My name is Josh Manzke, and I am currently a junior here at Valley City State University studying Fisheries and Wildlife science. I am from Benson, MN located in the Southern central part of the state. Hunting and fishing have been a part of my life ever since I can remember and has taught me to appreciate the outdoors. Fishing is one of my favorite past times outside of sports and school. My dad took me out fishing around that 2-4-year-old range and I fell in love. Since those early days fishing as a toddler I have enjoyed catching a variety of species including panfish, walleye, and largemouth bass. In high school I was a three-sport athlete competing in football, basketball, and track. After practices I was running my “trap line” that I set around my place for pocket gophers. This kind of trapping was very common around my region, especially when gophers were worth 5 dollars apiece. I am excited about going on the Texas trip because it will be a new experience for me and allow me to sample different species of fish and see the ocean’s coast. I have lived my entire life in the Midwest. Going down to the coast of Texas will be a great learning experience allowing me to examine the unique culture and ecosystems. The trip will also allow me to fish in saltwater. I have never caught a salt water fish nor have I fished for one before, accomplishing that goal would be very satisfying. Finally, this trip will teach me valuable lessons about camping and fish sampling techniques, while also preparing me for my professional future.