Bogert receives Master Angler award

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Marc Bogert’s eyes lit up and his fists went up in the air as his name was announced for a Master Angler award with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Bogert, a resident at Ridgewood Rehabilitation and Care Center, caught an 11-inch Bluegill June 14 at Lake Wanahoo, north of Lincoln.

David Ruder, chief development officer with Live Well. Go Fish. presented the award to Bogert Sept. 15.

The staff at Ridgewood had received information about the non-profit program and thought it would be a great experience for Bogert.

“I was so impressed with all of the accommodations that they had made to their boat, and the fact that they were wanting to work with the elderly. I knew I had some residents who could really benefit from a trip like this, so I called and got us scheduled, “ said Anuhea Corbin, life enrichment coordinator.

Corbin said Bogert was very excited when he caught the fish.

“He got everyone’s attention when he could tell there was something on the hook. The fish was reeled in, and he had the biggest smile on his face,” she said.

Corbin said Ruder was great to work with.

“David and his team were fantastic with our residents. They were patient, and allowed our residents to do the fishing themselves. It was a very special day for all in attendance,” Corbin said.

Live Well. Go Fish. provides boating and fishing cruises for seniors, youth, veterans and disabled people on a specially equipped, wheelchair accessible pontoon boat. The boat can hold up to four wheelchairs and 14 passengers. The organization was founded in 2016 in Lincoln by Ruder and his wife, Katherine.

“It’s for people who don’t normally have the opportunity,” Ruder said.

Ruder said Bogert’s catch is the first Bluegill catch on the boat. For more information about the program, visit livewellgofish.com.