non profit org us postage st cloud mn permit #1316

Transcription

NON PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE
PAID
ST CLOUD MN
PERMIT #1316
MISSION
S TAT E M E N T
“Muskies, Inc. is an active, service-oriented, non-profit organization with the
single focus of improving the sport of muskie fishing for men, women, and children.
Our mission is to unite all muskie fishing interests for the promotion and protection of a high quality muskellunge sport fishery in the United States and
Canada.
We will accomplish this by supporting conservation practices and research
based on sound scientific merit, and carried out by authorized federal or state
agencies, appropriate academic institutions, Muskies, Inc chapters, and their members.
We are committed to the abatement of water pollution; maintenance of records
for muskie habits, growth, and range; and the dissemination of muskie information to everyone.”
Adopted, April 2002
FREE Cabela’s Spring Master Catalog
©2007 Cabela’s, Inc. APK-702
At Cabela’s, we know taking
care of the details is the best
way to make sure your trips to
woods and waters produce big
memories. That’s why we offer
an incredibly comprehensive
selection of hunting, ﬁshing,
camping and outdoor gear.
14306_MuskieInc.indd 1
Call 800.588.7509 for a FREE
Catalog. Call 800.581.4420 for
store info, or visit cabelas.com
1/9/07 9:07:21 AM
Sweatshirt
$15.50
Cap
$8.50
Denim Shirt $24.95
3 in 1 Jacket $43.75
$00.00
T-Shirt
Wind Shirt
$7.25
$39.95
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.
Departments
Contents
MUSKIE • VOL. 41, NO. 2
Features
2 President’s Message,
David Cates
6 A Wife Looks Back at One of our Founders,
Barb Chapman
3 Magazine Notes, Staff
7 The Muskie Train: Part 2 of 2,
Doug Stamm
4 International News, Staff
10 FCIS Boat Safety NEW
16 Fashion in Fishing,Patricia Strutz
11 Lunge Log, Jim Bunch
15 Photo Contest,
Gordon Campbell
18 One Beagle’s Story,
Melody Swenson
23 As I See It, Jim Smith
20 Repeats (from an interview with Linda Rice),
Jim Smith
23 Index of Advertisers
NEW
30 April Chapter Projects Contest
31 Chapter News and Views
24 Fishing the Late Winter-Early Spring Transition
On Southern Lakes, Colby Simms
35 Advertising Update #4 NEW
36 Muskie Tales, Bob Jennings
27 A Dream Season: Part 2 of 2,
Erik Jacobson
38 Member Photos,
Gordon Campbell
Join Muskies, Inc. ...
or give a membership
as a gift.
22 WOW! Women on the Water,
Patricia Strutz
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_________________
Junior Member(s)
Date of Birth (DOB)
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
❑ AmEx
❑ Discover
❑ MasterCard
1-888-710-8286
Card # __ __ __ __- __ __ __ __- __ __ __ __- __ __ __ __ Exp. Date ____ /____ Signature ____________________________________________
www.muskiesinc.org
February 2007.....MUSKIE 1
International
Officers
President, David Cates
Phone: 574-457-3222
Email: [email protected]
Vice President/Finances, Jim Beaty
Phone: 618-235-6370
Vice President/Research, Ken Karbon
Phone: 303-688-4954
Vice President/Internal Affairs, Dick McPike
Phone: 816-436-4909
Vice President/Membership, Bob Timme
Phone: 715-462-3053
Vice President/Communications, Jack Moga
Phone: 440-886-3926
Treasurer, Pete Barber
Phone: 847-726-7267
Members Only Fishing Contest, Jim Bunch
Phone: 715-723-8343 • Fax: 715-723-8354
Web Master, Ron Groeschl
Phone: 262-271-1002
Int. Administrative Secretary, Ron Groeschl
14257 Waters Edge Trail, New Berlin, WI 53151
Phone: 888-710-8286 or 262-271-1002
At Large Directors
Term Expires
Ken Karbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
Jim Shannon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
Bob Timme
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
Jim Beaty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
Bob Osborne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
David Rautmann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
Don Jahnke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Throughout the history of Muskies, Inc., members have been variously described as
elite, and governed by elitism. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language
defines “elite” as “1. a. the best or most skilled members of a given social group b. a narrow
and powerful clique”, and defines “elitism” as 1. a. belief in rule by an elite; b. rule or domination by an elite 2. a sense of being part of a superior or privileged group.” Whether the
label fits, and whether the label is a positive or a negative, depends upon your perspective.
Please do not misunderstand me. I do not see Muskies, Inc., or its members, as some
privileged class. I do, however, see each member of Muskies, Inc. as an ambassador for (or
against) our organization. Please remember that each time you identify yourself as a Muskies,
Inc. member or mention your association with Muskies, Inc., you are creating an impression
upon an audience who may otherwise know little about us. First impressions are critical.
When is it likely that you will become known as an ambassador? Real world examples
would be when you observe what you consider to be excessive handling of fish, when you
observe ill-equipped anglers pursuing muskies, or discussing the expansion (or even maintenance) of muskie fisheries with DNR personnel, when interacting with anglers for other
species (either in person or via the internet), or a myriad of other possibilities. It is often
said (and is quite true) that you only get one chance to make a first impression. No one
(including you, so I’ll keep this short) likes to be lectured. I much prefer that MI members
lead by example.
Please do not take these rantings to imply that anyone should be less than free to speak
out on relevant political issues. However, please keep a positive view with MI in mind, especially when dealing in a public forum.
SPORT SHOW SEASON
As I write this, I am preparing myself (and my budget) for the Tri-Esox Productions’
annual Chicago Muskie Show. As you read this, my wallet will be recovering from that
show, and preparing for the next. I hope you have the opportunity to avail yourself of some
“cabin fever relief ”. Soon enough (already if you are lucky enough to have open water) we’ll
all be back to pursuing our favorite fish.
STRUCTURAL CHANGES TO M.I.
I realize that I have been harping on this issue now for some time; however, I view the
ultimate question as one critical to the future of MI. Please log onto the website and review
the Strategic Planning Committee’s recommendations. Much has been there discussed.
Much more needs to be discussed. Please provide your input.
See you on the water. ❖
David Cates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
Patricia Strutz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
Karl Scherer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
Dick McPike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009
Dan Narsete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009
Diana Mindar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009
Jack Moga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009
Brad Waldera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009
2 MUSKIE.....February 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 Women of Muskies Inc.
– we feature photographs of
them regularly in the
magazine, even including up
to four cover shots a year as
in 1992 and 2000.
Perhaps our logo should be
“Youth – Ladies – Fisheries
– Research”?
In any case here you see a few of the Muskie Magazine
covers over the past couple of decades documenting our
organization’s lady fisherwomen fishing, catching, and
releasing Muskies. They do it very well, you know. Look at
the size of some of those fish.
In the center of the collage, an early photo of Midge Hamm,
the wife of founder Gil Hamm and the very First Lady of
Muskies Inc. She is no longer with us, closing out a chapter
in our history. Read the story on page 5 of this issue. ❖
Coming Next Month:
✒ Our Conservation/Research Issue
✒ Steve Chips USGS South Dakota-Muskies “gear
down” during winter.
✒ Steve Budnik-Review of National Fish Habitat Act
✒ Heath Benike Wisconsin DNR-Muskellunge Density in
Bone & Deer Lakes
✒ Dale Cornelius, Missouri Stain Evaluation
✒ Pete Maina, Wisconsin Conservation Congress
Hearings
MUSKIE Magazine Staff
Rod Ramsell, Editor Emeritus
Keith Ogden, Editor Emeritus
MANAGING EDITOR
Jim Smith
Phone: (623) 388-3225
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Juris Ozols
Phone: (952) 921-6311
PHOTO EDITOR
Gordon Campbell
Phone: (973) 208-8297
ADVERTISING MANAGER
Jim Smith
15045 W. Double Tree Way
Surprise, AZ 85374-8568
Phone: (623) 388-3225
PUBLICATIONS TECHNICAL MANAGER
Sunray Printing Solutions, Inc. - Brenda Kirchner
25123 22nd Ave. S. • St. Cloud, MN 56301-9189
Phone: 888-253-8808, ext. 133
MAGAZINE DESIGN
Sunray Printing Solutions, Inc. - John Windschitl
ILLUSTRATORS/CARTOONISTS
Richard Gross
FIELD EDITORS
Bob Chochola, James W. Colgan,
Elizabeth Cratty, Adam Glickman, Robert
Jennings, Mike Kanaval, Colby Simms,
Patricia Strutz, Vincent P. Trotta
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Barbara Chapman, Doug Stamm, Patricia Strutz,
Melody Swenson, Jim Smith, Erik Jacobson
MUSKIE is published exclusively for the membership of Muskies, Inc. and subscriptions
come with a paid membership. Muskies, Inc. is
a non-profit organization. Membership classes
and associated annual dues are listed on the
form at the bottom of page one. Single copies
of MUSKIE magazine are available at $3.00
each from the Muskies, Inc. International
Office.
Contributors grant rights for M.I. to publish
once in MUSKIE Magazine, both the print and
on-line versions, including archives and on the
M.I. Web site.
Submissions to
MUSKIE Magazine
Persons interested in submitting articles for
publication are directed to our website
www.muskiesinc.org. There they will find a
link to MUSKIE Magazine. From there you
will find links on the left side of the page providing information necessary for submissions
to MUSKIE Magazine. Further questions will
be answered by Jim Smith, Managing Editor.
Submissions may be sent to: 15045 W.
Double Tree Way • Surprise, AZ 85374-8568.
Phone: (623) 388-3225 or you may
Email: [email protected].
www.muskiesinc.org
M AG A Z I N E N OT E S ◆ M AG A Z I N E N OT E S ◆ M AG A Z I N E N OT E S ◆ M AG A Z I N E N OT E S
ABOUT
THE COVER
international news
◆
Catch & Release World Record Muskie
Caught on The Famous Believer®
November 20, 2006
It’s official – a Catch & Release World Record Muskie caught on
the Famous Believer®. Kevin Davison hooked the 58-inch Muskie
while fishing with his brother on Northern Ontario’s Lake Nipissing
on October 6th, 2006. The two brothers were trolling the lake when
the large fish took to a 10” Fire Perch Jointed Believer®. “I’ve caught
several muskies in the past, but this is definitely a catch of lifetime...”
said Kevin’s brother, Gary Davison. Rather than keeping the fish for
mounting, Kevin and his brother released what could have been close
to the Canadian record, a 65-pound muskie caught by Ken O’Brien
back in 1988. Interestingly O’Brien’s fish was also 58-inches in
length. Lake Nipissing is one of Ontario’s best known fisheries,
attracting thousands of anglers each year from Canada and the
U.S.A. Muskies are caught regularly in Nipissing but the lake has
never been considered a true trophy fishery among the muskie fraternity. With Davison’s fish however, that may soon change.
Many members were sorry to hear of the passing of one of
Muskies, Inc.’s most revered and respected members, Art Oehmcke.
Art passed away December 3rd in Rice Lake. His obituary may be
read at www.madison.com
Art was inducted into the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of
Fame in 1982, the National Fish Culture Hall of Fame in 1993, and
the Muskies, Inc. Hall of Fame in 1994. Art was responsible for management of 4,000 lakes and 4,000 miles of trout streams in northeastern Wisconsin for 28 years of his 41-year career. Besides the management end of fisheries,
Art was known as Mr.
Musky and chided about
his conversations with his
muskies. When VIPs visited Wisconsin, he was
among the group selected
to guide them for muskies.
He assisted in musky guiding expeditions for anglers
such
as
President
Eisenhower, Ted Williams,
Gypsy Rose Lee, Edward R.
Murrow and Prince Harald
of Norway.
Wisconsin Governor
Tommy Thompson and
DNR Secretary George
Meyer were on hand as the
state
renamed
the
Woodruff Hatchery as the
Art Oehmcke State Fish
Hatchery. Oehmcke published "The Woodruff
Hatchery Story," in 1989, which was updated and reprinted in 2005,
with the proceeds going to assist musky propagation at the Oehmcke
Hatchery in Woodruff. ❖
international news
◆
international news
Art Oehmcke Passes Away–
The “Mr. Musky” of Wisconsin
BUY-SELL-TRADE
CORRECTION
The date for the Milwaukee Muskie Expo
listed on page #20 of the January 2007
issue should have read February 9-11. We
apologize for any inconvenience this may
have caused.
MUSKIE Magazine is looking to start a Muskies, Inc.
Resource Section (Classified ads) each month. We
would like you to send in your ads. We will also
include them on our website in a special section for
no additional charge. Cost will be $50.00 for a fiftyword ad. Plus 10¢ per word over the minimum. (2
column inches maximum) Photos will be included for an
additional $35.00.
For information contact James T. Smith at
[email protected]
In Memory of
Muriel “Midge” Hamm
1906-2007
On December 18, 1981, when Midge
turned 75 years old, Gil Hamm, the Muskies,
Inc. Founder, gave her a gift and the note
pictured here that is preserved in the
Hamm Family Scrapbook:
It is difficult, if not impossible, to add words that better describe the relationship between
Midge and Gil. An attempt to do so will not be made here.
Midge was born on December 18, 1906. She and Gil were married on May 1, 1929. The
couple had two daughters, Peggy Lemmon of St. Paul, Minnesota and Muriel “Midge” Kirwan of
Chester, Maryland, seven grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
Midge supported Gil in his many endeavors. This is especially true of Muskies, Inc. Gil was 62
years old, 40 years ago, when he called together 13 other individuals to form Muskies, Inc. It was
much of his and Midge’s retirement time that they devoted to the founding and growth of the
organization. Older members recall that Midge was by Gil’s side providing support for Gil and
Muskies, Inc.
It was the pleasure of Muskies, Inc. to honor both Gil and Midge at its 40th Anniversary Spring
Board Meeting Banquet on April 1, 2006. The, then, 99-year-old Midge was kind enough to
return to another major event and provide her support. As it turned out, she became the “Belle of
the Ball.”
Midge had a pelvis-fracturing fall on
December 10, 2006. Despite this, she was a
spirited participant in her 100th birthday,
celebrated on December 18th. Her family
gathered for the happy event from across the
United States and from France. On Saturday,
January 6, 2007, Midge passed away.
Muskies, Inc. has lost its “Belle.” Midge, we
will always remember you. Thank you for all that
you have done for us. ❖
www.muskiesinc.org
A Wife Looks Back at One of Our Founders
by Barb Chapman
I promised to write an article for the February issue. I am not sure I
have enough stuff of interest to people. The story about the three/four
fish is more like a picture caption.
Editor: You can tell I appreciate a woman of her word.
I
became a fisherman because I was my father’s oldest daughter
and he had no sons. We fished in northern
Minnesota waters all my youth years. But
we never knew muskies. Walleyes were the fish
of choice. My father, Erwin Beerhalter, would
have loved to fish muskies but he died shortly
after Dick and I were married.
Dick Chapman, my husband, was a
founder of Muskies, Inc. Fishing was our only
recreation. We lived in the Minneapolis-St.
Paul metropolitan area. Our first muskie trip
together was to Bone Lake in Wisconsin.
Someone told Dick that there was a free county camping ground on the lake. Unfortunately,
they did not say it was on a steep hill. Our
tent kept slipping down the hill all night. Have
you been there too? Slide down. Pull up. A
few hours later, do the same again.
The fact that Dick had forgotten the
muskie poles and we only had small gear
meant we did not catch the big one that weekend! Thank goodness,
the weather was nice.
I bought Dick a life membership to Muskies, Inc. at the behest
of founder Gil Hamm. We were at an annual meeting where Dick
was a speaker. Also at the head table were the Stoners, who had a
great outfitting store in Bemidji and were great muskie hunters.
Their son was an avid muskie hunter also. He used a pontoon boat
because it was easier with his wheel chair. I
won a door prize of the famed “Lunker Log”
and gave it to young Mike.
Both Dick and I had good vacation time.
We spent three weeks every summer in Nestor
Falls, Ontario. We fished mostly Sabaskong,
Stevens and Whitefish Bays. One of our
favorite spots was Turtle Narrows, the channel
between Sabaskong and Whitefish Bays. The
channel was changed to a lock and then completely filled in because some were concerned
that pollution from the paper plant in
International Falls would spread into
Whitefish Bay. One day we caught three
muskies in half an hour on the south side of
the channel. We were fishing with Dick’s two
girls. They were in their teens. Connie was
using what Dick called a Boy Scout rig with a
minnow on a jig fishing for walleye. Suddenly,
the water was broiling and with Dad’s help she landed her first-ever
Muskie. Dick and I then each caught a muskie within the next twenty or thirty minutes. The boat was a mess!
The most memorable day of muskie fishing, though, was at the
other end of the lake. We were staying at a lodge on an island in the
Minnesota waters off Northwest Angle. Because we did not know
that part of the lake, we hired a guide. Dick and our guide caught
one fish each that day while I boated and released three muskies
between 45 and 50 inches. Toward the end of the day when we all
had boat fatigue, Dick looked over the side and saw another huge
fish following my lure. Instead of figure-eighting, I just jerked the
bait out of the water. Dick was aghast. “What did you do that for?”
I replied, “We were just going to release it anyway!” Six months later,
I confessed that I had not seen the fish.
While catching fish is great, it also is great just to be on the water
casting your favorite spots without a care in the world. Now that we
reside in Florida, we are learning a whole new type of fishing.
Gil Hamm talked me into buying Dick Chapman, later to
become my husband, a life membership in Muskies Inc. We were at
an annual meeting. Dick was a speaker, so we were at the head table.
Also at the table was the Stoner family of Bemidji. The father owned
a big outfitting store there and the son was a great lover of fishing,
especially muskie. They had a pontoon boat where their son could
wheel his wheelchair on easily. Muskies programs always have
fundraisers and we bought raffle tickets. I won a print of Les
Kouba’s “Live Log.” Because of the Stoners long involvement in
Muskies Inc., I assumed they already had a copy of the Log I asked
if they did, and they said no. After I won one in the raffle, I gave it
to the Stoner son. ❖
n a few minutes the whole camp knows Gary got a 49, a personal best for him and the fish he’d been waiting two years to catch.
At the end of the week and at the final train meeting a large trophy is awarded to the fisherman who boats the biggest fish. I
thought Wally had that wrapped up this morning with his 47 but
now it looks like Gary’s 49 will probably take it. According to Russ
there are many bigger fish in here, and we have a few more days to
hook one, but for Gary his personal muskie slump is over and now
he can especially enjoy the days at camp whether he fishes or not.
At the meeting that night several stories are told. John Klinzing
tells of the two muskies he boated and the many other follows that
prompted him to take Gary back to that area that was holding big
fish. It’s an area with
very deep water next to
Our boat has been
rock piles and islands
and was much clearer
especially fortunate on
than areas east. Then
this trip with Wally’s 47,
Wally tells his story of
the fish that followed
Gary’s 49 and my three
Gary’s chopper and
boated muskies in one
how Russ told him to
day so we all relax somechange to the Reef
Hawg that ended up
what and take in the
being
inhaled
by
sights and sounds of the
Wally’s 47. Then we
learn Gary never gave
big lake
up on his chopper and
that a short cast to a
rocky point so riled Gary’s 49 that his big bait was completely
engulfed and Klinzing brothers had to cut all the hooks off to get it
out. When it finally happened for Gary there was no way that fish
was getting away, and he broke his long slump with a personal best.
Total for the day – 23 follows, 4 boated, 4 released.
Triumph and relief overcome Gary after a two-year battle to land a
muskie
PHOTO BY JOE KLINZING
(Continued on page 8)
I
www.muskiesinc.org
THE MUSKIE TRAIN
It’s an uneventful morning so we return to camp for a walleye
lunch and afterwards Gary decides to take the afternoon off to rest
up. Wally and I go after walleyes in the afternoon and give our
Wednesday, Day 4
Cool, cloudy, east winds 5-10 mph. Looks like a rain gear morn- throwing arms a break.
The evening hunt is aided by guide Wayne Papp, the resident
ing and east winds always seem to put a damper on fishing, despite
Russ’s insistence at breakfast that such talk is an old wives tale and Canadian fishing pro at Witch Bay Camp. Gary joins Wayne in his
boat and Wally and I follow
doesn’t stand up to his
so Wayne can show us more
experience at Witch Bay.
muskie water. The trick
We came here to fish no
now is to find clear water
matter what so the train
away from the algae bloom
heads west, looking again
and to find structure next
for clear water.
to very deep water. Wayne
Gary is a bit under the
takes us to a good-looking
weather this morning from
area but no fish show themcelebrating last night and
selves.
although he’s certain he’ll
At the evening meeting
surely die before noon we
we learn Winston Hopkins
join the train for the day’s
did it again and boated a 32
hunt. Our boat has been
on a buck tail. Winston is
especially fortunate on this
accused of secretly carrying
trip with Wally’s 47, Gary’s
a horseshoe in an indiscreet
49 and my three boated
place after he tells the train
muskies in one day so we
that he and his boat partner
all relax somewhat and
take in the sights and A black bear swims from island to island in Lake of the Woods near Witch Bay. Wynn Davies had 10 other
follows today. Winston is
sounds of the big lake. We
notice a bear swimming from island to island, and for the first time definitely on a roll. Russ had Chris and Ronnie for the day and
we notice how large the white pelicans are that have been around us Ronnie had a big fish engulf his buck tail but came unhooked right
away. Total for the day – 14 follows, 1 boated, 1 released.
all week.
(Continued from page 9)
Thursday, Day 5
Partly cloudy, light southwest winds. Today dawns with more
optimism for the train. The cool east winds didn’t help the fishing
but did blow the algae laden surface water out of Witch Bay. With
the cold front passed, the fishing should pick up.
Winston and Wynn are going out with Russ today and the combination of Winston’s luck and Russ’s guiding will be interesting to
watch. John and Joe Klinzing are still seriously on the hunt as Joe
has not boated a muskie on this trip yet, but he’s watched his brother boat 3 and helped Gary with his big 49. Joe is cranked up and
starting to wonder if the skunk is on him this trip.
Chris Klar and Ronnie Rathert have been diligently plugging
away but nothing serious is happening for them. Marc McDowell
and Arlan Stephennson are working hard too. Marc is an experienced and good muskie fisherman and a long time train member.
He brought his friend Arlan along for his first train trip that so far
has been proven to be fishless for them both. They are seeing a few
fish but neither Marc nor Arlan have boated one.
Wally and Gary decide today is a walleye day and we’ll hike back
into a small release only lake where the Witch Bay Camp has stashed
a boat and motor for their guests. Both Wally and Gary are basking
in the memory of their big fish and are just relaxing in the idea that
they can fish if they want or just lie back and take in the warm sun.
Lake of the Woods has been kind to them and now they are content
to let this wild place soak in.
The evening’s meeting is revealing. John and Joe had 5 follows
leaving Joe still fishless.
Marc and Arlan had 3 follows but no action. Chris and Ronnie
boated a near 40 trolling had another follow. With camp pro Russ
Warye at their guide, Winston and Wynn had an exciting day with
21 follows and 2 boated fish. Winston boated 2 with a Suick and
then gave it to Wynn to try but nothing happened
after that. Wynn is still fishless and notes 10 of the follows today with Russ were fish over 40. Total for the
day – 30 follows, 2 boated, 2 released.
a 38” pike at the last moment. And our boat thought during a fish
battle that Gary had another big one but turned out to be a big 44
pike, another personal best for Gary.
With the stories told the positive attitude award goes to Marc
for keeping up the pace and never giving up. Marc and Arlan,
Ronnie Rathert, Joe Klinzing and Wynn Davies are muskie skunked
for the week but know another day looms on the horizon. Gary
Nski gets the big trophy for the big fish of the week and he gets a big
hand from the train for blowing his slump to smithereens with a personal best of 49.
As we talked about our time at Witch Bay Camp we realized
what quality water the Lake of the Woods had turned out to be. In
a muskie hunter’s week, the train had 106 follows and boated 14 Esox
masquinonge.
If one day you are fishing a remote lake and hear the unexpected wail of a distant train, you can smile in the knowledge that
perhaps those are your fishing brothers in the muskie train, doing
one of the things you and they love most in the world – seeking great
wild fish in wild places. ❖
Friday, Day 6
Cold east winds, cloudy, periods of heavy rain.
The last day of fishing out of Witch Bay Camp starts
with a bleak dawn. Talk at breakfast is still about
catching muskies and the train soon suits up with rain
gear and heads out into Lake of the Woods. The
morning hunt ends with periods of heavy raid and rising gusts of wind that clinch the consensus it’s time to
end fishing for the day. There’s a lot to do to gear
down for the run home tomorrow and so the day ends
early.
The Friday evening meeting is the one most anticipated by the train. A large trophy is awarded to the
biggest fish and another trophy is awarded to a train
member that overcomes the most obstacles in the week
but still maintains a positive attitude. But first the
day’s tally is made on fish seen and boated and for only
fishing the morning in bad weather the count is good.
John Klinzing does it again and boats a 36 but
brother Joe in the same boat ends the week without a
fish, despite two follows in addition to John’s 36.
Winston and Wynn had a fish on but lost it and had
another follow. Ronnie and Chris had two follows.
Arlan and Mackey end their week with Arlan hooking
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
New Comprehensive Boat Safety
Program Launched
MEMBERS NOTICE
Members can change their personal information on the website
www.muskiesinc.org
After logon to the "Member Only Section" take
menu item "My Member Info"
You can change your address or email address
and see when your Membership expires.
Farm & City Insurance Services has developed
a comprehensive Boat Safety Program that will
provide beneficial information for new boat
owners and operators and seasoned veterans as
well.
One of the challenges in developing such a
program is making it flexible enough to reach a
broad range of boating expertise. Having recently completed an RV Driving Safety Program,
Farm & City Insurance Services identified similarities in the boating industry pertaining to
safety issues such as towing, weight distribution,
proper tire inflation and maintenance, and fire
safety.
In the upcoming months, we will feature
important excerpts from this program in
MUSKIE Magazine starting with understanding
the language of vehicle weights.
The Language
of Vehicle Weights
The Department of Transportation (DOT)
has established a weight rating system for all
vehicles, which manufacturer’s are required to
display on trailers and tow vehicles. On tow
vehicles, it is usually located on the driver’s
doorpost or pillar. On trailers, in is located on
the left side of the tongue.
This weight information is critical as the
potential implications of overloading or
improper weight distribution can affect handling, stopping capabilities, acceleration, and
premature component wear, even failure.
In our next issue, we will address the language of vehicle weights and how it applies to
your specific towing and loading situations.
For more information, visit our website at
www.fcisanglerschoice.com
See Us at the
Chicago Muskie Sh
Milwaukee Muski ow,
e Ex
Minnesota Muski po, &
e Expo
in 2007
by
Ji m B u n c h
30 Year Record Falls
By Jim Lee, Gannett Wisconsin Newspapers
EAGLE RIVER, WI — The final day of the 2005 Wisconsin musky
fishing season produced the first verified 50-pound plus musky taken
in Vilas County in more than 30 years.
Tom Gelb, 71, of Conover, landed a 53-inch fish Nov. 30 while
row-trolling.
As befits a veteran of the fishing fraternity, he’s not about to
divulge the name of the lake that gave up the prize.
“No one would believe me anyway,” Gelb laughs.
“And besides, it doesn’t really matter. That fish is gone.”
There is no secret, however, as to the size of the musky. Once he
realized the pot-bellied fish with a 281/2-inch girth would probably
top the 50-pound mark, Gelb had it weighed three times.
“There’s always a lot of questions raised in musky circles when a
big fish is caught,” he explained. “When I decided to keep it, I wanted it weighed properly.”
The musky was first brought to Eagle Sports Center in Eagle
River where it tipped the scale at 51 pounds, 12 ounces. The second
weighing was at Lax Taxidermy near Conover, which recorded 51
pounds, 6 ounces.
“At that point, we decided we needed a verified scale so we took
the fish to the U.S. Post Office in Conover where it was weighed at
51 pounds, 2 ounces ... so that’s the official weight,” Gelb said.
“I tried to do it right.”
According to Steve Heiting of Musky Hunter Magazine, the last
musky taken from Vilas County waters to top 50 pounds was a 51pounder caught on the Flambeau Chain in 1975. Statewide, the most
recent 50-pounder came from Big Round Lake in Sawyer County in
1989.
Gelb hooked his big musky on a straight 8-inch DepthRaider
repainted “Harley-Davidson candy blue” by the angler, a former vice
president for the Milwaukee-based motorcycle firm.
“Blue is a good cold water color,” Gelb explained. “I just decided to put it on that day. I had been running perch-colored and ciscocolored baits ... but I just decided to put on that color that day. Who
knows, that fish might have hit a corn-cob if it was floated in front of
its nose.”
Gelb, an avid musky angler, took up row trolling in the mid1980s “because I catch a lot of fish that way,” he grinned. “I also avoid
the congestion. All of the other musky anglers are beating the
weedbeds and I’m out in the middle of the lake where other boats
don’t bother me.”
He fishes from a 14-foot Kuehl fiberglass-hulled, three-seat rowing boat built in Pickett, west of Oshkosh. His musky tactics target
deepwater humps and schools of open water baitfish, particularly
cisco, that are likely to attract musky and other large predators.
www.muskiesinc.org
“As a byproduct of musky fishing, I do catch a fair amount of big
walleyes,” he said. “They’re usually 4-5 pounds or larger and they are
usually suspended 12-14 feet down over 40-50 feet of water.”
When the big musky grabbed the lure around 11 a.m., Gelb had
been fishing for only a half-hour.
“When you’re rowing and get a strike, you pull on the oars real
hard several times to set the hook,” he said. “If you stop rowing right
away to pick up the rod, you’ll lose the fish. When the musky first
came to the surface, I thought it might be a 48-incher but as it got
closer to the boat it began to look a little bigger.”
Gelb was fishing alone, which presented problems.
“The musky was hooked well but I had a hard time getting him
into the net ... and then into the boat,” Gelb said. “I finally just kept
it in the net and rowed to shore where I jumped out into about a foot
of water. I quickly measured the length, then the girth. I could barely lift the fish.
“‘Oh, my goodness,’ I said, ‘this is a 50-pounder.’”
Gelb hadn’t kept a musky in 25 years but this catch he immediately earmarked for the taxidermist.
“I’ve probably let go 25 muskies that topped 50- inches but I
wasn’t going to let this one go,” he said.
“I’m getting a little heat (from musky anglers who believe the fish
should have been released) for that ... not much, but a little.”
He noted the fish’s stomach was empty and its tract contained
only 2 pounds of eggs.
“The taxidermist said a fish of that size normally would have 68 pounds of eggs,” Gelb said, “which indicates this musky was probably going downhill.”
Musky action was spotty throughout the 2006 season, Gelb said,
but the influence of a rising moon the last three days of November
provided him with a year to remember.
He landed 4 muskies on Nov. 28, a 49 3/4-inch fish on Nov. 29
and the granddaddy of them all on Nov. 30.
Jim Lee is an outdoor writer for Gannett Wisconsin Newspapers.
He may be reached at 715-845-0605 or by e-mail at
[email protected].
Thank you Mr. Lee. Jim gave us permission to reprint his article
in our magazine. He obviously did some leg work on this and we
appreciate his efforts. Fifty pound muskies are hard to come by, however muskie fishing is improving across North American and they are
starting to show up in our records. Several this year. Even maybe two
by Junior members. Tom Gelb related to Jim Lee that he got a little
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
Lunge Lo
e
th
LUNGE LOG (Cont’d from page 11)
flack for keeping it. I hope Muskies Inc members will understand
this. Vilas County Wisconsin has a deep history for nearly a century
with the muskie. Tom was row trolling which is very unique, on a
very cold last day of the season in 40 feet of water. He earned it, it
means a lot to him, and he is 71 years old, fishing by himself, amazing.
In Jim Lee’s article he mentioned that Tom was not about to
divulge the name of the lake where he caught it. His muskie is
entered in the Lunge Log and you know we have a rule about that.
Well, excuse me folks, I am your humble servant. When I finally got
Tom’s up north phone number and he called me back, that issue was
taken care of immediately. He shared that yes it was the famous
North Twin in Vilas County. That appears in our records. Tom is a
very neat guy. He told me he has not done any fur trapping since he
was 20 years old, but he is now, he is 71 years old for pete sake.
December Lunker is a Monster!
Do you remember Steve Scornavacca of New Jersey fame? In the
mid nineties he was catching big numbers and also had 10 fifty inch-
ers. He was very active in Muskies Inc and even on my committee for
a while. Well he kind of went away for a while, had several children,
and of course the job thing. Keep in mind a man who has caught
nearly 400 muskies has something in his blood. It never goes away
completely. We think Steve kind of had an issue with the Not
Specified thing. Maybe he has been fishing more than we think.
Never the less, a very dangerous man is back. Fifty five inches in mid
December. Steve sent me a picture and explained that in all the
excitement he did not take a girth measurement. He wanted to know
what I thought it was. I replied that maybe at least 24. I then sent it
to Larry Ramsell, who thought at least 24 inches maybe 25. Larry
shared that it was at least 45 pounds.
Steve is back, he fishes some waters not many of us mid westerners fish, some are hard to pronounce. The mighty St. Lawrence still
reigns big. Our longest release for everything came out of there this
year. Our largest kept ever came out of there. When Muskies Inc was
young, there were no December fish. The December Lunker in 1983
was a 33 incher, none in 1975 or earlier. Joe Hardy started this
December pig thing in 2001 with a 52, Kevin Goldberg a 55.5 in
2004, Howard Wagner 54 in 2005 and now Steve’s beast. What is
with this winter fishing? Do you want the January Lunker title that
sits at 54.5 inches, mercy?
Menss Longestt Releasess 2006 .12.22.06
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Name
Larry A Ramsell
Adam Walsh
Trent Lehner
Steve Scornavacca
John Skarie
Ken Worel
Stephen Feaster MD
Stephen Feaster MD
Jason Hamernick
Jerry Sondag
Tom Ustaszewski
Robert Volkert
Gary Rutherford
Mark Pauling
William R Nuyttens
Edward Waliczek
Richard K Wren
Mike T Baratta
Brant Bunney
Jeremy Paulsen
Michael Ehlers
Ken Worel
Ken Worel
Chae Dolsen
Robert Volkert
Chapter
Length
Date Caught
13
1
24
22
2
15
9
9
21
2
7
38
15
41
14
7
39
3
1
39
26
15
15
49
38
56
55.5
55.5
55
55
55
55
55
54.75
54.5
54.5
54.5
54.5
54.5
54.25
54
54
54
54
54
54
54
54
54
54
8/8/2006
7/3/2006
7/2/2006
12/5/2006
10/21/2006
8/17/2006
7/13/2006
7/9/2006
8/9/2006
11/14/2006
9/12/2006
9/11/2006
7/22/2006
6/18/2006
7/24/2006
11/15/2006
11/8/2006
10/16/2006
9/30/2006
9/1/2006
8/19/2006
8/8/2006
7/20/2006
7/19/2006
6/14/2006
Lake Name
Kaniatarowanenneh
Lake Of The Woods
Plantagenet
St. Lawerence River
Big Detroit
Vermilion
Eagle Lake
Eagle Lake
Mille Lacs
Pelican
Vermilion
Miltona
Vermilion
Lake St. Clair
Lake Of The Woods
Mille Lacs
Mille Lacs
Lake Of The Woods
Rush Lake
Vermilion
French River
Vermilion
Vermilion
Leech Lake
Miltona
County
Ontario
Ontario
Hubbard
St. Lawrence
Becker
St. Louis
Ontario
Ontario
Aitkin
Otter Tail
St. Louis
Douglas
St. Louis
Ontario
Ontario
Aitkin
Crow Wing
Ontario
Chisago
St. Louis
Ontario
St. Louis
St. Louis
Cass
Douglas
State
ON
ON
MN
NY
MN
MN
ON
ON
MN
MN
MN
MN
MN
ON
ON
MN
MN
ON
MN
MN
ON
MN
MN
MN
MN
Lure Description
Legend Perch
Buck Tail
Buck Tail
Believer
Maina Lift Off
Inhaler
Suick
Suick
Bull Dawg Jerk
Crank Bait
Eagle Tail
Jerk Bait
Hi Fin Surface
Wiley Crank
Buchertail
Bull Dawg Jerk
Bull Dawg Jerk
Jake
Funky Chicken
Surface
Eagle Tail
Homemade Bucktail
Homemade
Bull Dawg Jerk
Jerk Bait
Womens Longest Releases 2006.12.22.06
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Name
Carrie Grove
Linda Rice
Char Piotrowski
Susan Marfin
Michelle King
Jen Matthees
Sharon Potvin
Michelle King
Tanaya Reitz
Cindy Hegdahl
Nancy Scharhag
Diane Capiak
Mary Lundberg
Veronica Berg
Joey Wyszynski
Catherine Latoza
Linda Rice
Brenda K Nelson
Carol l Nixon
Dawn Hines
Lynn Steyer
Barbara Zappa
Stephanie Amberg
Diane Capiak
Pattie Miller
Chapter
Length
Date Caught
38
14
7
16
47
2
41
47
48
1
6
7
46
39
21
7
14
8
39
24
8
1
37
7
12
53.75
53.5
52.5
52.5
52
52
52
51
51
50.25
50
50
49.5
49.5
49.5
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
7/22/2006
7/11/2006
7/21/2006
6/24/2006
10/9/2006
8/20/2006
6/29/2006
10/8/2006
8/5/2006
9/25/2006
8/28/2006
7/6/2006
10/21/2006
9/9/2006
7/24/2006
10/20/2006
10/16/2006
8/3/2006
7/30/2006
7/29/2006
7/29/2006
7/27/2006
7/15/2006
7/6/2006
7/6/2006
Lake Name
Mille Lacs
Lac Seul
Lake Of The Woods
Lake St. Clair
Lake St. Clair
Pelican
Lake St. Clair
Lake St. Clair
Vermilion
Bemidji
Mille Lacs
Lake Of The Woods
Lake Of The Woods
Channel
Plantagenet
Lake Of The Woods
Lac Seul
Eagle Lake
Lake Of The Woods
Big
Lake Of The Woods
Lake Of The Woods
Lake Of The Woods
Lake Of The Woods
Lake Of The Woods
County
Mille Lacs
Ontario
Ontario
Ontario
Ontario
Otter Tail
Ontario
Ontario
St. Louis
Beltrami
Mille Lacs
Ontario
Ontario
Lake
Hubbard
Ontario
Ontario
Ontario
Ontario
Beltrami
Ontario
Ontario
Ontario
Ontario
Ontario
State
MN
ON
ON
ON
ON
MN
ON
ON
MN
MN
MN
ON
ON
IL
MN
ON
ON
ON
ON
MN
ON
ON
ON
ON
ON
Lure Description
Cowgirl
Top Raider
Funky Chicken
Artifact
Talonz Slasher
Rad Dog
Artifact
Talonz Slasher
Buck Tail
Crank Bait
Super Shad Rap
Grim Reaper Buck
Jake
M & G Spinner
Mepps Musky Marabou
Jake
Jake
Slowie
Top Raider
Pacemaker
Super Top Raider
Rad Dog
Buck Tail
Grim Reaper Buck
Lac Seul Turr-bo
Mr. Persistent!
Have you ever gone on a muskie
fishing trip and have your equipment
fail you? I bet you have and have
some war stories you could tell. Well
we came across one that takes the
cake. When you read this, you may
laugh or you may cry. Either way it is
a doozy. James E. Johnson is a member of the Hayward Lakes Chapter
and lives in Mason, WI which is
almost to Lake Superior near
Ashland. On October 5 this past fall
he is getting ready to fish the Annual
Hayward Lakes Tournament. This is
a huge event and known around the
country. James E is quite excited
because the year before he won the
thing with a 42.5 inch and a 45 inch.
So it is Thursday, the day before
the tournament. He drives down too
Lake Namekagon to practice, 21
miles, 48 minutes. While fishing his
cooling system on his outboard takes
the deep six and quits working. He
loads the boat back up drives home,
21 miles, 48 minutes. At home he
calls his son James M. Johnson. This
is why I am using the initials. James
M lives in McHenry, Illinois or Lake
in the Hills, IL and a member of the
South of the Border chapter. Dad
asks his son if he would like to come
north and fish this tournament and of
course, bring your boat. If possible
could you leave in the next 10 minutes? It is 418 miles and a 7 hour and
25
Jake Williams
47
48
6/24/2006
Lake St. Clair
Ontario
ON
Wiley Crank
Hybrid Longest Releases 2006.12.22.06
Rank
Peter W. Olson holds his 49 incher - the
longest hybrid release - caught on Lake
of the Woods.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Name
Peter W Olson
Sean Murphy
Ken Worel
Larry Hines
Joe Hardy
Mike Fausset
Phillip Gutmann
Robert A Hadfield
Loren Wright
John W Olson
Earl B Blume
John Aschenbrenner
Jeff Mathwig
John Arndt
Roger Williamson
Chuck Brod
Tom Boyer
Dale Jacobson
Peter Blicharz
Matt Brinkman
Charles Schauer
Jeff Mathwig
Susan Eversoll
Zachary Arnold
Dick Manske
Chapter
Length
Date Caught
12
14
15
31
2
49
39
16
21
12
3
12
12
14
13
12
31
39
12
26
12
12
8
3
29
49
48.5
48.25
48
48
47.75
46.5
46.5
46.5
45.5
45
45
45
44.5
44.25
44
44
44
43.5
43.5
43
43
43
43
43
10/2/2006
9/23/2006
8/29/2006
6/24/2006
6/17/2006
9/3/2006
7/20/2006
9/5/2006
9/21/2006
7/11/2006
10/26/2006
9/18/2006
7/20/2006
10/5/2006
8/12/2006
11/3/2006
5/13/2006
11/7/2006
6/12/2006
6/25/2006
6/16/2006
9/4/2006
6/16/2006
7/25/2006
6/4/2006
Lake Name
Lake Of The Woods
Kentuck
Deer
Clarion River Reservoir
Sweet Briar
Webster
Lake Of The Woods
Kawartha Lakes
Crystal Lake
Sand
Helen
Riley
Big Sand
Flat Lake
Namekagon
Rest
Kahle
Random Lake
Kentuck
Petenwell Flowage
Wisconsin River
Kentuck
Lake Galena
Chippewa Flowage
Cedar Lake
County
Ontario
Vilas
Itasca
Elk
Morton
Kosciusko
Ontario
Ontario
Dakota
Sawyer
Vilas
Forest
Vilas
Ontario
Bayfield
Vilas
Clarion
Sheboygan
Vilas
Wood
Oneida
Vilas
Jo Daviess
Sawyer
Scott
State
ON
WI
MN
PA
ND
IN
ON
ON
MN
WI
WI
WI
WI
ON
WI
WI
PA
WI
WI
WI
WI
WI
IL
WI
MN
Lure Description
Hellhound
Georgian Bayt
Inhaler
Plow Crank Bait
SS Shad
Shallow Invader
Mepps Musky Marabou
Wiley Crank
Storm
Mepps Tandem
Sucker, Quick Set
Maina Lift Off
Tiger Traker
Ernie
Little Cleo
Sucker
Top Raider
Maina Lift Off
Jerk Bait
Homemade Bucktail
Moores King Tut
Twin Fin
Homemade Crank Bait
Boogerman
Homemade Bucktail
Lunker Of The Month 2006.12.22.06
Name
Jan
Feb
Mar
April
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Sept
Oct
Oct
Nov
Dec
Steve Scornavacca holding December’s
Lunker of the month, a 55-inch beauty
from the St. Lawrence River.
www.muskiesinc.org
Chapter
Length
Rick L. Jackson
16
46.5
Cgris C. Szafranski
Scott M Donovan
16
28
Charles J Lynema
Larry A Ramsell
Mark Pauling
Luke Carlson (Jr)
Larry A Ramsell
Tom Ustaszewski
Robert Volkert
Jacob Benson (Jr)
Mike T Baratta
Jerry Sondag
Steve Scornavacca
Thomas A. Gelb
Date Caught
Lake Name
County
State
Lure Description
Armstrong
Pa
Storm Shad
47
46.5
1/29/2006 Allegheny River
2/16/2006 Tionesta Creek
3/22/2006 Kinkaid
Forest
Jackson
PA
IL
Challenger
Hellhound
47
13
41
32
13
7
38
6
3
2
22
53
54
54.5
56
56
54.5
54.5
54
54
54.5
55
4/30/2006
5/17/2006
6/18/2006
7/15/2006
8/8/2006
9/12/2006
9/11/2006
10/21/2006
10/16/2006
11/14/2006
12/5/2006
Barry
Chippewa
Ontario
Jefferson
Ontario
St. Louis
Douglas
St. Louis
Ontario
Otter Tail
St. Lawrence
MI
MI
ON
NY
ON
MN
MN
MN
ON
MN
NY
Jake
Llungen Tale
Wiley Crank
Top Raider
Llungen Tale
Eagle Tail
Jerk Bait
Crank Bait
Jake
Crank Bait
Believer
35
12
53
55.25
WI
ON
Depth Raider
Thornapple Lake
St. Marys River
Lake St. Clair
Lake Ontario
Kaniatarowanenneh
Vermilion
Miltona
Vermilion
Lake Of The Woods
Pelican
St. Lawerence River
Heaviestt Keptt 2006 .12.22.06
Bill Mc Mahon
51.125 lbs
47.2 lbs
North Twin
Rowan
Vilas
Ontario
Rizzo Big T
50 minute drive. Well dad I hurt my back this morning and I am on
James M has discovered that no one in Black River Falls can fix
major serious pain killer and I cannot drive. Just a minute, blah, blah, this transmission, so considering that they need transportation home
blah……no problem dad, my girl friend Roxanne Olsen says she will on Sunday after the tournament, they have the vehicle towed to Eau
drive. Will hook up the boat and be gone shortly.
Claire, WI, 51 miles, 1 hour. Cost, (I forgot to ask) use your imaginaSo here is James E sitting in Mason, WI circling his thumbs when tion. Once in the Eau Claire repair shop, blah, blah, blah…Ok do it.
he realizes that if Roxanne is going to be in the boat she must be in
the tournament. So James E drives to Hayward to register her, 41
miles 1 hour 7 minutes. He pays the
fee, returns home, 41 miles, 1 hour 7
Juniors Longest Releases 2006.12.22.06
minutes. He is now home again cir- Rank
Name
Chapter Length Date Caught
Lake Name
County
State
Lure Description
cling his thumbs when he gets anoth32
56
7/15/2006 Lake Ontario
Jefferson
NY
Top Raider
1 Luke Carlson
6
54
10/21/2006 Vermilion
St. Louis
MN
Jake
2 Jacob Benson
er phone call. It is James M. and with
15
53.5
8/7/2006 Vermilion
St. Louis
MN
Creeper
3 Wesley Worel
Roxanne at the wheel has made good
2
52.5
7/18/2006 Detroit Lakes
Becker
MN
Lilly Tail
4 Brady Crawford
15
52
7/19/2006 Vermilion
St. Louis
MN
Creeper
5 Wesley Worel
time, 228 miles in 3 hours and 30
19
51.25
11/12/2006 Lake St. Clair
Ontario
ON
Grandma Crank
6 Joshua Smith
minutes and are in Black River Falls.
27
50.5
Ontario
ON
Wiley Crank
7 Jessica Sacco
Oops dad we have a problem here.
41
50.5
Ontario
ON
Leo
8 Marah Overmyer
27
50.25
Ontario
ON
Baby Depth Raider
9 Jessica Sacco
The transmission in his vehicle just
32
50
11/5/2006 North Twin
Vilas
WI
Bucher Depth Raider
10 Danny Blanck
took the deep six. James E says hang
32
50
7/30/2006 Lake Ontario
Jefferson
NY
Buck Tail
11 Luke Carlson
15
50
7/17/2006 Vermilion
St. Louis
MN
Homemade Bucktail
12 Wesley Worel
tight I’m on my way. So here is James
33
50
8/8/2006 Island
St. Louis
MN
Crank Bait
13 Kendall Hill
M and Roxanne sitting in Black River
12
49
6/30/2006 Clearwater
Ontario
ON
Buck Tail
14 Joseph Tynan
1
49
6/3/2006 Cass
Cass
MN
Double D
15 Evan Nicolai
Falls circling there thumbs. James E
46
49
10/20/2006 Lake Of The Woods
Ontario
ON
Crank Bait
16 Hannah Willford
comes flying out of Mason (popula41
49
Ontario
ON
Tuff Shad
17 Christian Overmyer
38
48.5
8/10/2006 Pelican
Otter Tail
MN
Homemade Bucktail
18 Branden T Schultz
tion, a few) and heads south. No 4
15
48.5
6/24/2006 Big
Beltrami
MN
Jake
19 Wesley Worel
lane divided highways here; it is 197
15
48.5
8/11/2006 Vermilion
St. Louis
MN
Creeper
20 Wesley Worel
17
48
Ontario
ON
Baby Depth Raider
21 Corbin Landmeier
miles and 4 hours and 12 minutes.
8
48
7/31/2006 Lac Seul
Ontario
ON
Shumway Flasher
22 Colton Hunt
James E arrives in Black River Falls.
15
48
7/19/2006 Vermilion
St. Louis
MN
Homemade
23 Wesley Worel
Oops another problem.
15
48
8/19/2006 Vermilion
St. Louis
MN
Jackpot
24 Wesley Worel
Jack Moga with a beauty.
Release Points by Division
James E.is a member with no fish, Roxanne is not
a member with one fish.
Mens Masters 2006 Top Ten.12.22.06
LUNGE LOG (Cont’d from page 13)
Eat, potty, slight break, head for Mason, 149
miles, arrive 5 AM. Once in Mason, the tournament starts at sun up. What is a guy to do, no
sleep, let’s go fishing, they did. Lake
Namekagon, 21 miles, 48 minutes. Friday
morning was OK, after all these problems, they
are indeed on Lake Namekagon fishing this
great famous tournament. What else can go
wrong, oops the phone rings?
The repair shop in Eau Claire, 149 miles,
says the vehicle will not be ready for one week.
At that distance it is hard to wring their neck.
Whatever, oops, we need to rent a vehicle to get
home. Off the water. Very few vehicles to rent
in Mason (population, a few), nothing at Lake
Namekagon. Late on Friday, nothing in
Hayward, on the phone, they got one in Rice
Lake, 87 miles, 2 hours and 30 minutes. (No 4
lane divided highways here). They are only
open to 5 PM, faster, faster, look for cops. They
arrived at 5:07 PM. Nice people in Rice Lake,
they were waiting for them. Is this disaster every
going to end? Well yes it did, things settled
down on Saturday. This is a muskie story; didn’t you pick up on this at the start? On
Saturday, Roxanne, who has never caught a
muskie, who witnessed this entire disaster
unfold, of course caught a muskie. It was her
first ever; it was 41.5 inches and took 10th place
in the famous Hayward tournament. What
about James E’s boat or James M’s vehicle, I forgot to ask. I just figured that James E and James
M are so persistent that it didn’t make any difference.
Keep a tight line
Jim Bunch
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Member
Will Schultz
Mike Hulbert
Jason Hamernick
Jeff M. Hanson
Ken Worel
Will Hardy
Jeff Kachmann
Charles Schauer
John Aschenbrenner
Joe Hardy
Chapter
47
42
21
8
15
2
42
12
12
2
City
Grand Rapids
Ft. Wayne
Forest Lake
Verona
Grand Rapids
Alexandria
Ft Wayne
Wisconsin Rapids
Laona
Alexandria
State
MI
IN
MN
WI
MN
MN
IN
WI
WI
MN
Releases
179
162
122
158
97
199
121
76
79
119
Points
2449
2296
2243
2204
1670
1618
1523
1132
1070
1039
Average
39
39
44
39
43
34
38
40
39
34
146
123
75
53
68
49
68
61
78
57
2302
1236
1166
872
826
812
806
805
793
738
41
36
41
42
38
42
37
39
36
38
35
30
36
18
22
15
13
20
9
12
11
473
383
317
232
203
188
167
137
135
131
131
39
38
34
38
35
38
38
32
40
36
37
103
33
22
26
22
13
11
13
13
10
1100
362
337
302
272
178
169
164
154
144
36
36
41
37
38
39
41
38
37
40
119
36
45
41
26
21
16
17
10
14
994
651
532
345
310
260
206
176
156
142
34
44
37
34
37
38
38
36
41
36
Mens 2006 Top Ten.12.22.06
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Rick Mikel
Michael King
David Williamson
Stu Wiegner
Ed Spoerl
Jerry Sondag
Kevin Whipkey
Todd W Frank
Vincent M Weirick
Walter Krause
39
47
38
46
12
2
16
47
49
28
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
Catherine Latoza
Lynne M Dembiec
Kim Huckstead
Margaret Pauling
Ruth Anderson
Jan Reeves
Rhoda M Satonica
Sonya Anderson
Linda K Nelson
Lynn Steyer
Mary Hoernecke
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Michelle King
Toni Ferraro
Linda Rice
Charlotte Fuchs
Lynn Yerman
Mary Lundberg
Carol l Nixon
Tristan Spindler Smith
Shannon Beaty-Dingus
Susan Marfin
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Evan Twa
Wesley Worel
Jessica Sacco
Dustin Sacco
Kendall Hill
Colton Hunt
Christian Overmyer
Troy Oliver
Marah Overmyer
Weston Hunt
St. Charles
Muskegon
Alexandria
Tenstrike
Stevens Point
Pelican Rapids
Butler
Cedar Springs
Leesburg
Collinsville
IL
MI
MN
MN
WI
MN
PA
MI
IN
IL
Womens Masters 2006 Top Ten.12.22.06
7
35
27
41
2
18
31
38
30
8
32
Burbank
Hartland
Sullivan
Fremont
Alexandria
North Lawrence
Jamestown
Alexandria
La Crosse
Wisconsin Dells
Byron
IL
WI
IL
OH
Mn
OH
PA
MN
WI
WI
IL
Womens 2006 Top Ten.12.22.06
47
16
14
19
16
46
39
47
28
16
Muskegon
Aliquippa
Sioux Lookout,
No Canton
Pittsburgh
Bemidji
Crystal Lake
Milford
Wood River
Butler
MI
PA
On
OH
PA
MN
IL
MI
IL
PA
Juniors 2006 Top Ten.12.22.06
2
15
27
27
33
8
41
18
41
8
Alexandria
Grand Rapids
Peoria
Peoria
Hermantown
Grand Papids
Fremont
Triadelphia
Fremont
Grand Rapids
MN
MN
IL
IL
MN
MI
OH
WV
OH
MI
Photo Contest – February Winners
by Gordon Campbell
Winner #1: Carole Nixon as
photographed with an obvious biggie by
husband Duane. This fish taped at 49"
and was one of an impressive series taken
at Walsch's Bay Resort on LOTW.
Congrats to these Fox River Valley
members. Carole's smile, posture and the
enormous dimensions of the Muskie
combine for a great shot and it's all
framed well.
Winner #2: Sent in by Chapter 22's Jim
Evers this photo depicts girlfriend Julie
Glisky procuring dinner up on the French
River near their cottage. They're both
Minnesota natives also and travel up to
the French whenever possible. Despite
the night time setting Jim composed,
framed and exposed a bright, sharp photo.
The vertical lines of Julie, her arm and the
Walleye meld nicely. Her smile and interesting T shirt iced the cake for this one.
www.muskiesinc.org
Let’s start out with rain gear. Even if there is
his past summer a journalist from the
Function over fashion is my
only a 10% chance of rain, bring it. It doubles
Chicago area contacted me for some
motto. Dress in layers. It may wonderfully as a windbreaker. I’ve heard good
information. She was writing an article
be warm during mid-day, but things about Frog Toggs though I’ve never personon “being fashionable while you fished.” Anyone
tried them. My recommendation for the best
who knows me, knows this made me chucklow light conditions equate to ally
raingear
is: Cabela’s Women’s Guidewear Systems
le….my sense of fashion is, at best, questionable.
rapidly
dropping
temperaParka
&
Pants.
Guidewear raingear has been availHere in the Northwoods “dress up” means wearable
to
men
for
years. Cabela’s has stepped up to
tures. I like to wear hooded
ing your clean jeans and good flannel shirt.
the
plate
and
are
now offering it in ladies sizes.
Her article contained photos of gals fly-fishsweatshirts (keeps the wind
And,
it
is
AWESOME.
A complete three piece
ing in beautifully pressed clothing. They looked
off your neck) and ear muffs system consists of a Gore-tex parka, a zip out jacklike models from a L.L. Bean catalog. Well, it
et (windstopper, water resistant, and fleece lining),
or head band around my
made me consider fashion and how it relates to
comfortable bibs. This raingear will keep you
musky fishing. Here are my thoughts: it doesn’t.
baseball cap. That keeps ear and
100% warm and dry in the most inclement
We are chasing a mean, toothy, elusive creature
infections at bay.
weather...I know because I’ve been out in it. The
that forces us to withstand hours of blistering
suit is breathable, light in weight, provides ample
heat, pounding rain, or freezing temperatures
just to get a single chance to set the hooks. Fashion in musky fishing storage areas (pockets), and an attached hood. It allows for unrestrictboils down to staying dry and comfortable long enough to get a shot ed movement (important when fighting a big musky!) and is extremely abrasion resistant. Yes, it’s pricey...but it’ll be the last rain suit you
at this king of the freshwater species.
Throughout the year I am blessed to be able to spend many need to purchase for many, many years...and, being able to handle anyhours on the water with avid anglers. Some dress appropriately for the thing Ma Nature throws at you—well, that’s worth every penny.
Parka & zip out jacket: Item #XG-970019.
elements, other don’t. The latter are usually miserable. So, I’ve comRed/Black, sizes S-2XL. $279.95-289.95
piled a list of what I’ve found works for me and other gals…and, I’m
Bibs: Item #XG-97002.
always happy to hear from my readers with their suggestions! Please,
Black, sizes S-2XL. $139.95-149.95
if you’ve found a certain item that is particularly “female-friendly”
*Free Guidewear Gear Bag (a $70 value) with purchase of entire
(available in women’s sizes, comfortable, durable, etc.) feel free to conrain set.
tact me with the information.
Available on line at: www.cabelas.com
T
same as a women’s size small and the
If it’s going to be raining, don’t
pricing is much lower.
forget about your feet! Many times
Lastly, here’s a call to arms…findgals will bring a rain suit, but will be
ing gloves to fish in—that fit a lady’s
wearing tennis shoes. In short order
small hands, are waterproof and warm
their feet are soaked and they are
yet pliable enough to cast in—is a
cold. There are many options out on
tough task. I had found the perfect
the market in the sport sandal
gloves…offered in the Cabela’s women’s
arena…Keens, Teva, and Crocs seem
hunting catalog, they were fleece (very
all the rage. Being somewhat “old
warm) and waterproof up to about 5
school” I have yet to try them. So,
hours of continuous casting with superagain, ladies, send me your reviews! I
braid line. They were pliable enough to
hate to admit it, but for years I did a
thumb the line and provide dexterity
big NO-NO. I fished barefoot. Truly
during the casting process. But,
not an acceptable option when
alas…they were recently discontinmusky fishing as it is just a matter of
ued…Ladies, please join my efforts by
time for the inevitable hook- in- the calling Cabela’s and asking that they
foot incident to happen. I’ve been
once again offer these gloves. The prodresearching Vibrum’s Five Fingers
uct number was GP-91-2236. Speak to
shoes. These unique “water shoes” are
supposed to be like walking barefoot A perfect example of how unimportant fashion is! This product development or customer servwhile being protected from the ele- day we endured brutal temperatures...a high of 16 ice and ask that your inquiry be written
ments. The soles are similar to climb- degrees! Yet we boated a couple of nice muskies and I down. There is strength and numbers,
ing shoes and provide excellent trac- can honestly say the only time I was cold was when I had so please call. If they start offering these
my gloves off to change a lure or hold a fish! Pictured
gloves again, buy two pairs! You will
tion. Anyone tried them, share your
here are the insulated, waterproof coveralls from
love them.
thoughts.
Cabela’s.
As most of you readers know, it is a
What have I been wearing? Well,
since around 80% of the time it is generally cool out on the water, I mission of mine to get more women out on the water. Anglers are
usually wear hiking boots. During the summer I wear uninsulated, more apt to stay participating in our sport if they encounter pleasant
waterproof hikers called “Julias” and in the spring and summer I wear experiences. Being cold and wet…well, that’s just not pleasant at all.
insulated, waterproof boots called “Ridgelines.” Both are made by Please visit my website for more female-friendly gear and apparel recWolverine and are available in ladies sizes. They are comfortable and ommendations. I’m also adding a message board and encourage all
extremely waterproof. I’ve stepped right in the lake, up to my ankles, avid outdoorswomen to post suggestions of equipment and clothing
while winching up my boat and stayed dry. Visit their website for a that they’ve tried. It’s a great way to network and share information. I
hope to hear from many of you! ❖
dealer close to you: www.wolverine.com
Shirts? Many mainstream sportshops (Gander Mountain, Bass
Pro, Cabela’s) offer their own line of guidewear type fishing shirts. Author Patricia Strutz can be reached at: [email protected],
They’ll usually stock quality Columbia apparel, too. Guidewear fish- (715) 891.1173 or by visiting: www.ablondandherboat.com
ing shirts are wonderful because they are generally somewhat “water
resistant” and are vented. This allows for perspiration to
be wicked away. Most guidewear pants and shirts are
convertible for the weather conditions. For instance, zip
off the long pant legs and wear shorts during the heat of
the day. Visit their websites to check out their complete
line: www.gandermountain.com or www.basspro.com.
Esox Angler magazine has made an admirable effort
to offer female anglers a variety of clothing. Form flattering denim shirts, t-shirts, and fishing-functional
sweatshirts (crews, fleece, etc.) are available in women’s
sizes. I applaud their efforts, visit their website:
www.esoxangler.com to peruse their inventory.
Do you plan on fishing for trophy muskies late in
the fall? Bundle up! This is the time of the year that I feel
fashion is especially a non-issue. Being able to stay warm
while it is 30 degrees out is much more important. I
wear insulated, waterproof coveralls made by Cabela’s.
They also offer similar products in jackets and bibs. One
pointer: always look in the hunting section. There are
many items, such as these coveralls, that are featured in Rule One in Musky Fishing: Be prepared for what Mother Nature can throw at
the hunting catalog but are certainly cross-over late sea- you. 8 hours of steady rain made this a miserable day of weather but it ended
son fishing apparel. If you are a small gal, check out the up a fantastic day of musky fishing! I kept the damp, cold weather at bay with
youth section, too. Quite often youth sizes XL are the my Guidewear Rain jacket and bibs.
www.muskiesinc.org
I
’ve written many stories over the years about my experiences
growing up fishing, muskie fishing, and about my affliction with
“muskie fever.” I’ve written about my Dad, my husband, and my
family but have neglected to mention a key component in my
muskie fishing the past few years—Bailey the Beagle.
Now, for those folks who have never owned a beagle, there are a
few things you should know. Beagles are beautiful dogs. They are
friendly and good with people and children. That being said, they
can also be very naughty, independent, and strong willed. When
Bailey was about seven months old I left her unattended for about
three minutes. When I came back into the living room I found six
freshly watered upside down plants and a beagle rolling in the wet
dirt! Even though we lived in the country, Bailey always had to be
on a leash; otherwise she would go running off wherever her nose
took her. I once read two things that pretty much described Bailey
(and maybe other beagles as well). One being a dog book that
described beagles as “a naughty little animal that shouldn’t be kept as
a pet!” The other was that a beagle will be the joy of your life AND
your cross to bear. Both of those sayings certainly applied to Bailey
at different points in time. Unlike labs that we had, Bailey did things
when Bailey wanted to do things—she often gave the impression that
she wasn’t here to please us, but rather we were here to please her.
That’s why I always said that Bailey was a true independent contractor!
Bailey was destined to be a fishing dog as she was born with a
white anchor shaped mark on the bottom of her back! Bailey started
fishing and camping with my husband (Dave) and me from the time
she was a puppy. Her first experience was camping in the Boundary
Waters Canoe Wilderness Area with us and Dave’s then eleven-yearold black lab, Duke. Bailey loved to ride in the bow of the boat, her
nose going constantly making sure not to miss any scent that happened to pass by. We always tried to camp on an island because once
Bailey hit land, her nose ruled her world (as is generally the case with
a beagle)! Mornings when we would wake up, we’d just open the flap
on the tent and let Bailey out. That truly was paradise for her—being
able to run free without a leash and bark at squirrel or rabbit scent
long after it had run by.
On one canoe trip we headed to shore as it was raining. We got
to shore and Bailey began her usual walkabout to see what was on
shore now and what had been there before. When we were ready to
get back in the canoe to go out again, we called for Bailey. When
Bailey finally came out of the woods, she had a, well…I guess I’ll just
say that if you saw the movie “Caddyshack” with the Baby Ruth
candy bar floating in the pool, that’s what Bailey had, but it wasn’t a
candy bar!! So, Dave and I, who were mutually disgusted, decided to
just get in the canoe and start paddling, thinking that Bailey would
then drop her “treasure” and be ready to go. But, that didn’t work so
we ended up going back to shore to retrieve Bailey (minus her prize!).
When we started doing more muskie fishing, Bailey would
always come with us. Before we’d start packing up to go to the lake,
we’d whisper in Bailey’s ear, “Bailey, go fish?” and she’d bark and
jump around. Bailey, again enjoying the view from the bow of the
boat, once fell in when we bumped a stump. This beagle, that hated
getting wet herself, loved being on the water—as long as she could
stay on the water, not in the water.
One fateful evening, Dave, Bailey and I were muskie fishing.
Dave had gotten a muskie (about a 46”) and was reeling it in. As I
netted the fish, the fish jumped and came halfway out of the net.
Dave said, “She’s not hooked very well.” So, I saw that there was one
hook in the net and that if I just got that out, I could re-net the fish.
I’m sure you can probably guess what happened next. As I went to
move the hook, the fish thrashed and the 5/0 treble hook went
through my left middle finger and more importantly (and luckily for
me) the fish got off. So, as I am listening to my husband yell and cuss
about my stupidity for trying to do what I did, we told Bailey to go
to the bow (which she did). As I held the lure with the hook in my
finger, Dave went to get the first aid kit from the bow. He then said,
“Oh no!” I had placed my rod in the front of the boat when Dave
Bailey and Melody on walleye fishing trip, June 1999
was reeling in the fish. When Bailey had gone to the front of the
boat, she sat on my lure! So, Dave removed the hook out of Bailey’s ery. So, by the middle of October 2005, Dave and I were able to go
bottom and then came back to tend to me. Bailey ended up fine and muskie fishing with the dogs so we could be out again doing what we
all loved to do. I would watch both dogs sleeping curled up together
I eventually did too!
When we got a new yellow lab puppy, Jake, he joined our fish- as we trolled. As we would get close to shore, both dogs would sit up
ing entourage. When he was about four months old, Bailey and Jake and again vie for position in the bow to see where we were going. As
the weather started getting colder, we decided to
were trolling for muskies with us. As was their
Bailey was by no means take Bailey out alone with us one last time on a
usual place, they both were standing at the bow
warm, sunny October day. For one last time she got
scouting the area for us. Dave and I were talking
a perfect dog—she
to be the “queen” of the boat and have the bow to
and had our backs turned to them when we heard
could be stubborn and herself. She enjoyed her day very much and got all
a splash. We looked to the bow and there was
Bailey standing alone, turning her head as Jake
was always very inde- the attention and treats for herself.
It was with a very heavy heart that on January
went for a swim as we trolled by! We always said
pendent. But, she was 16, 2006, we brought Bailey to the vet and did the
that Bailey must have pushed Jake out of the boat,
hardest thing that a pet owner has to do. But, as we
an important part of
as she wanted to be the only fishing dog in the famdid so I told Bailey that she would now be able to
ily!
our family. And, for
chase squirrels, go fishing, never be on a leash and
As Bailey was a tri-colored (tan, black and
me, she was a very
never have another bath again. Bailey was by no
white) beagle, I would always say that her coloring
would make a beautiful bucktail. So, when Dave
important part of going means a perfect dog—she could be stubborn and
was always very independent. But, she was an
started making bucktails, one of the first ones he
out on the water and
important part of our family. And, for me, she was
made was “beagle” colored! He even named the
a very important part of going out on the water and
part of many happy
lures “BaileyTails.” Bailey was always a good luck
of many happy fishing memories that I chercharm in the boat—she witnessed my biggest wallfishing memories that I part
ish.
eye, a 31,” and many muskies big and small over an
cherish.
Meanwhile, Jake continued to recover from
eight year period.
the blastomychosis. However, due to the blasto
In August 2005, my Dad passed away. He was
my first fishing partner and he loved to fish. He had suffered with being in his nervous system, it’s harder to cure and he had a recurdementia and Parkinson’s disease for over three years. As I was grow- rence this past July. He’s back on the medication and is doing well at
ing up, we almost always had a dog in the boat while we fished. this time. Hopefully when he’s done with the medicine this January,
While still grieving that loss, in September 2005, we found out that the blasto will be gone for good. After Bailey’s passing we talked a lot
Bailey had a cancerous tumor in her nasal cavity. After taking her to about getting another dog and what kind to get and I always kept
the University of Minnesota Veterinary Hospital, we found out that coming back to a beagle. So, in March we added a new member to
her tumor was inoperable. I was devastated. Bailey had just turned our family, Gunnar, a male beagle. Due to his being an exceptionaleight years old and was in excellent health. She was supposed to have ly naughty puppy, he didn’t get the opportunity to do too much fishmany years left with our family. Then, the same day that we found ing this summer. But, the few times he was fishing, he would walk
out that Bailey’s tumor was inoperable; our lab Jake (who was five on the edge of the boat and think that he should go in after the lure!
years old) started having problems with his left eye. Through the Next summer will be Gunnar’s chance to start making great fishing
course of the next week Jake was diagnosed with blastomychosis and and camping memories.
As for Bailey, on a beautiful September day, we brought her fishlyme disease and was very near death. Jake ended up having his left
eye removed that next week while we waited to see if he would ing one last time. As we were pulling away from shore an eagle flew
respond to the blastomychosis medicine or not. That had been the above us. As I wiped the tears from my eyes, I felt that Bailey (and
worse month of my life. I guess if you believe that things happen in my Dad too) were looking down at us saying they’re fine. They’ll be
in the boat waiting for us when we see them again. ❖
threes, that’s what happened for us.
Jake did respond to his medicine and was on the road to recov-
www.muskiesinc.org
Last year Linda Rice held the #1 spot in the
Women’s Division-Longest Release ...
T
his year she slipped to #2 by a quarter of an inch. This is
according to Jim Bunch’s Lunge Log from his report from
January. Linda Rice still holds the record with the National
Fresh Water Fishing Hall of
Fame in the Unlimited Class.
So what is my point? Some
History repeats itself, as
may think Linda was lucky
this July 11th 2006 she
last year with her 57”x 28 1/4”
record muskie. However,
caught and released a
that fish was caught on July
53 1/2” just exactly one
11th. Guess what? History
year later. Not only the
repeats itself, as this July 11th
2006 she caught and released
same day, the same lure
a 53 1/2” just exactly one year
and in nearly the same
later. Not only the same day,
the same lure and in nearly
location.
the same location. I believe
this is more than just a lucky
woman.
Linda and her husband, Carter, own Moosehorn Lodge located
on Pelican Lake, an arm of the famous Lac Seul, near Sioux Lookout,
Ontario. They purchased this facility a few years ago and have been
putting a lot of work into improving it. They have a nice lodge and
nine cabins. The facility is an American Plan (breakfast and dinner
served, shore lunch while fishing) and also offer the Housekeeping
package as well. They have 21’ Harborcraft boats equipped with 150
HP Yamaha 4-strokes and also the 18’ Crestliner Canadian’s
equipped with 50 HP Yamaha 4-stroks. The lodge operates from
May 15th until November. The guides are second to none putting
you on fish and cooking one mean shore lunch.
In addition to running the lodge and guiding fishing parties,
Linda substitute teaches, is involved in Doula Services (a laboring
coach) and this year is scheduled to attend seven major sport shows
around the country. Carter drives fuel trucks across the ice to supply the First Nation villages through out the area. Linda helps hubby
with the bookwork and
office work too.
But, back to fishing. Linda’s first muskie
was released in July
2004, just a couple of
years ago. That year she
released 3 muskies, her
largest a 51”. In 2005
Linda
caught
and
released 11 muskies and
her largest, the record
57” monster. This year
she has recorded 23
releases and currently
holds 3rd place in the
Women’s Release Points,
and a 2nd in the
Women’s
Longest
Release. She is obviously catching on to this
muskie fishing sport.
Ladies here is someA very fat 49-incher.
thing
to
think
about…here is a woman who has only been fishing muskies for three
short years, has released 36 fish and one woman’s world record.
Linda took one of her daughters out who caught a 55 ?” muskie after
only fishing for about a half an hour. Now she does have an advantage being on prime muskie water where she can fish as much as she
wants to. My point here is this may not be as difficult of a sport as
many would like to have you believe. I must qualify something here.
When it comes to hours on the water, I just know that I can never
reach her by phone from May through November. I know she has a
family and even grandkids but I am not going to go there. You ask
her if you are interested.
Here are some facts about her muskies. In 2005 out of her 11
released muskies 9 exceeded 40”. This year out of 23 releases, 13
were over 40”, there were none under 35”.
She has three rods, all St. Croix. 18’ she uses for trolling, a 7’-6” for casting
bucktails, and a 6”6 for throwing topwaters. She uses Power Pro line, the Big
Kahouna Fra-bill net has a Shamino
Calcutta 400TE, 2-Avid AC300 by St.
Croix, and a Daiwa Millionaire. Lures
are pretty sparse compared to my 200+
lures. She may have some others, but
mostly fished with her favorite BucherBaby Raider black-chartreuse and loon
patterns. She also has a new bait that
was made for her called the Muskie
Mamma and is a Top Raider by Robert
Outdoors. Her other lures are Jakes in
walleye pattern used for trolling. Pretty
simple and sane.
Now, if you are interested in meeting Linda, she may be in your area. She
will be attending seven muskie shows
this spring. Beginning with the Tri-Esox
and All Canada shows January 11-14th,
then on to Milwaukee January 19-21st,
Madison January 22-24, Green Bay
January 25-28, Des Moines February 24, Northwest Sports show in
Minneapolis March 22-April 1st where
she finishes her tour. By-the-way, Linda
does have a selection of her Muskie
Mamma clothing and her favorite lure
available for sale at these shows. Stop by
her booth. ❖
Releasing the 53 1/2” Muskie.
For information, check her website
www.canadafish.com or call her at 1-800682-6123. I know she would be happy to
talk muskies. No GPS locations though.
She is very tight lipped about where she
fishes.
www.muskiesinc.org
WOW! Women
on the Water
by Patricia Strutz
Women releasing big muskies together!
What an awesome experience.
L
ast year the inaugural WOW! Women on the Water Musky
Fishing School ended up a resounding success. Seventeen
extraordinary women learned how to take their boats out by
themselves and hunt for the elusive musky. It was an amazing weekend—full of laughter and camaraderie, and women talking about
“ripping crankbaits along a deep breakline.” Man, you gotta love that.
Many of the gals were already Muskie, Inc. members and most of the
rest signed up after the event. The future of our sport and our organization depends on getting new faces involved.
I was so inspired at the outing, I’ve expanded on my mission to
get more women hooked on the sport by offering a whole series of
interesting fishing trips. It’s called the WOW! Women on the Water
Fishing Series. Though it focuses on women, there are also opportunities for couples and mixed group (both sexes) to attend certain trips.
The whole idea is to encourage more female participation in the
sport…the offshoot benefit will be more couples and families spending quality time on the water together.
Okay…the Women on the Water Fishing Trip Series 2007…it’s
a fun one! Here’s the synopsis:
*May 18-20:WOW! Women Canoe, Catch Fish, Campfire &
Cook-Out. This is a multi-species fishing trip near Eagle River, WI
*June 6-9: WOW! Shimano’s Intermediate Musky Huntress Trip.
For gals who already possess basic boating and musky fishing skills,
this trip teaches advanced techniques. Held in Land O Lakes,
WI…fishing for tigers at Lac Vieux Desert and other area waters.
*June 13-16: WOW! Shimano’s Beginner Musky Huntress: Held in
St. Germain, WI, this trip teaches all the basics. An optional handson boating clinic will be held on day one.
*July 18-21: WOW! Women Bassin’: The Northwoods of Wisconsin
offers an incredible bass fishery, and this rod bending action is the
best way to hook an angler for life. Optional hands-on boating clinic held on day one.
*Aug 15-18th: WOW! Couples Chasing Muskies (sponsored by
Frabill): Spouses will
be the “net man” for each other, chasing BIG fish around on
Minnesota lakes.
*Sept. 28-30: WOW! Couples Canoe, Catch Fish, Campfire &
Cookout (sponsored by Costa Del Mar): This is a multi-species trip
near Eagle River, WI. Learn how to fight and land a musky from a
canoe…talk about a challenge!
*Oct. 25-27: Trophy Time (sponsored by Rollie & Helen’s Musky
Shop): Diehard hunting for fall muskies in the Minocqua, WI area.
This trip is open to men & women.
Can you tell me one of these doesn’t pique your interest? I’m really excited about the year’s events. The trips are all inclusive….you just
show up and get ready to fish!) We send out a detailed pre-trip gear
list, specific directions, and itinerary. At the beginner level trips, gals
“WOW graduate Cathy Szczepanski, a
Muskies Inc. Milwaukee chapter member,
caught this beautiful musky while fishing
with her husband later in the summer.
The cool thing is that she and many of the
other gals continued to stay in touch and
share fishing moments and memories.
We all gained fishing buddies.”
wishing to learn skills such
as launching a boat or running a trolling motor will
have the option of attending
a hands-on clinic on day
one. (Ladies, learn to back up your boat and trailer without your husband yelling at you!)
Once there, breakfasts and dinners are taken care of…you’ll pack
a lunch and we’ll enjoy a picnic flotilla on the lake or stop at a nearby restaurant. We have campfires and cookouts planned at most outings, as well as wildlife identification games sprinkled into the mix. It’s
a complete Northwoods experience…And, daily instructional seminars are offered by myself and co-instructors Tony Grant, Peter
Stoltman, Jon Solberg, Karen Di Pietro, and Pete Schoetz. These guys
and gals are all fantastic fishermen and instructors…they’ll patiently
teach you anything from tying a Palomar knot to working your GPS.
Guys, are you looking for a unique Valentine’s or Anniversary
trip? Consider signing up for the “Couples Chasing Muskies” together. Gift certificates are available. Ladies, are you looking to enjoy the
time of your life? Sign up for one of our all-women’s trips…they are
a hoot and, you’ll learn boating and fishing skills in a comfortable,
safe environment.
Quad County Hawg Hunters member Marianne Perino attended last year’s WOW! All-Women’s Musky School. She shares her
thought, “My husband, Randy, first read about the WOW trip in last
year’s MUSKIE magazine and suggested I attend. I’ve been fishing
with him for a few years and have enjoyed it. But, he was doing all the
work (driving the boat, picking out the tackle, etc.) At the school I
learned how to do all of that and more. I can now back the boat and
trailer down the launch, release it and park the truck while Randy
pulls into the dock. He and I now discuss how, when, and where we
are going to fish. I can drive the boat and operate the trolling motor
and now know how to net and handle a fish. In addition to all of that,
I met a lot of great women of all ages and skill levels and made some
new friends. I had so much fun, I’ve already signed up for the June
2007 trip for “Intermediate Musky Huntresses.” I would highly recommend any women who wants to learn more about fishing to
attend. And, any guy who wants a full-time fishing partner to encourage his wife or girlfriend to attend. Patricia not only teaches, but she
instills confidence in her students.”
I hope many Muskie Inc members decide to join me on a trip
this year. In addition to fishing together, as an ALD (At Large
Director) I would be very interested in talking about the organization
with you all…throwing around ideas, etc. For complete trip details,
pricing, etc. please visit: www.ablondandherboat.com and click onto
the Women on the Water page.
Author: Patricia Strutz can be reached via email at:
[email protected] or by calling (715) 891.1173.
by Jim Smith
Okay the Chapter News & Views is back. I presume it will stay
until the Board decides what they want to do in April. So, I’ll keep
publishing it, you keep sending it.
I imagine most of you have heard of the huge muskies that have
been caught this last month. Kevin Davison on November 20th
caught and released a new World Record Release with a 58” muskie
from Lake Nipissing in Canada. This fish has been certified by the
Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame.
Tom Gelb on November 30th on a Vilas County lake landed
the first fifty-pound muskie caught on a Wisconsin lake in thirty-one
years. His fish went 53” x 28 1/2” and it officially weighed 51# 02
oz. My congratulations to both fishermen, those are great fish and I
am sure will be remembered for many years.
This issue brings both good news and some sad news. Our
good friend Art Oehmcke retired district director for the Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources (DNR), died Sunday, December
3, 2006, in Rice Lake. You will find a brief tribute and more information on Art.
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
CABELA’S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
FITTANTE REPLICAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
JUST BIG MUSKIES DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
KENTUCKY CHAPTER #45CABIN FEVER CHALLUNGE 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
LAX REPRODUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
MADISON FISHING EXPO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
MILWAUKEE MUSKIE EXPO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
MINNESOTA MUSKIE EXPO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
MUSKIE ODYSSEY 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
MUSKIE’S INC BROCHURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
MUSKIE’S INC. MEDIA / WRITING KITS . . . . . . . . . . . 37
MUSKIE MAGAZINE APPAREL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
MUSKY MADNESS EXPO - #30 GOD’S COUNTRY . . 6
RED WING LODGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
SHOWTIME PRODUCTIONS-ROCKFORD EXPO . . . . 29
TAYLOR COUNTY TOURIST COMMISSION . . . . . . . . 34
TUFFY BOATS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Jim
Jim Smith, Managing Editor
MUSKIE Magazine
The Official Publication of Muskies, Inc.
We work to improve fishing!
WITCH BAY CAMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
YOUNG'S WILDERNESS CAMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
www.muskiesinc.org
AS I SEE IT ◆ AS I SEE IT ◆ AS I SEE IT ◆ AS I SEE IT ◆ AS I SEE IT ◆ AS I SEE IT
As I See It
Most of you, by now, have most likely received the news about
our own First Lady Muriel “Midge” Hamm, wife of Gill who passed
away just after turning 100 years old. From the memoirs that Vince
Trotta and Juris Ozols located in a visit with her relatives and family,
it was obvious she was a powerful and steady supporter of Gil and
his dreams. Many of us had the opportunity to meet and talk with
her at the board meeting celebrating our 40th anniversary. Vince has
penned a brief tribute to her, which I know you’ll enjoy.
This issue is our ladies edition. Each year I try to recognize the
M.I. women who show us that this is not just a male thing. These
ladies go quietly about their casting and trolling, landing and recording some exceptionally fine muskies. In addition to their fishing
prowess they are quite accomplished writers also.
I am pleased to bring you, as promised, the latest addition to the
MUSKIE Magazine CD’s. In January you may have noticed the
Writer’s CD. This month we are announcing our Advertisers 2007
Media Kit, which will be distributed at the Tri-Esox and All Canada
shows. This CD is also available FREE to any advertiser.
As long as I am on this advertising discussion, I hope you’ll all
read my latest Advertising Up Date. Especially the part about more
advertising dollars will offset any membership dues and payments.
Those dues and payments will then be able to be turned into Youth,
Fisheries and Research. I am pleased to say that I have come very
close to meeting the 2006 Advertising revenue budget. I was about
$700 - 800.00 short out of $47,000.00.
One final item. I have put together a MUSKIE SHOP SPECIAL promotion. This is for any muskie shops that would like to
carry MUSKIE Magazines. It is a pre-paid arrangement where I will
ship; monthly 20 magazines, postage paid and the store can sell the
magazines and keep their profit. The magazines will be billed at our
printing cost plus postage, in order to increase the shop revenues and
possibly bring us more members.
Please send me any shops in your area that I can add to my
Email list and their phone numbers, contact person, so that I may
contact them.
I have to regress a bit and tell you a little story. I am so pleased
about the January magazine and how everyone pulled together to get
it to our members prior to the first of the year. I have had a couple
of our advertisers wonder if the magazine would be out prior to their
show dates. I made a big promise that it would. Well from what I
can tell some of you began receiving your January issue on December
18th. I received mine on the 22nd. So I am sure that some of the
stragglers will receive theirs well before the 1st of January. Thanks to
all of our folks who spend a great deal of time putting your magazine
together.
As always, I hope you’ll enjoy this issue of MUSKIE Magazine.
Happy Valentine’s Day, Ladies!
Cure for cabin fever. Early season fishing
awaits on southern Muskie waters.
I
tions of the year and offer muskie anglers the opportunity to get out
after their favorite quarry. Southern winters are often mild and offer
remarkably nice weather from December through March, when it can
be down right miserable to be out in the elements in the North
Country. Usually, if we do get ice, it doesn’t last for long, and we can
often break through to get to open water and muskies. During the
month of February, we can find muskies in different areas and in different activity levels as the season begins to transition from winter to
early spring. This transition can mean
nice weather and good fishing, especially if Mother Nature is cooperative.
On one late winter/early spring
muskie fishing trip one year at
Kinkaid Lake in Southern Illinois, we
broke through ice to get to open
water, as the air temperatures were rising rapidly. By the end of that beautiful day of fishing in the heart of the
majestic Shawnee National Forest, we
were wearing t- shirts and had caught
and released four muskies. Not bad
for a time of the year when very few
anglers venture out onto the water
anywhere in the pursuit of these
A prime area to search for late winter/early spring
tremendous sport fish.
f you’re like me, you just can’t sit in the house for months at a time
waiting patiently for warm weather to arrive before going fishing
again. Winter can drive an angler insane. Sure, we may find a
sideline pursuit to pass the time, but these just don’t cut the mustard
for diehard anglers, especially muskie anglers. As cabin fever really sets
in, there’s only one real dose of medicine to cure our ills, and that’s to
go muskie fishing, but what is a northern angler to do when faced
with solid ice and closed seasons, why, make a trip south of course.
*Open Season:
While muskie fishing seasons are
closed in many areas of the North
Country, we can chase these incredible predators right through without
damaging the fishery. In most southern bodies of water, there is no natural muskie reproduction and the fisheries are maintained by stocking
efforts. This is the reason why we are
able to fish for muskies during this
time of year.
*Advantages:
Beside the obvious advantage of
catching muskies, just the chance to
Muskies in transition on southern lakes. As waters warm,
get outdoors during a time when the
look for fish in shallower and more protected areas
*Safety:
couch usually sees more use than the
While
we
often
do
get
beautiful
weather, it can change in a heartboat is solid gold. Winter fishing on southern waters extends the seabeat.
If
a
storm
system
rolls
through,
the air temperatures can plumson and spring fishing helps keep you in good muskie fishing shape,
met.
Regardless
how
nice
it
is
when
you take off from the ramp,
so it doesn’t take so long to get back into practice when the action realremember
to
bring
plenty
of
warm
clothing,
rain and cold weather
ly gets hot in the south a little later in the spring or when the season
gear
with
you,
and
be
ready
to
layer
up
if
necessary.
It’s important to
gets rolling up north. This will wear off the rust and have you ready
have
a
cell
phone
and
radio
with
you
that
are
charged
up and ready to
for your new season.
go if need be. You probably won’t run into other anglers that can lend
a hand and tow you in if you break down. If you think you might
*Weather:
Many southern waters harbor huge populations of the mighty have any problems with your outboard, be sure you get them taken
muskie, the rulers of the freshwater sport fishing world. Many south- care of before venturing out.
Although I usually run a newer boat that I keep in good operatern lakes get very little ice or even none at all during the coldest poring condition, I always bring the necessities to get by in case of a prob24 MUSKIE.....February 2007
lem. Cell phones and radios don’t always
work even with charged batteries. In addition to extreme weather gear, first aid supplies, food and water, I always keep survival
gear on my boat just in case. Spending the
night on the shoreline of a lake in a remote
area during winter could be deadly without
the right gear.
*Location:
turns into early spring, anglers can increase
the speed of their retrieve.
Of course, experimentation is always a
good thing. Exceptions exist for every rule.
Any time a particular area is experiencing a
warming trend with stable weather, especially when this trend includes plenty of
sunshine to warm the shallows, game fish
are more susceptible to higher speed presentations. On the other hand, when a poor
weather condition such as a major cold
front rolls through the area dropping air
and water temperatures, it may put the fish
into more of a negative feeding mode. A
slower presentation is usually best.
During the late winter/early spring
transition, at least some fish are usually
moving. During winter when water temperatures are in the 30s, anglers can expect
to find good numbers of muskies in deep
water. Some fish may move shallow, particularly during periods of warming stable
*Lure options:
weather with plenty of sunshine, but they’ll
Long arm spinnerbaits, straight model
still be very close to deep water. There will
diving crankbaits, suspending minnowtypically be a sharp sloping breakline to
baits, casting spoons and jig & plastic comA late winter/early spring release on
deeper water nearby. The best areas are on
bos can all produce fish well. Color patterns
Kinkaid Lake in Southern Illinois.
or close to open main lake type locations.
vary. Typically, a natural shad or ciscoe type
They’ll hold on breaklines, points and other good structure and typi- color pattern will work very well in clear water, with combinations of
cally use rock ledges, boulders and broken rock cover where available. white and gray. Red & white, or blue shad color patterns can also
Wood cover is also very attractive to late winter muskies. Standing work very well. Brighter color patterns are much better in stained
timber, stumps and brush piles are prime cover options. The best water environments. Firetiger, orange & black, parrot, chartruse shad
places have both rock and wood cover.
or similar patterns are great where visibility is limited. Highly reflecAs waters begin to warm into the low 40s, we begin to locate tive chrome, silver and gold are good under sunny skies in most
more muskies moving from these deep, wide open main basin type degrees of water clarity. When the weather permits, night fishing can
areas toward shallower, more confined water. They migrate toward be an option as well. The best color patterns for fishing at night
creek and river arms, large bays and coves, where they will eventually remain black & glow or black & orange color patterns.
go through their unsuccessful spawning cycle. Rock and wood cover
continue to hold these fish, but typically on shallower structures, such *Getting out there:
as points, irregular shoreline banks and primary shallower breaklines
The only mistake is not getting out there. Don’t fall victim to
on the edges of flats near the mouths of the creeks, rivers, coves and cabin fever this year. Get out on open water on a southern muskie lake
bays. The warmer the water is, the further back into these areas the and kick off your season. With minimal fishing pressure, who knows,
muskies will move and the shallower they’ll hold.
you could catch your biggest fish of the year. Good luck! ❖
Colby Simms
*Prey:
SIMMS OUTDOORS TEAM GUIDE SERVICE
While muskies can prey on almost everything that enters their
SIMMS SPORT FISHING TACKLE
environment, they usually prefer baitfish species almost everywhere
[email protected]
that they swim. Suckers and carp can be good food sources for late
618-521-0526
winter/early spring muskies, but the dominant forage in most southPhotos courtesy of: The Simms Outdoors Team
ern bodies of water are pelagic baitfish species such as shad, and
muskies will prey almost exclusively on this prey item where available.
Follow the shad and you will find muskies that are willing to feed. It’s
no surprise that shad also make a major migration from the deep,
open main basin type areas of southern lakes toward shallower, more
confined waters, where muskies go during the early spring in the
south. The muskies prey heavily on the shad at this time and feed
more often as the waters warm, trying to bulk up in preparation for
the spawn, when they will lose a lot of weight.
*Presentation:
When fishing during late winter when water temperatures are
extremely cold, I always tell my guide trip guests that when they think
they’re fishing slow enough, to cut that speed in half. A slow presentation will almost always trigger more strikes from cold water late winter time muskies. As the water begins to warm into the 40s, the
muskie’s activity level will increase, they’ll become more aggressive
and feed more often. As this change occurs and late winter gradually
www.muskiesinc.org
Transition angling tools.
Purposes of
Muskies, Inc.
Over
ies
7,000 Musk
d
se
ea
el
R
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
• To promote a high quality muskellunge sport
fishery;
• To support selected conservation practices
based on scientific merit and carried out by
authorized federal and state agencies;
• To promote muskellunge research;
• To establish hatcheries and rearing ponds and
introduce the species into suitable waters;
• To support the abatement of water pollution;
• To maintain records of habits, growth, and
range of species;
• To disseminate muskellunge
information;
• To promote good fellowship and
sportsmanship among men,
women and children.
I
t all started July 30th 2004, I had no idea at the time what “it”
was, but that’s when “it” definitely started. “It” turned out to be
the start of a dream season, the kind of season we normally only
hear about, and sometimes not even then. The dream season brought
twenty muskies into my boat with thirteen between 49” and 53”. As
the cold winds of November slowly brought the 2004 season to a
frozen halt, I decided to reflect back and document the biggest fish
of the season. This is part 2 of my account of “a dream season”. See
part 1 in last month’s issue.
August 27th fishing with Brian again, doing our top water thing
and having action like crazy on this particular evening fishing a cabbage weed line. Blow up after blow up, but nothing would get
hooked! We must have had five or six in a row. I think we even
stopped flinching because we figured it wasn’t going to get it anyway.
Then one stuck! I felt big head shakes even though the fish was a
long ways from the boat. She kind of played possum on me as she
slowly swam on the surface towards the boat, but when she got to
the front of the boat she made a super fast power run down the side
of the boat to the back. We got a good look at her and knew we were
dealing with a 50 inch class fish! I got her turned and headed back
toward the boat thinking it was about time for the net. As she was
swimming toward me, the lure came right out! I was stunned for a
moment, and then I reeled in the lure to see if there was any damage, and made another cast. After getting a few more empty blow
www.muskiesinc.org
ups, Brian finally hit pay dirt and landed a nice 49 incher. A while
later I caught a 35 inch pike……We both began wondering if that’s
what some of the blow ups were that didn’t stick. We’re just not
accustomed to that much pike action on this particular body of
water.
September 2nd always brings back fond memories. On that day
in 1995 I caught my first fish over 50 inches. I had to work really
hard for that first one. I had caught nearly 200 muskies with 3 reaching 49 inches…before I broke fifty. That particular fish turned out
to be 52 inches, so I hop scotched a couple of numbers. Fast forward
to September 2nd 2004, I’m fishing with my two small children
David 2, and Meredith 4.
We were having a fun time
that morning. I was casting
up in front, and they were
both sitting by the side of
the boat watching my prop
bait come in, or motor boat
lure as they call it. I was
hoping to show them at
least a follow as they sat
patiently watching the lure.
On this particular cast, the
lure ended up coming right
A DREAM SEASON
caught 3 of the 4 including the 49 incher, when you’re hot you’re
hot!
October 9th fall was slowly arriving. It was a moderately windy
along side the boat next to the kids, with no visual follow, a big
muskie flies out of the water going for the bait! The kids FREAKED, day from the south, but temperatures were very mild. Brian started
us off with a nice 41 incher on a swim bait. Many
in a good way, thank god! I didn’t even know it
hours went by after that with nary a follow. I
was hooked until it hit the water and started tryThe kids FREAKED, in
decide to roll the dice with a big top water lure in
ing to pull the rod out of my hands! There was no
a good way, thank god!
the wind. Some people lose confidence fishing
setting the hook, all I could do was get the rod tip
top water in the wind, they feel better when it’s
down, hang on, and hope he pulls some line off
I didn’t even know it was
calmer. Other people think October is too late to
the reel before jumping again. If you’ve ever had a
hooked until it hit the
throw top water at all, whether it’s calm or not.
big muskie hit you on a short line you know the
water and started trying to When ever I hear somebody say “that’ll never
feeling, either hope to land it quickly, or get it
pull the rod out of my
work” when it comes to fishing, I gotta laugh.
away from the boat and get a little breathing
room to tire it out. Luckily, this fish did the lathands! There was no setting Why let yourself get all tied up in your own, or
else’s theories of what will work, and
ter, and pulled a bunch of line off the reel. A litthe hook, all I could do was someone
what won’t. The bottom line is these are fish trytle distance is never a bad thing when you’re tryget the rod tip down, hang ing to eat something, why not make it easy for
ing to tire a big fish out that hits at the boat.
Meanwhile, the kids are going ballistic, and I’m
on, and hope he pulls some them. Not only is top water fishing my favorite
presentation, I also believe it’s the easiest bait for
trying to get the net out and land the fish. What
line off the reel before
a muskie to find when it’s presented correctly. As
a sight that must have been if you were a little
jumping again.
far as picking a bait to throw when the fish are
mouse in the corner! I get the fish in the net on
active, top water ranks right up there and you
the first try, and breathe a huge sigh of relief. As I
pulled the fish out of the net, I specifically remember the kids back- can’t beat the excitement factor. According to my records, the water
ing up with eyes as big as quarters. The fish measured 52 inches and temperature was 53 degrees. I chose a big slow moving in line top
brought back fond memories of 9 years earlier. The rest of September water that made a good commotion and is fairly loud. I think it took
was pretty tough with only a couple other highlights, September 8th about 15 minutes to get a strike after hours of nothingness. It was
Brian and I managed to put 4 fish in the boat, a season high, with a down and dirty until it came to the boat and rose up from the depths
49 incher being the largest that also hit right at the boat. Brian like a big brown submarine. Big fish! I yelled immediately. After a little more battle we got her in the net.
Netting a fish in the wind can be a trick
sometimes even if you have a net man! As
I pulled the fish out of the net, I knew it
was very fat and very long. Brian looked at
it and said “that’s 52” and he was right.
The fish also had a 25 inch girth, and one
of my biggest ever. Don’t put away your
top water because it’s October.
October 30th gets me out on the water
in the late afternoon, it’s rough and I
decide to troll. Up to this point trolling
had not yielded many fish, but with the
water temperature at 46 degrees, it should
be happening soon. I put down a jointed
crank bait and trolled off the deep edge of
one of my favorite summer rock reefs. Just
as the sun was heading for the trees, I got a
good strike and the clicker screamed that
sweet song. After a good down and dirty
battle, the fish rose up in waves and I could
tell it was a good one. I did my circle
around with the big motor and netted the
fish. The fish was 49” with a nice fall girth.
About an hour later, same bait, a little shallower, I caught a 46”. Nice evening
(Continued from page 27)
Speaking of top water when the waters
cold, how many big muskies have you
caught on top water in November?
November 2nd election day brings a solo
trip, after voting of course. It’s dead flat calm, sun is on the horizon, 46 degree water temperature. I pick a nice big top water lure I know they can’t resist. I’d say 10 minutes tops,
and I watched a large muskie come up and c-curl on my lure! It was almost like it happened in slow motion as I watched in almost disbelief as to what was happening. There
was still plenty of light left to watch all the big fish moves she had to show me. As I eased
her in the net it was almost surreal. She measured 51 inches with a nice November girth!
I fished for 30 more minutes and went home to watch the election results.
November 5th finds me fishing with Brian again on one of our lucky Friday nights.
The water temperature dropped a couple more degrees to 44. We tried a little of everything, to no avail. Earlier we had put a time limit on our adventure that was rapidly
approaching. I told Brian we should rap it up and head for home, instead of going home,
I set us up for one more drift on the spot. After a very quizzical look from Brian, he reluctantly agreed for another run. He asked me what I was going to use and I told him the
same top water lure I‘d caught the big fish on 3 days earlier…..He gave me the whatever
look. The conditions were completely different and we had a pretty stiff northwest wind
blowing. We hadn’t got far in to the next pass and I got a strike. I believe Brian’s exact
words were “Oh my god, you’ve got another one” He later told me he knew right away
that it was going to be a big fish. After a little pandemonium and another great net job,
we were celebrating a 52 inch November beast! As I released the fish into the November
white caps, I wondered what the rest of the month had in store for me…….
The rest of November brought a lot of fishing, but no catching. The November 5th
fish would end up being the last muskie I would catch for the year. I fished hard till freeze
up, but that was it. Obviously, I’m not complaining, because that was “a dream season”.
12 of these 13 big fish are on the Just Big Muskies Vol. I DVD along with many others. Brian
Hanson and I produced the DVD over the winter of 2004/2005. For more info on Just Big
Muskies Vol. I and new for 2006 Vol. II “Just Mille Lacs” DVD’s and our newest release Volume
III “Just the Shield” brings you 30 muskies with 13 over 50” from the beautiful shield lakes of
the north. These DVD’s are $19.95 ea. or any 2 for $34.95 or all 3 for $44.95 plus $4.50 –
visit www.justbigmuskies.com or email [email protected]
www.muskiesinc.org
Deadline is February 15th, 2007
I hope everyone has read about this special edition of MUSKIE Magazine. See below the outline for
this competition. Each chapter should submit their “Hallmark” project that they have completed within the last three years. We need good photo support. Your entry will be judged by a panel and the
winning project in each category will be published as a feature article in the April MUSKIE.
Sponsors are being solicited to participate in supporting and financial contributions. Advertisers
should contact Jim Smith, Editor for further details. (623) 388-3225 or Email at [email protected]
MUSKIE Magazine
April Chapter Projects Contest
Proposed
Categories:
Rearing/Stocking
Hatcheries & Ponds
Research projects
DNR Assistance/Purchases
Lake Improvements
Youth Derby’s/Education
Open category
Conservation
Possible Sponsors:
Fittante Taxidermy
Anglers Choice Insurance
Requirements:
• Must complete a detailed article for publication in MUSKIE Magazine no later than
February 15th 2007. Approximately 1,500-2,000 words describing the project, benefits,
costs, results, etc.
• Requires good photo support 4-6 photos.
• Requires letter(s) from agencies, or title holders of properties involved acknowledging benefits to the completed project
• Projects must have been completed within the last three calendar years 2004, 2005, 2006.
• All projects will be pre-screened by a committee for publication in MUSKIE Magazine.
Those published projects will be considered the contest winners.
• Chapters may submit projects in any or all categories, but no more than one entry in each
category.
Committee Members (Judging):
Jim Smith, MUSKIE Magazine
Dave Solberg-Passport Media
Kevin Richards, Missouri DOC
Open for (2) volunteers
David Cates, M.I. President-
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
48
46
24
38
29
53
Special Events
2007
15 33
37
12
13
21
1
54
26
6
4
30
20
35
8
10
47
14
39
11 17 3 7
32
55
31
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22
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50
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28
April 19,20,21
Cabin Fever Challunge
Green River Lake, Campbellsville, KY
Chapter News and Views
Phone #
www.muskiesinc.org
September 21 (Friday)
M.I. International Fall Board Meeting
at Lake of the Woods in the Morson,
Ontario area
Hosted by the International
Contact Paul Framsted
[email protected]
NOTE: Sept 21st is the correct date.
(The 2007 MI Calendar incorrectly
shows Sept. 14th).
2008
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: Jim Smith,
15045 W. Double Tree Way,
Surprise, AZ 85374-8568.
Please send announcements
at least 2 months in advance.
CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS
01 ........Twin Cities, 414 Division St., Excelsior, MN 55331 ......................................952-380-1218
02 ........Fargo-Moorhead, Box 2021, Fargo ND, 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....................................417-745-2381
06 ........First Wisconsin, PO Box 122, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729............................715-726-8896
07 ........South Side Muskie Hawks, 5211 S. Narragansett Ave., Chicago, IL 60638 ..773-581-8650
08 ........Capital City, PO Box 8862, Madison, WI 53708 ...........................................608-669-5046
09 ........West Virginia, 1270 Federal Road, Little Hocking, OH 45742......................740-667-3571
10 ........Heartland, 239 8th St SE, Mason City IA 50401 ..........................................641-424-0827
11 ........Mississippi Valley, 5301 11th Ave “C”, Moline, IL 61265...............................309-797-1803
12 ........Headwaters, PO Box 652, Eagle River, WI 54521 .......................................715-477-2913
13 ........Hayward Lakes, PO Box 609, Hayward, WI 54843......................................715-634-4543
14 ........South of the Border, 28926 W. Big Hollow Rd, McHenry, IL 60050 .............815-385-9026
15 ........Star of the North, 29957 La Plant Rd., Grand Rapids, MN 55744 ...............218-326-4958
16 ........Three Rivers, 119 Bus Lane, Renfrew, PA15136 .........................................724-789-7866
17 ........Quad County, PO Box 185, Plano, IL 60545 ................................................815-695-1494
18 ........Hopedale, 15 Township Rd 125, Dillonvale, OH 43917................................740-769-7269
19 ........Akron-Canton Muskie Maniacs, 1503 S Main St, Akron, OH 44301 ............330-724-7592
20 ........Between the Lakes, PO Box 61, Sheboygan, WI 53085-0061.....................920-564-3226
21 ........North Metro, PO Box 41216, Plymouth, MN 55441......................................952-469-2155
22 ........New Jersey, http://www.mi22.com/...............................................................................TBD
23 ........Cleveland, 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, 609 S. Otter Ave., Parkers Prairie, MN 56361 ...........................218-338-5441
39 ........Fox River Valley, 1253 Cobblers Crossing, Elgin, IL 60123 .........................847-741-9771
41 ........Central Ohio, 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
51 ........Ohio Valley Muskie Hunters, 211 Mann St., Bowerstown, OH 44695 ..........740-269-1216
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
June 12,13,14,15
2007 Chapter Challunge
June 12th (Tuesday) Registration
June 13th,14th,15th fishing on Lake
Holcombe, Dairyland Flowage, Old Abe
Flowage, Cornell Flowage.
Headquarters: East Bay Restaurant
Contact: Jason Smith, (715) 726-9912
or email: [email protected]
CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆
No. Chapter, Address
April 14
M.I. International Spring Board Meeting
at The Buckeye Hall of Fame Café
Host: Columbus, Ohio Chapter
Contact: Ross Wagner
[email protected]
Phone: 513-615-7586
(The Varsity Inn Hotel is next door.)
CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆
2
CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆ CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆ CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS
01
Twin Cities
414 Division St.
Excelsior, MN 55331
952-380-1218
www.twincitiesmuskiesinc.org
Meets 2nd Tuesday 7:00 PM, Knights of Columbus,
1114 W79th St Bloomington, MN, near the SE corner
of the intersection of I-494 and I-35W.
As I write this update many of the members of the
Twin Cities Chapter are in the throws of depression.
Most of us had to finally put the boats to bed for the
winter, and the ice is not safe enough on many area
lakes to temper our depression by allowing us to
drill a few holes and try to fool some walleyes.
It is however, a very busy time a year for other
activities in our Chapter. We are busy planning our
annual winter picnic that we hold in February, the
rearing/stocking committee is busy working on the
kick off of our 2007 Raffle, and we just held our
board member elections and are gearing up for
another great year.
We held our elections this past week, and many
of the current board members decided to continue in
their roles. We did have two members who elected
to leave the board. I would like to thank Russ
Peterson and Joe DeMars for their support and
ideas. You will be missed. We also elected a new
member to the board, Greg Kappes. We are looking forward to working with Greg. We also elected
our officers for 2007 and I am pleased to note that
all of our current officers will remain in their current
positions. President; Shawn Kellett, First Vice
President; Brad Coyne, Second Vice President;
George Selcke, Treasurer; Steve Hedensten,
Secretary; Joe Mellot, and Regional Vice President;
Eric Schultz.
We announce a change to the format for the
annual Winter Picnic. It will be a family night. We
will recognizing the winners of our Kids fishing contest, as well as the winners of our Chapter contest.
It will be held on February 23rd at 6:00 at the Fort
Snelling Banquet Hall.
George Selcke shared information with the group
about a study that will be run this spring by the
University Of Minnesota. The purpose of the study
is to determine the number of Muskie fisherman we
have fishing our lakes. Our funding for Muskie
stocking is based on the % of Muskie fisherman
compared to our other species. We believe that this
study will enable us to get a bigger piece of the
funding. The results of the study will be released in
the fall.
Bob Culbertson
03
Chicagoland
Muskie Hunters
7600 Kilbourn Ave.
Skokie, IL 60076
847-677-0017 – Dean Rosset
[email protected]
Meets 1st Tuesday 7:30 PM, Park Ridge VFW 10
West Higgins Ave., Park Ridge, IL.
Now that the holiday season is behind us it is time
to begin preparing for the upcoming year of muskie
fishing. Success at muskie fishing can be broken
down into three areas; knowledge, equipment, and
time on the water. The Chicagoland Muskie Hunters
are here to help you with all of these vital components.
First lets talk about knowledge. The Chicagoland
Muskie Hunters lineup of speakers for the next few
meetings is top notch. If you can’t pickup some tips
and tactics from these experts, you are not paying
attention.
Our February Meeting, on the 6th, will feature
Chad Cain. Chad is well know for his success on
Lake Kinkaid in Southern Illinois, and has been
adding to his reputation by spending the warm
weather months on Minnesota’s hottest muskie spot,
Lake Vermillion. Chad will be giving members
insight on tactics for this fantastic muskie destination.
Then, our March meeting on the 6th, will be headlined by club member Jim Saric, Editor of Muskie
Hunter Magazine. Jim’s presentations are always
exciting and are bound to attract a big crowd, get
there early and grab a good seat.
Our meetings are held at the Park Ridge VFW
Hall , 10 West Higgins Road, starting at 7:30 pm.
Now you ask; what about equipment? The
“indoor Fishing Flea Market” is sure to provide you
with a great opportunity to pick up some bargains on
new, used, and antique fishing equipment. The
“Indoor Fishing Flea Market” is at Rolling Meadows
High School from 8am to 1pm.
And finally, if the knowledge and equipment isn’t
enough, stay tuned for our upcoming club outings at
local and Midwestern lakes this summer. We always
have a great time, and manage to connect with
some nice fish most of the time.
Club members have begun selling tickets for our
spring fundraiser.. We will be raffling off muskie
prints again this year. We have five great prizes,
including three framed prints,” “Up North Muskie” by
Scott Zoellick, “The Wild Chase” band “Double Take
Tiger” by Rodd Umlauf. Prizes also include a Big
Kahuna net, and an Abu Garcia/St. Croix rod and
reel combo. If you need any additional tickets contact Al Weinblatt (847-401-7914), or Frank Samat
(773-763-1788)
See you on the water
Greg Denny
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 fishing season has ended and although the
final numbers have not yet been tallied, it appears
that the CCMI members have had another record
year. The preliminary count is around 1,400
muskies that were caught and released in 2006.
Late season success in Madison included three 46”
fish caught by Troy Schoonover, Brad Nelson, and
Dale Anderson. Collette Anderson waited until just
eight days before the seasons end to catch her first
legal musky (44”). Our December meeting was held
on the 11th at the Park Ponderosa in McFarland.
Board member elections were held with Henry
Hempe, Jim Olson, Don Hollatz and Karen Phillips
being re-elected to two year terms. New to the
board this year are Cory Painter, Tom Penniston and
Kevin Pamulak. Our featured speaker was Madison
guide and native Lee Tauchen. For the last two
summers Lee has split his guiding between the
Madison lakes (May and June) and Minnesota’s
Lake Mille Lac (July – November). His presentation
to a standing room only crowd focused on his lake
Mille Lac experience. Lee described how the fishing changes from month to month on that big pond.
In July the fish are congregated in the shallow sand
flats, by mid august they have moved to the weeds,
and later in the fall onto rock reefs. From Lee’s pictures and testimony from several club members who
were in his boat the last two summers, he has obviously been successful. The number of 50 inch plus
fish caught by Lee or his clients in the last two seasons is over 20. Now that our boats, rods, reels,
and lures have been stored for the winter, our attention will focus on the many trade shows throughout
the Midwest in hopes that we can learn something
that will improve our 2007 success.
Reporting: Gary Hoffman
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. held
there last meeting of the year at Eagle River Inn on
DEC 6th 2006. At our December meeting the following incumbent Board of Directors were voted in for
another term. Art Anderson, Jim Gall, Paul Hansen,
Glenn Matula, Jeff Miller, Louis Dreger, Gary
Myshak, Dale Peterson, Carol Heffner and Jim
Reichlitz. Two new additional directors were also
voted in, Congratulations to our newest directors
Fred Janick and Gary Jacobs. Again congratulations
to all of the above directors, they are the work horses of this organization.
In January we will have of first meeting of the New
Year and will plan our calendar of events followed by
our January 6th member’s only Christmas party. Be
sure to visit our web sit for pictures and a schedule
of events for our numerous outings.
In closing hopefully everyone had a Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year was had by all.
Regards,
Glenn Matula
Hayward Lakes
13
P.O. Box 609
Hayward, WI 54843
715-634-4543
Our annual awards banquet will be Saturday
March 3rd. at the Ramada Inn in Hayward. Cocktails
will be from 5;30 to 7:00 with dinner at 7:00. A reservation form will be mailed in late January along with
our club calendar of events. Trophies and plaques
will be awarded to our “members contest” winners
and the Ron Lax replica will be presented to Jeremy
Ace who caught the largest fish in our fall tournament. The final results for our contest are not available at this writing. The standings as of December
19th are as follows:
Women –
Brenda Detloff, 9 fish, 135 pts., includes a 48”
from the Chip.
Tera Neibauer, 2 fish, 15 pts.
Peggy Woehler, 1 fish, 7 pts.
Men –
Larry Ramsell, 30 fish, 530 pts., includes a 56, 54,
53, 52.5, and 2-50’s !!!
Mike Persson, 26 fish, 311 pts., includes a 48.5
from Mille Lacs.
Fred Hirsch, 8 fish, 113 pts., includes a 51” from
the Chip.
Jack Woehler, 7 fish, 70 pts.
Roger Williamson, 5 fish, 62 pts.
Eric Shymansky, 5 fish, 50 pts
Wayne Gutsch, 1 fish, 25 pts. a 51” from the Chip.
Johnny Carona, 2 fish, 9 pts.
Rodney Lee, 1 fish, 16 pts.
Jim Breen, 1 fish, 9 pts.
Jim O’Leary, 1 fish, 6 pts.
Masters –
Ted Muntz, 12 fish, 113 pts.
Senior Masters –
Tom Muntz, 111 fish, 898 pts. !!!
Dick Minnick, 6 fish, 52 pts.
Jumior – no entries this year – let’s take some kids
fishing in 07 !
Good Fishing,
Mike Persson
16
119 Bus Lane, Renfrew, PA
724-789-7866 – James P. Buss
[email protected]
Meets 2nd Monday 7:30 PM, Northside Sportsmans
Club, Wexford, PA.
February already… Time to make sure all your
hooks are sharp and reels are greased. A new
muskie season starts with new regulations! Good
luck to everyone this year!
As many of you already know, we held our elections at the December meeting / Christmas party.
Our 2007 officers are:
President – Dave Huemmrich
Vice President – Mike Yerman
Secretary – Rich Dollish
Treasurer – Terrie Butcher
RVP – Bob Hadfield
Our 2007 Directors are:
Field Editor – Joe Houck
Membership Director – Rich Dollish,
Merchandise Director – Fred Kahrer
Tournament Director – Doug Lindsey
Web Master – Jerry Marinzel Jr.
Youth Director – Bob Domachowski.
As of this writing, we still need a Newsletter Editor
and Release Chairman.
I would like to thank all the people who helped the
club in 2006, especially outgoing officers Harry and
Sue Marfin, Jim Buss and Mike Skiles. You all did a
great job!
In other club business, we are trying a different
fund-raiser. Instead of the 50-50 raffle tickets, we
are currently selling a 3-month (April thru June) lottery calendar. By the time you read this, club members should have received 2 calendars per household. If we manage to sell all 1000 of the calendars,
we shouldn’t need another fund-raiser for the rest of
the year. Please make sure the money and stubs
are returned to me by March 12, 2007. The ticket
stubs are the only means we have to contact the
winners with their payouts so returning them is
essential!
Some other events to keep in mind are our
upcoming Swap Meet (March 12th) and our Annual
Awards Banquet (March 17th). Banquet and raffle
tickets can be purchased in advance at any of the
club meetings. This is always a fun evening with
plenty of prizes. If you have never attended one, you
are missing a great time! Also, be sure to come to
the Swap Meet, it is the perfect time to clear out
some old baits and to pick up some new ones!
As always, you can find more detailed information
by
checking
the
club’s
web
site
at
http://threerivers.muskiesinc.org.
See you next month!
Rich Dollish
22
also enjoyed a lure grab bag and a homemade lure
contest won by Steve Scornavacca. Steve also
nicely donated another real beauty as a prize. The
fishing this Fall turned out as good as ever and many
people caught their personal best this year including
Steve with a St. Lawrence 55”, Pat Marshall with a
Mille Lacs 52”, Norm Small with a NJ 53” ( a club
record) and Mike Olejarz with a local 50”. Many
people topped their prior best with upper 40’s” fish
including Mike Giambrone and Scott Kline with 48”s
and Kevin Johnson with a hefty 46” fish and Gordon
Campbell, Sr. with a 45 1/2”. Congrats to all.
Thanks again to Craig Lemon and his NJDFW crew
for working to produce another fine stocking this
year. Best wishes to all for a great 2007.
Submitted by
Gordon Campbell,
VP Chapter 22.
Cleveland
23
5611 Alber, Parma, OH 44129
1-440-221-5760 (Cell)
Jack Moga, President
Meets 2nd Monday 7:30 PM
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season
and that each of you received a few new lures to put
to the test this coming summer. Before becoming a
muskie fisherman, I used to hate the month of
February. It is usually our coldest and snowiest
month of the year. I would sort and re-sort my tackle, test lures in the bath tub, oil reels, and fill spools
with fresh line while impatiently awaiting the coming
of Spring. But now, February is one of my favorite
months of all since its muskie banquet and muskie
show season in our area. Before each event, I think
that I just don’t need any more lures or gear, but
somehow I always manage to leave with my wallet a
couple of hundred dollars lighter and the truck
packed with new supplies. I hope all of you enjoy the
shows and banquets as much as I do.
We held our annual officer elections on Monday,
December 11 and our 2007 line-up follows:
President – Jack Moga
Vice President – Sherm Champlin
Treasurer – Mike Nickel
Secretary – Jeff Zvara
Youth Director – Chris Depaola
Release Chairman – John Rivera, Sr.
Tournament Director – Barry Boehm
Merchandise Director – James Dean
Program Director – Jeff Zvara
Magazine Reporter – Mike Nickel
Web Master – Rick Burke
Regional Vice President and Big Brother – Jack
Moga
Please join me in welcoming and congratulating
all the of the 2007 Club officers!
It is also once again time to make your reservations for our annual Club Banquet and Fund Raiser.
It will be held at Roby Lee’s in Newton Falls again
this year on Saturday, February 17 and will feature a
presentation by Tony Grant. This year’s banquet will
continue the tradition of providing the best chapter
banquet in the State of Ohio. All are welcome.
Please don’t miss it. If you need further information
about the banquet, please see the Chapter 23
Message Board (www.muskiesinc23.com) or call Bill
and Nancy Cline at 330-527-2546.
As of 12/11/06, our Club released a total of 164
fish. Leaders follow:
Men’s Master –
Mike Clemente 34 for 326 points.
Sherm Champlin 35 for 269 points.
Men’s Division –
Robert Basic 12 for 153 points.
Mike Nickel 13 for 118 points.
Women’s Division –
Barb Clemente 4 for 48 points.
Sharlene Simerale 3 for 42 points.
Junior Division – Nick Riveria 3 for 41 points.
Erik Nickel 4 for 23 points.
Largest Chapter Release – Jack Moga with a
51”x24” on 11/5/06 from Lake St. Clair.
Largest Ohio Release – Frank Smith with a 441/2” on 7/28/06 from Lake Milton.
Catch ya later,
Michael Nickel
Shawnee
28
P.O. Box 602
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-756-3231 – Gary Dew
(815) 529-1159
Meets: varies-call for schedule.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Shawnee Muskie Hunters Calendar for 2007
January 5-6-7 Collinsville Show
January 12-13-14 Chicago Show
New Jersey
http://www.mi22.com/
The end of the year has been marked by lots of
activity. The chapter has been busy preparing for the
January Coolwater Fish Culture Workshop hosted
by our NJDFW and supported by our efforts along
with contributions from Muskies Inc. and Chapter 50.
Details to come. Chuck Graf and Kevin Johnson
teamed up to put on a real nice and well attended
Christmas party on the 8th- the start of a new tradition. Chuck’s parents really delivered on the foodthe chapter appreciates it. Thanks also to Larry
O’Mallon for dessert and to Mike and Gay Kopp for
those meatballs! At the party we raffled off a spectacular 3 day trip donated by guide Marc Thorpe a
longtime sponsor of the club resulting in a very successful fundraiser. Many of our guys have done
extremely well with him. Thanks again, Marc! We
www.muskiesinc.org
Three Rivers
January 23 @ 7 P.M. Board Meeting
February 17 Dinner @ Ponderosa @ 6 P.M. &
Meeting @ 7 P.M. with speaker Lenny Goldsmith
talking about fishing on Goldeneye & Canvasback
Lakes in Perry County
February 6-7-8-9-10-11 St Louis Boat Show
March 3 Awards Banquet & 10th Anniversary
Celebration - Location & Time To Be Announced
Later
March 10 Pomme De Terre Challenge @ Pomme
De Terre Lake, MO
March 24-25 Tournament Benefit for Lacey Graeff
Caraway Cancer Fund, Kinkaid Lake
April 7 Lake Clean Up - Kinkaid Lake
April 15 Board of Directors Meeting, 7 P.M. Phone
Conference
April 19-20-21 Cabin Fever, Green River, KY
April 28-29 10th Annual Spring Warm-up
Tournament, Kinkaid Lake
May 5 Guide For Day & Meeting after dinner @
Paul Ice Ramp on Kinkaid Lake
May 6 Guide For Day continues…if interested
please contact Manuel Santa Cruz [email protected] or (618) 610-5003
June 9 Kids Day , Murphysboro Lake, IL
June 13-14-15 Chapter Challenge in Lake
Holcombe Area, WI
June 24 Board of Directors Meeting, 7 P.M. Phone
Conference
July 14 Shelbyville Bellow Dam Fish Outing &
Lunch @ 12:00 P.M.
August 12 Board of Directors Meeting, 7 P.M.
Phone Conference
September 15 Prairie Lake Outing in Jim Edgar
Panther Creek (W. of Springfield)
October 20 Guide For Day & Meeting after dinner
@ Paul Ice Ramp on Kinkaid Lake
October 21 Guide For Day continues…if interested please contact Manuel Santa Cruz [email protected] or (618) 610-5003
October 27-28, 7th Annual Fall Brawl Tournament,
Kinkaid Lake
November 3 Outing for Veterans & Board
Meeting If You Are Interested In Helping Let
Manuel Santa Cruz Know [email protected] or
(618) 610-5003
November 10-11 IMTT IL State Muskie
Championship, Lake Shelbyville
December 1 Christmas Party Place To Be
Announced Later
Muskie Momma!
Shannon Beaty-Dingus
[email protected]
website has been recently updated. So you can
start finding out all the dates for this years events.
Be
sure
to
visit
the
website
at
http://muskieclub.com Also, if any have any questions or comments for me about the chapter please
feel free to email me any time at the address listed
below.
Sincerely, Pete Hildreth Chapter Editor
[email protected]
Upper Great Plains
29
1788 Hwy 4
Estherville, IA 51334
712-362-2501
Meets 3rd Thursday , Legion Club, 1709 Okoboji
Ave., Milford, IA.
The Upper Great Plains chapter held its latest
board meeting on December 14 at Virg Harrison’s
home. This is an annual event to celebrate
Christmas and to meet one more time before the
New Year. Old business was mainly discussed but
one change has come up regarding the awards banquet. The location I told you in last month’s article
has changed. The banquet will be Saturday
February 24 at Chaps Club in Milford. Social hour
will begin at 6 pm, dinner at 7 pm, and the awards
ceremony will conclude the evening. Every chapter
member is invited and we hope to see all there.
Thanks Virg for hosting the party!
At the time of writing this, ice fishing on the Iowa
Great Lakes has been slow except for some descant
action on Spirit Lake. Most of the fishing has been
taking place on Angler’s Bay, the Grade, and
Templar lagoon for panfish. As of Christmas their
was about 8 inches of ice on Angler’s Bay. West
Okoboji has been slow to make ice and except for a
few really adventurous folks not much action has
taken place yet. As with any winter, ice conditions
will improve and I foresee some good bites to follow.
So make your way up to the lakes and enjoy some
hard water fishing this winter. It is hard to beat sight
fishing those chunky bluegills. Keep your eyes open
though, you just might see a toothy critter close
behind.
Thanks to Mark and Aryls Mithchell the chapter
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.
According to my calendar, after this short month I
figure we are about 60 Days or so from getting the
boats out of storage and getting “ramped up” for
another season. It’s not to early to check rods, get
reels cleaned and get some new line on the spools.
Nor is it too early to get signed up for the Spring
“Challunge on the Chain” or go for Spring and Fall
with the Trail Package.
We will be back to our regular second Wednesday
of the month for our meetings. This month we will
have “Crash” and/or Justin Mullins as our guest
speaker. You can count on one hand the number of
people who know Cave Run as well as these guys
do.
In March look forward to spend the evening with
Mike Hulbert.
On the 17th. Of this month please bring the family
and join us for our Annual Awards Banquet at the
Poplar Creek Country Club. (Same venue we conduct our monthly meetings at.) As always the club
picks up half the cost of the ticket, making the cost to
you $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children. Hours
are, noon til five. Join us for beverages, cocktails and
a great buffet lunch. Members of the Club are recognized for their fishing achievements from the past
season. To top off the day we have tables full of raffle and silent auction items. Guide trips, fishing tackle, computer printer, digital camera and so much
more are waiting to go home with you. Anyone who
has registered a fish this season will be eligible for a
chance at a custom made rod by “Franks Custom
Rods.” These are simply beautiful “sticks.” On this
day only you get a chance to take one home for
free!!
One other item we would like to bring to your
attention is our “Gotta Have Electronics” raffle.
Check this out folks; we will be selling chances for
three really great prizes. In Third place will be a 30
GB iPod with a retail value of $240.00. In Second
place will be an Nintendo Wii, with a retail value of
$400.00. And the First place prize we would all like
to see in our den is a 42” Daewood Plasma TV!
Model number DTS 42 with a retail value of
$2000.00. Your DVD collection will look great on this
set! The tickets will be five dollars each or a book of
six for twenty dollars. We will be selling them from
now until the drawing on May 1, 2007. The other
good news is you DO NOT have to be present to
win.
Our regular club meeting dates are the second
Wednesday of the month. The Poplar Creek Country
Club is most gracious in providing us with great
accommodations. They also provide us with a great
Buffet style dinner starting at six p.m. before the 7:30
p.m. meeting. Check the website the week before
the meeting for info on what the meal will be.
Until Later,
Return ‘em to the water Healthy and Remember
Our Troops.
JT
A service to our advertisers
Advertising Update #4 – February 2007
Using the MUSKIE Magazine
Advertising 2007 Media Kit CD
You will need to download a FREE copy of
QuickTime in order to view this MUSKIE Magazine
2007 Media Kit CD.
Just type in “Quick Time” in your browser and follow the directions. There is an upgrade if you so desire,
however it is not necessary to run this CD.
Once you have loaded Quick Time you can access
any of the menu items found on the inside cover of the
Jewell case that this CD came in. Each of the specific
forms and brochures can be printed for your personal
hard copy. The most important documents will be:
1. Advertising rate card #23 (2-sided)
2. Advertising Contract/Insertion Order
3. Advertising Update (2-sided)
4. MUSKIE Mag. 2007 Editorial Calendar
(2-sided)
We have put together a number of features in this CD
to attempt to inform you of the mission of Muskies, Inc.
and how we hope to work with you in 2007 to increase
your advertising exposure and the promotion of your
business.
We believe that MUSKIE Magazine offers you a
www.muskiesinc.org
M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
quality product, directed at a target audience. Our twelve
(12) monthly issues assure you of a regular and continuous number of impressions to keep your product fresh in
our readers mind. It is these impressions that create, what
we call in the ad business “branding”. As an example;
when you hear the word Kleenex, most of us know exactly what product this is; yet there are a multitude of facial
tissue products to choose at every pharmacy and grocery
store. We are working to bring or keep your products
and services in the forefront of our muskie readership.
Let us help you to grow and promote your business.
Finally, remember that your advertising dollars offset
the production costs of this magazine allowing Muskies,
Inc. to place more dollars directly into our muskie fisheries, our research efforts, and involving out kids in this
great sport we all have come to enjoy. We consider this
an opportunity for a win-win situation.
Thank you for your consideration.
Quick Time comments:
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ADVERTISERSPlease send all payments to:
James T. Smith,
MUSKIE Magazine
15045 W. Double Tree Way
Surprise AZ 85374-8568
M U S K I E M AG A Z I N E A DV E R T I S I N G U P DAT E ◆ M U S K I E M AG A Z I N E A DV E R T I S I N G U P DAT E
Advertising Update
THE GREENHORN’S
STILL A GREENHORN
I was bound and determined for Rog to catch a Muskie. I
solicited the help of Louie, Cal, Rod, Albert, Otis and Maynard.
They all were helpful with their offerings to take Rog out. It would
take a few days but the outlook appeared excellent; weather was
Muskie style, full moon.
Rod took Rog out the first morning. They row trolled to
Charlie’s Point. When they returned for lunch, the report was not
good, “Nothing’s moving!” said Rod.
“I like the afternoon, so I’ll take Rog out next,” Otis said. They
left right after a hearty meal. About 4 PM they returned. “Same luck
as with Rod,” Otis said, “Nothing’s moving.”
“Let’s have a quick meal and then I’ll give it a try with you,
Rog.” Said Maynard, “I like the late day fishing.”
“Well?!” Asked Otis as Rog
and Maynard sat down at the big
round table.
“In the first hour Rog caught
five bass or baitfish as we call
them. Then, nothing.” Maynard
said.
“I think I have an idea how
baseball pitchers must feel after an
eleven inning game. My right arm is
pretty sore and it seems it’s about two
inches longer than my left arm.” Rog
announced.
“We’ll take care of that in the morning,”
said Louie, “We’re heading out early and taking
a shore lunch. We’ll find the Muskies!”
A slight moan from Rog as he said, “I better get some rest, see
you in the morning.” As Rog limbered off to his room.
I joined the others for breakfast. Louie and Rog were already
gone.
“Dey go out early dis mornin’” Albert said, “ I gif ‘em sum big
suckers. I tink da Muskie ‘re out in da deep vater ‘cause dey ain’t
bumping da dock.”
The day dragged on slowly, it seemed to take forever until they
returned. We got anxious about 5 PM and all went down to the
dock. We finally saw them coming in. Louie was still rowing while
Rog was trailing a sucker.
“Damdest thing I’ve ever seen. Rog didn’t have a follow on casting globes, and the suckers didn’t even get a sniff from the Muskies.
We need a good meal and maybe a cordial to discuss just what is
going on with these Muskies!” Louie said.
“I need some rest!” Announced Rog. “I haven’t fished so hard
since Bob and I fished those ba….ah….baitfish tournaments years
ago.”
“Let’s eat, have the cordial and discuss……”said Cal; but he
could see Rog about to nod off so he continued quickly, “I’ll be taking you out tomorrow Rog. We won’t go early, I like the mid morning catch.”
“Dream on, my friend, dream on…..”said Louie.
“You’ll be ordering Crow for supper tomorrow night Lou.” Said
Cal.
“I’ll gladly do that if you put Rog onto a Muskie!” Louie
announced.
We had dinner and Cal was talking to Rog over the cordial
about tomorrow’s strategy. Cal was so busy blabbing away that he
wasn’t aware of Rog’s head nodding, eyes closing now and then and
once I thought I heard him snore.
We all got up to leave for our rooms when Rog said, “OH!! Is it
morning already?”
We all met in the dining room about eight for breakfast.
“I feel a lot better this morning. I’m ready to take on those
Muskies you were talking about Cal.” Rog said.
We all looked at each other with that ‘and we thought he was
nodding off ’ look.
We saw them off at the dock while Albert gave them his ‘catched
a goud von’ send off as he pushed them from the dock.
We got word just before Cal and Rog sat down for a late lunch
at the big round table. Rog caught two Northerns, one barely a fingerling.
“How would YOU like your Crow, Mr. Cal,” asked Bill, “Fried,
baked or broiled?”
We all got a long laugh from this one.
“I guess that leaves you, Albert. You and Rog can be
back on the water by four. Got any ideas?” I
asked.
“Vell….Vell…”
“Yes?”
“Vell….”
“Well what?!”
“Vell….I’m tinking!! Ve’ll row troll
yust ‘round da
entrance ta da secret
lake! If ‘n youse guys don’t
mind!” Albert was looking straight
towards Louie and Cal.
“You know where it is?” Asked Louie.
“Hee Hee Hee…”
“That does sound like a good idea, Lou,” said Cal, “We omitted
the entrance, we went straight in to the little lake.”
“HMMMMmmmmm…..”sounded Louie.
Albert and Rog left. We heard the little Johnson fire up and fade
away as they headed out.
They returned about dusk. “Brink on sum more adat Crow,”
said Albert, “I tink da Muskie vent South fer da Vinter… ❖
Now Available...
Your FREE MUSKIE Magazine 2007 Media Kit.
Contains all advertising information, printable forms,
ad rate brochure, ad sizes, commitment dates, demographics and fact sheet, editorial calendar and more.
Contact Jim Smith for this free CD; information also
available on our website under "Magazine"
Interested in writing for MUSKIE Magazine?
Contact Jim Smith for this free CD; Information also
available on our website under "Magazine"
www.muskiesinc.org
1087- Fun in the Sun- Diana
Clark and another Kentucky 46"
caught during a July 2005 Stream
Outing. Congrats on that
whopper!
Suanne Bushong stuck it out on a
rainy Cave Run for this 40" Muskie.
Practice and perseverance pay!
More Kudos to the Women of Ch 52.
Sent in by Larry Besant this is Ch 52's Debbie
Thompson and a Cave 42 caught on a purple and
chartreuse Grim Reaper bucktail, also in September.
Outing- Mike Scholler along with Chris Strysick and his
daughter Amanda in the company of Patricia Strutz who
helped Amanda with the fine points
☞
Proper Muskie
Holding Techniques
for MUSKIE Magazine Photos including Covers, Article Support, Photo
Contest Entries
& Member Photos
All bundled up- Bonnie Wehler on
Lake Vermillion photographed by
husband Tommy. " Her technique is
always improving...No fish no more" !
A fish and a friend-- Nancy Hinkforth with a colorful
43 3/4" Muskie posing with Woman's " best friend".
She hails from the Milwaukee Chapter.
Nice submission !
Vickie Banks submitted by Larry. She's posing with a
hefty 46" from Cave Run. Once again a Grim Reaper
in black and gold did the trick.
Blue Grass-- The ladies of Kentucky's Ch
52 have been busy and doing well. Here
Eve Butcher shows off a Cave Run 51" in
Sept 2006. Husband Dennis submitted the
shot and noted that she won the Queen's
Silver Trophy for this great release.
Night time was the right time for Evelyn Marshall and husband Pat up on Mille Lacs. Here they hold a 50" beauty
taken on one of their annual pilgrimages from New Jersey
back to Pat's home state of Minnesota.
Let the ladies fish - sent by Capt. Roy Kalmerton here's
Cassie Jentsch and Mom Terry as Ted Scharl mans the
oars during the Between the Lakes Youth weekend.
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Transcription

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