MUSKIE Magazine

Transcription

MUSKIE Magazine

Includes Maple
Display Box
Ne w
2007
The
■ 2007 Phantom Lure – $45.00 (includes Shipping)
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until Oct. 15
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th
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made out to: Muskies, Inc., c/o Pete Barber, International Treasurer,
1150 Berkshire Lane, Barrington, IL 60010.
MUSKIE is published monthly and is the Official
Publication of Muskies, Inc. International Office: Ron
Groeschl, International Sec., 14257 Waters Edge
Trail, New Berlin, WI 53151. Ph: 888-710-8286.
© Copyright 2007 by Muskies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Contents
MUSKIE • VOL. 41, NO. 10
Departments
2 President’s Message,
David Cates
Features
3 Magazine Notes, Staff
4 International News
6 Figure 8, Kevin Richards
12 Topping Autumn Muskie,
Colby Simms
7 As I’ve See It, Jim Smith
16 Lake Vermilion-Paradise Anew,
Bob Chochola
8 Lunge Log, Jim Bunch
14 FCIS Boat Safety,
Dave Solberg
20 Operation Esox,
Thomas Allen
14 Index of Advertisers
19 Photo Contest,
Gordon Campbell
28 Anatomy of a Shield Trip,
Erik Jacobson
23 Tournament News
25 Chapter News and Views
32 Muskie Tales, Bob Jennings
30 2007 Volunteers of the Year,
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
33 Member Photos,
Gordon Campbell
Join Muskies, Inc. ...
or give a membership
as a gift.
Regular Membership: ❑ 1 Year-$35.00 ❑ 2 Years-$65.00 ❑ 3 Years- $95.00
Family Membership: ❑ 1 Year-$47.50 ❑ 2 Years-$90.00 ❑ 3 Years-$132.50
Junior Membership (Under 18): ❑ $20.00
❑ For Muskie Research $________
Name _______________________________ Phone ________________
Name of Spouse _____________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________
Chapter Affiliation Choice Number _______________________________
City & State_____________________________ Zip_________________
Date of Birth (DOB)
Junior Member(s)
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) ___________________________
Name ___________________________________ DOB ___________
City & State ____________________________ Zip_________
Name ___________________________________ DOB ___________
My Membership # ______________ Expiration Date _______
Check One: ❑ New Member ❑ Renewal ❑ Address Change ❑ Gift
MAIL TO MUSKIES, INC. 14257 Waters Edge Trail,
New Berlin, WI, 53151
Email ________________________
Payment: ❑ Check or ❑ Credit Card:
❑ VISA
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www.muskiesinc.org
❑ Discover
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1-888-710-8286
Card # __ __ __ __- __ __ __ __- __ __ __ __- __ __ __ __ Exp. Date ____ /____ Signature ____________________________________________
October 2007.....MUSKIE 1
International
Officers
President, David Cates
Phone: 574-457-3222
Email: [email protected]
Vice President / Fundraising, Jim Shannon
Phone: 763-434-9729
Vice President / Research, Brad Waldera
Phone: 701-642-1952
Vice President/Internal Affairs, Vince Weirick
Phone: 574-834-4445
Vice President / Membership, Dan Narsete
Phone: 720-938-4109
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, Ron Groeschl
14257 Waters Edge Trail, New Berlin, WI 53151
Phone: 888-710-8286 or 262-271-1002
At Large Directors
Term Expires
Don Jahnke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
David Cates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
Brett Knight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
Rory Potter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
Karl Scherer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
Dick McPike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009
Dan Narsete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009
TEAM EFFORT
I recently spoke with Dan Narsete, MI Vice President of Membership, regarding the
future of MI. He commented that to succeed we need a “team effort”. In a similar conversation with Pete Barber, MI Treasurer, Pete used the same phrase, “team effort”. Dan and
Pete are two smart, well educated guys. Perhaps they are on to something.
In my spare time (LOL!) I do a little bit of basketball coaching. While a stud player or
two never hurts, I would rather have a true team. In my experience, a true team almost
always prevails over a single individual. With a team, everyone contributes to a better whole.
Think of MI as a team. Each Chapter contributes to the whole, making MI what it is
today. Each member contributes to each Chapter. By making the Chapter stronger, MI is
made stronger. Much of my term as president has been focused on the “international”, and
making it stronger and more efficient. This month please contribute to the team by focusing on what you can do to help your Chapter. In doing so, you will be making a major contribution to the purposes and goals of MI.
JIM SMITH
As you undoubtedly know, this is Jim’s last issue as editor. When I came to the
International Board a few years ago (as a bouncing baby ALD), Jim was one of the first individuals I met. He taught me much about Muskies, Inc. and allowed me to utilize my talents
to help the magazine. He made great improvements to the magazine, and his leadership and
forethought were a tremendous asset to us all. While Jim and I did not always agree, he always
kept the interests of Muskies, Inc. at the fore. While he leaves the magazine in good hands
with our new editor, Kevin Richards, his contributions will long be remembered. He was my
mentor and I am proud to say that he is my friend. I wish him well.
AN UNSUNG HERO
The 2008 budget, as proposed by the Finance Committee for approval by the Board at
the fall meeting (as you read this, the Board will have met and considered this budget) is
balanced, and includes over $14,000 in available funds for fisheries and research projects.
Please note that this sum is in addition to amounts contributed by the Chapters. The budget is premised upon each of the Chapters having been made whole for the “$5.00 per member” issue. The budget proposal is based upon very conservative estimates of income.
Maintaining our current membership will provide additional dollars for our Youth, Fisheries,
and Research programs. Pete Barber, the international treasurer, shepherded MI through
some difficult financial times, and is the primary author of the budget. Pete’s guidance and
consideration for the goals of Muskies, Inc. are always appreciated.
See you on the water.
Diana Mindar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009
Jack Moga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009
Brad Waldera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009
Fred Brogle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2010
Jim Shannon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2010
Bob Timme
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2010
Vince Weirick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2010
2 MUSKIE.....October 2007
Muskies, Inc. Past Presidents
Gil Hamm
Edward T. Peterka
Robert Hill
Robert Shoop
Frank Schneider
Peter Hadley
DuWayne Bakke
Lou Cook
Peter Hadley
Bob Schmidt
Larry Ramsell
Lou Cook
Keith Ogden
Bill Davis
Steve Statland
John Hotle
Jim Blaubach
Steve Budnik
Jim Smith
Paul Framsted
Perry Smith
Greg Wells
The Muskie lives in a far different
world than we do.
It’s hard to remember that in the
sun and wind and waves as we run
around the lake in our boat, casting
and trolling. But underneath our
boat, below the water’s surface, the
Muskie we seek drifts in its own
calm world of flickering shadows
and weeds and currents.
Our cover this month gives us a few
glimpses into the underwater world
of the Muskie. The collage of
pictures comes from underwater
photographer Eric Engbretson of
Florence, WI, whose work was also
featured on our May 2005 and
March 2007 covers. He spends seven months of the year in the lakes
and rivers of the upper Midwest photographing fish in their natural
habitat. These pictures were taken in Wisconsin’s Vilas county and
other places.
Prints of these pictures as well as numerous other fish photos are available in a variety of sizes and can be purchased from Eric. Contact him
at (715) 696-3660 or www.underwaterfishphotos.com. ❖
Notice Re: Advertising in MUSKIE Magazine
Until further notice please direct all advertising inquiries to Jim Beaty, Advertising
Manager. Please be further advised that effective with the January 2008 issue
MUSKIE Magazine changed their rates. A new rate card can be sent electronically
via the Internet or mailed to interested advertisers with our media kit. Our rate sheet
is also available on our website www.muskiesinc.org see Magazine tab at top of
opening page, then click on Advertising Opportunities on the left.
ADVERTISING MANAGER
Jim Beaty • 2933 Bridle Lane • Swansea, IL 62226-5993
Office: (618) 235-6370 • Fax: (618) 235-6393
Coming Next Month:
✒ Pelican Lake – controversy and management
✒ Are You a Versatile Muskie Angler?
✒ Pitchin’ Tactics for Muskie
✒ From the Muskie Biologists
✒ It's your MUSKIE Magazine!
www.muskiesinc.org
MUSKIE Magazine Staff
EDITOR
Kevin Richards
7618 Sunrise Ridge Road
Henley, MO 65040
Phone: (573) 280-2300
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Juris Ozols
Phone: (952) 921-6311
PHOTO EDITOR
Gordon Campbell
Phone: (973) 208-8297
ADVERTISING MANAGER
Jim Beaty
2933 Bridle Lane
Swansea, IL 62226-5993
Office: (618) 235-6370
Fax: (618) 235-6393
PUBLICATIONS TECHNICAL MANAGER
Sunray Printing Solutions, Inc. - Brenda Kirchner
25123 22nd Avenue • St. Cloud, MN 56301-9189
Phone: 888-253-8808, ext. 133
MAGAZINE DESIGN
Sunray Printing Solutions, Inc. - John Windschitl
ILLUSTRATOR/CARTOONIST
Richard Gross
FIELD EDITORS
Steve Budnik, Bob Chochola, James W. Colgan,
Elizabeth Cratty, Adam Glickman,
Robert Jennings, Mike Kanaval, Colby Simms,
Jim Smith, Patricia Strutz, Vincent P. Trotta
EMERITUS EDITORS
Rod Ramsell, Keith Ogden
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. 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 for a link to MUSKIE
Magazine, where 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 Kevin
Richards, Editor. Submissions may be sent to:
7618 Sunrise Ridge Road, Henley, MO 65040
or email: [email protected]. Phone:
(573) 280-2300.
M AGA Z I N E N OT E S ◆ M AGA Z I N E N OT E S ◆ M AGA Z I N E N OT E S ◆ M AGA Z I N E N OT E S
ABOUT THE COVER
NEWS
I N T E R N AT I O N A L
◆
NEWS
◆
NEWS
NATIONAL FISH HABITAT ACTION PLAN NEWS
Science and Data Committee
Holds Partnerships Workshop
A workshop for building partnerships was held on Sunday,
September 2nd, 2007 at the American Fisheries Society Annual
Meeting in San Francisco, California
Partnerships established under the National Fish Habitat Action
Plan (NFHAP) were expected to adopt a resource assessment and
project evaluation framework established by the NFHAP Science
and Data Committee. The 2004 NFHI workshop and 2006
Fisheries Data Summit were initial steps toward establishing this
framework. This workshop was expected to build upon the outcomes
of the earlier workshops and aid in developing a detailed strategy of
how the Partnerships will engage in this work with the Board’s
Science & Data Committee. Topics to be addressed included:
• How to link national and regional scale assessments of aquatic
habitat condition
• The roles of the Science and Data Committee and Partnerships
in evaluating success of the NFHAP
• Development of the NFHAP Database Network
This was an intensive and interactive forum where participants
were asked to share their expertise in regional and national habitat
assessment and their perspective of working with regional and
national partnerships. Fisheries professionals of all types benefited
from participating in the workshop.
Titletown Chapter Presentation
“Warm Water: Effects on Mortality”
The speaker for the evening, Tom Betka, gave a fine talk regarding
delayed mortality and the influence of warm water temperatures on
angling stress. Thank you Tom!
Here’s a brief summary of some of the concepts Tom discussed.
Oxygen is essential for fish to survive. Almost all fish, including
muskies, absorb oxygen from the water through the microscopic capillaries in their gill filaments. The gill filaments are very fragile and
anglers should be careful not to touch or damage them when
unhooking and handling muskies. Damaged gills have a reduced
ability to absorb oxygen.
Water temperature directly affects the availability and the need
for oxygen. Warm water typically has less dissolved oxygen than cool
water. How much oxygen a muskie needs depends on its oxygen
demand. In warmer water a muskie’s metabolism increases and it
therefore needs more oxygen (i.e. has a higher physiological oxygen
demand).
Metabolism also increases during periods of physical exertion
(you know the feeling). The muskie experiences many stress factors
related to the need for more oxygen and its system’s attempt to maintain normal levels of lactic acid, hormones, salt, etc.
All this is going on before an angler even touches the fish. This
is why we don’t want to add additional stress by improperly handling
the muskie, especially during warm water periods when water temperatures approach or exceed 80 degrees. When multiple sub-lethal
stresses occur in a relatively short time period, enough energy to fight
the stress and still maintain normal body functions may not be available.
Anglers can minimize additional stress factors in a number of
ways.
Remember that a muskie out of water is like an angler with their
head underwater.
Try holding your breath while you are unhooking, photographing or transporting a muskie and you’ll begin to sense the oxygen
deprivation the fish might be experiencing.
Research has shown that simply exposing fish to air is also stressful. While some handling is unavoidable, it should be kept to a minimum, and fish should not be exposed to air any longer than is
absolutely necessary.
Bacteria and other pathogens like WARM environments! Fish
secrete a protective ‘slime’ or mucus from glands in their skin as an
effective barrier to disease. Disrupting or removing the mucus when
you handle a fish makes it more susceptible to these ever-present
pathogens. Handling a fish with dry hands, abrasion from a net, or
letting a muskie flop on a dry boat deck will damage its protective
mucus barrier.
Never attempt to tear out the hook. Hook removal devices such
as long-nose pliers and surgical hemostats can greatly assist in
unhooking fish and minimizing damage. Grasp the hook near the
bend and apply pressure to back the hook-point out, opposite to its
direction entry. Cut hooks to speed up release. Pliers with side cutters are useful for cutting line or hooks that are difficult to remove.
Consider fishing with barbless hooks.
Deeply hooked muskies require special attention. Cut the line or
the hook shank as close to the barb as possible. Attempting to dislodge a deeply imbedded hook will cause even greater damage.
Use a rubber meshed net and fluorocarbon or nylon leaders to
protect the mucus coat.
Typically, fish caught on live bait have a lower release survival
than those caught on artificial lures.
With careful release procedures anglers can maximize release
survival of muskies. Studies have shown survival can be as high as 70
to 100% for healthy muskies which are handled and released properly.
Titletown’s next speaker will be Patricia Strutz of A Blonde and Her
Boat (Eagle River Muskie Fishing Guide). They hope to have good attendance and that many members bring their daughters as Patricia is very
supportive of getting women and girls involved in fishing – especially
muskie fishing!
Best regards and successful, healthy muskie releases to ALL!!!
NEWS
◆
NEWS
www.muskiesinc.org
Jim Beaty: It is nice to welcome
back Jim as he returns to an active
role once again with M.I. You will
recall Jim was our Treasurer for a
number of years and most recently VP of Finance, retiring last
April. Jim has all the skills and
abilities to easily transition into his
new position, he knows everyone
in M.I. very well and certainly has
the accounting background for
this position.
Jim may be reached at:2933 Bridle Lane, Swansea, IL 62226, Email:
[email protected], Phone: (618) 235-6370 office, (618)
971-7806 cell, (618) 235-6393 fax
Welcome aboard gentlemen we all look forward to your contributions to Muskies, Inc. ❖
At the last Spring Board Meeting, the Board passed a motion
changing the make up of the Finance Committee. First, we would like
to thank all of the outgoing members for their years of dedicated and
conscientious service. There members are:
Jim Beaty
Kevin Rortvedt
Jim Shannon
Joe Heil
Ken Karbon
Don Swenson
Bob Timme
Dick McPike
Tom Robbins
Brad Waldera
Frank Walter
Many of these committed members continue to be active in other MI
activities and their talents are surely appreciated.
We are pleased to announce the new
Finance Committee members:
Shawn Kellett, President, Chapter 1
Jack Moga, President, Chapter 23,
Intl. VP-Communications
Jim Moore, President, Chapter 9
Dan Narsete, Chapter 44,
Intl. VP-Membership
Scott Smalley, President, Chapter 52
Continuing members are:
David Cates, Chapter 49, Intl. President
Pete Barber, IMA ALD, Chapter 39,
Intl. Treasurer
Thanks to our new members for volunteering for this critical assignment.
– Pete Barber, Treasurer
Kevin Richards joined Muskies,
Inc. in 1977 and is a life member.
He recently retired from the
Missouri
Department
of
Conservation after 30 years of service. He held the position of
Fisheries Field Operations Chief
for the last 10 years. Kevin has
been writing the “Figure 8” column
for MUSKIE Magazine. Kevin is
an extremely dedicated muskie
fisherman. Editor Emeritus Keith
Ogden and Kevin have been fishing partners for many years, often meeting at Lake of the Woods for
family summer vacations or for late fall trolling.
Kevin may be reached at: 7618 Sunrise Ridge Road, Henley, MO.
65040, Email: [email protected] Phone: (573) 280-2300
◆
Finance Committee Acknowledges
Outgoing and Incoming Members
With the departure of Managing Editor and Advertising
Manager, Jim Smith, the Executive Committee recently approved the
appointment of Kevin Richards of Henley, Missouri as Editor and Jim
Beaty of Swansea, Illinois as Advertising Manager.
There were a number of extremely well qualified applicants for
both positions, making the Executive Committee’s decision quite difficult. Both Kevin and Jim will take over their duties immediately.
NEWS
It is time to proceed with our annual At Large Director elections.
All members of Muskies, Inc. in good standing for three years are eligible to run for the International Board. We have five positions open,
winners will be sworn in at the spring board meeting in Green Bay
and the term is for three years.
If you have an interest in serving on the board of Muskies, Inc.
please compose a resume in 500 words or less and submit to me by
November 30, 2007. You can email your resume to me at
[email protected] or you can mail it to me at 20676 East
Eastman Ave, Aurora, CO, 80013.
At Large Directors are required to attend our spring and fall
International Board meetings, held at different locations around the
country and hosted by our local chapters. The meetings are usually
held on a Saturday in late March/early April and in October for the
fall.
You will also be expected to take an active roll in the leadership
of Muskies, Inc. and if possible, chair a committee. As an At Large
Director you would be looking out for the best interests of Muskies,
Inc. in the large picture in contrast with an RVP whose job it is to represent a specific chapter.
We have exciting times approaching our organization in the near
future as we address reorganization and we need board members who
can contribute good, sound ideas.
If you have any questions or concerns about running for At Large
Director please don’t hesitate to give me a call or send an email. The
election will take place in December and January with successful candidates announced Feb 1, 2008.
– Paul Framsted
MUSKIE Magazine Announces
Two New Appointments
Annual At Large Director Elections
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by Kevin Richards
[email protected]
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Figure 8
Muskie Fever . . .
S
ome call it muskie fever; others call it muskie mania or muskie
mystique. No matter what you call it you know what I’m talking about. It’s that rush of adrenaline you get when you raise a
big muskie, or when you cast to a spot where you’ve released or lost
nice fish in the past. It’s an energizing mix of dreams and experience
that can keep you pumped up for years after the initial encounter.
When we return to a spot that has been productive in the past
we think about catching that big one again, we think about how big
that hefty release might be now, years later. It’s certainly a key factor
in maintaining a PFA (positive fishing attitude).
I seem to get muskie fever at two different scales. The first
comes from just being on (or thinking about) one of my favorite
lakes. The second, which is even more intense for me, comes from
repeating casts or trolling passes which have been productive in the
past. For example, Lake of the Woods is about one million acres and
I have spent quite a bit of time there over the years. I get excited each
time my boat slides off the trailer and I know I’m back on the lake!
But what really gets me pumped is making casts to specific boulders
next to specific cabbage beds or reed patches and thinking “get ready,
it may happen again on this cast!”
Some days the muskies are very active and you are able to recognize a strong pattern in the way they are relating to your established
hot spots. Those are the days you can move on to some new, similar
spots with a fair degree of confidence. However, on slow days many
of us keep pounding our proven honey holes even if the muskies
aren’t cooperating. I tried to break this old habit this past July. In
doing so I think our family’s muskie fever was raised to new heights!
Our first two days on Sabaskong Bay were pretty slow.
However, since we had decided to fish at least a couple of totally new
spots each day we found a little rocky point that was good for at least
one follow on every stop. It’s a spot that I had been passing by for
years.
Muskie activity was especially slow for us during our late afternoon runs when we had four people casting out of my 17-foot boat.
My new daughter-in-law, Kendra, was a rookie. This was her first
Canadian trip and she had to be wondering why we kept casting.
She had never even caught a pike before.
On our third night we came to the end of a normally productive casting area and hadn’t raised a fish. We were about to move on
when we decided the next tiny bay looked good, the wind was to our
advantage, and it would qualify as a new spot.
Kendra had the back of the boat and therefore was the fourth
person to cast to each location. She was using a big spinnerbait
which worked well as she liked to cast right into the edge of the reed
patches.
I think we all saw her cast and caught a glimpse of the pike
which hit as soon as her bait entered the reed patch. I turned back
to watch my own retrieve and figured my son and his wife would
have fun landing the pike. Almost immediately Kendra yelled, “it’s
so hard to reel in; I think it’s going to pull me in!” I believe my calm
response was to roll my eyes and say “you’ll be fine”.
Kendra battled the pike closer to the boat but kept telling us it
was going to pull her in. Suddenly my son, Patrick, yelled, “its two
fish!” You can imagine how we all reacted!
We could all see the monster muskie with the pike in its mouth.
As it got close to the boat Patrick grabbed the net and the muskie let
go. It made a huge swirl and hit the pike a second time. My son
took a swipe with the net and the muskie let go again. It made
another swirl and hit the pike for the third time. It had the pike
crossways in its mouth like a giant Suick! With the next swipe of the
net the muskie let go and Patrick netted a 29-inch Northern pike!
The pike was within the slot length limit so we took a couple of
photos before we released it. The gashes on the side of the pike indicated a maximum width of 5 inches between the teeth of the muskie’s
lower jaw - big muskie!!!
We all guessed the muskie at twice the length of the pike, or
about 58 inches. The spread of the teeth marks would certainly indicate this was a monster. How big, we’ll never know, but it looked
bigger than a fat 551/2 incher I photographed for a friend one year at
Lac Seul. Later in the week my wife and son each landed 48-inch
muskies. They were beautiful 30 pounders, but we all agreed the
“whale” was in a size class of its own.
Even though we didn’t land the whale (in fact we didn’t actually
hook it) it will give us a lifetime of muskie memories. The new spot
is now fondly referred to as Whale Bay. A couple of days later my
wife caught a 38 incher there and about sent the poor thing airborne
when she set the hook, thinking it was the whale!
Every future cast in Whale Bay will be filled with anticipation.
My daughter-in-law is suddenly a muskie nut and understands our
muskie fever!
To totally switch gears, you might remember my barbless hook
challenge. Before meeting my family at Lake of the Woods I fished
with an old buddy for six days on Lac Seul. Muskie follows were
slow but we were blessed with four muskies. We also had lots of pike
action. I was fishing bucktails or topwater while my buddy was fishing Suicks. I decided to ease into the barbless challenge by going
barbless on just the back treble of my bucktails. It worked fine on
the muskies and made it much easier to quickly release pike. My
buddy liked the idea so well he went partially barbless on his Suicks.
I did get some reader feedback on this issue. The best came
from Fred Howes in Kentucky. Fred said he had just returned from
fishing Masqinonge and Hooch lakes near Sioux Lookout, Ontario.
Fred had never used barbless hooks before but thinks he’ll use them
from now on. He noted the ease of hook removal and the reduced
chance of injury to the fish. Thanks Fred!
If you have a biology or a fisheries question you want me to
tackle just let me know. I may be merging my Figure 8 column with
my editorial column starting next month. I’ve switched to satellite
internet and my new email address is: [email protected]
Let’s continue to work together to do all we can to build and
maintain great muskie fisheries! ❖
AS
by Jim Smith
by Kevin Richards
SEEn
IT
◆
AS
I’VE
SEEn
IT
“Guilty as charged.” – Dave Cates
I’VE
* Without mentioning any names of presidents past or present, I have on
numerous occasions sprouted a few more gray hairs waiting for them to
send me their President’s Reports in a timely manner. ☺
AS
www.muskiesinc.org
Jim
◆
Kevin Richards
Thanks folks!
IT
As editor I hope to work with you to help us all
reach a new level of appreciation for the muskellunge. Our fishing, education, research, and conservation efforts must all come together to ensure the
long-term health of our muskie populations in North
America!
SEEn
Now think back to those tail-walking muskies.
Sometimes I bet muskies that have been released
before are thinking “I’m gonna have some fun with
these muskie nuts. If they’ll just keep that line tight
I’m going to try a tail-walk that will help them appreciate the mighty muskellunge even more.”
I’VE
Starting with the November issue I will be your new
MUSKIE Magazine editor! I must tell you that
MUSKIE is my favorite magazine and I have
watched it grow from a newsletter to the quality
magazine it is today. I have been fortunate to get to
know three of our editors over the years; each one
has worked with our members, writers, advertisers,
and the M.I. leadership team to bring our magazine
to new heights. I will do my best to continue that
tradition.
AS
My Figure 8 column has already been very enjoyable
to write and I’ve had some great feedback from
readers. At the end of June I was paging through the
July issue to review my column and came across the
ad for the editor position. After talking to Jim, and
others, I sent in my resume.
◆
Well, suddenly, I know what that feeling must be
like. Six months ago I was minding my own business and looking forward to retirement after 30
years with my state fisheries agency. One day I was
talking to MUSKIE Editor Jim Smith and he asked
me to consider writing a monthly column; I readily
accepted.
IT
Did you ever think about what must be going
through a muskie’s mind when it is tail-walking?
Probably something like – “I knew I shouldn’t have
eaten that weird looking fish. Yikes, I’m stuck! I
can’t get away, what’s going on???”
I can’t possibly express the pleasure I
have had being your editor and, most
recently, advertising manager. I came into
this position with a lot of enthusiasm and I
leave now with just as much or more. That
is because your Executive Committee has chosen a couple of fine
replacements. I can’t wait to see the latest and greatest ideas that are
going into these two positions. I have had a good amount of time to
meet with and talk with Kevin. We were both on Lac Seul in July and
he and his friend Miller came to our cabin one night and talked for a
couple of hours with Steve Budnik and me. Kevin is chomping at the
bit to get started and so is Jim Beaty. I am pleased to say, I am leaving MUSKIE Magazine and Muskies, Inc. in good hands.
I couldn’t walk away without thanking so many folks who have
made my job so much fun and exciting. Our advertisers have been
so supportive and always willing to help out with numerous projects,
both as a part of MUSKIE Magazine and as a part of the M.I
Calendar Project, and many of our fundraisers. Thank you advertisers! You all have been a privilege to work with.
The staff at Sunray Printing Solutions, especially John
Windschitl and Brenda Kirchner, have been just outstanding. They
have made me look so good every month and they really do not
receive the credit they deserve. Thanks to all of the staff at Sunray
who make MUSKIE Magazine such a quality magazine.
Now, here is where my list becomes difficult. Oh, my regulars
are easy to remember, but I have a whole host of authors over the past
four plus years whose contributions have been recognized throughout
the fishing industry. I have the ladies of M.I. to thank. I have the
technical research folks and biologists to thank. I have had a great
cadre of kids, God love them, who sent me heart-warming stories of
muskie catches (all released healthy). I have been lucky to have had all
supportive presidents* and executive committee members as well as
good boards of directors. I also believe that there are 7,500 some
members who have enjoyed my tour. Thank you all, I have appreciated all of your notes, comments, and Letters to the Editor. I have
always maintained you are like family to me.
Finally, I have been very fortunate to have Juris Ozols, Richard
Gross, Robert Jennings, Gordon Campbell, Jim Bunch, all my field
editors and others too numerous to name here, to help and assist me.
I would like to pass along a very meaningful and special thanks
to my mentor, former editor, Keith Ogden. It was Keith who encouraged me to write for MUSKIE Magazine clear back in 1990. Soon
after that, he sponsored me for membership in the Outdoor Writers
of America, an organization to which I still belong.
Needless to say, it has been a great tour and I have loved every
minute of it. Just remember I am only passing the baton, I won’t be
leaving, just spending more time writing, traveling and
fishing….after all isn’t that what we are meant to do?
SEEn
I love to see a muskie tail-walk. It doesn’t even
have to be on my line – I just love to see it!
I’VE
Tail-walking
As I’ve Seen It
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
by
Ji m B u n c h
Extreme Spinner Bait!
Several weeks ago I saw a 57 inch released
muskie come into the Lunge Log. I did not know
this man and on top of it there was no lake name listed for the catch. So instantly, as your humble servant
I set out on a search of this entry. Oh boy did I meet
another really neat member of Muskies, Inc. I left
him a phone message and sent him an email at about
5 PM on a Saturday night, August 18. A short time
later in the 7th inning of a Milwaukee Brewers game
the phone rang. I was agitated as my Brewers were
struggling to hang onto another game. About 10 seconds into the phone call, I hit mute on the TV and
will share with you what I found out.
James E. Willison Jr. is from Sisterville, West
Virginia and a long time member of the West
Virginia chapter of Muskies, Inc. Sisterville is in
extreme northwest West Virginia and on the Ohio
River, its population is 1,588. He is a retired high
school teacher who took his retirement a bit early
because of an illness, that illness is called “The
Muskie”. First of all I questioned him about the no
lake name; his response settled this in about 3 seconds. He got it in the Ottawa River in Ontario.
Jimmy said I do not understand as I thought I put
that in, apparently another computer glitch. No
problem as it now shows the name.
Jimmy kept a 36 incher back in 1972 on a red
and white Creek Chub Pikie; that was the last
muskie he kept. His trip this year was not his first
trip to the Ottawa as he shared many years of events
there. He said they caught it on a weed bed about the
size of 10 cars. I guess in West Virginia they can
understand that. He then told me he caught it on a
safety pin spinner trolling 7 MPH. This of course
caught me off guard as all of my trolling baits will
come to the surface at anything close to 5 MPH.
James Willison Jr. thought he could build a better mouse trap. So one thing led to another and with
some advice from others, including our own Bill
Crane, Willey’s Bucktails came into reality. Jimmy
then started making 1.5 and 2 ounce safety pin spinner baits. Then he came up with 5 ounce and 10
ounce spinner baits which explains why he can go 7
MPH and called it Extreme Spinner Baits. Some of
them are 15 inches long. If you find this all hard to
believe just go to www.willeysbucktails.8m.com
Now back to this fish. Jimmy did you get a girth? No he says it was just another muskie when it hit the trolled lure, nothing special. I did not expect something this long he said. He was fishing with
Greg Rustemeyer and Dave Rustemeyer of Columbus, Ohio and
chapter 41 when this happened. Another Muskies Inc. man, Bill
Boggess, actually came aboard to help in the landing of this beast.
Jimmy said it was only about 41 or 42 pounds. Isn’t it neat today
when you can say it was only 42 pounds? They have some history
with this weed bed as two years ago they caught 25 on the bed with
24 of them caught high speed trolling the Extreme Spinner Bait.
They do this right over the top of weeds and milfoil. The bait only
has two single hooks so is quite weedless. Jimmy currently leads the July
Lunker of the Month and the men’s
longest release for 2007. Never talked
to this man before but it was like we
were sitting on a dock someplace at
the end of the day having a cigar and
a cocktail, a very neat visit.
Muskie Mamma!
Linda!
Most resort owners I have met
came out of the Midwest some place
with a few dollars in hand and bought
a resort someplace in Muskie country.
Typically this is the end of their fishing as they are so busy attending to
business and their customers that they
have no time to relax and go fishing.
At Moosehorn Lodge on Lac Seul, I
don’t think this is the norm.
Linda Rice is a muskie fisher person. She owns a resort but when I call
there they say she went fishing at 9
this morning and will be back about
10 tonight. Interesting, I know a
resort in western Lake of the Woods
called Bay Store where the owner
keeps about the same hours for fishing
the muskie. I think these people have
their priorities in order. Recently my
latest email from Linda was signed as
Muskie Mamma. If you could sit here
and look at the Muskies Inc. web site
you would understand why. Back in
2005 Linda started reporting her
muskie catches to us. In that year she
got a 57 inch at an estimated weight
by girth at 56 pounds. In 2006 she did
OK but her longest was only 53.5. So
this year she gets a 55.25 in June. No
girth stated but the picture is awesome. It is on the web site under
photo album. So we stumble along to
August and I get another email with
some pictures in it. Oh my goodness!
It is signed Muskie Mamma.
She did it again. This muskie was
56 inches, by comparing pictures,
which is a dangerous event, I do not
think is was as heavy as her 55.25.
Never-the-less she struck again. Linda
may not win the Women’s Release
point contest or the longest release for
the year. However ladies if you are out
front and look over your shoulder the
face you will see is Linda. She lives on
Lac Seul, she has time to fish, and she
(Continud on page 10)
www.muskiesinc.org
James E. Willison Jr.. Chapter 09, 57 inch, 7/16/07, Ottawa River,
ON, Willey's Spinner, Fish I.D. 242050. In the picture, James E
Willison Jr is on the left, Greg Rustemeyer is on the right.
LUNGE LOG
(Continued from page 9)
is dedicated to catching muskies, a very scary combination. She is not
lost in Canada or out of the loop; she caught her last two giants on a
Cowgirl.
14 Years Old!
A 14 year old muskie should be a really nice fish. A 14 year old
Muskies Inc. member should look good holding a 54 inch muskie, he
does, just look at the picture. We do not know how old a 54 inch
Linda Rice, Chapter 14, 56 inch, 8/14/07, Lac Seul, ON, Cowgirl
Fish I.D. 243773.
muskie from Mille Lacs, MN is but maybe they are in the same age
class. Don’t know the muskies name but the angler was Justin Bidwell
of Maple Lake, MN and the St. Cloud Chapter (#37).
Justin Bidwell is just 14 years old; father Jim a few years older. I
talked to father Jim on the phone and asked for a picture. What a stupid question, here they came, many pictures from a proud father. It
was late at night so kind of dark but you will enjoy. Justin currently
leads the longest release for the Juniors. Father Jim told me Justin did
not sleep all night, stayed up until morning calling friends and family to tell them about his huge muskie. Do you need to bond with your
child, looking for some connection?
Do you need instructions, call father
Jim Bidwell.
Stats!
For you computer nuts, go to the
web site. Do you want to know what is
happening with the muskie? Go onto
the web site, look up Mille Lacs,
Detroit Lakes or Big Detroit, and
Vermilion in Minnesota in 2007. You
will them have no more questions.
Housekeeping!
When you enter fish on the web
site under “Fish Submission” please
note that just to the right of your name
after you enter your membership number is a box that asks for gender. Today
it says Men’s or Ladies, shortly it will
say Male or Female. Most of you guys
are entering the fish for your wife and
fail to respond to this. Consequently
most of the wives in Muskies, Inc. are
showing up as Men. Please help me out
here, when you fail to do this I have to
go to a second level to correct and it
takes time.
Thanks a bunch
Jim
s
ie
7,000 Musk
d
Release
Robert W Junghans, Chapter 1, 56 inches, 7/30/07,
Kaniatarowanenneh, ON, Night Stalker, Fish I.D. 242860
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:
1 (888) 488-5601 or (807) 488-5601
Red Wing Lodge, Box 1008, Baudette, MN 56623
www.redwinglodge.net • www.redwinglodge.on.ca
Family owned and operated for 40 years
Justin Bidwell, chapter 37, 54.25 inches, 7/17/07, Mille Lacs, MN
Buck Tail, Fish I.D. 240933
www.muskiesinc.org
Over
ne incredible autumn day, I found myself fishing my home Day & Night
water with a champion tournament angler, Ray Simms, who
Night fishing can offer topwater action at any time during
also happens to be my father. We both had the day off from autumn, but especially during the periods of the full and new moons.
guiding and relished the opportunity to get into the boat and chase Night seems particularly good for large fish. Daytime means hot
big toothy fish with our favorite fishing partner on
action at the surface, and while it doesn’t always
southern Illinois’ Kinkaid Lake. Fishing for any
produce fish as large as at night, fishing is often fast
This method of
species is always a pleasure whether solo or with a
and furious, and we catch excellent numbers.
muskie fishing is an
friend, but to get the opportunity to chase a
Whether this fall fishing is actually done right
favorite fish with a parent or a child has to truly be
on
the
surface or just beneath it doesn’t matter a lot.
absolute blast. It’s like
one of the great gifts given in this all too busy
These predators at this time of year seemed condiworld of today. We slowly eased the boat along the
a roller coaster thrill
tioned to feed at the top of the water column. As
shoreline, enjoying the autumnal tapestry of the
Ray and I worked an irregular shoreline in a creek
ride that leaves you on
magnificent Shawnee National Forest as the beauarm one beautiful fall day, we boated 4 muskies on
tifully colored leaves fell from the trees. As my Top
a technique that we regularly employ in autumn
the edg of your seat
Raider gurgled its way across the surface of the
called bulging. Bulging involves burning spinnerand begging for more.
clear lake, we saw a wake roll up behind it and
baits at high speeds just under the surface to create
immediately went on point. That particular
a wake or bulge on the surface. This can be considmuskie didn’t strike that day, but 5 more did.
ered topwater fishing and is just as exciting, as it produces the same
visual action.
We only had about 5 hours to fish that particular day but had
For the Love of Autumn Topwater Fishing
It’s hard to top fall muskie fishing. The air is cooling, the trees great results. We had boated 3 muskies, 2 of which were over 40 inchare staging their most brilliant show of the year, and aggressive es in length, and had several other follows, one short strike, and
muskies are actively hunting. The only way to top fall muskie fishing caught a 6.5 pound bonus bass while bulging the spinnerbaits at the
is, of course, to do it on top. Fall muskies are highly susceptible to surface. We hadn’t had any action for over an hour and had time to
presentations on and just below the surface of the water, and there hit one more spot before we had to leave the lake. As Ray worked the
can be no greater thrill in the world of freshwater sport fishing than irregular shoreline bank with his School N Shad Spinnerbait, bulging
to coax these tremendous predators, these savage animals, these kings it right under the surface at high speed, a big muskie slammed the bait
of the underwater world of North America, into vicious attacks at the with a bone jarring strike! He set the hook, and the fight was on. This
fish dug for deep water and stayed down during most of the battle
water’s surface.
O
before coming up one time to shake its
Location
head just prior to filling up the big net.
The best places to target fall muskie
This fat 46-incher capped off a great day
on and near the surface are the same that
of fall topwater fishing on Kinkaid, but is
you’d target with other tactics. Look for
not all that uncommon when fishing the
prime structural elements associated
surface in autumn.
with the main body of land, such as
Daytime topwater fishing in the fall
irregular shoreline banks, flats with
can be exceptional. There is often a great
irregular breaklines along their edge,
deal of action involved from hooking and
points, humps and islands close to the
catching fish, but topwater fishing often
shoreline, and the saddle areas in
produces follows as well. There are also a
between. On waters that contain it,
fair number of fish that strike but miss
weed cover seems to hold most of the
these lures, and many of them will come
muskie earlier, while rocks and wood
up to hit a bait several times before they
become better options later on. Look for
end up getting hooked. Talk about gut
good cover, where muskie can conceal
wrenching!
themselves from their unsuspecting
Ray and I have targeted muskies at
prey.
night during portions of the year for over
2 decades, and while we do not book a
Presentation
lot of guided night fishing trips, we still
A variety of topwater lures and
try to fish at night as much as we can
sub-surface lures are dynamite in
during autumn. Most anglers would
autumn. Propbaits are some of the most
rather fish during the day when action is
effective topwaters. I prefer those that
greater, and fishing, moving around in
produce a loud and deep-popping
the boat, and not stepping on favorite
sound like the Top Raider from Bucher
lures is much easier to accomplish, but Simms Outdoors Team Member Chris Shannon with Tackle (www.robertsoutdoors.com).
an
autumn
muskie
that
hit
a
School
N
Shad
spinnerwe’ll night fish when we can.
These tail spinning, drop belly lures
One evening, while pre-fishing for a bait at Kinkaid Lake.
keep line twist to a minimum and protournament, we hadn’t actually intended
duce plenty of commotion to call in
to night fish, as the tournament hours were during the daytime, but the big ones. Large buzzbaits and walking style plugs are effective
the lake looked inviting, and we had experienced a lot of action dur- choices, too. Sub-surface lures that can be worked very shallow are
ing daylight hours, so we stayed out a little longer. I worked the big
(Continued on page 14)
prop bait across the top, while Ray chose to cast a
spinnerbait.
In the black of night, we were talking and just
having a good time. As my plug neared the boat, out
of nowhere rushed a big muskie that slammed the
surface lure with a primal savageness that is difficult
to explain. We were positioned in shallow water and
this fish went up! She leaped high into the air,
thrashing violently and shaking her big head back
and forth in a desperate attempt to throw the lure.
After coming back down into the water, she made a
long powerful run away from the front deck where I
stood. I slowly began to work her back. As she
neared the boat, she came up again and tail walked
across the surface of the calm lake before ramming
herself into the side of the boat. To say that this fight
was exciting is a masterpiece of understatement. As
she fell back down into the water, I pulled her head
in Ray’s direction, and he made a perfect scoop with
the net. After a few quick photos, the 48-inch beast
went back into the water for a good release, where
she kicked off strongly, throwing water into my face
as if to let me know what she thought of the entire
situation.
These kinds of exhilarating fishing adventures
are enough to make even the most seasoned of vetColby Simms of Simms Outdoors with a 48" muskie taken in the fall on a topwater
erans shake with excitement, and I know that I’ll lure at southern Illinois' beautiful Kinkaid Lake. This was one of many large fish
never get tired of fishing for muskies on the surface, caught by Colby and his fishing partners and guests on topwaters and spinnerbaits
especially in the fall.
fished at the surface on Kinkaid during the fall 2006 season.
www.muskiesinc.org
F C I S B OAT SA F E T Y ◆ F C I S B OAT SA F E T Y ◆ F C I S B OAT SA F E T Y ◆ F C I S B OAT SA F E T Y
TOPPING AUTUMN MUSKIE
Boat Safety Program
by Dave Solberg
Produced by
Farm and City Insurance Services
The Angler’s Choice Insurance
Boat Safety – Tire Load/Inflation
Either on a towing vehicle, or boat trailer, tires carry the
entire weight of your vehicle, belongings, and people inside.
Maintaining proper air pressure not only contributes to better
performance and longevity of the tire, but also is essential for
ride quality and the safety of your vehicle.
Over inflation
The most critical effect of over inflation is a reduced tire
contact patch or footprint, which can reduce braking effectiveness and traction, and also affect handling.
Under inflation
An under inflated tire will not only cause poor handling,
but also excessive heat build-up which may damage the tire.
Under inflation also reduces the tire’s load carrying capacity.
Other side effects include excessive tread wear on the edges
and reduced fuel economy.
Proper Inflation
The first step in proper inflation is to locate the manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure for your vehicle.
This can be found on the safety certification label (data plate)
or in the owner’s manual.
NOTE: This is only a reference! The proper amount of air
pressure you need is dependent on the weight of your fully
loaded vehicle.
Keep in mind that selection of proper inflation is primarily a function of the load on the tire. The only way to determine the correct pressure is to weight your vehicle. The most
accurate method of weighing is by individual wheel position,
which identifies the heaviest loaded position for each axle.
If you are unable to weight your vehicle wheel-by-wheel,
consider taking it to a certified truck scale, where you can at
least weigh it by axle.
top options as well. Big spinnerbaits with 4 or more blades, large,
bulky skirts and thumping, paddle tail shad bodies like the School
N Shads from Simms Sport Fishing Tackle (www.simmsoutdoors.com), create a huge wake on the surface when burned
and displace a tremendous amount of water, triggering violent
strikes. Very buoyant shallow diving minnowbaits like Bucher
Shallow Raiders can be used with success on top. Walk these plugs
steadily across the surface with the rod tip held high, or slowly
twitch them on top. Natural baitfish color patterns like shad or
sucker can be effective during the day. Bright patterns like firetiger
also work well during the daytime, but will take fish at night as
well. Black is an effective color pattern on any surface lure at the
time of the day or night, but at night it’s very hard to beat.
Follow Tips
When muskie follow these lures and fail to strike, we’ve had lots
of success in recent years with a switch to similar but larger lures
with additional blades or props. Bucher Super Top Raiders with
twin props or Simms Monster School N Shads with 5 blades trigger
a good number of reluctant followers. Bigger baits that create more
disturbances will often get bit by fish that won’t bite anything else.
Get Out There
Autumn topwater fishing is a thrill ride at a mile a minute that
keeps you on the edge of your seat and begging for more. Give it a
try this year and good luck!
Colby Simms
SIMMS OUTDOORS TEAM GUIDE SERVICE
SIMMS SPORT FISHING TACKLE
www.simmsoutdoors.com
618-521-0526 * 573-358-5948
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
FITTANTE REPLICAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
HAYWARD LAKES CHAPTER
30TH ANNUAL MUSKIE TOURNAMENT . . . . . . . . . 24
JUST BIG MUSKIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
LAKE ST. CLAIR MUSKIE SHOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
USING THE TIRE CHART
Below is a sample tire load inflation chart provided by
Goodyear thru the RV Safety & Education Foundation website. This chart provides recommended tire inflation pressure
according to specific tire size and weight information.
LOAD/INFLATION INFO FOR ST METRIC TIRES
LAX REPRODUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
LEECH LAKE BOARD OF TOURISM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
MUSKIES, INC. - COMMEMORATIVE LURES . . . . . . . . . ii
MUSKIES, INC. - INFORMATIONAL BROCHURES . . . . 30
Max Speed
Tire
Rating
Inflation Pressure – PSI
Size
(MPH) 15 20 25 30
35
40 45 50
ST215/75R14 65 953 1110 1270 1410 1520 1660 1790 1870
RED WING LODGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
www.fcisanglerschoice.com
This article is provided as a public service to our membership. Not intended as an advertisement.
TUFFY BOATS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
ROLLIE & HELEN’S MUSKY SHOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
TAYLOR COUNTY TOURIST COMMISSION . . . . . . . . 31
VERMILION DAM LODGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
YOUNG'S WILDERNESS CAMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Effective October 1, 2007
Please send all MUSKIE
Magazine ADVERTISING layouts to:
Jim Beaty: It is nice to welcome
back Jim as he returns to an
active roll once again with M.I.
You will recall Jim was our
Treasurer for a number of years
and most recently VP of Finance,
retiring last April. Jim has all the
skills and abilities to easily transition into his new position, he
knows everyone in M.I. very well
and certainly has the accounting
background for this position.
Jim may be reached at:
2933 Bridle Lane
Swansea, IL 62226
Phone: (618) 235-6370 office
(618) 971-7806 cell
(618) 235-6393 fax
Welcome aboard gentlemen we
all look forward to your contributions to Muskies, Inc.
www.muskiesinc.org
Ed Tausk (right), Owner & Operator of
Vermilion Dam Lodge with his client and a
beautiful 53-inch (26" girth) BIG-V Ski.
VDL Guide Brett with a client and
a 48-INCHER.
Ed's been busy... here he is posing with a client and
a HUGE 55-incher (27" girth). Between Ed, Marty, &
Brett (Ed's guides), they boated 49, 2x51, 52, 53, 54,
55-inch muskies in the last week of October 2006.
Lake Vermilion - Paradise Anew
by Bob Chochola
e were three days into our annual trip before we got good could tangle with multiple species. Some spots were massive - two
news from the local forecast. Storms would be moving football fields worth of weed bed with well-defined edges, boat
through in the afternoon and evening and we knew that docks, boat ramps, stumps, and rocks galore that would all hold fish.
if there was ever a time to find big fish it would be during the insta- It all looked good to us and we found many “spots-within-a-spot”
that really stood out as prime targets in the event of a strong condibility of a front.
The first couple of days of our trip were rough and we spent a tion change.
And so we got that change. By late afternoon on day three the
great deal of time doing the scouting, picking up largemouth bass,
smallmouth bass, and northern pike like they were going out of style. early morning forecast proved right and clouds were forming to the
It was our first attempt at conquering Lake Vermilion near Cook, north and it was getting dark. We pounded water until the lightning
Minnesota, but we were intent on adding at least one muskie into became too dangerous and we had to take-off for the safety of camp.
our growing mix of species before we had to head home. Walleye We still didn’t have a serious sniff from a muskie, but that was about
fishing on this lake is legendary too and we certainly did well - I to change.
We had to stay on land to duck the electricity for about an hour,
would catch my two personal best on this trip.
as
a
thin
line of thunderstorms made its way through from north to
We did our homework ahead of time: marked maps, web site
south.
A
steady two-day light southeast wind finally shifted hard
print-outs with tons of information, phone calls and e-mails to vetfrom
the
northeast
and the front plunged through camp. Soon the
erans of Lake Vermilion pumping them for even more information,
storms
passed leaving behind an unusual period of
and countless meetings of the minds, to discuss
flat calm on the huge lake. Big-V was like glass. The
strategy. We were stoked and ready the second we
It all looked good to us first set of storms moved away to our south. We had
launched the boats.
yet to see signs of the heavy weather still several
On day one, staring out at the massive 41- and we found many
hours away to the north, moving in the same directhousand acres (“Big-V” certainly earns her nicktion as the first outburst and aiming straight for us.
name), we scrambled to get settled into our cabin. “spots-within-a-spot”
We grabbed our rain gear and best “confiDuffle bags were thrown into bedrooms to stake that really stood out as
dence” lures, jumped in the boats, and swiftly
sacred claim to sleeping quarters that would be used
prime targets in the
ripped across the suddenly still Lake Vermilion to
later - much later. Canned goods were stowed in
one of the areas we had been working and catching
available cabinets as quickly as eight hands could event of a strong
fish. It was near sunset and the break in the storms
fireman-drill them away. Perishable items made it condition change.
revealed a beautiful painted neon sky - a perfect
from cooler to fridge in record time. Then it was
backdrop to a big strike.
time to get rigged and ready.
We
worked
a shoreline that had been productive walleye and
Of course, rig time is usually accompanied by a cold brew and
pike
territory
from
the moment we parked on it early in our trip. We
stories of past triumphs, as if the fish were all gathered at the end of
had
found
at
least
six
different species there and that fact just made
our dock impressed by our prowess. But in spite of all the fire power,
it
feel
like
a
great
place
to be at prime time. We figured with that
all the experience, and all the confidence we arrived with, we were in
much
activity
before
the
front, big predators should move into the
awe of the lake and the wonder of what lie beneath.
area
to
feed
now
that
the
weather patterns were shaking things up a
It was clear to us by the time we finished day two that there was
was
our
best
chance
thus far to see a muskie.
bit.
It
simply too much water to cover in one or even two weeks, so we
like
a charm. My partner positioned the
worked
The
theory
began to focus on hot areas we marked near camp. We raised a few
small muskies here-and-there and began to take a bite out of the boat about a cast away from a rock reef that stuck straight out from
abundant population of northern pike, walleye, largemouth, and the rip-rap shoreline. I took aim with a jerk-bait to the left of the
smallmouth bass. Every spot, it seemed, was classic habitat where you shallow water marker on top of the reef and began to work it. About
W
half way back to the boat a 55-inch muskie
came charging from the reef and took a swipe at
the dodging and darting lure. The side and belly
of the massive fish came clear of the water and
she “porpoised” (a term guides use on Big-V, as
it seems this sort of thing happens quite frequently) right over the top of my bait. This was
the large predator we were looking for. I never
had a chance though. She was gone before I
even realized what had happened.
accommodations on US soil for a while and started
looking for a destination - south of the Canadian
border.
Naturally our search quickly took us to
Minnesota, where these days the fish are “really
jumpin’.” Fishing magazines were full of articles
telling us that we didn’t necessarily have to go to
Canada anymore if we wanted to catch a worldclass muskie or walleye. We also knew that any new
lake, be it Vermilion, Mille Lacs, or Leech, would
be a challenge the first time out. We decided Lake
Vermillion would be our best bet, as it was about as
Why Choose Lake Vermilion?
close to Canada as you can get without actually
We have been traveling all the way into
being served back bacon on a bun and a glazed
Northwestern Ontario for a long time. No matdonut the size of a truck tire for breakfast.
ter what, we have made time two weeks a year
Most resorts on Big-V are very family friendly,
to do what we love to do best - the annual get
with fun activities available for everyone. Naturally
away from it all trip with our close friends and
A nice big-V 51-Inch SKI.
our search narrowed to about a million places, so
dads to just kick-back and fish. What a wonderput
out
an
A.P.B.
for recommendations. To make a long story
we
ful time it has been battling more than our fare share of lunkers and
short,
we
settled
on
Vermilion
Dam Lodge ( <http://www.vdl.com/>
sharing great memories that even the best digital camera in the world
www.vdl.com)
and
were
very
happy
with the decision. The accomcouldn’t capture completely. For our fun, you just had to be there for the mystery that would reveal itself right before our eyes every day modations were five-star and we found most necessities right there in
and the magic that would happen with every muskie we put in the camp - a roll out of bed and stone’s throw away.
“In the 1940’s the National Geographic Society declared Lake
boat. It was a world unknown to explore and conquer - at least it felt
Vermilion one of the top ten most scenic lakes in the United States.
that way to us.
Years ago it was no big deal to hike miles through the woods car- And it still is today. With its [41,000] acres of water, 365 islands and
rying all our gear on our backs. Years ago we camped in tents and 1200 miles of shoreline, it stretches 40 miles across the heart of
slept on the ground and braved all kinds of foul weather - yes we did Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region.” ( <http://www.lakevermilion.com/>
get wet, real wet - to pursue big fish. Years ago it was “cool” to spend www.lakevermilion.com)
I actually have a friend that used to vacation on Lake Vermilion
twelve, fourteen, or even sixteen hours straight per day in a rented
boat - with a curved metal “beer can” bottom, wooden bench seats, when he was a kid in the 1950’s. We have compared notes and relaand barely enough food and water and sun block to make it through tively speaking, Big-V hasn’t changed all that much over the years.
I must admit that her 41-thousand acres was a bit intimidating.
the brutal daylight hours of “dog days,” only to find out the grand
finale was to be eaten by swarms of bugs after the sun went down. She is pristine - a real beauty - with just enough human element to
Years ago it was almost a requirement that we not only feel like we make things convenient and just enough wide open space to make us
were leaving all of civilization behind, but that we did indeed actual- feel out in the wilderness. We knew we were on the right track on the
ly part company with anything resembling modern life and human way up when we ran out of paved road about twenty miles from
comfort on our way up through the winding roads that took us to camp. “Ah-ha! Now we’re heading in the right direction.” I thought
the Mecca of fresh water fishing - The Canadian Shield. But times to myself, as the blacktop turned to dirt. Don’t worry, we’re talkin’
have changed, we have changed, and so too has our vision of the Minnesota unpaved here, not Ontario unpaved. Those who have
hunt.
(Continued on page 18)
The time had finally come for us to explore new
terrain. Gas prices were through the roof. In the summer of 2006 it would have cost a small fortune to run
a boat with a 90hp on it for two weeks anywhere,
much less north of the border.
And speaking of the border... In 2005, our crossing into Canada was a real pain in the saddlebags (if
you’ll pardon my Texas showing please). It took two
guys with NO criminal record or DUI convictions
four hours to clear the check point at International
Falls - we were carrying state ID’s and I had a valid
passport (now a requirement, but not back then) in
addition to my Texas ID.
Two men in a pick-up truck full of fishing rods,
tackle boxes, coolers, pulling a trailer with a boat on it,
and carrying more than the required forms of identification, I’m quite sure can be mistaken for a whole
bunch of trouble by some folks, but we didn’t even
have any alcohol or firearms. So, to make a long story
short, we decided to spend our US dollars for US
www.muskiesinc.org
LAKE VERMILION
been to both places will know exactly what I’m talking about - no
boulders, no trees, no three-foot deep potholes in Minnesota.
Once we got to camp we found an unexpected blend of vacation
paradise and local flavor all over the place. Our lodge had full service everything and a big screen TV in the bar. We even had a nice pub
within walking distance that served-up tasty munchies, our favorite
spirits, and a live band. Smack in the middle of all that water: a bait
store, marina, gift shop, grocery store, and local hang-out called... are
you ready for this? Timbuktu. It’s really very charming and does not
gouge customers buying fuel either.
How’s the fishing on Lake Vermilion? If you have had success
anywhere on The Canadian Shield, you will find fish on this lake too.
She is very much like her big sister to the north, Lake of the Woods.
Although the term “deep water” means something totally different,
Lake Vermilion isn’t too unlike the deep, clear Canadian lakes either.
Structure ranges from long weed lines to a great collection of rock
reefs and long rocky shore line drops that seem to hold fish all the
time. In the weeds, watch the sudden transition from thick cover
(slop that you can’t even get a bait through) to deep weeds - seems to
be the sweet spot, at least it was while we were there. These areas are
best for muskie, pike, and really big walleye. Muskie fishing has really taken-off on Lake Vermilion in the past few years. Many trophy
fish have come all year long, but the deeper into fall you go, the more
big muskies seem to be willing to strike. Ed Tausk, Owner and
Operator of Vermilion Dam Lodge (VDL), sent me some great photos of his guided trips from last October. If a trophy is what you’re
after, Lake Vermilion can accommodate. Here is a little factual infor-
mation provided by Duane Williams, Large Lake Specialist for the
DNR Area Fisheries Headquarters in Ely, Minnesota: “The current
muskie stocking program started in 1987 when nearly 5,000 Leech
Lake strain fingerlings were stocked. About 5,000 muskies have been
stocked every year since 1987. These intensive stockings have apparently been successful, as reports of muskie being caught are increasing each year. Reports indicate the larger muskie now exceed 40
inches, which is the new minimum length to keep a muskie. Once
muskies are well established, stocking every other year may be sufficient to maintain the population. The next step-in the muskie management program for Lake Vermilion is to evaluate the stocking and
determine if they will reproduce naturally.” According to Mr. Tausk
of VDL, in 2006 the DNR put a “significant number of 50-inch-plus
muskies” in their Lake Vermilion nets, while they also [unofficially]
determined that “the species may indeed be reproducing naturally.”
This could be good news for muskie hunters for years to come. No
matter, this lake is a jackpot if you enjoy freshwater fishing of any
kind. Lake Vermilion is approaching her prime and anyone who likes
big fish and beautiful scenery will have a good time exploring her
wonder. Check out Big-V’s winter activities too. There’s plenty to do
- if you like ice fishing, snowmobiles, cross-country skiing, and a
roaring fireplace, that is. ❖
SOURCES: Duane Williams,. Large Lake Specialist DNR Area
Fisheries Headquarters Ely, MN 55731 (218-365-7280) Just logon to
www.lakevermilion.com or http://www.lakevermilion.com/ for more
information.
Visit Bob “Bobzilla” Chochola online at
http://bobzilla.tv/fishinhole.html
Vermilion Dam Lodge
<http://www.vdl.com/> www.vdl.com Ed Tausk (800-325-5780) tell
him Bobzilla sent you.
Photo Contest – October Winners
by Gordon Campbell
Photo Tip of the Month
“How Does This Thing Work?”
Throughout the year we've discussed techniques to
improve and expand your collection of Muskie fishing
photos. The presumption was that people know how their
camera works. That's not always the case, especially when
your partner may be photographing you with your camera.
The advances in digital photography have yielded two
types of cameras- the simple point and shoot plus the more
complex SLR (single lens reflex ) style. The former actually
makes an excellent choice for most people, but each camera
still has an array of buttons and functions that must be
understood. Read your owners manual and practice.
Just as, if not more importantly, acquaint your fishing
partner and yourself with each others’ cameras. Take a few
test shots- learn the on/off switch, flash and zoom functions.
As Photo Editor I've seen proof positive that it can be the
difference between a clear, crisp photo suitable for enlargement versus a disappointing blur.
Lastly new people have been submitting photos which
is good & there have been some big fish caught. Email your
shots to [email protected]
▲ Winner #1: "Fulfilled"- new Twin Cities member Glenn Bergman
was treated to this 53.5 x 25 Vermillion fish last October. The beast
grabbed a Dream Catcher Bucktail at boatside & left Glenn feeling
excited & "totally fulfilled". A classic big fish shot- well framed &
clear plus a soft, colorful skyline. Congrats, Glenn.
www.muskiesinc.org
Thanks, & good luck this Fall.
Gordon Campbell, Photo Editor
[email protected]
▲ Winner #2: "Dad, Too"- Max doing well himself with this 52"
whopper. This trophy fish grabbed a homemade bucktail right off
the bat. The nighttime shot is clear, bright & sharp. Congrats!
dream about the explosive battles that take place when that giant
toothy critter takes any bait. No fish in fresh water has captured the
imagination of more fishermen and is surrounded by such lore as the
musky.
usky anglers are a strange crew, are they not? We are willBecause I love to fish for these giants, I love sharing in this pasing to cast for hours, days and even weeks without so
sion with other fishermen. When a good friend finally catchmuch as a follow. The passion that drives us is
es his first musky, it is a huge deal that gets documented
difficult to compare to anything, but one thing remains
with many photos and extensive stories. The unfortuconstant. When our world erupts into battle with a
Some of you
nate side of this is it may take months, if not years
muskellunge, all existence disappears into that sinmay have heard of
for a new angler to land his first fish. I want to
gle moment when we are victorious over God’s
promote this sport and educate those that may
Spirit
Lake,
East
and
most elusive and captivating fresh water predahave some misconceptions regarding muskies,
West Okoboji Lakes and
tor. The Musky.
but putting new inexperienced anglers in a sitIowa is not known for its musky fisheries,
two others which make up
uation where catching a fish is extremely
and for good reason. The population availwhat is commonly known as
unlikely is not the way to promote the potenable is very small and has been known for protial of the fishery.
the
Iowa
Great
Lakes,
located
ducing extremely long and unproductive
If we as anglers want the future of musky
in
the
North
West
corner
of
hours. For devoted musky anglers this can be
fishing to continue, the current fishery needs
Iowa. Here is a great article
very frustrating. This is especially true when
to make some changes if we expect the next
gas prices inhibit travel to more favorable
about one of our newer
generation to get involved.
“esox” waters that exist in Wisconsin or
Iowa Chapters, #55 Mid
Minnesota.
Misconceptions
Iowa Chapter of
I love to fish! Sharing the boat with those
One of the biggest “fairy tales” is that Muskies
Muskies,
Inc.
that mean the most to me is a great passion of mine,
eating
machines that deplete the populations of all
are
as well as the main purpose to my fishing. I have
The simple answer to this is, no, they do
other
game
fish.
enjoyed success with many species and find it rewarding
not! They may occasionally eat a crappie, gill or even a small
to simply be on the water, but when it is time to be serious, I
live for the chase involving Esox Masquinongy, the Muskellunge. I walleye, but definitely not enough to hurt the existing population. In
a study from Wisconsin, samples were taken from the stomachs of
(This article was previously published in the July issue of The Iowa
Sportsman Magazine, and has been submitted to Muskies Inc. courtesy of
The Iowa Sportsman and Thomas Allen, its Executive Director)
M
hundreds of muskies and the majority of what was found was rough
fish; shad, ciscoes, suckers, bullheads, etc. That makes perfect sense
because they are a part of an abundant population, and do not require
as much energy to chase down and eat. (Refer to this link to verify this
study
mentioned
abovehttp://www.brainerdmuskies.com/WhatDoMuskiesReallyEat.pdf)
Another misconception is the balance of predator vs. prey in
musky waters. Here in Iowa there are only eight lakes that are under
musky stocking programs, and very conservative programs at that.
Of those lakes, only a couple show statistics that the population is at
a “healthy” level. The others boast very lengthy fish-per-hour ratios,
with very poor catch rates. The lakes currently getting stocked have
large populations of shad and other rough fish that fit into that forage
base that muskies feed on, therefore creating a habitat those muskies
thrive in. The catch rates do not accurately reflect this. In short,
many more muskies could be stocked in Iowa’s lakes without losing
the “balance” that is apparently “in-check.”
The purpose of the Iowa Musky program is to create a trophy
fishery. Ask any serious musky angler, and he will tell you a 40-inch
fish is far from a trophy. A nice fish, yes, and tons of fun to catch,
however, the statewide limit of 40 inches does not accurately reflect
the intentions of the musky fishery. The length limit is the first thing
the musky fishermen in Iowa want to see changed. A 48-inch minimum will encourage the growth of a higher population of trophy-caliber fish.
Here is a parallel for you, under a Quality Deer Management
(QDM) program, all the smaller deer must be let go to reach their
“Trophy Potential.” The same applies for the muskies in Iowa’s
waters. While catching a fish above 40 inches is a difficult task, those
fish won’t reach trophy size if they are kept, and fish ARE occasionally being kept. The main reason behind the current limit is to provide
the everyday angler with an opportunity to keep a fish he sees as a trophy. So for now, he has that right to do so.
“Why not let the anglers who target the species determine what
a trophy fish is? Especially when the current population is in such
short supply.” asks Chris Carlson, president of the Mid-Iowa Muskies
Inc. chapter. “To base a size limit on what the “incidental catch” fisherman sees as a trophy is an incorrect method of approach that does
nothing to enhance the fishery.”
“Lining up” – a good example of how the guys fished the spillway….an interesting picture!
www.muskiesinc.org
“Last fall’s stocking” this picture shows a 10.5 incher that was
moved as well. Fish of all sizes exist down there
As passionate anglers, we want to see this fish thrive and do
everything we can to increase awareness and promote conservation.
But we need the masses of fishermen throughout the state as well as
the DNR to understand and support our intentions. Like every
angler in the world, we want to see more of our favorite species, and
we want to be able to catch them.
After numerous meetings presenting our stats that are backlogged for several years, and expressing our concerns with many of the
current regulations, Iowa’s musky fishermen are pulling together to
bring awareness to the entire fishing community.
The Project
Just recently, good friend and veteran musky angler Tracy Crail
and I were ending another very unproductive evening on Brushy
Creek Lake. Both of us were fairly frustrated, yet very confident that
we fished each location appropriately. For quite a while there have
been rumors of muskies existing at the spillway below Brushy Creek
dam. We decided on our next outing we would go for broke and give
the “unlikely” a try.
If this were the case, it would be very unfortunate for several reasons. First, the fish were stocked in the lake above, thus explaining
why musky fishermen were having a hard time locating any decent
fishing topside. Second, if we have a hot and dry summer the water
slows down or completely stops running over the spillway, the oxygen
levels in the pool directly below the dam will deteriorate and kill
dozens of muskies, not to mention other fish that live in that pool.
They were there in large numbers and confined to a small area
about half the size of a football field.
The DNR officers that worked the area and the local DNR fish
biologists were notified, then had the situation explained to them.
They gave us their blessing as we began a project that was meant to
save this magnificent fish before it was too late. Iowa law states that
any Musky less than 40 inches must be released. We understood this
rule but after informing the DNR, they allowed us to begin transporting the fish from below the spillway back into Brushy Creek Lake,
where they were originally stocked. Essentially, we were not catching
the fish, just moving them a hundred yards to where they belong.
The Mid-Iowa Muskies Inc. Chapter in conjunction with a few
devoted anglers have successfully transported and re-stocked muskies
back into the lake above the dam. This absolutely would not have
been possible without the consent of the local wildlife authorities and
a small, devoted group of very passionate anglers.
“I really believe these fish would have probably either been harvested by fishermen, especially since this situation models the “fish in
(Continued on Page 22)
OPERATION ESOX
pockets to stock these fish in Iowa’s waterways. This problem needs to be corrected and
the first step in doing so has been started. The
a barrel” cliché, or the fish would have ended
DNR has been made aware of this situation,
up dying due to low oxygen levels after the
now the next objective is getting them to
water stopped flowing,” comments Bill
understand and agree with our collected data
Flesch, RVP of Mid-Iowa Muskies Inc. “It is
and then implement a plan to prevent this
really cool to see the young kids who have
from happening in the future.
been fishing down at the spillway and how
“We can continue to transport the fish
excited they get when one is caught. Even
back to where they belong, but if we don’t get
better is when we explain what our club is trythe support of the DNR then our efforts will
ing to do and they jump in and help save the
have been for nothing,” Tracy Crail says.
fish as well. That’s what our club is all
“Finding a catchable population of muskies in
“In the bucket” this picture shows a part of
about!!”
Iowa is a very difficult task, and we are only
process
of
moving
the
fish.
the
The process is fairly simple. We fish
interested in improving the program that is
for the muskies in a traditional manner using large, noisy and obnox- currently in progress.”
ious baits, however, there have been situations where smaller and subIn study conducted by Muskies Inc. International, there are
tler approaches work best. Either way, the fish gets hooked then net- monetary values that can placed on various sizes of muskies, in related. Once a photo has been shot, the fish goes back into the net to tion to the number of stocked fish (10-11”) that must be restocked to
be revived before making the trek up the hill. Once the fish has his replace those fish due to natural death and low recruitment rates.
bearings back, he is put head first into a five-gallon bucket that is 3/4 Based on the information collected, the group of fisherman particifull of water. Then a wet towel is draped over his body to maintain pating in the Brushy Creek Dam Project has saved the State of Iowa
the protective slime/film that covers the body. This also keeps them approximately $6450.00, based on a monetary value of $5.90 per
from drying out and really makes the releasing process much more fish. To date, 45 muskies have been successfully transplanted back
productive with significantly less stress. Then as we race up the hill into the main lake, where if not, they would have seen certain demise
to the best of our ability, the individual carrying the bucket holds the by summer’s end. If these fish were not moved back to the main lake,
tail of the fish, keeping pressure off the fishes head inside the bucket. it would take approximately 1100, 10”-11” stocked fish to rebuild the
The big questions here are WHY take the time to save a bunch population the Iowa DNR has spent considerable time and money
of toothy fish, and why are dedicated musky anglers reporting such implementing.
poor catch rates?? Well, the musky fishery in Iowa has been neglected to the point that it is unknown how many fish exist under the cur- (To verify the information cited above, visit www.muskiesinc.org and
rent stocking programs or where exactly the fish that were stocked then click on the tab labeled “Pamphlets and Info”, then click on the
ended up.
document labeled “2006 – WhyRelea.pdf ”)
There is a large population of muskies that exist below the spillways and dams of numerous lakes in Iowa: Big Creek, 3-Mile Lake, Conclusion
Pleasant Creek, Okoboji, and of course Brushy. This is a huge probThis whole project is funded only by the devotion of passionate
lem, especially when looking at the money that comes out of Iowan’s musky fishermen. No money is involved whatsoever. As anglers and
residents of Iowa, it is our responsibility to maintain
the resources we have. This fish that haunts our
dreams and brings excitement that is too difficult to
put into words has been neglected long enough!
Getting more fish put in our waters and increasing the
size limit is only for the betterment of the fish and the
fishery. This is an uphill battle that we as musky
anglers are going to fight until we are heard and
changes are made. ❖
As of August 20th, 2007, when this story was submitted, the Mid-Iowa Muskies Inc. Chapter has been
responsible for saving 45 Muskies from below the
Brushy Creek Spillway, ranging in size from 10.5 inches up to 43.5”. Many of the fish we have been seeing
are from last fall’s stocking and are in the 10-12 inch
range, and that just goes to show that fish of all sizes are
living below the spillway. More fish may have been
saved by other non-affiliated fishermen; however our
stats are based on actual documented catches. I can
assure you, more fish will have been re-released back
into Brushy Creek Lake by the time this publication
hits the stands in July. For more information go to
www.midiowamuskies.com
Chapter #57 NW Tiger Pac,
of Washington State Holds
First Catch & Release Tournament
As the VP/TD of the newest chapter of Muskies Inc, Chapter
57, I was very pleased at the outcome of our very first organized
C&R tiger muskie tournament. It was held on Mayfield Lake in SW
Washington. A one day, members only event. 8 members participated with 4 members measuring muskies. Cell phones kept us in contact with each other since another contestants boat had to witness the
measuring.
Miles McDonald won the event and cash with healthy 43” x 19
1/2” tiger musky, caught on his secret bait. Jon Olson was very
happy with a fat 42” x 20” tiger caught on his homemade bucktail,
Perry Peterson measured a 40”er and Mark Wells caught the smallest
muskie of the day on a Ducktail bucktail, at 38 1/4”.
That’s 163 1/4” of muskies for 4 out of 8 fisherpersons! 50 %
success! Fantastic! Not bad for our first tourney.
It was a great day for fishing and catching. Camaraderie ran
high. We can’t wait for the next one.
Mark Wells , V.P./Tournament Director
NW Tiger Pac, M.I. Chapter 57
www.muskiesinc.org
T O U R N A M E N T N E WS ◆ T O U R N A M E N T N E WS ◆ T O U R N A M E N T N E WS ◆ T O U R N A M E N T N E WS
TOURNAMENT
NEWS
e
i
sk
u
T
N
E
M
N
A
M
R
U
O
T
Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskies, Inc.
Presents the:
UA L
30th ANN
$30,000
Oct. 5-6-7, 2007
TOTAL RELEASE TOURNAMENT
in prizes
GRAND DOOR PRIZE: Boat, Motor & Trailer
Boat, motor & trailer to be awarded as the
Grand Door Prize at the Sunday Awards Ceremony.
Only tournament entrants are eligible. You MUST be present to win.
AGAIN THIS YEAR!
2007 Lund 1700 Explorer Boat with an EZ Loader
Trailer and a 2007 50hp Mercury Motor
Prizes & Trophies Awarded to First 10 Places
2007 25hp Mercury Motor, 2007 9.9hp Mercury Motor, Trolling Motors,
Depth Finders, GPS Units, Rods, Reels, Cameras, and much more!
GRAPHITE REPLICA FOR LARGEST FISH RELEASED!!
EVERYONE WHO RELEASES A FISH 34” OR LARGER
WILL RECEIVE A PLAQUE
17 Tournament Lakes
• Chippewa Flowage
• Lac Courte Oreilles
• Lost Land-Teal Lakes
• Eau Claire Chain
• Grindstone Lake
• Lake Namakagon
• Spider Chain
• Ghost Lake
• Callahan Lake
• Whitefish Lake
• Sand Lake
• Round Lakes
• Moose Lake
• Clear Lake
• Lake Hayward
• Tiger Cat Flowage
• Big Sissabagama
Saturday Night - GIANT RAFFLE
Saturday, October 6, 7 - 8:30 p.m. – hors d’oeuvres and drinks (Flat Creek Beef Sandwiches available) •
Raffle starts at 8:30 p.m. at the RAMADA INN
Sunday - Awards, Ceremony & Grand Door Prize Drawing
Sunday, October 7, 1-2 p.m. – hors d’oeuvres and drinks (Flat Creek Beef Sandwiches available) •
Awards & Drawing 2:30 p.m. at the RAMADA INN
REGISTRATION BLANK
PLEASE PRINT
NAME ______________________________________________________________________________ PHONE ________________________
STREET__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CITY____________________________________________________________________STATE________ ZIP______________
All people in boat must be paid contestants.
NO ENTRIES ACCEPTED BY MAIL POSTMARKED AFTER SEPTEMBER 17, 2007. Register in person at Hayward Bait & Tackle
or Jenk’s Bait & Tackle (or via phone & fax, call Hayward Bait at 715-634-2921) until 11pm, October 4, 2007.
WAIVER
In consideration of being permitted to participate among and on boats under the auspices of Muskies,Inc. International and Hayward Lakes Chapter, I acknowledge, appreciate, and agree that:
1. “I am aware of the inherent risk associated with fishing and boating, including but not limited to the risks of collisions with other boats and stationary objects in and around the lake, including rocks, reefs or piers or
other vehicles and trailers at landing areas. I am familiar with other risks up to and including death by drowning associated with rough water, changing weather patterns, heavy winds and lightning storms. I expressly
assume all risks associated with this tournament and hereby release Muskies, Inc. International and Hayward Lakes Chapter of Muskies, Inc., the host, sponsors, and tournament officials from all claims of negligence
resulting from injury and/or property damages incurred in connection with the tournament..”
2. I knowingly and freely assume all such risks, both known and unknown, even if arising from the negligence of those persons released from liability below, and assume full responsibility for my participation; and
3. I will comply with all rules and regulations. If I have any question, or observe any unusual or unnecessary hazard during my participation, I will immediately bring such to the attention of the nearest official;
4. I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, hereby release, indemnify and hold harmless the Muskies, Inc. International and Hayward Lakes Chapter, the owners and lessors
of premises used to conduct the tournament, their officers, officials, (“Releasees”), with respect to any and all injury, disability, death, or loss or damage to person or property, whether caused by the negligence of the
Releasees or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
I have read this release of liability and assumption of risk agreement, fully understand its terms, understand that I have given up substantial rights by signing it, and sign it freely and voluntarily without any inducement.
X ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Date Signed: ______________________________
TOURNAMENT FEE
_____ $60 Open Entry
($70 after Sept. 17)
_____ $25 FOR AGES 16 & UNDER
(Eligible for all major prizes)
AGAIN THIS YEAR...
Boat, motor & and trailer to be
awarded as the Grand Door Prize at
the Sunday Awards Ceremony. Only
tournament entrants are eligible. You
MUST be present to win.
FOR PARTICIPANTS OF MINORITY AGE (UNDER 18 AT TIME OF REGISTRATION)
This is to certify that I, as parent/guardian of this participant, do consent and agree to his/her indemnification, release and hold harmless as provided above of all Releasees, and I, for myself and behalf of my heirs, assigns and next to kin, hereby release, indemnify and hold harmless
the Releasees from any and all claims incident to my child’s involvement in these programs even if arising out of the negligence of the Releasees, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
X (PARENT/GUARDIAN’S SIGNATURE) ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Date Signed: ______________________________
Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskies Inc. reserves the right to reject any registration.
MAIL TO: Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskies, Inc., Box 609, Hayward, WI 54843 • 715/634-2921 or 715/634-4543
24
15 33
38
37
12
13
21
1
54
26
6
4
30
20
35
8
29
53
Special
Events
46
47
10
14
39
11 17 3 7
32
55
31
23
49
22
19
27
41
44
42
16
50
2007
18 51
9
45
52
5
28
October 27, 28
7th Annual Fall Brawl – Kinkaid Lake,
Murphysboro, IL. Host: Shawnee Muskie
Hunters Chapter #28.
Chapter News and Views
Phone #
www.muskiesinc.org
April 3, 4, 5
2008 Spring board meeting, Hosted by
Titletown Muskies, Inc., Chapter #4
Radisson Hotel & Conference Center,
2040 Airport Drive, Green Bay, WI
Telephone: 800-333-3333
Contact Jay Zahn
[email protected]
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: Kevin Richards,
7618 Sunrise Ridge Road,
Henley, MO 65040
Please send announcements
at least 2 months in advance.
IMPORTANT
Due to a "glitch" with my Muskies, Inc.
email address I may not have
received all of your Chapter News &
Views submissions for this month.
If you do not see your chapter news,
please re-submit to Kevin at:
[email protected] so he can
include the material in the November
issue.
Jim
CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS
01.....Twin Cities, 414 Division St., Excelsior, MN 55331..........................................952-380-1218
02.....Fargo-Moorhead, Box 2021, Fargo ND, 58107................................................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 .......................................417-993-0035
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, 10957 Northwood Ave NE, Bolivar OH 44612.330-874-2773
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, 5611 Alber, Parma, OH 44129........................................................440-221-5760
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...........................................262-442-6260
37.....St. Cloud, 312 18th Avenue N., Sartell, MN 56377 ..........................................320-656-1160
38.....Vikingland, 2909 Wicken Lane NW, Alexandria, MN 56308.............................320-846-7975
39.....Fox River Valley, 1253 Cobblers Crossing, Elgin, IL 60123.............................847-741-9771
41.....Central Ohio, 603 Bennettwoods Ct., Cincinnati, OH 45320 ...........................513-231-1961
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
52.....Daniel Boone, 813 US 62, Maysville, KY 41056 ..............................................606-759-7610
53.....Huskerland Muskie Hunters, PO Box 394, Valentine, NE 69201.....................402-376-2743
54.....Southern Crossroads, 1524 Country Club Rd, Albert Lea MN 56007 .............507-373-1818
55.....Mid Iowa Muskies, 2940 SW Meadow Ridge, Ankeny IA 50023 .....................515-289-1583
57.....NW TigerPac, 10517 SE 214th Place, Kent, WA 98031 ..................................253-850-5889
2008
CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆
No. Chapter, Address
CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆
48
2
CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆ CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆ CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS
08
Capital City
P.O. Box 8862, Madison, WI 53708
608-669-5046 – Gerard Hellenbrand
www.capitalcitymuskiesinc.org
Meets: 2nd Monday 7:00 PM Park Ponderosa
McFarland, WI
The Capital City Muskie club held its final onthe-water meeting of the year on Monday August
13. The gathering was held at Lake Farm Park
on Madison’s lake Waubesa. Club members
and guests were treated to a wonderful meal of
hamburgers, brats and hot dogs, salads (including potato) and deserts.
The meal was
arranged and prepared by Margaret and Dan
Reim. Although these meetings are suppose to
begin and end with some fishing, members
decided to forgo the fishing because of the survival risks to released fish due to the warm water
temperatures of the lakes in the Madison area.
In fact, there has been little fishing in southern
Wisconsin over the past month due to the high
water temperatures.
The fishing report from
those in attendance who just returned from
Canada was mixed.
The most successful
members were Jerry Jorgenson who brought
back pictures of a 50 inch beauty taken on
Eagle Lake in Ontario. Bill Wood showed pictures of his 49 inch fish also caught on Eagle.
Other members didn’t report having that kind of
success while north of the border. As August
comes to an end and the temperatures begin to
drop, we should once again able to get out on
the water more. Hopefully the fall fishing will
make up for the lack of opportunities during
these past hot summer months.
Reporting: Gary Hoffman
09
West Virginia
1270 Federal Road
Little Hocking, OH 45742
740-667-3571
http://westvirginiamuskiesinc.org
Meets: No definite schedule-call
Although Ken and Shelia McCord have caught
many big Stonewall Jackson muskies of 48” and
49”, it was not until 7-11-07 that they boated their
first 50”. Shelia caught it on a Hooker and it
measured 50.25”. A very heavy fish, it was estimated at forty pounds.
The McCords aren’t the only Chapter members catching big fish and good numbers. As a
group we are on a pace to substantially exceed
last years fish registrations. With nearly half of
2007 remaining, we have already released more
than 200 fish.
Robert Eddy put four in the net on 8-1-07 at
Salt Fork Lake including a 40” and lost a fifth
one. Dave Wenzel had a terrific week in late
June boating about twenty legals including several over 40”. Incredibly, these were not from
Canada but were local WV fish.
Our longest fish registration ever, a 57” giant,
was received from Jim Willison. Jimmy caught
this fish on one of his own Willey’s Spinnerbaits,
a very effective tool for trolling over and thru submerged weeds. Our previous longest was a 55”
by Ken Mikes. Congratulations to Bill Boggess
for his first 50” and to Zack Eakle for his first
muskie, a heavy 45” from the Tygart River.
WV DNR anticipates a record year for
advanced muskie fingerling production in 2007.
These fish are being grown in ponds at Bowden,
Burnsville and Bee Run. We will again help
Please send all MUSKIE Magazine
articles, Chapter News & Views,
and other submissions to:
Kevin Richards
7618 Sunrise Ridge Road
Henley, MO. 65040
them recover and stock these fish after the water
cools this fall.
2007 Normal Fingerling Stocking:
Buckhannon River
Buckhannon River Pool
Burnsville Lake
Coal River
Dunkard Creek
Fishing Creek
Kanawha River
Meadow River
Sandy Creek
Stonecoal Lake
Upper Mud Lake
West Fork River
Woodrum Lake
350
345
985
350
323
443
498
590
296
576
500
397
276
John Kaltenecker, Secretary
Headwaters
12
P.O. Box 652
Eagle River, WI 54521
715-477-2913 – Paul Hansen
www.headwatersmuskies.com
Meets 1st Wednesday 7:00 PM
Headwaters Chapter 12 of Muskies Inc had a
very active August. On August 9th we had our
annual Directors meeting to review our future
agenda. Throughout August Art Andersen is
busy with two boat safety classes as well as kids
fishing seminars held at Heckels Marina. August
8th was also our mid week fishing outing with 51
members attending. This outing was held at
Twelve Pines restaurant and all attendees
enjoyed some great piazza and stories on the
patio deck. Thanks to Roger Sabota and Jim
Rechiltz for planning a great event. There were
3 fish registered by Gary Myshak, Carl Tenner
and Glenn Matula. Welcome to new members
Paul and Jennifer Durst who attended and join
our clubs at this event. On August 16 thru
August 19th the Wisconsin Alliance of Musky
Clubs and the Eagle River Chamber of
Commerce hosted the world’s largest Musky
Open tournament with 1109 entries. There were
170 muskies caught and released over the 9
group family of lakes. This event is a major fund
raiser for our club. Congratulations to our
Membership chairman and all members for purchasing tickets. This was a record year for ticket sales. Our annual club outing will be held
Sept. 5th thru Sept. 8th. Information and results ill
be published in our next chapter notes
.Everyone mark your calendars for our Enduro
outing held on the eagle river chain . Sign up and
dinner will be at the Eagle River Inn.Good luck
and good fishing.
Secretary Glenn Matula
13
Hayward Lakes
P.O. Box 609
Hayward, WI 54843
715-634-4543
Sunday July 22, our club had a fishing outing
followed by a picnic at the Hayward beach at
5p.m. The club provided
the food and drink, our thanks to those who
brought or prerpared the food, it was fun.
Sunday August 5th was our annual kids fishing day. Fifteen club members and other volunteer guides took thirty
youngsters fishing in the morning and at noon
everyone was fed brats and all the trimmings.
Each youngster received
a bag of goodies and there was a raffle for
some larger prizes. This is always a great event.
This is being written at the end of August, with
our 30TH Annual Fall Tournament about five
weeks away but since this
article will appear in the October magazine the
tournament may be history. We will send a list of
the final standings to everyone in the tournament
or call Hayward Bait and Tackle, 715-634-2921.
The results will also be in “Muskie” ASAP.
Our November meeting is Tuesday the 6th at
7:30p.m.We will be reviewing the tournament,
electing officers and have a “lure swap”, so bring
any lures or equipment you no longer use and
swap or sell to other club members. This meeting
19
Akron-Canton
10957 Northwood Ave. NE
Bolivar, OH 44612
Gordon Selden - 330-874-2773
http://[email protected]
Meets 3rd Monday 7:00 PM, Belgrade Gardens,
3476 Massillon Road, Akron, OH.
On August 11th, we held our 4th and last tournament of the season at Leesville Lake with our
Night Bite Tournament.
We had 20 muskie
hunters that started at 12p.m. and ended at midnight. With the weather being hot and the water
surface temperature in the mid 80 degrees
range, we thought the bite would be good
towards evening or just before dark. However
the fish proved us wrong. There were 3 fish
caught in the tournament and all three fish were
caught between a one-hour span between 1p.m.
and 2p.m. Charlotte Fuchs took first place in the
tournament with a nice 42-inch fish and also won
the big fish pool. Way to go Charlotte! The
other two fish caught in the tournament were
both 31-inch fish by Kevin Proffitt and Gordon
Selden. We all had a great time even though
the fish didn’t cooperate.
On Sept. 14th – 16th, a group of our club members will be heading up to fish the CanAm at
Chautauqua Lake. We wish them well as they
go to help to win the CanAm Challenge.
Our last event for the season will be our Sept.
22nd Memorial Outing at West Branch. We will
acknowledge all of the club members that have
passed away over the years as well as have a
cookout at the end of the outing. We are also
going to have a rod and reel drawing and lure
raffle after we get done eating.
I will give you the results from our outing and
who the winner of our rod and reel raffle will be
in our next month’s highlights.
Kevin Proffitt
22
New Jersey
http://www.mi22.com/
Summer is grinding along with relatively few
catches although the Fall looks brighter.
Chapter 50 has chosen to organize the Fall
Tournament to be held at Lake Hopatcong on
Saturday October 13th. See our site mi22.com
www.muskiesinc.org
for details including registration. Craig reported
that the Hackettstown Hatchery has had a banner year raising Muskies and has already done a
stocking of 100 of the larger ones into Echo
Lake. Meetings resumed in September & will be
held the last Tuesday of the month in October &
November at the Lake Arrowhead Clubhouse,
8pm.
Submitted by Gordon Campbell
VP Chapter 22
See my photos at
http://www.outdoorimages.smugmug.com
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.
Pumpkins and “Fall Fatties!” Yes, it is October
already. This is the time to start looking for that
end of the season Big Girl. The holidays are right
around the corner! Is it too early to start that
Holiday shopping?
If you have not gotten to it yet this is your last
chance to get your entry form filled out for our
Fall “Challunge on the Chain.” This will be taking
place in a few short weeks on the 27th. of
October. We look forward to seeing many old
friends at this event and we would like to see
some “First Timers” also. Don’t forget cash payouts to tenth place and a big fish pool. It is a
great day on the water followed by a tasty hot
meal and beverages. The day winds up with the
raffle of two tables full of outstanding prizes. If
you miss this one you will have to wait for Spring!
This month our featured speaker will be our
very own Russ Schaller. His presentation will be
on the Fox Chain of Lakes. Those of us who look
at this body of water as our “Home Turf” would
be wise to listen to this man. His knowledge of
the Chain always put fish in the boat.
As I mentioned last month we would like to
call your attention to a special event we have
scheduled for Saturday February 16th. 2008. The
Fox River Valley Chapter will be putting on a
Fund-raising Banquet. We would really enjoy
seeing you, your family and your friends join us
for a great evening of food, friends and outstanding prizes.
The Time, is 6 to 10 p.m.
The Location is the Polar Creek Country Club in
Hoffman Estates, Illinois.
The Emcee is Steve Sarley, Host of the
Outdoors Experience Radio Program in
Chicago and Writer for the NW Daily Herald
Newspaper.
The Menu, Peppercorn Crusted Sirloin of Beef,
Chicken Capriasi, Vegetables, Fruit, Dessert
and Cash Bar.
The Cost, $35.00 Per Person
The Purpose, To raise funds in promotion of the
FRV Chapter’s mission of “Back To Our Youth”
Fund-raising and ongoing water clean-up and
fish stocking programs.
Evening Activities: Raffles, Auctions, Ticket
Games for great prizes and merchandise for
home, office, outdoor recreation and family
pursuits.
We would really like to see your participation
in this night. As a club this is what we are here
for. To promote a healthy environment for our
fishing pursuits. To continue to fulfill our mission
to stock Muskies in area Lakes and most importantly to have our Children involved in the sport
of fishing. They will be the architects that shape
the future of our fishing environment.
Watch here and the website for updates and
reservations.
Our regular club meeting dates are the second Wednesday of the month at the Poplar
Creek Country Club. They offer a buffet style dinner starting at six p.m. before the 7:30 p.m.
meeting. The week before the meeting the web
site will have the buffet menu and cost.
Until Later,
Return ‘em to the water Healthy and remember Our Troops.
JT
Penn Jersey
50
Matt Lysek, President
215-822-2472
Website: www.mi50.com
Meets at 7pm on 1st Wed. at Casey’s Bar on Corner of
Cherry and California Rds, Quakerstown, PA.
Float Stocking: Over 28,000 Muskie fingerlings were stocked early due to the hatchery
needing to be rebuilt. Priority lakes & rivers for
the stocking were Nockamixon, Karcher, Lehigh
river,
Beltzville,
Delaware
river,
and
Susquehanna
river.
Fund Raisers: Thank you to all who have donated items for ebay auctions and club raffles.
We are scheduled for a Harrisburg Cabela’s
show on 9-24-07.
Musky School – a limited amount of schools
available for the fall
Fall
Chapter
Challenge
Muskie
Tournament: MI Chapter 50 is honored to be
hosting this year’s Fall Chapter Challenge
Muskie Tournament. The tournament will take
place on October 13th at Lake Hopatcong. We
will use Lee’s Marina again as our launch area
and the tournament will begin at 6:30am. The
tournament will conclude at 3:00pm sharp and
the festivities will be held on
the lake at Pavinci’s restaurant.
The registration fee will be $30 payable to
Penn Jersey MI 50. This is a pre-registration
event; I would like to have the registration forms
and fee by 10/3/07. As an incentive for everyone to get their forms in early, we will draw a
name from those that get their forms in by
9/26/07 and they will win back their registration
fee!
The
forms
are
located
at
http://mi50.com/library.htm, you will need to print
and complete the 2007 Fall Tourney Registration
Form.pdf and the 2007 Fall Liability Release
Form.pdf.
We’re looking forward to a big turnout for this
exciting tournament. We would like to thank Lax
Reproductions for sponsoring this event.
Reporting: Archie Roche
CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆ CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆ CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS
Will be held at Dow’s Corner Bar,13 miles east
of Hayward on 77east, at 77 and county A.
The following people have registered fish in
our members contest ;
Clint Blankenship-1 fish-8pts.
J.B. Ellis-2 fish-111/2 pts.
Terra Blankenship-2 fish-12 pts.
James Nyberg-1 fish-19pts.
Dick Minnick-5 fish-50pts.
Mike Persson-10 fish-151pts. Includes a 50”
from LOTW
If anyone did not receive their patches or certificates from last years contest contact Bob
Timme at 715-462-3053. Bob also has entry
forms and you can mail your completed forms to
him at 12677 Neumaier Rd., Hayward WI,
54843.
Good Fishing,
Mike Persson
very year I look forward to our annual treks to go fishing on not bring it and need it.
This time of year I like to fish a lot of rock spots, and combinathe beautiful shield lakes of the north. Any time of year is a
tion rock/weed spots. I tend to fish rocks at least
good time to go north - as long as the
half
the time, unless they show me some real
muskie season is open. But if I had to narrow it
good
fish, then I’ll concentrate my efforts even
down to one time period, I would choose the
more
on them. Otherwise, I’m splitting time
last two weeks of August and the first two weeks
We
have
a
general
rule
rocks and rock/weed areas. After all,
between
of September. This is serious casting time for big
some
of
the
best areas have both so it’s hard to
fish. It’s also a great time for top water, which is
of thumb for what
fish
one
with
out the other. The kind of spots we
my favorite way to fish for muskies. Top water
look
for
are
more like areas or complexes as
muskie fishing is about as fun as it gets - as long
structure/lures to fish
they’ve
been
referred
to. They’re big, and if you
as you give the fish a chance to get the bait in its
based
on
the
weather
included
the
secondary
areas adjacent to them
mouth! The time period I mentioned above
they’re
really
big.
These
kinds
of areas could take
would be considered late summer. Mid August,
conditions.
an
hour
or
more
to
cover
thoroughly.
That’s a big
late summer you might ask? Well considering
spot
on
an
average
shield
lake.
Most
spots you
how far north you are, yes, late summer. I can
can
throw
in
twenty
minutes
or
less.
With
that
remember some trips in late august when I wore
said,
they’re
fairly
easy
to
find,
because
of
there
a down jacket for the better part of the morning
and again in the evening. As a matter of fact, I believe it has snowed size. They stick out on the map more then say a secluded rock pile
every month of the year up there except July. So don’t be fooled by off the end of a small point. Clusters of small to medium size islands
the time of year, be sure you bring a good amount of warm clothes. are a good place to start when looking at a hydrological map. These
I’d rather have an extra bag sitting in the truck the whole week, then maps are highly accurate - but not perfect. I’ll get back to that.
E
My dad Dave with a big evening muskie caught on a top water over
a shallow rock shelf.
consideration. Reefs that
normally have two feet of
water on top of them could
be just below the surface on
a drought year. To realize
the true fluctuation of
water levels, all you have to
do is look at a rocky shoreline, and you will see the
high water lines. My best
advice is to stay on the
major routes until you get
to know some short cuts.
Better to take a couple
more minutes getting to the
spot then to leave your
lower unit on the bottom of
the lake. I know some people who are very experienced and still manage to
find a rock here and there.
Don’t get overly confident An evening bruiser caught on a top
water in a weedy saddle.
just because you’ve been
there a few times, keep the map handy and always know exactly
where you are. One last bit of advice, don’t push it too late if you’re
not confident about which way is home. Once the sun goes down all
the islands begin to look the same.
Over the years and thanks to a few good friends, we’ve developed a milk run of spots that we would fish every day. This milk run
consisted of areas like I described above and a few smaller spots. All
the spots have produced big fish for us thru the years and have a lot
of history behind them. Even on a tough day we could confidently
fish these areas knowing any cast could be the one - because of the
memories each spot held. One observation we noticed thru the years, on a
weeklong trip we would catch fish at the
beginning of the week and the end of
the week, but the middle of the week
would be slow. I can only attest this to
the fact we would catch the resident fish
that had set up on the spots the first part
of the week. Then some fresh fish would
move into the areas by the end of the
week, and then we would have some
more action. So now we do some
exploring during the middle of the week
looking for more areas like the ones we
currently fish.
Most of the shield waters we fish
are off color. The classic colors and lures
that have worked well for us are; black
top waters, orange/black and chartreuse/black in buck tails, spinner baits
and jerk baits, and perch is a great color
for crank baits. I personally like to have
four rods rigged and ready. One each for
top water, buck tail/spinner baits, crank
baits, and one for jerk-baits. This way
These island cluster areas I’m talking about usually have some
reefs mixed in with them, and of course saddles between the islands,
so the islands should be fairly close together. The best saddles have
weeds, reeds and some boulders mixed in among them. Couple this
with an adjacent reef or two and some deep water near by and you
have the makings for a big fish spot. Another thing to look for in an
area like this is the more isolated the spot the better. By that I mean
that there is not much else around it, but open water and rocky
shoreline - sometimes for miles. The more isolated the better, this
may sound like it would be easy to find, but with a multitude of
structure, its harder then you think. The reason we like the isolated
areas, is because they tend to attract multiple large fish, because there
really is nowhere else to go to find prime feeding grounds, like I said,
sometimes for miles. One last thing to
put the frosting on the cake, if you can
find an area like this that is on the tip of
a large land mass or peninsula that
divides two main basins - I promise you,
you have a trophy spot for life. We have
one such spot that has produced six fish
over forty-eight inches in just a few
years. Taking the time to find areas like
this on the map prior to hitting the
water can save you a lot of precious fishing time once you get there.
Getting back to the accuracy of the
maps, the maps I’m speaking of show the
deeper water in white and the shallow
water in blue. These maps are highly
accurate, but there are some hazards –
reefs - that are not on the maps. The best
thing to do is talk to a resort owner or
guide and have them put any unmarked
hazards that they’re aware of on your
map. This information is obviously
invaluable on the water, as navigation is
treacherous enough much less having
some hidden gem awaiting your lower
unit. Water fluctuation is another major Beautifully marked natural hybrid that fell for a spinfactor, so this also has to be taken into ner bait near a rock ledge.
www.muskiesinc.org
(Continued on Page 30)
ANATOMY OF A SHIELD TRIP
you’re all setup for any situation and you’re not constantly switching
lures. The thing about fishing these kinds of waters is you’re going to
fish a lot of varied structure in the same general area. I like to pull up
to a spot and throw a couple casts with a crank-bait on the deep edge.
This may only take a matter of minutes, but if you don’t have a rod
rigged and ready it turns in to a chore, and you’ll probably skip it.
That will cost you some fish - and big fish. After I’ve worked the deep
edge, I can go up and fish the regular area without changing lures,
just rods. Then I may go up real shallow and fish that, again without
changing lures, just rods. It’s a matter of efficiency and maximizing
your time. I’ve fished with people up there who only bring a couple
rods and they’re constantly changing lures while I’m fishing, and consequently missing out on some fish.
Staying versatile is the key, and with the multitude of structure
available on most shield lakes, it’s vitally important. We have a general rule of thumb for what structure/lures to fish based on the
weather conditions. For example: if it’s been stable weather with a
Southerly/westerly wind direction, anything goes as far as spots and
lures. Under those conditions we would usually fish a top-water or a
buck tail, fishing fast and moving frequently until we found a pattern
to exploit. Obviously those would be the ideal conditions as the
weather built up to the next front, culminating the two days prior to
the impending front. Once the front has passed, normally the wind
will be in the Northwest, the air will be cooler and dryer due to the
higher barometric pressure. Under those conditions we always fished
a little deeper and slower, normally in the rocks, and used crank baits
or jerk baits. Action can be noticeably slower, but I’ve also caught a
couple of the biggest muskies ever under those conditions. The classic one fish day, but it’s a big one. Keying in on the dawn and dusk
may be the surest way to catch more muskies - no matter what the
conditions. It’s also very important not to get stuck in a rut and end
up fishing the same lures everyday, no matter what the weather conditions. Roll with the changes.
A top water in two feet enticed this one.
Consistent success muskie fishing is never easy. There are many
variables that have to come together to create it. By building experience and gaining knowledge from time on the water, you will better
be able to read the water and weather conditions so you can make the
right decisions, based on the situation, and stack the odds in your
favor. But most of all don’t take your self too seriously, and forget to
have fun. ❖
Erik Jacobson is an avid angler residing in central MN. He
and Brian Hanson produce the Just Big Muskies video series and
founded the Website: www.justbigmuskies.com
2007 Volunteers of the Year
Illinois DNR Press Release
PRESS RELEASE
SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources
(IDNR) recognized seven individuals and five organizations as 2007
Volunteers of the Year. The IDNR Outstanding Volunteer of the
Year Awards are presented each year to individuals and organizations
for exceptional volunteer service to the department and the people of
the state of Illinois.
“The recipients of 2007 Volunteer of the Year awards have
exhibited dedication to this department and the people of Illinois,
whether it be devoting time to help DNR staff manage the land, provide visitor services or educational outreach,” said IDNR Acting
Director Sam Flood. “The contributions of volunteers are vital to
the continued success of our programs and these awards are just one
way we can show our appreciation. I also want to recognize the contributions of countless other volunteers who have also devoted their
time over the years to this department.”
The 2007 Outstanding Volunteer of the Year honorees include
the Shawnee Muskie Hunters, Chapter 28 of Muskies, Inc. (also use
as pull quote)
The Shawnee Muskie Hunters are the Kinkaid Lake area chapter of Muskies, Inc. and they are observing the 10 year anniversary
for the club. The club has approximately 75 muskie fishing enthusiasts. They helped the Illinois Muskie Alliance purchase a youth fishing/educational trailer for IDNR. They have also donated funds to
repair nets and to help purchase items such as nets, a digital camera,
fish feeders, PIT tags, and a new E-TEC
outboard motor for an IDNR fisheries biologist.
The group sponsors a kids’ fishing program and annual lake clean up every year, in
which tons of garbage are removed from
Kinkaid Lake. The members of the group
are currently looking into purchasing
hybrid muskies for Eagle Lake near New
Athens in St. Clair County. This is a new
muskie lake for Illinois and was recently
approved by IDNR for stocking with
hybrids. The club will help support this
effort and with the support of IDNR will
help monitor its success. Their enthusiasm
is overwhelming - with kids being the chief
beneficiaries. IDNR looks forward to a
long standing relationship with the
Shawnee Muskie Hunters. ❖
Link to additional club volunteer efforts
http://www.shawneemuskiehunters.org/
index_files/Page1105.html
On June 9, 2007 the Shawnee Muskie Hunters held their second annual
Kids’ Fishing Day Event at Murphysboro Lake. Ninety kids dressed in
t-shirts provided by the chapter attended with their parents or guardians.
The kids caught over 400 fish (mostly bluegill) in 90 minutes of fishing.
They consumed 180 hot dogs and 300 drinks and painted a wooden lure to
take home. Fifteen chapter members, plus many friends, volunteers, and
donors worked to make the event a great success!
Editor’s note: Congratulations Chapter 28!
Like so many active Muskies, Inc. chapters you
are making a difference in your state and your
DNR recognizes your contribution. Your
accomplishments cast a positive reflection on
all of Muskies, Inc.
www.muskiesinc.org
The Naming of
THE SECRET LAKE
“Have you ever thought about the naming of your secret lake?”
I asked Louie and Cal over coffee one morning. The rest of the crew
was also enjoying morning coffee; at the Big Round Table, of course!
“Now that you mention it, we had better do that!” answered
Louie.
“Especially since everybody knows about it now.” Added Cal.
“Well, how about it?”
“NISATO Junior?” suggested Cal.
“Naw!”
“Leave it as the Secret Lake.” tried Rod.
“NOPE!”
“The Little Lake?” said Keg.
“Still NO!”
“Vell, since dere’s a Shin Vhiskered Sharlie’s Point, ‘N youse guys
got da Muskie Fewer seeing dose four Muskie Tails all uf a dif ’rent
pat—-patte—vell….I can’t say da vord, but….Yumpin’ Yimminy!
Vhy dunt ya call it da ‘all four Muskie Lake or…..sumptin like dat!”
“How about Grand Slam Lake?” Bill interjected as he brought
another pot of coffee.
“THAT’S IT!! I’M GLAD I THOUGHT OF THAT!” said
Louie.
“I was just going to say the same thing!” added Cal.
“Sure you were.”
“I tink dat’s a goud name…..dat Grant Slam or vhutewer dat
iss——or means.”
“It does have a nice ring to it.” added Otis.
Maynard agreed and said, “Kind of funny, we never knew that
little lake existed ‘til you guys found it.”
“Hee, Hee, Hee,” went Albert, “I knew ‘bout it ‘N vas safin’ it
fer sum Special Guest—but den, youse guys located it.”
“Located?” I asked.
“I bin doin’ sum studyin’ on vords. Did I git dat von right?”
“On Target!” said Louie.
“Huh?!”
We all laughed at this one.
“Now, I’ll say something.” responded Rod, “Since the Official
Name of the Secret Lake has been made, we ought to have a little
contest to see if any of you Muskie Hunters can catch these Grand
Slam of Muskies!”
“What would be the purse?” We all asked.
“HMMMmmmm….”
“You started this, Rod.” said Cal.
“Hmmmm….OK….I’ll…”
I interrupted, “ Sorry to butt in Rod, but I’ve got an Orvis
Bamboo Spinning rod with an extra tip. If you will throw in a nice
open-faced Mitchell, I’ll supply this rod. We can have this outfit as
the Grand Prize for the Grand Slam.”
“Now it’s my turn,” said Rod, “I’m glad I thought of that!”
“I’m glad you did.” said I.
“HEAR! HEAR!” everyone shouted!
“Just one thing,” asked Louie, “Is this rod like one of those
Whirl-A-Way deals?”
“Hardly,” I answered, “Just say it’s something from the
fu….no… something to look forward to.”
“Somehow, I gotta feeling we’re pretty safe in offering this
prize.” said Rod.
“And since we’re the prize givers, ya know, we can’t participate in
this contest.” I added.
No sounds were heard. It was quiet. You could hear a pin drop
on a rug.
Rod and I looked around. I was first to speak, “Where’d everbody go?…”
Rod got up and looked about…walked to the Kitchen, then
towards the lobby and came back.
“What happened?” I asked.
“I think sometime between Grand Prize and Grand Slam, everyone very quietly slipped out. We looked out the back window and
the Marina looked bare, but we could see a trail of boats heading out.
“YUP!” said Rod, “It looks like they’re heading for the Se…I
mean ‘Grand Slam Lake.’ And by the looks of what I can make out,
it’s Albert and Grandfather Bob that’s leading the pack with the
Fleetwin, Louie and Cal are not far behind with the little Johnson
and, the rest are rowing like crazy.”
We walked out of the dining room and just as we passed the
check in desk heard a noise. We couldn’t believe our eyes. It was
Harold, or was it.”
It was Harold, dressed in a Safari Outfit holding a fishing outfit and tackle box.
“WHA….?!” Rod said.
Harold gave us a sheepish look, his face kind of red…then
smiled and said, “Rod, you’re in charge here; I think there’s one little
boat left under the dock. Albert told me about this one and said he
keeps it for emergencies when the Muskies are bumping the
dock…try to figure that one out! I’m going after that Grand Slam
for the Grand Prize! I nearly got trampled as a herd of Muskie
Hunters were frantically making their way by me. And some of them
were not you’re every day Muskie Hunters. In the blur, I saw cooks,
James, Otis, Maynard, Keg, Kodie, Grandfather Bob, Albert, Bill,
Louie and Cal all steady making it for the Marina….soooo….when
I found out what was going on, I got in on the action.
“You help Rod, Bob and remember……You guys started all
this!!!” ❖
"The Other Half"- Dave Frank & his 39"
taken on a Double Cowgirl. "What a tough
retrieve" commented Dave. Carolyn preferred a Shumway. Photo by Carolyn.
"Husband & Wife"- Carolyn frank & her 37"
caught up at Andy Meyers Lodge where her &
husband Dave have been going for 6 years.
Photo by Dave includes owner Steve Herbeck.
"Bushkill'- Chapter 50's "Bushkill" Tom long nicknamed
after an area of the Delaware River shows off a great
45.5" specimen on his outing with Joe Tarditi.
“Team Ledman"- nephew Jake joined the family up in
Northern Minnesota & connected with this lively four
footer- his best to date. Congrats!
Dave Griffin and a nice release shot of his
50" Twin Cities area Muskie. The fish
crushed a Suzie Sucker in 9 feet. Good
release shot as the fish is facing the camera.
“Great Pair"- Joe Tarditi and Tom Long caught their
Delaware River fish moments apart- here's Joe and his
42.5" beauty.
"Young Ones"- Archie Roche caught this
image of his son Liam helping the stocking effort at Pennsylvania's Beltzville
Reservoir.
“Catching On"- Tanner Wiese & Dad Max with tanner's three
footer caught trolling in about 8 feet of water. Young Tanner's
best to date is a 43" Muskie, quite a handful.
“Uncle Dave"- Dave who consistently has catch photos caught this
44" within 2 casts of Jake's 48".
“Big Pike"- Justin Ledman was surprised by this outsized Pike while casting for Muskies with Dad Dave.
They can't all be 47 inchers but he enjoyed the catch.
☞
Proper Muskie
Holding Techniques
for MUSKIE Magazine Photos including Covers, Article Support, Photo
Contest Entries
& Member Photos
www.muskiesinc.org

MUSKIE Magazine

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