Victoria Gazette-Hook Line & Sinker

When is the last time you or your kids mentioned the name of Thomas Jefferson? Maybe when you visited Mount Rushmore? In any case, since the fishhook was hidden around his left ear in the September issue of the paper, I asked Google if he was a fisherman. Here is what I learned.

The principle author of the Declaration of Independence, first Secretary of State, and third U.S. President isn’t remembered for casting a line, but he was arguably the most knowledgeable and educated naturalist to ever sit in the oval office. The continent’s flora and fauna fascinated him, and when he sent out the Lewis and Clark expedition, one of their major assignments was to document plants, animals, and fish. Much to Jefferson’s delight, the team brought back notes and sketches on all types of natural resources, including fish like eulachon, salmon, and other species.

The hook was hidden on page 13 in Steve Yetzer's Nickle Dickle Day ad. When I dipped into the minnow bucket containing all the correct entries, I retrieved Judy Koch of Waconia. Congratulations, Judy. The $10 prize money will be in your mailbox soon.

There's another fishhook hidden in this issue of the Gazette. If you find it and want to be part of next month's drawing, email Sue@VictoriaGazette.com telling of its location or drop a line to P.O. Box 387, Victoria, MN 55386 and sinker in the mail. I promise I won't send the money in nickels.