small town in northeast Wisconsin felt more like home than any other - a little town on Lake Michigan called Algoma.
I had never been to Northeast Wisconsin before coming to Algoma for my interview at the school. Through my research, it seemed like an awesome fishing destination, and I have heard rumors of massive smallmouth, musky, and walleye that reside in the Bay of Green Bay. As I rolled into Algoma for my job interview, I quickly had a sense of just how beautiful the area was as I saw Crescent Beach. I was amazed at how big the beach was and couldn't believe that it was even groomed! It looked like something off of a postcard!
My interview went well and the staff at Algoma Schools felt more like a family than any other place I've visited! I knew I had found my new home as soon as I left the interview. A few months later, I graduated from school and set my sails towards Algoma. I quickly moved in and had to figure out a way to survive the summer until my teaching position started in the fall. The boats in the marina drew my attention as I was not familiar with the offshore fishing style of salmon fishing that requires such beautiful boats. I was itching to get out on the lake as I heard stories of massive catches being caught in Algoma. Luckily, I was able to get a first-mate position with Kinn’s Sport Fishing, and my life was changed. Never having trolled before in my life, I was about as “green as they come,” but I was excited to learn how to catch salmon!
Two years later, I am teaching Middle School Science at Algoma and love my decision to move to this little town. The town welcomed me, and I quickly felt like part of the community. I have since created the Algoma Wolves Fishing Team and love taking students to bass tournaments all over Wisconsin! I have also acquired my Captain’s License and will be running the Cook’s Catch II for Kinn’s Sport Fishing this summer. Overall, I couldn't imagine living anywhere else, as Algoma has my heart.
