12 www.muskiesinc.org

Transcription

NON PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE
PAID
ST CLOUD MN
PERMIT #1316
Fishing.
Landing.
Two totally
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PETE MAINA
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GREG MARINO-LINDA RICE
MUSKIE is published monthly and is the Official Publication
of Muskies, Inc. International Office: Terrie DuBé,
International Sec., 80 State Hwy. 200 NW, Longville,
MN 56655. Ph: 888-710-8286, Fax 218-836-2087.
© Copyright 2005 by Muskies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Departments
Contents
MUSKIE • VOL. 39, NO. 9
Features
2 President’s Message
7 The 2005 Chapter Challunge at Minaki,
Brad Waldera
3 Magazine Notes
10 Linda’s Muskie,
Jennifer McKenzie
4 International News
8 Editor’s Page
12 A Father’s Lament,
Nick Nelson
16 Chapters Up Close: Headwaters #12,
Mike Kanaval
13 Lunge Log
22 Photo Contest September Winners
24 Cutting Edge Hook Fundamentals,
Adam Glickman
28 Showcasing MI Supporters:
Hoosier Baits
26 Top 10 Muskie Bite “Triggers”,
Bob Chochola
33 Chapter News and Views
38 Book & DVD Reviews
30 Muskie Baits: Buying, Selling, Collecting,
Liz Cratty
40 Muskie Tales by Bob Jennings
42 Member Photos
Join Muskies, Inc. ...
or give a membership
as a gift.
Life Membership: ❑ 0-29 years $600.00 ❑ 30-44 years $550.00 ❑ 45-49 years $500.00 ❑ 50-55 years $450.00
❑ 56-60 years $400.00 ❑ 61-65 years $350.00 ❑ 66-up $300.00. ❑ $100.00 additional to include spouse or
junior member (up to the age of 18) if purchased at same time.
Junior Member (to 18): ❑ $15.00
Regular Membersip: ❑ 1 Year-$30.00 ❑ 2 Years-$55.00 ❑ 3 Years- $80.00
Family Membership: ❑ 1 Year-$42.50 ❑ 2 Years-$80.00 ❑ 3 Years-$117.50 ❑ For Muskie Research $________
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Junior Member(s)
Date of Birth (DOB)
Name ___________________________________ DOB ___________
(to find the number of the Chapter you wish to join, see the Chapter News & Views section)
(to find the number of the Chapter you wish to join, see the Chapter News & Views section)
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My Membership # ______________ Expiration Date _______
Check One: ❑ New Member ❑ Renewal ❑ Address Change ❑ Gift
MAIL TO MUSKIES, INC. 80 State Hwy. 200 NW,
Longville, MN, 56655
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www.muskiesinc.org
September 2005.....MUSKIE 1
President, Greg Wells
Phone: 920-457-3720
Email: [email protected]
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 NW, Longville, MN 56655
Phone: 888-710-8286 • Fax: 218-836-2087
At Large Directors
Term Expires
Dick McPike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2006
Dan Narsete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2006
The President’s Message
by Greg Wells,
Muskies, Inc. International President
Symposium Boat Raffle
We urgently need your help to make this program a success. I am resorting to begging.
Please purchase or sell as many tickets as you can in the final hours of the raffle. Remember
the proceeds of this fundraiser are ear marked to help finance the symposium. The easiest
way is to purchase is online at www.muskiesinc.org/boatraffle.
Dr. E.J. Crossman Muskie Symposium
If you have not registered for the symposium you are going to miss out on an
opportunity that has only happened twice in history. This is not just for the biologist. It
has been designed with the angler in mind. Our fall board meeting is on Friday from 8-4
and will culminate with the start of the symposium. I would hope that at least one member
of each chapter will be in attendance of the board meeting and symposium. A presentation
about the symposium from your attending member would be an enlightening program for
a chapter meeting.
Grant Committee
We have started a grant committee and Jim Shannon has agreed to be the Chairperson.
We are going to get our feet wet and learn the process of grant writing. Our first focus will
be on youth projects so if you have a project for 2006 or an idea for one that could fit the
bill for a possible grant email Jim at [email protected]
Strategic Planning Committee
Dan Narsete is the new Chairperson with Steve Budnik as an advisor. Dan would like
some chapter presidents and RVPs to join this committee. Here is an opportunity to shape
the future of Muskies, Inc. How can anyone pass on this? Members, if you feel your
president would be a good candidate for this committee, persuade them to join.
Art Anderson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2006
Hot Water Muskies
Jack Moga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2006
This is probably late for this topic but better late then never. My partner and I had an
experience in July that isn’t normal for Wisconsin that is that the water temperature was
extremely hot anywhere from 84 to 90 degrees. We were fishing deeper structure and weed
lines where the water was cooler feeling that this would suffice in our release procedure.
Well we were wrong. We both caught fish on the same day and both muskies fought hard
but of course at the surface. The fish were brought in as quickly as possible and released
without being removed from the water. Both muskies showed considerable stress and took
abnormally long to recover. Mike and I decided at that moment to discontinue muskie
fishing until the water temperature drops. I know it isn’t always the case that we just stop
fishing. I had the chance to talk with Pete Maina on the subject and he also said the best
conservation practice when the temperature is that high is to not fish. When we spoke the
temp had come down to the mid to upper seventies but even then he suggested going
barbless and not using a net at all. Good advice! Better conservation! ❖
Ron Mazur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2006
Ken Karbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
Jim Shannon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
Bob Timme
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
Jim Beaty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
Bob Osborne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
Laura Morrison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
Don Jahnke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
David Cates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
Patricia Strutz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
ABOUT
THE COVER
When you get through looking at the
center picture of Linda Rice’s 57-incher,
be sure to look at the others too, the
42 1/2, the 46 and the 48. Lots of
stories – read about Linda in this issue.
ABOUT THE
CENTERFOLD
Seventy-four pictures from the Chapter Challunge on the Winnipeg
River in July. Look at the people, your fellow Muskie Incers, in the
photos. How many of than can you identify? How many have you
met? How many should you have met?
They’re truly a great bunch you know, and the Challunge is one of
the very best ways to meet them. Come out next year, and get
acquainted with the people of Muskies Inc. from around the nation.
(For that matter, come out next year and help your team take the
Lunge Bucket away from that Fargo-Moorhead crowd before they lay
permanent claim to it.)
The Challunge is just another one of the many great things about
Muskies Inc. This was my second year and I promise you I’ll be
there next year, will take photos of you, and we’ll get you in the
centerfold too. ❖
Coming Next Month
in MUSKIE Magazine:
Special Edition
Edward Crossman/Muskies, Inc.
Symposium
Karl Scherer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
MUSKIE Magazine Staff
Rod Ramsell, Editor Emeritus
Keith Ogden, Editor Emeritus
MANAGING EDITOR
Jim Smith
15045 W. Double Tree Way
Surprise, AZ 85374-8568
Phone/Fax: (623) 388-3225
Cell: (623) 810-9103
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Juris Ozols
Phone: (952) 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
Brad Waldera, Jennifer McKenzie, Nick Nelson,
Mike Kanaval, Adam Glickman, Bob Chochola,
Liz Cratty
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.....September 2005
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
International
Officers
I N T E R N AT I O N A L N E WS
I N T E R N AT I O N A L N E WS ◆
Titletown Muskies, Inc.
Introductory meeting 7/12/05
Jay Zahn opened the informal gathering held at Bob’s
Bait & Tackle at 7:00p.m. name attendance and contact
information was taken. Muskies Inc. membership
applications were handed out, they are also available at
www.muskies inc.com
The initial focus was for all in attendance to understand
that club is in its formative stages and that the primary
objectives will be fundraising and to recruit members.
The fledgling chapter has been offered booth space at
the “Muskie Nutz” event to be held at Sportsman’s
Warehouse on 7/30/05. Members are encouraged to attend
and promote the new chapter.
A representative from the Sheboygan Chapter was on
hand to inform those in attendance that members would
need to be active volunteers for the Titletown Chapter to
succeed. The Sheboygan Chapter has also pledged $1000
to the Titletown Chapter.
As an attempt to reach potential members, Jay will post
the next meeting on some of the more popular Internet
boards such as Lake-Link.com, Muskiefirst.com, and
Muskyhunter.com as well as print advertising in the Press
Gazette.
Who, What, Why, & How will be on the agenda for the
next meeting. The WHO is member recruitment, WHAT do
we want to do as a chapter, WHY do we want to do it, and
HOW will we accomplish it. Money/Fundraising and
volunteers will be crucial to the chapters success. Possible
starting points are where do we want to be in 1 year. Short
term goals and long term goals, etc.
A video on proper handling of muskies was shown and a
raffle of donated baits, misc. items and gift certificates was
held.
It has been tentatively set that meetings will be held at
7:00p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month. The next
meeting is scheduled for August 9th at Mackinaws.
Submitted by Wade VandenHeuvel, Secretary
We know we have a lot of work ahead of us but if we can keep
our focus we can become an important organization in the Green Bay
area. Northeast Wisconsin has a lot to offer in Muskie Fishing and we
think its important that Muskies Inc. has a voice here.
Jay Zahn President Titletown Muskies Inc.
J
APRIL
Dave
Leon Silverman
Mittlesteadt
Tom Krippner
Steve Syrja
Joe Valecka
Jerry Kriss
Raymond Burris
Robert Basic
Russ Warye
Jerry & Vicky
Greg Denny
Grove
David & Harriet
Ray
Pilmonas
Shufelt
Thomas
Hall
Thomas Sikora
Pete
Suttle
Bert Williams
ROBERT
Darrell
Brunner Sr
Delahousaye/Vic
Andrew Harrell
ki Minnick
& Family
Kenneth R
Duane
Miller
Landmeier &
Matt Firestein
Family
Clayton &
Joanne Will
Lance Lemke
Ed Miller
Robert Buckley
Phil Peterson
Ben Frings
Sid Williamson
David W. Smith
Steve Walter
Cary Gelfond
Jerry Stayer
John Geml
Terry Schwartz
James O'Connor
Larry Stephens
Tony Sworsky
John Stevens
John Astrowski
Rick Wyrwas
David
Schlapman
Ben Gilmore
Jim O'Leary
Shawn Paladini
Richard &
Carolyn McPike
Michael Pfister
Corey Judson
Bruce Beebe
MAY
Mike & Lori
Ralph & Judy
Place
Anderson
Don Welage
William
Vergonet
D. Burkhart
Allan Hoeft
Mark Krause
Jason Jivoin
Dick Hamann
Daniel Smith & Doug Neff &
Family
Family
Bob & Judy Bell Shawn & Nicole
Schaefer
David Jack &
Family
Neal & Mark
Tamms
Vito Calianno
Jason Merics
Phil & pam Uhl
Richard Mech
Lee Bastian
Scott Scarpelli
David H. Olson
Joe Hendricks
Lynn & Ruth
Shuster
Craig Eversoll &
Family
Richard Brenner
Randy Pritts
Charles
Birmingham
Pete Barber
Burt Wagner
Chris Callaway
Brad Mitchell
James E Johnson
Ben Gilmore
Chris Estes &
Family
Stephen Seago II
Bob Davis
Robb Rybicki
John DeBoard
John Regan
Mike Barrett
Bill & Nancy
Althoff
Ron Highland
& Family
George Katke
Roy Overton
Jeff Stevenson
Rick Shoemaker
& Family
Harold &
Madeline Wohl
Ron Barker
John W Risius Jr
John Gobbo &
Family
Wesley Jones
Moving?
Send your change of address to:
Terrie DuBé,
80 State Hwy. 200 NW,
Longville, MN 56655
888-710-8286
Or e-mail to:
MISSION
Diana Mindar
Chuck Firestone
Tony Gray &
Family
Jon Holman
Greg E Adams
Clarence Worley
Michael Riley
James D
DeGeorge
George Muro
Dan P Johnson
On behalf of Muskies, Inc., thank you for adding a
bit extra when you renewed your membership.
– Pete Barber, Treasurer
www.muskiesinc.org
For those who do not
know him, Frank was a
charter member of Muskies,
Inc. as well as an
International past President
and for many years MI's
Treasurer.
He worked only steps
away from the MN State
Legislator and visited them
often when legislation was
pending on hunting &
fishing.
He was very
influential in shaping laws
that affected all of
Minnesota's sportsmen and
sportswomen.
He will be sorely
missed. ❖
[email protected]
JUNE
Ralph Dupuis &
Family
Charley Murray
Dennis Kobiela
Eric & Anneke
Schultz
Chae Dolsen &
Family
Gary & Sandra
McCamant
Gregg Macek
Scott
Lewandowski
ust a note to let you all know that Frank Schneider passed away on
August 8th from brain cancer.
S TAT E M E N T
“Muskies, Inc. is an active, service-oriented, nonprofit 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
The Dr. E.J. Crossman Symposium Committee would like to
acknowledge our corporate, chapter and individual sponsors. With
these contributions, the Symposium Committee commits to
hosting a one-of-a-kind event for the participants, biologist,
researcher and fisheries managers. Our guest speakers include Steve
Heiting and Jim Saric, Editors from Musky Hunter Magazine, and
Rob Kimm, Research Editor from Esox Magazine. Other notable
speakers include Russ Wayre, Larry Ramsell, Jack Wingate and Dr.
John Cassleman.
Our appreciation and gratitude are extended to the following
groups for their support for the symposium. The Corporate
Sponsors include Gander Mountain, which contributed $12,000
toward the symposium as well as Muskie, Inc, which contributed
$10,000 plus 1 free registration for each Muskies, Inc Chapter.
Several MI chapters made direct contributions to the symposium in
2003, 2004 and 2005. As guest host of the event, the Hoosier
Muskie Hunters contributed $5,000. Between the Lakes,
Kentucky, Twin Cities, Colorado and Brainerd contributed
$1,000. Shawnee, Upper Great Plains, Capital City, First
Wisconsin, Hayward, Fargo-Moorehead contributed $500. The
Michigan Muskie Alliance, Quad City and the West Virginia
Chapter (and 4 DNR registrations) contributed $250 and Star of
the North $200. Muskie, Inc President, Greg Wells and his wife
Ellen, individually contributed $250. Many of the remaining MI
Chapters have made pledges to the symposium. Chapters have
raised monies over the past 3 years through Guide for a Day, Silent
Auctions and Raffles to help financially toward this historic event.
These funds help support the event for meals, guest speakers
fee, room rentals, and travel expense for DNR managers and
biologist. Also, funds will help publish the reports. Reports will be
reviewed, edited and published according to American Fisheries
Society guidelines and standards. This publication will be used to
establish standard for managers and anglers for the next generation
of anglers.
Registrations for the symposium will be accepted until
September 31, 2005 for $100 per person (which includes meals
from Friday dinner to Sunday breakfast) or $120 after October1,
2005. All registrations are handled on a first come basis.
Registration forms are available in this issue of Muskie magazine.
Chapter and individual contributions may still be accepted
through September 31, 2005. Make checks payable to the Muskie
Symposium, P.O. Box 501371, Indianapolis, Indiana 46250. All
contributions will be acknowledged in the next issue of Muskie
magazine.
D O N AT I O N S
Muskies, Inc. Bids Farewell
to a Great Sportsman & Friend
Symposium Sponsorship
Titletown Muskies, Inc. became a reality on May 31st. of this
year. As the name implies we are from the Green Bay area. Muskies
Inc. has been absent from the area since the mid 90’s. On the 31st. of
May we met with the International President Greg Wells and Between
the Lakes member Steven Western. They presented to the group what
we would need to do to become a chapter of Muskies, Inc.
Most of us had either been or were still members of various
chapters in Wisconsin and were anxious to have our own chapter
again. At that meeting we decided to meet at Bob’s Bait and Tackle
on July 12th for our first meeting. That meeting was attended by 22
area Muskie fisherman. Here are the minutes from that first meeting.
Titletown Muskies, Inc. – Chapter #4
The 2005 Chapter Challunge at Minaki
by Brad Waldera
Gary Dew
President
631 Haish Blvd.
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 756-3231
Dear Muskies, Inc. Member,
This note to you is a call to action or, as many of you may wish to call it, a plea to get on board
and consider participating in the Dr. E.J. Crossman Symposium Boat Raffle.
As most of you know, Muskies, Inc. and the Hoosier Muskie Hunters will host the Dr. E.J.
Crossman Symposium. A cutting edge research event, this symposium is the second such
symposium in the history of this organization.
Putting on this event, and publishing the results for all who may want this information, is very
vital tot he successful improvement of muskie fisheries for the future. This also serves to help
Muskies, Inc. in it’s fulfillment of its mission statement. Unfortunately, this requires a significant
investment in capital to achieve the successful hosting of this event.
The 2005 Triton Boat Raffle was conceived to be the means to commemorate this special event
in this organizations history, as well as to help raise the funding for this event. Muskies, Inc. teamed
up with Triton Boats to build a boat that would be a one of a kind, well equipped and appointed, with
our corporate colors and logos done in the carpet. We rolled out this boat in January, and through the
dedication and generosity of many of our members, through donating their time and gas, we were
able to get this boat to several sports shows. We had high hopes that this would be well received by
our members, as well as the general public. Ticket sales, even though we held the line on ticket
prices, have not met with what we anticipated. Now, with just two months left until the symposium,
we still owe the bank nearly $12,000.00, as well as having nothing to show toward the financial
commitment that Muskies, Inc. has committed to the symposium.
In January, at the inception of this event, we sent tickets out to all of the chapers, asking for the
participation of the chapters in getting these tickets out to you, the member. What we didn’t foresee
was the reluctance of many of the chapters to sell these tickets to and through members, due to state
regulations for raffles and possible legal problems that could be incurred by the chapters.
Since we understand that these chapters don’t wish to place themselves in jeopardy of having
legal problems, I would like to urge you, the member, to use either the mail order option or the
internet option through our secure website to purchase tickets.
Now, more than ever, we need our members participation in this worthy undertaking. Muskies,
Inc. recently received notification that Gander Mountain, due to unforeseen financial difficulties, will
be unable to meet both its financial commitment to Muskies, Inc. and its commitment for the
Symposium. Monies budgeted for the symposium based on projected revenue commitments from
Gander Mountain will not be there.
Regardless of the late loss of these funds, the Symposium and its financial commitments will go
on and come due in late October and early November of this year. Where will the money come
from? The Hoosier Muskie Hunter have carried the ball for all of us in putting forth the time and
effort to put on this special event. All of us, Muskies, Inc., will be the beneficiary of their
impassioned effort. LET’S NOT LET THEM DOWN!
When this boat raffle was conceived, we took great efforts to make this both affordable and fun,
as well as profitable for the chapters to participate in this event. One dollar, 20% of each $5.00
ticket, will be rebated back to your chapter for each ticket sold. For those of you using order by mail
or internet sales, please list your chapter number so that your chapter may receive the rebate. We also
placed a premium of $500.00 to be paid to the seller of the winning ticket. You have the option of
putting your name or chapter name or number in the seller’s line. You or your chapter could be
$500.00 richer, just for participating.
B
ack to back… Two straight for Chapter 02… The Monster
day. I could have gone with any of those as a headline, but
decided to keep it simple and to the point. I can’t believe I’m
even writing this, as nobody was more surprised than I that we won
our second Chapter Challunge in a row.
It all started on Saturday, July 16th, when we got to Paradise Cove
Resort. After unpacking our stuff, we decided to do a little fishing.
Many of our members had taken the whole week off, rather than just
coming up for the tournament days, and we couldn’t wait to get on
the water. Quite a few of us had never been on this lake system before,
and were pretty excited.
We fished that Saturday afternoon, without much success. It was
around 96 degrees when we got there, so we figured the fishing might
improve the next day. It wasn’t much better. The bite was tough. I
guess the water was around four feet higher than usual, which made
the fish relate to the cover a little differently. Monday, we figured
would be a little better, as some clouds were moving in Sunday night.
Boy, were we wrong. The temperature dropped about thirty-five
degrees, and it rained most of the day. At this point, I began to
wonder if I’d catch a Muskie at all… as in three days on the water, I
had only one follow. Our other members were not doing much better,
although F-M member Paul Haug did catch a 49” fish, which was his
personal best. Nice fish Paul.
Wednesday finally came, and most of our club members were
somewhat optimistic, at best, about the day ahead. My brother Brett
and I had fished the last two Challunges and were paired up again for
this one. We decided to fish around some points by “Naked Man”
island. I’ll explain that later. As we fished the second point on the
island, I got a strike and noticed that it was a fairly good-sized
Muskie. She went for deep water, and I played her out till Brett could
get her in the net. She was a nice 47incher, which was also my
personal best, and we felt we were off to a good start. We had fished
this island the day before and had seen a fish around 36”. As we came
around the corner, we saw a man standing on his patio, coffee cup in
hand, completely nude. We ended up seeing him on at least three
separate occasions, and since the island was not named on the map,
our Chapter began to refer to it as Naked Man Island. Shawn Earley
also caught a fish for our team on day one, giving us a four-point lead
heading into day two.
I was really not looking forward to day two, as the fishing hours
were from 6am to 10pm. That is a long time to get beat down by the
sun, and to be throwing Muskie baits. It was hot, and the fishing
wasn’t very good. We came in to the resort at 5pm for supper without
boating a single fish. The turkey dinner at the resort sure was nice to
come in for, though. The evening bite turned out to be a little better,
as Shawn caught another fish, and Chris Schrom also caught one.
Both fish were caught during the last half hour of the day and gave us
a 9-point lead, heading into day three.
Friday morning, we had three fish follow… one of them actually
being a “Hot” fish, but none of them wound up on the hooks. The
hot one looked to be around 43” inches, but my brother had weeds
wrapped around his lure as he went into the figure 8. A short time
later, a member of one of the other teams in the Challunge caught
her, and she did go 43” inches. I found out later that we had been
fishing one of the most heavily pressured areas on the lake. You could
tell these were educated fish by the way they responded. We fished a
few areas before hearing over the marine band that Jason Murray, one
of our team members, caught a 51” fish. I felt better after hearing
www.muskiesinc.org
that, as you gain quite a few points with a fish of that size. The fish
had followed, as another boat was coming down the shoreline. Chris
and Jason decided to sit on the spot for a little while, as the other boat
passed and after making about 25 casts, Chris looked down at Jason’s
lure. The fish was coming straight up from about 15 feet down, to
inhale the bait. I remember Chris making a reference to the movie
“Jaws”. Our team probably fished for a couple more hours without
any other action, before one of our guys suggested we head up to
Rough Rock and try for some smaller fish. We made our way up there
and noticed that the current was way down from a few days before.
After fishing one area there, we decided to try another spot. Just
as my brother was putting the trolling motor into the water, over the
radio came Chris saying they had just got another nice fish right up
the shoreline from us. We decided to go check it out and got there
just as they were measuring a 50” fish. Jason thought he had hung up
on a rock, until the fish tugged back and jumped to about the eye
level of him and Chris. It then swam right into the net. They caught
it in an area that was unfishable two days earlier, due to the amount
of current that was flowing through there. We pulled up along side
and I got some great shots of Jason releasing the fish. Minutes before
the 2pm deadline, Jason caught his third fish of the day, a 35 incher,
on a spinnerbait. We came in to find out that the fishing was tough
for just about everybody but Jason, as I believe only one other fish was
caught on Friday. That was a Monster Day, Jason. Good job.
As far as the final totals, we ended up with 65 anglers fishing this
year’s Challunge. Nineteen different fishermen caught a total of 27
fish, with Ann Story catching her first two fish. One of those stretched
the tape to 45 inches. Nice job Ann. More than one team mentioned
seeing fish that were in the mid 50-inch range. If only they would have
hooked up. It was also very nice to see a couple of the International
Board members there, as well as a couple of the At Large Directors.
We’d like to thank Tri-Esox Productions for their $1500.00
donation toward the running of this event. It really makes a difference
and makes it very affordable for the winning Chapter to host the
Challunge. Thanks, also, to Paradise Cove Resort for providing some
excellent meals and accommodations.
We’d like to send out a special thank you to Juris Ozols, who
really went out of his way to have his photo equipment available.
People could get photos directly to him, and some pictures that
normally would not have, will probably end up finding their way into
the calendar or magazine. We’d love to have that service available next
year.
We’d also like to thank everyone who competed in our friendly
Texas Hold’Em games, on Wednesday and Friday nights, and our
Friday night Fish fry. Practice up, as we may be doing that again next
year. It was a nice victory and we are already doing all we can to find
a great spot to host this event next year.
F-M member, Rick Eagleson deserves to be mentioned for his
work with the lodging and expenses, along with Paul Haug for being
our emcee at the award’s ceremony. We also thank F-M members
Steve Voss and Ron Teschner for running the raffle so well, and
Shawn Earley for frying all the fish on Friday night. Great work guys.
I’d also like to thank my teammates, Chris Schrom, Matt Aaser,
Jason Murray, Shawn Earley, and my younger brother Brett. It was
my pleasure to spend the week with you guys. It was nice to see Jason
have such a great day, as he really is a class act. It couldn’t have
happened to a nicer guy. Congratulations Jason. Hope we can do it
all again next year. ❖
E D I T O R ’ S PAG E ◆ E D I T O R ’ S PAG E ◆ E D I T O R ’ S PAG E ◆ E D I T O R ’ S PAG E ◆ E D I T O R ’ S PAG E
LETTERS TO THE
EDITOR
Hey Jim
I brought this book back from Ontario last week.
I’ve never heard about high levels of mercury in trophy
muskies. Have you?
Paul (Framsted)
Editors Note: The book Paul refers to is “Guide to Eating Ontario
Sport Fish, 2006-2006” The book is published by the Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources Information Centre. 23rd Edition,
Revised.
Referring to Page 10, “Muskellunge” it states, in part, “If you wish
to keep a legal-sized muskellunge for consumption, it will likely have
elevated mercury levels and should not be consumed by women of child
bearing age and children under 15. Trophy sized muskellunge usually
have very high mercury levels and should not be consumed by anyone.”
(underlining added).
If anyone has any articles on this issue or comments and or additional
information please send it to me at [email protected]
As I See It
by Jim Smith
Wow! What a month. This is the end of
July and you won’t be reading this until
September. So most of this will be old news.
In case you haven’t heard about all the
happenings, here are some tid bits for your reading enjoyment. As
you can see from the cover, there is a lady who is making history in
the muskie world. Linda Rice not only has captured the largest
muskie caught by any woman in history (57”), she has released
193.5” inches of fish in seven days (one week) between July 10 and
July 18th. Check out her story.
A big hardy welcome to Jay Zahn and his new chapter from
Green Bay. Chapter #4 Titletown Chapter, Muskies, Inc. was
established on May 31st, with 22 members. With all the hype of the
big muskies coming from Green Bay, this chapter should grow
rapidly. I also want to acknowledge the contribution of the Between
the Lakes Chapter of $1,000.00 to jump-start this chapter. President
Wells and a couple of his members went up and assisted in organizing
Chapter #4 and delivered their check. There is a chapter with “class”,
Thanks.
I noticed on one of the muskie boards that there is interest in
starting a chapter in the Detroit area. If you are in that area and want
more information contact Jason at [email protected]
Speaking of class, I would like to thank David Swenson, of
Swenson’s Guide Service http://muskieguide.homestead.com Dave
responded to my request to fulfill my Members Contest winner Kevin
King’s prize of a guided trip. Dave will be taking Dr. King out on
Vermilion this summer. Kevin will be submitting a story about the
trip that you’ll read in an up-coming issue.
Now for a reality check. You may notice that the Gander Mtn.
ad has been removed from the magazine. Gander has not met their
commitment with M.I. The Finance Committee is meeting the 27th
of August to deal with our budgets for next year. With the reduction
of a significant contribution from Gander they will, I am sure, be
making many changes. One of the changes I am aware of is that they
will be considering the reduction of issues of MUSKIE from 12 to 6
per year. If you feel strongly, I would appreciate hearing from you.
The recommendations from the Finance Committee will be voted
upon at the Fall Board meeting in Indianapolis on October 27th.
I had discussed the plea for donations for the Symposium in my
“Peek at the July Issue” which was on the M.I. web site. Scott Law is
very concerned that the Symposium will be quite short of funds with
the Gander Mtn. donation not coming through. They need your
help.
Also I had a call from Gary Drew from the Shawnee Muskie
Hunters Chapter. Gary is in charge of the Triton boat raffle, which
was supposed to raise funds for the Symposium. Today Gary has only
sold about half the tickets necessary to pay for the boat, let alone
making any profit for the Symposium.
So folks, reach down in those pockets and pull out a few dollars
to help us. Chapter officers and directors look at your treasureries
and see if there isn’t a donation possible there. You’ll see a list of the
chapters that have already made a donation to support the
Symposium. The list is embarrassingly short. We need your help.
Please do it now! ❖
Jim Smith, Managing Editor, MUSKIE Magazine
The Official Publication of Muskies, Inc.
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www.muskiesinc.org
That’s when Greg
Rod: St. Croix Avid 6’-6” AM66MHF
www.stcroixrods.com
grabbed the net and
headed towards me.
Reel: Shimano Calcutta 400TE
On autopilot I started
www.shimano.com
the perfect figure 8
Line: Power Pro 80# Spectra
and when I realized
www.powerpro.com
how massive the fish
Lure: Bucher “Topraider”
was I grabbed onto the
Baby Loon #90
Linda tells the story about her day of glory:
rod with both hands.
www.robertsoutdoors.com
“Wow! What a great start to a summer! Not even a month into
On the third
Net:
Frabill Big Kahuna Musky Net
muskie season and I’ve landed four muskies so far, one sizing 57” x figure 8 the fish
www.frabill.com
28 1/4”. Estimated weight by various formulas 56+ pounds.
swiped my bait and I
“Greg Marino, Bryan Thompson, Josh Anderson (3 guides from SET the hook with a
our lodge) and I (affectionately known around the
yank! I reeled up one more time in order for the net
camp as the muskie mamma) left the camp after All I could utter
to make it completely under the fish, it was so huge.
6:00pm on July 11th to do a little muskie fishing. By
All the boys were hollering, the whole boat was in a
8:00pm the sky was getting dark and we knew a was “I think there’s
fury and I felt complete exhilaration, although I had
thunderstorm was rolling in. We decided that we something behind
yet to comprehend what we had landed…………
would fish one more bay and then pack it in for the
within seconds my guide, Greg netted the fish.
night and head back for camp. Two eagles were me… THERE’S
Being at the front of the boat, I hadn’t realized
spotted in a tree in the bay. Spotting eagles seem to SOMETHING
how big it was until I heard the boys yelling “Linda!
be a good luck charm for Greg and me.
do you know what you’ve done!” and “get the
BEHIND ME, and Linda
All of a sudden there was a huge wake behind my
camera! Get the measuring tape!” I really hadn’t seen
Bucher Topraider Baby Loon. It looked like a it’s still coming!”
the full size of the fish yet. I was so frenzied getting
submarine just before it emerges from the depths. It
the measuring tape and the camera that I didn’t even
followed right to the boat.
really appreciate what I had caught. After all the specs were taken we
Now I never seem to be able to do The Figure 8 properly and I’ve hoisted that sucker up for pictures!” Linda says with a huge grin.
lost a few follows because of it. All I could utter was “I think there’s
“Greg came up and helped hold the fish with me. We got a
something behind me…THERE’S SOMETHING BEHIND ME, couple of pictures with Greg and me, and only then Greg only
and it’s still coming!” Josh hurried to reel his line in. As I saw the managed to snap one picture of me and the fish by myself before it
monster approach the boat it was as though I went into a trance. thrashed its way out of my arms and landed back in the water”.
“By then the storm had caught up to us
“Our year goes something like this; After
and we had to pull over to a nearby shore and
New Year’s we go up to Pickle Lake (that is
wait for the lightning to pass before we headed
where the fuel business is), we prepare the
back for camp. As we sat there on shore we
trucks, test the ice, break ground and start
scanned through the pictures on the digital
hauling. During this time we work around the
camera and re-lived the excitement all over.”
clock, we hire drivers to drive around the
This was only the highlight of the week.
clock, stopping only to sleep and eat. At the
end of March the roads are all but done and
Linda caught a 46” muskie the night before.
we finish up and head home to open up the
One of the guides, Josh caught a 48” right after
camp. We have a few weeks to fix things up,
Linda released her 57”, on that same night, in
before the opening of fishing season. Many of
the same boat. Four nights after the 57” incher
our guests come even before the fishing season
was landed, Linda caught a 48” muskie. The
opens. Of course, some of our children do lots
next time she got to go out muskie fishing was
of work around the camp all year round,
on July 18th. Joe Bucher had made reservations
renovating and rebuilding cabins etc. And
at Moosehorn Lodge for the week with his film
many of them also work all summer at the
crew to film some episodes for his fishing
camp as well, whether as general manager,
shows. While out fishing with Joe she caught
office manager, or casual housekeepers.
a 42 1/2” muskie, Joe caught a 44” incher.
Almost every family member has a role. It’s a
In summary Linda had a week with three
real family affair. When camp closes in the fall
exceptionally fine muskies 42 1/2”. 46”, 48”
Carter and Linda like to take the motor home
and one for the record 57”. It is as much the
south, down into the states for a holiday. We
size as it is that that fish alone puts her in a very
travel where ever the wind seems to take us”
special class of ladies. Linda is the first woman
she laughs “then we go home for Christmas to
muskie angler in history to catch and release a
spend it with our family. Between my 4
fish this large. We have checked all the records,
daughters and Carter’s daughter and 2 sons
Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame, Muskies,
Inc. Members Only Fishing Contest, and In the same week that she caught her record 57” and all their families, we fill the lodge for
Christmas dinner (about 26 of us plus
IGFA. We have even consulted with the
Muskie, Linda also caught three other
exceptionally fine muskies - 42 1/2”, 46”, 48”
friends). I have 11 grandchildren now, 9 of
experts in the muskie world, Jim Saric, Larry
(pictured here in order from top to bottom).
which live in Sioux Lookout, and we love
Ramsell and of course Jim Smith.
“We have been having a fabulous fishing season all in all, and spending time with them all. After Christmas holidays, we start the
what a collection of treasured moments!” Linda exclaims as she relayed year all over again up north.” ❖
her story of glory. “…and that’s only me, you should hear from some
FIGURE EIGHT THE RIGHT WAY
of our guests!”
Practice this set of Do’s now, not later!
Speaking of guests. Linda and her husband, Carter are the owners
•
Be
alert
• At the moment following setting the hook
of Moosehorn Lodge in Sioux Lookout, Ontario. They’ve only
•
Don’t
get
excited
and
blow
an
• First make sure you have a good
rd
recently purchased the camp, this is their 3 season of operation, and
opportunity
hookset
already they have built a completely new 250’ dock with an 80’ T,
• Make large, long sweeps
• Keep your hooks sharp
bought 10 all new 18’ Crestliners with 50 hp Yamahas and 3 21’
• Maintain constant lure speed
• Use longer, stiff rods
Harbour Crafts with 150 hp Yamahas, built a new fish house, rebuilt
• Release your spool (Freespool)
• Use 65# or 80# super braid lines
several cabins and renovated all of them somehow, built a new shop,
Think positive-Don’t quit!
re-plumbed the entire camp, and put in a new septic
system. Talk about a lot of remodeling!
For the past 15 years Carter and Linda have owned
a fuel oil business in Pickle Lake, which they sold when
they bought Moosehorn Lodge. Now they still own an
automotive garage and a trucking company where, for
years now, they haul fuel over winter roads to northern
communities (native reservations) in order to stockpile
for the rest of the year. There is usually around 12
weeks (depending on the weather) when the ice is thick
enough to haul large quantities of product over the
winter road. Not only do they haul fuel products, but
Carter has also been essential in coordinating the
opening of the roads, testing the ice, and often the first
to break ground for other trucking companies. This is
an essential service to these communities because the
cost to fly in supplies such as fuel, lumber, etc is
extremely expensive. Many of the chiefs and band
council members as well as other residents have a great
deal of respect for Carter and look to him for advice
concerning the roads.
www.muskiesinc.org
Rigging Up
A
lthough merely a rookie in the business, Linda, a local to
Sioux Lookout, has always loved to fish. Whether it’s walleye,
trout, northern, bass, and the most recent obsession muskie,
Linda has had a passion for the sport.
“I’ve always loved to fish, my dad fished and when he passed
away I spent many summer evenings taking my mom and children
out fishing.”
By Nick Nelson
expertly maneuvered the giant fish to the net. We communicated as
we played out our respective rolls. When Ted said, “go,” I made the
same successful moves I have made many times. Unfortunately,
because of the size of the fish, I only got its front half in the net. As
I lifted, I could feel the torque of the net handle favor the fish as the
netting action caused the fish to make explosive movements. In a
brief moment, the fish was gone. A lure with a straightened hook and
a shocked son with a distraught dad were left.
TED CAUGHT THE FISH. He selected the correct lure. He
cast the lure to the right spot. He worked the lure with intensity. He
hooked the fish. He set the hook. He fought the fish. He brought
the fish to the boat. He moved the fish to the net. TED CAUGHT
THE FISH.
DAD FAILED. I missed half of the fish with the net. I did not
have the net deep enough in the water. I was unprepared for the
weight of the fish. Perhaps, I should not have tried to bring the fish
into the boat. What if I had a cradle? DAD FAILED. ❖
Author’s Note: To most anglers, the act of “catching” a fish is a matter of
inflexible definition or tradition. For that reason, I have used fictitious
names. Through this article, I don’t want to embarrass Ted since I have
done enough damage. PITTSBURGHERS, when a fellow tells you that
he CAUGHT a 48” Muskie, on a 90-degree day, while fishing with his
dad in Minnesota – PLEASE BELIEVE HIM. I saw him do it.
JOB OPENING
“Advertising Manager”
MUSKIE Magazine
If interested, submit brief resume with portfolio of a few examples of paid
advertising work, history of experience, contact phone, and Email address.
Please list major computer equipment and your ability/familiarity with various
computer programs. Candidates will be sent complete job description,
questionnaire and may be invited to submit a more detailed background and
resume. Suggestions for improving MUSKIE Magazine Advertising Program
would be appreciated. Please review a current issue of MUSKIE. This is a
part-time job and will not require relocation. Please send inquiry to Jim Smith,
Managing Editor at [email protected] in addition please
include a copy of your submission to David Cates, Vice President
Communications at [email protected]
All submissions must be received on or before midnight September 15, 2005.
For questions please call Jim Smith at (623) 388-3225.
g
D
uring the 90-degree days of July, Ted, my 38-year-old son,
flew from Pittsburgh to Minnesota to spend three days
fishing with me. Of my three sons, Ted is the only one who
enjoys fishing, especially Muskie fishing.
As a fishing pair, Ted and I have caught Muskies in Pennsylvania
and Minnesota, but nothing over 40 inches. For the three days, I
took care to establish conditions for success. I selected good Muskie
lakes; installed new line and steel leaders; checked the net; sharpened
the hooks; bought two maps; and gleaned new details about the lakes
on the Internet. For the 132,000 acre Mille Lacs, I made
arrangements to use a premier Muskie guide. We were ready. We
were going to catch the big one. I did my best.
The first two days were hot, hard working ones spent pursing the
beast on West Rush and Mille Lacs. The time on the lakes was truly
father/son quality time. The Northerns let us know that Pike were
still active in the warm waters with surface temperatures varying a
couple of degrees both ways from 80.
However, at the end of the second day, we were facing the need
to capture the big one on the next and final day. With Independence
Lake experience, good equipment, and strong desire, our hopes were
still alive.
At about 1 pm, with the Independence Lake air temperatures in
the 90s, Ted let me know that he had a hit. As I was preparing the
net, he informed me that it was a big fish. I took my position as Ted
nge L
u
L
e
o
h
t
by
Ji m B u n c h
Linda Rice 57 Inch Release!
In late July I got a phone message from Jim Smith our editor.
Jim calls me quite often and as usual I was not home. His voice
message was very low in volume but I could hear him babbling
something about a 57 inch muskie and somebody named Linda. I
did not have a clue what he was talking about. There was some
anxiety in his voice though. So when I opened my email the next
morning there was a fish picture from Mr. Smith. In that email was
some history, big time. As a matter of fact it was so significant that
the picture he was talking about is on the front cover of the magazine
you are holding in your hands.
This muskie is the longest release by a female member of
Muskies, Inc. ever in our history. That history is 35 years. This
includes all entries from the United States and Canada ever. Today
August 1, 2005 we have 207,654 entries in the Lunge Log. I have
200 plus in “The Box” along side my desk. The fish approval section
of the web site has another 220 waiting for my mouse to “click”.
Chapter chairpersons have hundreds in their hands headed in my
direction. So the Lunge Log probably sits at about 209,000 muskie
tales in hand. Linda Rice is number 8 longest ever. The girth of this
fish will challenge anything ever entered.
Moosehorn Lodge!
Linda told me they bought this resort in 2003, Carter her
husband said 2002. I did not realize the difference in years until I
looked at my notes. Whatever the difference, we assume it was in the
winter between 2002 and 2003 fishing seasons. Linda and Carter are
lifetime residents of the Sioux Lookout area of Ontario, Canada.
This, my friends is the legendary Lac Seul. We can only assume that
some of our more well to do members of Muskies, Inc. would have
loved to snap this place up for their own. That did not happen, so
on the first of August I asked Linda, did you know when you bought
this place that you were in the middle of Muskie heaven? She
immediately responded with a major no. She did not have a clue, as
a matter of fact, she had never seen one. Husband Carter told me it
was just known as walleye, northern and bass.
As they settled in and started updating the place a few local
guides started relating stories of the muskie. Linda decided that even
though northerns were just a pest, green slimy fish that did not
interested her at all, she was willing to check out this muskie thing.
In 2004 she goes on her first muskie expedition. Being a rookie at
the time she managed to land a 45”, a 47”, a 51” and a 41”.
Sometime in this experience while landing the 45” the fish goes
absolutely berserk and puts on the greatest show on water. Linda was
hooked. In my conversation with her I did not have the guts to ask
her how old she was, however, I see in Jim Smith’s article she states
she has 11 grandchildren.
www.muskiesinc.org
Muskies, Inc. Member!
Linda was now aware of what lay at her doorstep. She was very
aware of the intrigue of the muskie. She was aware of the interest of
the serious fisherman. So while taking their annual trip to the states
during the winter, they happened on the Chicago Muskie Show.
Imagine this, she walks up to the booth of the “South Of The
Border” chapter and a conversation starts; they talk muskies, she
talks Moosehorn Lodge. Finally, a member of the SOB Chapter says
“You should join Muskies, Inc.” She did. Here we go.
Linda has a daughter, her name is Michelle Diston. I forgot to
ask, but I think she works for the resort or one of their other entities.
Michelle decided to try this muskie thing her mother was so
interested in. One trip did not do the trick, but on the 2nd one she
landed a 55.25 inch muskie. She was not a member of Muskies,
Inc……….yet. It was her first and remains the only. Keep in mind
here, Lac Seul is release only. Linda’s husband Carter is a very serious
business man and works very hard at it. I tried to get into a
conversation about his fishing ability and he simply stated, “I am
simply the fix it man”. So as I am trying to get in touch with this
Linda, I would call about 10 in the morning and they would say she
is out muskie fishing already and will not be back until about 10 or
11 PM tonight. This went on for 3 days. Linda would call at 7 AM,
but because I work until 2 or 3 AM I would not be conscious yet.
Finally I told my buddie Jeannie that if this Linda calls tonight, ask
her if I have permission to call her at 11:30 or midnight. When I got
home August 1, Jeannie jumped up and said you may call Linda. I
did and that is why I have met another really neat person.
56.86 Pounds!
Was this a stroke of luck? I started out thinking maybe.
However after all the facts came in, and all the data is assembled, and
after a very long conversation, I don’t think so. It truly amazes me.
Linda told me that she has heard about people catching muskies on
this figure 8 thing. She said she tried it a number of times and blew
it. Her guides were always yelling about what to do, she was pushing
the bait down in the water, they told her to keep the surface bait, the
Top Raider on the surface and not to push it down. She did and this
big horse just turned and ate it. The fight was a miracle though
because one of her guides made an awesome swoop with the net and
was able to nab this awesome fish that was very green. When the
guides are not working they enjoy taking out the boss. Well the boss
is now known as Muskie Mamma. This was 57 X 28.25 X 28.25 /
800 which is 56.86 pounds. She has 11 grandchildren; we wonder
how many grandchildren this muskie has. You see this muskie is still
alive and some where near Sioux Lookout, Ontario and Moosehorn
Lodge.
Jeff Miller Magical Trick!
Jeff Miller is from Eagle River, Wisconsin. He has done a lot for
his chapter. He is on my International Contest Committee. He is a
fine man and somebody I respect a lot. So he goes to Lake Of The
Woods and at some point he is closing in on number 200. Get a
picture of this. At 7 AM he selects a Slopmaster, whatever that is. He
lands and releases a 50 inch muskie. It is number 200 for him in the
Lunge Log and it is July 4th, a major holiday in his home country.
Match that.
Keep a tight line
JBunch
The Lunge Log.
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
A Father’s Lament
www.muskiesinc.org
Muskies, Inc.
Chapters “Up Close”
by Mike Kanaval
T
he Headwaters Chapter of Muskies Inc. was incorporated in
1979; one of the original members and an officer, Chet
Meyers is still a member today. In its first years, the
membership was under 60 and now has grown to over 400 members
from numerous states and including Canada. Located in Eagle River
Wisconsin, this family of 400 + Members has some of the finest Lakes
and Rivers at it’s fingertips. The Northwood’s muskie community is
well represented by the Headwaters Chapter and their incredible
conservation legacy that has become the hallmark of Muskies Inc.
Their efforts in the promotion of “Catch & Release” can only be
described as inspiring. No single act is doing more to preserve the
quality Muskie fisheries today than the ethics of CPR (Catch Photo
Release) and since the early 1980s they have promoted this knowing
this will ensure the quality of fishing for the future.
Studies done by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
indicate a 40-pound muskie may contain as many as 225k eggs at
spawning time. By releasing a muskie of this caliber will allow it to
reproduce again spreading it’s genetic strains for the future. For those
who still can’t grasp the importance of releasing those larger fish,
Muskies Inc. goes for the pocketbook by showing the financial
Chapter #12:
Headwaters Chapter
implications involved. The Sport Fishing Institute has determined
that fishing creates just short of $70 billion in economic revenue and
supports 1.3 million jobs. Muskies International has produced a full
color brochure that is full of tips for catching, handling and safely
releasing muskies. These are available in our local sporting goods
stores, and can only help us to educate everyone on the best way to
Catch & Release these beautiful fish.
I had the privilege of speaking with John Schmidt from the
Headwaters Chapter; his inspiration on promoting Catch & Release
is contagious, after I hung up the phone I wanted to get more
involved in promoting the ethics of CPR as well. I asked my usual line
of questions and felt like a tape recorder; John quickly could sense my
nervousness and quickly made our conversation fun and very
entertaining. The most important thing I wanted to express in this
article is what is it about the Headwaters Chapter that is the single
most important thing, what do they feel is second to none and hold
that value on a pedestal. John quickly answered “the generosity of our
members” both with their funds & time. The club participates in a
trout pond at the annual Youth Programs Show in Eagle River, this is
geared towards the youth of their communities and helps them
appreciate local resources they are so lucky to have.
There is also a Youth program where a child
receives a card punched every time they fish an
adult. Once this card has been filled up it can be
turned in the club for prizes. This Chapter also
provides financial support for building handicap
accessible fishing piers, improving over 20 boat
landings throughout Vilas County. The
Headwaters chapter currently is supporting
numerous research and stocking projects: the
Three Lakes Research Project; eradication of
Eurasian milfoil; and stocking over 50,000
muskies in area lakes. The Chapter has 6 member
outings a year and is the host of the Spring Classic
of Champions on the Eagle River Chain. The
efforts of these events has contributed
approximately over $100.000 to state and
International Muskies Inc. resource programs.
The Headwaters Chapter is also a member of
the Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin. The
Musky Clubs Alliance is an alliance of about 24
muskie clubs in the state of Wisconsin. One of the
Major purposes of the alliance is to provide an
organizational framework in which the clubs can
share information and work together to improve
the muskie fishery in the state.
The Headwaters Chapter is currently under
the leadership of Bill Jacobs; Bill has inspired more
members to become active and increased the
number of worthwhile projects for the future. For
more information on this Chapter visit them on
their web site at www.headwatersmuskies.com ❖
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:
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 reservations.
Photo Contest – September Winners
by Juris Ozols
O
ur first picture this month is one that I’ve been trying to
shoot myself, but could never quite carry off. But of course,
I never had a boathouse handy. Jeff Miller from the
Headwaters chapter did, and he got this great shot. He reports:
“The picture was taken on the afternoon of July 3rd on Lake of the
Woods. We were one island south of Sabaskong Bay Lodge when the storm
rolled in. I knew where the boathouse was, but didn’t know it was empty
until I turned the corner. We pulled in just in time as the hail started and
continued for 15 minutes. During this time a boat with two other
Muskie fisherman came by also wanting to use the boathouse. You can see
by the picture they couldn’t get in, as I was already there.”
“We did have other company with two mud swallows joining us in
the boathouse. I took many other pictures of the hailstorm covering the
ground and knocking leaves off the trees. I used a Kodak 6490 digital
camera and thought it would make a good photo for the contest so I shot
a bunch of photos. We fished eight hours that day through four different
storms and saw two Muskies, had one on and caught two northerns. The
next day was much better with a 50,43 and 38” fish caught. The 50 was
my 200th entry in MI.”
Well, great! You do have to feel sorry for those two poor souls
sitting out there in the middle of the pelting rain and hail, and even
putting a life jacket over the head probably didn’t help. Like I said,
I’ve been trying to take a picture such as this for a long time. I’ve been
out in conditions where the wind is calm, the lake flat, and the rain
makes those wonderful patterns of splashes on the water. It’s a fine
photo
opportunity.
However, that rain isn’t
so good for cameras in
that condition, and it’s
hard to take a picture
while keeping the
photo equipment dry.
Jeff, with the help of the
boathouse, managed
beautifully.
Our second picture
is a classic fish shot of
Jason Murray, FargoMoorhead, and one of
his two 50-inchers on
the last morning of this
year’s
Chapter
Challunge on the
Winnipeg River (read
the story in this issue).
Like all things with the
Fargo folks, it was a
team effort. Shawn
Earley reports:
“Chris
Schrom
(boat driver for Jason),
Brett Waldera, and I
always stay in contact on
Submission of photos
the marine band, to keep informed with what’s going
on regarding the fish. As soon as one of us figures it
out, we can relay it back to the others, which helps
our club and us to get on a pattern right away. This
in turn, usually equals more fish for everybody.”
Juris Ozols
“We stick together, covering the water more
14575 Europa Way
effectively,
by knowing whether one of the boats in
Apple Valley, MN 55124
our group has fished a certain spot or not. This
Full Photo Contest rules and
eliminates dead water, and is how we were able to get
information are on the Muskies,
to Jason so soon. My boat partner Matt Aaser was
Inc. website, with a link in the
already getting the camera ready as I drove the boat
menus to the left after logging in
to where Chris and Jason were. Matt ended up
to the Members Only section.
taking the great photo with my Kodak EasyShare
CX6330.”
So Chris drove the “fish” boat, Jason got the fish, Shawn drove the “photo” boat, and
Matt took the picture with Shawn’s camera. A team effort indeed, not sure who should
get the most credit. But it’s also a very fine “fish” photo. We see all of the fish, Jason has
an appropriate expression on his face, and the net in the foreground even adds a nice
setting. Note that Matt must have been standing up on the platform of Shawn’s boat,
looking down, to take the shot because the picture avoids that dreaded “horizon through
the head.” The water makes for a very clean, non-distracting background.
by all members is encouraged.
They can be emailed to
[email protected], or sent to:
Tips and Comments
The Fargo picture illustrates something I’ve been pushing for a long time – taking
photos from one boat of things going on with another boat. As it turns out, Brad Waldera
also took a “release” picture from his own boat of this fish, and it’s a beautiful shot too.
That one will be in the 2006 calendar. I was really glad to see these pictures.
Taking photos from another boat, or indeed, from shore, gives you photo
opportunities you simply don’t get by taking pictures on your own boat.
Jeff ’s “hail” shot also illustrates one of my favorite themes: The weather presents all
kinds of opportunities for “different” kinds of photo subjects, and I was glad to see he took
advantage of the storm. Never hesitate to reach for your camera and record all the
beautiful things that go on when you’re out on the water.
Finally, this: During the Challunge I was delighted to meet several people who said
they enjoyed reading these monthly photo reports. However, one gentleman also expressed
surprise at my apparent age. “I thought you were 12 or 15 years old,” he remarked.
Hmmm… Now what do you suppose he was getting at? Anybody have any ideas?
Juris Ozols, September 2005
Ottawa River Trophy Muskie Charters
www.muskiesinc.org
Cutting Edge
Hook
Fundamentals
by Adam M. Glickman
M
is more detrimental to your hooks than wood, but even aquatic
vegetation can dull a sharp point. The speed and force with which
your hooks make contact with the solid surface will determine the
amount of damage your hooks suffer. Even the impact with which a
casted lure hits the water is often more than enough to cause the
hooks to dull against the lure.
If you see or feel your hooks bump
into any solid surface while you are
fishing, storing, or transporting them;
you need to check them before use, even
if you just did. Hooks also become dull
over time even if there is no obvious
impact. During the first several casts
with a specific lure, check the points after
each obstruction free cast to see how long
it takes for one point to go dull. After
this, you can hold off on checking them
until you make this number of casts free
of obvious obstructions.
The way your trebles hang will cause
the point that leads to make more contact
with structure than the other points on the same treble. The leading
treble will also take more abuse than the trebles behind it. This
knowledge will make dull hook detection quicker, as you can pay
more careful attention to the hooks that are more prone to dulling.
Of course it is impossible to keep from damaging your hooks while
making your casts and presentations, but you can keep from
damaging them at all other times if you are careful not to bang them
against anything. Extra care takes extra time, but it takes less time
than sharpening hooks.
It is crucial to have every hook as sharp as possible because of
what I call the “bed of nails” effect. A common misconception is that
if one point doesn’t penetrate the fish, another one
will. However, the point that doesn’t penetrate
creates resitance that will reduce the chances that
another point or points, also in contact with the fish,
will penetrate. The worst case scenario is that the
dull point is the only one that comes in contact with
the fish, and it drags across and out of contact
instead of hitting home.
Some lures are less damaging to hooks, and thus
Rollie & Helen’s Musky Shop, Minocqua, WI
it is not a bad idea to choose a lure based on the
Crazy - D - Tackle, Elk Mound, WI
Diamond Sporting Goods, Hales Corners, WI
amount of hook maintenance you are willing to do
Kolar Bait & Tackle, Carol Stream, IL
Ye Olde Tackle Shop, North Webster, IN
in a day. In-line bucktails will keep sharp hook
DMS Tackle & Guide Service, East Grand Forks, MN
points the longest if you can keep from banging
Smokey’s Muskellunge Shop, Pewaukee, WI
and other fine tackle dealers.
them on rocks and wood. Having the hook or hooks
any articles have been written about the importance of
always using sharp hooks. However, I continue to
encounter anglers who miss hook-ups on even the most
solid strikes. They insist that their hooks were sharp, but their
answers are not so definite when asked about when they actually
checked their hook’s sharpness or sharpened
their hooks. Large investments of time,
money, commitment, effort, and
sacrifice often go into getting just one
strike from a muskie. The strike is the
moment of truth and if your hooks
aren’t sharp, the fruits of your labor can
go from ripe to rotten in the blink of an
eye.
Checking your hooks and paying
attention to what is happening to them
is not hard, but it is a little time
consuming. Some may argue that extra
time spent on proper hook maintenance
is time that your lure could have been in
the water taking a strike, but what is a
strike worth if you miss it? Action is good, but nothing compares to
a muskie in the boat. Proper hook maintenance will lead to a higher
strike to catch ratio, and it consists of three fundamental areas: 1.
recognizing how hooks get dull 2. knowing what a sharp hook looks
and feels like 3. knowing how to sharpen hooks well and quick.
First of all, no new hooks are sharp enough to use. They must
all be initially sharpened. Once sharp, hook points become dull by
coming in contact with solid surfaces which include your boat, any
other tackle, structure in or near the water, or the lure they are
attached to. Obviously, some solid surfaces are harder and more rigid
than others, and thus their adverse effects on your hooks vary. Rock
Dealer Inquiries Invited
surrounded by dressing keeps them from hitting the hard parts of the
lure, but the lure does not protect the hooks against structure.
Luckily, bucktails fish easily around structure. It is also easy to avoid
structural contact when using surface lures. Hook points on surface
lures will stay sharp a long time, especially if the lure isn’t prone to
dulling its hooks on cast impact.
Some floating crankbaits, such as the Detph Raider, dive with a
front down attitude, allowing the lip and body of the bait to protect
the hooks no matter what they hit against. Such presentations can
keep hooks sharp with a minimal amount of upkeep, but sometimes
other lures will produce more strikes. That being said, if this strategy
causes conflict with what you think should be thrown in any given
situation, don’t use it. For instance, weighted jerkbaits are my favorite
year round lures, but they are hands down the worst for dulling
hooks. Their bodies provide little protection for the hooks while
working the lure, their heaviness makes them contact structure more,
and the hooks are constantly banging hard against the solid body of
the lure. However, I have a lot of confidence in these lures, and I will
put up with sharpening hooks on every other cast if necessary.
The points on your hooks should be just that, a point. If, upon
examination, it seems that your hook points can be sharper, they can.
It is important to look at hook points in good light, because while the
visible difference between a sharp hook and an ultra-sharp hook is
subtle, the difference in performance is huge. Each hook point
should be examined from at least two different directions so that any
bends or rounding can be detected. A good hook point should have
four ground sides that come to a point that not only looks sharp, but
effortlessly penetrates the skin on the tips of your fingers. The three
points of each treble can be simultaneously and lightly dragged point
first across the skin on the thumb, index, and middle fingers. An
extremely sharp point will catch effortlessly under that first layer of
skin, while a less sharp point will drag across without catching.
I like to machine grind the points on my hooks with a cordless
Dremel tool. It is the quickest method and will put a finer point on
your hooks. Using a fine grit solid stone bit, I grind four facets
around the tip of the hook to create the point: one on the opposite
side from the barb, one on the same side as the barb, one to the left
of the barb, and one to the right of the barb. Some anglers prefer to
grind a three sided point,
creating an edge on the
barbed side of the point.
However, the two angled
sides take more time and
care to grind, and in my
experience there is no
difference in performance
as long as the tip is sharp.
It is important for the
tip to be fine, but the area
www.muskiesinc.org
below it should be sturdy. For this
reason, it is imortant to grind only
the last third of the distance from
the barb to the tip on the
hookpoint. The rotary should
always be held parallel to the shaft
of the hook point when sharpening
the three facets not on the barb side
of the tip. To work around the
hook bend and main shank of the
hook when sharpening the barbside facet, hold the Dremel
perpendicular to the tip of the
hook. The bit should fit inside the
hook gap on all trebles larger than
2/0. If the hook gap is too small
for the bit, grind only three facets,
but this will require more grinding on the facet opposite the barb.
Grind only a little off each facet every time you sharpen, and
keep going around until the tip is sharp as it can be. It is easy to grind
off too much at a time, resulting in a prematurely worn down or
ruined hook, so take it easy and go slow at first. It takes a little
practice to do this well, and you will find that a steady hand is your
best asset. The grinding must be closely examined, so there will be
dust and filings flying at your face. For this reason, it’s best to wear
saftey glasses or at least your sunglasses to keep the debris from getting
in your eyes. Once the distance from the base of the barb to the point
on any hook tip is reduced to almost half its original length, it is time
to replace the hook.
Proper hook care and sharpening have decreased the time it takes
me to catch a muskie. I have fished muskies for eleven seasons, and
each year I have steadily paid more and more attention to proper
hook maintenance. However, it wasn’t until the beginning of my
tenth season that I made sure I never threw a dull hook. Do my
hooks still get banged up? Of course, but I fix them before I cast
again, no exceptions. I have definitely noticed more average time
between my casts, but I have also caught many fish that never took
my lure well. The first time you catch a big muskie that you hooked
lightly in the tip of the snout on a light bump, you will be a life-long
believer in this system as well. I have boated many light biting,
bumping, and slashing muskies that I couldn’t have been sure were
fish at all, had my hooks not been sharp enough to stick them. Sharp
hooks will work as well for you as they do for me. You just have to
get used to the maintenance. Remember, your hookup percentage is
more important than the number of strikes you get. Argue what you
will, nobody enjoys thinking about the one that got away. ❖
TOP 10 Muskie Bite “Triggers”
by Bob Chochola
I
t’s often been said that you won’t catch a musky if your bait isn’t
in the water. This philosophy keeps the lures splashing from my
boat long after most other anglers have gone to bed. If you ask
anyone who has had the pleasure of timing a trip around one of ours,
they’ll probably tell you about our triumphant returns at two o’clock
in the morning singing and giggling like a couple of school boys on
summer retreat. The giddy arrival is usually accompanied by a big fish
story about a behemoth we dredged up from the depths in the middle
of the night.
Our determination to keep the lures going has proven successful
so many times that I must stress to you the importance of finding a
way to stay motivated and keep casting even if the fish don’t want to
cooperate. The frustration of not seeing any fish or multiple lazy
follows can easily force a musky hunter to an early visit to the
beverage cooler hoping for “better luck” in the morning. It’s hard
chucking those heavy lures all day long when the payoff hasn’t come
yet. I’ll tell you right now, however, you won’t find any muskies in the
beer cooler and you won’t catch a thing with your baits idol in the
boat.
That said, now that I have convinced you to crack-open the
beverages later, you’re probably thinking we cast 24/7 when we’re on
a hunt and we don’t sleep. Well, if you happen to be one of the guys
who shared camp with us over the years you’d say this statement is
true. I must admit that Pat and I have an unusual constitution when
it comes to casting because we have been blessed with more than our
fare share of huge muskies. Each one we get gives us that much more
energy to press-on for the next. Who knows? Maybe one day we will
be able to go without, but for now even these nocturnal creatures
must cop Z’s every now and again.
To make our long hours on the water more efficient and to
actually allow us to squeeze some sack time into our day, Pat and I
have a set of “triggers” we look for (and some we even plan our trips
around), that increase our chances of catching fish. I’ll call them our
TOP 10 MUSKIE BITE “TRIGGERS.”
HERE THEY ARE…
CONDITION #10: “Calm Shore vs. Wind Swept Shore”
Everyone should know about casting the windy shore by now.
This technique is always a good starting place to find active muskies.
What about the calm side?
A few years ago we fished the opener on Dryberry Lake and got
hit by some heavy wind gusts. After fighting a 35 mph wind and large
waves for a while, Pat suggested that we look for a calm side where we
might find a fish doing exactly what we wanted to do – hide.
As luck would have it the due west wind limited our options. We
ducked behind a large island that had a very nice weed bed in a bay
nestled on the middle of the calm side and a couple of wind-swept
rock points to either flank projecting out into deep water. The bed
itself was dead flat calm though and we began casting.
Pat cast to a big SUV-sized rock sticking out of the water at the
back of the bay. His lure hit about six feet in front of the huge
boulder. “Nobody home!” he said.
I noticed a deep cut in the rock just below the surface and
thought it was a good place for a lunker to hide. “Get one cast even
closer.” I said.
After my suggestion to chuck the bait in tight, Pat obliged and
hit the rock square in the middle with a crack and his bait fell into the
water right in front of the cut. Pat made two cranks of his reel handle
and hooked-up. Ten minutes later we had a fat 52-incher in our net
that was easily in the 40-pound class. I’d show you a picture, but
while Pat had the fish penned in our basket and I scrambled for the
camera (it’s bad luck to have it out and ready – did you know that?),
the musky reared-up and with one big jump cleared the rim and was
gone. Oops!
CONDITION #9: “Sunrise”
I must confess that sunrise is a time of day Pat and I know the
least about, mainly because we are up until all hours celebrating all
the big fish we catch after the sun goes down. I’ll get to that later. We
do, on occasion, fish the early bite when we are on a lake with a
bunch of recreational traffic during the day. Our trip over this past 4th
of July weekend to Webster Lake, Indiana is a good example of that.
We wanted to get out before the jet skis and wave runners beat the
surface to suds. As a result we boated matching mid-thirty inch
muskies.
Sunrise brings out the food and it only stands to reason that the
toothy critters will be on the prowl too. Now you’re never gonna see
us awake that early on Dryberry – for obvious reasons – but each lake
is different and you should gear your hunt to the specific situation
you are facing.
CONDITION #8: “Cloud Cover Yields to Sunlight”
I believe it is generally more productive to work high light to low
light periods, but I will not ignore the low light to high light changes
either. Like sunrise, a long period of cloud cover followed by a burst
of sun can be a great trigger. Light change of any kind may be the best
bite motivator and should never be ignored.
CONDITIONS #7 & #6:
“Full vs. New Moon & Moon Phases”
I’m sure you’ve heard the theory that moon phases can affect the
musky bite. We have been fishing the full moon for a long time and
it has always been very good to us. I’ve seen such dramatic increases
in land critter and waterfowl activity during the full moon that I have
to believe it similarly motivates the creatures under the surface. You
will notice the buzz about three days prior and then it will suddenly
crash a day or two after. It’s like clockwork.
During the July full moon, Canadian Shield lakes are lit up
almost like daytime. It’s remarkable how easy it is to see out there. Just
beware of approaching fronts – cloud cover can turn out the lights in
a hurry. All kinds of cool stuff will go on out there at night during the
full moon. People always ask me, “Where are the pictures?” What
they don’t realize is that you can’t photograph the magic and even if
you could, a picture wouldn’t do it justice.
”You just had to be there.” I tell them.
Northern Lights, frequent spectacular shooting stars, and
communication satellites buzzing and blinking through the starstudded night sky provide a heavy metal light show for a very exciting
time to be musky fishing. Bears, wolves, deer, loon, and bats make
every minute special when you are out there casting the moonlight.
The soft and subtle light can play tricks on you though, but this
is also true for the muskies. We have had so many fish slam into out
boat after missing the turn on a figure eight that we have grown to
expect it. I had a nice fish crack her head right at my feet one night,
scratching her back along the entire length of our boat before she took
back to the weeds. Pat hooked her on the next cast and we released a
nice 46-incher.
New moon spells D-A-R-K on The Shield. No lights, no moon,
just a whole lot of black. Friends of ours fish it and do very well, but
all I can tell you is watch out for islands.
What about moon rise and moon set?
I am not the person to consult about time specific information,
as I don’t keep close track of time. For that I will direct you to Joe
Bucher’s moon charts published in Musky Hunter Magazine. Joe has
made painstaking efforts to put together accurate information on
this subject. All I can say is that if you follow his timetables you will
contact fish. We have proven him right enough to say that you will
too.
We do pay close attention to the rise and fall of the moon. We
have had incredible action when the sun is low on the horizon to our
west and that big ol’ round hunk of cheese is peeking over the trees
to the east. You won’t ever find us in camp at this time of day. No way!
Our best action comes at dusk during a full moon rise (sunset). It
doesn’t matter to us if it’s the gravitational pull or the many changes
in light texture at this time – all we know is that we catch muskies.
CONDITIONS #5 & #4:
“Wind, Narrows, & Neck Down Areas”
Muskies are a native river fish. Without going into the grand
history of the species, I’ll say that to know and understand this
element will put you onto some of the highest percentage spots on the
lake right away. Growing up fishing The Fox River gives me some
keen insight into the musky world simply by my familiarity with the
nature of the beast. That nature is current.
Current happens one of two ways on any lake: fast water entering
the lake via a tributary and wind moving lake water through a neck
down, saddle area, or narrows. Higher concentrations of nutrients
and oxygen attract baitfish and active toothy predators won’t be far
behind. I say “active” because I doubt that a big fish will spend the
energy it takes to fight strong current unless she intends to eat
something.
These areas provide perfect holding for muskies and any weed
patch, rock point, or drop-off has great potential for success. Hold on
to your gear in the mouth of a fast moving tributary, because a strike
in the white water will rattle your teeth.
CONDITION #3: “Calm with a Steady Light Rain”
Whenever we wake up and peek out the window to see clouds,
calm, and a light rain falling, we go into overdrive. This is certainly
one of the best times to be on the water – low light and calm with
drizzle will move the baitfish (food). Muskies will hunt on a day like
this and a seasoned musky hunter will do the same.
www.muskiesinc.org
If fishing has been slow due to a long period of hot sun you can
bet that it will pick up under thick clouds and a pitter-patter of rain
on the glass-like surface. Activity will be high at all battle stations –
weed beds, rock points, up on the reefs, and on the troll.
Grab your gear and cooler because it’s gonna be a long day on the
water.
CONDITION #2: “Approaching Frontal System”
Just like the full moon stirs-up all the wildlife on a lake, so too
will an approaching frontal system. There’s nothin’ like a falling
barometer to kick it into high gear. Everything from sudden light
change to calm to drizzle to gusty wind through the saddle areas – it’ll
all come with a front.
Use caution. A storm front can come out of nowhere and will be
deceptively fast moving. ALWAYS PUT SAFETY FIRST… It’s not a
good idea to take chances. I can’t tell you how many close calls we’ve
had scrambling to get off the water. If you see lightning, even if it
seems a long way off, dock it and hit that cooler.
We have a group of good spots that are within a short boogie
back to camp and we generally stick close with heavy weather on the
way. Buy a weather radio and pay attention to the forecast. If you do
get stuck out there, by all means, pull your boat to shore and ride it
out there.
CONDITION #1:
“Two Hours Before Until Two Hours After Sunset”
We call it “prime time” and if you could see the 8X10’s that
wallpaper my den you’d realize that this is when we do our best work.
If you can only gather the strength for a four-hour casting day, then
sleep all day and be out on the water on your best spots in the
evening. There are no special instructions – just get out there and cast
your brains out! A strike at sunset or after dark is the most exciting
strike of all. We are always out hunting at this time of day – always.
That wraps up my TOP 10 MUSKIE BITE “TRIGGERS.” I sure
hope you find some of them useful out on the water. You should have
ten good places to focus your attention anyway. Now get out there
and catch a HOG! ❖
Bob “Bobzilla” Chochola has been a musky
hunter for almost twenty years. He is a member
of The Chicagoland Musky Hunters living in the
Dallas/Ft. Worth area, where folks are just now
only learning of the Mighty Muskie - thanks to
Bob.
Bob is a freelance Film & Video Editor/
Producer/Director & Writer.
He is also Bassist for the Texas-based band
Mojo Blu. Catch him online…
WWW.SONICBIDS.COM/MOJOBLU
WWW.STARPOLISH.COM/MOJOBLU
“I
am a member of Webster Lake Musky Club,
chapter 49,” began Don Slagle, owner of
Hoosier Handmade Musky Baits. “I am
new to this sport by five years. I’m still
learning so much about these awesome
fish, I just can’t believe it. I was a full time
bass fisherman and had no tackle at all
for this pit bull of a fish. I started
making wood baits soon after getting
hooked on musky fishing- mainly
because of the cost. I now spend more
time designing, making and selling baits
than fishing. From my garage and Ebay I
have sold baits from Arizona to New York,
England and Sweden. But, of course, my largest
customers are my fellow club members.”
Slagle has lived and fished near Lafayette, Indiana his entire life.
For many years he was an avid bass fisherman. A chance meeting with
a fellow at work who musky fishes introduced Slagle to this new
passion. “A guy came into work and we hit if off-he’s an Eagle Scout
and my boys are Boy Scouts. He has property up in Michigan and
fishes the Cisco Chain so he invited me along. It was the autumn of
1999. The weather was perfect and the fall colors were unbelievable. It
was my first time north of anywhere in Indiana and I was in heaven.
There were three of us fishing in my bass boat. It was probably about
the 10th cast, I had never even seen a musky in my life.
We were laughing at his colorful bucktail. All of sudden he yells
and as he pulled the lure out of the water the ‘skie came out of the
water, too, and crashed into the side of the boat. So I started firing
out casts about 900 mph. I cast a couple times and the water boils and
I set the hook. I’ve never had a fish on that fought like that. I had a
bassflippin stick, 20 # mono, with a homemade bucktail. It
took 15 minutes to get into the boat. A super fat
46”. Well, needless to say from then on I was
hooked and never turned back.”
Slagle had been making buzzers and
jigs for bass fishing for years. He’d sell
them to help pay for tournament fees.
When he plunged into the world of
musky hunting it was a natural
inclination to start tinkering around
with making larger lures.
“It takes two weeks to finish one lure.
Drying time accounts for much of that time.
I started by carving them. A guy who is a
carver told me to use basswood because it is very
buoyant and is tougher and heavier than balsa. Balsa can
split and you have to put wire through it. Screw eyes also work on
basswood. I’ve tried poplar. It is a harder hardwood, more dense, but
it doesn’t balance as nice. I bought some basic woodworking items
like a sander, drill press and a band saw. So, I got away from carving
and went to sawing and sanding. From my background in bass, I
realized that one of the most important things was noise. I thought
there had to be a way to put rattles in them. Both of my boys have
been in Boy Scouts. I figured this was like a pine wood derby box, so
I figured I could hollow it out and put in a rattle chamber. I tried it.
I was worried that the bait would be squirrly with a moveable weight,
but it doesn’t hurt the action at all. It’s very unique. I think I’m the
only one who puts a rattle in all my wood baits- from topwaters to
cranks to glides. Everyone has something to offer in the way of baits
and this is my niche. Each one has the loudest set of rattles you can
imagine.
The 9” baits have double two tone rattles that make a different
sound that changes, it depends on what direction the bait is moved.”
Slagle’s website, www.hoosierhandmademuskybaits.com shows
all the basic lures that he creates. Crankbaits, gliders and topwaters
are his specialties. This scribbler has personally field tested several of
the gliders and topwaters and I send my personal seal of approval.
The action on these baits is incredible. The gliders work effortlessly
and the jitterbug style topwater has a tight wobblelike walk the dog
pattern-in addition to a Creeper-like sound-that makes it really
unique. Both have landed fish in my boat already!
S l a g l e
remarks that he’s painted a wide variety of color patterns. “Anything
in natural sells around here. One of the most popular colors is called
Webster Shad. Its white sided, black back, and has a chartreuse belly
and pink throat. I put gold scales over the sides and paint a black
shad dot on the top of the back. My website shows most of the color
patterns I’ve painted but I have done quite a bit of custom
variations, too.
I use at least three coats of durable Environtex and I put on
extra strong bronze hooks, either Mustad or VMC, and stainless
steel hardware.”
“This is more of a hobby than a job for me. It’s therapeutic after
a hard day of work to just lose yourself making baits. I enjoy making
them, seeing how they work and having people catch fish on them.
There’s a core group of guys from our club that throw these baits and
they’ve caught some monsters already on them this year.”
Slagle’s club, Chapter 49, offers
youth outings each year. “There are
camps on Lake Webster. We take out
underprivileged kids fishing and boat
riding. It’s so much fun and truly a
privilege to be able to be part of that.
Seeing kids catch fish on my baits is my
personal favorite thing about making
my own lures. I actually give more away
that I sell. Every kid that comes to a
musky club meeting gets one.”
Anyone interested in trying Slagle’s unique, handcrafted
lures may check out his website at:
www.hoosierhandmademuskybaits.com
or email him at: [email protected]. ❖
Home of 2004 Chapter Challunge
Over
ies
7,000 Musk
d
se
ea
el
R
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:
www.redwinglodge.net • www.redwinglodge.on.ca
Family owned and operated for 40 years
www.muskiesinc.org
Muskie Baits:
Buying, Selling, Collecting
by Liz Cratty
A collection of old baits hanging on an old gunwale.
Oh, Those Big Tackle Boxes
Every tackle box is full of more than lures and fishing baits. Its
greatest store consists of memories, stories, and, oh yeah, money.
Lots of money. It’s every muskie fisherman’s nightmare to hover over
the boat one last time on the way to his Great Reward and see a $5
garage sale tag on that great big tackle box.
But until the computer revolution changed everything, that was
how we got rid of unwanted baits. That, or putting an ad in the back
of Muskie Magazine—still a good way to go. And unless you were
fortunate enough to come upon such a bargain-price tackle box at a
garage sale, or see just the right item advertised, your only way of
acquiring baits was by buying them brand new.
But a whole new world opened up with online auctions. You
can buy, sell and collect fishing baits (or anything else) from the
comfort of your own den. It’s easy and it’s fun. With just a few online
safety precautions, you can replace those favorites that have been lost
or crunched, or even start a collection to make even the most
passionate fisherman envious.
Establishing a Track Record
There are lots of online
auction sites. See the sidebar
for a sampling. I’ve been
buying and selling items on
eBay for seven years, and since
that’s the site I have personal
experience with, that’s the one
I’ll write about. But I imagine
they’re all just as easy to use—
a Surf-O-Reno.
and just as easy to get
swindled on, so be careful to protect yourself.
On eBay, every transaction that either a buyer or a seller engages
in, earns feedback. If a seller misrepresents a product, he’ll get
negative feedback, and we can all go online and read a person’s
reputation. I’ve learned to never buy from nor sell to people with no
track record. As with all things, there are unscrupulous people out
there. They rip people off and then sign on again with a new account
and a clean track record.
Tony Burmek Secret Bait with original box.
So how do you establish a track record if nobody will do carefully to begin with; they’ll
business with you? It’s a Catch-22. My suggestion is to go to be with you for a long time.
half.com. Half.com is owned by eBay and it deals exclusively with
Trust me: Setting up on
DVDs, CDs and books.
eBay is easy. Just follow
So collect a half dozen of
directions.
those old CDs you don’t
Buying on eBay
listen to any more, or
never liked in the first
You might want to buy a
place, some books you’ll
thing or two before you start
A LaBeau Creeper for sale.
never read again, and a
to sell, just so you’re
few DVDs that are
comfortable with the system. When you search for an item, search
taking up space, and get
using as many “keywords” as you can. If I were looking for a muskie
A Globe for sale.
ready to sell them. Log
bait, I’d search “musky,” “muskie” and anything else important to
on to www.half.com and set up an account.
you, like “vintage.” The more conditions in the criteria, the smaller,
With half.com, you’ll need to connect your account to a more exact the list of items. The larger the criteria (just searching
checking account and a credit card. When you’re selling items, a “Muskie”), the larger the list of items. You’ll see a lot of Edmund
deposit is made once a month into your checking account.
Muskie campaign buttons, but don’t let that deter you. You’ll also
To list yours things for sale, search for the list of the same items find t-shirts, guided fishing expeditions, bar mirrors, pens, belt
for sale, note the prices, and then click on “Sell Yours Now.” Then buckles, boats, flashlights, art, salt and pepper shakers—everything
just follow the instructions. It’s simple. My suggestion is, if you want to do with muskies.
to sell it quickly, make your item the cheapest item on the list. For
When you see an item that is of interest, be sure to read the fine
example, if I have a Brooks & Dunn CD I’d like to sell, I’ll do a print, especially the shipping costs. Sometimes the unscrupulous
Search for that CD. Up will come a list of those that others are among us make these prohibitive. Beware of the “frenzy” part of
selling. If those already for sale range in price from $3.50 to $6.99, buying via auction. Patience is important when bidding. EBay allows
I’m likely to list mine for $3.29. Half.com adds “media mail” you to set your maximum price, and you will automatically outbid
shipping charges to it automatically, and when you have a buyer, any bidding competitor until that price has been exceeded. Don’t
confirm that you have it to sell, package it up and ship it off. The overpay for items, or you’ll find this to be an unfortunate experience.
money will magically appear in your account.
Do a little research, find what you want, decide what you want to
Then, don’t forget to leave feedback for your buyer. This will go pay and then have fun with it. Remember to consider shipping
on his track record, and if the CD, book
(Continued on page 39)
or DVD arrives in his hands in the
condition you claimed it was in, he’ll
Online Auction websites
leave positive feedback for you. Result:
track record. If you want feedback, be
www.ebay.com
sure to leave feedback.
www.ez2auction.com
I go to “manage inventory” once a
month and lower my prices. This is not
www.auctions.yahoo.com
a business for me; I just want to get rid
www.ubid.com
of stuff.
www.amazon.com
When you have a few transactions
under your belt, and you’re comfortable
www.auctionfire.com
with the half.com way of doing things,
www.ibidfree.com
then you’re ready for eBay.
www.flashbid.com
Setting up on eBay
Setting up your account on eBay is
simple. My suggestion is that you open a PayPal
account at the same time. PayPal is a banking
service (again, owned by eBay) that allows you to
pay for items and receive payment for items at the
click of a button. Money goes into and out of your
PayPal account (you can even make charitable
donations via PayPal), but that money can be
transferred from your PayPal account into your
bank account at any time. So, a PayPal account is
also hooked up to your checking account and/or a
credit card.
Your screen name and password will be the
same as your half.com account. Choose them
www.muskiesinc.org
Two Vamps circa 1940s.
www.muskiebaytacklecompany.com
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28
Special Events
2005
Chapter News and Views
Chapter, Address
Phone #
www.muskiesinc.org
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.
September 30, October 1 & 2
Pomme de Terre Chapter 31st Annual Tournament – See website: missourimuskies.org.
Contact: Denis Ledgerwood, (636) 527-5366;
e-mail: [email protected].
October 1 & 2
Lake Shelbyville Fall Muskie Classic.
Contact: Bob Kerans, (217) 423-0932;
e-mail: [email protected].
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
November 12 & 13
Illinois State Muskie Championship – Lake
Shelbyville. Contact: Bob Kerans, (217) 4230932; e-mail: [email protected].
March 31 & April 1
M.I. International Spring Board Meeting –
Twin Cities
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, 414 Division St., Excelsior, MN 55331...................................952-380-1218
02............Fargo-Moorhead, Box 2021, Fargo ND, 58103.........................................701-298-9032
03............Chicagoland Muskie Hunters, 7600 Kilbourn Ave, Skokie, IL 60076 ........847-677-0017
04............Titletown, (Green Bay Area, Wisconsin) ..................................................................TBD
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, 29957 La Plant Rd., Grand Rapids, MN 55744............218-326-4958
16............Three Rivers, 119 Bus Lane, Renfrew, PA15136 ......................................724-789-7866
17............Quad County, PO Box 185, Plano, IL 60545.............................................815-695-1494
18............Hopedale, 15 Township Rd 125, Dillonvale, OH 43917 ............................740-769-7269
19............Akron-Canton Muskie Maniacs, 1503 S Main St, Akron, OH 44301.........330-724-7592
20............Between the Lakes, PO Box 61, Sheboygan, WI 53085-0061 .................920-564-3226
21............North Metro, PO Box 41216, Plymouth, MN 55441 ..................................952-469-2155
22............New Jersey, 5 Carmita Ave, Rutherford, NJ 07070...................................201-703-8469
23............Cleveland, 5608 Brave Chief Lane, Ravenna, OH 44266 ........................330-296-2398
24............Brainerd Lakes, 25505 CRd. 5, Merrifield, MN 56465 ..............................218-765-4183
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, 312 18th Avenue N., Sartell, MN 56377 ...................................320-656-1160
38............Vikingland, 609 S. Otter Ave., Parkers Prairie, MN 56361........................218-338-5441
39............Fox River Valley, 1253 Cobblers Crossing, Elgin, IL 60123......................847-741-9771
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.
September 9-11
38th Annual Twin Cities Chapter; Muskies,
Inc.; Frank Schneider, Jr., International
Tournament. Walker, Minnesota. Tournament
covers 21 lakes. Grand prize: Ranger/
Mercury boat/motor combination.
Contact: Stu McIntosh (651) 699-9817 or
Dianne Dahl ((612) 239-9511.
CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆
“Calling all
Chapters..
Want to gro
.”
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, July 25.
President Brett Waldera began the meeting by
talking about our victory in the Chapter
Challunge. The Fargo-Moorhead team scored
108 points to take the Lunge Bucket for the
second consecutive year. We ended up having
13 teams entered, consisting of 65 fishermen. 27
Muskies were caught by 19 different anglers, with
five fish coming in at 47” inches or better. Jason
Murray of Fargo-Moorhead had a huge final day,
catching fish of 35”, 50”, and 51”. Paul Haug also
caught his personal best, a 49” fish, during
prefishing. We had a couple friendly games of
Texas Hold’Em, and a Friday night fish fry. We’d
like to thank all the people who made the trip up
there. We hope you had a good time.
We’d also like to thank a few of the F-M
members for their efforts in putting on the
Challunge at Minaki. A big thank you goes out to:
Rick Eagleson- For handling the lodging and
expenses.
Paul Haug- For being the emcee at our award’s
ceremony.
Ron Teschner and Steve Voss- For their help with
the raffle.
Shawn Earley- For frying the fish at our Friday
night fish fry. Sorry if I missed anyone.Great
job guys, we couldn’t have done it without you.
The Vikingland Chapter of Muskies Inc
donated funds to help the Minnesota DNR
purchase a tract of land on Lake Miltona. This
was a similar situation to the Five Mile Point
project on Leech Lake. We decided to match their
donation, and are waiting to hear back on what
the amount will be.
The 1st Wisconsin Chapter is trying to obtain
Leech Lake fish for a brood lake. They are
looking for funding and we are waiting to get
more information before jumping into this project.
Club president Brett Waldera said the club
should look into making up a logo and purchasing
some shirts, and/or hats. We may have someone
at the next meeting to show some examples.
That’s all for now from Fargo-Moorhead. Again
we thank all who fished the Challunge and hope
to see even more of you next year.
If you think the Chapter Challunge was fun this
year, ……………
Brad Waldera
First Wisconsin
P.O. Box 122, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
715-726-8896
[email protected]
[email protected]
Meetings 1st Monday 7:00 PM, Arizona’s Restaurant
06
The First WI Chapter of Muskies Inc.
Celebrates the 29th Year of its Annual Musky
Tournament!
The First Wisconsin Chapter of Muskies Inc.
will host its 29th Annual Musky Tournament
September 16-17-18, 2005.
Tournament Headquarters is East Bay
Restaurant & Dam Bar on the Holcombe
Flowage, 27325 268th Ave., Holcombe, WI
54745. Phone number: 715-595-6251.
Over $5000.00 worth of prizes will be awarded.
Each angler releasing a legal musky will win a
prize along with a prize for the longest release
from each body of water. Three Grand Prizes -
One $1000 cash prize, One $500 cash prize, and
One week stay including one day’s guiding for
four to Bay Store on Lake of the Woods, Oak
Island, MN. (http://www.baystorecamp.com) - will
be drawn from all tournament entries. In
addition, the largest released fish for the
tournament will receive a free replica.
Tournament waters are: Amacoy, Cornell
Flowage, Dairyland Flowage, Fireside, Island Lake
Chain, Holcombe Flowage, Lower Chippewa
River, Lower Long, Old Abe, Potato, Sand,
Wissota, Upper Chippewa and Flambeau Rivers.
The tournament is open to everyone but preregistration is required. Mail in entry forms are
available at area sport shops and resorts. Entries
must be postmarked by September 1st.
Contestants can register at Mouldy’s in
Chippewa Falls until 8 PM or East Bay in
Holcombe until 9 PM, Thursday September 15th.
Entry fees are $35.00 per person, $50.00
husband and wife, and $20.00 for juniors 17 and
under.
Tournament standings will be posted at East
Bay throughout the weekend. Everyone is
invited to the awards program on Sunday
September 18th at 1:00 P.M.
For more information, contact Jon Olstadt by
calling 715-834-1308 or by emailing him at
[email protected]. You can access all
tournament info and obtain entry forms on the
web at: http://firstwi.muskiesinc.org/tourney
All proceeds from this tournament will benefit
the local fisheries. This is a total catch and
release tournament.
Norm Green
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
It was Lake Winter Outing time again in June.
Twenty-five anglers survived low water, hot
sunny conditions and lazy muskies. Karen
Phillips and Brenda Nelson won the top honors.
They know the lake well and worked hard at
putting fish in the net. This gives them a Lake
Winter three-peat! Impressive! Kevin Witt took
time off from his hectic muskie fishing schedule
on the Madison Lakes to ply the mysterious dark
waters of Winter and managed to catch a 29”er
which earned him the prestigious HA award (it
has something to do with the South end of a
North bound Equine).
John Eversoll made and presented Bill Wood a
muskie shaped coat hanger using a special
ecological-wood made from recycled sunflower
seeds to congratulate him for his many years of
running the Lake Winter Outing. It turned out
beautifully. He also gave Bill a blaze orange
CCMI hat to bring him some good luck fishing this
year.
In addition to that, our esteemed chapter
cofounder recently received a legislative citation
for his contributions to our natural resources.
Most of us try to avoid being cited (you know
fines and court dates) but in Bill’s case, it was a
good thing. I am thrilled for him and proud to
count him among my meager group of friends.
“NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
THAT State Representative Eugene Hahn, on
behalf of the Wisconsin State Assembly,
under Assembly Rule 97, hereby commends
Albert Wood for his efforts in protecting
Wisconsin’s natural resources and wishes
him many more years of health, happiness
and love for fishing.”
I got to go on a sturgeon tagging survey below
the Sauk-Prairie dam today. The Wis. River is
very low and it was really hot out but we
persevered. Note; we saw some nice muskies
between the dam and the highway 12 bridge.
Wherever there was a pool or eddy, there was a
muskie as well as lots of big paddlefish. Use
caution if you go as there are numerous prop
eating rock piles and wing dams in that section. I
found every one of them.
Gary “won”-the-HA-award-twice Greene
09
West Virginia
1270 Federal Road
Little Hocking, OH 45742
740-667-3571
http://westvirginiamuskiesinc.org
Meets: No definite schedule-call
While trolling with Jim Moore on lower Middle
Island Creek in June, Bob Hoce caught a 36”
muskie. Jim happened to have the Chapters’
scanner which detected an internal PIT tag.
When the tag No. was shared with local Fish
Biologist Scott Morrison, it was determined that
this fish was originally implanted with it’s tag on
the Jug Hole behind the racetrack in the Release
Only Area more than 30 miles upstream. Usually,
recaptured tagged fish are found within a few
hundred yards of their original tagging site.
Fourteen contestants fished our Ohio Lakes
Tournament on June 25 at Salt Fork and June 26
at Piedmont. A 32” by Robert Eddy was the only
fish caught at Salt Fork. On Sunday, the
competition shifted to Piedmont Lake and the
action shifted into high gear. Ken Squires won
the tournament with two Piedmont muskies, a 34”
and a 35 ?”. Other Piedmont fish caught included
a 36 ?” by Carol McCauley, a 35” by Larry
Robinson, a 35” by Ken McCord and a 31” by
Shelia McCord. Some smaller muskies were
caught and several qualifying fish were lost. We
thank Tim and Carol McCauley for serving as
chairpersons for the tournament.
Junior members Nathan and Josh Winger are
having an exciting muskie summer. Nathan got a
44” at Salt Fork on 6-5-05 and brother Josh had
a 3 fish day at Chautauqua with a 39”, 38 ?” and
36”.
Lee Powell, Larry McGuinness and I spent a
week in early July on Lake St. Clair. The action
was slow by St. Clair standards but we still
managed to catch 18 muskies, including a 46”
and 48”. On June 10 and 11, Chapter Member
Craig Brewer was among a party of four that
boated 22 St. Clair fish with a 48” for Craig and a
50” for one of his buddies.
Don’t forget that we will again sponsor a booth
at Stonewall Jackson State Park during the
National Hunting and Fishing Days celebration
on September 24 and 25. We need volunteers to
work this event. If you can help, please contact
Jim Moore at (740) 667-3571.
John Kaltenecker, Secretary
West Virginia Chapter 09 Muskies, Inc.
Headwaters
12
P.O. Box 652
Eagle River, WI 54521
715-479-1821 – Paul Hansen
www.headwatersmuskies.com
Meets 1st Wednesday 7:00 PM
Chapter 12 of Musky Inc. has some 470
members. The push is on for new members and
the promotion of musky fishing here in the Eagle
River area.
Vilas and Oneida counties in Wisconsin have
plenty of lakes to choose from with a good
population of Muskies. There are 5 major
tournaments that use the Eagle River Chain of
10 lakes. during the summer. Even with boating
pressure the tournaments average 20 to 40 fish
CPR in the day and a half outings.
Most
tournaments have a 150 boat or 2-person team
limit. Our club has also musky outings for
participation and our next one is slated for
Canada’s Lake of the Woods. It is a chance to try
new waters and land a big fish. This event is a 3day one from Sept. 8th to the 10th
For more information call President Bill
Jacobs. This has been a very hot summer with
surface readings in area lakes at 80 degrees as
an average. While warm water does encourage
the musky to eat more, the location of these fish
change some, as the break lines in 8-15 feet of
water seem to be holding a lot of fish. Find
baitfish and the musky are near by. There was a
3-hatch brew of ducks that seems to coincide
with surface baits in the low light periods. This
activity does excite the musky as the little chicks
try to cross the lake. While buck tails seem to be
the bread and butter lure over all, twitch baits
and jerk baits do catch fish as stated in reports
during fishing tournaments and outings. Yes, the
water levels are down because of lack of rain
State wide and plenty of heat during the day so
pick the best comfortable to go fishing. Good
luck and have fun fishing.
Happy Labor Day.
Secretary Jim “ Hi Pines” Rechlitz
19
Akron-Canton
1503 S. Main
Akron, OH 44301
330-724-7592
http://[email protected]
Meets 3rd Monday 7:00 PM, Tim’s Tavern, 3323
Parkway St. Canton, OH.
the opportunity to catch some nice fish in the fall
before we have to put our boats away for the
winter.
I will keep you informed on what
happens at these events in our next issue.
Kevin Proffitt
22
New Jersey
5 Carmita Ave.
Rutherford, NJ 07070
201-703-8469
The club is working on some shirts featuring
the NJ Muskies Inc. logo. Hopefully we can buy
these at a price that will make them both a good
value and a source of a few extra dollars for our
stocking fund... details to be announced. Archie
Roche a professional in the business who did a
superb job designing Chapter 50’s website has
volunteered his services to us. Our project is to
make a visually impressive site that contains
members only section plus an area available to
both members and the public and will feature a
discussion forum, pertinent Muskie articles and a
link for further information. Thanks Archie, we
appreciate it. It’s already time to plan for our Fall
Tournament and details will soon be available on
our site MI22.com. Most likely it will take place
on a Sunday. As always it’s catch and release,
open to all and will be followed by a good meal.
The formal meetings will resume on September
27th at the Lake Arrowhead Lodge at 8 pm. The
great fall activity is the float stocking done in
assistance to the NJDFW. We’ll be in contact
with Craig per dates and participation is both fun
and gratifying. Nothing like seeing thousands of
juvenile Muskies introduced to their new home.
Fishing has slowed up a bit recently but that
didn’t stop Norm Small from yet another four
footer while Brian Kroll and an un-named actor
recently enjoyed an 8 fish day. President Chuck
Graf has heard reports of a number of productive
outings on Lake Hopatcong while I just received
a photo from Steve Scornavacca with his 52”
beauty caught on a self- guided trip in Canada.
Lastly, the Chapter would like to welcome new
members Phil Metz, Craig Rich and George
Muro.
Submitted by Gordon Campbell,
Chapter 22 VP.
Cleveland
23
5608 Brave Chief Lane
Ravenna, OH 44266
330-296-2398
Meets 2nd Monday 7:30 PM
The “Buzz” around the club the past couple of
weeks was the word that Mike Clemente caught
and released his 1000th musky. I believe this
makes him only the third individual in Muskies
Inc. to record 1000 releases. On June 22nd at
6:35pm Mike caught his 1000th fish from the
Kawarthas, a beautiful 46” fish. I’ll let Mike tell
the story, but it involved a broken rod holder, a
lost rod, and his favorite Kawarthas lure. Mike’s
quest began on July 3, 1983, with a 32.5” fish
from Pymatuning and ended on the above date.
Mike is one of the great gentlemen of Muskies
Inc. and this accomplishment couldn’t have
happened to a nicer guy. Congratulations.
This past June, our club held its annual Youth
Fishing Day at Lake Milton. This event was a
huge success as 105 youth participated. Every
youth walked away with a nice prize including
rods and reels, tackle boxes, minnow buckets
and tackle packages. I would like to thank our
Youth Director Chris Depaola and our other
members who assisted in this successful event.
My grandson still talks about the day and can’t
wait until next year.
(Continued on next page)
Well the summer is just flying by to fast. It
will not be long and the schools will be back in
session and that means that we only have a few
remaining tournaments and outings left on our
schedule. On Aug 6th and 7th, we are going to
have a tournament at Lake Milton. There have
been some nice fish caught on the lake this year
and we are hoping for good weather and a good
turn out from our club members. Our last two
scheduled events are going to be held at two
different bodies of water that we don’t normally
fish. The first one will be our Annual Memorial
Outing at Lake Piedmont on Aug. 27th. During
this event, we are going to have a shore lunch
and our Summer Raffle of $150 for first place
and $75 for second place gift certificates from
Gander Mountain. We are also going to take
time out during this event to honor and
remember the club members that have passed
on. On Sept. 16th and 17th, the CanAm will be
held at Lake Chautauqua. A group from our
chapter will be going up there to fish the CanAm
The second event or last event of our season
will be our Alum Creek Tournament on October
1st and 2nd. Not to many of our club members
have fished this body of water and are looking
forward to checking out a new body of water in
which we can see what kind of fishery this lake
has in store for us.
The month of July has been very hot for us in
Ohio. But the temperature hasn’t stopped the
fish from biting. There have been some 50 plus
inch fish caught in Leesville and Salt Fork and up
in Canada at Lake St.Clair. We just hope that
the summer doesn’t go by to quickly and we get
www.muskiesinc.org
02
Fargo-Moorhead
Most Releases
Tom Morris 33” and 31”
50/50 Drawing
Mike Mihalko
Lure Board
Mike Clemente
We would like to thank everyone who
participated and special thanks go to those in
Chapter 19 who assisted.
Our next Tournament occurs on August 20th
and 21st at Lake Milton/ West Branch.
A reminder to all members, when this appears
in writing, our monthly meetings will return to
Streetsboro.
See you on the water.
Tight Lines,
Ron Sigman ([email protected])
29
Upper Great Plains
1788 Hwy 4
Estherville, IA 51334
712-362-2501
Meets 3rd Thursday , Legion Club, 1709 Okoboji
Ave., Milford, IA.
Hello fellow chapter members. I hope
everyone is enjoying the 05 season and the hot
dog days of summer. I have heard some really
good fishing stories from different members so
far and it sounds like some good fish are getting
caught all over the Midwest. Lets make sure
everybody gets together to share these stories
and to create some new ones at the 25th annual
Fall Muskie Tournament Sept. 16, 17, & 18.
Thanks to the hard work from Randy Meyer,
Shannon Green, Dale Witt, and all the other
UGP board members, everyone should have
received a second newsletter in the mail. This
newsletter has all the information you need for
signing up for the Fall Tournament. I hope
everyone enjoyed the first newsletter
highlighting the importance and techniques for
handling muskies properly. On behave of all the
board members our hope is that everyone can
take something from these articles and teach
others the best way to safely release all muskies
unharmed. We all know how fragile our muskie
populations are across the state, everything we
can do ourselves and information that we can
pass to others, is so important to the future of
our sport.
In the second newsletter Pres. Dale Witt does
a great job explaining the format for scoring and
the different divisions for the muskie release
category. All board members agreed this has
never been explained properly, and we believe
Dales article will help everyone understand this
better. We used the newsletter to get all the
tournament information out to help with
mailings. If you did not receive this newsletter
be sure to call a board member to get more
information about the Fall Tournament. In order
to make this years 25th Annual tournament the
best, in addition to all the great raffle prizes, six
muskie trips to some of the hottest waters in
Minnesota and Canada will be given out. You
do not want to miss this great event. This would
be a great opportunity to recruit new members
to join the UGP chapter. I can’t wait to see
everyone there.
Sincerely
Pete Hildreth
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.
Hi, this is Big Man reporting for the Flatlanders.
A group of 28 guys just returned from our annual
Lake of the Woods outing at Walsh’s Bay Store
Camp. We had a total of 43 fish caught including
a few fish hitting the 50” mark. The big fish of the
week went to our very own Jerry Oestreich,
scoring a whopping 51” on the last day. Many big
fish were moved on his bait, (the Ace Tandem)
including a nice fish I got to commit on a figure
eight and lost due to the line being cut by the gill
plate of the fish, long story. My partner also lost a
nice 40” at boat side on an Ace Tandem, Horsing
a fish is not the answer Steve, oh well maybe
next time we will get her.
The total point’s winner goes to the Jack family
with a total of 67 points including a monster 50”
caught by Brock Jack. Good job Brock, and
please pass that horseshoe this way now. The
weather was tough with high winds and big
waves out in the big lake. I know Steve Bourbon
and I were kicked around pretty hard by the
weather. I wound up not catching any muskies
over 30” but I did see some real nice fish during
the week. I now have successfully been skunked
two years in the row, I guess I should go back to
bass fishing. Speaking of bass fishing, Woody a
bass fisherman, and rookie Musky fisherman
showed many of the group up with a nice 47”
Lunge. Good job woody.
We had a great group of guys out on the lake
and I just wish I could have caught a lunge
myself. I guess everything can’t go my way. Next
year I will be exploring new options and I hope to
catch a lunge next time. Many fish have been
reported this month with many of the members
going on vacation and fishing hard. By the way I
want to thank Woody for finding me allergy
medicine during that last night at our outing, I
came down with a bad allergic reaction and
Woody went out of his way to find me some
medicine and Jerry Oestreich had the medicine
which helped out, thanks for everything guys.
Well that’s all I have for now, Keep up the good
work guys. Take care.
Sincerely Yours,
Big Man
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.
September already, How can that be? Have
we fished our way through summer that quickly?
It would appear the answer to the above is yes.
Memories made on the water with family and
friends are priceless. Putting fish in the boat while
doing it is a bonus.
Our regular monthly club meetings have
resumed at Poplar Creek Country Club. Stop by
and join us for “fish talk among members and
great presentations by our guest speakers. This
month will be Captain Tom Loy (Lake St. Clair
Muskies). In October, Laura Morrison
(International Youth Program) and in November,
Scott Jenkins (Madison Chain and Southern
Wisconsin Muskies.)
In a few short weeks will be our Fall club
outing. We are heading up to St. Germaine
Wisconsin from the 23rd. to the 25th. of
September at Jackson’s Lakeside Cottages.
Make your reservations by contacting Mr. Ken
Jackson at [email protected] or 715479-8640 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.
For those of you who have not had the pleasure
of meeting Ken he is very knowledgeable with the
Muskie waters of Villas County and one of the
most pleasant people I have ever met.
At the present time only four 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 Fall “Challunge On The Chain” is coming
up quickly. Saturday November 5th. We urge you
to find yourself a partner and get yourselves out
on the water. This is a one day Tourney held on
the Fox Chain of Lakes. Spend the day fishing
and maybe get paid to do it. We have cash
payouts to tenth place and you can pick up a few
extra bucks with the Big Fish Pool. At the end of
the fishing day is a fine meal under a heated tent
on the shores of Channel Lake at the Thirsty
Turtle. There are beverages to go along with your
meal and the outstanding prize raffle hosted by
Chauncey Niziol. We have over two tables of
merchandise in the raffle looking for a new home
with the Grand Prize of the Day being a One
www.muskiesinc.org
Week Stay for Two at Walsh’s Bay Store Camp.
Download an entry form from our website or pick
one up at any of our meetings. Come out and
meet old friends and make some new ones.
Our regular club meeting dates are the second
Wednesday of the month. The Poplar Creek
Country Club provides us with great
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 and updates can be found on our
website www.frvmuskie.com.
The Board of Directors would like to welcome
John Weber on as our new newsletter editor.
John has graciously donated his time and
expertise to edit the club newsletter. We look
forward to him working with us to continue
bringing you the same quality newsletter you now
enjoy. Thanks John.
We encourage YOU, our club members to get
involved with YOUR club. Get in contact with
anyone sitting on the Board of Directors if you
have questions, comments, suggestions, ideas,
concerns or criticisms concerning the club. We
are constantly working to bring you the best
outings, events and speakers 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 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 club members at any time 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.
Return ‘em to the water Healthy
and Remember Our Troops. JT
41
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.
September, yes, it’s almost back to casting
weather. I have nothing against hearing my Penn
trolling reels scream, “fish on” but I sure like to
mix it up. The July meeting at Alum was a lot of
fun as usual. Johnny Smith was dodging
lightning and stockpiling the grilled hot dogs
when I arrived at 5:00 pm. I shot out on the Lake
for a quick reconnaissance pass and lost a midforty inch fish on Kelsey’s corner as Geoff Hetrick
approached. We had to reel in at that point to
make the 6:00 pm meeting and dogs. I gave a
quick update on Alum tactics to about 30
members and two guests and it was back out on
the water with one of the guest who was anxious
to sign-up. I landed a 28-incher off of Kelsey’s
and decided that area was way too crowded so it
was off to the marina. There I landed a 29” and
my guest lost mid-thirties on a jump. I heard
reports of someone taking three over thirty up by
Cheshire Causeway and some even taken out in
front of Big Run Cove. This was the last night I
had action from fish over thirty inches, with the
ensuing heat wave, still relating to the bars.
Our Youth Event was another big success! It
started off a little scary because instead of too
few kids showing up, we had over 160 instead of
100. The rain held off and we all had a good time.
Thanks again to Steve Pinkston and Toyota
Direct for all the funding and manpower to help
with the kids. I really appreciate the club
members who went out of their way to help with
this event when they could have just gone fishing
instead. Ross, I’ll give you a break since you
were heading out of town plus all the help lining
up the food and Division of Wildlife grant. Some
of the kids may not have this much fun and
attention the rest of the year and hopefully a few
will take up fishing for life. Thanks again, Steve
and the gang and thanks Vicki for picking up the
tab afterwards.
Our August meeting is also held at the
Hollenback boat ramp at Alum Creek Lake.
Tonight, July 29th, we have our annual Night-Bite
at the same location from 6 until midnight. Some
big fish are almost guaranteed to be landed. I
have an email in to Jim McConville to see if he
can provide us with a program for either our
September or October meetings at the Buckeye
Hall of Fame. Take care, see you on the water!
Elmer
Guests and the general public are always
welcome. For more information, call Ross
Wagner at 614-451-0485.
FOR SALE
Special Edition Muskies, Inc. – 1996 Warrior V177 side console 17'6"
w/115 Mercury ELPTO, approx 275 hrs, 67# Motor Guide 24V, 50" shaft trolling
motor,
Purchased
new,
garaged continuous, 2-LMS
350 Lowrance GPS, custom
trailer, custom boat cover, all
the toys for muskie fishing,
available Sept. 15th, Phone
(623) 388-3225. or Email:
[email protected]
will
send photos and detailed
description of all accessories
and inclusions.
Our second tournament of the year was held
on July 9-10 at Pymatuning. There were 27
participants recording 12 legal releases and
numerous sub-legal fish. The winners are as
follows:
1. Sherm Champlin 41” release
2. Mike Mihalko
40” release
3. Mike Clemente
35” release
Muskie Baits
BOOK & DVD
REVIEWS
Becoming A Musky Hunter by Richard A. Minich
(Member of the Three Rivers Chapter, Muskies, Inc.)
charges when you set your maximum price. Just because it’s for sale
at an auction doesn’t mean it’s a bargain.
There is software you can acquire that will let you outbid any
competitor at the last second, and though it has been used against
me, I’ve never used it. Chances are, when you get an eBay account,
you’ll get some email about that and other business-growing
opportunities with online auctions.
When you win an item and it arrives in the mail, don’t forget to
leave feedback for the seller, and he will leave feedback for you as a
buyer.
A Vamp circa 1960s.
Selling on eBay
Richard has just completed his third book on the subject of muskie
fishing. His first was entitled The Accidental Muskie, which was reviewed in
the November 2004 issue of MUSKIE on page #5. Richard published his
second book The Quest for Girtha, more of a fictional read detailing tactics
and techniques. This book was reviewed recently in the June/July issue of
Musky Hunter Magazine on page #10.
Minich prepares the reader for the legendary fifty-incher. He also goes
into some detail on proper thought control in order to manage an inevitable
case of “muskie bug”. This book really covers the gamut of muskie fishing
from techniques to ethics. All of his books have been great reading and in a
recent conversation with him he certainly relates well with our muskie crowd.
Get a copy for yourself; you are going to enjoy his latest in the trilogy.
10,000 Casts
Here is a documentary on Cave Run Lake, Kentucky. “The Men, the
Myth, the Muskies of Cave Run.” This video is quite different from the
usual holler and scream muskie catching videos we are used to. This one is
a very relaxing story, with outstanding photography and interviews with
biologist Geoff Garner and local Historian Jack Ellis, as well as Tony and
Dave. The video has been a dream of Producer Gary Copeland.
An interesting tweak with the trailer is a consolidation or summary of
the various interviews. As an example, Tony Grant summarizes his muskie
fishing tactics. Two thoughts summarize this video; fishing is about stories
and Cave Run is open to fish year round. An enjoyable video and
definitely one you’ll appreciate. Give it a try, I enjoyed it.
Collecting Money and Protecting Yourself
PayPal is the safest way to work your monetary transactions.
Never accept a money order. If you accept personal checks, don’t ship
any items until the check clears. And if you get an official-looking
email from eBay saying that your account is about to be cancelled,
don’t pay any attention to it. This is “phishing,” a way for crooks to
get your credit card information.
Not Computer Smart?
I have only one thing to say about not being computer literate
in this day and age: Get computer literate. There is no reason to not
be. Computers are cheap, software is easy, and it is the way of the
future.
However, if you are dead set against it, there are eBay service
centers all over the world where you can take your things to sell
www.muskiesinc.org
(someone just told me there are forty-seven such centers in my
county). They will help you establish a price, take a photo, and list
it. They’ll ship it when it sells. The service center will take a
percentage of the sales price, or charge a flat fee, depending on the
item. For a list of these in your area, go to www.ebay.com (see? You
even need a computer to find this stuff out), click on Services, and
then click on Trading Assistants.
It’s Fun
Buying and selling things via online auctions is fun. If you’re
patient, you can buy things you’ll never find anywhere else at prices
you won’t believe. Many retail stores have gone online—not only
with their storefront, but you’ll find lots of retail stores right there on
the auction site.
Whether it turns into a nice way to clean out the attic, a fun
hobby, a way to fill out your collection, a tidy little income stream,
or a full-on business, the online auctions provide hours of
entertainment. ❖
n Lake Lod
a
ow
ge
DVD-Video 80+ minutes
Featuring our own Tony Grant in addition to Geoff Garner,
Jack Ellis and Dave Christiansen.
For information contact:
Gary Copeland at (310) 577-8585 or
visit their website at http://www.tenthousandcasts.com
$29.95 + $6.00 s/h.
Okay, so now that you’ve bought a few things, let’s clean out
that tackle box along with the rest of the garage, the basement, the
attic and those inconvenient kitchen cabinets above the refrigerator,
and sell a few items that you don’t use any more. The first thing you
need to do is take a digital photograph of your item so you can
upload it to eBay. I bought a cheap digital camera (on eBay, of
course) that isn’t much good for anything except taking photographs
of things I want to sell. But it has made its money back many times
over. I put a light colored cloth on the dining room table, set the
item on it and snap a photo. If size matters, put something next to
the item to indicate its size. A ruler. A quarter. A dollar bill.
You probably wouldn’t buy something without seeing a photo of
it, and neither will your buyers. Taking the photographs and
uploading them is simple, but requires a modicum of computer
savvy. If you don’t have that, ask one of your kids to help you. You’ll
get the hang of it in no time.
EBay has lots of ways to nickel and dime you with your listings.
You can put in a dozen photos or outline your ad in blue or highlight
it with a background color, or pop it up to the top of the list, all of
which I think is silly and a waste of money. I always buy the “gallery”
photo, which is the photo you see with the line listing, as it’s cheap,
and those photos make a difference to me when I’m buying. Make
sure you include as many keywords as possible in your headline.
The problem with selling on eBay is establishing a shipping fee.
I don’t do enough of it to have a postage scale and all that, so I just
estimate it. Sometimes I’m fifty cents off one way or the other, but
that’s not a big deal to me. I always accept PayPal (in fact, now I only
accept PayPal), and just let the money ride in my PayPal account.
With regularity, I find things to buy that spends my account down.
R
176 pages, Perfect Bound $14.95 + $2.00 shipping.
Email; [email protected]
Web site: http://www.allesoxpublications.com
Phone: (716) 652-9309
(Continued from page 31)
Rowan Lake is known for
World Class Muskie
Box 363, Emo, Ontario P0W1E0
807-226-1209
Open Early t
rou
For Lake T
Can’t reach us? Try
807-487-2400
Open Late
For Muskie
www.rowanlakelodge.com
BALLIVER B’s
SUTHUN MUSKIE
I
got a call one night in March from Balliver B. He said that he
needed some more Muskie experience before our Fall trip to
Lonesome Lodge. He didn’t want to appear like a tenderfoot.
He asked if I’d like to go down South to a Reservoir that had
Muskies. And, like a kid, he said he wanted to go ‘RIGHT NOW!’
I said, “I’d love to go but I’m in the middle of adding an
addition to the house but if you could wait a month, I’d go then.”
“Can’t wait! There’s a lull in R & D for the next few weeks and
then I’ll be busier than a cat covering ….well, you know what.”
“I know what you mean. But I am sorry, I just can’t make a trip
now.”
“I understand, but I’ll try it myself. The trip will do me good
and I can try out some of the stuff I’ve been reading about. I would
like to actually catch a Muskie. I know you’ve probably caught
several an….”
“Have I ever told of all the Muskies I’ve caught?”
“Well, now that you mention it, you haven’t sa…”
“Then don’t assume anything. And besides that, I’ve been
keeping most of my Muskie catches a secret.”
“I see.”
“Good Luck!” I said.
“Thank you. I’ll let you know how I do.” Balliver B. answered.
“Good. I’ll be glad to hear of your adventure.”
About a week went by when Balliver B. called. He seemed
pretty excited about his trip. He said everything went well. He was
able to rent Muskie tackle, boat, motor and got a nice room at a
lodge. He went on to tell me he fished alone, gathering experience
from all the information he’s learned from the books and how-to
magazines.
“I trolled for awhile using a large white rubber bait. Then, I
drift fished while I had some coffee and relaxed a bit. All of a sudden
and in the middle of a sip of coffee, I got one helofa pull on the line.
I thought I was snagged, but it started pulling hard to one side. I set
the hook and played this fish for sometime; maybe ten minutes or so
and then got him boat side. He seemed played out so I laid the
outfit down and put the ruler by him. Best I could see was forty-one
inches including bill. By golly, I thought, I’ve got me a nice Muskie!
I reached for my camera and I guess that this muskie regained his
strength ‘cause he started moving. I dropped the camera and
grabbed for my outfit but too late. That bill just cut the line and he
was gone in a flash! I…”
“I hate to interrupt, but just what do you mean when you talk
about a bill……”
“Ya know, the snout on the Muskie!”
“Ah, just how long would this so called Muskie be without this
bill you talk about?”
“Oh, about thirty five….mebbe thirty six inches.”
“Balliver B., I hate to bust your bubble; but that was a Gar.”
“A WHAT?!?”
“A Gar.”
“OH NOOoooo…I’ll never live this one down!!”
“Did you tell anyone?”
“Well…yes…and now it’s clear…”
“What’s clear?”
“Why they all walked off shaking their heads. I thought they
were shaking their heads in disbelief of the size
of my Muskie!”
“They were! Only a different disbelief!”
“What’ll I do now?”
“Just don’t go back to that Reservoir and, if
you ever decide to tell this story; I would
suggest that you leave out the part about
‘including the bill.’”
“I guess I’ve got a lot more to learn about
Muskies.”
“Don’t worry, Balliver B., you’re not
alone!” ❖
www.muskiesinc.org
Colin Tomesh, Jr. member of 1st Wisconsin,
with a 34-incher caught on Lake of the
Woods in June on a black and orange Top
Raider. Colin was fishing from the back of
the boat with his dad, Lee McLaine, and
Lee’s son. Colin had two other hits that day
while the adults had none.
Sean Rein reports: “I just joined
Muskies Inc. this spring and
caught my 2nd Muskie ever, on
Lake Minnetonka. It was 47” long
and had a girth of 24,” and
you can see it drew a crowd.”
When you’re 82 years old, will you be catching
Muskies? Norm Czasa with a golden 36-incher out of
Lake Hudson, Michigan, last June.
Lorin Nevling took this highly unusual
photo of his fishing partner earlier this year
on Lake Shelbyville, IL. “It proves that you
have to be on your toes whenever fishing
Muskies. The net man, me, felt it was
outside the scope of a net man’s duties.
The release was successful!”
Jr. member Josh Petruska got this
massive 53.5” Muskie last June on
Lake Vermilion on a bucktail. A note
from his dad, John: “That Muskie he
caught was quite a thrill. I don’t know
who was more excited, me or him. “
Alec Spurbeck, 12 years old, and his father Mark, with
Alec’s 52 1/2” x 25 1/2” lunker. Alec currently will be
No. 1 Junior in the Muskies Inc. contest.
Ron Heidenreich sends in this glorious Chippewa Flowage shot.
“At about 5:30 in the evening the double rainbow appeared to the
northeast of my boat. I had hoped that it would be as vivid in the
photo as it was in person. It is close.”
Steve VanLieshout, Greenfield, WI, releasing a
48” 31 lb Muskie on Wabigoon Lake in Ontario
on June 28 this year.
Eleanor Puchta went out trolling for Muskie July 14 on
Lake Arthur in Butler County, PA, her first time Muskie
fishing. Seven and one-half hours later she pulled in this
41 incher. Eleanor: “I’ve caught Walleye before, but
nothing like this. It’s the biggest fish I ever caught.”
☞
Proper Muskie
Holding Techniques
for MUSKIE Magazine Photos
including Covers, Article Support,
Photo Contest Entries
& Member Photos
Ron Teschner’s personal best, a 52”
Plantagenet Muskie caught June 12th
on a Grandma, this year’s Muskies
Inc. Commemorative lure. That same
day, fishing with Ron, Brian Grote got
a 50 incher, his 13th 50+ fish.
PREFERRED
FOR PHOTOS
WE UNDERSTAND
IF
CATCHING
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TRUCKLOAD OF PRECISION PARTS. WITH OUR MOST POPULAR, THE AC300, TOUTING
A SUPER-SMOOTH, ELEVEN DISC TEFLON®/GRAPHITE DRAG SYSTEM, A SPOOL CLICKER
AND AN AUTOMATIC CENTRIFUGAL SPOOL BRAKE SYSTEM, IT’S ENOUGH TO MAKE JUST
ABOUT ANY AGENDA, OTHER THAN CATCHING MUSKY THAT IS, SEEM DOWNRIGHT
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12 www.muskiesinc.org

Transcription

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