August-September 2025 • Nebraskaland 77
Send contributions to: Portraits from the Past, Nebraskaland Magazine, P.O. Box 30370, Lincoln, NE 68503-0370. Or e-mail to Tim.Reigert@Nebraska.gov.
Photos should show people enjoying Nebraska outdoor activities, such as camping, boating, hunting or fishing, and must have been taken before 2000. We will give
priority to unusual photos or activities. When possible, please include a story about the photograph and identify the people, places and approximate date it was
taken. Text may be edited and photos adjusted for reproduction. All photos will be returned.
Pike fishing at Calamus Reservoir, 1990
My dad, LaVerne Vrbka, and me. My dad had a love for
the outdoors, both hunting and fishing. I caught both of
these northern pike on July 15, 1990. The one my dad was
holding weighed 7 pounds and the one I was holding was
14 pounds. I was generous enough to let him hold the
smaller one. We caught these at Calamus Reservoir, and
this photo was taken in front of Homestead Knolls. They
were caught off number 5 Mepp spinners. Not pictured is
my uncle Bob Vrbka who caught a 13-pound, 10-ounce
northern pike the next day. We both received Master
Angler awards.
– Neal Vrbka, Omaha
