This is a shameless plug for a really good guy and a really neat place you’ve probably never heard of. Call it my Dayton holiday gift guide.

Al Horstman has been a friend for a long time. A former military aviator- both in the Army and as a Marine, we’ve always shared a bond, even though he preferred to fly things and I preferred to jump out of them.

About 15 years ago, Al bought an abandoned quarry in Franklin Ohio and had the vision to see what no one else saw- a fishing oasis, a short drive from the Dayton Mall. He’s had to fight city halls and who knows who else, but, all that hard work has paid off- and now, Waterscape is a real treasure to those who know it.

His description from his website:

Waterscape is a year-round fishing club for Largemouth and Smallmouth bass, Stripers, Walleye/Saugeye, Northern Pike, Muskie, Yellow Perch, Rainbow and Golden Trout, Blue Channel Catfish, Black and White Crappie, Red Ear Sunfish and Trophy Size Bluegill; and even a few surprises.

Waterscape includes a total of 3 interconnected lakes, (over 75 acres of water and up to 71′ (feet) in depth) on our 100 acre landscape.

Waterscape has everything you need for the best fishing experience you could imagine. We have an activity center and 3 campground sites, floating docks and boat slips, outdoor boat storage, 6 floating fishing piers, and annual tournaments, cookouts and other special events.

waterscape fishing club.

I’m not much for fishing, but those of you who are, will feel like I do when I walk into either an Apple Store or B&H photo. It’s paradise.

So, if you are wondering what to give someone who loves to fish, or, if you do, check out his link above, give him a call and sign up. You can’t find any place closer to have more fun fishing than Al’s private lakes.