2625761 June MUSKIE

Transcription

2625761 June MUSKIE

ST CLOUD MN
PERMIT #1316
PAID
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MUSKIE is published monthly and is the Official Publication
of Muskies, Inc. International Office: Terrie DuBé,
International Sec., 80 State Hwy. 200 NW, Longville,
MN 56655. Ph: 888-710-8286, Fax 218-836-2087.
© Copyright 2006 by Muskies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Departments
Contents
MUSKIE • VOL. 40, NO. 6
Features
6 The Order of Things, Dr. Gene Smith
2 President’s Message,
David Cates
8 Minnesota’s Top Muskie Water, Brian Kaiser
3 Magazine Notes, Staff
10 A Family Tradition, Brian Wellman
4 International News, Staff
15 Pop-Pop, Ploop-Ploop, Splish-Splash,
KA-A-A BOOM-M-M-M!,
James W. Colgan
13 Lunge Log, Jim Bunch
18 New Products, Staff
20 A Day to Remember, Jody Booth
19 Photo Contest, Juris Ozols
22 The Top Water Color Code, Justin Gaiche
25 Letters to the Editor
27 My Muskie Story: A Fall Monster,
Daniel Anderson
25 As I See It, Jim Smith
33 Chapter News and Views
39 Muskie Tales, Bob Jennings
28 Showcasing our Muskies, Inc. Supporters:
Esox Angler Magazine, Patricia Strutz
42 Member Photos, Juris Ozols
29 Muskie Magic on Lac Seul, Daniel P. DiCaro
Join Muskies, Inc. ...
or give a membership
as a gift.
Regular Membersip: ❑ 1 Year-$35.00 ❑ 2 Years-$65.00
Family Membership: ❑ 1 Year-$47.50 ❑ 2 Years-$90.00
Junior Membership (Under 18): ❑ $20.00
❑ 3 Years- $95.00
❑ 3 Years-$132.50
❑ For Muskie Research $________
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Name ___________________________________ DOB ___________
(to find the number of the Chapter you wish to join, see the Chapter News & Views section)
(to find the number of the Chapter you wish to join, see the Chapter News & Views section)
Old Address (for address change only) ___________________________
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City & State ____________________________ Zip_________
Name ___________________________________ DOB ___________
My Membership # ______________ Expiration Date _______
Check One: ❑ New Member ❑ Renewal ❑ Address Change ❑ Gift
MAIL TO MUSKIES, INC. 80 State Hwy. 200 NW,
Longville, MN, 56655
Email ________________________
Payment: ❑ Check or ❑ Credit Card:
❑ VISA
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1-888-710-8286
Card # __ __ __ __- __ __ __ __- __ __ __ __- __ __ __ __ Exp. Date ____ /____ Signature ____________________________________________
www.muskiesinc.org
May 2006.....MUSKIE 1
International
Officers
President, David Cates
Phone: 574-457-3222
Email: [email protected]
Vice President/Finances, Jim Beaty
Phone: 618-235-3646
Vice President/Research, Ken Karbon
Phone: 303-688-4954
Vice President/Internal Affairs, Dick McPike
Phone: 816-436-4909
Vice President/Membership, Bob Timme
Phone: 715-462-3053
Vice President/Communications, Jack Moga
Phone: 440-886-3926
Treasurer, Pete Barber
Phone: 847-726-7267
Members Only Fishing Contest, Jim Bunch
Phone: 715-723-8343 • Fax: 715-723-8354
Web Master, Ron Groeschl
Phone: 262-271-1002
Int. Administrative Secretary, Terrie DuBé
80 State Hwy. 200 NW, Longville, MN 56655
Phone: 888-710-8286 • Fax: 218-836-2087
At Large Directors
Term Expires
Ken Karbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
Jim Shannon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
Bob Timme
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
T
he late Perry Smith once challenged each of us to make Muskies, Inc. “the best it
can be”. Less eloquently, I recently asked Chapter Presidents, RVPs, and ALDs
how we can get better. To date, I have received a number of excellent responses. I
will try to provide a comprehensive review of the subject matters raised in advance of the
Fall Board Meeting. However, I believe some of the matters deserve immediate attention.
The most commonly raised issue in response to my query involved communication.
No one finds it surprising that this is our number one issue, but while the issue is easy to
raise it is difficult to address. Muskies, Inc. has a number of avenues for communication,
including the magazine, the website, chapter meetings, events, and good old fashioned
word of mouth. I have attempted to utilize the broadcast e-mail function of our website
to communicate with both international and chapter officers. Please take the time to
ensure your contact information is correct in member maintenance on the website. If you
are a chapter or international officer who has not received an e-mail communication from
me please let me know. We may need to find a better method of communication.
Another common theme as to how Muskies, Inc. can get better involves a return to
more of a conservation mindset. I believe there is no question that should be one of our
main areas of focus. While Muskies, Inc. is one of the premiere conservation organizations
in North America, we must remain vigilant to maintain that primacy. Read our purposes.
If you see an activity occurring within Muskies, Inc. that you believe fails to meet our purposes, please let me know. I would like to maintain an open dialogue (there’s that communication thing again) to enable us to maintain our conservation base.
Though I have received a great many positive and constructive comments from officers, it occurs to me Muskies, Inc. strength is in our members. Accordingly, I have a request
for each of you. Please take the time to consider our purposes and consider our direction.
I ask each of you to let me know how you believe we can get better. Two months ago I
asked everyone to pull an oar for Muskies, Inc. Your communication to me is one prime
way you can help. Please take a few minutes and send me an e-mail with your comments.
I look foreword to receiving them.
See you on the water. ❖
Jim Beaty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
Bob Osborne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
David Rautmann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
Muskies, Inc. Past Presidents
Don Jahnke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
David Cates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
Gil Hamm
Peter Hadley
Jim Blaubach
Patricia Strutz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
Edward T. Peterka
Bob Schmidt
Steve Budnik
Karl Scherer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
Robert Hill
Larry Ramsell
Jim Smith
Dick McPike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009
Robert Shoop
Lou Cook
Paul Framsted
Frank Schneider
Keith Ogden
Perry Smith
Peter Hadley
Bill Davis
Greg Wells
DuWayne Bakke
Steve Statland
Lou Cook
John Hotle
Dan Narsete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009
Diana Mindar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009
Jack Moga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009
Brad Waldera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009
2 MUSKIE.....June 2006
Although it doesn’t qualify for “Research,”
our cover this month certainly gives you
“Youth” and “Fisheries.” It shows a
young lad pausing for a quick photo op
during the North Metro / Twin Cities
chapter stocking event last November.
Muskies Inc. members netted some 176
fish from a small rearing pond north of
the Twin Cities and under the direction of
the DNR transported them to be stocked
in White Bear Lake.
The young man on the cover had the job
of quickly shuttling captured Muskies
from the lake up to the aerated
Minnesota DNR truck. He performed the
duty with alacrity and glee.
All 176 Muskies, running from 27 to 30 inches, survived the experience.
They were released in White Bear in excellent shape and should provide
great fishing opportunities in coming years.
This effort is an ongoing project organized by Paul Hartman, director of the
Metro Muskie Tournament, who also runs a variety of other fishing activities.
Paul devotes a great deal of personal effort and financial support toward
stocking Muskies, and has done so for several years. He’s supported by
members of the Twin Cities and North Metro chapters of Muskies Inc.
MISSION
S TAT E M E N T
“Muskies, Inc. is an active, service-oriented, non-profit organization with the single focus of improving the sport of muskie fishing for men, women, and children.
Our mission is to unite all muskie fishing interests for the promotion and protection of a high quality muskellunge sport fishery in the United States and Canada.
We will accomplish this by supporting conservation practices and research based
on sound scientific merit, and carried out by authorized federal or state agencies,
appropriate academic institutions, Muskies, Inc chapters, and their members.
We are committed to the abatement of water pollution; maintenance of records
for muskie habits, growth, and range; and the dissemination of muskie information
to everyone.”
Adopted, April 2002
Coming in June:
✒ When Legends Speak by Bob Podgorski
✒ Finally Home on the Water by James Colgan
✒ Finesse Muskie Tactics by Colby Simms
✒ Early Summer Lures by Patricia Strutz
✒ plus more historical moments from our 40 years past
by Vince Trotta
www.muskiesinc.org
MUSKIE Magazine Staff
Rod Ramsell, Editor Emeritus
Keith Ogden, Editor Emeritus
MANAGING EDITOR
Jim Smith
15045 W. Double Tree Way
Surprise, AZ 85374-8568
Phone/Fax: (623) 388-3225
Cell: (623) 810-9103
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Juris Ozols
Phone: (952) 956-5793
ADVERTISING MANAGER
Kimberly D Miller
Kimberly D Miller Associates
P.O. Box 543 • Syracuse, IN 46567
Phone: (574) 529-0228
PUBLICATIONS TECHNICAL MANAGER
Sunray Printing Solutions, Inc. - Brenda Kirchner
25123 22nd Ave. S. • St. Cloud, MN 56301-9189
Phone: 888-253-8808, ext. 133
MAGAZINE DESIGN
Sunray Printing Solutions, Inc. - John Windschitl
ILLUSTRATORS/CARTOONISTS
Richard Gross
FIELD EDITORS
Bob Chochola, Elizabeth Cratty, Adam Glickman,
Robert Jennings, Mike Kanaval, Colby Simms,
Patricia Strutz, Vincent P. Trotta
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Gene Smith, Brian Kaiser, Brian Wellman,
James W. Colgan, Jody Booth, Justin Gaiche,
Daniel Anderson, Patricia Strutz, Daniel P. DiCaro
MUSKIE is published exclusively for the membership of Muskies, Inc. and subscriptions
come with a paid membership. Muskies, Inc. is
a non-profit organization. Membership classes
and associated annual dues are listed on the
form at the bottom of page one. Single copies
of MUSKIE magazine are available at $3.00
each from the Muskies, Inc. International
Office.
Contributors grant rights for M.I. to publish
once in MUSKIE Magazine, both the print and
on-line versions, including archives and on the
M.I. Web site.
Submissions to
MUSKIE Magazine
Persons interested in submitting articles for
publication are directed to our website
www.muskiesinc.org. There they will find a
link to MUSKIE Magazine. From there you
will find links on the left side of the page providing information necessary for submissions
to MUSKIE Magazine. Further questions will
be answered by Jim Smith, Managing Editor.
Submissions may be sent to: 15045 W.
Double Tree Way • Surprise, AZ 85374-8568.
Phone: (623) 388-3225 or you may
Email: [email protected].
June 2006.....MUSKIE 3
M AG A Z I N E N OT E S ◆ M AG A Z I N E N OT E S ◆ M AG A Z I N E N OT E S ◆ M AG A Z I N E N OT E S
ABOUT THE COVER
I N T E R N AT I O N A L N E WS
I N T E R N AT I O N A L N E WS ◆
NEWS ALERT
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Muskellunge Die-Off in
Southeast Michigan Being Monitored
APRIL, 2006 - A significant number of muskellunge, the second
largest game fish in Michigan, have been observed dead over the last
month in Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair and Detroit rivers, according to Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologists. The dieoff is being monitored by the DNR and volunteer groups in the area.
“Any time a significant number of fish die, we are concerned for
the resource and monitor the situation closely to determine the factors behind it,” said Gary Towns, DNR Lake Erie Management Unit
supervisor. “We feel the current situation has likely been caused by a
combination of factors which have impacted the muskies in the area.”
Towns said the DNR has essentially ruled out pollution as a factor.
He said species such as walleyes, emerald shiners and other minnows,
which are more sensitive to pollution, do not seem to have been
affected. Anglers are currently catching lots of walleye, bass and other
species which appear to be very healthy, Towns added.
DNR fisheries officials feel the die-off of muskellunge could have
been caused by several factors including a combination of spawning
stress, a warmer winter which may have set the stage for a higher incidence of disease, and recent rapid warming of water over the past several weeks. It is unknown if the bacterial disease first detected in Lake
St. Clair muskellunge in 2002, known as musky pox (Piscirickettsia
sp.), is involved. Fish with visible signs of musky pox have red rashes
and sunken eyes.
D O N AT I O N S
APRIL
David Stalle
Matt Sundquist &
Family
Steve & Kay
Budnik
Shane Eakle
Keith Nergaard
Robert Dock
Stupp
John Geml
Vito Calianno
Mark Krause
Kenneth Miller
Neal Tamms &
Family
Gary C. Pysher Sr
Jerry Stayer
Greg Ridge
Bill Brunstad
Patrick Fields
Phil Uhl
Richard Mech
Russ Warye
Dave Majewski
Pete Barber
Greg Adams
Robert Stamps
Frank & Victor
Walter
On behalf of Muskies, Inc., thank you for adding a bit
extra when you renewed your membership.
– Pete Barber, Treasurer
Towns said the muskies that are being found in Lake St. Clair
and the Detroit River appear to have died about a month ago and
were likely on the bottom of the lake and river system. As they have
been decomposing, they have floated to the surface of the water, he
said. Due to the decomposition, DNR pathologists cannot test the
fish for musky pox or other diseases. Only live fish or fish that have
been dead for less than a few hours can be tested for bacterial or viral
diseases, Towns said.
The rapid warming of the water in the St. Clair River and Lake
St. Clair area could be a major factor, Towns said. Normally in late
April, the water temperatures are in the mid-40s. Towns said that
presently the water temperatures are in the low to mid-50s, and some
anglers have reported water temperatures in isolated bays in the 60
degree range. Rapid water temperature changes can put a lot of stress
on fish, he said.
In terms of musky pox, Towns said while many muskies may be
infected with it, the disease is usually only fatal to a few fish. Musky pox
could cause the death of some fish when the fish are under stress, for
example during the spring when water temperatures can warm rapidly.
The DNR has contacted Canadian fisheries officials to monitor
their side of Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River as well, and they
have reported some dead muskellunge, too. While a musky die-off
was observed in the spring of 2003, very few dead muskies were
reported in 2004 and 2005.
“We want area anglers to know that we are aware of the problem
and we appreciate their reports of dead muskies in the waters of the
St. Clair River, the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair,” Towns said. “We
are actively monitoring the situation to determine the extent of the
die-off, however; we feel at this time it is a combination of weather,
spawning stress and perhaps some disease factors which have affected
the fish.”
The DNR is committed to conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural resources for current
and future generations. ❖
Contacts: Gary Towns 734-953-0241 or Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014
MI Needs Your Help
EXPERIENCED ACCOUNTING
PROFESSIONAL
Volunteer needed to handle short term, special project. Must be
experienced in either:
• public accounting with multi-location audit clients; or
• selection and coordination of outside auditors for a multi-location business or non-profit organization.
This is a short term project to help us find a CPA firm that can
help us comply with the audit requirements of the 15 states in which
our chapters operate. You may be currently active in accounting or
you may be retired with some time to help. The project will commence after April 15th and be completed by August 1st.
We would, also, like to talk with any MI member who may be
associated with a CPA firm that might consider accepting an engagement to develop the audit program and to either: a) conduct the necessary chapter audits; or b) assemble and coordinate CPA firms in the
locales where our chapters are located.
Your prompt reply would be appreciated. Please contact Pete Barber
International Treasurer
Phone (847)726-7267
Fax (847)726-7268
E-mail [email protected]
Please watch future issues for more on the
Muskies, Inc. Forty Years of Excellence.
MUSKIE Magazine is looking to start a Muskies, Inc.
Resource Section (Classified ads) each month.
We would like you to send in your ads. We will also
include them on our website in a special section for
no additional charge. Cost will be $50.00 for a fiftyword ad. Plus 10¢ per word over the minimum. (2
column inches maximum) Photos will be included for
an additional $35.00.
For information contact Kimberly Miller at
[email protected]
www.muskiesinc.org
The April issue’s Muskies, Inc. History “WANTED” ad, elicited valuable responses. The first one takes strange twists, but ends
well. The second raises more questions than it answers.
IT WAS MEANT TO BE. Tom Smetana wrote to tell of the
three, framed pictures he had given to Joe Heil, both are members of
the First Wisconsin Chapter. Joe is a Muskies, Inc. Regional Vice
President. Tom had saved and framed the items and gave them to
Joe to “put to good use.” Two days of my emails to Joe, failed. On
the second day, Juris Ozols delivered the materials we had used at the
International Spring Banquet. With them, he had additional items
of unknown source. Juris had been copied on every Trotta, Smetana,
and Heil email and had full knowledge of the email problem in locating the Smetana items. Once home, I looked carefully at the framed
items, noticing that one was the cover of the December 1984, Gil
Hamm, memorial, Muskie magazine issue. In plain sight was the
magazine address label to Tom Smetana. Again, I asked Juris where
he got the items and he confessed that he had bought them at the
International Spring Banquet Silent Auction, for the MI archives.
Thanks Tom; thanks, Joe; and thanks Juris. It was meant to be.
WHICH CAME FIRST? Hal Wohl from New Jersey, a New
York City CPA, wrote to tell of his collected Muskie artifacts. He
started fishing for St. Lawrence
River Muskies in the 1950s
with his father and younger
brother. Hal joined Muskies,
Inc. in its early days. He saves
Muskie magazines and other
Muskie-related items and publications. One of those items is
the patch, pictured here. Hal
does both salt and fresh water
fishing. Most of his Muskie
fishing is done in Wisconsin. Hal says that Hayward’s John Dettloff
has made that fishing more interesting for him and his wife. Hal
speculated that he belonged to the long- inactive, National Muskies
Association, before Muskies, Inc. was founded. He was not certain
of the dates.
QUESTIONS: Who remembers the National Muskies
Association and can give us some additional details? Which came
first, the National Muskies Association or Muskies, Inc.? Were there
other Muskie organizations started in the ’50, ‘60s, and ‘70s? ❖
PLEASE LET US KNOW OF ANY HISTORIC MUSKIES, INC.
ARTIFACTS OR PICTURES THAT YOU MAY HAVE. It would be
great to get copies of the Newsletters that preceded Muskie magazine.
Contact Vince Trotta at [email protected] or call 952 688-7216.
MEMBERS NOTICE
Members are asked to please go to:
www.muskiesinc.org
and check on the "members only" side, and
hit the "My Member Info" button and
update their member information, including
their e-mail address.
I N T E R N AT I O N A L N E WS
BUY-SELL-TRADE
by Vince Trotta
Asked about his Muskie fishing, Vince put it this way, “There are
two Muskies I haven’t caught, yet, my biggest one and my last one.”
That is the kind of optimism found in his writing. Vince first wrote
for Muskie magazine in 2004. Since then, his contributions have
increased in number and significance.
Most recently, he and Juris Ozols, Muskie Assistant Editor, created and continue the Muskies,
Inc. 40th Anniversary Founders
Project. The yield from that
project continues to provide
readers with significant information, as well as, copies of collected pictures and artifacts from the
early days of Muskies, Inc. These
include the contributions of Gil
Hamm and the other 13
founders. Vince continues with
that project and is focusing on
other tasks related to the history
of Muskie fishing and Muskies,
Inc. Through this work, Vince earned the Muskie title of Field Editor
and we are pleased to have him continue with us in that capacity.
In late April, MI President David Cates announced that the
Executive Committee approved Vince’s proposal to establish a
Muskies, Inc. history and archive committee. The primary purpose
of the committee is to assure that the MI tradition of preserving
Muskies, Inc. history and artifacts will be continued. A long-term
objective of the committee is to investigate the feasibility of a permanent repository for the growing number of artifacts of our 40-year-old
organization.
With a career in higher education teaching and management,
Vince continues to teach courses for the Minnesota campus of
Wisconsin’s Cardinal Stritch University. Mary Jane and Vince reside
in Apple Valley, Minnesota. They are natives and longtime residents
of Pennsylvania. Three sons and their families live in Cincinnati,
Cleveland and Pittsburgh. ❖
Historical Artifacts and Questions
Vince Trotta Advances to
Field Editor Position
The Order of Things
by Dr. Gene Smith
o say that we live in a desperately troubled society is to gross- order, gotten my priorities screwed up. As I looked back over 30 years
ly understate the situation. Violent crime, unemployment, of serious angling, I realized that I have been blessed beyond anyone’s
degradation of the education system. What is the driving expectations. I have fished nearly half the days of my life, caught more
force behind it all? Obviously, there are no easy answers. Most people and bigger fish than anyone could expect to, and accomplished many
have some idea of the things they think need changing in order to goals I had set for myself. The “self ” part of that, however, was the
bring about improvement in our society. For the most part they all problem.
Looking today at my children, they are wonderful kids. They
have merit.
For 47 years I have been here, making one mistake after anoth- love the outdoors, especially the water. All of them love to fish. They
er. Sometimes I learn the first time. Sometimes it takes a while. In the have been with me to the Ogoki River in northern Ontario on a flymidst of raising four children, however, there is one thing that has in since they were 4 years old. They are mature and skilled beyond
their years. Yet I have pushed myself and them along
become painfully obvious to me. Over the last few
without consideration for order. All of my kids have
My daughter and
decades, fewer and fewer parents are recognizing the
caught and handled big pike and muskies. They all
value of time. Time is the one and only thing we cansons can no more
will work and work for a follow as long as it takes. I
not replace. We can make more money, but we canget back the time
have come to realize, however, that at times they do it
not make more time. We can go back and fix lower
just to gain my approval. Truth is, they would rather
units knocked off on a rock, fix stripped drag washI left them home
be tied up to a brush pile with a thousand wax worms
ers, replace line. We are, however, slaves to time. As
than I can. Too
catching one bluegill after another. Or crappie fishing
the song says, “like an hourglass glued to the table”,
with minnows, eating chips and laughing about the
many times I have
time goes on.
ones that got off before they could get them in the
I have always recognized that. What I neglected
gone to the water
boat. Instead, I often had them strained to the limit,
to see, however, is that it goes on for everyone else as
alone when I could barking instruction. Everything has its time. I had to
well. My daughter and sons can no more get back the
learn how to read the clock.
time I left them home than I can. Too many times I
have taken them.
Everyone who has children surely must know
have gone to the water alone when I could have taken
them. Why? “What is the end of all this?” I asked myself. What am I where I am coming from. Surely I am not the only dad who had made
trying to accomplish? Astonished at the realization of the truth, I or is still making this mistake. Children, regardless of how talented
made a decision to change how I approach musky fishing, fishing they are with a bucktail or crankbait, are still children. To become lifelong anglers, and to become confident anglers that enjoy their sport,
period, and life in general.
You see, the truth is that I had been selfish. True, there is noth- we need to observe the natural order of things.
The truly great anglers, all of them, have in common the histoing wrong with fishing. To the contrary, fishing can be a blessing of
the highest order. The problem was that I had gotten things all out of ry of learning things gradually, over time, stepping on all the rocks
along the way. To start a child out musky fishing
without learning him or her about bluegills or
perch is like learning to drive a car during a Nascar
race. Basic skills are essential, and they cannot be
learned at the top. Successful anglers and people
learn fishing like life, one step at a time.
Bluegill, crappies, and perch can be the best
teachers for children beginning to show interest in
the water. Notice I said, “water”, not fishing.
Notice the kids who you see fishing on the banks
all the time, or anywhere they can get to the water.
If the fish aren’t biting, they will be scavenging
along under rocks or logs to see what lives there.
My kids LOVE watching how bluegills chase
little minnows and insects along the banks or
under docks. By watching how the bluegills move,
what gets their attention, what spooks them, and
so forth they gain invaluable knowledge of the
ecosystem and how it operates. My 7-year-old
twins practically live at our pond. They know
many of the fish in it individually because of individual markings or scars. They know when the
salamanders are due to show up to lay their eggs,
followed by the toads and frogs. They know which
fish eat minnows and which ones eat algae. They
caught and placed one hybrid bluegill in a 20-gal-
T
lon aquarium for months, caring for him. His job, by the way, was to anyone else in your circle or club. Competition can be a good thing,
chase grubs or little jigs up and down the water column so they could but experience has taught me that it can also make monsters out of
see which colors and shapes he preferred. The knowledge kids gain otherwise great people. On our trips, regardless of whether an afternoon bluegill trip to Buckhorn or a 2-week pike and walleye trip to
from these things is invaluable.
When the schools of shad are feeding heavily on plankton on the Ontario, I discourage competition between my children. Instead, I
surface just before dark, we often just drift and watch them. The boys place them in situations where cooperation leads to more fish for
have questions by the dozens. One of my twin sons, in particular, everyone.
My kids catch their share of fish. Much more
often dozes off to sleep while asking me questions
important is the lessons they learn along the way, lesabout things he has seen in and around the water. It is
Over the last few
sons about life. Kids, who grow up on an outdoors
important to him to know the answers to simple quesdecades, fewer
family, provided, again, that everything is kept in
tions before he is satisfied to move on to other things.
Bluegill fishing teaches kids basics. Hooksets,
and fewer parents proper perspective, seldom get involved with the drug
culture and its traps. I have learned not to burn them
characteristics of hooks themselves, removing hooks
are recognizing
out on any one type of fishing. As they age, I give
from gullets, taking care with gills. Learning to respect
the value of time. them more freedom to choose techniques and locathe fish, first and foremost, leads to a respect for life
tions to fish. As they succeed, even with bluegill fishand lives, including those of other children.
Time is the one
ing, they become closer and closer to becoming lifeAs my children have gained basic skills, they have
and only thing we long anglers.
moved on, ever so slowly, to more complicated equipLet us remember that all things have an order.
ment and techniques. I have made it a point to try to
cannot replace.
Bringing up a muskie angler is no exception to this
work with them on techniques for catching ALL the
species of fish we have available in our area. Panfish first, catfish, carp, rule. Respect for other anglers, regardless of their target species, must
bass, etc. To be a good angler and enjoy the sport, kids need to learn be ingrained from the beginning. Likewise, respect for life, regardless
to effectively target whatever species is available to them at the time. of the species, is the cornerstone for building good anglers and good
My kids do not all like fishing for muskies and pike. One likes people. All aspects of the ascent from the first days on the water catchbass fishing, as does my wife. Nothing wrong with that. Point is, I ing bream up to the first time your son or daughter heads out in your
challenge you, confidentially, to think of one truly exceptional angler boat alone are necessary steps in the building of a successful angler. As
that is not multispecies capable and very knowledgeable about local parents, we must give our time. Nothing else will do. ❖
Gene Smith, Chapter 45, Kentucky
ecosystems.
Redstone Outdoors
Keeping things, including fishing, in perspective is the key to
www.kentucky-muskie-fishing.com
enjoying it. Self-induced pressure to catch a 50-incher this month or
[email protected]
on this trip, or to boat 100 muskies this can be a death sentence to
(606) 487-8033
the fun side of things. Worst of all is pressure to catch more fish than
3rd
Webster Lake Musky Club
Annual Series Cash Tournament
June 3, 2006: Webster Lake $150
September 9, 2006: Barbee Chain $150
October 7, 2006: Webster Lake$200
All 3 tournaments for $450 if paid by June 3, 2006.
~ Limited to the first 45 boats ~
First and second tournaments payouts:
1st=$1700* 2nd=$1150*
3rd=$700* 4th=$400* 5th=$150*
Third tournament payout:
1st=$2250* 2nd=$1500*
3rd=$900* 4th=$550* 5th=$200*
*Based on field of 45 boats. Payout will be 3 places for less than 20 teams; 4 places for 20-29
teams; and 5 places for 30+ teams.
Contact Vince Weirick 574-551-0214 or Chae Dolsen 574/834-1669 for further information or visit our website www.websterlakemuskyclub.org for entry form and tournament rules.
www.muskiesinc.org
Minnesota’s Top Muskie Waters
by Brian Kaiser
I
f you are traveling through the state of Minnesota in search of
muskies you should consider the following eight bodies of water.
I have spent time on “all” the waters listed below and highly recommend them if you are in search of the mighty Muskie.
French Lake located in Rice County in the
southern part of the state right out side the
city of Faribault is about 850 acres in size and
has depths up to about 50 feet. This fertile
body of water has had an aggressive stocking
program going back 20 plus years. French
lake is one of the very few lakes in southern
Minnesota that has a solid population of
Muskies as well as having some 50-inch class
fish. The lake can turn into pea soup in the
summer but that doesn’t stop the fish from
hitting, nor should it stop you from giving it
a try. On one hot summer evening with the
water looking like green scum I bagged three
muskies in less than three hours and missed
two others. Like many other good lakes it has
a lot of fishing pressure so night time and
weekdays might be your best option.
WABEDO I have a special love affair with
this lake due to the fact that my first 40-inch
muskie came from this body of water. The
Lake is an 1185-acres in size & located in
Cass County near Longville, MN. With a
maximum depth of 95 feet, approximately 25% of the lake is less
than 15 feet deep. A public access is located on the southwest shore
just off County Road 120. Wabedo Lake is in Lake Class 22; lakes in
this class are generally clear, irregularly shaped, very deep, and have a
low percentage of littoral area. This lake is primarily managed for
muskellunge, black crappie, and walleye.
Lake Waconia Located in Carver County Considered to be a Metro
Lake is filled with reefs and a variety of structure, edges and transition
areas. Maximum depth is about 40 feet and water clarity is only at 5
feet. Waconia offers you almost 3000 acres of fishing and has been
stocked with muskies in 1998, 2000, & 2002. I personally have never
broke 40 inches on this body of water but this Lake has been doing
quite well in the Metro Muskie Tournament the last few years with
many fish being taken in the 42 to 48 inch range.
WHITE BEAR Another Metro Lake located in Washington County
has some real Big Brutes in it! Stocking has taken place in 1997, 98,
99, 2000, 2001 & 2002. Maximum depth is around 82 feet and
water clarity according to the secchi disk is around 10 feet. The water
covers 2,400 acres but you will have plenty of company due to the
large number of sailboats that will accompany you. Trolling the deep
weed edges with10 inch Jakes and large Grandma lures is one proven
method of producing fish. This lake has also produced very well in
past Metro Muskie Tournaments.
LAKE PLANTAGENET Back in 1989 I gave my first Windels
Muskie Harasser a good work out on this lake. Since then, this 2,530acre lake has been kicking out some real monsters. A 48-inch mini8 MUSKIE.....June 2006
mum helps put this lake at the top of my list when it comes to Trophy
muskie lakes. Located in Hubbard County and just down the road
from the city of Bemidji, Lake Plantagenet offers you a true shot at a
Trophy. Try fishing at Night or early in the morning before first light.
Fishing in the dark with top water lures has
put some real Big Brutes in the boat for some
of the local muskie nuts.
BABY LAKE is a 704-acre lake with a maximum depth of 69 feet. It is located in Cass
County seven miles east of Hackensack.
About 35% of the lake is 15 feet or less deep.
The water clarity in Baby Lake is 8 to 10 feet.
In July 2000, adequate oxygen for fish was
present down to 19 feet. A DNR-owned public access opened on the East Side of the lake
in 1997. Small fishing boats can travel from
Baby Lake to Mann Lake through the narrow,
low-clearance outlet channel on Baby Lake’s
east shore. Baby Lake is a native Muskie lake
and not much stocking has taken place in the
last 5 years.
DETROIT LAKE Leech Lake strain muskellunge were first stocked in Detroit Lake in
1989. Fishing opportunities now exist in this
lake for catching muskies over fifty inches
long and weighing well over thirty pounds.
Water clarity is around 7 feet. With
Over 3000 acres you can find many places to fish and if you come up
empty simply move to the next spot on your Milk run. I have had my
best luck on this lake throwing Black & silver as-well as Red & yellow spinner baits. Top water baits also Produce well at sundown. The
Pike tend to run small on this body of water & there are lots of wave
whackers, pleasure boaters and other water enthusiast to contend
with, but none the less this is an excellent choice for fishing Muskies.
MILLE LACS otherwise known as the Big Pond this water covers
more than 132,000 acres. Some people think of Mille Lacs Lake as
Fragile Trophy water. Tribal netting quota’s, sport fisherman Quota’s,
slot limits, bag limits, legal fishing hours and the list goes on and on.
There are many variables to contend with when fishing this lake.
If you fish this Lake please check the most recent regulations,
because they are changing on a continuing bases. Bag and slot limits
can change three or more times per year depending on Lake Surveys
and other pertinent information. There are over a dozen public
accesses on the lake which help you get closer to the area you choose
to fish. Sometimes you swear the fish are not there and other days the
lake just seems to come alive so if you first don’t succeed try and try
again and something good will surely happen. This truly is a Beautiful
Body of water!
You can find Brian on the web at www.kaisertail.com
Musky101 Guide service
218-841-3534
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EDITORS NOTE: The Wellman’s son Grady told his own
story in the November 2005 issue of MUSKIE Magazine. I
published it then as I thought it was too great of a story to
wait and publish it now in June. You may want to go back
and re-read Grady’s own account of his great muskie.
the cane pole snapped and the bass swam to
safety. The second true fish tale takes place on
Friday the 13th of August, 1982. While sleepitching to hit my favorite
ing (yes sleeping) on the sofa in the cabin, my
stomping grounds on Lac
mom woke me to tell me my younger brother
at age 16 had just landed a 55 1/2” muskie. I
Seul. Who should I ask?
y dad taught me how to fish at a very young
could not believe my eyes but it was true. The
After a few last minute
age. My grandpa taught my dad, and so on,
whole camp was in awe as was I, albeit a bit
attempts, I asked my wife if
and so on. Growing up in Minnesota, our
jealous. While I was interested in muskie fishfamily spent a week in August camping and fishing on
ing prior to that foggy 13th day of August, I
it would be ok to take Grady.
beautiful Lake Winnibigosh in northern Minnesota.
was sure “hooked” now.
She agreed. He was already
Those were great times with the family – parents, siblings,
While my patience level in general is next
packed and in the truck.
grandparents, uncles and aunts.
to non-existent, I more than make up for it
Our family also spent many weekends at my grandwhen fishing. All fishermen know you need
parents’ home on Lake Minnetonka. They had the perfect fishing it. It took 9 years for my first personal muskie catch; 1 more hour
dock. We would fish for for my second. To date, I’ve caught more than 25 muskies with 3 at
sunfish, crappies and or over 50”. I owe my luck and success to my dad who introduced
bullheads with cane me to fishing. While I’m proud of my success to date, success is not
poles and worms. To be a destination but rather a journey. For me, the journey continues as
real clear, Uncle Walter I pass the fishing tradition onto my kids, Grady (11) and Annika (7).
was the one who fished
Prior to age 5, Grady had fished with me on many occasions.
for the bullheads, not He had caught multiple species of fish including panfish, perch, a
us.
few walleyes and even a northern pike. In the fall of 2000, Grady
From my early years would add a muskie to the list.
of fishing, there are
While fishing Lake Independence with a bass rod and reel and
many “true” fish tales Fat Rap lure in a crayfish pattern, we trolled the north end of the
but two tales stand out lake. It was a very pleasant day. I had packed a PB&J (peanut butfor me. The first one ter and jelly sandwich) for Grady, and as sure as noon set in, Grady
was from the Lake was munching down the PB&J. Part way into the sandwich, Grady’s
Minnetonka
dock. rod began to “violently” bend; i.e., no weed or rock – this was a fish!
While fishing all alone, a We didn’t know it was a muskie until it swam by the boat. It was a
very big largemouth ate great fight and a perfect little muskie. After a quick photo, the fish
my worm. I did all I was released. In the photo you will notice not only the beautiful fish
could to get him (or her) but also the PB&J in the corner of Grady’s mouth! What a proud
in but lost the battle as day for both of us.
M
Last summer, I was really
One year later and almost to the
day, we found ourselves back on Lake
Independence. Grady is now 6-years
old. Not surprisingly, Grady had the
same rod and lure but no PB&J. I can’t
remember if I forgot the PB&J or
thought a can of Pringles would be a lot
easier. Whatever. What we did find out
is Grady’s luck must not have been in
the PB&J, for once again, Grady’s rod
began to shake. Following a couple
minute battle about 1,000 yards from
the previous year’s muskie, Grady had
another muskie in the boat. After a
quick photo, back home she went.
Muskies eat crayfish? Muskies eat everything I told myself.
Also noteworthy this year was a
quick morning run to Lake Mille Lacs
to fish for walleyes. This was the year
where the forage base was down and the
walleyes were on fire. My dad, Grady
and I left the Twin Cities at 5:00 AM
and we were fishing by 7:00 AM. It was
a windless day and the mudflats produced. We caught some 40 walleyes in
four hours – 18 of which were landed by
Grady including a 27”er. What I remember most was Grady playing his Gameboy while keeping his fishing rod in the rod holder. As
we inched along, I would watch Grady’s rod tip for the walleye bite
- the “bump-bump-bump.” As soon as I noticed the
bite, I pulled the rod out of the holder and gave it to
Grady. Grady would set the hook and the battle was
on. We had a great day.
While a bit discouraged, Grady believed
this statement to be true. He also
believed that the big one could bite at
anytime. For Grady, it would happen
the next year.
Talking to some friends who were
also fellow anglers, the notion of taking
your son/daughter to Canada fishing was
something we agreed would be best done
when they reached age 13. At that age,
they would have more patience; therefore, more capable of staying in the boat
for a lengthier period of time. Last summer, I was really itching to hit my
favorite stomping grounds on Lac Seul.
Who should I ask? After a few last
minute attempts, I asked my wife if it
would be ok to take Grady. She agreed.
He was already packed and in the truck.
We left at 4:00 AM for the 9-hour
drive north. The folks from Ojibway
Outfitters/Lac Seul Outposts are great –
always have been. They met us as
planned at the dock for our 1-hour boatin to camp. The entire trip was awesome, just dad and son. However, it was
the first night that put the proverbial
“icing on the cake.” Grady’s 2-year muskie drought would soon be
over.
(Continued on page 12)
Ok, back to muskies.
Surely now you’re thinking that Grady can’t possibly make it 3 for 3 - one muskie at age 5 and one
muskie at age 6. Another muskie at age 71/2 You bet!
We were on the same lake (surprise!) and same time of
year. However, this year, Grady had his own muskie
rod and reel in hand – a nice Christmas present. Grady
was also using a bigger lure, an 8” Believer. Another
1,000 yards or so from last year’s muskie, the big rod
began to bend. We knew this was a muskie as almost
immediately the fish was airborne. Following a quick
fight and photo, the muskie was released. Grady had
caught three muskies in three consecutive years with
each one bigger than the last. The last muskie was
around 40”.
While I know we were Fall trolling and not casting, I’m not sure if Grady realized that the muskie was
known as ‘the fish of 10,000 casts.’ He would soon
find out.
The next two years we fished the same lake and
others many times but didn’t have any luck. We even
fished 1,000 yards from the spot on Lake
Independence where Grady had caught his last muskie
and didn’t have a bite. There goes that pattern. I told
him to remember that it’s “fishing” not “catching.”
www.muskiesinc.org
A FAMILY TRADITION
(Continued from page 11)
Following our boat-in, we went fishing for walleyes and caught
a few for dinner. Grady asked me if we could pitch for muskies. I
quickly said, “You bet!” We tried a couple spots with no luck and it
was starting to get late. Moving to a new area, we were now fishing
one of my favorite spots. It had been a long day and Grady asked if
he could call “the last cast.” I agreed as night and fatigue were upon
us. Also, it was our first day and we had 3 more days to fish.
What happened on Grady’s last cast can only be described by
Grady himself for I was only a witness. For his story, I ask you to
read Grady’s article in the November, 2005 issue of MUSKIE magazine. The title of his story is “The Last Cast.” Grady’s muskie was a
fat 47”er and I’m sure close to 30 pounds.
Congrats Grady! I relive the moment all
the time. It was a special time for both of
us.
What will happen in the future with
this young fisherman? My guess and
advice is to watch the MUSKIE Lunge Log
for the name Grady Wellman. In fact, we
may also want to watch for the name
Annika Wellman, Grady’s younger sister.
Knowing my daughter and her attraction
to fishing, she will soon have her own true
big fish tale. There’s no doubt about it.
While Annika has done some muskie
fishing, she hasn’t had any luck yet.
However, she has caught many panfish,
perch, a few nice walleyes and a 36” northern pike. Grady and I would be remiss if I
didn’t share a fish story about Annika.
Annika’s 36” northern pike was caught
while ice fishing. She had just turned 5years old. I know this to be true as she
would be off to the doctor that afternoon
for her booster shots. Annika wasn’t thinking doctor. She was thinking fishing.
We were fishing Lake Ann in
Chanhassen with tip-ups and shiners. It
wasn’t long after we got set up that the first
flag went. I went running with Annika to
the hole. Line was running out, and once
it stopped, we set the hook together. By
herself, Annika fought the fish by hand.
Once it was through the hole, we snapped
a couple quick photos and released the pike
to fight another day. I was so proud of her.
Will this be the year Annika catches
her first muskie? Will Grady get his fifth?
No one knows because it’s fishing. One
thing is certain. We will fish together
because it’s A Family Tradition. ❖
and Junior’s list, and we made sure Robert Simms’s 30 inch hybrid
out of West Virginia got into the list. Most of these entries are from
waters a bit south of the frozen tundra where water was open and
muskie seasons where open. It truly is a 12 month sport now.
Lures by Date Range!
by
Ji m B u n c h
Winter/Spring Longest Releases, Points!
This is my favorite release list to publish of them all. Late in the
year if you don’t have a real beast you don’t make the list. This list is
muskies caught and reported to us from January 1 through April 30.
Consequently, we get to report some smaller entries across the country by a different group of members versus the super stars that take
over later in the year. We see some 30 inch entries in the Women’s
www.muskiesinc.org
The tools or lures that you use is a long standing issue of what
you spend your money on in the pursuit of the muskie. We did a sort
to find the top ten lures for the last 5 years and then an all time list.
Today the lure file at the Lunge Log has over 2500 different lure
names. There are of course many duplicates. For instance, when you
enter the name Mepps there are 13 names that come up with the
word Mepps as just part of that lure name. It is nearly the same for
Bagley as there are 14 lure names with Bagley as part of its name. On
the contrary, when you look up Suick, there is just one. Never the
less, when all said and done, we have a list. It may be accurate or
tainted but it is “the list.”
Suick tops the all time list with 9518 entries. It also shows up in
the top ten for each of the last five years. It also has recorded the 2nd
Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g
g
nge L
u
L
e
o
h
t
Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g
LUNGE LOG
(Continued from page 13)
most 50 inch muskies with 132. One casual observation many
have stated about the Suick is that it is probably fished slower
than all the rest. Interesting! Next up is the Mepps with 7434
entries. Keep in mind this is only the ones listed simply as
Mepps. It does not include the other 12 variations. It was in
the top ten in four of the last 5 years. Muskie Inc. members
also used the Mepps in landing 68 fifty inch muskies, which
is 10th all time. Next up is the Bagley Crank with 7297
entries. It does not show in our list for the last five years.
However it is a very popular trolling bait and has 42 fifty inchers to its credit.
Number 4 on the list with 6674 entries is the Wiley
Crank. There also is a listing for a Wiley Jerk, which in some
cases maybe the exact same lure, depending on how it is
fished. It is a very popular trolling bait and has 117 fifty inchers which is 3rd on the list.
The Wiley is in the top ten for each of the last five years
and actually was first in four of the five. It is followed on the
list by the Grandma Crank with 5858 entries and 76 fifty
inchers. Like the Wiley it also has a listing for Grandma Jerk,
which once again could be the same exact lure. It is in the top
ten each of the last five years taking 3rd in 2004. Sixth on the
list is the Reef Hawg with 5671 entries and 67 fifty inchers. It
is a long standing staple of many a tackle box. It does not
show in the top ten in any of the last five years but is very
unique and successful. If you have one and it comes in straight, beat
on it a bit, it is not suppose to swim straight.
Seventh on the list is just plain old Buck Tail. It is the name used
when you do not want to tell us the name of your specialty. It is the
name of most of your garage gems that you have not named yet.
Never the less it is 7th with 5026 entries and also 7th with 99 fifty
inchers. Eighth is Sucker. It is live and not really a lure, but has 4588
entries. It has been around since they invented dirt and will always
be a factor. Ninth is Jake with 4348 entries. It is probably the
youngest invention in the list. It made the top ten in each of the last
five years. It also is fifth all time with 106 fifty inchers. It is very popular trolling bait. The lure list also shows a Jake jerk, which once
again could be the same.
The last one is simply the Crank Bait. This is used when not
revealing the real name. It has always been a factor and always will.
Tired of all these facts and figures, good, lets go fishing. ❖
Da Bunchman
POP–POP, PLOOP–PLOOP,
SPLISH–SPLASH, KA-A-A BOOM-M-M-M!
by James W. Colgan
he muskie, arguably the gamest freshwater fish in North bubbles, and producing a distinctive wake, while simultaneously givAmerica, is primarily a sight feeder; however, a surface distur- ing off the cheep, cheep, cheep of a lost duckling frantically looking
bance on top of the water with its attendant sound will for its mother.
Frenchie made several other lures of gigantic proportions that
invariably get the muskie’s attention and cause this curious fish to
investigate. Consequently, the sound generated by a surface lure itself found frequent use during those witching hours; the large Creeper
and the commotion it causes on the water can draw attention to that and the Giant Jointed Creeper, both in black of course. His large
Creeper was made with a spreader double treble hooks on the rear
particular lure and make the fish strike.
There are many types of surface lures being offered to the instead of the single treble which helped to up the ratio of hooking
muskie angler today. There are poppers, gliders, twitchers, splashers muskies as opposed to those striking, leaping and getting away. His
Giant Jointed Creeper was much bigger and
and buzzers. Each type of lure will cause a cerheavier with additional sound made by the joint
tain disturbance upon the water, which may or
There are surface lures
in the middle and an oversize propeller in the
may not trigger the muskie into striking. The
rear. As the Jointed Creeper is retrieved through
capricious nature of the muskie is such that
that wiggle, wobble,
the water, it produces the ploop, ploop, ploop
whatever it is that triggers a strike one day, will
bobble and shake; and
with its oversize, spread arms; and, in addition
usually not work the next day, so the determined
gives off the click, click, click of the fore and aft
other lures that pop,
angler will work on lure selection and presentabodies hitting each other and the rattling of the
tion. Many times it will be the action of the lure
ploop, sputter, spit and
large propeller spinner turning in the rear.
generated by the angler which is ineffective; so,
splash;
but
my
favorite
There were other lures I used during the
work on different types of presentations before
witching
hour but none were as consistent as the
changing to an entirely different lure.
surface lure creates a
three
lures
mentioned. I experimented with
The muskie, like all other efficient predagurgling, bubbling sound Frenchie’s Water
Thumper and his Topper but
tors has a highly developed set of receptors
with a rotating head
they were more productive during the day.
including sight, smell, sound, taste and feel, not
to mention the lateral line. The sound a lure
having a loosely attached, Fishing the top-water lures during the day
requires lures that produced a different, subtler
makes seems to be more important on some
oversized blade that also
sound mimicking the natural forage found in the
lures than on others. Practically all lures give of
environment. Lures that represent injured, struggives off a high-pitched
some kind of vibration that produces an underfish causing a disturbance on the water, or
water sound, and some of these sounds are more
clicking sound much like gling
the
commotion
caused by frogs, small animals
appealing to the muskie than others. Different
a
chirping
baby
duckling.
and
birds
familiar
in the area like ducklings,
surface lures will produce a greater variety of
goslings
and
such.
sounds than other categories of lures and it is this
Not to be overlooked is the first top-water lure I began throwing
one aspect that often triggers the muskie into striking.
There are surface lures that wiggle, wobble, bobble and shake; back in the 1960s when experimenting with the surface bite.
and other lures that pop, ploop, sputter, spit and splash; but my Arbogast makes a giant size Jitterbug which wiggles and wobbles
favorite surface lure creates a gurgling, bubbling sound with a rotat- across the surface of the water like a teeny-bopper on the dance floor,
ing head having a loosely attached, oversized blade that also gives off but also creates a ploop, ploop rhythmic sound when retrieved at a
a high-pitched clicking sound much like a chirping baby duckling. I steady pace. The Jitterbug gave me my first taste of surface action on
first heard about this oversize Globe back in the late 1980s and a lit- muskie waters and spurred further experiments with top-water lures.
tle research led me to Frenchie LaMay. Several phone calls to Frenchie
were enough to get me started using LeLure lures
fashioned by Frenchie. His giant size Globe has the
The
Leap-R - 51/2˝
“Best darn
distinction of producing the largest muskies boated
Also available
musky/northern
Magnum Leap-R 71/2˝
on surface lures. Frenchie has long since retired from
lures I ever used!”
the lure making business; however, there are several
Bait Co.
Augie Machtig
versions of his lure being produced by manufactures
Sheboygan, WI
and are available in muskie shops.
An Instant Musky Meal – Just add water!TM
The Gopher
Leap-R
Most muskie anglers wait for calm, flat water
• Top-water wooden bait • Chrome plated steel
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before casting their top-water lures. I prefer the chop
• Slowest bait in your
• Jerkbait
Rollie & Helen’s Musky Shop, Minocqua, WI
caused by wind and the choppier, the better. I partictackle box
Crazy - D - Tackle, Elk Mound, WI
• Two sizes: 5 1/2’ - 1 oz. The Gopher
81/2˝
Diamond Sporting Goods, Hales Corners, WI
• Two sizes: 8 1/2” - 2 oz. & 7 1/2’ - 2 oz.
ularly like to fish the witching hour with a nice chop
Kolar Bait & Tackle, Carol Stream, IL
and 5 1/2” - 1 oz.
on the water and go to my black LeLure Globe.
Ye Olde Tackle Shop, North Webster, IN
DMS Tackle & Guide Service, East Grand Forks, MN
During those last remaining minutes of dull diminSmokey’s Muskellunge Shop, Pewaukee, WI
Free Brochure: Gopher Bait Co.
and other fine tackle dealers.
ishing light, the black Globe produces a good silhou9759 Middle Road, Oostburg, WI 53070 • 920-458-4488
Also available
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Visit our website: www.gopherbaitco.com
Baby Gopher - 51/2˝
ette churning through the water kicking up spray and
T
Gopher
www.muskiesinc.org
POP–POP...KA-A BOOM-M-M-M!
(Cont’d from page 15)
For entry forms, rules, and payouts please visit our website at
www.mnmuskietournament.com or call 763-786-6031.
Up at the top of everyone’s favorite list is Mouldy’s Hawg
Wobbler. This is probably the one surface lure that can be found
in every angler’s tackle box because it’s a “no-brainer” lure when
casting and retrieving, and is a consistent producer. The Hawg
Wobbler is made in four different sizes, but for some reason most
anglers choose the six and a quarter inch model, neglecting the
other two larger sizes which are equally effective.
There is no clear line of departure when to use one lure and
not another because many factors determine which lure to
choose. Under ideal conditions like a falling barometer, with
cloudy, overcast skies and a stiff westerly breeze chopping the
water means just about any surface lure can be used. If the day is
darkened by heavy low threatening clouds, then I like to start off
with my Sara.
Ed Latiano produced custom-made muskie lures before
retiring some years ago. He fashioned four different sizes of Saras
for me from four inches up to his giant of seven inches. Ed’s Sara
was designed from Heddon’s Zaragossa made over a hundred
years ago and has stood the test of time. From all his colors I have
filling my tackle box, I invariably begin with the large black Sara
and retrieve it with sharp downward pulls of the rod to give the
Sara a zigzag motion of a fish escaping danger. Some of my
biggest muskies have fallen victim to the allure of this tantalizing bait and I must confess I lost my favorite Sara on a huge
muskie one dark, rainy night many years ago.
Retrieving the Sara is more difficult than retrieving other
surface lures. It requires the angler’s full attention. In addition
to simultaneously twitching and jerking the rod with one
hand, the other hand is cranking, reeling up slack line. If performed correctly, there will be no interruption in the steady
zigzag motion of the Sara and she will come rhythmically
toward the boat. This retrieve is called “walking the dog” and
is the standard retrieve for the Sara; however, there are other
variations which include shorter and longer zigs and zags,
glides, pops and pauses. Often, it is one of these simple variations, which trigger an otherwise neutral muskie into striking.
If I see a muskie following, I will quicken the speed and
rhythm of the lure, and as the Sara approaches the boat, push
my rod tip into the water and continue with a fast, pulsating
rhythm making a large, sweeping figure eight. You’d be surprised how many strikes occur on a surface lure retrieved
underwater next to the boat.
Clear bright blue-bird days present challenges to most
muskie fishermen, but when you’ve traveled hundred of miles
and spent an equal amount in dollars, you have no choice but
to get on the water. When you make reservations from six
months to a year ahead of time, your ability to predict is limited to moon phase, lake and lodging; not to the weather,
water clarity, barometer, or wind direction and velocity.
Fishing one of my favorite lakes in northern Minnesota
one summer several years ago, we experienced several bluebird days in a row. The muskies were tight lipped and shunned
all our baits save one; and that particular lure was an act of desperation, not a logical choice by any means, and no doubt
pulled from the tackle box because it was totally different from
anything we had been throwing; but also because it made an
extraordinary commotion and noise on the water.
It was one of the latest innovations named the Holcombe
Low Rider. Another similar lure created on the same concept
is the Tsunami and it too moves a lot of water and
emits loud sounds as it is retrieved through the water.
Very often the answer to moving otherwise neutral
muskies is to get their attention with something unusual to make them strike—maybe out of reflex. Our Low
Riders were rapidly retrieved across the surface of the
water and did just that; churned the water into a froth,
rattled and gurgled loudly, and produced strikes.
However, there were no solid hook-ups, only hits and
follows. Still, that was the best action we had for three
days until the weather changed.
Another favorite top-water lure has propellers on
both ends. There are many propeller baits on the market featuring a large variety of spinners and propellers
on both ends, but I’ll invariably chose the Wisher, a
four inch top-water body having two different types of
spinners both fore and aft. The lure is good straight out
of the box as manufactured, but it becomes sensational when tweaked. This is a simple adjustment by carefully bending the propellers to make them barely touch
each other when the lure is being retrieved causing a
clinking sound like cheep, cheep, cheep.
The Wisher is a lazy man’s top-water lure because
it works best when retrieved at a slow or medium
steady pace. If the lure has been fine-tuned to perfection, the two propellers touching will cause a highpitched clink, almost like the cheeping from a bird or
baby duck. With no additional action imparted to the
lure, the steady retrieve will cause a surface disturbance,
a discernable wake and a rhythmatic cheep, cheep,
cheep like the cry from a lost or frightened bird.
Color, which often seems so important to many
anglers, really boils down to individual preferences and
confidence. While I’ve never given the matter much
thought, I’ve come to realize over the years black has
become more dominant in my tackle box and a color
I’ve come to rely upon.
There hardly seems a logical explanation for this
choice, but black does work and has become my most
effective color. Is it effective because it offers a greater
contrast when viewed from beneath in the water, or
because it is more impressionistic of the many fish and
animals in or near the water, or because I use it more
than other colors, and since it is offered more, statistically stands a better chance of being eaten? I really have
no idea, but it has become my confidence color and I
reach for black more often than the other colors.
I’ll always begin and end the day on a muskie lake
with a surface lure. Anytime the light is diminished by
time of day, or by approaching storm, I’ll throw a topwater lure anticipating a surface eruption. But just as
the sounds of top-water lures entice muskies to investigate and strike, it also captivates the attention of the
angler who focuses on visual cues, and relies upon
watery sounds of gurgles, splashes, ploops and pops.
Nothing can compare to, or prepare a muskie fisherman for, that first surface-caught muskie. After your
first muskie caught on a top-water lure, you’ll be
hooked just like your muskie, and the next thing you
know, you’ll begin fishing surface lures more and more.
Warning! It’s addictive. ❖
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Photo Contest – June Winners
by Juris Ozols
T
he good news is that only my buddy Jerry Peters got hit by
Montezuma, and the other three of us escaped unscathed,
although Jerry got it hard. More good news is that we went
out for a day’s deepsea fishing and got four fish including a 130
pound Striped Marlin. And even more good news is that Mazatlan is
a great place for week’s getaway, if you can avoid Montezuma.
But the bad news is that I’m recovering from our Mexico trip
slowly, at the same time I’m doing overtime at work to catch up on
projects. So this month’s Photo Contest column will have to be a
short one.
The first winning picture for June comes from Rich Gallagher,
Fox River Valley chapter, who had that great kid picture that took
third place in the 2004 contest. Rich sent in this “fishing in the fog”
shot and reports:
“Todd Berg is our chapters merchandise director. Todd and his wife
Veronica, along with our Treasurer Dave Hebeda and his fishing partner Dave Dille joined myself and our RVP Joe Trisilla for the weekend
of the Wisconsin musky opener on a small lake in Southern WI.
“The weather was cold the morning of the opener, as you can see from
the photo taken! The steam was rising off the lake, the water was
calm, skies were clear & sunny, it was a perfect day to begin the 2006
musky season!!
“Todd captured this “Kodak” moment of myself & Joe Trisilla working
a shallow bay that morning, shortly after sunrise. What a great
photo!”
And I agree. This is one of those classic pictures that make you
want to be there. Let the imagination run just a bit, and you can
envision a follow, a strike, a jumping Muskie, ripples spreading away
on the still water… A fine photo. With a bit of cropping, this one
might just end up on the 2007 calendar.
We haven’t had a “release” picture in the contest yet this year, so
here’s one from Mike Winther. It shows Joel Michel releasing a 49.5incher on the Fox Chain in April. The picture is done very well,
taken from the side of the boat, and not “over the shoulder.” It focuses attention on the happy grin on Joel’s face and the big belly of the
fish. Release shots are always hard, and this is a good one.
Tips and Comments
One quick photography note on my Mexico trip. After some
cogitation, I decided to take my “second best” digital camera along.
It’s a three year-old Canon Powershot G5, which has served me well
but is definitely not state of the art anymore. I left my Canon EOS
20D, a digital SLR, at home because of concerns about losing or
damaging it. In retrospect, I wish I had taken the 20D. A number
of times, and especially on the fishing outing, I lost shots with the G5
that would have come out much better with the 20D. And as always,
once a photo opportunity is gone you don’t get it back.
I’ve made the point before in these pages that a great photo can
be taken with any camera, it all depends on the photographer. That
may be true, but it’s much easier with a good camera. Today’s digital
SLR’s are truly fine pieces of equipment, and I wish I had had mine
with me in Mazatlan. I’m taking my beloved 20D with me from now
on wherever I go, and never mind the risks.
Juris Ozols
June 2006
www.muskiesinc.org
A Day to Remember
by Jody Booth
Five days later I took Kevin to our club meeting were he was
eptember 18, 2005 mean anything to anybody? Well maybe a
given
a Musky Inc cap from our club. I told our club members I
birthday, anniversary. Maybe to 14 veterans it was a day to
would like to go one step more with this idea, and said I would like
remember! Now lets back up almost 6 months before.
to have a Vets Day out fishing and take out more
I had a talk with my son Tyler and said, “Hey
vets with club members. The idea was a hit with
I have an idea!” “How about taking a vet out
I want to ask all
the members, and that night I had 12 members
Muskie fishing for saying thank you for serving
Muskies, Inc. Chapter
signed up. So now I went to our local newspaour Country.” I said, “Wow that’s a great idea.”
So the next day I opened the phone book and
Clubs and their members per and they printed up my idea and phone
number for them to contact me. By the next
turned to the yellow pages and let my fingers do
to
get
together
and
have
meeting I made up about 100 fliers from my
the walking. Looking up VFW’s and called the
computer and handed them out to all club mema
National
Vets
Day
Out
VFW Wolf-Olson Post 1230 in Sheboygan where
bers.Vets started calling to sign up. I’m telling
I live.
Musky Fishing with as
them the only cost would be a fishing license.
With phone in hand and a gentleman answermany Chapter clubs
The boat, gas, rods, baits were all on us. So now
ing on the other end, I said hi my name is Jody
we come to the beginning of this article and on
Booth and I’m a member of a Musky Club called
taking out a Vet on
September 17, 2005 fourteen vets gathered on
Between the Lakes, a Chapter of Musky Inc. and I
September 24, 2006.
the shores of Big Elkhart Lake waiting to hit the
and my son Tyler would like to take one of your
water. All the vets received a bucktail handmade
vets out musky fishing. The vet on the phone said,
by
myself
and
a
Musky
Inc. hat given by our club. At 7am the vets
Wow that’s great!! The vet said, tonight is our meeting and I’ll be glad
to pass this on, please call back. So the next day I called back. And
talking to the vet on the phone he said he brought it up at the meeting and no one seem to be interested.
So I wouldn’t give up and I called again and asked when the next
meeting was. So at the next Veterans meeting, my son and I took off
with a rod and musky lures in hand. At the meeting I talked about
my son and I would like to give something back to a Vet. One vet
said he never went musky fishing before and would like to try it. So
I got his name, Kevin Hafemister, he had served in the Navy for both
Desert Shield & Desert Strike.
S
teamed up with club members in hope to hook in to a 50” Musky that
lurks in our Lake. With each boat having radios and by 7:50 Veteran
Cal Wynveen in Sheboygan Bay using a Brown Buck Tail caught a 23”
Northern Pike. Shortly after that a 40” Muskie followed the bait off
of Fireman’s Park on a purple spinner in the boat of Roy Kalmerton
and Veteran Will Mondragon. By 9:25 20” Northern Pike taken by
Cal also. Cal released both pike back to the lake. Cal is now our
newest member of our club.
On July 17, 2005 the three of us were off to Big Elkhart Lake to
fish for muskies. Elkhart Lake is one of two lakes, which our club
stocks muskies in. So my boat launched and we were on our way. I
had my son Tyler drive the boat as I gave Kevin two handmade
muskie bucktails that I made.
Kevin said, wow that’s nice. Thank you so much. When Kevin
was casting my buctails, I was using top water bait and my son crank
bait. After about a half hour I asked our guest if he wanted to change
baits. He said no. Well we all know what its like when muskies have
lock jaw. Well it sure seems like the muskies went to the nearest hardware store and got every lock and put them on their jaws. But Kevin
did get a 17” Small Mouth Bass and released back to the Lake.
Now it was close to lunch. We all headed down the road to the
Sheboygan County Marsh Park for fellowship and fishing stories in
hand. Our club hosted soda, beer, hamburgers, and yes German
Bratwurst frying on the grill. With lots of smiles about the day and
big thanks to me and the other club members, one by one our
Veterans started to head home, with memories to tell their wives and
kids about this day of thanks to them.
Enclosed is a copy of how I typed up the flyer for this Year’s Vets
Outing. If you have any questions, feel free to call me.
In closing I would like to say to all the Veterans throughout
Muskies, Inc. thank you from Between The Lakes and myself for
serving in our Armed Forces. God Bless You All. ❖
Jody Booth (920) 458-4195
1622 S. 24th Street, Sheboygan, WI 53081
OR Ted Scharl at (920) 564-3226
So here I sit writing this story on how I got fourteen vets out fishing. So can that day be topped or can we go one more step further?
Hmmm. Lets see. Well I want to ask all Muskie Inc. Chapter Clubs
and their members to get together and have a National Vets Day Out
Musky Fishing with as many Chapter clubs taking out a Vet on
September 24, 2006. That’s the day our club is going to take more
Vets out.
Well I sure you are thinking how do we get started? WELL this
is what I did. Look in your phone books, for
VFW Post and run an article in your local
Buy your tackle on the net and spend more time putting fish in the net
newspaper, make up fliers and pass them out at
your food markets, work places, gas stations or
stores. I got in touch with our Sheboygan
County Veterans Service Office. In return they
gave me about 40 different Vet Posts that I sent
flyers to.
Easy & Secure
Musky Fishing Online Catalog
The flyers that I made said, the date, open
Online Ordering
to male or female veterans who served during
www.whitecapstackleco.com
War or Peace time, the Lake you choose to fish
Huge Selection:
on. It’s better to pick one Lake to fish on in
your area. This way it’s a club outing together
Lure sizes & colors Fishfinders & GPS
that day.
Fishing Line
Rods, Reels, & Tackle Boxes
So please lets all make this day happen on
E-mail: [email protected] FAX (248) 471-6212 phone(248) 471-6211 address: PO Box 530714, Livonia MI 48153
September 24, 2006, a day to remember and
honor our Veterans.
www.muskiesinc.org
The Top Water Color Code
by Justin Gaiche
B
loop, bloop, bloop… thump, thump, thump. The sounds
coming from my Topraider and my heart seem to be in perfect sync. It’s “the feeling”, you know the one where your
wound so tight you may unravel in the confidence of a heart stopping strike from a giant musky. My client Scott Wright, though
enthusiastic was curious why a top water lure was my choice at noon
on a sunny June day. Just then, in mid sentence a swing and a miss
followed by a great fish inhaling the top raider. With
a swipe of the rod, Scott was on the reel and I
was directing with my big Frabill net in
hand. After a great battle, Scott had
landed his first trophy musky, a
47-inch specimen.
In the past 100 years,
our ideas of musky top
water lures have gone
unchanged. Black prop
baits, glide baits and
cranking top waters
made up for only three
spots inside of that old
Styrofoam
cooler.
Though the actual functions of top waters have
gone relatively unchanged, the
way they are created, the sounds
they make and where and when they
are used has gone under great changes in
recent years. With all of the changes, all of the
models, all of the materials I believe the greatest change
has been color. “Color?” some ask with a doubtful look, “I thought
all I needed was black!” While black is certainly the finest color in
silhouetting against the skyline, I believe there are times when it is
more complex than that. While there are times when a musky might
bite anything you throw at him, allow me to explain my experiences
in color changes and why I believe they are important.
Changing My Opinion
On the same water and a similar day as previously mentioned
my friend Tom Hanaman and I had decided to start a mid-day fishing outing. Thinking alike, as we seldom do, we both
grabbed Topraiders. His was blackbird and
mine was a one of a kind watermelon
Tom had painted. As we began to
cast with Tom on the bow and
me on the stern I instantly
hooked up with a 45” fish.
After the adventure ended
we began casting again
and within the next two
hours I had seven
strikes all on Tom’s custom watermelon. Tom
being in the front of the
boat never moved a fish
and the sounds of the
baits were very similar as is
common in production lures.
We were led to believe that
watermelon was superior to black
on this water and on this day. Since
then there has been an astonishing difference
in brighter colors like yellow, chartreuse and green top
water baits verse black on this stained body of water.
Colors in top water have made leaps and bounds in recent years.
Some of these advances have been important in improving our success and others have been more for the angler’s
pleasure. This does not mean you should overlook
any color choice given you use them in the right
situation.
Like Ford cars in the first decade of the
1900’s, top water lures were black, black and black.
Though a few other colors existed, the idea that
black silhouetted best against the sky was best
because it allowed the fish to identify the lure easily. While it is true that black silhouettes great
against the skyline and I use the color often, there
are times where choosing other colors could
indeed increase your success.
Hot Colors
If you search through my tackle boxes you
will find an abundance of bright top water lures.
Blaze Oranges, chartreuses and lime greens all
deserve a home in ones tackle box. When you
have a combination of dark waters and darker
skies, these colors really stand out. These sunrise
and sunset times are often portrayed as classic “feeding times” and in
those cases I am covering water looking for active fish. These lures
stand out and are not only visible to fish, but in the low light periods are more visible to my clients and me increasing our hooking
percentages tremendously.
The final advantage to
white or chromatic top water
presentations is back to visibility.
If a musky is forage specific,
which is common in clear water,
being able to see the lure, might
When in Doubt, Go Black
not be a benefit. By using the
Since I have gotten into looking to colors other than black, I white or chromatic top water
believe it is important to not discourage you from dark colors. There lure I can make the lure noticeis certainly a reason that black has been so popular for all of these able through sound and vibrayears and that is silhouette. A fish in the water in part, is similar to tion. A musky is characteristia person on land. While it is common knowledge that fish see color cally a sound or feel feeder and if
the musky
in water in a completely different way that we
has located
It is this realization the
see in air there is one thing that congruent and
the bait,
that is contrast. Many of our lures have conleads me to believe that in
but unable
trast in themselves, fire tiger has stripes, perch
most cases, muskies can see
to visibly identify that the lure there might be
has bars and coachdog has spots. It is this contrast that helps a fish determine that there is
the color pattern and while a lesser chance of visually turning the fish off
but rather increasing your chance of the musky
something present and allows them to effectivesome of the lure is above
making a mistake by taking a shot at it.
ly hone in on their target. Nighttime is perhaps
Are they really Top Water baits?
water and the disruption
the time when this is most important. Visibility
last observation on top watercolor is
is extremely limited and when little light is presof the water might decrease how My
the general public views top water. It has
ent, black will contrast the best.
overall visibility, color is
become apparent to me that people believe all
Another time when black is an excellent
top water lures just sit on the surface and that
color for creating contrast is extremely stained
still important.
all a fish can see is the silhouette of the lure
or muddy water. It has been a preference of successful walleye anglers to switch from a bright, fluorescent color to against the sky making black the only logical option. I did not agree
black when rivers are very turbulent. It is also a time where increas- or disagree with them until I began spending time at sport shows
where the lure tank was present.
ing the amount of black, by using a larger bait is preferred.
In my opinion top water lures should be only classified as surface lures as they are both above surface and below surface simultaneously. The new generation of surface lures have become heavier
now, many made of plastic materials or denser, precision weighted
wood. This means that while the lure may float, the majority of it is
below the surface of the water making as visible as a bulged bucktail
or a shallow running crankbait. It is this realization the leads me to
believe that in most cases, muskies can see the color pattern and
while some of the lure is above water and the disruption of the water
might decrease overall visibility, color is still important.
Am I right? Who knows, but it has been difficult for me to
argue my success be it by chance or confidence in my presentation.
The Black Sheep…Is White!
Regardless, I encourage you to take my experiences to heart, give
There is a complete opposite to low light visibility and black some new colors a try in specific situations and I am confident that
lures and that is during high visibility periods like the high skies of they will result in greater top water success for you! ❖
summer. On clear waters, muskies can be very forage specific and
this is the time when I put the black away and go with the opposite, white or chromatic lures.
Your Online Guide to Muskie Fishing
While top water lures are rarely a choice during these times I
have found them to be very effective. A very popular presentation
during the summer is “bulging” bucktails over weed beds. I have a
difficult time seeing the advantage to bulging a bucktail over throwing top water when dealing with weed beds. For one, when you
bulge a bucktail, speed is important to both keep the lure near the
Fishing Reports * Guides * Resorts * Tackle
surface and prevent it from fouling on weeds. With the top water
lures, preferably the prop baits like Bucher Topraiders I am able to
Presented By
slow my presentation as much as I want allowing muskies to key in
on my lure in the dense cover and be more visible in the open pockets. I have found that being able to use the slow presentation while
keeping my top water free of weeds is far easier with the top water
E-mail [email protected] Toll Free 1-888-704-8380
lure than the bucktail.
www.muskiesinc.org
by Jim Smith
W
ow! Lots happening. Summer is heading our way.
Muskie openers have come and most of you are out there
flailing away. Don’t forget to take photos of interesting
“things” you find while on the water. If you get lucky and hook a
nice fish have someone record it, get some photos of the fight as well
as the “just before the release” photos. There are always other things
that make good photo subjects, like the assortment of lures just after
you have dropped your open tackle box in the boat. The moon
reflecting on the water, wildlife, like a deer or bear swimming in the
water. Juris is especially looking for lightening photos. If I had been
quicker in my thinking I would have taken a photo of Brian Grote,
(Fargo-Moorhead) just after we hit a stump while drifting along the
shoreline on Lac Suel. You probably already have an 8”x 10” of that
photo without me going any further. Send us your photos!
I always enjoy reading all of the articles I receive for publication.
This month two struck me as being special. Talk about who we are
and Jody Booth and Ray Thompson both exemplify what we,
Muskies, Inc are all about. Jody Booth, Between The Lakes Chapter,
tells a story about our veterans and Ray Thompson’s tells about the
Mississippi Valley Chapter and their $4,500.00 donation for the purchase of fingerling muskies.
This month Lynda and I will be attending the Outdoor Writer’s
Association Conference in Lake Charles, Louisiana. We’ll also be
doing a little off shore fishing. I’ve been invited to sit on an “Ask the
Editors Panel.” In addition, I will be doing a “One-on-One With
the Editors” to solicit more freelance writers for MUSKIE Magazine.
This conference will host around 800 writers, supporting members,
advertisers and experts in outdoor related fields. I hope to come
away with more great ideas to improve our magazine. I am also
interested in hearing about the future of fishing as well as various
conservation efforts going on across our country.
By the way, if you haven’t been to our website
www.muskiesinc.org you might just drop by. Ron Groeschl has
made a few significant improvements, such as direct links to the bulletin board and lunge log. I think you’ll enjoy the faster/shorter travel time.
Welcome to David Rautmann our new At-Large-Director
replacing Laura Morrison.
Have a great summer.
LETTERS TO THE
EDITOR
Jim
Here’s a cool pic a guy
sent me from one of his trips
to Lake of the Woods. It’s
pretty self explanatory, but
it’s interesting to note how
many theories there are floating around about what those
big toothy critters up in
Canada like to eat (and what
they supposedly don’t eat).
“They don’t eat small mouth bass - they cohabitate.” Is one of
my favorites. Cohabitate my butt! This pic shows how one pike ate a
fishing lure and on the way in to the boat, a larger pike decided to
munch (or should I say, canabalize) one of his own kind. It was no
mistake either... both fish were netted and released. I guess the big
pike just didn’t want to give up the meal? Any bets on how long it
took him to relocate the “food” after they were both put back into
the underwater buffet?
Happy cohabitation... chomp! [ Unsigned ]
Jim,
Attached are pictures of the recent donation ($4,500) of fingerlings purchased by the Mississippi Valley Chapter of Muskies, Inc.,
one of the member clubs of the Illini Muskies Alliance. The fingerlings were well fed fish, hatched in Minnesota (Leech Lake Strain) in
2005 and over-wintered. The 300 fingerlings were at least 12-14” in
length and stocked on April 20, 2006. 160 were stocked into 142acre McMaster Lake and 140 were stocked into 133-acre Storey
Lake. Both lakes are located in Knox Co. and both lakes have produced 50”-(30 lb class) muskies already.
Ray Thompson
(Photos
provided by
Steve Pallo
of the Illinois
DNR).
Jim Smith, Managing Editor
MUSKIE Magazine
The Official Publication of Muskies, Inc.
We work to improve fishing!
www.muskiesinc.org
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ◆ LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ◆ LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
As I See It
of Muskics, INC
Skcboyq**, W|
Between The Lakes Chapter Of Muskies Inc. is
hosting a Vets Day out of Musky fishing on Big
Elkhart Lake, September 24th, 2006.
Boats, gas, baits, and rods will be provided by Club
Members. Veterans will need a valid WI fishing
license and transportation to Elkhart Lake.
Brats and hamburgers will be served afterwards at
the Sheboygan Marsh.
Open to all Vets serving during War or Peacetime,
Male for Female.
Thank You for serving our country.
To sign up call: Jody Booth at (920)458-4195
Or Ted Scharl at
(920)564-3226
My Muskie Story: A Fall Monster
by Daniel Anderson
ctober 21st 2005. That is the day that that I caught my first I was going to catch something on this baby someday. My fishing
big musky. My friend Jay and I woke up in my cabin that buddy Mike used to laugh at me when I would talk about using the
morning at 3 a.m. and filled our thermos loaded the boat and Fuzzy Duzzit. If you can picture a banana made of lead and flattened
truck with our fishing and camping gear and headed north with hopes like pancake, that is what the Fuzzy Duzzit was - a smashed lead banana
(like any other trip) that this would be the time that we “get the big (cisco pattern). When you dropped in the water it sunk like a manhole
cover. The other thing I like about it is it’s easy to use.
one”.
Our thought was to try the deep water that was adjacent to “The
For two months prior to this trip I had been opening the lake map
Cisco
Triangle”. We positioned ourselves out in about 35 feet of water
to read and plan how to fish fall muskies on the chain of lakes we had
planned to fish. I had spent a week fishing on that same water the year let out the suckers and began shaking dice. When it was Jay’s turn to
before with my brother Paul (who is damn good musky fisherman him- shake I lowered the lead banana down to the bottom. Sometimes I
self) his son Isaiah, and Mike Shuda (whose dad ties to Louie Spray). would jig it and other times I just left the rod tucked under my leg. Jays
turn to shake. This time I picked up the pole from
We caught nothing. So naturally I had to go back.
under my leg. I gave the lead banana a long pull up and
As
I
reeled
to
take
up
What was it about that chain of lakes that made me go
slowly let it drop back down while focusing most of my
back? Maybe it was the same thing that kept Bill
the slack I could fell
attention on the shake to make sure he didn’t cheat.
Gardner returning to Crab Lake – knowing that there
there was something
Something wasn’t quite right as the lure was falling.
are giant fish in there and sooner or later I’d have to be
heavy. Had the lure
It seemed to hit the bottom way to early. Usually I can
close to ten thousand casts and the musky gods would
fallen right into the
feel the lure pulling on the line as it falls. Or maybe it
give one up.
wasn’t the bottom at all. I had
better stand up. As
Right around 7:30 we made our stop at Rollie and
jaws of “The Cisco
I reeled to take up the slack I could fell there was someHellens Musky Shop and picked up all the tackle we’ll
Triangle Monster”?
thing heavy. Had the lure fallen right into the jaws of
need. The plan was to soak suckers all day, shake dice
Nervously I alerted
“The Cisco Triangle Monster”? Nervously I alerted Jay
and drink coffee and Korbel Cokes. At about 8:30 we
Jay that I thought I
that I thought I might have one on. Time to set steal. I
landed the boat into the secret Lake, the lake we had
let her have it. Now I new I had a fish - and it was good
planned to camp on and do most of our fishing. After
might have one on.
one. When you question whether it’s a stump or a fish
a slow ride through the stumps and rocks we located our
Time to set steal!
you know you’ve got something nice. I don’t know how
campsite and cracked open our first beer. In a frenzy we
unloaded all our camping gear, firewood, coolers and set up the tent. many times I told Jay it was a big one and to get the net. I felt like I
Now it was time to pick the spot we were going to start fishing. We was a drill sergeant in the marines barking out orders – “Get net, get the
opened our second beer and talked strategy. We finally had it all pliers, get the bolt cutters, pull the motor up”. “It’s a big one, it’s a big,
planned. We made ourselves up a couple Brandy Cokes and headed out and it’s a big”.
The best way to describe the fight is to compare it to reeling a
to fish. By now it’s about 10:00.
We each had pole ready for soaking a sucker. That’s what they call cement block up the side of a building while it’s swings back and forth
it when you fish for Muskies with suckers – soaking suckers. I hooked and in circles. We were finally going to be able to say we got a big one.
us each on a large sucker (this was after Jay had so humbly confessed his After a short wrestling match with a giant bulldog lure that was stuck
fear of touching them) and dropped those down. We positioned our- in the net Jay had assumed the ready position. Then it appeared. “Holy
selves between three islands and over a series of rock humps for our first Sh—” we said, “it’s a slobasaurous”.
Jays first attempt to net it was unsuccessful as it turned and headdrift. We later decided we would call this area “The Cisco Triangle”.
We then each hooked on our lucky lures that we were sure would catch ed away from the boat. He did the right thing and did not try to net it
us a musky. While I hooked that first lure on I had an anxious feeling, tail first. I thought for sure it was going to make a leap out of the water
like I was being watched. What if those beasts can’t wait and one and we would lose it. Shortly, we had her turned back towards the boat
explodes out of the water grabs the lure, both my hands and flops back and moving jaws first into the net.
After quite a bit of screaming by grown men, Jay must have
in the water. I did manage to get the lure on. After each cast I watched
noticed my nervous state and grabbed the brandy and with shaking
with optimism waiting to see a large shadow behind my lure.
After about an hour of freezing hands and disappointment it was hands proceeded to pour a couple shots in my mouth as I sat in the bottime for a break. We opened up our first brandy coke and got out the tom of the boat out of breath, shaking, and staring at the largest live
dice. Let the games begin. In the bottom of the boat began the first musky I had ever seen. In my net! OK now we were ready to take care
game of the “World Series of Squelch”. I don’t recall for sure but I think of this beautiful bugger. We had turned on the aerator in the live well
and began to work at getting her out of the net. I had forgotten the
I did about as well shaking dice, as did catching fish up to this point.
After some time we seemed to have gained renewed sense of opti- camera so the plan was to put her in the live well and drive to camp for
mism so we began casting again. As usual all we did was get ourselves a photo shoot. The lure had pull out of the fish’s mouth while it was in
closer to that magical 10000 mark - no fish. Time for some more dice the net. The net and fished remained in the water while we worked to
and brandy cokes. Mmmmm mmm, were those brandy cokes good! get her out. Jay opened the live well and I hoisted that beast out of the
net like I was picking up a 35-pound baby out of a crib. That ride from
It’s about 12:30 now.
Gardner wrote about “Time On The Water”. Well I thought “lure “The Cisco Triangle” to camp was the best boat ride I can ever rememtime in the water” would also increase my 10000 to 1 odds. We had ber taking.
After some quick photos we lowered her back down into the water
both suckers in but I figured if I could have another lure in the water it
would improve my chances. I knew the lure I wanted to tie on. The and watched as she swam away. Seeing her swim away felt just as good
“Fuzzy Duzzit”. I had used this lure in the past and had grown some- as watching her swim into the net. It had finally happened - I had got
what fond of it. Just as with all my other favorite lures, I had told myself a big one. ❖
O
www.muskiesinc.org
Showcasing Our Muskies, Inc. Supporters:
Esox Angler Magazine
by Patricia Strutz
D
uring the late 1990’s four guys (Pete Maina, Ross Fisher,
Rick Renard, and Scott Schwalbach) put their heads together to start a new venture. The result was the magazine Esox
Angler. An interview with Senior Editor Jack Burns describes those
early years, “They thought there was room in the market for another
voice. Let’s say they had an agenda and they didn’t have an agenda.
They wanted to offer a different style magazine, one that pursued a
variety of perspectives. Our columns like “Back Lash: Thumbs Up &
Thumbs Down” dove right into this controversial arena. Our sport is
full of passionate people with strong opinions and we wanted to be a
forum for these topics.”
“Sometimes our intentions are misconstrued. The perception can
be that when a high profile guy like Pete (Maina) takes a stand on
tournaments or other topics that the whole core group at the magazine feels that way. That’s just not true. We want to tackle tough topics-like tournaments, world records, and proper handling of fish. We
invite pros and cons on both sides to be discussed. We even had a pro
& con debate between two friends who fish together yet disagree on
selective harvest vs. total catch and release (Rusty Lilyquist and Pete
Maina). Within the magazine core, we are very divided on these different issues yet we embrace the chance to discuss each side and learn
from them.”
“We truly want to live up to our motto of being ‘the real deal.’
We try to discuss political hotbed issues such as Indian treaties and No
More Muskies groups. Most folks try to tapdance around these issues
but they are paramount to our sport. We certainly don’t make all our
readers or our sponsors love us, but we feel these topics are too important to ignore.”
Esox Angler’s staff currently includes editors Jack Burns and Rob
Kimm, General Manager Pete Maina and Director of Operations
David Fornara. Scott Schwalbach heads up the art direction.
Burns continues, “We work with an excellent group of authors
and welcome new submissions. We are always looking for fresh topics
to delve into. We’d like to dismantle the macho edge of our sport by
welcoming more articles by women and about angling women and
children. Health, fitness, and medical considerations centered around
fishing are other issues we find extremely relevant. In past issues we’ve
discussed skin cancer (with graphic photos to drive the point home!)
and strength and conditioning techniques. Fisheries biologist Dan
Isermann adds some wonderful knowledge in his field of expertise.
Other key musky authors such as Doug Johnson, Bruce Shumway,
Rob Manthei, Dick Pearson, Dan Craven, Lee Tauchen, and Josh
Vorovsky have all contributed to the magazine’s level of excellence.”
Esox Angler started out as a pike and musky magazine from day
one. The argument was that there was a lot of overlap. “Our musky
season is very short in the northern realm, the pike season extends further into the calendar year. Including pike also extended our venues
to Europe. This extended geography allows us to work with incredible authors such as Jan Eggers from the Netherlands, and David
Lumb from the United Kingdom. We can bring some of their tactics
over here and learn from another culture.”
In keeping true to their “controversial edge” the magazine recently added walleye content and created a stir. Burns explains, “Bringing
‘eyes into the mix completes the circle for the Northcountry environment that muskies live in. Certainly it expanded our market but it
also expanded our magazine. We did not cut back on articles focusing
on muskies or pike, instead we added twelve more pages. In the past
two issues we added 16 more pages so we now have 112 (the first issue
had 80). There is more content on all species. In the summer 2005
issue we have a musky guy writing about using musky tactics to catch
walleyes in Green Bay and a pike guy using walleye tactics to catch
pike.
We also have a musky guy using pike tactics to catch ‘skies. This
is all conscious. We are well positioned to do this because we have
guides from all three species and there is truly a lot of overlap. If you
read about other species you get a multi-dimensional look at the fish’s
environment and it makes you a better angler.”
Including other species beside muskies also fosters a larger group
of qualified fishermen and authors to share their expertise. Noted pike
and walleye anglers such as Keith Kavajecz, Gary Parsons, Joe Bednar,
and Jack & Mary Penny regularly add their insights. Esox Angler
works toward balance-from discussing issues to offering viewpoints
from a variety of fishermen. “We have a great balance of veterans as
well as young kids writing for us. And guys from out East and from
the MidWest. This just goes hand in hand with our ‘real deal’ philosophy, offering information from many sources.”
In addition to the magazine, the group has expanded out into
other endeavors. Their office and store is located in downtown
Hayward, Wisconsin and are kept running smoothly by staff members Melissa McPeak and Jennifer Tavolacci. Items such as Musky
Mania Tackle Logo shirts, a variety of books and videos, and EA
branded merchandise and release tools are offered. When visiting the
National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame (also in Hayward), complete the trip with a stop the Esox Angler shop. Marketing Director
Teresa Webinger has recently added a “women’s line of musky wear.”
Fashionable yet functional denim shirts and tees are offered for the
ever- growing number of females out chasing these toothy creatures.
This scribbler applauds her efforts!
Pete has been regularly featured on Gillespie’s television show
“Woods & Water” but has recently added another show of interest.
The Next Bite, hosted by Maina, Kavajecz, and Parsons, features segments on muskies, pike, and walleye. It airs on the Outdoor Channel.
They strive to not only be educational but to show how much fun
fishing can be, too!
The bold publication and the outcropping of enterprises it has
created try to remain true to their roots by continuing to provide
truthful information and ‘the real deal’ on the sport to their readers
and viewers. Though their focus is mainly on muskellunge, they also
feature trophy pike and walleye tactics-easily balancing cutting edge
techniques with time proven ones. Education, promoting a strong
catch & release ethic, and establishing a platform to bring muskellunge, northern pike, and walleye anglers together on these common
grounds ranks high on their priority list.❖
2004 & 2005 Muskies, Inc.
Commemorative Lures...
Shipping
included
to all
domestic
locations.
Limited quantities...
$35.00 for one....$65.00 for two.
Each lure is signed
Please
and numbered
by the artist.
specify:
Over
ies
7,000 Musk
■ 2004 Crane Bait
Qty
Released
■ 2005 Grandma classic 9" Lure
Qty
Send your order and check made out to:
Muskies, Inc. c/o Pete Barber, International Treasurer,
1150 Berkshire Lane, Barrington, IL 60010.
Name: ____________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________
City: ________________________ State: ___ ZIP: ________
Check total: ________________________________________
On Sabaskong Bay
Six-time Muskies, Inc.,
Chapter Challunge Headquarters
1983, 1986, 1993, 1997, 2003, 2004
• Ultra-modern one, two, three, or four bedroom cabins
• American plan, housekeeping or camping
• Floating docks, electricity for charging batteries, Lund Boats with swivel seats
and depth finders, Honda motors with electric start
• Dining room with food and liquor available for registered guests only
Call or write for data on musky catches:
Or, If paying by credit card please include
signature and phone along with your number.
Credit Card #: ____________________ Exp. date: ___ / ___
Signature: _________________________ Phone: _________
Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for shipment.
www.redwinglodge.net • www.redwinglodge.on.ca
Family owned and operated for 40 years
2EDß(OTß2ONNIE
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3TRAIGHTßRETRIEVEß2EDß(OTß2ONNIEßANDßHISßTAILSßWILLß¾ßAPß
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www.muskiesinc.org
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!LLßOURßLURESßAREßHANDßPOUREDßINßTHEß53!ßCHECKßOUTßTHEßWEBSITE
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4%,%0(/.%ßßßßß%-!),ß).&/ 3(!#+!44!#+,52%3#/-
Muskie Magic on
Lac Seul
by Daniel P. DiCaro
rod from Parker to help undo the tangle and we began to drift
towards the back of the bay.
All of a sudden, the action began as Matt let a “holy ….look
at that” and we turned to see a torpedo like, big silver muskie following his Suick. As he approached the boat and Matt did a figure eight, the fish seemed to lose interest and veered off, only to
reemerge as Dan’s bucktail, which was trailing Matt’s lure by some
distance, came spinning towards the side of the boat. Rather than
follow Dan’s figure eight the fish simply hovered for what seemed
like a long time then slowly swam off, in the direction of the front
of the boat towards the back of the bay.
any anglers spend years seeking that elusive trophy Muskie.
Mike was watching this from his perch at the bow and he made
On a mild July evening in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, sixa
great
decision – he quickly switched his lure from a bucktail to a
teen-year-old Mike DiCaro experienced true Muskie
Top
Raider
and began casting towards the back of the bay. On his secMagic. With the help of one of the best Muskie Guides in the business, Greg Marino, Mike managed to land not only one but two ond effort the water erupted and the fight was on! Mike gave no
Muskies over 50 inches within the span of only two hours! A special ground and his rod bent nearly in half under the weight of this
muskie, none too happy to be on the end of this line.
type of muskie magic always seems to be there for
After a struggle, Mike “horsed” him into a great net job
members of our group each trip we take up to Lac
On his second effort
by Marino. This was Mike’s first muskie caught while
Seul, creating lasting memories for years to come.
the water erupted
casting and it measured 51 1/2 inches long.
Mike was with his father, Dan on their annual
and the fight was on!
The smile was still on Mike’s face a little less than
fishing trip to Canada. In their boat along with their
two
hours later when we motored into a section of
Mike
gave
no
ground
guide Marino, were Matt O’Mara and his son Parker.
shoreline
that Greg felt was a good bet to hold an
This group had been on the hunt for monster muskies
and his rod bent
aggressive fish. Mike, who had been relegated to the
for the last three years, with Greg providing the
nearly in half under
back of the boat, still had on his lucky Top Raider lure.
expertise over that time to turn four muskie novices
the
weight
of
this
We peppered the shoreline with casts, and as Mike cast
into anglers with the legitimate chance of landing one.
muskie,
none
too
deep towards the rocks and cranked the reel twice the
Last year, Parker had set the bar by catching a 51-inch
water exploded again; and again the fight was on. The
happy to be on the
muskie, (doing so while using 8 lb. Test Fireline with
an Ugly stick). The group was determined to experiend of this line. After longer distance made for quite a battle and as Mike
finally steered the thrashing muskie into Greg’s waiting
ence that kind of excitement again; little did they
a struggle, Mike
net, our screams could be heard across the lake. When
know what was in store on this trip.
“horsed” him into a
the measurement was 50 ? inches, we knew that this
On the second day of the trip, after spending the
was indeed a special, magical night.
great net job by
morning and early afternoon catching our fill of
When we returned that night to enjoy dinner and
walleyes for shore lunch and our take home coolers,
Marino.
stories
at Moosehorn Lodge, where we have hunted
we set off to hunt for muskies. We were fishing Lac
muskies
from the last two years, we realized how truly
Seul, a huge reservoir over 360,000 acres in size. It was shaping up to
fortunate
we
were.
In
just
the last three years, we have experienced the
be a beautiful evening as we drifted into a channel between two
thrill
of
a
young
lifetime
for
four teenage boys, each of whom before
islands that sheltered a smaller bay. Greg Marino knows this area as
well as anyone and he got us all on edge by telling us about a fish he he turned seventeen had the fortune to catch his first muskie. In fact,
the Whitney brothers, Jason and Andrew, have been the leaders landhad seen in the shallow part of the channel within the last week.
We launched our lures like missiles, raining from the sky in a ing several muskies each during this period with the help of their
constant assault on the guide Colin Goose and their father Marty Whitney who had started
water hoping to raise a it all four years ago by landing a 50 ? inch muskie on his first day out
giant. Our reels hummed with Colin. In addition, the Siers family, four boys in all ranging from
as we cranked in our 11 to 22, joined us with their dad Dave for the first time this year and
retrieves. Just as we com- each landed a muskie of his own with the help of their guide Brian
pleted a slow trip through Cole, with 16 year old Jimmy topping us all when he caught a whopthe channel, we heard the ping 56 inch beast the second to last night of the trip.
As Greg Marino said we were now “family”. Linda and Carter
unmistakable sound – no
Rice
and all the folks at Moosehorn Lodge made us feel right at home
not of a strike but of the
during
our stay there, presenting us with pictures and plaques comanglers curse, a backlash.
memorating
our stay. You can bet we will return to try and recapture
Greg shut off the trolling
the
Lac
Seul
muskie magic in years to come. ❖
motor and grabbed the
M
BEST
e
h
t
Of
2006
Tof the
BEST
Muskie’s Inc. International Muskie Fishing
Tournament, Green Bay, Wisconsin
October 13th, 14th and 15th
TEAMS
SIGN-UP NOW!
Sponsors
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13TH
Mandatory registration and rules meeting held
at 7:30 PM. A meal will follow.
rs:
u
o
H
ment
a
n
r
Tou
rday PM
u
t
a
S
- 4:00
M
A
7:00 Sunday PM
1:00
M
A
7:00
Command Center: Sportsman’s Warehouse, 1551
Lawrence Dr., DePere, Wisconsin, 54115, Exit off
of Hwy 41Exit.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14TH
At 6:30 PM tournament standings, a meal will be
furnished by Sportsman’s Warehouse and ticket
raffle are done.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15TH
At 2:30 PM Tournament Winners will be announced
pay out of cash awards.
1st Place - $10,000
2nd Place - $3,000
3rd Place - $1,500
4th Place - $1,200
5th Place - $800
6th Place - $700
7th Place - $600
8th Place - $500
9th Place - $400
10th Place - $300
To become a sponsor contact
Ken Karbon at 303-688-4954.
To sign up log on to www.muskiesinc.org to
print an entry and release liability form.
Lower Bay of Green Bay and Fox River
7 miles up to DePere Dam
LIMITED EDITION CAP
As a Muskie Fisherman and Member of Muskies Inc.
Show Your Support with These Great Buys...
Foam Beverage Coolers
MI-20051
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MI-2005
3-Season Jacket
$4.00
MI-100
$28.00
$6.50
Youth Fisheries Decal
220-MI
$1.50
Boat/Truck Vinyl Decal
MI-245 (White)
MI-246 (Black)
Cloth Muskie Patch
230-MI
MI-5505
$3.00
Youth Fisheries Patch
225-MI
$3.00
High Leverage Bolt Cutter
$5.00
$5.00
$37.00
Sport Bag
Knipex Bolt Cutter
$35.00
MI-900
Med $25.00
Lg-$30.00
MAIL THIS FORM TO:
Muskies Merchandise
Muskies, Inc. 1509 Stahl Road, Sheboygan, WI 53081
Name ______________________________________________ BILLING INFORMATIOIN
Address ____________________________________________
VISA _______
MasterCard________
City _______________ Zip_____ State___ Country________
Personal Check ______
Money Order_______
Phone _____________ Fax_____________ EMAIL_________
Card # ________________ Expiration Date ____
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO MUSKIES, INC.
Signature ________________________________
VISIT OUR WEB SITE www.muskiesinc.org FOR THESE AND OTHER GREAT MUSKIE BUYS...
To order call 920-457-3720 Fax 920-208-8467
Freight needs to be added to all orders - Call Ellen for details or Visit the web site.
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August 9,10,11
As of right now the 2006 Gil Hamm
Chapter Challunge is going to be hosted
out of McQuoids resort on Mille Lacs
Lake in MN.
Chapter News and Views
Phone #
www.muskiesinc.org
October 6,7,8
Hayward Lakes Chapter
29th Annual Fall Tournament
$30,000.00 in prizes. Entry Fee $60.00.
Contact: Mike Persson (715) 634-4543.
October 21
M.I. International Fall Board Meeting
Host: Fargo/Moorhead Chapter,
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Guided fishing on Friday, Oct 20
Contact: RVP Brett Waldera,
email: [email protected]
Home Phone 701-298-9032
Hotel: Holiday Inn, Detroit Lakes, MN
218-847-2121, www.dlinn.com
Room rate $69.95
(mention Muskies, Inc.)
Spring, 2007
M.I. International Spring Board Meeting
Host: Columbus, Ohio Chapter
Contact: Ross Warner
[email protected]
Phone: 614-554-2058
Fall, 2007
Canada, hosted by the International
Friday, September 14, 2007
Contact Paul Framsted
[email protected]
Looking for Chapters to host both
2008 meetings and beyond
Special events listings are provided at
no charge to Muskies, Inc chapters.
To list your chapter's event, email to: [email protected]
or by ground mail: Jim Smith,
15045 W. Double Tree Way,
Surprise, AZ 85374-8568.
Please send announcements
at least 2 months in advance.
CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS
01 ........Twin Cities, 414 Division St., Excelsior, MN 55331 ......................................952-380-1218
02 ........Fargo-Moorhead, Box 2021, Fargo ND, 58103 ............................................701-298-9032
03 ........Chicagoland Muskie Hunters, 7600 Kilbourn Ave, Skokie, IL 60076............847-677-0017
04 ........Titletown Muskies, Inc., 3097 Inverness Lane, New Franken, WI 54229 ....920-866-9705
05 ........Pomme De Terre, PO Box 5, Hermitage, MO 65668....................................417-745-2381
06 ........First Wisconsin, PO Box 122, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729............................715-726-8896
07 ........South Side Muskie Hawks, 5211 S. Narragansett Ave., Chicago, IL 60638 ..773-581-8650
08 ........Capital City, PO Box 8862, Madison, WI 53708 ...........................................608-669-5046
09 ........West Virginia, 1270 Federal Road, Little Hocking, OH 45742......................740-667-3571
10 ........Heartland, 239 8th St SE, Mason City IA 50401 ..........................................641-424-0827
11 ........Mississippi Valley, 5301 11th Ave “C”, Moline, IL 61265...............................309-797-1803
12 ........Headwaters, PO Box 652, Eagle River, WI 54521 .......................................715-477-2913
13 ........Hayward Lakes, PO Box 609, Hayward, WI 54843......................................715-634-4543
14 ........South of the Border, 28926 W. Big Hollow Rd, McHenry, IL 60050 .............815-385-9026
15 ........Star of the North, 29957 La Plant Rd., Grand Rapids, MN 55744 ...............218-326-4958
16 ........Three Rivers, 119 Bus Lane, Renfrew, PA15136 .........................................724-789-7866
17 ........Quad County, PO Box 185, Plano, IL 60545 ................................................815-695-1494
18 ........Hopedale, 15 Township Rd 125, Dillonvale, OH 43917................................740-769-7269
19 ........Akron-Canton Muskie Maniacs, 1503 S Main St, Akron, OH 44301 ............330-724-7592
20 ........Between the Lakes, PO Box 61, Sheboygan, WI 53085-0061.....................920-564-3226
21 ........North Metro, PO Box 41216, Plymouth, MN 55441......................................952-469-2155
22 ........New Jersey, http://www.mi22.com/...............................................................................TBD
23 ........Cleveland, 34188 Euclid Ave., D-24, Willoughby, OH 44094-3351 ..............440-269-2464
24 ........Brainerd Lakes, 9143 Lone Pine Road, Brainerd, MN 56401 ......................218-821-3669
26 ........Central Wisconsin, PO Box 263, Medford, WI 54451...................................715-748-2630
27 ........Central Illinois, 1191 Sandra Lane, Monticello, IL 61856..............................309-264-3730
28 ........Shawnee Muskie Hunters, PO Box 602, DeKalb, IL 60115..........................815-756-3231
29 ........Upper Great Plains, 1788 Hwy 4, Estherville, IA 51334 ...............................712-362-2501
30 ........God’s Country, PO Box 1461, LaCrosse, WI 54601.....................................608-786-4062
31 ........Penn-Ohio, 309 Spring St, Jamestown, PA 16134 .......................................724-932-5815
32 ........Flatlanders, 5776 Vesper Drive, South Beloit, IL 61080 ...............................815-389-4622
33 ........Lake Superior, 2031 Hwy. 33 S., Cloquet, MN 55720 ..................................218-879-2712
35 ........Milwaukee, PO Box 28842, Greenfield, WI 53220 .......................................262-789-1255
37 ........St. Cloud, 312 18th Avenue N., Sartell, MN 56377.......................................320-656-1160
38 ........Vikingland, 609 S. Otter Ave., Parkers Prairie, MN 56361 ...........................218-338-5441
39 ........Fox River Valley, 1253 Cobblers Crossing, Elgin, IL 60123 .........................847-741-9771
41 ........Central Ohio, 8494 Fall Gold Lane, Westerville, OH 43082 .........................614-451-0485
42 ........Hoosier Muskie Hunters, PO Box 501371, Indianapolis, IN 46250..............317-577-8050
44 ........Colorado, 3739 Sawgrass Trail, Castle Rock, CO 80109.............................303-668-4089
45 ........Kentucky, 212 Linden Ave., Southgate, KY 41071 .......................................859-441-1666
46 ........Bemidji/Cass Lake, 11551 Misty Meadows Rd, Bemidji, MN 56601 ............218-759-0098
47 ........Michigan Muskie Alliance, PO Box 512, Caledonia, MI 49316.....................616-447-1688
48 ........Arrowhead, PO Box 82, Virginia, MN 55792 ................................................218-482-5217
49 ........Webster Lake Musky Club, PO Box 670, No. Webster, IN 46555................574-834-1669
50 ........Penn-Jersey, 372 Kingwood Rd., King of Prussia, PA 19406.......................610-962-0632
51 ........Ohio Valley Muskie Hunters, 211 Mann St., Bowerstown, OH 44695 ..........740-269-1216
52 ........Daniel Boone, 428 N. Wilson Ave., Morehead, KY 40351............................606-784-3933
53 ........Nebraska, PO Box 394, Valentine, NE 69201 ..............................................402-376-2743
CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆
No. Chapter, Address
2006
June 22 -25
Wisconsin Chapters Larry Kleeba
Memorial Challenge on Lost Land and
Teal Lakes. Information - Mike Persson
715-634-4543
52
5
Special
Events
CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆
48
46
2
CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆ CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆ CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS
02
Fargo-Moorhead
Box 2021 • Fargo, ND 58103
701-298-9032 – Brett Wade Waldera
[email protected]
Meets 4th Monday 7:00 PM, VFW in West Fargo.
The Fargo-Moorhead Chapter last met on
Monday, April 24th.
President Mark Stenger brought the meeting to
order. We introduced two new members, and
that’s always a good sign.
Mark then talked about the on-ice clean up we
did on Detroit Lake. He stated that the conditions
were perfect this year. So much stuff is left behind
after the ice fishing season ends, and for the past
two years, we’ve helped clean it up. This year we
filled two pickup loads with various junk. Thanks
again, to all who helped out.
Brett Waldera went to a meeting with the
Minnesota DNR in Fergus Falls, MN. They talked
about their “Plan” for Pelican Lake, and
announced that this Fall, they will begin stocking
1600 fish there biannually. They also mentioned
that they are finding signs of natural reproduction.
The F-M Chapter offered to pay for the purchase, installation, and monthly fee for a light to
be placed at the Pelican Lake public access. The
DNR said that before going any further with this
project, we’d need written permission from the
landowners on each side of the access. They didn’t even want to continue talking about this project until after we get that request.
We talked briefly about the Motions that were
voted on at the Spring Board meeting. There
seems to be much more discussion on some of
them SINCE the meeting, than actually while we
were there. All of the Motions voted on came out
as the Fargo-Moorhead Chapter had voted
before the meeting.
Some of the F-M members went Sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River. In a day and a half of fishing, they caught 7, with two going 62 inches in
length. One of those fish had an estimated weight
at close to 100lbs. They also had a 55-inch average fish. This has become a yearly event for a
few of the F-M guys, and I’m going to try to make
it up there next year.
That’s the latest from your friends in the F-M
Chapter. Good Fishing to all.
Brad Waldera
03
Chicagoland
Muskie Hunters
7600 Kilbourn Ave.
Skokie, IL 60076
847-677-0017 – Dean Rosset
[email protected]
Meets 1st Tuesday 7:30 PM, Park Ridge VFW 10
West Higgins Ave., Park Ridge, IL.
Spring at last. The Chicagoland Muskie
Hunters have already caught a good number of
muskies, with many more on the way. It seems
like an endless summer ahead of us, but we all
know it will soon (too soon), come to an end.
The Fishing Flea Market on held on March 12th
at Rolling Meadows High School. Attendees
were able to get some grate deals on new and
used fishing equipment, including some antiques.
The club sponsored a popular casting contest,
won by Frank Incardinc. At the end of the day,
we drew raffle tickets for our annual fundraiser.
The winners were:
Pete Kukurba
“Dark Water Muskie”
Zachary Arnold “Deep Water Muskie”
Mark Schuck
“St. Lawrence River Muskie”
Scott Mueller
“Cartwheeling Muskeie”
Kevin Rortvedt “Muskie Lair”
Greg Denny
Rich Monti
Leah Rosset
Rich Bohne
Jim Bruscato
Victor Fox
Muskie Rod & Reel Combo
Muskie Rod & Reel Combo
Beckman Fin Saver Net
$100 Gift Certificate
April’s meeting was another in a continuous
stream of well attended, educational, and fun
events.. Our attendance is growing steadily;
maybe it’s the pizza, or perhaps, the camaraderie, maybe even the bartender at the VFW
hall. Whatever the reason, it makes for a great
evening. After the fishing report, and Steve
Statland’s report on the Spring Board meeting,
Leah Rossett, along with Dale Bowman of the
Chicago Sun-Times presented trophies for the
2005 Chapter contest to the lucky winners.
John Ryan presented His PMTT partner, who
coincidentally is his daughter, with a custom rod
and fuscia-tinted reel. John did very well on the
series of tournaments last year, and is planning
on an even better performance in 2006. John
related to the group his wonderful experiences on
the tournament trail and made all the fathers in
the crowd hopeful for future adventures with their
children.
After the evening’s complimentary Pizza, Larry
McDermitt gave an insightful presentation on
Muskie fishing at Lac Veiux Desert in Northwest
Wisconsin. Larry had brought some wonderful
mounts of Silver and Tiger Muskies caught at
LVD. Larry had copies of his presentation for
everyone to take home and look at over and over
on their home PCs.
May’s meeting, on May 2nd featured Dan
Vinovich. Dan is a guide from Central Illinois; and
he discussed fishing on Spring and Story Lakes.
Dan also covered his approach to muskie fishing,
which is different from most other guides you will
encounter. Dan’s lively talk is geared around
using techniques borrowed from other areas of
sport fishing. He is successful with Saltwater,
walleye, bass, and other gamefish approaches
being applied to muskie fishing. And Dan is
extremely entertaining. You don’t have to worry
about nodding off while he is talking.
Next months meeting, on June 6th will feature
a panel discussion with our very own Steve
Statland, John Ryan, and Mark Podobinski, discussing spring Muskie tactics. Joe Decoste will
also be giving a “Lake in a Nutshell presentation
on Mille Lacs.
July’s meeting is on the water. Meet at
Barnacle Bob’s on Saturday July 8th, There will
be a cookout, contests, and excitement galore.
See our website for more information
See you on the water!
Greg Denny
First Wisconsin
P.O. Box 122,
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
715-726-8896
[email protected]
[email protected]
Meetings 1st Monday, 5:30 PM, Rod and Gun Club,
Lake Wissota.
06
First Wisconsin Chapter begins the summer
season at 5:30 pm on Monday, May 1 with its
annual Fish Fry and Bait Swap at the Rod and
Gun Club on Lake Wissota. Chapter meetings
throughout the summer will continue on the first
Monday of the Month at 5: 30 pm. A brief meeting and meal will be followed by fishing until 9 pm.
First Wisconsin Chapter is raising funds
through the “Adopt A Musky” program to purchase PIT tags for the Lake Wissota Musky
Study comparing Leech Lake and Bone Lake
strains over the next four years. The Adopt a
Musky program allows interested persons to
adopt an individual musky. As information about
each fish comes in, it will be passed on to the
individuals adopting the musky. Those adopting
will receive an adoption certificate and an “I
adopted a future trophy” sticker.
To adopt your Musky, please send a $10.00
donation to: Mark Hintz, 1365 S. 50Th Ave., Eau
Claire, WI 54703. You may send funds via
Paypal to [email protected]. Be sure to
include your address so the certificate can be
sent to you. For information contact Jon Olstadt,
715-834-1308.
The First Wisconsin Youth committee is working with students from Delong Middle School to
conduct an ongoing study of our chapter rearing
ponds. The students began by helping to clean
and prepare the rearing ponds. Thanks to all.
South Side Muskie Hawks
07
5211 S. Narragansett Ave.
Chicago, IL 60638
773-581-8650
Our meetings are held every third Wednesday of
the month at Mama Luigi's located at 7500 S.
Harlem in Bridgeview, IL starting at 7:00 pm.
2006 CHAPTER CONTEST
Men’s Master Division
Men’s Division
Women’s Master Division
Women’s Division
Junior Division (12 – 17 yrs)
Kids Division (under 12 yrs)
- Determined by inches
MUSKIES
LUNKER OF THE MONTH - Largest Muskie of
each month by inches
MULTI-SPECIES - Northern, Largemouth Bass,
Smallmouth Bass, Walleye
- Best 5 by inches
- Largest of each species by inches
SALMON - Kings, Browns, Steelhead
Largest by inches
All Non-muskie awards are annual, not
monthly
**UPDATE on SSMH Fish Entry Form
Submissions**
Please discard any old forms. Old forms will
no longer be accepted. New forms are available
on the Internet (www.muskiesinc.com) or at our
SSMH club meetings.
All required areas must be filled out and submitted within 30 days of fish being caught (the 30
day rule). If not, submission will not be accepted.
Contest Chairman: George Benda, phone:
708-429-0526 or email: [email protected]
ANNOUNCING NEW MEETING ATTENDANCE INCENTIVE FOR 2006
(Includes Feb-Nov. Meetings)
Would you like to win a free reproduction
mount of your best fish in 2006?
Fittante Taxidermy and the Southside Muskie
Hawks will award you one graphic mount for any
fish you register with the SSMH or MI in 2006.
HOW?
Remember to sign in at each meeting
Attend 3-5 meetings = 1 drawing ticket
Attend 6-8 meetings = 3 drawing tickets
Attend 9 meetings = 5 drawing tickets
Maximum tickets you can achieve is 5 tickets.
Drawing to be held at our 2006 December
Christmas Party.
If you do not attend the Christmas party, your
tickets will still be included in the drawing.
P.O. Box 8862, Madison, WI 53708
608-274-3479 – Gerard Hellenbrand
www.capitalcitymuskiesinc.org
Meets: 2nd Monday 7:00 PM Park Ponderosa
McFarlan, WI
The Capital City Muskies Inc chapter was busy
in March and April. The featured speaker at our
March meeting was Howie Meyer a guide from
Vilas county who spoke about catching fish in
clear water. He broke it down into four “P’s”
pounding, puffing, pausing, and patience.
Good advice regardless of the water clarity. Our
annual musky school was held in March. There
was a remarkable increase in attendance as over
150 anglers registered, twice has many as in
2005. The school offered something for everyone
from rigging suckers to hands-on GPS experience. New this year was a “moon phase” debate.
The importance of the moon phase was represented by Steve Worrall, a northern Wisconsin
guide. The lack of moon phase importance was
represented CCMI member Craig Eversoll. Both
Steve and Craig agreed that the best time to fish
is when you can go. The annual spring fundraising seminar was held in April. Fishing great Bob
Mehsikomer was the featured speaker. Bob kept
the large gathering engaged all evening with
footage from his TV shows catching 50+ inch fish.
He challenged the audience to respond to what
was favorable and unfavorable in various situations. Bob ended with that helpless feeling when
the “big” one gets away. A few club members got
an early jump on the musky season by heading
south and west. Our president Steve Reinstra
nabbed a 43+ incher in Illinois Lake Kincaid. Our
second annual Iowa Pleasant Creek Lake outing
was attended by 24 club members and although
only one fish was caught, all agreed it felt good to
hear the “plop” of lures hitting the water again.
www.muskiesinc.org
Now that all of the off season club activities are
completed club members are busy sharpening
hooks for the May 6th opening.
Gary Hoffman
09
West Virginia
1270 Federal Road
Little Hocking, OH 45742
740-667-3571
http://westvirginiamuskiesinc.org
Meets: No definite schedule-call
We helped WV DNR plant Bullrush, Arrowhead
and Sago Pondweed at Woodrum Lake and
Burnsville Lake in March. Being native to the
region, this aquatic vegetation should have a
good chance to thrive. Plants are surrounded by
wire barriers to protect them from predators.
Volunteers included Jim Moore, David
Kaltenecker, Ken Squires, Bill Looney and Gary
Fields.
About 20 members fished North Bend Lake on
April1 with DNR on standby to accept muskies for
their rearing program. We were the butt of a cruel
April Fools joke by the muskies until late evening
when finally Jerry Miller caught a 32” and another was seen. More importantly, a good location
was revealed to DNR which returned a couple of
days later and electroshocked several muskies.
These NB fish are growing much more rapidly
than those in Middle Island Creek.
Some guys understandably abandoned the
mission to catch muskies for DNR in favor of the
frantic bass fishing in the extreme upper reaches
of the lake. Bill Looney lost count at 60 bass. Bill
Boggess and Gary Batton joined in the fun.
Twenty-eight individuals entered our Spring
Mail-In Tournament. Chuck Braniff and Jason
Issacs braved morning snow and constant wind
Saturday at Piedmont Lake. Chuck caught a 35”,
the only qualifying fish registered. Thanks to
chairperson Sharon Crane.
On April 17, 2006 Chapter representatives Jim
Moore, Mike Moschell, John Kaltenecker, Kevin
and Darlene Kelley met with Chris O’Bara,
Warmwater Hatcheries Manager and Scott
Morrison, District VI Fish Biologist; at the
Parkersburg DNR office. Scott reported on the
status of and plans for Woodrum Lake and his
work this spring at North Bend Lake. Chris
reported on the muskie rearing and stocking program and Special Muskie Projects for 2006. We
made recommendations to DNR concerning signage at North Bend Lake, creation of stream
access sites at public bridges and organization of
Watershed Management Groups to reduce
muddy waters and siltation. Details can be
accessed at http://westvirginia.muskiesinc.org.
We appreciate the opportunity to meet with
DNR officials in this small group format which
facilitates discussion and the exchange of ideas
better than larger, more formal meetings.
John Kaltenecker, Secretary
WV Chapter 09 Muskies, Inc.
Headwaters
12
P.O. Box 652
Eagle River, WI 54521
715-477-2913 – Paul Hansen
www.headwatersmuskies.com
Meets 1st Wednesday 7:00 PM
The April 5th general membership meeting of
the Headwaters Chapter 12 of Muskies, Inc. was
well attended and a number of important items
ere covered. To start off with we gave a big round
of applause to Art Anderson. Art is our current
Regional Vice President and at the March meeting Art was inducted into the Muskies, Inc. Hall of
Fame. Congratulations Art! Our first club outing
will be May 27th. This outing is a one day outing
on the Eagle River Chain followed by a get
together at the Honey Bear Inn. As fellow musky
08
Capital City
hunters await the opening day here in the
Northwood’s its time to get our fishing gear and
boats and trailers ready. Early June bring our
26th annual Spring Challenge – June 10th & 11th.
This event has been one of the most sought after
events.
There are many activities, meeting and events
going on with our Chapter. Please be sure to visit
our website @ www.Headwatersmuskiesinc.com
. For out of town members that frequently visit
Eagle River be sure to mark the dates for outings
and meetings. Looking forward to meeting and
having you get involved with our organization.
Regards,
Glenn Matula
Hayward Lakes
13
P.O. Box 609
Hayward, WI 54843
715-634-4543
The guest speaker at our April meeting was
Dave Neuswanger, DNR Area Fisheries
Supervisor. Dave covered a number of Muskie
topics but mainly talked about genetics and
stocking. He also made it clear that the DNR will
not be stocking any Leech Lake, Minnesota strain
fish in the Hayward area because all of our lakes
are natural Muskie lakes and will only be stocked
with native fish.
The lawsuit against the cranberry farmer on
Musky Bay on Lac Court Orielles was decided by
the judge in April with the judge finding that the
cranberry farmer was not breaking the law. The
judge did note that the farmer was causing the
deterioration of the bay’s water quality but at this
time it was not a public nuisance. The land owners and their attorney plan on appealing so there
is still some hope of seeing the bay cleaned up.
Our June meeting will be held at the Fresh
Water Fishing Hall of Fame. We will tour the facility with director (and club member) Emmett
Brown and have beer and brats afterward, we’ll
meet at 7pm.
In June we’ll also be hosting the Wisconsin
Chapters Larry Kleeba Memorial Challenge on
the 24th and 25th. The fishing will take place on
Lost Land and Teal Lakes with the headquarters
at Lost Land Lake Lodge. For more info call Mike
Persson 715-634-4543.
Good Fishing,
Mike Persson
Quad County
17
P.O. Box 185, Plano, IL 60545
(815) 695-1494 – Dana Smith
[email protected]
[email protected]
Meets 2nd Thursday, 7:30pm. Plano American Legion
Chapter 17’s board has been very busy with
budgeting and planning the year’s activities. Here
is a brief rundown of what is on the platter for
2006:
May regular meeting changed to 5/4/06 from
5/11/06.
May 4 meeting will be a SWAP MEET. Bring
your stuff to trade or sell.
June 9th will be our Friday night meeting on
Shabbona Lake.
June 24th will be our club outing on Heidecke
Lake
July 16th will be our Kid’s Fishing Day.
We have 3 events/prizes on our Silent
Auctions.
We still have 2 donation jars that need homes
and we need to know where the rest were placed.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Last year we placed donation jars at strategic
spots around the area for our MI club. We raised
over $600 that went into buying baby muskies we
released into Shabbona. This year we want to
help where ever we can. Please consider where
you could put a couple of these and collect the
money every week or two for our club. This doesn’t take much for you to do and it would help your
club immensely.
Congratulations for taking 4th place in percentage of new members out of 49 MI chapters!!!! We
ended up 3rd in retention and only 1 of 3 chapters
that retained over 90% of their current members.
The 3-day trip to Lost Lake in Hayward, WI that is
being auctioned off in our silent auction was our
prize.
We also won the picture of the year contest
with Bob Hoyle’s 54” monster. The $500 prize
was donated and bought our video projector.
Again, congrats to everyone in Chapter 17!!!!
Hope everyone has a successful season wherever you fish and remember to be safe on the
water.
Keep those lines tight and release ‘em healthy!
Mark A Johnson
VP Chapter 17
22
New Jersey
http://www.mi22.com/
Our April 25th meeting was held at the
Hackettstown Hatchery and attended by 24 people. Craig Lemon displayed 6 breeders up to 45”
from Echo Lake and gave a report. Hightlights
included the following: Pike stocking in Budd
Lake may need reduction, the Delaware River will
receive a half million Walleye fry, netting at
Greenwood produced fish up to 50” and was
attended by NYDFW personnel, all breeders
were tagged before quick return, the average
Walleye in Greenwood was 6.5 pounds and 25”.
Additionally 16 holdovers were returned to
Mercer Lake along with 7 to Mountain Lake.
They’ll achieve their goal of 600,000 Muskie eggs
and Craig expects another strong Fall stocking.
Also emphasized was the importance of catch
reports and Craig is particularly interested in
smaller Muskies. All imfo can be forwarded to
him at [email protected]. Treasurer Jed
Chingery provided a report indicating a balance
of $ 4,600.00 before Guide For A Day deposits.
We have a full calendar- June 10th is the annual Spring Tournament with Echo Lake,
Greenwood and Monksville Reservoir as destinations. As usual a banquet with dinner and prizes
will be held. Watch MI22.com for details. The
following Sunday, June 18th we’ll be hosting
NJDFW personnel for a day of fishing and lunch.
This will be a great time to fraternize with those
who work so hard for our Muskie and freshwater
programs. Guide For A Day will have been at
near record proportions again. As a reminder all
are encouraged to file catch reports either on the
Muskiesinc.org site or directly to Craig. For each
submission to the MI site, the angler will receive
a year end raffle ticket towards prizes. Fishing is
underway locally and Jeff Young’s son Ryan
recently released his first- a 33” True Strain.
We’d like to welcome and thank two new sponsors:
Don
Slagle
of
Hoosierhandmademuskybaits.com and Elena
Dykstra who recently purchased Greenwood
Lake Marina. Don makes beautiful wooden
lures and Elena offers a wide array of boats, gear
and service. Enjoy the season and should you
catch a tagged fish, photograph or note the tag#
( try to avoid removing the tag) and contact any
club officer or Craig Lemon at his previously stated email address.
Submitted by Gordon Campbell,
VP Chapter 22.
Central Illinois
1191 Sandra Lane
Monticello, IL 61856
Jeff Gillis – 309-264-3730
www.tcimh.org
Meets 3rd Wednesday 7:00 PM at White Oak
Community Room, 1514 N. Cottage Ave.,
Bloomington, IL except Mar, July, Aug & Dec.
27
We have a new location and time for the
Central Illinois Muskie Hunters, chapter 27. The
meetings are on the 3rd Wednesday of the month.
Except for March, July, August, and December.
The meetings are held at the White Oak
Community Room located at 1514 N. Cottage
Avenue in Bloomington, IL. This location is in the
west side of Bloomington. This location is not at
Evergreen Lake.
The meetings start at 7:00 pm and are free and
open to the public. Contact Jeff Gillis at 309-2643730 or visit CIMH on the web at www.tcimh.org
for directions or information.
Just keep on pluggin,
John Jackson
29
Upper Great Plains
1788 Hwy 4
Estherville, IA 51334
712-362-2501
Meets 3rd Thursday , Legion Club, 1709 Okoboji
Ave., Milford, IA.
It has been a while since chapter members
have been able to get on the lakes together. I
know everyone is excited to be back on the
muskie waters of Iowa. To get everyone back
together the chapter is holding an upcoming outing on Big Spirit. In addition the annually muskie
league nights are in full swing to get anglers
together to have some fun chasing the elusive
muskellunge.
The UPG chapter is hosting a summer outing
on Big Spirit Lake. It will be held on Saturday,
June 24th. Fishing hours are from 7am to 7pm.
We have reserved the shelter at Templar Park for
a cookout following the event. If we are lucky
Rod and Ryan Blau just might serve up their delicious barbeque ribs like they did at last years
event. Man were they good! The event is free of
charge and it is a great way to get members
together.
Mark Mitchell has kindly volunteered is time
again this year to run muskie league nights on
area lakes. Here is a following list of the dates
and locations: May 24 Big Spirit, Templar Park.
June 7 East Okoboji, Triggs. June 21 West
Okoboji, Triggs. July 5 Big Spirit, Templar Park.
July 19 East Okoboji, Triggs. August 2 Big Spirit,
Templar Park. August 16 West Okoboji, Triggs.
August 30 Big Spirit, Templar Park. League night
fishing begins at 6:15 and goes until sunset. Be
sure to arrive early enough to get your entry fee
to Mark so he can be on the water to get after the
fish as well.
I had a great time seeing and handling some
very nice muskies gill netting with the IDNR fisheries. I worked with fisheries personnel on East
Okoboji April 7-9 and we caught several beautiful
fish. All together the DNR captured 312 adult
muskies this year in 6 nights of netting. They
were able to extract about 21 quarts of eggs for
their stocking program. I would have to say the
future of Iowa’s muskie fishery looks to be a
bright one.
Be sure to visit us at our website:
http://muskieclub.com
Sincerely, Pete Hildreth Chapter Editor
St. Cloud
37
312 18th Avenue N.
Sartell, MN 56377
(320) 656-1160
www.stcloudmuskies.com
Meets: 3rd Tues. 7:30 PM American Legion, Waite Park.
On April 18th we had a good turn out at the
Waite Park Legion for our monthly meeting, and
to see Jack Shriver speak. The meeting started
with President Bruce getting us all up to speed on
current issues. Our club has many exciting things
going on at this time. Our stocking community is
making great progress on the potential stocking
of new muskie waters. They are getting to know
the right people, and are using the appropriate
channels to make it a win for every one. On May
6th our club is hosting our annual big brothers/big
sisters fishing contest. The contest is held on
Lake George. All the kids get set up with a new
rod and real, and a stocked tackle box. It is a
great way for our club to give back to the community. On April 19th we have our 2nd annual fund
raiser fish fry. We have many door prizes and a
silent auction.
Our guest speaker Jack Shriver did a great
job! He gave us a lot of great information, and told
us many stories that made us all laugh. Jack told
us a great deal about how muskie fishing has
changed, and how he changed his fishing techniques over the years. Jack is the creator of the
HiJacker buzz bait, and several in line spinners.
He has well known for his guiding on Leech Lake,
and other northern Minnesota lakes. Jack is a
great spokes person for muskie fishing, and it
was truly a pleasure to have him speak at our
meeting.
and have a great morning of fishing fun!
Volunteers are welcome.
Also this month on the 28th. We will be sponsoring the local Boy Scouts at Max McGraw
Wildlife Foundation in Elgin in earning their fishing merit badge. Space is limited for this event.
For more details or if you wish to volunteer please
contact Youth Director Jim Schroedl at 847-2027963.
In the coming months you can look forward to
our club outing in Green Bay
the weekend of October 6 to 8 and our Fall
Challunge on the Chain.
Have a terrific summer! Hope to see you on
the water.
Our regular club meeting dates are the second
Wednesday
of the month and will resume in August. The
Poplar Creek Country Club is most gracious in
providing us with great accommodations. They
also provide us with a great Buffet style dinner
starting at six p.m. before the 7:30 p.m. meeting.
Check the website the week before the meeting
for info on what the meal will be.
Until Later, Return ‘em to the water Healthy
and Remember Our Troops.
JT
Colorado
3739 Sawgrass Trail
Castle Rock, CO 80109
Phone: (303) 668-4089
Website: www.coloradomuskies.com
Dan Narsete, Pres. • [email protected]
44
Meets 2nd Tuesday ex. July/Aug 7:00 PM, Colorado
Division of Wildlife, Hunter Education Building, 6060
Broadway, Denver, Colorado 80216.
Our first tournament of the year was held at
Horseshoe Reservoir near Walsenburg this past
weekend. We had a great turnout for our first
event with 11 members and one guest fishing.
Greg Story came out of the box with an early lead
in our 2006 tournament standings with the first
muskie of the year, a very stocky 40 incher that
was estimated to be well over 20 pounds. Greg’s
partner John Fierro netted and photographed the
fish and we should have the picture on our web
site soon. Greg proved that you don’t have to
pound the water all day with expensive muskie
lures as he hooked this impressive beauty with a
2” fire tiger colored Rattle Trap. Several large
small mouth bass were caught on Saturday and
Greg was taking a break from muskie fishing and
decided to switch to a medium spinning rod and
the smaller lure.
The following members participated in our first
tournament of the year: President Jeff Don with
his guest Brian Knapp, Matt Snider and Brian
Ashe, Greg Story fishing with John Fierro, Jim
and Peg Raney who drove all the way from
Grand Junction where they now live, Ken and
Betty Karbon and Paul Framsted fishing with
Tournament Director Brandon Hoffman. Fishing
conditions were very windy both days with most
participants having to take cover by around noon
on Sunday. The temperature was mild and the
water temperature at Horseshoe was in the low
50’s. We met at noon Saturday for lunch together and took a group photo which is attached in
this email.
The next tournament will be May 19-22 at LAK
Reservoir near New Castle, Wyoming. We will
be fishing this reservoir for the first time for all of
us. A former member of our club Danny Kurttila
had good success fishing there and strongly recommended we give it a try. I am making arrangements for hotel and camping facilities and would
like to get a head count soon so I can get a good
group rate. The reservoir is a 340 mile drive from
Denver so we hope it will be a fruitful trip. The
June tournament is set for the 9-11th at Merritt
Reservoir in Northern Nebraska near the city of
Valentine. We have a cabin reserved that will
accommodate 8 people and they have RV camping facilities so we need to get a head count for
that tournament as well. The July tournament will
Fox River Valley
39
1253 Cobblers Crossing, Elgin, IL 601230
847-741-9771 – Rich Gallagher
www.frvmuskie.com
Meets: 2nd Wed (Exc June/July) Poplar Creek Country
Club, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates, IL.
The days are getting longer and warmer. Quite
early mornings on the water that turn into twelve
or fourteen hours in the boat. Yes, it is finally summer! This is what we have been waiting for.
Another season of good times, good friends and
life time memories. We hope you all have the
opportunity to get out as often as you can in pursuit of our toothy friend.
This month don’t forget to join us for our
Summer Fishing League. This will replace our On
The Water Meetings for June and July. The fishing and meeting days will be Sunday the 11th. Of
June and Sunday the 9th. Of July. There is a
$25.00 per person entry fee. The fishing hours
are from 2 to 8 p.m. with a meeting and raffle after
fishing. The payouts will be 100% of the pool.
Come out and enjoy a Sunday on the water.
Details can be found on the website.
June is the month for kids. On the 10th. We will
participate in the Annual Elgin Fish For Fun at
Walton Island in Elgin. Registration starts at 8:30
a.m. The event runs from 9a.m. to 11 a.m. with
awards handed out afterwards. Bring the kids
www.muskiesinc.org
Resource Section
FOR SALE:
2000
Honda
BF130AYLA
Outboard,
#1008303, 152 Hours. Purchased 03/16/2001.
Controls, control cables, wiring and guages
included, $5,500.00. This motor is covered by
a transferable warranty for ten years from
date of original purchase.
Fred Wehrli, Pomme de Terre Muskies Inc.,
785-584-6393 • [email protected].
be at Lower Big Creek Reservoir the weekend of
July 28-30 and members need to get a campsite
reserved soon for that one. You can get on line
at reserveamerica.com to book your campsite.
The May meeting will be our annual awards
ceremony for the 2005 fishing season. We will be
meeting for dinner at White Fence Farms on
Tuesday evening, May 9. We have a private
room reserved and dinner will be at 7:00pm.
White Fence Farms is in Lakewood on Jewell
Avenue, between Wadsworth and Sheridan
Avenues and their phone number is 303-9355945. You can also bring up their website at
www.whitefencefarm.com if you would like to
print a map. White Fence Farms have been a
Denver Family Dining tradition for many years
and are famous for their family style dining, a
great petting zoo and gift shop.
That’s it for this month and please remembers
to rsvp for the May tournament at LAK Reservoir
in Wyoming.
Paul
Webster Lake
49
P.O. Box 670
No. Webster, IN 46555
574-834-1669
Water temperatures are currently
(end of April) in the upper 50’s on
the local lakes. Fishing has picked
up over the last week as reports of
boated fish are coming in on a regular basis. Guide For A Day will take
place on April 29. With approximately 20 boats lined up for the
days activities, all guides and organizers participating in this event
deserve a big THANK YOU.
Upcoming events: Webster Lake
Musky Club Cash Tournament
Series will include the following
dates and locations: June 3
Webster Lake, September 9 Barbee
Chain, October 7 Webster Lake.
The first 2 events each offer total
payouts of over $4,000. The final
event has a total payout of $5,400.
All payout totals are based upon
having a maximum number of
boats entered. June 16 and 17
Terry Anderson Iron Man Outing.
August 5 Youth Outing. November
4 Ice On Challenge. Check out our
website(www.websterlakemuskyclub.org) for information on club
activities, local lodging, and registration forms.
Greg Dini
[email protected]
PREFACE: We will now fast forward from the last Muskie Tale in this
Magazine to the end of my book ‘MUSKIE TALES’ where much has happened at Lonesome Lodge and the people there: from Balliver B. and
Alberts’ Muskie Lures, some Muskie Adventures, meeting Otis and
Maynard, Keg and Kodie become the new owners of Lonesome Lodge, me
finally getting Muskie Fever, some new characters come along, and to my
Adventures with The Muskie Legend…..and now…..the adventures continue with “Will We Ever Get Back?!!”
WILL WE EVER GET BACK?
“I’m taking that offer on my cabin.” Announced Kodie to Keg.
“You sure you want to do this?” Asked Keg.
“Well, our log home is finished, we’re all moved in, we’re the new
owners of Lonesome Lodge and we’re getting married soon so….”
“Yes, our home is here. We haven’t been to the cabin for quite
some time tho.”
“I would like to go back once more….for old times sake…”
Kodie said and let it trail off.
“We did spend some good times there.”
“Yes, I know!”
Lonesome Lodge would be in good hands with Harold so Keg
and Kodie left for her cabin. They spent the next couple of days reliving fond memories and closing the sale to the new owners. Kodie
wanted to keep her Ranger Boat and Black Max Outboard despite a
nice offer from the people that bought her cabin, so they pulled it
back to Lonesome Lodge and their new log home. (This rig had been
stored in the garage at her cabin.)
Something was strange as they passed Lonesome Lodge heading
to their home.
“Turn around Keg,” said Kodie, “I’ve got an eerie feeling all of a
sudden!”
“So have I.” Keg said.
“Pull over,” Said Kodie as they were returning past Lonesome
Lodge.
“What has happened here?” Said Keg as they got out of their
vehicle.
“That’s what I’d like to know.” Answered Kodie.
Lonesome Lodge looked old; and in disrepair—like it had been
closed for years. Both Keg and Kodie looked at each other in disbelief. They found a well weathered sign….barely legible, but they
could make out parts of it….L O N S M
ODG
The big heavy wood front door was in very poor condition.
They walked to Rods’ Sport Shop and descovered….
“It’s like I found it when Bob told me to go to it
after I had just been there that morning, Kodie.”
“I remember you telling me about it, but I…well,
after visiting Rod and his Shop, I just couldn’t imagine…but here it is…windows and door like mirrors!”
“I don’t know exactly what to think,” Said Keg,
“Let’s check the Marina.”
“Great idea!” Kodie answered.
As they walked back and around Lonesome Lodge
and down to the Marina, they could see the deterioration of the place. They both just shook their heads.
The dock or what was left of it lay mostly under water;
there was the bow of a boat sticking out of the water. It
www.muskiesinc.org
appeared to be the remains of a wooden boat. Suddenly the Marina
Office came into view…and what a horrid sight it was; window broken out, door ajar hanging on one hinge.
“Can we get to it?” Kodie asked.
“We can sure try!” Replied Keg.
They made their way best they could on the rickety dock. They
made it…got wet feet but were at the Marina Office. Keg gave the
door a push…it fell in and to the floor with a dull thud!! They
stepped inside, Kodie hanging onto Keg—Keg hanging onto his sanity!
There was a rod and reel standing, rather leaning against a wall.
Keg picked it up…the rod didn’t straighten up…it remained bent or
warped. He looked closer at it and said to Kodie, “I’d guess it to be
bamboo, Heddon and the reel is red.”
“A # 900 Musky Special and an old Ambassadeur, I’ll bet.” Kodie
said.
There were a couple of rotted chairs, a well rusted wood stove…a
closed door. Keg tried to open it. It seemed stuck or locked. He gave
it a hard push and it opened to his and Kodie’s surprise.
“Alberts’ shop!” Keg said, “Look! Wood working tools all well
rusted—a somewhat rotted work bench and a few other weather beaten items………
“Keg”…..Kodie said weakly, “That’s the first you’ve mentioned
anyone….anyone we know….or knew….”
“Yes, I just realized this.
What happened to
Albert…..Rod…..Lonesome Lodge…..all the others…..What
Happened??”
Kodie was about in tears as they made their way back…getting
wet feet again. They got to their vehicle, took a long look at
MUSKIE TALES (Continued from page 39)
Lonesome Lodge and down the street at Rods’ Sport Shop. They got
in the vehicle and sat silently….
Kodie broke the silence, “Our Log Home!!! What has happened
to it?? Is it still here?”
“And do we still own Lonesome Lodge….such as it is.” Said Keg.
“Let’s go find our home!” announced Kodie.
There was a pause….a long pause as Keg and Kodie looked at
each other.
“LET’S NOT!” Keg said, “Let’s go straight back to your….your
former cabin!”
Another slight pause, “I think I’m with you, Keg….Let’s go!”
And with that, they headed back the same was they came in. Keg
and Kodie made small talk on the way, “I didn’t see anyone….anywhere.”
“Neither did I,” said Kodie, “You would think someone would
have seen us poking around the Marina area,”
“Strange, very strange,” Said Keg.
Kodie rested her head on Kegs’ shoulder and fell asleep.
As they pulled up to Kodie’s former cabin, the new owners came
out saying, “Back so soon?”
“You still wanna buy Kodies’ Ranger?” Keg asked.
“We were hoping you’d reconsider us wanting it. It seems to go
with this cabin and we do want it so bad!”
Kodie took their first offer and they all went out for a well
deserved dinner.
“You guys need a good nights sleep—you know there’s a hide-abed in the cabin and you’re welcome to spend the night.”
Kodie and Keg didn’t have to think twice as Kodie said, “We sure
would appreciate it!”
Next morning, Keg and Kodie got an early start back to
Lonesome Lodge, Rod’s Sport Shop, their new log home and especially the people. Keg and Kodie did not tell of their experiences at
Lonesome Lodge.
Not much was said on the way back and Kodie again rested her
head on Kegs’ shoulder and fell asleep. Anxiety was building in Keg
as they drew closer to Lonesome Lodge. Kodie awakened with a
twitch as Keg turned into the entrance of Lonesome Lodge.
“Will we ever get back?” Kodie sleepily asked.
“We’ll soon see.” Keg answered.
They pulled up out front,
glanced down the street and saw Rod come out of his shop, look their
way and wave a welcome back sign---They got out, said Hi to Rod, stopped a moment and hugged
and gave each other a long, loving look and both breathed a sigh of
relief.
“Still Honeymoonin’?” Asked Rod.
“You bet!” Keg and Kodie said together.
They opened the door and walked in and were greeted by
Harold, “Welcome Back! Get everything settled?”
“All taken care of and we are back to stay!” Keg said.
“This is Our Home!” Kodie added.
A voice from one of the oversized chairs near the fireplace said,
“Glad ‘ur bak….’N now kin ve git ta sum Muskie Fishin’….dere
bumpin’ da dock agin….’N I got more a dem Muskie Lurz
made…..”
“HEAR! HEAR!” Voices from everywhere in Lonesome Lodge
shouted!! ❖
www.muskiesinc.org
All budding Muskie fishermen need training,
including perusing Muskie magazine. John
Nutkins found a unique way to train his
young lad, on Muskie things and otherwise.
Jeff Sacco took son Dustin and friend Andy
out fishing last April. They both got fish,
including Andy’s 29-incher in the picture.
Andy: “This was the best fishing trip EVER;
I caught a fish bigger than
my mom, my dad, & my
brothers!”
Marah Overmyer with her 48-incher from Lake St. Clair, also last
June and also Grandpa Mark helping out again. Marah has 57
fish in the Lunge Log, and is fast catching up to her brother.
Christian Overmyer with his 53-incher caught and released
on Lake St. Clair last June, grandpa Mark Pauling helping
out with the hold. Christian is 10 years old and already has
65 fish in the Lunge Log.
Allison Small with a nicelystriped 12” Tiger Muskie, and
also a wonderful smile.
Norm Small’s daughter Lauren and a 35-inch Muskie
that she caught. Note the smile!
Megan Doebler, daughter of Todd, with a pretty tiger. The
Doebler kids have been photographed with fish on the
bow of this boat many, many times.
☞
Proper Muskie
Holding Techniques
for MUSKIE Magazine Photos including Covers, Article Support, Photo
Contest Entries
& Member Photos
PREFERRED
FOR PHOTOS
Arija Mynette Greenseid in her Grandpa’s lap,
12 hours old and shortly to be Muskies Inc.
youngest member. She hasn’t caught a Muskie
yet, but Grandpa has vowed to make that happen at the earliest possible opportunity.
John Small and a 33-incher. A more masculine, grown up
smile (he’s 16) than his sisters, but then that’s a nice fish
too. John has been known to be very gracious to those
sisters of his on Muskie matters – go see the member
photos for March.
Cortland Spletter, age 7 and a member of the First
Wisconsin chapter, with his 47.5” Muskie caught and
released last October from Cornell Flowage in Wisconisn.
It’s his second of three fish in the Lunge Log.
©2006 ST. CROIX ROD
®
OUR PREMIER MUSKY RODS
HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY REVAMPED.
The Musky IS STICKING WITH HIS
MILLION-YEAR-OLD DESIGN. WE SMELL OPPORTUNITY.
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around with King Musky? Not your average rod. No, what this fella needs is a tussle with a new Premier® musky rod. We completely re-engineered the blank, coaxing more strength, less weight and faster action out of the same premium SCII graphite. Then
we fine-tuned 10 models to fish all the best lures including bucktails, jerkbaits, crankbaits and topwater. There’s no better rod for the
money and no better way to handle a musky with an attitude. Which, last time we checked, was all of them.
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2625761 June MUSKIE

Transcription

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