238037 Muskie-July Mag

Transcription

Fishing.
Landing.
Two totally
different things.
PETE MAINA
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CHAD CAIN
Contents
MUSKIE
MUSKIE •• VOL.
VOL. 39,
39, NO.
NO. 66
Departments
Features
2 Editor’s Desk
6 The Next Generation, Jack Posewitz
3 President’s Message
9 “Everything”: A Son’s Tribute,
Dan Busch
4 Magazine Notes
10 Tips for Kids, Todd Doebler
5 Letters to the Editor
14 Bring Up a Muskie Angler, Will Schultz
7 Lunge Log
16 Muskie Kid, Bernie Barringer
13 Youth-Fisheries-Research
24 Fishing Trips & Children, Barry Wesley
23 Photo Contest June Winners
26 Showcasing Our MI SupportersHooker Tackle Company,
Patricia Strutz
33 Chapter News and Views
28 Experience of a Lifetime,
Stacie Gilmore & Garrett Thomas
40 Bob Jennings’ Muskie Tales
42 Member Photos
30 October’s Turning Leaf Challenge,
Ellen Wells
MUSKIE is published monthly and is the Official Publication of Muskies, Inc. International Office: Terrie DuBé, International Sec., 80
State Hwy. 200, Longville, MN 56655. Ph: 888-710-8286, Fax 218-836-2087. © Copyright 2005 by Muskies, Inc. All rights reserved.
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www.muskiesinc.org
June 2005.....MUSKIE 1
MUSKIE Magazine Staff
Rod Ramsell, Editor Emeritus
Keith Ogden, Editor Emeritus
MANAGING EDITOR
Jim Smith
15045 W. Double Tree Way
Surprise, AZ 85374-8568
Phone/Fax: (623) 388-3225
Cell: (623) 810-9103
Email: [email protected]
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Juris Ozols
Phone: (952) 431-4727
ADVERTISING MANAGER “MUSKIE”
Cherek Group • Scott Cherek
3902 Cribbon Avenue • Cheyenne, WY 82001
Phone: 307-635-8899
PUBLICATIONS TECHNICAL MANAGER
Sunray Printing Solutions, Inc. • Ross Rieke
25123 22nd Ave. S. • St. Cloud, MN 56301-9189
Phone: 888-253-8808 x122
MAGAZINE DESIGN
Sunray Printing Solutions, Inc. - John Windschitl
ILLUSTRATORS/CARTOONISTS
Richard Gross
FIELD EDITORS
Colby Simms, Patricia Strutz
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Bernie Barringer, Dan Busch, Todd Doebler,
Stacie Gilmore, Jack Posewitz, Will Schultz,
Patricia Strutz, Garrett Thomas, Ellen Wells,
Barry Wesley
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].
2 MUSKIE.....June 2005
As I See It
The President’s Message
by Jim Smith
by Greg Wells, Muskies, Inc. International President
O
ur June issue has been and this month is
dedicated to our youth. All the articles are
about member’s sons and daughters. In
addition we have some very interesting articles about
various chapters youth programs, derby’s, etc. Many folks
say that the youth are our future. I think this month
you’ll see why.
You have probably noticed that the May issue was a 48 page issue. Also there was no
coated paper. Just when I thought I had everything under control, I got the rug pulled out
from under me. You may have read my editorial comments on our website regarding the
fiscal dilemma M.I. has gotten themselves in. Suffice it to say there will be some changes
made. The Board at the spring meeting voted almost unanimously to reduce the magazine
budget. This has a direct impact on the magazine. Please bear with us as I am hopeful that
we will come out of this in due time. I am happy to answer any questions and would
appreciate hearing any suggestions you may have. However, I would appreciate a phone
call or Email as I do not feel the magazine is the forum in which to discuss these types of
issues.
Now for the good news. I said this in the past that all articles would be published on
our web site. www.muskiesinc.org I am happy to report that if you have had an article
published you should find it now on our website. If you have submitted an article in the
past you should also find it on our website. If in fact, you don’t find your article(s) please
send or re-send them to me and I will get them posted on our site. Ron Groeschl has
dedicated a “special” section on the web site for MUSKIE articles. If we get a lot of good
feedback or a good number of “ hits” we may start a web based MUSKIE Ezine (an
electronic MUSKIE Magazine). So let Ron Juris and myself know what you think.
By the way, have you all seen the OLN program “We Live Outdoors” sponsored by
Gander Mtn. It was a great show featuring Bob Osborne and Brett Waldera? If you missed
it you better get a copy or watch for it. What a job those guys did for Muskies, Inc. and
for muskie fishing in general. Thanks Brett and Bob!
I recently received an invitation from the World Musky Hunt inviting Muskies, Inc.
to field a team for their August event. This event brings back some fond memories. You
see I was a member of the Colorado Team in 1981. It was there in Minocqua that I met
Gil Hamm and Frank Schneider, Jr. Obviously we talked muskies and in particular
forming a M.I. chapter. Frank gave me his card, which I held on to and then in 1990
contacted him about forming a chapter. I was referred to Bill Davis who assisted us with
the formation of Chapterm#44. Coincidently and unbeknownst to me Colorado Chapter’s
current RVP Jeff Don had also contacted M.I. about starting a chapter. I pursued it more
vigorously and formed our Colorado Chapter, with Jeff ’s help. If any of our chapters,
board members or anyone would like to fish this celebrity tournament, please contact me
and I will assist with the arrangements. A number of our members have fished that catch
and release tournament. Some of our current members guide like Tom Stark. This years
event will be August 25th-27th.
The Edward Crossman/Muskies, Inc. Symposium is almost upon us. This event
promises to be a new milestone for M.I. If you haven’t made your reservations yet, you might
jump on it, as there will be limited space available, with all the presenters and professional
types that will be in attendance. Scott Law and his team have gone overboard to make this
event a spectacular production. I know you’re going to enjoy all the camaraderie and the
opportunity to meet the muskie professionals throughout this country. ❖
Jim Smith, Managing Editor
MUSKIE Magazine
The Official Publication of Muskies, Inc.
W
e congratulate the 2005 inductees of the Muskies Inc Hall of Fame, Paul
Framsted, Pat Johnson and Jim Moore are three individuals who fully deserve
this recognition. Each has contributed countless hours to the mission of
Muskies Inc and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Thank you Tri Essox! Lynn Shuster and Steve Statland have made a five-year
commitment to donate to the Gill Hamm Chapter Challenge. Let’s make these next five
events the best in MI history.
Congratulations to the 2005 Perry Smith President to President award recipient,
Gary Dew, President of the Shawnee Chapter. You have gone above and beyond MI to
serve humanity. Thank you from all of Muskies Inc.
We thank Rich Gallagher and the Fox River Valley Chapter for hosting the Spring
Board meeting.
These are the kinds of individuals and chapters that make MI successful. We praise
you for your service to Muskies Inc.
Why Youth?
Why should MI focus on youth? Simply put the future of muskie fishing depends
on the interest and involvement of our youth. We have seen through history that muskies
were in jeopardy due to the harvest practices of the past. While it is recognized that MI
introduced catch and release to muskie fishing and we have seen the positive impact this
endeavor has had on muskie fishing. It will be the young muskie fishermen and women
that will continue this legacy. This begins with the understanding and belief in
conservation. Yes conservation, not just fishing, our youth needs to experience and
appreciate nature and with this a rock solid conservation ethic will be sure to follow.
Fishing is the lure, muskie fishing is the hook and making the experience a whole lot of
fun is setting the hook.
So where do we start...?
There are many chapters that have wonderful youth programs so one way is to copy
what they are doing. We are assembling a youth guide that will be programs from the
chapters and any others we can find. This should be available at the time of the Fall Board
meeting. Another good way is to look around your community at organization that
already has youth programs and team up with them. For example YMCA, Boys and Girls
Club, fishing and hunting clubs, conservation clubs, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Police
organizations etc. You will also find that there are many local and national businesses that
are then, more willing to donate to a good youth program, don’t be afraid to ask. Anyone
that has an idea for the youth committee can send them to me and I will forward them
to the right person. Let’s make the focus of this year be youth programs. ❖
International
Officers
President, Greg Wells
Phone: 920-457-3720
Vice President/Finances, Jim Beaty
Phone: 618-235-3646
Vice President/Research, Ron Mazur
Phone: 708-458-0055
Vice President/Internal Affairs, Dick McPike
Phone: 816-436-4909
Vice President/Membership, Bob Timme
Phone: 715-462-3053
Vice President/Communications, David Cates
Phone: 574-457-3222
Treasurer, Pete Barber
Phone: 847-726-7267
Members Only Fishing Contest, Jim Bunch
Phone: 715-723-8343 • Fax: 715-723-8354
Web Master, Ron Groeschl
Phone: 262-271-1002
Int. Administrative Secretary, Terrie DuBé
80 State Hwy. 200, Longville, MN 56655
Phone: 888-710-8286 • Fax: 218-836-2087
At Large Directors
Term Expires
Dick McPike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2006
Dan Narsete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2006
Art Anderson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2006
Jack Moga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2006
Ron Mazur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2006
Ken Karbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
Jim Shannon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
Muskies, Inc. Past Presidents
Bob Timme
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
Jim Beaty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
Gil Hamm
Lou Cook
Steve Statland
Bob Osborne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
Edward T. Peterka
Peter Hadley
John Hotle
Laura Morrison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
Robert Hill
Bob Schmidt
Jim Blaubach
Don Jahnke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
Robert Shoop
Larry Ramsell
Steve Budnik
David Cates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
Frank Schneider
Lou Cook
Jim Smith
Patricia Strutz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
Peter Hadley
Keith Ogden
Paul Framsted
Karl Scherer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
DuWayne Bakke
Bill Davis
Perry Smith
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
The cover picture is Dawson Barringer, son of former Muskie editor
Bernie Barringer, who reports:
“Dawson has worked really
hard to catch a muskie even
though he is only 10 years
old. He's got the fever pretty
bad. Dawson caught this fish
on Spirit Lake, Iowa fishing
with a Reef Hawg. It was 39
inches and his largest so far.
I'm taking him to Ontario
muskie fishing for the first
time this year in hopes of
helping him get a big one.”
Well, that was written back
last year, and Bernie did
indeed take the young man
to Ontario. You can read the
story of what happened on
page 14. ❖
ABOUT THE
CENTERFOLD
“Youth” replaced “Catch” as the first word on
our logo during Perry Smith’s term as president.
As the pictures in the June centerfold collage
attest it’s more than lip service. The collage
presents over seventy “youth” pictures sent in by
members during the last three years. They
include photos of the children of our members,
as well as pictures taken during the many
Muskies inc. chapter outings that give other kids
a chance to fish and learn about fishing. We have
also featured youth on thirteen magazine covers
during the past five years and those are shown in
the collage.
Note that many of the pictures show kids
and Muskies, but a lot don’t. Our Muskies are a
special fish, of course, but for youngsters any fish
is special. Pictures of kids and fish are always
welcome. ❖
LETTERS TO THE
EDITOR
Tony Lessley, Senior Ranger for the City of
Aurora, Colorado writes:
Jim,
So you think muskies won't eat something really big. How's a
39" muskie for dinner? A clear case of my eyes were bigger than my
stomach.
Recently, April 24th, Ranger Diane Donovan found the two
fish while patrolling the reservoir. Quincy Reservoir (formerly
Colorado's hottest muskie spot) yielded a 41" muskie that had
swallowed a 39" muskie. Unfortunately the smaller muskie started
out through the larger muskies gills and suffocated the fish.
Aurora Parks is considering mounting the two fish.
Dear Muskies, Inc.,
I am Scott Ziegler. I am 12 years old and a member of your
club. I am doing a project for Mr. Walters class at Knoch Middle
School in Saxonburg, PA. And I would like to suggest some thing for
the magazine and give you a picture.
I am now a member for 2 years and have been getting your
magazine. I would like to see if you would put my fish picture in the
magazine. It was a 36 inch muskie caught October 23, 2004 at Lake
Arthur in Butler, Pa. And I would like to see some things in the
magazine. First fish and the top 10 or 30 lure companies for the
average fish caught on them.
I would appreciate greatly if you would consider my suggestions
and put my picture in your magazine. If you want to, mail me at my
house at the address at the top or e-mail me at [email protected].
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Scott Ziegler
Tony Lessley
Senior Ranger
Parks and Open Space Department
City of Aurora, Colorado
Coming Next Month:
Here are just some of the articles that are
slated to appear in the July issue of
MUSKIE Magazine.
✧ Geting New Members Involved
Twelve year old Scott Ziegler of Pymatuning Lake, Pennsylvania
proudly holds his 48 1/2" muskie which weighed 39.8 lbs on a
Berkley Digital Scale. Check Scott out in the upper right hand
corner of the centerfold with yet another great muskie. Scott has a
secret back in PA. He asked me not to tell you his favorite lure. Scott
should know that what goes on in PA, stays in PA.
✧ How I Spent My Summer
✧ Three Generations
✧ Muskie Mythology
✧ Muskie Misfortunes
Synopsis of the Fall Board Meeting and
more answers to your questions by our
panel of Biologists.
MISSION
Moving?
Send your change of address to:
Terrie DuBé,
80 State Hwy. 200,
Longville, MN 56655
888-710-8286
Or e-mail to:
[email protected]
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
www.muskiesinc.org
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ◆ LETTERS TO THE EDITORS ◆ LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
ABOUT THE COVER
g
The Next Generation
by Jack Posewitz
by
Ji m B u n c h
Ready, Set, Go 2005!
The 5th Grade Class at St. Dominics School, Sheboygan, WI. Lori Alsteen, Teacher.
T
he stocking of muskies in Sheboygan County, WI lakes has
been an annual event for Between the Lakes Chapter for
years. Back in 2002, my first year with Muskies Inc., my
7-year-old son, Brandon, and I participated. We brought our boat
and a large tub to transport and distribute the fish around the lakes.
As we slowly powered across the lake, Brandon looked after the
muskies, almost parent-like, as I searched out weed beds that would
protect and provide for these young fish. As we released the fish, we
watched in awe as they quickly scattered seeking cover. It was a day
that we won’t soon forget.
Months passed since that day in October, when I realized the
impact this event had on Brandon. We talked more about
muskies, he drew many pictures of muskies, and many of his
school projects included muskies. Brandon’s classmates started
learning and talking about muskies, and the enthusiasm began to
spread. I thought wow, how can we keep this going? I also began
to wonder how I could project this experience on to others. I have
often seen muskies in tanks at sport shops, restaurants, etc. and
thought why not classrooms! A good way to share a little of what
Brandon experienced is to have the class raise, observe, and learn
from these fish.
Reading, writing, and arithmetic are important, just as
teaching about, caring for, and appreciating what God has given us
is also important. Whether Brandon was aware of it or not, he
learned more than he realized on that day in October. He learned
that we have a responsibility as humans to look after our natural
resources for the next generation.
I approached the subject at a Between the Lakes Chapter
meeting. It didn’t take much discussion and the project was quickly
voted on and approved by Between the Lakes Chapter that evening.
Working under the advise of John Nelson, Fisheries Biologist with
the State of Wisconsin, with a financial commitment from Between
the Lakes Chapter, and aquarium supplies and donations from Pet
Supply Outlet, the project started.
On that day, a young man and young fish met for the first
time: the next generation of fish and fisherman! As the young man
grows and matures, so will the fish he released. It may take ten
years, but I imagine some day their paths will cross again!
The following is a compilation of information written by the
fifth grade class at St. Dominic School. Our hope is that we can
pass on some of the information we learned by raising muskies in
captivity.
We have a 75-gallon tank. We use a filter that is suitable for a
60-110 gallon tank. The filter has a foam insert to trap particles
and debris, a carbon insert to keep the water clear, and a BioMax
insert for good bacteria to grow. We also put in a conditioner called
Aqua Plus that removes chlorine and chloramine. (Derek Klockow
and Mitchell Depies)
(Continued on page 39)
This new season for Muskies, Inc. members actually started back
on January 1st. There were 20 muskies reported caught in January
including 2 caught on New Years Day. Tom Sabia of the Penn-Jersey
Chapter got both of them from the Lehigh River in Pennsylvania.
They were 41” and 31” both caught on a Tiger Tube. He did not state
the time of catch for each so we are not sure which one was first,
however we know Tom himself was first. Kevin Nash of the Quad
County Hawg Hunters got in the game next with a 37.25” on
January 3 from Kinkaid, IL on a Jake. He followed that up with a
40.5” 2 days later, also on a Jake from Kinkaid. Not so fast here men,
a lady jumped into the early season mix with a 33 and a 32 from
Green River on January 9. She was Hope Ritter of the Kentucky
Chapter. On that same day Scott Taylor of the Shawnee Muskie
Hunters beached a 34” from Shelbyville, IL on a Storm Wild Eye. So
here we were, 9 days into 2005 and the Lunge Log had a whopping
7 entries. With only 20 the whole month and an International
Lunker Of The Month at stake, Tom Dietz settled that issue with a
43” from the Susquehanna River in Lycoming County, PA. Cold
water, yes, Jig and Plastic, of course, case closed. Tom is a member of
the Three Rivers Chapter.
The month of February brought in another 51 entries. Still not
many waters open, still us northerners frozen and out of the game.
Still another International Lunker Of The Month up for grabs. The
Daniel Boone Chapter is very new, they have a member named
Chipper Bushong, he lives in Morehead, Kentucky. That is Cave Run
country. Flowing through there is the Licking River. Chipper
dominated it in February; he also dominated the month in the Lunge
Log. On the 14th of the month he released a 45” caught on a spinner.
On the 27th of the month he caught a 46” from the same river on a
spinner that we could assume was the exact same bait. He now had
the 3rd and 2nd longest releases of the month for the whole cottin
pickin muskie world. His two very nice catches were running behind
an amazing February fifty inch caught in the same river 7 days earlier.
Who could that be, yes it is, and the angler was our same Chipper
Bushong. He listed all three caught on a spinner bait; he listed all
three as colored in chartreuse. Could it be? All three the same bait, we
hope it was, if not, Chipper be quiet we do not want to know. What
a month, what a man, what a bait. Yu da man.
March plunked another 51 muskies into the Lunge Log. Scott
Donavan from Carbondale, IL and the Shawnee Muskie Hunters ran
away with the biggest at 45 inches on the 15th of the month from
Kinkaid, IL on a Mad Dog Jerk, we are not familiar with that one.
Darn, there goes another investment. After all the history from
Kinkaid, why have we not fished there yet? I think we need to fix that
problem. You chapters in that area should pick a year, have the spring
banquet in March or April and take us fishing. What a concept.
Casting, muskies, new culture, new friends, new water, neat deal.
www.muskiesinc.org
The April totals start to get a bit serious, now it is 90 entries for
a month. The law of averages with this many muskies start to increase
the odds of a big one. That is evident here. We do not want to lay any
claims here for a Lunker Of The Month as it is now May 1st As I visit
with you, there is still plenty of time entry wise to make a difference
in the April contest. I will tell you that Brian Klobe of Anoka, MN
snuck down into Iowa to Pleasant Creek Lake and met up with a 47
incher. Scott Donavan of March fame visited Kinkaid again and
bettered his creel to 47.25 inches. Will Hardy all the way from
Alexandria, MN journeyed west to Amsden in South Dakota for a 49
inch. Then Robert Hoce all the way out east in West Virginia stuck a
51 inch in that state on a Tuff Shad. I believe there also is a Hoce
Crank Bait. Let us just wait though until a little time passes and we
can make April official. In the mean time as you read, it is now June,
to the rest of the muskie world it is now time. Ready, set, go, 2005.
International Awards 2005!
As you know, there was a motion presented at the spring board
meeting that changed the manner in which the international presents
awards. Since the late 90’s we sponsored 6 awards for each chapter.
That has been changed and we are going back to a true International
Contest. That means that all awards presented will be between all
members of Muskies, Inc. You need to look at the new 2005 entry
form for the rules. Keep in mind the International awards are separate
from chapter awards again. Any awards on the chapter level are up to
the individual chapters and any rules within the chapter are not in
any way controlled by the International. Some of the chapters with a
bit of a financial difficulty resisted this. In an act of harmony, a
motion was made and passed that if any chapter has difficulty with
this financially the International will once again sponsor their six
awards. Any chapter with this problem should present this to me in
December of a contest year and I will present it to the contest
committee and the executive committee.
Specific International Awards.
Men’s Masters -10 Awards. Any male member who has recorded 250
or more releases in the Lunge Log.
Women’s Masters – 2 Awards. Any female member who has recorded
100 or more releases in the Lunge Log.
Men’s – 10 Awards. Any male member 18 years of age or older with
less than 250 releases.
Women’s – 10 Awards. Any female member 18 years of age or older
with less than 100 releases.
Juniors – 10 Awards. Any male or female member 17 years of age or
less on January 1 of a calendar year.
Lunker Of The Month – Longest release by any member of Muskies,
Inc. All ties qualify.
Longest Release for Men’s, Women’s and Junior’s will receive a
free replica of their muskie courtesy of Lax Replica’s of Conover, WI.
At least one verifiable witness and at least one verifiable side view
horizontal photograph of the muskie and angler is required. This is all
members and not sensitive to the Master’s Divisions. (3 Awards per
year only and ties are settled by a coin flip.)
Men with less than 250 and Women less than 100 on January 1
of a calendar year will remain in that division for the year.
Release Points are based on 4 points for each release and 1 point
for each inch over 30 inches. Any measurement of 1/2” or longer will
be rounded up. Any fraction of less than 1/2” will be dropped.
Keep a tight line
Jim Bunch.
Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g
Lunge Lo
e
th
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
“Everything”
A Son’s Tribute
by Dan Busch
“Congratulations, nice fish!”
The smile on my father’s face was broad
even as he strained to hold the 20 plus
pounds of struggling esox up for the
admiring boatload of fishermen to view.
ALMOST A NEW
ILLINOIS STATE RECORD
This 53.5" muskie was a half pound
shy of the Illinois state record –
38 lb, 8 oz. caught in 2002.
This fish was caught below the dam
over the spillway of Shelbyville Lake
on a gob of nightcrawlers.
It took an hour and a half to find a
certified scale to weigh this monster.
Reported by Ray Thompson
Having witnessed the capture of the elusive muskie they were and at ages 4 and 5 my brother and I could be found marching
effusive in their praise. Nodding towards me my father shot them his through the woods with him always confident there would be
favorite quip, “I wish I could say I taught him everything he knows!” another grouse or rabbit just up the trail. After a long day in the
Backslaps, photos and smiles followed and we were soon under woods or on the water my mother would get upset when he would
power again working to troll up another denizen of the depths.
inevitably bring us home more than two hours late for supper. We
The muskie adrenaline slowly faded and as
wouldn’t tell her dad had bought us hamburgers
I looked at my father in the front of the boat my
on the way home.
mind drifted back over forty plus years worth of
I remembered sitting on deer stands with
After a long day in the
memories. The first time I caught a big fish was
dad for hours on end in freezing temperatures
with my dad. Oh, I suppose nowadays I
that not even a polar bear could appreciate.
woods or on the water
wouldn’t consider a 5 lb. pike large but to an
“Wiggle you toes boys” he would whisper, “that
my mother would get
impressionable 3 year old boy it was. I didn’t
will warm your feet.” Most of the time we
actually even catch it, dad hooked it and the fish
wouldn’t see a deer all day but boy he was
upset when he would
somehow got tangled in my line and we both
persistent! Enthusiastic, dedicated, persistent,
inevitably bring us home
dragged it ashore. When we got home later that
honest….. and then I realized , dad had taught
more than two hours late
me everything I knew! Any personal successes I
day dad told mom we had both caught the fish.
had achieved I owed to him and the values he
Though he was an avid outdoorsman dad
for supper. We wouldn’t
had instilled in me.
never was much of a muskie fisherman. Sure, he
tell her dad had bought
had a muskie rod hanging in the garage that
The drone of the motor was cut short as we
looked big enough to land tiger sharks. Once
us hamburgers on the
coasted the final feet to the pier and my
each year he would take it down and spend a
way home.
thoughts were brought back to the present.
long weekend in hot pursuit but he never
Swinging myself up and out of the boat I
actually caught a muskie! Even had he fooled
reached out to take dad’s hand and helped him
one into striking his old black bucktail smart
money would have been on the fish, dad never was one for onto the pier. “Thank you Dan,” he said gripping my hand tightly,
sharpening hooks. It wasn’t until my teen years when I and my “I had a good time.” “No dad,” I replied, “Thank you!” ❖
younger brother finally began figuring things out that an actual real
live muskie was landed.
Deer hunting was his first love though and when
the annual 7 day “big hunt” would draw near dad
had a hard time sleeping. One time he actually got us
up at 3AM the day before season somehow believing
in his deer crazed mind that it was opening day!
Mom didn’t dig that too much. He was enthusiastic
to put it mildly.
Dad was the most honest man I ever knew and
I remembered the time he had returned money to a
clerk who had given him too much change. She just
looked at him kind of funny…... Dad never did
smoke or drink and if he had any true addictions it
was hunting and fishing. He shared it with his boys
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Casting:
Tips for Kids
by Todd Doebler
Casting needs to be taught one
way, overhead. The thumbbar reel
we talked about earlier makes
casting this way much easier than
the push button type of the 6500’s
as the hand switching during the
button pushing is kept to a
minimum. All my children have
been taught to use their right hand
on the reel and left hand on the
butt. I may be wrong on this, but
holding their hands like this seems
to be more natural, like swinging a
bat or swinging a sword fighting the
evil tree warriors.
When the children were young I started them out by casting for
them and then having them reel it in. Yes, Dad didn’t get much
fishing in, but the kids had a blast and sooner or later they decided
they needed a break, sat down to have a cookie and Dad got a chance
to fish.
Miscellaneous:
I
’m sure some of you saw the heading to this article and are saying
to yourselves, “finally an article on how to get junior to stop
using my 6’ jerk bait rod as a sword against the evil tree
warriors.” Sorry, this article won’t help you in teaching your children
to stop acting the way you did as a kid. But hopefully it will
encourage you to take your kids musky fishing more often.
In putting this article together I’m trying not to rehash what has
already been said about making the time enjoyable for your children.
You all know about, having lots of food, not to take them out in a
hurricane etc. Instead, I’m going to concentrate more on the
techniques and tips that have helped our family embrace our fishing
passion.
As for my musky fishing credentials, I don’t have very many
unless being able to stuff 100 lures in a box that only holds 50 means
something to you. On the kid side of things I do have a 10 (girl) –
8 (girl) – 6 (boy) and 4 (girl) year old. All of them love to fish and
so far this year 3 of the 4 have caught a 30”+ musky. And all of them
have caught a lot of other bait fish, (bass and northerns).
I’m going to offer tips in these areas: Reels, Lures, Casting and
Miscellaneous.
Reels:
A couple of things here, the first one being to use a smaller reel.
I’ve found that a thumb bar release is easiest for the kids to handle
e.g., the Abu Garcia 5500 series.
Secondly, tighten down the lure drag as obviously this will help
with the number of bird’s nests that the kids get. As a rule of thumb
I tighten it down until the lure just hangs and doesn’t fall when I
push the bail. This works out pretty well using the lures
recommended below. I then make a cast and if I have to thumb the
spool at all the lure drag is not tight enough. The kids don’t have to
worry about that.
Thirdly, loosen the fighting drag (we all know Murphy’s law of
physics that a musky will hit your child’s lure when it is at the
absolutely farthest point away from the child). I’m out with JT, my
six year old boy, who is fishing out of the back of the boat and he
says in a low voice, “there’s one”. I’m thinking he has a northern
following or something. I look back and see a “four footer”
following right behind his Johnson Silver Minnow nipping at the
green twister tail. JT is doing big circles with his two little hands on
the very end of the rod butt. I’m thinking, “there goes my rod and
reel and how will I explain to my wife how we lost our boy.” So,
make sure the drag isn’t too tight.
Lures:
What I’m looking for when I choose lures for the kids is
something that has some weight to it so that it’s easy to cast and
keeps bird nests to a minimum. It also needs to be easy to retrieve.
I don’t want a big blade on the bucktail or spinner or a big lip on the
crankbaits as this will wear out the kid’s enthusiasm really quickly.
I like to use lures that float. It’s nice to not have the lure sink to
the bottom of the milfoil when the bird nest does happen. It isn’t
always practical to use a floating lure, but for a majority of the time
I like to have them using crankbaits like the Storm Thunder 11,
small Crane baits, Baby Shallow Raiders, Baby Depth Raiders, 6”
Grandma’s, 6” Jake’s etc. These lures float and will catch most
everything in the lake.
For fishing in the weeds I like the Johnson Silver Minnow in the
1 1/8 oz with a green double twister tail on the back. Picking off
weeds can be a big downer for the kids and this lure is one of the
most weedless out there. The JSM casts like a bullet, reels in the
easiest of all lures, and it catches fish. Just make sure to sharpen the
hook as they come new with a point that is more similar to a pencil
point than a fishing hook. Small Spinner baits, e.g., Musky Candy,
also work well for fishing the weeds.
Take the time to take pics
of everything, even if it’s not a
musky. I know it’s been said
before, but make it fun and
part of that fun is the memories
you keep with pictures.
I personally have a deep
hatred for pike as they seem to
like my lures more then anyone
else’s in the boat. For a long
time I wouldn’t even take the
time to take a picture of one.
But I’ve been able to get past
this through years of therapy
and with a supportive family
have even taken little steps of
deliverance by taking pics of
my kids holding pike.
When a fish is netted, and after the appropriate
amount of cheering, jumping up and down and
basically letting the entire lake system know that you
caught a fish, I ask the child to put on the rubber
plumbing gloves, one on each hand, and sit in the
seat in the bow of the boat. I unhook the fish and
pick it out of the net. The child puts their hand
under the “neck”, the area just behind the head and
then puts their other hand under and around the tail.
We used to employ the “hug” hold, where the fish is
laid in the arms of the child and then the child hugs
the fish by curling their arms back to their shoulders.
However, this removes a lot of slime from the fish
and among other things Mom doesn’t fully
appreciate the extra laundering involved.
Fishing with suckers, especially in the fall, can
be a great way to introduce kids to fishing. A
pleasant fall day of sucker fishing is a wonderful time
for everyone.
When we go to get the suckers the kids know
they can pick out a treat. I sometimes wonder if they
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go fishing just so they can pick out the suckers and a treat, but either
way I’m glad they come. Watching the bobber can get a little old,
but the kids do like playing with the suckers in the live well. When
a musky hits the sucker on a quick set rig, I pick up the rod and set
the hook and then hand the rod over to the youngster.
When I’m fishing along with my children and I hook a fish I
immediately hand one of them the rod and give them the experience
of reeling in a fish. We have lost fish, some big ones, but it is well
worth seeing them grin from ear to ear even when you do lose the
fish. My boy still talks about the “45” he lost last year.
Something our family does in celebrating the catching of a
musky is that the whole family goes to Thorne Bro’s and the lucky
child gets to pick out a lure of their choosing. I can’t believe how
excited a child is catching a musky and yet the first thing they say
when the musky is in the net is, “do I get to pick out a lure”. With
three girls, we have accumulated the largest collection of pink lures
in the lower 48. I also love the way Muskies Inc, sends out a patch
for every musky over 30”. The kids really look forward to getting
those patches.
Have I mentioned that you need a constant supply of treats in
the boat? I could put together an entire article on what food not to
bring in the boat. For instance, I never knew that after 3 days in
the sun Laffy Taffy turns into the consistency of JB Cold Weld.
Even with the mess that food will bring to your boat, you need to
bring a cooler along, it will
mean that the time on the
water fishing for muskies
will be extended. Just so
you know, I’ve found out
personally another of the
lesser known of Murphy’s
laws that there is a direct
correlation between the
amount spent on your boat
and the number of fluid ounces of rootbeer that gets spilled on your
carpet.
I hope these tips encourage you to take your kids out fishing
with you more often and that you have a great family experience.
Good fishing! ❖
Ask the Biologist
NOTE: M.I. members are encouraged to submit
their questions to our panel of biologists. If your
question is a state specific question, we will
attempt to obtain a response from your local
(state) biologist. Each month we will draw upon
different biologists to answer your questions in
order to obtain a diversity of answers and
opinions from a variety of biologists through out
our muskie country.
As the anticipation builds for the 2005 Dr. Ed
Crossman Muskie Sympsium, it seems appropriate
to ask our guest biologists the question...
Q: What potential benefits do
you see coming out of this year’s
Muskie Symposium?
Please Email your questions to:
[email protected]
Elmer W. Heyob, Jr - Ohio DNR
Kevin Richards - Missouri Dept. of Conservation
The exchange of technical information at the upcoming muskie
symposium is just one of the great benefits of the event. The
information exchange will foster better understanding between
muskie managers, researchers, hatchery folks, and anglers.
Ultimately this will help us all work together to enhance muskie
fisheries throughout North America.
As a member of the technical steering committee for the first
symposium I am pleased to see a continued emphasis on interaction
between anglers and scientists. I believe this continued interaction
is one of the most important muskie management tools we have, it
allows us to work together and understand one another. For the first
muskie symposium I encouraged the involvement of a new
acquaintance, Keith Ogden, in the symposium.
Funny how things work out. Keith and I have become life-long
fishing partners. The biggest muskie I have ever seen was Keith’s
55.5 release on Lac Seul in 1999. Over the years Keith and I have
certainly helped each other understand muskie biology, muskie
management, and muskie fishing!
Kevin Richards
Fisheries Field Operations Chief
Missouri Department of Conservation
[email protected]
It should help provide biologists in charge of managing their
respective muskellunge programs the information needed to
maximize muskellunge fishing opportunities with limited resources.
I would like to see another benefit relating to the fact that there
should be quite a few dedicated muskie anglers present at the
symposium. They need to listen carefully to these presentations and
pay particular attention to the type of fishery that is being reported
on. There is a world of difference in management techniques for
large natural water areas versus small man-made reservoirs. There are
also big differences when it comes down to managing systems with
natural reproduction versus fisheries maintained entirely by stocking.
The presenters need to make sure their audiences are well aware of the
type of fishery they are dealing with and what are the biggest factors
effecting recruitment to “trophy” sizes or in some natural systems,
protecting brood fish. It could be as diverse as poor water quality due
to watershed practices, poor habitat, loss of fish through flood control
dams, disease outbreaks, delayed mortality from catch and release,
inadequate stocking practices, overharvest or just good old Mother
Nature hitting you with four rotten springs in a row. Let’s all focus
our time, money and energy on the real issues so we can have the best
muskie fishing possible now and in the future.
Elmer Heyob
Fisheries Biologist 2
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
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Youth•Fisheries•Research
Bringing Up a
Muskie Angler
by Will Schultz
T
he hypnotic hum of the outboard was interrupted by the zipzzzz-zip from the Diawa line counter, signaling a fish on. I
lifted the rod from the holder as a cart wheeling muskie
cleared the water about 30 feet behind the boat. The rod was quickly
handed off to my fishing partner for the day. He did a good job
fighting the fish, keeping the rod tip high and slowly gaining line.
Then came those words that that will soften even the most hardened
muskie angler, “Dad, I’ve got a big one”. Unfortunately, it wasn’t
meant to be and the extremely acrobatic muskie came unbuttoned.
“That’s OK, Sometimes that happens. We’ll get another chance.”
These words of encouragement made Tyler, at the time just less than
three years old, feel a little better about his “big one” getting away. A
short time passed and we were once again hooked up but again the
muskie escaped his opportunity to have his photo taken with Tyler. A
few more words of encouragement were needed so I reassured my
fishing partner that he could
do it. While I re-set the lines I
talked to Tyler about keeping
the rod up and how he needed
to keep reeling until the fish
was in the net. There wasn’t
much time until the third fish
was hooked up and we were at
it again, once again this fish
was out of the water more that
it was in the water and this
one also got away. Zero for
three, our average wasn’t very
good but Tyler was gaining
experience fighting fish and I
was confident that we could
put one in the boat if we could
get another bite. Then it
happened, number four was hooked up and after a short battle Tyler’s
first muskie was in the bottom of the Beckman. After a couple quick
photos, to capture this moment in muskie angling history, we
watched the 31” muskie swim away. Sure, a 31” muskie isn’t going to
turn heads in muskie circles but to a 37” angler it was a BIG fish.
How often do you hear someone mention how they can’t wait to
take their child muskie fishing? Too often though, they seem to say
something like “they’ll be ready when they are ten”. Ten, why wait? By
the time they are ten they will have discovered Playstation or X-Box
and it might take some doing to get them into the boat. In this article
I would like to share some thoughts and tips about getting your child
in the boat when they’re much younger. Each kid is going to be
different but with a little forethought you can make those first
experiences memorable.
I’ve been taking my son muskie fishing since he was about 20
months old. Those first trips were not much more than using the boat
as a play pen and picnic area. Instead of lures all over the boat we had
toys, books, snacks and a sippy cup. Don’t make the mistake of taking
these trips too seriously, some of our first trips only lasted an hour and
a half. Let them dictate the day and decide when they are ready to go
put the boat back on the trailer and head home. With someone so
young in the boat, casting really isn’t an option. During our first muskie
trips my focus needed to be on my son, so we would just go out and
troll open water. These short outings were designed to get him
interested in spending time in the boat and having fun. Sure, we caught
a few muskies and he got to see some fish up close but catching fish was
just a bonus to our time on the water.
When the next season rolled around Tyler was proficient with his
spincast rod and reel but wasn’t close to being ready to handle real
lures. His lure selection consisted of a 6” lizard and a 5” grub, without
hooks, attached to a snap-swivel. This set up kept him from hanging
up in the weeds or in the boat and also kept me safe from the
occasional errant cast. Even when we would go out to catch panfish he
wasn’t that interested in catching fish, he
just had fun casting and retrieving. Our
trips during the second season got a little
longer and toward the middle of the year he
started expressing an interest in catching a
muskie. His interest in catching a muskie
ultimately lead us to the story detailed in
the beginning of this article. Trolling is
really the easiest way to get your young
angler his or her first muskie. They can
distract themselves with toys in the boat
and still have fun without the fatigue
associated with casting. Eventually though
if you spend most of your time casting,
they will want to fish for muskies like Mom
and/or Dad and you’ll need to consider the
needs of the little muskie angler.
right lure for a little muskie angler. In
general bass lures or what most would
consider springtime muskie lures are the
best. If you are dealing with a very young
angler safety is also a concern and single
hook spinnerbaits and inline spinners are
great baits. These are available in a variety
of appealing colors to the young angler and
will catch muskies. A Rapala Husky Jerk,
Bomber Long A or the six inch Grandma
or Jake is another class of lures that will
work all year and yet they are light enough
to cast all day. When pike are also available
all of the above mentioned lures will catch
their share of pike, increasing the odds of
success.
When and Where
Safety
Many of us, even in suburban areas, are fortunate enough to have
muskie lakes within a reasonable drive. If you are fortunate enough to
have a number of lakes, choosing a lake that is going to be hot is the
first step toward keeping the interest of your young muskie angler.
Don’t be concerned with the size of the fish. With a young angler in
the boat it’s not the time to be chasing trophies. As mentioned at the
beginning of this article, a small muskie still looks big to a little
angler. Weather is another primary concern. Avoid the classic muskie
weather and consider that the comfort of your young angler is more
important than having the perfect weather. Weather can change
quickly, as we all know, and it’s important to be prepared with warm
clothes and an extra jacket or raingear.
Life vests are mandatory for young children in most states and
should be worn at all times. Take some time shopping for these and
be sure that the fit is correct. Adjustability is important, remember
that some of those days may begin or end with a jacket and the vest
needs to fit over clothes. A comfortable life vest will not be
cumbersome and it will take less convincing to get your little muskie
angler to wear it. One way to keep kids from complaining about
wearing their life vest is for the parents to wear them too. I invested
in a Stearns automatic/manual vest that is not only comfortable but
also gives me some peace of mind when I’m on the water alone with
my young angler.
Rod and Reel
For trolling applications the rod and reel isn’t important, even a
very young angler can handle a full size rod long enough to land a
fish. Casting is very different and some specialized equipment is
important to keep these junior muskie anglers
from becoming fatigued. A spincast, spinning or
casting reel may be appropriate depending on the
age, dexterity and physical size of your young
angler. With some research I have found that a
number of spincast reels will get the job done
when paired with a superline of at least 50lb test.
The spincast reel is easy for young anglers to use
and best of all it looks similar the reel Mom or
Dad uses. A number of companies have nice
spincast reels that are up to the task and will take
the abuse that a young angler will dish out. An 8’
St Croix isn’t a good choice for a first rod. Instead
take a look at a rod that’s six feet or less that can
handle lures up to about an ounce. This will
generally lead you to a bass rod and perhaps you
even have a rod in the garage that will fill your
need. Just because you have matched the
equipment to the task doesn’t mean you are going
to be trouble free. Remember, this isn’t about
you, expect to spend as much time untangling
line and even the rod from some interesting
situations.
The Lures
Just as an 8’ St Croix isn’t the right rod, a 9”
Suick, Magnum Bulldawg or 10” Jake isn’t the
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Hopefully these tips will get a few more kids on the water this summer.
Next time you don’t have a partner, you might not need to look any
further than the living room. This summer consider getting your kids,
or even a friend’s kids out muskie fishing. The effort it takes on your
part will be minimal and the reward can last a lifetime. ❖
ONTARIO, CANADA
Muskie Fishing in
beautiful Nestor Falls
PO Box 250-P
Nestor Falls
Ontario, CA POX1KO
www.allenscrowlakelodge.
com
Email:
[email protected]
1-888-CROW LAKE
1-807-484-2628
You may come as a stranger…
But you will leave as a friend!
Muskies aren’t for everyone, and they aren’t exactly a great starter fish,
but anyone can get bit by the muskie bug.
The plane flew over the lake to pick us up at 5:30 p.m. and we
were not ready to leave by any stretch of the imagination. The action
had been improving little by little all day, and it had taken us most of
the day to really put a location and presentation pattern together.
Despite having several factors working against us, we had a blast. I
can only imagine what the fishing would be like after a week of stable
weather. I guess we’ll have to go back someday and find out. I have
plenty of incentive to do so. Most every day I get asked to do so by a
10-year-old inflicted with the muskie fever. He’s in the boat
reorganizing his muskie tackle right now. Again.
Wonder what I’ll get him for his 11th birthday.
Muskie Kid
About five years ago I wrote an article which was published in this
magazine about getting kids started in fishing. I told you how to start
kids out with short trips, to have a tolerance for playfulness, to take
them where they will catch fish, any fish, even small fish. It was all
good advice, based on my experience raising several fisher-kids.
Well forget all that.
Every so often a kid comes along that breaks the mold. Muskie I could spend my entire income on muskie baits, then I could have
fever can attack kids of any age, from six to 60. My kid got it at six. that kind of investment too. Well, on second thought, never mind.
Honestly I can’t really explain it. There are several factors involved I My muskie tackle has taken on a life of its own too.
The nice thing about this kid’s life is that I’m not a tough sell
suppose... not the least of which is simple exposure. A kid plugs a
when it comes to finding someone to take you
muskie video into the VCR and bang, he’s infected.
fishing. And we live in an area where there are
That could have been one of the seeds that was
Long
story
short,
we
some good muskie waters. We’ve fished most of
planted. He also got to know Libby Hoene, and
them repeatedly and with modest success.
everyone who has ever met Libby knows how
saw over 100 muskies
However, the muskies have not been kind to this
infectious her enthusiasm for muskie fishing is.
that day, got hooks
boy. And for every follow, it fans his flames more.
And of course, having a muskie follow a bait to the
And frustratingly, they tend to bite my offerings
boat can have irreversible consequences.
into eight and boated
more than his, no matter how much I wish
My son Dawson, now 10 years old, has had all
five. Makes me wonder otherwise.
that and more. And he has the muskie fever bad.
With this in mind I booked a trip to Eagle
what it would be like
Really bad. He wakes up in the morning and tries
Lake,
Ontario combined with a fly-in trip, for his
to figure out a way to go fishing that day. That’s his
if
that
cold
front
10th
birthday.
I happened to run into Paul of
goal for the day... go fishing. Other fish will do in a
hadn’t put them off
Waldhof Bay Lodge at a sports show this year, and
pinch, but muskies are his true passion. He has all
he told me that he knew of a great little muskie
the In-Fisherman muskie videos memorized. When
their rhythm.
lake with unbelievable numbers of small to
those fish jump into the air, he can rewind and
medium-sized fish. We booked a few days at
watch it over and over maybe 50 times before he
moves on to the next one. He knows all the lures, and can name Waldhof Bay to fish Eagle Lake then on one of the days we would flythem. He saves every dime he gets for more muskie lures. He has a out to this small lake. Eagle Lake produced northerns and walleyes,
muskie tackle box that would humble most grown men. Of course, if but only a couple sightings of muskies. True, we had some tough
weather, and the water temperature was far below normal for July, so
the lake was not at its best. The fly-out trip to Pincher Lake, however,
was something to behold despite the crummy conditions.
First of all I need to set the stage for what we were up against.
Now I tried not to oversell this trip to Dawson because I didn’t want
his expectations to get too high. No use. The fact that it only gets
fished a handful of times a year, and the fact that there are two small
boats on the whole lake, pretty much got his fever racing. Didn’t help
when he was told that one group went in there and caught over 30 in
one day. If we didn’t have the fish jumping in the boat, this was going
to be a serious source of disappointment.
Minaki, Ontario
The day we were going to fly out was smashed with a whopper
1, 2 and 3 bedroom, fully equipped
of a summer cold front. Still we bundled up and boarded the plane
modern cabins
with optimism. My wife Cheri and I, along with Dawson and 8-yearold Sterling, were going muskie fishing no matter what.
Well Kept Rental Boats
The 45-minute flight in a Beaver was an experience in itself. If
you have never flown over the Canadian bush in a float plane, it is an
Guide Service and New Dock Facilities
experience well worth the price of admission. Took a week for the
Available
boys’ eyes to get back to their normal size! It was a blast for me just
RV Hookups with Sewer, Showers and
to watch the expressions on their faces. I could see the wheels turning
Laundry Room
in Dawson’s mind, and I think he figured he could fish every one of
those lakes before he was an old man.
Located 150 Miles north of International Falls,
It was the 4th of July week, and it turns out we were the first
Minnesota. Minaki’s surrounding lakes offer
people on the lake this summer. By the time we got the 6 h.p. motors
Muskie, Pike, Walleye and smallmouth bass fishing
mounted on the 16-foot boats, Dawson was already rigged up with a
tailspinner and casting from a nearby rock. We took the boat around
the corner to a likely-looking bay, and a muskie blew up on his
topwater on his second cast. It pretty much set the tone for the day. I
E-mail: [email protected]
decided to let him have the little bay to himself, so I turned and threw
paradisecoveminaki.com
a bucktail out towards the main part of the lake, and two cranks of
by Bernie Barringer
Paradise Cove Resort
IF YOU GO:
I would recommend this trip to anyone with youngsters who
have an interest in muskie fishing. We stayed at Waldhof Bay Lodge,
which is a great family location. There is great walleye, bass, perch and
pike fishing near the lodge, and of course Eagle Lake is well known
for its trophy muskie fishery. In fact they have a resident 50-incher
that is seen from the Waldhof Bay Lodge dock a couple times a week.
Dawson had a couple follows fishing from the dock while we were
trying to get him to come into the cabin for supper. Their phone
number is 888-458-8867, or visit their website at
www.waldhofbay.com. Nearby Wilderness Air flying service (800760-0924) picked us up right at the dock at Waldhof Bay Lodge. The
fly-in portion of this trip is spendy, but well worth the cost for the
excitement it provides. For the four of us it was about $750 for the
day which includes the flight, the two boats and motors, gas, etc. Two
people can go in a smaller plane for about $500. Wilderness Air’s
website is www.great-fishing.com. ❖
the reel handle later I was fast into a 30-incher. Holy smokes this
could really get good!
Long story short, we saw over 100 muskies that day, got hooks
into eight and boated five. Makes me wonder what it would be like if
that cold front hadn’t put them off their rhythm. Despite the heavy
competition among the fish, most fish came in slow and low, typical
of cold front conditions. They often followed and just hung around
the boat, moseying over to have another look each time a cast came
to the boat. On several occasions they followed in pairs and once even
three at a time. The lake is absolutely slugged with muskies. We saw
nothing else, no perch, no pike, no walleyes, nothing but a few
minnows huddled in terror around the scant lily pads. With so many
teeth in the lake it is no wonder. There are rumored to be fish over 40
inches in the lake but we didn’t see any. The largest we saw was
probably 37, and the majority were a couple inches either side of 30.
Small muskies to be sure, but the sheer quantity of muskies in Pincher
Lake was staggering.
Home of 2004 Chapter Challunge
Over
ies
7,000 Musk
d
se
Relea
On Sabaskong Bay
Five-time Muskies, Inc.,
Chapter Challunge Headquarters
1983, 1986, 1993, 1997, 2003
• 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:
807-224-1107
www.redwinglodge.net • www.redwinglodge.on.ca
Family owned and operated for 40 years
www.muskiesinc.org
Indianapolis, IN
“Building for the Future”
October 28-30, 2005
• Over 30 Research Presentations
• Development of a North American Strategic Plan
• Presentations by top Anglers such as Jim Saric and Steve Heiting
Registration fee includes all meals. Please send this form along with a
check or money order to the following address:
Name:
Address:
City, State, Zip:
Phone: (
)
E-Mail Address:
Muskie, Inc. Chapter:
www.muskiesinc.org
Muskie, Inc. Symposium
13476 Britton Park Road
Fishers, IN 46038-3583
Fee for registrations postmarked before May 31, 2005,
is $80.00 and before September 30, 2005, is $100.00.
The fee for all other registrations is $120.00.
For more registration information please contact Chairman Fred Boso
by phone at (317) 841.8364 or e-mail [email protected].
And for hotel information please call (800) 736.5634 or
visit www.martenhouse.com.
• Please refer to Group # 703352 when making
June reservations.
2005.....MUSKIE 19
Photo Contest – June Winners
by Juris Ozols
Two fine pictures that celebrate the youth of Muskies Inc. this month.
The first one comes from Jeff Sacco and shows his thirteen yearold son Dustin with one of five Muskies he caught trolling in one day
on Lake Shelbyville in April 2005. Jeff took the photo with a Kodak
DX3900 Digital Camera and reports:
“We take a photo or two of all legal Muskies caught unless they
are already in bad shape by the time you get the lure free. I netted
this fish while Dustin was grabbing the camera and turning it on. I
handed Dustin the fish from the net, he passed the camera to me, and
I took three quick photos. This fish was #80 for Dustin on his path
to the century club!”
Well, that’s clever teamwork on the photography! It says that
Jeff and Dustin have done this kind of thing before, and the young
man’s eighty Muskies also support that. The picture itself is a nice,
tight closeup that draws attention to three things – the very clean
silvery fish, Dustin’s face, and in this case the trolling setup on the
boat. Normally I promote uncluttered backgrounds, and here you
can’t help but look at the reels of red trolling line. But that’s actually
fine – it tells you the story: this fish was caught trolling and not
casting, and as I’ve said before, pictures need to tell stories.
Finally, it’s interesting that the look on Dustin’s face is that of a
“grown-up,” and not a kid. Think back to the second place picture
in the photo contest last year of Rich Gallagher’s kids. They had big
grins on their faces, all excited about a very modest sized Northern
that four year-old Kyle had caught. That’s youngsters, first fish, that
kind of thing. Here you look at Dustin’s face, and you know it’s
neither his first fish nor his biggest. Sure, he’s proud of it, but you
can just tell that you’re going to have to wait for his “super fish” in
order to get a grin out of him!
Then our wonderful second picture from Brad Waldera. He
took the picture with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20 digital
camera that he won in last year's photo contest and reports:
That’s my son Hunter on the left, and my daughter Peyton on
the right. We had just finished putting in the last section of dock on
Pelican Lake in the Detroit Lakes area, and they had to go down there
to inspect it. It was mid-April and the ice had been on the lake the
week before, but there were 8-10 boats out on the lake that day. I was
taking a photo of something else, when I heard someone say "Oh how
cute". I turned and looked, and that is what I saw. I quickly snapped
the photo, the only one I took of them on the dock. I got the "Lucky
Single Photo" again. That's the thing I love about digital photos. You
can take a bunch with no processing fees, as you can delete the bad
ones, and you can also take that one shot, by chance, as it seems I've
got lucky doing twice now. Copies of this photo hang on my wall at
home and at work, and it's my desktop photo on my computer. I just
don't get tired of looking at it. It's one of my favorites.”
Well, lots to say about this one. It’s very clean and uncluttered,
which almost always makes for a good photo. And it’s certainly a
“story” picture too. It tells you of a warm day on the lake, and of the
affection between the two kids.
But then, it breaks one of my fundamental rules of photography,
that you have to “see the eyes.” What you get is the back of their
heads. And the kids looking out into the lake immediately make you
start wondering about what’s going on out on the lake. There must
be boats, right? Maybe somebody is getting a fish? Or maybe it’s a
sailboat enjoying the first warm breezes of spring? Just what
mysterious thing is going on?
Look at the picture, mentally turn the kids around to face the
camera, and don’t have them holding hands. Nice shot, pretty colors,
clean and uncluttered too, but is that picture in the same class as Brad’s?
Does it tell a story? No way. This one is a beautiful, unique photo.
Tips and Comments
Speaking of rules, I’ve added one to the Photo Contest, the
“Waldera Amendment.” If somebody wins the voting in the photo
contest two years in a row, they get all the accolades and all that, but
the second place photo gets the digital camera prize.
Then one more thing about rules. From time to time I talk here
about the right and wrong things to do in taking a photo. That’s fine,
and I’ll certainly claim that by following the guidelines your photos
will be better. But, like in many things in life (certainly Muskie
fishing!), innovation and creativity come from breaking rules and not
following them. Your camera gives you a golden opportunity to
experiment and to do “something different.”
Finally, consider Brad’s comment about the picture of his kids, “I
just don't get tired of looking at it.” Think about the photos you see,
other people’s or yours. Which ones are you tired of immediately, and
don’t want to see again? Which ones draw your attention, make you
keep coming back to look at them? Why? What is it that draws you
back, to look at time and time again?
Take pictures that bring you back.
Juris Ozols
June 2005
www.muskiesinc.org
Fishing Trips
& Children
by Barry Wesley
A
long time ago, I read an article in a hunting and fishing
magazine that cautioned parents and grandparents about the
problems involved in taking children on hunting and fishing
trips. The concluding sentence of the article emphasized this point
and said something to the effect that a trip with a spouse might work
out under certain circumstances, but a trip with children was doomed
for failure. I sincerely suggest that a trip with children doesn’t have to
be doomed for failure and can be great. What follows are my five
steps to having a great trip with your child or grandchild.
First, make sure that you get all the
necessary paperwork so that you can travel
with a child. Call your travel agent and get
started on this when you book your
flights. The last thing you want is a
problem at the border. If you are
traveling to Canada, they have several
good web sites and the lodges can
assist you in making sure that you
have the needed documentation.
Second, don’t experiment with the
lodge. Go to a lodge you know and trust.
This is not the time to experiment with
that new “hot spot” that offers great fishing,
accommodations, and everyone talks about - but
no one has been to. A group of men, who are just glad
to be away from the pressures of work, can tolerate a lot of mix-ups children don’t deal with surprises very well. The lodge is the key. The
lodge needs to have comfortable accommodations good food, good
fishing, and a helpful staff. When you have kids the staff is especially
important.
In my case, I called Steve Herbeck at Andy Myers Lodge on
Eagle Lake right after Christmas and planned a trip the following
July. Steve and I had a long talk about the trip. I explained that my
daughter, Abbie, who would be 14 at the time, was not a real avid
fisher person and that trolling for muskies for five days, which would
please me, wouldn’t work with her. Steve pointed out that they have
a lot of parents who bring their children fishing and that the lodge
and his staff are used to fishing with children. From a previous trip
to Andy Myers Lodge, I knew that the accommodations, food and
fishing were very good. Based upon Steve’s advice we developed a
plan for a “mixed bag” of fishing. We went to small lakes near his
lodge, and fished for Smallmouth bass, walleyes, northern, lake trout
and oh yes, a day of muskie fishing. We also went fully guided. By
doing this, I knew that if there were catch able fish, we would have an
opportunity to catch them. I really suggest that you have
a guide when fishing with children. First, you have
another adult in the boat. If you have an
emergency, that can be invaluable. Second,
the child will listen to what the guide tells
them about how to fish, while they
probably won’t listen to you. (In my
case, this resulted in Abbie catching a
40” Northern, 37 1/2” and 35” muskies,
25-26” walleye(s) and numerous 18-19”
smallmouth bass. I was the “net man”
and photographer on this trip.) Third, if
the fishing is slow, the guide will probably
have a backup plan that will put some fish on
the line. At least in my case, I have limited
success fishing at home, so how do I think I will
catch fish a thousand miles from home. Admittedly,
when you book a fully guided, American plan, air travel, rental car
trip, you are spending some money. However, when you take a child
on a fishing trip, if it goes wrong, you probably won’t get a chance to
do it again. So my advice is try your best to do it the best you can.
Spending money doesn’t guarantee a great trip, but when you cut too
many corners, you know you are going to have problems.
Third, develop a realistic travel plan to and from the camp.
When traveling with children, you don’t want get up in the middle of
the night to catch an early flight so you can get to the lodge and fish
that afternoon. Children and getting out of bed in the middle of the
night don’t go together. Although I would have had no trouble rolling got some ice cream and snacks to eat before supper. We would look
out of bed at 3:00 am to catch a 6:30 am flight, that would have around and generally kill some time. Later in the week we went to
started the trip out on a bad note with my teenage daughter. No, I Fort Vermilion, saw the Satchquatch statue and went to some shops
and bought souvenirs. One night we went to Dryden
wasn’t able to fish for a couple of hours that evening,
and ate at the Chinese restaurant. Abbie began to get
but we had a much happier day.
We also went fully
bored at night and wanted to watch some movies she
I have gone to the “Canadian Shield” on many
guided. By doing
had seen at “Bobbies.” I didn’t have a TV or a VCR.
trips and knew the travel plan very well. I called the
The next day at breakfast, I mentioned this to the
travel agent and booked the flight well in advance.
this, I knew that if
waitress. She looked at me and smiled. That night
The flight I selected left about 10:00 am from St.
when we came in from fishing, you guessed it. Danny
Louis. We could get up at a decent hour, drive to St.
there were catch
Herbeck didn’t have a TV/VCR for a couple of nights,
Louis and leave on the plane. The next part of the
able fish, we would
but this made the rest of trip so much easier for me.
travel plan is to allow enough time for connecting
flights. You don’t want to be running through an
have an opportunity One day we were fishing Wilderness Lake with Darcy
Orchard and it rained. Darcy gave Abbie his rain
airport to catch a flight. It is stressful and
to catch them.
jacket. This is what I mean when I say; the staff at the
unnecessary. A missed flight with a group of guys
lodge has to be concerned about children and making
means you go to the bar and watch ESPN. When
you have a child, you have a very unhappy traveling companion. sure that the guests are happy. A lodge doesn’t have to have a pool to
When we arrived at International Falls, we picked up a rental car and be “kid friendly.” As with any other endeavor, the people are the most
drove to a local hotel and picked up the tackle I had sent. After 911, important ingredient.
Finally, both the parent and the child have to want to go on the
I prefer to send my tackle ahead and not try to explain why I have a
“Magnum Bull Dawg” in my luggage. Then we crossed the border trip. Just like you can’t force a square peg in a round hole, not every
and drove to the lodge. At Dryden, we stopped at a Chinese child wants to go on a fishing trip with dad. Last year, Abbie wanted
restaurant that I had been to before. My daughter loves Chinese to go fishing with me. I have asked my son, who is now 16, if he
food. We got to the lodge and checked in by 9:00. It was a long day wants to go and for two years he has declined. I don’t know if we will
take a fishing trip, maybe when he is older. Just because we like to
and we were tired, but it was a realistic travel plan.
Fourth, have some options when you fish with children. This is fish, doesn’t mean that our children will want to fish.
In conclusion, fishing trips with children can be a wonderful
why, when fishing with children, I prefer a drive to lodge over a fly-in
fishing experience. In the case of Andy Myers Lodge, you are about 5 experience. However, you have to compromise. You have to think
miles from Vermilion Bay and an hour from Dryden. I had even about what the child wants to do and what they will tolerate and accept.
thought that if the fishing was really bad, I could have driven about Plan your trip so you have options available if the fishing doesn’t work
three hours to Winnipeg for a day of — heaven forbid, shopping. As out. Keep your travel plans realistic. And my most important suggestion
it worked out, that was not necessary. After a day of fishing Abbie and — Don’t Experiment With the Lodge!! Go somewhere you have been
I would go to “Famous Bobbies” and look around. Generally, Abbie before and know the staff cares about the guests. ❖
www.muskiesinc.org
Ron Murdock, Hooker Tackle Partner, landed this 48” Lake St. Clair
bruiser on a Hooker Seducer.
Ron Murdock forgets about the cold pre-spawn
winds of March as he poses with a chunky 43”
Muskie from Ohio’s Clear Fork Reservoir. He
took the Musky on a Hooker G&M Shad.
Hooker Tackle founder and General Partner Geoff Hetrick
with a 46” Muskie caught on a Hooker G&M Shad.
Geoff Hetrick proudly displays a 48” Great Lakes
strain Muskie caught and released on Lake Erie.
She fell for a Hooker Jr. in a Perch pattern.
Showcasing our M.I. Supporters:
Hooker Tackle Company
by Patricia Strutz
W
hen the “recreational” angler takes a look at musky lures,
they are often amazed at the sheer size of them. An
oversized, 10” Hooker crankbait really makes them
pause, however, this lure has found it’s way into the hearts and
tackleboxes of many ardent musky hunters.
An interview with one of the company’s owners, Geoff Hetrick,
sheds some light on why this particular line of lures consistently ranks
in the top 30 range of numbers of 50+” fish caught and registered
each year by Muskies Inc. members.
“We started the Hooker Tackle Company in 1996. Its origins
were a result of a certain level of frustration that my partner and I
were experiencing using different shad profile style crankbaits. They
frankly weren’t constructed very well. You were lucky if you could
catch one or two fish before they fell apart. We knew we could build
a better mousetrap, which we did with our G & M Shad. During field
testing we found that the baits held up very well and produced a
different wobble than the competition’s baits. The muskies found this
difference very attractive.”
“From these modest beginnings we expanded to produce a large
trolling bait. It is patterned after the Parrywinkle. We made several
minor adjustments to it that we thought would enhance the action.
As I field tested the first versions the first fish caught was a 48 ?” and
the second fish measured 49 ?”. So, needless to say we were pretty
happy with the prototypes.”
“In 1998 I developed a downsized version called the Hooker, Jr.
It is essentially the same bait. It has the same dive curve and the same
running characteristics. It has performed very well. Many musky
hunters are geared to using larger profile baits only during the fall, but
both the original Hooker and the Hooker, Jr. catch fish on a year
round basis.”
“Our most recent model was the Seducer. That’s the further
downsized version of the Hooker, Jr. with a more slender profile. A
lot of casters liked the action of the Hooker, Jr. but it’s not really
designed as a casting lure. It is very easy to cast but it is hard to crank
back to the boat. The large diving lip produces a lot of torque. So, the
Seducer was designed to bridge that gap to provide the same style of
bait for casters. As with our other lures, it can also be trolled and has
already caught a lot of fish.”
“Maurice Potvin was my original partner but after he opened
Buckeye Outdoors he became very busy with that endeavor and sold
his interests. Ron Murdock is now my partner.” Murdock brings a lot
to the partnership. As he states, “ I prefer to fish crankbaits, both
casting and trolling. When Geoff approached me about becoming a
partner in the company, I saw this as an opportunity to bring some of
my experience to the table to help further develop the company’s
product lines.”
Hetrick continues, “The tackle company is truly a labor of love.
It’ll always be a cottage industry, but that’s the way we like it. We take
great pride in the quality lures we produce. Each bait is hand poured,
handcrafted, and hand painted. They are not mass produced. For this
reason we have a limited production of around 2,000-2,500 each year
and we’re happy with that. We don’t have the desire to necessarily
flood the market with our product. But we like the fact that a lot of
TLC goes into the production of each one.”
“All our lures are handpoured with polyurethane foam(high
–density plastic). They are thru-wire construction with solid Lexan
lips. They are designed to take exceptional punishment. We’ve been
working on several different prototype baits the past couple years
which I’m not really at liberty to discuss yet. We haven’t been able to
get them just right and we won’t put them out on the market until we
are fully satisfied.”
The manufacturing process consists of utilizing a combination of
contract manufacturing with different companies both in the U.S.
and overseas. These components collectively arrive in the Cleveland,
Ohio, area where they are painted, assembled, warehoused and
shipped. Both Hetrick and Murdock belong to the Central Ohio
chapter of Muskies, Inc.
Hetrick relates, “Indirectly I’ve been involved with them since
1990. I attended the meetings and joined a year or two afterwards.
We here in Central Ohio are very blessed with outstanding fishermen
and human beings. They epitomize the ideals that Gil Hamm held
close to his heart as to why the organization was created in the first
place. Our members are all about conservation, sharing the best
practices as well as our successes and failures. Most importantly, we
work with the community to help our sport grow. I think over the
years the group has set a great example. Our chapter is not that large.
We probably have around 135 members right now. But, I don’t
think it’s necessarily the size of the chapter that makes the difference.
It’s the quality of the leadership and the quality of the club members.
I think consistently over the years we’ve had a great stock of dedicated
individuals who’ve come into the club who are not only excellent
fishermen but are willing to share with others. And that’s the key.”
Captain Geoff Hetrick continues to guide on a very limited
basis. “I am involved with another business and it caused me to really
scale back on my guiding jobs. My hope is that by next year things
will settle down on the work front so I can devote more time to my
first love-which is spending time out on the water. For me, there is
nothing more rewarding that taking an angler out and watching them
celebrate their first catch. Whether it’s a 30”er or a 48”er…To know
that you are witnessing a moment that these people will remember
their entire lives-the words just can’t describe how special that is.”
www.muskiesinc.org
Whether guiding a client to their first musky or handcrafting a
lure that may catch that trophy fish, Hetrick revels in the personal
connections. “Staying a small company allows us to enjoy personal
contacts with our customers. Recently we were contacted by a special
education class in Northeastern Ohio. Their teacher was trying to get
them all interested in fishing. One of their classroom projects was to
contact fishing tackle manufacturers to find out the company’s
history and receive information on their products. We were happy to
oblige them with info and some tee shirts. The kids were estactic. It’s
being able to share in our love for the sport in these different ways
that makes it all worthwhile.”
Hooker Tackle tee shirts may seem a little risqué to some. When
asked about the company’s namesake, Hetrick explained, “People
think it has something to do with either fishing or a more seamy side
of society. But, in reality it’s just about a shot I made in high school.
In one particular basketball game we were losing by a point. With
three seconds left I ended up getting the ball at half court. I threw up
a hook shot and…nothing but net! From that point on my nickname
has been Hooker and it’s just stuck.” ❖
Patricia Strutz is a musky fishing guide in northern Wisconsin.
Autumn finds her slowly row trolling the original Hooker baits.
“Muskies love them! And, surprisingly, I’ve caught my share of nice
walleyes on them, too!” She may be reached at (715) 477.2072 or
by visiting www.ablondandherboat.com
Purposes of Muskies, Inc.
• 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
sports-manship among men,
women and children.
Experience of a Lifetime
by Stacie Gilmore and Garrett Thomas
(Photographs by Scott Gilmore)
ny angler would look forward to a fun day of fishing for Before they could even get their lines in the water, a young lady by
northern pike and bass, while many inner city kids never get the name of Chiquita Cole caught the first fish of the day. It was an
a chance to go fishing. So when you combine a great day of absolutely beautiful 3 and a half-pound largemouth. You don’t see
fishing and inner city kids you get a fantastic outcome. bass that big in Colorado very often, but what amazed us even more
ELK~Environmental Learning for Kids provides city kids from the was the fact that she caught it with cut bait. Just a bobbler with a
Denver metro area this opportunity plus many additional piece of shad about 3 feet deep. At first some of the boys in the first
environmental education field trips throughout the year for them to group were mad that a girl caught the first fish, but it didn’t take long
learn about and enjoy the outdoors. ELK
to see that there were plenty of big bass to be caught
One group of 4 boys;
introduces, immerses, educates, and inspires
by everyone. The group must have caught over 100
youth about science, nature, wildlife, and careers
fish between us all, and it was only lunchtime! After
all about 12 or 13
in natural resources. Through a partnership with
lunch one of the rangers told us about a lake up the
years old, headed to a road that was chalk full of mean northern pike. Of
the Colorado Division of Wildlife and other
natural resource agencies; scientists, wildlife
course we felt it was our duty as educators to teach
spot that looked like
biologists, and fisheries biologists educate and
the kids how to catch these terrorists of the deep, so
good bass territory.
mentor youth to encourage them to develop
even though it was getting close to time to go, we
Their fisheries
respect and a stewardship ethic to the
went to go battle with the big nasties. This was truly
environment. In April, ELK went to the Rocky
a once in a lifetime experience. It was a feeding
biologist mentor was
Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge for
frenzy! We were hooking fish on every cast. The
getting their poles
our annual fishing trip to this unique urban
only hard part was getting them in. One adult
refuge. The biologists and other natural resource
rigged up as fast as he mentor experienced a minor setback when his line
professionals who mentor and educate ELK kids
broke off and lost his favorite pike spoon, but less
could, but it wasn’t
are also people of color. We all know and have
than 5 minutes later a boy caught a 35 incher with
witnessed first hand the lack of females and
the spoon still hooked his mouth! By the time we
fast enough
people of color not only working in the field but
went home, everyone had caught enough fish to
pursuing it in college as a legitimate career option. ELK is doing satisfy even the most hard-core angler. Although we had to release
what so many other agencies and organizations have failed to do. all the fish we caught, we all came home with enough fish stories to
That is getting at risk kids, not only involved, but actually excited last a lifetime.
about science and outdoor recreation, such as fishing.
Experiences like these are once in a lifetime for many of the
When our rather large group of 45 kids and adults arrived at the youth and families with whom ELK works. By educating people of
arsenal we had to go through an orientation before we were allowed color and females about science, natural resources, and outdoor
to fish. First, we were educated about what types of fish we would recreation we are opening up doors of opportunities for new family
be catching, basic fish biology, how to handle the fish (this was a new activities and new career options for youth. ELK is celebrating our
experience, fish with big teeth!) and aquatic ecology. Next our group 9th year in 2005 and we have kids who started out in the program in
learned some history about the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. The 8th grade now have graduated high school and college. Some of those
Arsenal is located in Commerce City, Colorado, approximately 10 kids actually did go into natural resource management or fisheries
miles northeast of downtown Denver. In 1942, the U.S. Army biology and trips just like the one described here was that catalyst to
purchased the land to manufacture chemical weapons, such as get them hooked. Chiquita, who has been involved in the ELK
mustard gas, white phosphorus and napalm. After the war Shell program since the sixth grade, is considering studying fishery biology
Chemical Company continued to produce agricultural pesticides in college. As a sophomore in high school she applied to the
there until 1982. In 1986 a winter communal roost of bald eagles American Fisheries Society Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
was discovered on the site. It was soon realized that more than 330 last year. She was awarded the scholarship to study fisheries biology
species of wildlife inhabit the Arsenal including deer, coyotes, white in college and has been accepted as a Hutton Scholar this summer
pelicans and owls. In 2004 approximately one-third of the site, or too. The bigger picture is that there will be an entire generation that
5,000 acres of land, was transferred from the U.S. Army to the U.S. has values around nature, and will become informed, fact-based
Fish and Wildlife Service. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National voters to help conserve, protect, and restore natural areas and
Wildlife Refuge now provides a wide variety of environmental wildlife. In order to finish the cycle, most important of all, when
education programs, 10 miles of trails, wildlife viewing these kids are planning an activity to do with their own children
years from now, we know that they will remember how much fun
opportunities, and site tours for the public.
The classroom session was very interesting and informative, but they had with ELK and that first time they went fishing. Like the
the kids and adults could not wait to do what we came here to do; saying goes, you give a person a fish, they will eat, you teach a person
catch fish. Small groups of 4-5 people started to form. One group to fish and they can feed themselves. That process is what we see first
of 4 boys; all about 12 or 13 years old, headed to a spot that looked hand with the ELK program; you teach a child to fish and before
like good bass territory. Their fisheries biologist mentor was getting long they are teaching others about the joys of fishing. ❖
their poles rigged up as fast as he could, but it wasn’t fast enough.
A
ELK Student Coordinator Hugo Valdez holds up the bass catch by high
school student and ELK mentor, Katherine Sinkler.
ELK student Kiera Copeland getting a helping hand from mentor, CO
Division of Wildlife Commissioner Bernard Black.
ELK student shows off his pike with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service mentor.
Elizabeth Farrington, 4th year ELK student, proudly shows off her catch!
www.muskiesinc.org
October’s Turning Leaf Challenge
By Ellen Wells
n October 10th, 2004, the Between The Lakes (BTL) weekend getaway at the next monthly meeting, we were proud to
Chapter of Muskies Inc. bid farewell to their first ordained have a plethora of volunteers come forward in anticipation of sharing
group of youth Muskie anglers and their parents from the their expertise with these novice adventurers. A committee was
sunny shores of Lac Vieux Desert Lake in Land-0-Lakes, Wisconsin. formed and particulars of the weekend were publicly advertised. In
After the Heidenreiter bus, from Sheboygan Falls, had loaded its order to pare down the number of participants for consideration, a
passengers and left the parking area of the Idle Wild Resort, there minimum age was established and then each candidate was required
stood eleven BTL members, their backs to the shoreline, wearing to apply. We encouraged them to share with us some of their outdoor
experiences and memories, which helped us
contented smiles of accomplishment while the sun
determine the level of interest and experience each
was setting on another fall day. As yet another ...by late afternoon the
had. Once all applications were received, the
colorful leaf falls to the ground, the newest team of
rain
had
cleared
and
committee made the final selection of participants.
youth mentors delights in the results of their
Applications began pouring in almost
endeavor to acquaint 19 kids and their parents with we were able to take in
immediately, as parents encouraged their sons and
the elusive art of Muskie fishing.
the full splendor of fall daughters to try their hand at a sport they hadn’t yet
Muskies - what to many may appear to be
had the opportunity to experience. Once the
nothing more than another species to fish, this colors at their peak
program participants were chosen, they met first as
group of volunteers presented the ultimate fishing while we inhaled deep
a group for an informal classroom seminar to
challenge to these novice Muskie hunters.
acquaint them with the Muskie and its habitat. By
Presenting their students with a proverbial “closed breaths of the majestic
our second meeting, which was hands-on
door,” they relied on the natural inquisitiveness and pines and the distinct
instruction, particularly relevant subjects were
exuberance of youth to push that door open, first by aroma of the fall
covered in more detail, which included methods of
peeking through it, and then, once their curiosity
season
in
the
north.
casting, map reading, bait selection, boating safety
was piqued, that door came crashing down,
and first aid. The entire group’s enthusiasm began to
unveiling a sport that offers tranquility and peace in
the outdoors and providing the skill to enjoy a lifetime of challenges. build as questions were posed by our students, often times being
In order for this weekend to become a reality, first the BTL answered with intertwined “fish stories” by our volunteers as they
members needed to define their ultimate goal, which was, simply, to relived some of their own favorite memory makers from the past.
Friday, the first day of our “October leaf challenge” had arrived.
promote the sport of Muskie hunting to those who wouldn’t
otherwise have the opportunity to experience it. Next, BTL teamed As the young anglers arrived at the Idle Wild Resort, located on the
up with the Sheboygan County Conservation Association. and shores of Lac Vieux Desert, a first-class body of Muskie water in
Camp Y-Koda Outdoor Skills and Education Center to complement Northern Wisconsin, the momentum of their adventure was
our funding resources. Following the proposal of the anticipated building. You could feel it. You could almost touch it. To further
enhance their self image of true anglers, fishing caps were provided by
O
Frabill and St Croix, Polaroid sun glasses by
Johnsonville Rod and Gun club, camp T-Shirts
screen printed by Silken Images, and Muskie
baits had been handcrafted by BLT member,
Jody Booth. The remainder of the day
included a review of the necessary safety
procedures and then we were free to acquaint
ourselves with each other and the beauty of
our surroundings. Although the Northwoods
had showers earlier, by late afternoon the rain
had cleared and we were able to take in the full
splendor of fall colors at their peak while we
inhaled deep breaths of the majestic pines and
the distinct aroma of the fall season in the
north.
The evening was clear and crisp, perfect for our welcoming campfire. We were grateful
for the tips on finding Muskie that were presented by one of the local guides, Pat Strutz,
from “A Blonde and Her Boat,” and as maps of the lake were distributed, each of us were
certain that we alone had found the “hot spot.” It seemed somehow appropriate to be
reminded just then by the local conservation warden Bruce Nimz of the rules and
regulations pertaining to the Muskie and the Northwood’s lakes, that without those laws in
place to protect both the fish and its habitat, the resource would not remain. After a
thoroughly enjoyable evening spent in each other’s company, the late hours were upon us,
and with the anticipation of catching trophy Muskie in the a.m., we hit the sack.
The early morning sun had risen to find
some already greeting the day from the dock,
their Torke coffee steam cutting through the
morning fog over the water and its aroma
enticing all others to start the day. After a
hearty breakfast we were off to conquer the
world of the Muskie! By mid-day our troops
were more than ready for the lunch break as
well as to share their morning adventures - and
misadventures - with each other. Their day had
already been long in terms of hours, but their
enthusiasm had not waned, so back on the
water they went. By day’s end we as a group
had successfully boated a 36” tiger Muskie,
had the heartbreak of five others being hooked but eventually lost, and caught eight
northern of various sizes. Muskie fishing rod and reel combo’s were presented to five lucky
participants by BTL member “the Weasel,” Jerry Messman, as he related how fortunate he
was that his own foster parents had instilled in him long ago how to appreciate the outdoors
and to find self fulfillment within its surroundings.
Perhaps the best part of the entire weekend was yet to come that evening. As we had
done the evening prior, we met for the day’s closing ceremony, the campfire. All
participants, youth, parents and mentors had their own story to relate, and during our
“sharing circle” a remarkable thing unveiled before us; each of us as individuals had grown
somehow and become something more, part of a greater whole. By sharing a series of
events, sights and sounds that can only be found in the world of nature, we find ourselves
bound to each other by the magic of the moment. And of such things memories are made.
Although this weekend was an undertaking by the membership of the BTL Muskie
Club and opened to several applicants, we would extend the “Turning Leaf Challenge” to
each of you to share your knowledge and respect for our beloved sport. It doesn’t have to
be done on a grand scale; take your son, daughter or grandchild fishing, take your friend or
your neighbor, old or young, there are no requirements. Just go, share the day. You’ll find
that you not only gave of your time but that you received much more, the sights and sounds
of a day in the wild. What could be better? And who knows, you may even catch “the
spirit”! ❖
For information on how you can set up a weekend in your area, contact Roy Kalmerton, fishing
guide and BTL member online at www.wolfpackadventures.com, or call 920-918-WOLF.
www.muskiesinc.org
2
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28
Chapter News and Views
Chapter, Address
Phone #
www.muskiesinc.org
2005
July 20-23
Chapter Challunge - Minaki, Ontario
August 25-27
World Musky Hunt - Minocqua, WI.
Contact: John Farrow at (262) 549-1445.
September 9, 10, 11
World Championship Musky Classic,
Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters,
Presque Isle, Winchester.
Contact: Joan McDonald at (715) 686-2558.
September 18
Central Illinois Muskie Hunters fundraiser
tournament at Lake Shelbyville.
Contact: Randy Kakara at 815-672-5320.
October 28
M.I. International Fall Board Meeting
(Friday) – Marten House Hotel and Lilly
Conference Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
October 28, 29, 30
Dr. E. J. Crossman Symposium – Marten
House Hotel and Lilly Conference Center,
Indianapolis, Indiana.
Contact: Scott Law, Phone: (317) 776-3040.
Email: [email protected].
Kenton Smith, Phone: (317) 570-5636
Special events 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, 5704 Wentworth Ave. South, Mpls., MN 55419 .....................612-861-8930
02............Fargo-Moorhead, Box 2021, Fargo ND, 58103.........................................701-298-9032
03............Chicagoland Muskie Hunters, 7600 Kilbourn Ave, Skokie, IL 60076 ........847-677-0017
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, 8212 S Mulligan, Burbank, IL 60459 .............708-430-4444
08............Capital City, PO Box 8862, Madison, WI 53708........................................608-274-3479
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....................................715-479-1821
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, PO Box 516, Coleraine, MN 55722 ..............................218-245-2960
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 ..................................763-537-0781
22............New Jersey, 5 Carmita Ave, Rutherford, NJ 07070...................................201-703-8469
23............Cleveland, 5608 Brave Chief Lane, Ravenna, OH 44266 ........................330-296-2398
24............Brainerd Lakes, 9143 Lone Pine Road, Brainerd, MN 56401...................218-821-3669
25............Red River Valley, 602 N. Central Ave, Crookston, MN 56716 ..................218-281-5577
26............Central Wisconsin, PO Box 263, Medford, WI 54451 ...............................715-748-2630
27............Central Illinois, 1191 Sandra Lane, Monticello, IL 61856 ..........................217-762-8070
28............Shawnee Muskie Hunters, PO Box 602, DeKalb, IL 60115 ......................815-756-3231
29............Upper Great Plains, 1788 Hwy 4, Estherville, IA 51334............................712-362-2501
30............God’s Country, PO Box 1461, LaCrosse, WI 54601 .................................608-786-4062
31............Penn-Ohio, 309 Spring St, Jamestown, PA 16134....................................724-932-5815
32............Flatlanders, 5776 Vesper Drive, South Beloit, IL 61080 ...........................815-389-4622
33............Lake Superior, 2031 Hwy. 33 S., Cloquet, MN 55720...............................218-879-2712
35............Milwaukee, PO Box 28842, Greenfield, WI 53220....................................262-789-1255
37............St. Cloud, 427 - 17-1/2 Ave No, St. Cloud, MN 56302 ...............................320-253-3621
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
40............Leech Lake, 7249 Baywood Drive, Walker, MN 56484.............................218-547-1221
41............Central Ohio, 8494 Fall Gold Lane, Westerville, OH 43082 .....................614-451-0485
42............Hoosier Muskie Hunters, PO Box 501371, Indianapolis, IN 46250 ..........317-577-8050
44............Colorado, P.O. Box 270064, Louisville, CO 80027 ...................................720-938-4109
45............Kentucky, 212 Linden Ave., Southgate, KY 41071....................................859-441-1666
46............Bemidji/Cass Lake, 11551 Misty Meadows Rd, Bemidji, MN 56601.........218-759-0098
47............Michigan Muskie Alliance, PO Box 512, Caledonia, MI 49316 .................616-447-1688
48............Arrowhead, PO Box 82, Virginia, MN 55792.............................................218-482-5217
49............Webster Lake Musky Club, PO Box 670, No. Webster, IN 46555 ............574-834-1669
50............Penn-Jersey, 372 Kingwood Rd., King of Prussia, PA 19406 ...................610-962-0632
51............Ohio Valley Muskie Hunters, 211 Mann St., Bowerstown, OH 44695.......740-269-1216
52............Daniel Boone, 428 N. Wilson Ave., Morehead, KY 40351 ........................606-784-3933
CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆
No.
Special
Events
CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆
25
CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆ CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆ CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS
Box 2021 • Fargo, ND 58103
701-298-9032 – Brett Wade Waldera
[email protected]
Meets 4th Monday 7:00 PM, VFW in West Fargo.
The Fargo-Moorhead Chapter last met on
Monday, April 25th.
Chapter 02 President, Brett Waldera, began the
meeting by speaking about a request our club
received from the Hinkley Hatchery. They need
$900.00 to purchase brood minnows to be used as
a food source for the Muskies they are raising. It
was decided that we send them a check and fund
this project.
The F-M Chapter will be donating $500.00 to the
Hoosier Chapter of Muskies Inc. to use toward their
hosting of the Dr. E. J. Crossman Symposium,
which will be held in October. I’m sure they’ll do a
great job.
Brett received an e-mail from Abu-Garcia stating
that they are offering all Muskies Inc. Chapters a
yearly opportunity to buy up to three reels at a 50%
discount. We decided to purchase three reels for
fundraising purposes.
The “Hedrick Peer is finally here!” get together is
fast approaching. We’re in the planning stages yet,
and will have more details available at the May
meeting. You may fish any of the area Muskie lakes
before meeting at the Shorewood Pub in Detroit
Lakes at 5pm for supper. A prize will be awarded for
the largest catch of the day.
That’s the latest goings on for Chapter 02.
May all your followers strike!
Brad Waldera
03
Chicagoland
Muskie Hunters
7600 Kilbourn Ave.
Skokie, IL 60076
847-677-0017 – Dean Rosset
[email protected]
Meets 1st Tuesday 7:30 PM, Park Ridge VFW 10
West Higgins Ave., Park Ridge, IL.
May’s meeting started off with the usual
members fishing report. It was apparent that the
Muskie season is upon us. Lots of great stories, and
quite a few nice fish. John Ryan, placed ninth in the
Cave Run PMTT, with his daughter as his partner.
Eight of our members fished the FRV tournament
on the Chain O Lakes. No fish we caught by our
members, but all had a great time. The other club
outings are coming up quickly:
May 14th, Silver Lake,WI. Contact Cary Gelfond
for more info.
July 9th, Chain O Lakes, IL Contact Karl Scherer
for more info.
August 2nd, Independence Grove, IL Contact
Greg Denny for more info.
The July and August outings are “on the water
meetings”, the outing coordinators are planning
casting contests, big fish prizes, and picnic type
foods. Sounds like a great time!
May’s speaker was Scott Jenkins, a guide on the
Madison Metro Lakes. Scott started out his
presentation by thanking Bud Hulet, and Dean and
Leah Rossett, for their longstanding ambassadorship
for Muskie fishing, and Muskies Inc.
Scott’s talk covered so many great topics that it is
difficult to summarize. I guess the point that I found
most memorable was his encouragement to focus
on the three “P”s: Practice, Patience, and
Persistence. This is important to remember during
those dry spells we all seem to run into. Scott
focuses on Kegonsa, Waubesa, Monona, and
Wingra Lakes. Weeds are very important in this
system, as is finding the spot on the spot.
Scott covered the different techniques he uses
during each season, along with his favorite
presentations. A great presentation!
Karl Scherer is still looking for volunteers for the
Chicago Police 017th District’s annual Kids Fishing
Derby. It will be held on Saturday June 4th at the
Gompers Park Lagoon. Karl, who was elected as
an At-large Director during last month’s International
election, is doing a great job in providing the club
with this wonderful opportunity to help some kids.
Next months meeting is June 7th. There will be
two Denny’s speaking. Greg Denny will be, once
again, attempting to present a short summery on
fishing the west side of the Chippewa Flowage. The
featured speaker will be Denny Sands, highlighting
Shabbona Lake. See you there.
05
Pomme de Terre
P.O. Box 5
Hermitage, MO 65668
417-745-2381 – Carl Marks
www.missourimuskies.org
Meets: Various days-Call for schedule
Conservation Projects of the Pomme de Terre
Chapter of Muskies Inc
The summer of 2005 will be another busy one for
conservation projects by the local chapter of
Muskies Inc. In 2004, multiple beds of vegetation
were planted in Pomme de Terre Lake to restore this
important habitat that was lost in the early 1990’s.
This project will continue in 2005 thanks to the
financial contributions of the local Muskies Inc
chapter, Gander Mountain, and the efforts of the
Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).
Vegetation will be planted to increase the size of the
existing plots. Studies have shown that the plots
need to get large enough that the “creatures” that
tend to destroy them are overwhelmed by their size
when the fence protecting them is removed.
“Smartweed” that is transplanted from nearby
Stockton Lake appears to be surviving better than
some of the other species that was tried and will be
planted again in 2005.
Habitat in Pomme de Terre will also be improved
again this year by the addition of large brush piles
created by placing cedar trees in the lake. This
project has been done in conjunction with the MDC
for more than 15 years and has helped keep
Pomme de Terre the great fishery that it is.
Due to high winds and age, a number of
protective nets used at the MDC’s Lost Valley
hatchery were destroyed last year. These nets
cover the rearing ponds and keep the birds from
feasting on the young fish. The Pomme de Terre
Chapter of Muskies Inc has purchased a net to
cover one of the muskie rearing ponds, allowing
increased yield from the department’s efforts.
Increased yield assures there is adequate stock to
meet the department’s stocking goals and have
extra to trade or give away to other states.
If you would like more information about any of the
above, check our website: www.missourimuskies.org
or contact Wayne Humphrey at wehumphrey@
hotmail.com or 314-878-7732.
08
Capital City
P.O. Box 8862, Madison, WI 53708
608-274-3479 – Gerard Hellenbrand
www.capitalcitymuskiesinc.org
Meets: 2nd Monday 7:00 PM Park Ponderosa
McFarlan, WI
The nets have been pulled out, the numbers
crunched and preliminary numbers are in for the
2005 muskie population estimate in Lake Wingra.
Biologist Kurt Welke performed his voodoo, rattled
his bag of chicken bones over the data sheets and
got an answer. It appears that our attempt to reduce
the number of muskies in the lake is working. I
know, why in the heck would we want to do this?
Well, there were too many (is there such a thing) for
the good of the lake and all its inhabitants. When we
last looked at the muskie population in 1997, there
were over 1300 in the lake and many of them were
on the thin side and growth rates were slow to
nonexistent. The population is now down to a more
reasonable 2.2 per acre. This is still a work in
progress.
If anyone wants a club jacket, contact Pantera
Embroidery, Inc. at 608-277-0100 or go to 2505 W.
Beltline and try them on. We need a minimum of 6
orders but 12 gets us a better price.
We have a great outings year coming up. By the
time you read this, the Monona Outing will have
happened. I will report on how many I didn’t catch.
Other upcoming events; Kleeba Challenge, June 11
& 12, on-the-water meetings are June 13, July 11
and Aug. 8 evenings at lake Farms Park on
Waubesa., Lake Winter outing is June 23-26, Gil
Hamm Challunge is July 20-23 and our fall Vilas Co.
outing is Oct. 14 & 15. For more details, see our
newsletter, visit our web site or contact a chapter
officer.
Outings and chapter projects/functions are by far
the best way to get to know other chapter members
(assuming you actually want to). We don’t bite. Well,
most of us don’t-all the time.
Gary gum-you Greene
09
West Virginia
1270 Federal Road
Little Hocking, OH 45742
740-667-3571
http://westvirginiamuskiesinc.org
Meets: No definite schedule-call
Our WV Chapter President Jim Moore was
inducted into the Muskies, Inc. Hall of Fame at the
2005 Spring Board Meeting. A tireless worker, Jim
has been our President for many years. Under his
leadership we have accomplished much. During the
past 15 years, Jim Moore has done more for WV
Muskies, Inc. than any other single individual. We
congratulatehim for this most deserved honor.
Fourteen Chapter Members attended the Green
River Lake Cabin Fever Challenge. Last year Bill
Crane caught a 47" to win for the WV Chapter. We
didn't repeat as champions but did catch 3 of the 11
fish registered. Most other fish caught were taken
by guide boats.
Our Spring Mail-In Tournament was scheduled to
coincide with "Cabin Fever". Kevin Custer won with
a 34" and Tim McCauley took second with a 31".
Both fish came from Green River Lake in Kentucky.
Jerry Miller caught a 35" also from Green River and
Roger Bullard caught fish from Cave Run but
neither were entered in the mail-in. Most waters in
WV were unfishable. Thanks to Sharon Crane who
served as chairperson.
Bob Hoce has caught several good over 40 inch
fish from local streams. But I've often heard him
complain that he had never caught a local mid-forty
like some of us. Well, Bob can't complain anymore
because on April 18 he trolled up a fat, healthy thirty
plus pounder from lower Middle Island Creek on a
jointed Tuff Shad. At 50 BE" this is the longest
verified muskie ever released on Middle Island and
one of the largest ever released on a WV native
muskie stream. A short time earlier, he caught
another muskie on one of his own handmade baits.
Chris Hamrick and Karl Yeager were in the vicinity
and able to witnessthe measurement and safe
release. Congratulations Bob on a fish of a lifetime.
Be reminded of two important youth events
taking place this month. On Saturday June 4, we
will hold our Kid's Fishing Derby and Member's
Outing at North Bend Lake. On Saturday June 11,
we will participate with Wayne National Forest in
their Kid's Fishing and Fun Day at the Leith Run
Camping Area.
John Kaltenecker, Secretary
West Virginia Chapter 09
Muskies, Inc.
Chapter #09 West Virginia
2005 Annual Banquet
Chris Haley of Hazard
(KY),
a
successful
Buckhorn Lake Guide
was the featured speaker
at the West Virginia
Chapter 09 Muskies, Inc.
Annual Awards Banquet.
He generously shared
with us, in detail, his dirty
water tactics which have
paid off for him in money
tournament competition
against some of the best
anglers in the country.
His presentation included a slide show along with a
video of one day of sensational fishing. For many of
us, it would take a season instead of a day to
produce such a video.
Chris talked mostly about fishing Buckhorn and
Green River Lakes in Kentucky. His average muskie
is about 36 inches on both of these lakes. He
successfully trolls the stained river arms of these
lakes. Because the fish are near the surface and
the water is shallow, short lines are trolled. Some
baits are trolled only about ten feet behind the boat.
Most muskies are found in the top third of the water
column.
He uses shallow running baits that move lots of
water. Some of the baits he trolls are Willey
Spinnerbaits, 10" Swim Whizz and SS Shad. When
the water temperature is under 50F he trolls less
than 3 miles per hour. When the temps are over
50F he trolls from 4.5 to 5 MPH.
It is critical to find areas with concentrations of
baitfish. While others are searching for clear water,
Chris is looking for signs of baitfish in dirty water.
These areas are relatively shallow, sometimes only
2 or 3 feet deep.
Chris and his clients enjoy fast action using these
dirty water techniques. His video of one special day
showed nonstop action on good fish up to 49 inches
casting bucktails. In his best 3 days of fishing, an
incredible 67 legal muskies were boated.
This is not just a numbers pattern. Chris has
significantly increased his catch of 50" fish for
himself and his clients since he began spending
more time on murky water. Sometimes Suicks,
Deadheads and large glider jerkbaits work well
under these conditions. Chris said that fish rarely
miss these big baits and usually hit hard hooking
themselves securely. There are not many swirls,
follows and raises in the dirty water - These Fish
Mean Business!!!
Chris' slides showed lots of good fish taken from
stained water in Buckhorn, Cave Run and Green
River Lakes in KY as well as Lake Kincaid in
southern Illinois. A few slides were of big muskies
from small Kentucky streams.
We appreciate Chris sharing his stained water
tactics. His photos and video clearly show that
under the right conditions, this pattern is dynamite
on Southern Reservoirs. There is no reason whit it
may not be effective elsewhere.
We also want to thank Ray Hensly for making
arrangements for Chris Haley and his informative
presentations.
John Kaltenecker, Secretary
West Virginia Chapter 09
Muskies, Inc.
Dingbat awards were presented to husband and
wife: Sonny & Kay Stevens. Sonny received his
for the many expenses paid for boat and trailer
repairs on his 2 Hayward, WI trips. Kay received
hers for packing WOMEN’S Long Johns on Sonny’s
Canadian trip causing him embarrassment and
being the main topic of daily jokes. (Sonny, pack
your own suitcase!)
A special thanks to Gander Mountain and Dan
Gapen for donating prizes for the banquet.
Congratulations to all who caught legal Muskies
and received awards. A special congratulations to
our junior member, Brandon Schneider for catching
his first legal Muskie and receiving his first catch
and release patch.
All Muskies caught and submitted to the chapter
were 100% released. All catch and release forms
should be submitted to Dee Megli: 18110 Moline
Rd; Lyndon, IL.
Don Swensson attended the annual Board
Meeting. Thanks to Don for attending in our behalf.
If anyone has suggestions for outings and fund
raisers, please contact Sonny Stevens:
(309)
797-1803
or
E-mail
Rob
Dickinson:
[email protected]
We have 2004 embroidered MI hats for sale at
$5.50 each. We need to sell them out before the
2005 hats arrive.
Now available are New style Jackets and shirts
for chapter. Jackets are $70.00 with large
embroidered logo on the back. Long sleeve Denim
shirts are $50.00 with large logo on back. Long
sleeve Denim shirts with small crest logo on front
are $25.00. You may also bring in a shirt or jacket
of your choice to have logos added for embroidery
cost only. In addition you can add your name to
jackets and shirts for an additional $3.50. Orders
can be placed through Rob Dickinson, (309) 7931868 or directly to Custom Designs In
Monogramming: Ave. of the Cities; Moline, IL. (309)
764-1691 (Call after 11:30 a.m.)
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2005:
The June meeting will be held at Lake George.
Come early to fish.
September 10 - Kids Fishing Day at Lake
Carlton. Anyone interested in helping with this
event please contact Sonny Stevens at (309) 7971803.
The first weekend of October is the Fall Outing in
Hayward, WI to help support the Hayward Chapter
Muskie tournament. Most of our member stay at
Virgin Timber Resort on Moose Lake.
October Fall Cook Out. (Date to be announced)
This is a gathering of all members and friends to
join together and talk about experiences in
Muskie fishing.
Rob Dickinson
Headwaters
12
P.O. Box 652
Eagle River, WI 54521
715-479-1821 – Paul Hansen
www.headwatersmuskies.com
Meets 1st Wednesday 7:00 PM
Greeting Fellow Angler,
Well Eagle River has experienced quite a change
in weather since last months report, as I am
submitting this report on April 21st. Last month about
time we still had 30 inches of ice and some snow.
Shortly after that report temperatures skyrocketed
and snow was gone in a week to ten days and the
ice followed right behind. The day temperatures
hovered near 70 degrees on most days and a
couple of days hit 80 degrees. The water surface
temps are now in the high 50’s near 60 at times, and
by the time you read this the walleye spawn will be
long over. However a cold snap will hit us tomorrow.
As far as muskies go, we are really looking
forward to a banner year here in Eagle River, our
first outing is scheduled for Saturday May 28th so
come on out and join us. Hosting location will be the
Honey Bear on Hwy 70 west of town.
Looking back to April 2nd we had our Annual
Banquet, with a record high attendance of over 165
Mississippi Valley
11
5301 11th Ave “C”
Moline, IL 61265 • 309-797-1803
Meets 2nd Wednesday 7:00pm at the QCCA Expo
Center in Rock Island, IL.
Thanks to Jack Klein and family for attending the
banquet and presenting the “Dingbat” awards. The
www.muskiesinc.org
02
Fargo-Moorhead
and restaurant on highway 77 east, 11 miles east of
Hayward, at 7:30 p.m.
Our members fishing contest will again be
handled by Bob Timme. We want to thank Bob for
the time and effort he puts in on the record keeping.
To register your fish Bob’s address is:
12677 N. Neumaier Road, Hayward WI 54843.
At our February meeting Larry Ramsell and Bob
Benson gave a presentation the “Wiconsin Musky
Restoration Project.” They provided eye opening
statistics comparing the differences in
fishing catching records between Wisconsin and
Minnesota. Many of have felt that fishing in
Wisconsin is not what it could be and so many of us
are traveling to Minnesota! The research that the
“Restoration” group did points to the stocking of
inferior strains of fish. Our club voted to support
their work and to provide finacial aid. To view their
information go to:
www. WisconsinMuskyRestoration.org
Good Fishing
Mike Persson
Three Rivers
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.
I would like to start off by thanking all the
members and sponsors that helped put together the
awards banquet. This was the first one that I have
attended and it was a great event. We had about
150 members and guests in attendance and it
looked like everyone enjoyed themselves.
Congratulations to the members recognized for last
years achievements and to all the folks that won the
raffle prizes.
In addition to the banquet in March, we also just
had our swap meet. We had a great turnout and
there were plenty of good deals. I’m telling you,
between the Expo, the swap meet and the banquet
door prizes, I won’t know which lure to use first!
We still have two big events on the horizon, first
the Chautaqua tournament is being held July 23 and
24. This is the big money tournament, if you haven’t
registered already, you can register at the monthly
meeting or download and send in the entry form
from
the
Three
Rivers
site,
http://threerivers.muskiesinc.org. Also coming up is
the ten-year anniversary picnic. This will be held at
Lake Arthur on Saturday, August 20. There will be
fishing in the morning, with a plaque given for the
largest fish caught by noon, games, raffles, food
and drinks.
Our Salt Fork tournament had a small and soggy
turnout due to the weather. After 3 weeks of
beautiful weather, we were met with 40-degree
temperatures and rain all day. Unfortunately, no fish
were caught but names were drawn for the prizes
for places one through three.
Talk to you next month!
Rich Dollish
Hayward Lakes
13
P.O. Box 609
Hayward, WI 54843
715-634-4543
The Hayward Lakes Chapter hosted a poolside
lure demonstration on Sunday, April 17th at the
Hayward Inn. We had a good turnout of lure makers
and guides to work the lures through the water and
a good tournout of interested fishermen and women
and kids, including one young presenter with a 50
incher to her credit.
In June our meeting will be on Thursday night the
2nd instead of the usual Tuesday night. Our guest
speaker will be local guide Tanner Wildes. Tanner
spends some of his time on local rivers so his
presentation will cover some new areas. The
meeting will be at “The Wisconsin Beer Hunters” bar
Quad County
17
P.O. Box 185, Plano, IL 60545
(815) 695-1494 – Dana Smith
[email protected]
[email protected]
Meets 2nd Thursday, 7:30pm. Plano American Legion
It’s early June and the musky fishing in northern
Illinois is in full swing. Come and join us on Friday
June 10th at Shabbona Lake for this month’s
meeting. You can begin fishing whenever you get
there. We’ll be having a short meeting at 6:30pm at
the boat launch. Donations to the $5 per man Big
fish pot will be collected at that time. Last year was
a lot of fun until Mother Nature blew us off the lake.
If you don’t have a boat and would like to attend, call
or email a board member and we’ll try to get you
pair up with someone. Many of us will be camping
at the lake that night. If you’re not able to make it
Friday night, come Saturday morning.
July’s meeting will be on it’s regularly schedule
day and location, July 14th @7:30pm. No speaker
has been schedule as yet. This is usually a good
meeting to hear a lot of fish stories, and will be
discussing the 2nd annual Pig roast on Saturday
August 13th.
The club is planning on stocking 100-300
muskies in Lake Shabbona in late October. The
amount of 10-12” fish we will be able to stock will
depend on the funds we will have raised. Donation
buckets have been place in several local
businesses. The club felt this was a good idea since
the lake did not receive any fish last year. If you
have any questions or would like to make a
donation contact Duane.
Lastly, thanks to all the members who work so
hard and invest so much of their time to make the
Quad County Hawg Hunters the club we are today.
22
New Jersey
5 Carmita Ave.
Rutherford, NJ 07070
201-703-8469
Our meeting was held 4/26 with good attendance
and was highlighted by the presence of Norm
Small’s daughter Lauren who recently released her
1st Muskie- an amazing 48” fish. We announced
proudly that as of April our 3 main goals for the year
have been achieved. That is an ongoing personal
and financial commitment to the NJDFW in helping
feed, stock and otherwise help the muskellunge
program, the purchase of one or more nets for
hatchery ponds plus the successful design and
production of an educational sign geared towards
helping the fishing public understand muskies plus
proper catch and release. We also provided a
check for $475.00 as an initial deposit to the “forage
fund”.
Last week, several of our members
participated along with the NJDFW in rescuing a
combined 800 pounds or more of Walleyes,
Muskies, Perch and Smallmouth Bass that had
been washed over the Greenwood Lake spillway.
For those unaware, 7 of these fish were over 40”.
Special thanks to Craig Lemon (Chapter 22
Superintendent) and his crew. Apparently we
spared these fish both from illegal snagging as well
as diseases and stress associated with heavy
confinement and lack of food. Next on the agenda
is the June “tournament” to be held at GWL, Echo
and Monksville and followed by dinner, prizes, etc.
Stay in touch with club officers and watch the
MI22.com site for details. The sign in sheet will be
mailed out to all. By the time you read this our big
fundraiser- Guide for a Day will have taken place
and is set to be the best ever. Thanks again to all
volunteers and paying participants. Also at the
meeting awards for last year’s releases were
presented and this is a reminder to please send in
your release forms. They’re available at the
meetings and on the Muskiesinc.org website.
Congrats to Bill Kunecz for that 52” MI22 record!
We’re also forging a working alliance with Chapter
50 in an effort to streamline our goals, projects and
relationship with NJDFW. Finally, fishing is unders
have been good. I’ve heard of 5 people with fish,
fish over 41” - Greg Calt, Gordon Campbell - Sr.,
Chuck Graf ,Kevin Johnson and of course Lauren
Small.
Submitted by Chapter VP
Gordon Campbell
Central Wisconsin
26
P.O. Box 263
Medford, WI 54451
715-748-2630 – Jim Jacobs
[email protected]
Meets 1st Monday 7:00 PM, Happy Joe’s,
Medford, WI
A great time was had by all as our Chapter
Awards Banquet was held April 16th at Molitor’s New
Saloon & Steak House. The food was great and the
fish stories were plentiful. We had a nice tackle
raffle, which included the proverbial reel lube.
Everyone seems to be excited about the upcoming
season; planning trips and dates for time on the
water.
I would like to take this opportunity to once again
thank Marty Shield for the outstanding job he did as
our Chapter president for the past 4 years.
Finally, our event schedule for 2005 is as follows:
May 2nd – Meeting at Happy Joe’s Pizza Parlor:
Speaker: Chuck Brod of Sportsman Repair
June 11th and 12th – Larry Kleeba Challenge on
Lake Holcombe
July 11th – Meeting on the water - Spirit Lake
Aug. 1st – Meeting on the water - Alexander
Flowage
Hope to see you on the water,
Tim “Rooster” Reinke
Central Wisconsin Chapter #26
Central Illinois
1191 Sandra Lane
Monticello, IL 61856
217-762-8070
www.tcimh.org
Meets 3rd Thursday 7:00 PM, VFW club in
Bloomington, IL.
27
Can you feel it? It’s muskie season! The ice is
long gone and several club members have already
logged fish. Make sure to set a few goals for
yourself this season because all it takes is one cast!
By the time this hits the press the Illinois muskie bite
should be well underway. The trolling bite on
Shelbyville started about the 3rd week of April and
will likely continue through June. Just remember as
the water temperatures near 80 degrees to use
caution when handling any muskies you might
catch. Good luck to all this season!
Regular membership meetings are held on the
3rd Thursday of each month at the VFW club in
Bloomington, IL. The VFW is located at 1006 E
Lincoln St. The meeting starts promptly at 7 pm. An
informal board meeting is held on the 1st Thursday
at the VFW club at 6 pm. All meetings are open to
the public. For more info contact Lorin Nevling
(217) 762-8070 or visit us on the web at
www.tcimh.org.
The Central Illinois Muskie Hunters are
sponsoring an IMTT event at Lake Shelbyville on
September 18th, 2005. The proceeds from the
tournament go toward Project Green Gene, a
genetics project headed by U of I grad student, Curt
Wagner, designed to give fishermen and biologists
a better idea of what strain of muskies to stock in
Illinois waters. Currently, the project is looking at
several strains including Upper Mississippi, Ohio,
and Kentucky among others.
If some of you have not had the pleasure of
fishing Shelbyville in September you are truly
missing out on some of the finest Illinois muskie
fishing! September and October are, arguably,
Lake Shelbyville’s peak fishing times for all species,
most especially muskie. This time of year the
muskies are at their most predictable. Any “fishy”
looking spot probably has a muskie or two on it.
Also, this event is part of the Illinois Muskie
Tournament Trail (www.illmuskie.com). Contact
Randy Kakara for more information.
www.muskiesinc.org
Randy Kakara
1503 Hawthorne Rd.
Streator, IL 61364
(815) 672-5320
Just as a reminder, the DNR will be drawing
down Lake McMaster (formerly Snake Den) 8-10
feet for spillway repairs. Contact the park office at
(309) 879-2607 for more info.
All it takes is one cast!
Sean Landsman
29
Upper Great Plains
1788 Hwy 4
Estherville, IA 51334
712-362-2501
year along with our annual kid’s day happing on
June 11th at Rock Cut State Park. We hope that
members come out and help get these kids
involved.
Many member have been getting excited about
going to Lake Of The Woods for our annual outing,
Franks Bay Camp Store will be crawling with
Flatlanders looking to catch a musky that will allow
them to ring the bell, The bell I speak of is a 50” bell,
Who ever catches a 50” musky, gets to ring the bell
and let everyone know they got one. If someone
rings the bell, does not have a musky to show, then
they will get thrown in the lake for honor reasons.
Well guys, I will see you on the lake. Sin yours Big
Man
Meets 3rd Thursday , Legion Club, 1709 Okoboji
Ave., Milford, IA.
We held our monthly meeting on April 21st at
Godfathers Pizza in Spencer, due to the fact that the
American Legion in Milford is not open at this time.
A new permanent location is still being discussed
and I will let you know once a new location is
chosen. Remember monthly meetings are held on
the 3rd Thursday of each month.
Details have been set for the Big Spirit Lake
muskie outing on June 25th at Templar State Park.
Chapter members would be silly not to attend! Their
is no entry fee for the event, we will be having a
cook out at the Templar park shelter following the
event, a choice of rod or reel will be awarded for the
two biggest fish caught, and if that’s not enough we
will be given away a fishing trip to Shingwar Resort
at Sioux Narrows on Lake of the Woods as a door
prize. Fishing hours for the outing will be from 7
a.m. to 7 p.m. Chapter members are allowed to
invite a quest in the boat to help promote the
chapter and hopefully get some new members to
join. Only chapter members will be eligible for the
door prize and the rod or reel. So if you bring a
quest and they want to be eligible for the great
prizes, they must sign up as UGP chapter members.
All we ask is that you bring your own beverages for
the cookout. This will be a fun event for everyone!
Bring a quest, get them signed up as Muskies Inc.
UGP chapter members, so they can find out what a
great organization this is!
As a reminder muskie league night will be held
June 8th at Big Spirit Lake, Templar park boat ramp.
Also on June 22nd at West Okoboji Lake, trigs boat
ramp. Fishing hours are 6:15 p.m. to Sunset and
entry fee is $5.
Flatlanders
32
5776 Vesper Drive,
South Beloit, IL 61080
815-389-4622
www.flatlanderschapter.com
Steve Ruhmann, Pres.
Meets 4th Thursday, 7:00 PM, Loves Park VFW.
This is the Big Man here again reporting for April,
members of the club already been reporting fish at
this time, I know of atleast five muskies that have
been caught recently, Two of those muskies have
been caught by Steve Williams, which include a 34”
and 37” lunge. Also member mike bowers released
a 39” from Lake Kinkaid, Russ H with a 32” and
other members that have been catching and
releasing muskies in Illinois that are not disclosed
yet.
We have a great speaker coming from the
Madison lakes for our April meeting; we also will be
drawing for our annual fund raiser. The winner will
receive a cash reward. We also will be having
numerous other raffles going on that night to help
lighten the mood. Everyone is getting cabin fever
and we can’t wait for the Wisconsin opener so we
can go and catch some muskies from all the lakes
across Wisconsin and possibly Minnesota. Amy
Sheckelton has been working hard on the raffle this
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.
Here it is, June already! Many a fish have been
boated by our members. Follows have kept our
concentration level up, a few have been lost at the
side of the boat resulting in a loud word or two being
expressed in frustration. This is a great sport isn’t it?
Don’t forget to check out our website to keep up
on those catches within the club. Also, stop by the
photo page to see some of those beauties who have
posed for a shot.
As usual summer will be a flurry of activity with
family vacations, weekend fishing trips and a few
Tournaments that we have found time to participate
in. If you have any time left in your long summer
days we still have a few activities to take us into the
fall trophy season.
The first weekend of June on Saturday the 4th.
We will have two events running the same day.
They are the Elgin Fish for Fun and the DuPage
River Clean Up. The Elgin Fish for Fun is a fishing
Derby for kids. Always a great day with the future
patrons of our sport. The DuPage River sweep is a
Conservation project which deals with the clean up
of the DuPage River.
On Wednesday June 8th. We will have the first of
our two “On the Water” meetings. You have plenty of
time to plan that “sick day” or half day to fish the
Chain of Lakes. After an afternoon of fishing stop by
the Thirsty Turtle at 8:00 p.m. for a bite to eat and a
cold beverage to cool you down, “fish talk,” and our
prize raffle.
It is not too early to start thinking about our Fall
club outing. We will be going to St. Germaine
Wisconsin from the 23rd. to the 25th. of September at
Jackson’s Lakeside Cottages. Please make your
reservations by contacting Mr. Ken Jackson at
[email protected] or 715-479-8640 for
availability. Mr. Jackson will be doing a Muskie
presentation on the Little St. Germaine and
surrounding lakes at his on site ( Jackson’s Lodge)
fireplace lounge on Friday September 23rd. at 8:00
p.m. There are two pages of information and
pictures on his website.
At the present time only for cabins are available.
Be sure to mention to Ken when making your
reservations that you are with the FRV group and
you will receive the discount that he has graciously
offered for our club members. Once these cabins
are booked Ken has other suggested motels for
your stay.
For any questions please contact Jim (Jimmy Z)
Ziebka, Outings Director at any of our meetings or
e-mail him at [email protected].
Our regular club meeting dates are the second
Wednesday of the month. (June and July on the
water.) The Poplar Creek Country Club provides us
with fine accommodations. A Buffet style dinner is
provided before the 7:30 p.m. meeting and a cash
bar is open through out the evening.
All are welcome. You need not be a member to
attend, so please stop by and see us. All information
people and with an early count the Banquet was a
complete success with profits well over last years.
The Banquet Committee will meet one more time to
make final tabulations and give us a report. A lot of
great prizes were won, a lot of good food eaten, and
plans are already underway for next year.
A few days after the Banquet we had our regular
monthly meeting for Chapter 12. Highlights from this
meeting were: Recently the chapter received a
donation in the form of a memorial fund from the
Tom Botten Family. The purpose fund is to seek out
young anglers and give them youth memberships,
to teach them the sport of musky fishing, and the
preservation of this resource. Since this program
was so well receptive, the Headwaters Chapter
voted unanimously to match equally to the fund in
the same amount; doubling our funds in the quest
for young anglers. We have been promoting the
program through our local radio talk show and have
been receiving an overwhelming response.
Many issues are coming up with the DNR, as
limits of other game fish will be changing in our
area. Naturally, when you make changes in the
fishery by the taking of a species, it changes the
food source for other predator fish. So we will be
keeping an eye on the future, but it looks good for
some lakes. If you haven’t heard by now, another
issue Wisconsin musky anglers should follow
closely is the musky restocking program in our
state. A recent report, on musky restoration, sites
that allegedly strains of genetically inferior are being
stock in our lakes. The report which is well in depth
states these fish are responsible for the slow growth
rate and the creation of smaller adults thus limiting
the trophy fish Wisconsin once had. The jury is still
out on this but it is a subject that needs to be
followed. Regardless of the report the Eagle River
area still produces 50 + inch fish every year. Several
were caught in September/October with one of our
chapter members catching a 56 incher on a local
body of water. For persons who would like to read
this very informative report you may go to the
following
website
location:
www.wisconsinmuskyrestoration.org/Welcome.htm.
Please read the preface and you can go the various
reports.
Chapter 12 is once again encouraging their
members to register their email address with your
Director
Fred
Brogle
at
[email protected]. A great deal of
information is going out online in between
newsletters which is time sensitive and info you may
not receive in a newsletter. The future may even
hold that the newsletter may be published here for
those that have email addresses. If you have an
email address, get it to Fred NOW!!
Well our Secretary Jim “Hi Pines” is back from an
extended vacation to Spain so he will be back in full
swing with next months report.
Thank you all!
Fred E. Brogle; Director
Headwaters Chapter
“Think Topwater – 50+”
and updates can be found on our website
www.frvmuskie.com.
As club members we encourage you to get in
contact with anyone sitting on the Board of Directors
if you have questions, comments or suggestions
concerning the club. We are constantly working to
bring you the best outings and events we can. Your
input is important to us. Help us to make your club
the very best it can be. The names and numbers of
the Board members can be found on the front
section of the newsletter. We also have a section on
the website where you can retrieve our e-mail
address to contact us in that manner. If you are
interested, any and all club members are welcome
to sit in on our Board of Directors meetings. They
are held the Monday evening after our General Club
Meeting. The place is the home of President Rich
Gallagher. You can contact Rich or any BOD
member for time and directions. Stop by and see
how the ideas and events for YOUR club come to
be.
Until later,
Return ‘em to the water Healthy
and Remember Our Troops.
JT
41
Our Jon Fisher Memorial Tournament April 9th
and 10th enjoyed great weather with 43 anglers in
attendance but only two muskies over 30-inches
were landed. Congratulations to Johnny Smith who
landed a 42-inch “huskie-muskie” to capture 1st
place. Chuck Wilbert took second place with a
30.5-inch muskie. I hear our club president; Ross
Wagner was busy instructing his children on the
finer points of preventing 48-inch muskies from
hitting your bucktails at boatside. I hope he didn’t
teach them any new swear words then or while he
was stuck in a traffic jam for two hours with the
shore lunch.
I received a lot of good feed back from the spring
muskie fishing seminar at our April meeting. I thank
everybody for that and hope you enjoy the May
program on lake mapping by Stacy Xenakis from
the Division of Wildlife’s Inland Fisheries Research
Unit. June’s program will feature a lure swap.
There was quite a bit of time devoted at the last
meeting to the ideal of forming and advisory
committee consisting of former club officers. I
believe will have the first such meeting before our
regular May meeting.
Elmer
Central Ohio
8494 Fall Gold Lane
Westerville, OH 43082
614-451-0485 – Ross Wagner
Meets 2nd Tuesday 7:00 PM, Buckeye Hall of
Fame Café, 1421 Olentangy River Rd.
Daniel Boone
52
428 N. Wilson Ave.,
Morehead, KY 40351
Phone: 606.784.3933
e-mail: [email protected]
President: Larry X. Besant
Meets on Fridays-call or email.
Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each
month at Buckeye Hall of Fame Café, 1421
Olentangy River Rd., beginning at 7 p.m. Guest and
the general public are always welcome. For more
information, call Ross Wagner at 614-451-0485.
It’s only a couple days away from May but
Clearfork Reservoir had 10-inches of snow over the
weekend and the water plummeted to 39-degrees.
Throw in 2.5-inches of rain before and after the
snow and we’re off to another rocky start here in
Ohio. Hopefully, the weather will mellow out by
tournament time May 14th and 15th at Clearfork.
We did have the chance to enjoy some extremely
hot weather before this but the muskies seemed
indifferent, at best. Too warm too fast????
The first fundraising tournament our chapter has
conducted was held on April 9-10, 2005 on Cave
Run Lake in Morehead, Kentucky. The anglers
fished hard, but the fish were determined not to bite.
Although there was only one legal fish caught, we
decided to draw boat numbers and award the
remaining prizes. The results were as follows:
First Place:
$825 Jack Park and Jesse
Russell, Boat #25. They also took big fish pot of
$285 with a 30.25” muskie—-the ONLY legal
muskie caught!
The following awards were based on drawing
participants boat number paddles starting with 10th
place.
Second Place:
$230
Matt and Mitch
Myerhoeffer, Boat #16.
Third Place:
$280.50 Tanner Wildes and
Dave Grochowski, Boat #19.
Fourth Place
$247.50 Robert Rattliff and
Tony Adkins, Boat #8.
Fifth Place$214.50 Lee Botts and Mark Crouch,
Boat #29.
Sixth Place
$181.50 Jimmy Barnes and
Dan Meyer, Boat #27.
Seventh Place $148.50 Eddie Ross and Terry
McIntosh, Boat #2.
Eighth Place
$115.50
Rob and Chris
Spencer, Boat #28.
Ninth Place
$82.50 James Cucco and
Crash Mullins, Boat #22.
10th Place $49.50 Jason Richie and Joey Reed,
Boat #25.
Thirty-three boats were entered. The weather
and water condition were good, but the muskie
fishing was extremely slow due to the fact that it was
the height of the annual muskie-spawning season
on Cave Run Lake.
Apparently many of the
muskies were located in the upper reaches of the
streams flowing into the lake —- and those that
stayed home were just not interested. Muskie
fishing was still tough, but picked up somewhat the
next weekend during the PMTT (Professional
Muskie Tournament Trail) on Cave Run when 124
boats fished two days and caught 22 legal muskies.
The good news is that the Daniel Boone
Chapter’s first fundraiser effort was a grand success
as a fundraiser.
Chipper Bushong, Chapter
Treasurer, reports that the Chapter #52’s bank
balance is now over $2500.
The “Muskie Guides Rendezvous” program on
Saturday night was outstanding. Cave Run muskie
guides featured were: Crash Mullins, Gregg
Thomas, Scott Salchli, and Mike Tackett. The
raffles on Saturday and Sunday were very
successful. Please support the over sixty fishing
tackle companies and local merchants who
supported the tournament with generous donations.
Special thanks to the Morehead Tourism
Commission for their support. And until next month,
we wish you Good fishing!!
Scotty Combs
The Next Generation (Continued from page 6)
The class began with four tiger muskies on December 3, 2004.
A tiger muskie is a cross between a Northern and a Muskellunge.
They basically have the same behavior as muskies. They hide in
weeds to surprise their prey and then swallow the food whole. We
fed them once a week and each muskie would eat around 20
minnows per week. They would eat a lot when minnows were first
put in. Then they would wait a few days and any remaining
minnows would be eaten. (Owen Puls and Donovan Green)
We named our muskies and tried to measure them as accurately
as we could. Pork was nine inches when we first got him and grew
to eleven and one-fourth inches by the end of January. Beans
started at eight inches and grew to eleven inches. Gil was about
seven inches and grew to ten inches. Belly Flop was the smallest at
6 inches, but grew to just under ten inches. (Melissa Albright)
Throughout the month of January we charted the outside
temperature and weather conditions, the barometer reading, the
number of minnows added, where the muskies were in the tank,
and any notes we thought would be helpful. We did this in the
morning and after lunch. We were trying to see if weather changed
the muskies’ behavior. After studying the information, we saw
changes in weather and barometric pressure did not greatly affect
the muskies in our classroom. Our conclusion is their behavior
didn’t change much because our classroom environment stayed the
same. (Jennifer Drews and Morgan Parise)
On February 15th we faced a difficult day. Two of the muskies
were dead. The two that were living didn’t look good. We tested
the ammonia level, but it was fine. Then we emptied some of the
water from the tank. We replaced it with fresh water and new
chemicals. A cover was put over the tank to reduce the stress. Sadly,
nothing helped, and they died shortly after that. (Dani Kainz)
We don’t know for sure how they died, but the experts that we
talked to gave us some possible explanations. They could have died
from cleaning solutions or other germs that may have been airborne
or on the net used to put minnows in the tank. If someone with
hand lotion or dirty hands put them in the tank it could upset the
delicate balance of the water. The minnows may have been carrying
some sort of disease. The muskies may have had a condition similar
to when humans have cold sores. They may have had excess mucus
that would cause them to suffocate. (Kelsey Beck and Madelynn
Bouche)
On March 10, 2005 we got two new
muskies. They are named Lori and Joe after
our teacher and her husband. With a second
chance, we made sure to be even more careful.
No one is allowed to put their hands in the
tank unless they need to, and to make sure
that they are clean. Before feedings, the
minnows are given a salt bath to kill any
bacteria. If the muskies start to look bad, we
test the ammonia level. We have also been
adding something each week called Cycle to
prevent fish loss. It was recommended that
we give the muskies a salt bath if they start to
look shiny or have a slimy coat. Thankfully
we haven’t had to do that yet. We also watch
to be sure the gills stay a bright red color.
When feeding, we only put in a small amount
www.muskiesinc.org
of minnows to be sure none are left in the tank. (Jenessa Mayer and
Morgan Depies)
The original plan was to release the four muskies into Elkhart
Lake in May. The two new muskies are only between seven and
eight inches long. They will be at my house over the summer so
they can grow bigger and have a better chance of survival. If they
survive, we will release them in fall. (Brandon Posewitz)
From an educator’s point of view, this has been an extremely
positive experience. The students have been excited about the
project from the start, and that excitement has not disappeared.
They continue to learn a great deal about tiger muskies through
research and daily observations. Even dealing with the death of our
four beloved class pets was a learning experience. We discovered
how delicate life can be and how much work is involved in raising
living things.
Some of the comments made by the students over the past few
months sum up the benefit of a project like this:
“I’ve fished, but I’ve never really thought about how the fish
I’m catching live.”
“I learned more than I would reading out of a book.”
“I think having muskies is a great experience. It shows us
responsibility and care for animals.”
“I think it’s exciting to watch them because they’re living
creatures and they’re a lot different from us.”
“It’s really neat to see them eat. They grab it and swallow it so
quickly. They are the coolest fish ever!”
“I like fish a little bit more now.”
We’ve been blessed to be a part of this project, and I thank Jack
Posewitz and Between the Lakes Chapter for getting us involved.
Fisheries Biologist John Nelson was very helpful answering
questions along the way. He came in when we first got the fish to
share information with the students. Because of the high interest
level, they still remember so many of those facts! Jeff and Grace
Brown from the Wharf have been kind enough to donate the many
minnows the muskies have eaten. At the beginning, I personally
knew very little about muskies. I always enjoy learning with my
students. Muskies are not an easy fish to raise, but it’s been a
worthwhile journey. ❖
TO JUDGE A
MUSKIE’S WEIGHT or
‘THE FORMULA’
Y
ou know the formula for the weight of a Muskie by
measurement, but have you ever thought ‘how much did that
Muskie weigh that jumped clear out of the water?’
Well, I have ever since I saw one jump in the Chip. I just
happened to look in time to see this Muskie jump and he cleared the
water by at least two feet.
I got to thinking about this; worked on several ideas, even talked
to some mathematicians but they just scratched their heads and
looked at me as if I was nuts—‘course I come to find out none of
them were Muskie Fishermen.
I was looking through my Grandfather’s Journals again and
found a page that I had ignored since it didn’t make any sense to me.
But now it seemed to have some meaning. I studied it and it was a
Formula. His few notes were rather sketchy but after looking it over
and over I found that it was about judging a Muskie’s weight when
seen jumping clean out of the water. Further study gave me
somewhat of an idea of this formula and I added some unknowns
where missing. It seemed to work out, however, I wanted a second
opinion so I sent it to Balliver B. Keggass. (He’s in R & D ya know)
Balliver B. called me and was as excited as a kid with a new toy.
He said he got the same interpretation as I did and he also added
another factor to the weight of a Muskie in water.
I am putting down this Formula here for exclusive use by
Muskies, Inc. Members only.
Second—A write-in letter to Sports Afield Magazine,
June 1964 issue said that a five pound fish weighs one
pound in the water
Third—Using Archimedes Principal, a solid mass in
water weighs about 63 % less.
Sooooo, an average of this data is .29
DIY
Days in Year (365/366 for Leap Years)
YIOMM
Yearly Issues of Muskie Magazine (12)
A constant used when three different bodies of water
are combined. (Flowages/Reservoirs/Rivers)
EF-L
Exaggeration Factor for Lakes. (1.065)
EF-FRR
Exaggeration Factor for Flowages/Reservoirs/Rivers.
(.71)
This is a Scientific WAG based on Conjecture and is
Set at .71. Note this is less than one (1) basically
because Muskie Fishermen are more than honest.
The .355 added for Lakes is the Jealously Factor since
the World Record came from a Flowage.
÷
Division Symbol
For Lakes:
WOM (lbs/ozs) = CVOW-L x MWIW ÷ DIY ÷ YIOMM x EF-L
For Flowages/Reservoirs/Rivers:
WOM(lbs/ozs) = CVOW-FRR x MWIW ÷ DIY ÷ YIOMM x
3 x EF-FRR
Definition of Terms and Symbol:
WOM
Weight of Muskie
CVOW-L
Cubic Volumes of Water for Lakes
CVOW-FRR Cubic Volumes of Water for Flowages, Reservoirs and
Rivers
These are brand new terms not in the Physics books
yet. They are set at:
1,000,000 for Lakes based on calculating the
average Top Muskie Waters in the U.S.
500,000 for Flowages, Reservoirs and Rivers based on
calculating the average Top Muskie Waters in the U.S.
MWIW
Muskie’s Weight in Water (.29)
Three sources were checked:
First—A friend of a friend of mine’s brother wrote a
Thesis on body weight in water and human bodies
weigh about 5 % of their out of water weight.
To convert decimals to ounces: Divide by .0625.
Examples:
CVOW-L x MWIW ÷ DIY ÷ YIOMM x EF-L = WOM (lbs/ozs)
1,000,000 x .29 ÷ 365 ÷ 12 x 1.065 = 70.51 (70 lbs 8 ozs)
CVOW-FFR x MWI ÷ DIY ÷ YIOMM x 3 x EF-FRR = WOM
(lbs/ozs)
500,000
x .29 ÷ 366 ÷ 12 x 3 x .71 = 70.32
(70 lbs 5 ozs)
Remember: Don’t let this fall into the hands of common
fishermen; otherwise I’ll have to develop another Formula—sort of
like the old Capt. Midnight Code-O-Graphs. Of course, then you’re
gonna have to go out and buy some~~~~~~~~brand Muskie tackle
and send in the label or receipt with your name and address clearly
printed on the back along with ~~~~~cents (no stamps please)
and….... ❖
www.muskiesinc.org
Just One
Bite
and You’re
Hooked.
The Ruhmann’s went Muskie fishing,
father Steve and sons Cody and Alex.
Cody caught three fish, including the one
he’s holding. Steve did not report on
what he himself caught.
You might recognize this young man, the
Muskies certainly do. He’s caught a
bunch of them. Evan Twa from Fargo /
Moorhead with a 42.5-incher.
Brooke Frank, daughter of Todd. In Carol Heffner sent in this picture of smiling
her short six-year fishing career she’s granddaughter Courtney Froemming who
accumulated a collection of salmon, went fishing with Carol and grandpa Jim.
Courtney brought in a half dozen chunky
numerous trophy sized smallmouth
bluegills while grandma and grandpa were
and largemouth, and brook trout.
skunked for Muskies.
Watch out Muskies!
Gander Mountain...
offering the right gear to
make that dream of a
muskie become
an obsession.
Tim Scanlon, daughter Lindsay, and son Steve in July of
Mike Fenske’s ten-year-old son Spencer Fenske, a
2003 on Pewaukee. Tim got three Muskies that day and Muskies Inc. member for the last three years. Spencer
the kids were excited about all of them. Check those
caught this 40”+ fish on Lake Alexander trolling a
smiles. Photo by Dan Busch.
Raddog spinner bait on the 4th of July this year, one
year from the date he caught a 45.5" on Cass Lake.
This young lady fished Lake Minnetonka for Muskies
in Lucky Libby’s “Make a Wish” tournament last fall,
but didn’t catch anything. So why the cute smile?
She got to drive that big Ranger boat (on shore)!
“Lucky” Libby Hoene
Gander Mountain
Pro Staff Member
Norm Small sent in this photo of his 10-year-old
daughter Lauren’s first Muskie caught on 4/17/05. The
fish measured 48” with a 24.75” girth and was released
at Lauren’s request, which made dad very proud of her.
And Lauren herself is a proud member of Chapter-22.
Well, maybe not quite a lunker, but at least this lad got
something during the “Youth Muskie Hunt.” Read all
about it in Ellen Wells’ story in this issue.
Well, we’re all kids at heart, aren’t we? A fine shot
of Ron Fredrick of the Fox River Valley chapter,
diligently selling raffle tickets at the Spring Board
meeting in April. Ron did all kinds of things at the
event.
☞
Proper Muskie
Holding Techniques
for MUSKIE Magazine Photos
including Covers, Article Support,
Photo Contest Entries
& Member Photos
PREFERRED
FOR PHOTOS
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
FOR THE LOCATION OF THE STORE NEAREST YOU CALL: 1-800-282-5993 OR
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238037 Muskie-July Mag

Transcription

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