MUSKIE Magazine

Transcription

MUSKIE Magazine

MUSKIE is published monthly and is the Official
Publication of Muskies, Inc. International Office: Ron
Groeschl, International Sec., 14257 Waters Edge
Trail, New Berlin, WI 53151. Ph: 888-710-8286.
© Copyright 2009 by Muskies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Departments
Contents
MUSKIE • VOL. 43, NO. 1
Features
2 President’s Message,
Dan Narsete
8 Chapter Challunge: A Muskies, Inc.
Tradition, Jon Olstadt & John Skarie
3 Magazine Notes,
Juris Ozols
18 The Reminiscences of George Wahl
Juris Ozols
4 MUSKIE News
22 Home Sweet Muskie Home,
Kevin Richards
10 Figure 8, Kevin Richards
10 Special Thanks to Our NEW
Long-term Advertisers
13 Lunge Log, Jim Bunch
26 The Changing World of Muskie Fishing,
Patricia Strutz
30 After the Catch, Brad Waldera
31 Photo Guidelines NEW
32 Sarah Terry Lands New KY State Record,
Patricia Strutz
42 Member Photos,
Brad Waldera
40 Sport Show Locator for 2009
35 Chapter News and Views
Join Muskies, Inc. ...
or give a membership
as a gift.
33 Muskie C&R Study at Carleton University,
Dr. Thomas Betka
Regular Membership: ❑ 1 Year-$35.00 ❑ 2 Years-$65.00 ❑ 3 Years- $95.00
Family Membership: ❑ 1 Year-$47.50 ❑ 2 Years-$90.00 ❑ 3 Years-$132.50
Junior Membership (Under 18): ❑ $20.00
❑ For Muskie Research $________
❑ Automatic Renewal
Name _______________________________ Phone ________________
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Address____________________________________________________
Chapter Affiliation Choice Number _______________________________
City & State_____________________________ Zip_________________
Junior Member(s)
Date of Birth (DOB)
Name ___________________________________ DOB ___________
(to find the number of the Chapter you wish to join, see the Chapter News & Views section)
(to find the number of the Chapter you wish to join, see the Chapter News & Views section)
Old Address (for address change only) ___________________________
Name ___________________________________ DOB ___________
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My Membership # ______________ Expiration Date _______
Check One: ❑ New Member ❑ Renewal ❑ Address Change ❑ Gift
MAIL TO MUSKIES, INC. 14257 Waters Edge Trail,
New Berlin, WI, 53151
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www.muskiesinc.org
January 2009.....MUSKIE 1
International
Officers
President, Dan Narsete
Email: [email protected]
Vice President/Fundraising, Jim Shannon
Phone: 612-670-8943
Vice President/Fisheries, Research & Youth,
Dr. Tom Betka, MD
Phone: 920-544-5868
Vice President/Internal Affairs,
Perry Peterson
Phone: 253-850-5889
The President’s Message
Vice President/Membership & Marketing,
Dale Vercauteren
Phone: 920-680-6093
Vice President/Communications, Jay Zahn
Phone: 920-660-7655
Treasurer, Kathy Goon
Phone: 419-945-2940
Members Only Fishing Contest, Jim Bunch
Phone: 715-226-0295
Web Master, Ron Groeschl
Phone: 262-271-1002
Int. Administrative Secretary, Ron Groeschl
14257 Waters Edge Trail, New Berlin, WI 53151
Phone: 888-710-8286 or 262-271-1002
At Large Directors
Term Expires
Brad Waldera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009
Dick McPike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009
David Rautmann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009
Diana Mindar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009
Dan Narsete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009
Tom Betka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2010
Dale Vercauteren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2010
Bob Timme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2010
Jim Shannon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2010
Gerald Bucholtz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2010
Adam Walsh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
Jay Zahn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
Fred Brogle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
Brett Knight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
Rory Potter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
2 MUSKIE.....January 2009
by Dan Narsete
Muskies, Inc. International President
H
appy New Year! I hope you had a great last year and wish you an even better one
this year. Did you make a resolution to catch the next world record? Are you taking me with you? It is possible…
Now is by far the best time in history to catch a muskie. Fish are getting larger . . . have
you seen the Lunge Log recently?! Looking back at my own muskie career I started out as a
little boy driving up Highway 51 to northern Wisconsin with my father and grandfather.
Upon arriving at Bosacki’s boathouse on Lake Minocqua I used to marvel at a 54 1/2 inch
monster that hung on the wall, and could not even imagine a fish that big…thankfully
those days have returned. Having said that, this past year my own father caught his first 50;
after chasing muskies for the better part of forty-eight years! It is a great testament to the
possibilities of muskie fishing - I congratulate him on his fine accomplishment.
For those of you who do not know Mr. Jim Bunch he has been running our Lunge Log
for many years and has done a fine job. He has a wealth of knowledge and is a great authority on muskie fishing. According to Jim, in the 1980s approximately .5% of the recorded
fish were 50 inches or over. In the 1990s about 2% were fifty plus inches and now we are
at or over 3%. What is even more impressive is that most if not all of the fish are now being
released. Why is that, you ask? Because of people like you! Muskies, Inc. is growing and fishing is getting better! Because of your chapter activities, reading MUSKIE Magazine, and
sharing information through blogs, TV shows, radio shows, newspapers, and other magazines the word is getting out. Bodies of water such as Eagle Lake, Lac Seul, Georgian Bay,
Lake of the Woods, Green Bay in Wisconsin, the St. Lawrence River, and Mille Lacs in
Minnesota all have the capacity to produce the next world record muskie, largely due to
members and supporters of our fine organization and our mission.
Mr. Bunch told me that in 2007 we had 526 releases over 50 inches . . . the largest
number of monster releases ever recorded! There were also two fish that were 56.5 inches
that were caught and released by MI members in 2008.
But we are not done yet. Muskies, Inc. and muskie fishing still have a lot of growing to
do. I know that a number of chapters including Between the Lakes, Titletown and Fox River
Valley all coordinated youth outings on Lac View Desert this last fall. Such events continue
to develop youth - our future. They did a fantastic job and I commend their hard work. None
of us will be around forever and it is important for us to continue to develop youth outings
and to continue to build on the bright future that muskie fishing and Muskies, Inc. will have.
We are all working, and if I haven’t said it yet thank you Mr. or Mrs. or Ms. Member for
supporting our efforts to make muskie fishing better for everyone to enjoy.
Tight lines, Dan ❖
MUSKIE Magazine Staff
This month’s cover celebrates many varied
aspects of Muskies, Inc. We’re not just
about fish – it’s far more than that.
EDITOR
Kevin Richards
7618 Sunrise Ridge Road
Henley, MO 65040
Phone: (573) 280-2300
In fact, look closely at the pictures. How
many fish do you see? Two. Read on and
you’ll find out about those.
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Juris Ozols
Phone: (612) 747-0178
The background picture shows Tom Stark
driving and Joe Crossley casting on Lac Seul
last October. I was there on that trip. Tom
also drove me around, gave me lots of help
in replacing hooks on lures, and gave me lots
of pointers. Muskies, Inc. is about sharing.
PHOTO CONTEST EDITOR
Brad Waldera
Phone: (701) 642-1952
The other pictures, starting with the one on
the left above the motor and going
clockwise:
Here’s some sharing – members from various chapters sharing a map
and “hotspots” during the Chapter Challunge on the Winnipeg River.
The Heartland Chapter’s booth at the Muskie Expo in Blaine.
Muskies, Inc. is about reaching out to others who may be interested in
what we do.
This picture has one of the fish. It’s a small trout caught by that young
lad during the Colorado Chapter’s 6th annual “Kids Fishing Derby.”
That’s a very important fish, you know, because it was caught by a kid.
Muskies, Inc. is about youth, just check out our logo.
The next picture is the traditional “Boat Group Shot” taken during the
Winnipeg River Chapter Challunge. You don’t think those guys out on
their boats waving aren’t having fun? Muskies, Inc. is about fellowship
of the finest kind.
That’s the Fargo-Moorhead folks, a serious fishing crowd who wins the
Chapter Challunge pretty regularly. But they do a lot more. Every year
they go out just before ice-out on local lakes and have a “clean-up”
day. You see what they gather. Muskies, Inc. is about volunteering
and giving back to the community
Okay, the second “fish” picture. That’s North Metro Member Bruce
Rauma with a 41-inch Lake of the Woods muskie caught during the
Red Wing Lodge Outing in August 2008. You see how Bruce feels
about that fish just before releasing it. Muskies, Inc. is about fun!
Muskies, Inc. members from Chapter 9, West Virginia, put a major
effort into helping restore Woodrum Lake after an environmental disaster there. Muskies, Inc. is about habitat and environment.
Picture at bottom. Shawn Kellett explaining about lure manufacturing
and lure action to Scott Maronick. Again - Muskies, Inc. and youth.
And the last picture. Here you see muskie guide Wayne Klemz helping
out on the dock as Karl Anderson works a bobber and minnow for
bluegills. Wayne takes the Anderson family out on his boat bluegill
fishing every year during the Twin Cities Chapter’s annual “Capable
Partners” outing.
LUNGE LOG EDITOR
Jim Bunch
Phone: (715) 226-0295
ADVERTISING SALES TEAM
Contact Kevin Richards, Editor
Phone: (573) 280-2300
PRINTING ACCOUNT MANAGER
Sunray Printing Solutions, Inc. - Dawn Larson
MAGAZINE DESIGN
Sunray Printing Solutions, Inc. - John Windschitl
ILLUSTRATORS/CARTOONISTS
Richard Gross, Charles Weiss
FIELD EDITORS
Patricia Strutz, Colby Simms, Sean Landsman,
Adam Glickman, Bob Chochola,Steve Budnik
EMERITUS EDITORS
Rod Ramsell, Keith Ogden, Jim Smith
MUSKIE is published exclusively for the membership of Muskies, Inc. and subscriptions
come with a paid membership. Muskies, Inc. is
a non-profit organization. Membership classes
and associated annual dues are listed on the
form at the bottom of page one. Copies of
MUSKIE magazine are available at $3.00 each
from the Muskies, Inc. International Office.
Contributors grant rights for M.I. to publish
once in MUSKIE Magazine, both the print and
on-line versions, including archives and on the
M.I. Web site.
Submissions to
MUSKIE Magazine
Persons interested in submitting articles for
publication are directed to our website
www.muskiesinc.org for a link to MUSKIE
Magazine, where you will find links on the left
side of the page providing information necessary for submissions to MUSKIE Magazine.
Further questions will be answered by Kevin
Richards, Editor. Submissions may be sent to:
7618 Sunrise Ridge Road, Henley, MO 65040
or email: [email protected]. Phone:
(573) 280-2300.
With that, I’ll leave it up to you to decide what Muskies, Inc. is about.
www.muskiesinc.org
Juris ❖
M AGA Z I N E N OT E S ◆ M AGA Z I N E N OT E S ◆ M AGA Z I N E N OT E S ◆ M AGA Z I N E N OT E S
ABOUT THE COVER
M U S K I E N E WS ◆ M U S K I E N E WS ◆ M U S K I E N E WS ◆ M U S K I E N E WS ◆ M U S K I E N E WS
REGION 2
REGION 4
Bob Timme 2010
Dick Mc Pike 2009
Gerald Bucholtz 2010
Fred Brogle 2011
IMPORTANT NOTE: With the open positions in Regions 3 and 4
and terms ending for Brad Waldera (Region 1) and Dick Mc Pike
(Region 4) the following Regional Director appointments will be
sought.
Regional Update from Fred Brogle
As a result of the discussions at the Fall Board meeting, concerning the need for more detail regarding the Regional concept, a conference call was held November 19, between members of the Strategic
Planning Committee and the Executive Board. The purpose of this
meeting was to start Regional guidelines for Directors, Elections, and
Fall meetings. Briefly, the results of that call are as follows:
1) First; A re-instatement of the 4 Regions: (ARTICLE I) For All
Chapters looking to confirm which region they belong to, you
may verify your regional affiliation on the map on page 35. The
regional assignments by chapter are follows: REGION 1
Chapters 1, 2, 15, 21, 24, 33, 37, 38, 44, 46, 48, 53, 54, 57 (59
new); REGION 2 Chapters 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 20, 26, 29, 30,
35, 47, 55, (58 new) REGION 3 Chapters 9, 16, 18, 19, 22, 23,
31, 41, 45, 50, 51, 52, 56; REGION 4 Chapters 3, 5, 7, 11, 14,
17, 27, 28, 32, 39, 42, 49.
2) REGIONAL DIRECTORS: In accordance with the Bylaws
(ARTICLE II; throughout) and to reassert the intent of the document, At-Large Directors are to be transferred to the position of
Regional Directors. Each Region is to have 3 Regional Directors,
and they must hail from that region. As a result of that direction,
the transfer of the At-Large Director will take place in accordance
with the ALD ending term. Current RDs (former ALDs) that are
on the Executive Committee will be absorbed into their executive position and will relinquish their position as Regional
Directors. The current term for RDs then becomes as follows:
REGION 1
REGION 3
Brad Waldera 2009
(none)
Adam Walsh 2011
Rory Potter 2011
CHAPTER/SELF NOMINATIONS:
Region 1: For the appointment replacement for Brad Waldera
(term expires spring of 2009); Brad may seek a temporary 1 year term
appointment as Regional Director by contacting President Dan
Narsete. In addition; any member within Region 1 may submit
his/her name by Chapter nomination or self nomination. ALL nominations from Region 1 will be considered by the Executive Board.
Region 3: Currently Region 3 has no Regional Directors. Therefore,
through Chapter nominations or self-nominations, members seeking
this position may submit their names to President Dan Narsete for
Regional Director; 3 Directors will be appointed. ALL nominations
from Region 3 will be considered by the Executive Board.
Region 4: For the appointment replacement for Dick McPike
(term expires spring of 2009); Dick may seek a temporary 1 year term
appointment as Regional Director by contacting President Dan
Narsete. In addition, any other member within Region 4 may submit
his/her name by Chapter nomination or self-nomination. Three
Regional Directors are needed. ALL nominations from Region 4 will
be considered will be considered by the Executive Board.
SIMPLY SPEAKING: The Executive Board is seeking 7 members to
accept a TEMPORARY appointment to a Regional Director Position:
(one for Region 1) (three for Region 3) and (3 for Region 4).
QUALIFICATIONS: The nominees must be a member in good
standing with Muskies Inc; a member from the Region with the
vacancy; and they must attend the Iowa Spring Board Meeting.
TEMPORARY NOMINATION/APPOINTMENT SCHEDULE:
Nominees must submit their application to President Dan Narsete by
December 31, 2008. Temporary appointments will be made by the
Executive Committee shortly after the first of the New Year. If a sufficient number of nominees have not been submitted for consideration the President shall have the power to fill
those positions at-will.
TEMPORARY POSITION: Members
appointed to this one year term shall carry
the duties and responsibility of the Regional
Director. They will also be eligible for the
benefits of that position; including reimbursement of up to $400.00 for attending
the Spring Meeting under the reimbursement policy.
SPRING BOARD MEETING/FALL
ELECTIONS: The Spring Board meeting
shall be the time for submitting nominations
for Regional Directors. It will be at this time
for Chapters/Regions to nominate Regional
Directors. At the Spring 2009 meeting the
temporary Regional Directors may seek reelection in the Regional Fall Meeting of
2009. In addition any other person seeking a
Regional Director Position maybe nominated. Between the Spring Board meeting and
the Fall meeting, nominees will have the
REGIONAL MEETINGS (Proposed): In order to have a more specific time for Regional meeting the current Regional meeting schedule is being considered. Its design is to know when the meeting is to
be scheduled, allowing the flexibility for any member to attend all
meetings including members of the Executive Board. It seems too difficult for all Regions to host a meeting on the same date but too lax
for Regions to randomly choose a date. Therefore the following dates
for the Fall meeting are under consideration:
REGION 1 (the first Saturday of October) — REGION 2 (the second Saturday of October)
REGION 3 (the third Saturday of October) — REGION 4 (the
fourth Saturday of October)
Spring Board Meeting
Leo Kofoot reports that the Spring Board Meeting has been set
for April 25 at Arrowwood Resort in Okoboji, Iowa. There is a block
of rooms reserved for Friday and Saturday nights. If members travel
by air they will probably fly into Sioux Falls, SD. If weather conditions are right for that weekend, we want to take everyone to tour the
muskie hatching facility in Spirit Lake. Leo Kofoot will serve as the
contact person and coordinator. ❖
REGIONAL MEETING LOCATIONS: Fall Regional Meeting
locations will be based on which chapters volunteer to host them. It
is suggested that all Chapters take turns in hosting Fall Meetings.
Regional Meeting locations will be decided at the Spring Meeting.
(For the Fall of 2010 Chapters host for Region 1, 3, & 4 will be needed; for Region 2… Chapter 12 – Eagle River will offer the host)
IN CONCLUSION: A Bylaws Committee has been appointed,
chaired by the V.P. of Internal Affairs, Perry Peterson. My thanks to
Lorin Nevling for the proof-reading. Respectfully,
Fred E. Brogle, Chairman, Strategic Planning Committee
Region 2 Director, Email: [email protected],
Phone: 715/479-5873
SCENT OF A MUSKIE – The Chicago Muskie Show
Enter the expo hall of the Chicago Muskie Show at Harper
College and the sweet smell of muskie is in the air. It emanates
from the muskie retailers such as Rollie & Helen’s Muskie Shop,
Thorne Bros., and Pastikas. They will be tempting you with all the
latest in muskie tackle from rods and reels to electronics, tackle
storage systems, and, of course, thousands of muskie baits. The
mantra at The Chicago Muskie Show is, “You never have enough
baits!” The many tackle manufacturers in the show reinforce that
mantra. They display and sell the hottest muskie lures with many
in custom painted patterns.
While the above paragraph may be a piscatorial metaphor,
some of the muskie guides populating the hall may actually have
remnants of muskie slime on their clothing. In no particular order
of their scent rankings, Chad Cain, Lee Tauchen, Mike Hulbert,
Luke Ronnestrand, Kevin Cochran, Mike Cookas, Jody Mills,
Tony Grant, and Jason Hammernick are just a few of the super
muskie guides who cover prime muskie waters from Georgian Bay
to Lake Vermillion, and from Lake of the Woods to the Kentucky
muskie reservoirs.
Other exhibitors include artists and some of North America’s
finest taxidermists. Magnificent muskie mounts are displayed
throughout the hall and some of them are of world record proportions. Additionally, boat dealers will display, and have for sale,
muskie and pleasure boats. Custom rod makers will be available to
design a rod that will work perfectly with the types of baits you are
throwing. Resorts from many of the continent’s finest muskie
waters will be scattered through the hall. They can help you plan a
www.muskiesinc.org
trip that will practically have the muskies jumping in your boat.
Grab a chair in the 500 seat seminar hall and you will be both
educated and entertained. The lineup of high profile speakers will
deliver a wealth of information to help you improve your muskie
catches. Several of this year’s speakers will be giving tips on how to
gear up and successfully work the giant twin bladed bucktails that
have taken the muskie world by storm. Old standbys like Joe
Bucher, Spence Petros, Steve Herbeck, Bob Mehsikomer, Steve
Heiting, and Chad Cain will be joined on the seminar schedule by
newcomers Lee Tauchen, Scott Kieper, and Brad Hoppe. Brad is
the inventor of the Double Cowgirl, the original and hottest bait in
the giant bucktail revolution. Slide shows, videos, and live video
presentations are part of almost every seminar. Also, there will be
poolside demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday where manufacturers really show off their baits.
Tri-Esox Productions produces the show in conjunction with
the Chicagoland Muskie Hunters and South Side Muskie Hawks
chapters of Muskies, Inc. The Chicago Muskie Show will be held
January 9-11, 2009 at Harper College, located at the northeast corner of Roselle Rd. and Algonquin Rd., just off Interstate 90 in
Palatine, IL.
Show hours are Friday, January 9, Noon to 9 PM; Saturday,
January 10, 9 AM to 7:00 PM; and Sunday, January 11, 9 AM to
5 PM. Daily admission is $10.00; a three-day pass is $20.00, and
children under 13 are admitted free. There are thousands of FREE
PARKING spaces. For more information, see www.chicagomuskieshow.com, or call 847-328-6200. ❖
M U S K I E N E WS ◆ M U S K I E N E WS ◆ M U S K I E N E WS ◆ M U S K I E N E WS ◆ M U S K I E N E WS
opportunity to campaign, i.e., to go back to their Regions and
Chapters to acquire support for the Fall election. Chapter RVPs shall
carry chapter vote to the Fall meeting and Regional Directors shall be
elected by the Chapter RVP vote. Regional Directors will be elected
to a three year staggered term so that future elections will be electing
one RD from each Region, each year.
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An
JANUARY 9-10-11, 2009
Chicago Mu
Jim Saric
Joe Bucher
Spence Petros
Steve Heiting
Steve Herbeck
FREE SEMINARS
Partial Exhibitor List
Musky Mayhem Tackle LLC Seminar Hall
• Retailers: Rollie & Helen’s Musky Shop, Thorne Bros., Smokey’s
Friday, January 9th • Musky Mayhem Tackle LLC Day
1:00
BRAD HOPPE
Sponsored by Musky Mayhem Tackle
• Publications • Resorts & Guides
• Custom Rod Makers • Taxidermists & Artists
• Boat Dealers: Bedford Sales: Ranger, Stratos; Basas Marine:
Dinnertime: Musky Style
2:30
LEE TAUCHEN
Sponsored by Esox Angler
Forty Is The New Thirty
4:00
LUKE RONNESTRAND
Lund, Crestliner; Broken Oar Marina: Yar Craft
Sponsored by Musky Buster
Modern, Shallow Water Muskies
5:30
BOB MEHSIKOMER
• Manufacturers: American Hardwood Lures, Bait Rigs Tackle
Sponsored by Simply Fishing
Calling Out The Hawgs
7:00
PAUL THORNE
Sponsored by Crazy Crank
New Wave Muskie Tackle
Saturday, January 10th • Musky Hunter Day
All Speakers Sponsored by Musky Hunter Magazine
10:00 STEVE HEITING
Muskies: Go With The Flow
11:30 JOE BUCHER
Lure Color Doesn’t Matter
1:00
JIM SARIC
2:30
4:00
MIKE HULBERT Poolside Demonstration
SPENCE PETROS
Tough Tactics For Rough Conditions
Musky Shop, Guide’s Choice Pro Shop, Crash’s Landing, Pastika’s,
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
Co., Joe Bucher Fishing, Crane Baits, Crazy Crank, Dadson
Custom Rods, Custom Spinners, DeLong Lures, Du-Bro
Products, Duck Tail Lures, Eagle Tail Lures, Frabill, Fudally
Tackle, Fishing Pool Tackle, Gooch Tackle, Grandma Lures,
Hellraiser Tackle, Hi-Fin Tackle, Holcombe Tackle, J.D. Lures,
Lee’s Lures, LeLure, Meat & Potatoes Tackle Co., Musky
Innovations, Musky Magic Tackle, Musky Mania Tackle,
Musky Mayhem Tackle, Musky Mojo Tackle, Nimmer
Swimmer Lures, Red October Baits, Ryan’s Custom
Leaders, Shack Attack, Shimano, Shumway Tackle,
Slammer Tackle, Smitty Baits, Smoker Tackle, Spanky
Baits, Suick Lure Manufacturing, St. Croix Rods, True
Glide, Wishin Lures.
Poolside
Demos
Blade Bait Tricks For More Muskies
4-6 p.m.
OPEN POOL
Sponsored by Musky Innovations
Featuring All Exhibitors
5:30
CHAD CAIN
Choose the Right Lure For The Right Situation
Sunday, January 11th
Rollie & Helen’s Musky Shop Day
MC Pete Stoltman
10:00 STEVE HERBECK and ROB MANTHEI
Sponsored by Andy Myers Lodge & Fibber’s Restaurant
Canadian Tactics: Small Things That Big A Big Difference
11:45 POOLSIDE DEMOS
MC Ken Jackson and Russ Warye
Multiple Manufacturers
1:30
SCOTT KIEPER Sponsored by Musky Innovations
Wisconsin Monsters In Pressured Waters
1:30-3:30
OPEN POOL
Sponsored by Musky Innovations
Featuring All Exhibitors
3:00
KEN JACKSON
Sponsored by Rollie & Helen’s Musky Shop
Arc On The Lake
FREE DRAWINGS!
Daily Door Prizes for Early Arrivals
Friday: Hourly giveaways of one custom-tied Cowgirl.
Courtesy of Musky Mayhem Tackle
Saturday: Free drawing of Musky Hunter Jacket.
Courtesy of Musky Hunter Magazine
Sunday: Free drawings of four all-new Ambassadeur
reel and St. Croix rod combos to attendees at the
conclusion of the poolside demos. Courtesy of Rollie &
Helen’s Musky Shop
GRAND PRIZE: Musky tackle box filled with 40 choice
musky baits! All paid attendees (Friday-Saturday-Sunday)
are eligible. Winner need not be present.
Many additional prizes donated by exhibitors at the show!
JANUARY 9-10-11, 2009
uskie Show
us
Friday, January 9 . . . . . . . . . .12 p.m.-9 p.m.
Presented by:
Musky Mayhem Tackle LLC Day
Saturday, January 10 . . . . . . . .9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Musky Hunter Magazine Day
Sunday, January 11 . . . . . . . . .9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Rollie’s & Helen’s Musky Shop Day
Admission Prices
Daily: $10
and the
Chicagoland Muskie Hunters
& South Side Muskie Hawks
Chapters of Muskies, Inc.
3-Day Pass $20
Children under age 13 FREE
Convenient, Easy-To-Find Location
HARPER COLLEGE
Roselle & Algonquin Roads
Palatine, IL
FREE PARKING!
Over 2,000 FREE Parking Spaces Available!
The Chicago Muskie Show is sponsored by:
For show & hotel information, call (847) 328-6200 • www.chicagomuskieshow.com
www.muskiesinc.org
Chapter Challunge: A Muskies, Inc. Tradition
by Jon Olstadt and John Skarie
“Originally, this article was meant to summarize the 2008 Gil Hamm
Chapter Challunge. It seems a few forces working independently came
together shaping this into something more. Our MUSKIE editor was
looking to add some historical perspective. I was part of the host chapter
(First Wisconsin) and, in the past few years, participated in quite a few
conversations about what the Challunge means to our organization
and what possibilities lay ahead. I felt there was a lot to
discuss. As the emails passed back and forth, I started
thinking we need a yesterday, today, and tomorrow perspective of what I believe is the most important event we
have as an organization. This was not something I could
write by myself so I called in some help.” - Jon Olstadt
The next event was at Monument Bay and was attended by
40-50 people. After that it was held on Dryberry where the
participants all camped out. One chapter brought a big tent
that held all 50 people for socializing. Some notable figures at
that event included Frank Schnieder, Dick Pearson, Doug
Johnson, Steve Fuller and Dick Rose. The Dryberry Challunge
was won trolling. After Dryberry was the Challunge on
the Cisco Chain, where a handful of fish were caught.
The 5th event marked the first time a chapter
could send multiple teams and the event got rather large.
About 250 people congregated on Lake of the Woods.
The OMNR criticized the event as being too big.
As I talked to Steve it became very apparent that the
I was asked by Jon Olstadt to contribute to an article about
spirit of the Challunge was, and still is, about anglers comthe Gil Hamm Chapter Challunge. Being the Chair of the
ing together and having a good time. That is something
M.I. International Chapter Challunge Committee and a
that hasn’t changed as far as I can tell after attending 7
good friend of Jon’s I took on the assignment without hesof last 10 events.
itation. It just so happens that over the past two years I’ve
Personally, the Challunge has provided me with
had lots of conversations with participants I’ve met at the
some tremendous fishing opportunities that I probaevent about how the Challunge is run and its future.
bly wouldn’t have had otherwise. Fishing places like
I’ve done a lot of thinking about the Challunge, what
Wabigoon, Big Sand, Roughrock and the Holcombe
it has become and how it could possibly be changed in
Flowage have been outstanding experiences that only
the future, if there was a desire to do so among our
happened because they were chosen by winning
membership. - John Skarie
teams. I’ve met many new friends and had the
The Gil Hamm Chapter opportunity to fish with some truly great fisherYesterday
men as well. My first 50-incher was caught on
While thinking about the event, and possiChallunge is the premier Leech Lake during the Challunge hosted by
ble changes to make it better, bigger etc., I wonNorth Metro. The Challunge is truly a unique
Muskies, Inc. event - it
dered how the Challunge has changed over the
event that I am very grateful to have been a part
brings us together to
course of the years since its inception. I knew
of so many times.
the person to contact about this was Steve
celebrate one thing we
Statland, and after a few e-mails I got his phone
Today
all have in common.
number and gave him a call. The following is a
The Cass Lake, Minnesota area took center
summary of my conversation with Steve.
stage for the 2008 Challunge and it did not disIn 1976 there was a movement among muskie anglers to get appoint. The grand tradition was carried on with great fishing, hostogether and address issues in the field of muskie fishing and conser- pitality and camaraderie.
vation. This involved Gil Hamm meeting with the Chicagoland
Break on the Lake Resort was home to 120 anglers from 12 chapMusky Hunters and bringing them into Muskies, Inc.
ters from September 24-26. Fargo Moorhead won by a narrow marIt was during this time that anglers, headed by Steve, decided that gin trailed by the Twin Cities Chapter. The fish count totaled 39
a “tournament” where chapters could get together and compete would muskies. The biggest was 52.5 inches and there were two others at
be a great way to meet the other chapter members while enjoying the 50-plus inches. And that’s just the fishing….
resource everyone cared so much about. The winner of the tournaBy all accounts, the event was a success. The support of The
ment was to pick a location and host the event the following year.
Chicago Muskie Show produced by Tri-Esox Productions and Break
In 1977 the first Challunge was held in late September on the on the Lake Resort made it a time to remember. Special thanks, we
Minoqua Chain and was hosted by Chicagoland. Three chapters couldn’t do it without people like this. Free meals each evening, couattended; Chicagoland, Twin Cities and Fargo Moorhead. Some pled with a very affordable lodging rate, made it no wonder why
notable details include the FM team wearing matching red jump suits Break on the Lake was totally booked up with MI members. You
and one chapter waking the others up with stretching and exercises in couldn’t find a better deal, and it was right in the heart of MN muskie
front of the hotel. The first muskie ever caught in the event was a 40- country!
inch fish hooked on a sucker by Steve.
Steve and Julie Ballou from Break on the Lake worked their tails
Apparently it was a back and forth battle that year with the FM off for us. Their hospitality was top notch. They kept us housed and
team winning on the last day. A trophy was presented to the FM fed. What a joy it was coming back to a hot meal waiting. The food
chapter at the board meeting which was in the Twin Cities every year was tasty, stick-to-your-ribs fare - perfect after a late fall day on the
at that time. Steve had his metal minnow bucket brass plated and water. The big tent could hold us all and more than a few fish stories
presented it to the FM team with a small bottle of Crown Royal were told in the evenings over a beverage or two. On Thursday night,
inside. The whiskey was a side bet made and has continued to be a we had a large party and raffle. It was a packed house and we sold out
tradition ever since.
of raffle tickets!
Gil Hamm Chapter Challunge Winners
1977 – Fargo Moorhead
1978 – Mississippi Valley
1979 – Headwaters
1980 – Twin Cities
1981 – Red River Valley
1983 – First Wisconsin
1984 – Hayward Lakes
1985 – Hayward Lakes
1986 – Upper Great Plains
1987 – Chicagoland Muskie
Hunters
1988 – Southside Muskie Hawks
1990 – Fox River Valley
1992 – Colorado
1993 – Colorado
1994 – Lake Superior
1995 – Colorado
1997 – Vikingland
1999 - Fargo-Moorhead
2001 – North Metro
2002 – Fargo-Moorhead
2008 – Fargo Moorhead
Many people brought baits for trade to the party. I thought,
“what a great idea to have a bait swap!” We didn’t plan that, so what
a great thing to have members contributing to the experience. My
partner found a topraider he liked and promptly caught a beautiful
muskie on it when we returned to our home waters in Wisconsin.
You could say he supports future bait swaps!
On top of it all…by chapters sending teams to the event, it
raised money for the MN DNR for Muskie resource management.
Personally, I thought it was impressive to see a resort totally full
with our ranks doing what we love to do. I was proud to be involved
running an event that so many enjoyed. To me, this event is a symbol of what M.I. is all about. I’ve met a lot of great people and I
look forward to meeting more in the future. The Gil Hamm
Chapter Challunge is the premier Muskies, Inc. event - it brings us
together to celebrate one thing we all have in common.
Over
ies
9,000 Musk
Released
On Sabaskong Bay
Six-time Muskies, Inc.,
Chapter Challunge Headquarters
1983, 1986, 1993, 1997, 2003, 2004
• Ultra-modern one, two, three, or four bedroom cabins
• Housekeeping or camping
• Floating docks, electricity for charging batteries, Lund Boats with swivel seats
and depth finders, Honda motors with electric start
• Dining room with food and liquor available for registered guests only
Call or write for data on musky catches:
1 (888) 488-5601 or (807) 488-5601
Red Wing Lodge, Box 1008, Baudette, MN 56623
www.redwinglodge.net
Family owned and operated for 40 years
Tomorrow
There has been discussion among members about the event
needing more involvement from the national level of M.I. Some
feel there should be money available for putting it on. Others think
that more help should come in the planning and actual running of
the event. There have been suggestions that the event be held on
specific bodies of water in a planned rotation, year after year.
All these suggestions have merit and are worth considering and
discussing. I certainly don’t have any real issues with how the
Challunge has been run in recent years. The events have been well
attended and seem to be very enjoyable to those who participate.
The financial support of The Chicago Muskie Show produced by
Tri-Esox Productions has been a huge benefit for the winning chapters and consequently all who attend. Additional sponsorship could
certainly enhance this event and make it easier for chapters to plan
and host it.
As Chairman of the Challunge Committee, I (John Skarie)
don’t really have a committee to chair. Part of my intent in writing
this is to ask interested members to contact me so we can get some
feedback from chapters about this event and the direction we want
it to go in the future. I would be more than willing to be involved
with a group of members to look at the suggestions and concerns
our chapters have regarding this event to make sure it continues to
be something that all chapters and members can be proud of.
We hope to see you at the 2009 Gil Hamm Chapter Challunge
which will be hosted in August by the Fargo-Moorhead Chapter! ❖
www.muskiesinc.org
8
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by Kevin Richards
[email protected]
Sport Show Time!
Have a Muskie New Year!
As you read this column you may be heading to, returning from,
or even at one of the big sport shows which occur from January
through early April each year. These events are real muskie celebrations. They are convention halls filled with all the muskie things we
love so much – baits, boats, gear, guides, camps, resorts, and of
course muskie maniacs!
While you are at the shows take time to visit and thank our
advertisers and the sport show promoters who make the hoopla possible. Please make sure you also take time to visit the various booths
that represent Muskies, Inc. and our many chapters.
Use the sport shows as a winter opportunity to introduce someone new to muskie fishing and to Muskies, Inc. For the future of our
sport we must keep recruiting new members to help support muskie
conservation and to promote effective catch and release.
I hope the holidays have been good to you. I hope you have
been blessed with good health, good friends, and maybe a few really
good muskie toys. As we look to the year ahead we may be entering
one of the best muskie fishing years ever. We need to be diligent
about perfecting our release methods, we need to be diligent about
protecting aquatic habitats, and we must be diligent about supporting effective fisheries regulations for muskies and other species. If we
continue to work together to do these things we will be assuring that
the Golden Age of Muskie Fishing is in our future, not in our past.
I join the MUSKIE Magazine staff and our many volunteers in
wishing you a muskie new year!
After the thrill of catching your next muskie do your best to
carefully release it to fight another day; the future of our muskie
resource will literally be in your hands!
– Kevin
Special Thanks to Our
Long-term Advertisers!
port allows us to make January one of the best and biggest issues each
year. This month these advertisers include The Chicago Muskie
Show produced by Tri-Esox Productions, Musky Hunter TV, the
Rockford Fishing Expo, and The Best of the Best Tournament. In
the months ahead, other sport shows, such as the Minnesota Muskie
Expo, the Milwaukee Muskie Expo, and the Madison Fishing Show
will lend support to our cause.
There are a few advertisers that were with us for 6 months or
more in 2008 which we expect back in 2009. St. Croix, Yakima, and
Tech & Tackle – we need and appreciate your support!
Finally, there are 7 current advertisers who were also with us
for 6 months or more in 2008. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
We continue to need your support and we are proud of the partnerships we have developed with you. These special advertisers are (in
alphabetical order): Fittante Replicas, Indian Lake Lodge, Lax
Reproductions, Red Wing Lodge, Taylor County Kentucky Tourist
Commission, USDA, and Young’s Wilderness Camp.
We ask our all of our readers to support these businesses, sport
shows and agencies who support Muskies, Inc. ❖
M
USKIE Magazine is the official publication of Muskies,
Inc., which is a non-profit organization. There are two
funding sources for MUSKIE – dues received from our
members and income from ads placed by our advertisers. The support provided by our advertisers ultimately allows Muskies, Inc. to
direct more funds to fisheries, research and youth projects which
contribute to the mission of our organization.
This month we are pleased to welcome several new advertisers to
MUSKIE. They include Simms Outdoors, Lake Lady Rods,
Tomahawk Resort, Sioux Lookout Floating Lodges, and George
Selcke. Welcome to our MUSKIE family and thanks for your support!
We are also fortunate to have the support of various advertisers
which place ads in MUSKIE on a cyclic or seasonal basis. Your sup-
T H A N K S
T O
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A DV E R T I S E R S
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Figure 8
www.muskiesinc.org
by
Ji m B u n c h
Rosemary Owen! Green Bay,
55 Inch At Home!
“My husband George and I have thought about fishing Green
Bay for several years now, but for some reason it was either too
windy or we wanted to go up north.
In August I was invited to be on
simply
fishing
with
Bob
Mehsikomer on Lake Vermillion.
We met a lot of nice people on this
trip. Anyway, that’s how we met
“Coach” Pete Olson (he told me to
tell the Bunchman that I learned
everything from him). From this
trip I was introduced to my new
favorite lure, the Agitator X and
then we bought a GPS chip that
included Green Bay.
For the past fifteen years we
had been going up north on Labor
Day, but my husband George wanted to stay home and check out the
Bay. That was the start of our fall
fishing adventure. We fished every
chance we could, and boated a lot of
nice fish. George caught and
released five 30lb class fish.
I caught my 55’’ on a warm,
calm October afternoon. Only fishing for about 15 minutes and using
my new favorite lure, the fish hit
and did everything you don’t want a
fish to do. He jumped out of the
water, went under the boat twice
and then came up and did a vicious
head shake. We were finally able to
get the fish in the net. My husband
was as nervous as I was. After taking
the hook out and taking a picture,
my biggest excitement was watching
the fish swim away. We can hardly
wait for next spring to come, so we
can get back out there again. There
is a lot of new water out there to
explore. I can’t wait for my hus-
Rosemary Owen, Chapter 12, 55 inches, 24 inch girth.
Green Bay, WI. Agitor X Jr. Fish I.D. 263878.
(Continued on page 14)
www.muskiesinc.org
Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g
g
nge L
u
L
e
o
h
t
LUNGE LOG
(Continued from page 13)
band to call me on my cell and say, Rosie, the winds
are right; the moon is either rising or setting, drop what
you’re doing and let’s go fishing!”
Jade Petty! 55 Inch
Brutal Weather!
“Jade, Travis and I (Adam Oberfell) headed to
Minnesota to try to hit the cisco spawn. The first three
days were extremely cold, we fished a lot of areas and
only saw 1 or 2 fish per day and caught some decent
pike. Sunday was the coldest day we ever spent on the
water. Lots of NW wind, everything was freezing and
breaking. We had all kinds of things break on the boat,
locks, gauges, etc. I also broke a rod trolling. We trolled
around giant icebergs that had broken from the bays
from the wind. When we put the boat on the trailer at
8pm, it was 15 degrees.
Monday was cold but less windy.
We launched in a bay that morning
and the water was 36 degrees. The
boat was frozen to the trailer and it
took 15 minutes of rocking it before
it broke away. I lost a good fish that I
didn’t get to see. Jade got a 46.25
trolling. The trolling motor shaft
froze inside the collar several times.
We found that spraying Pam
worked the best to cure this. When
we went back to the launch at 8pm,
we had to break ice for about a 1/4
mile! Tuesday was another battle with
the weather.
Wednesday was the day of all
days. It was the full moon and the
feeding window lasted all day! The air
temps were in the mid thirties with
light winds. I started out the morning
with a 45, then Jade got a little 38.25
followed by a 44. Early afternoon
Jade got a 41.25. After he released
that fish, his bait was still wrapped in
the net. I got rocked by a big fish. He
had to cut his line and net my fish
with his bait still in the net. It was a
50.5 x 24. After releasing that fish, I
lost a 48. Then I got a 42.75. I had a
40 incher eat in the figure 8 and come
off. Shortly after that fish I got hit by
another huge fish! I could not believe
it but it was bigger than the last one!
This one went 53 x 25!
We fished after dark again and
we were just about to call it a night
when Jade got hit by the monster!
When we got the lights on it we knew
this was the fish we were looking for.
It went into the net quickly and he
Jade Petty, Chapter 8, 55 inches, Vermilion, MN.
Jerk Bait, Fish I. D. 265201.
got the hooks out. He really struggled to lift the
fish! It was 55 x 26! He could not lift it for a good
pose, each time the flash went off it looked as
though Jade was concerned that the fish might try
to eat him. We didn’t get the best pictures because
we were more concerned about getting this fish
back in the water than getting perfect pics. To say
that Jade was shaking would be an understatement.
So that total for Wednesday was 8 muskies in the
boat with two around 40 pounds and one about 47
pounds!”
They fished three more days in brutal weather,
cold and high winds. In the end Adam said they put
17 muskies in the boat and lost several other nice
fish.
Catfish Strikes Again!
55 Inch Mille Lacs!
The name is Matt (Catfish) Firestein. Yes, that
is his real name according to the Muskies, Inc.
membership list. Back in October we did a thing
about Matt because he caught a 55 inch on Lake St.
Clair. His picture was neat because he was in the
water helping it back to its environment. I mentioned in that article that we did not know the reason for the nickname Catfish. Well now we do. Do
a little research and run into the right guy and you
find these things out. Apparently while a teenager
in high school Matt caught a really big catfish. Now
lets just assume it was a Flathead Catfish because
they are about 1/3 head. Some how, in the process
the head of this Catfish ended up on the desk of
one of his teachers at his high school. We do not
have complete details because my informant was
laughing really bad when telling me the story. So an
influential event like this in high school was significant enough for the nickname to stick. So today it
remains, he is Matt or “Catfish”. Catfish tells it like
this for his recent muskie.
“Here is a picture of the fish, myself and my
good friend Craig Eversoll.
Anyhow I got lucky again. We,
who includes Craig Eversoll,
Scotty “ Three Fingers” Willis (my
cousin) and me were up on Mille
Lacs for about 9 days without a follow!!! Water temps had risen the
first 6 days and finally we got some
cooler weather and the water temperature started dropping. Then,
after I don’t know how many casts,
www.muskiesinc.org
Matt Firestein, Chapt 8, 55 inch, 11/9/08
Mille Lacs, MN. Bull Dawg Jig
Fish I.D. 265246
Matt Firestein left, Craig Oversoll right
LUNGE LOG
there she was. She hit within the first ten feet of
the cast on a pounder Bulldawg. I can’t take any
credit, as Craig was running the trolling motor; he
had us on the spot and also did a great job netting
the fish. All I had to do was hang on! Craig and I
had gotten a 54.75 x 27.5 the year before so we
knew it was just a matter of time and sooner or
later we would get a shot at something big. I didn’t really think we would get one that long but
that’s why we were there. It feels like you’re just a
cast away from a record. Anyways thanks very
much to MI and whoever released that fish before
I caught her, and to great fishing partners and an
enabling wife!”
So there you go Muskies, Inc. We just sifted
through some pictures sent to the Lunge Log and
grabbed three 55 inchers to show you. There are
more pictures like this; we just don’t have the
room. So keep them coming as you just never
know what we might show.
Jim Bunch
[email protected]
[email protected]
715 226-0295
D O N AT I O N S
S E P T E M B E R & O C TO B E R
David Gustafson
Linda Rikkers
Mike Labinski
Randy C. Negley
Mike Dickey
Kenneth Radke
Robert Koubsky
George Reidinger
Mike Sullivan
Fred Beccetti
Beau Farias
Clayton Fletcher
Carl J. Graf
Kathy Burdette
Don Schrom
Paul J.Pollock
Judy Anderson*
M/M Ronald M. Groeschl*
M/M Richard Bergendahl*
* Memorial donations totaling $500 were
made in memory of Ralph Anderson, who
was a member of the Milwaukee Chapter.
On behalf of Muskies, Inc., thank
you! – Kathy Goon, Treasurer
There’s Nothing Fishy
About Healthy Fish.
here’s danger in the waters. Viral hemorrhagic septicemia
(VHS) is a serious disease of fresh and saltwater fish that
has recently been found widely throughout the Great Lakes
region of the United States and Canada. VHS is not a threat
to human health.
T
VHS spreads among fish through urine and reproductive fluids
released into the water, and also through the eating of other
infected fish. Infected fish and water can easily spread the virus if
they are released into a new body of water. Appropriate hygienic
or other routine biosecurity precautions are necessary to protect
aquatic animal health and prevent further spread of the disease.
The Healthy Way
• Thoroughly clean and dry fishing equipment, bait buckets,
boats, and trailers before using them again.
• Empty all water from equipment before transporting.
• Remove all mud, plants, and aquatic life from equipment.
• Do not move fish or plants from one body of water to another.
• Do not introduce fish of an unknown health status into
populations of farmed fish.
To learn more, visit
www.aphis.usda.gov/healthyfish
United States Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
www.muskiesinc.org
I
t struck me that November evening as I drove home
from the visitation, the day before George’s funeral:
among all the hundreds of pictures of George on
the posters, there was not one standard “fish picture.”
There were many family pictures of George as a child, his youth,
and his own family. There were many Whitefish Bay pictures, many
Muskies, Inc. pictures, the Expo, Vets Home Opener, all of the other
activities which George led and participated in. There was at least
one picture of George releasing a big Muskie.
But not a single picture of him holding a Muskie and looking at
the camera.
And you know, that’s typical of George. Here’s a man who had
fished Muskies for almost 30 years, a man who caught 400 of them.
But this is also a man who did things his own way. Being like everybody else – posing for “big fish” pictures as just one example – was
not George.
As it happened, I spent several days in September with the group
that went up to Whitefish Bay on what we all knew was George’s last
trip. Tom Kenefick drove me around in his boat, as I tried to get pictures of George catching a Muskie. It didn’t happen. George did
catch a big Northern Pike, his last fish, and we have a photo of that.
But no Muskie.
However, I did sit down on the dock at Whitefish Bay Camp
and film an interview with George and his two favorite fishing
partners. I think it captures the tremendous spirit of the man, even
as his health was failing. This article gives you excerpts from that
interview, the reminisces of one of the exceptional Muskie Men of
our times.
Juris Ozols: “Hey George, listen, I have to say this is really a pleasure
being out here with you. I have never fished with you, never been out
here, but you’ve got quite a life, quite a deal out here.”
George Wahl: “It’s… Maybe the best place in the world, other than
being home. But it depends on what home is. But, yeah… It doesn’t get any better.”
JO: How many years you been fishing Whitefish?
GW: “Thirty eight, and this is my 153rd trip.”
JO: “Tell us about how many fish you’ve caught. Big ones and little ones and those kinds of things.”
GW: “In the area of 400 roughly.” George pauses to consider. “I
think if you counted, like, say, 48 and better - 80ish? Something like
that.”
JO: “How long does it take you to catch a Muskie?”
GW: “One every six and a half days. George smiles. “But a lot of
those four hundred are not from Lake of the Woods. This (Whitefish
Bay) is hard water.” George looks out at the lake. “The Muskies, Inc.
guys stay away from this, cause, it’s one every six and a half days.
Well, the best I ever did was five in a morning, before 9 o’clock, from
45 to 52 inches. And then at 9:15 I missed one of the biggest fish I’ve
ever hooked. So it would have been six.”
JO: “Do you come up here to catch Muskies or do you come up here
for other reasons?”
GW: “Just to be here. Yeah. Muskies are obviously part of it. In
fact, they’re a big part of it. But it’s just being here. How do you beat
this atmosphere?”
JO: “When you started coming here, why did you start coming to
Whitefish? Instead of Sabaskong Bay, or something?”
GW: “Saw a brochure with a pretty sand beach. So I went to the
sand beach. And came ever since. And it’s now sold and condo-ed
out, and then switched to another resort, and now this one.” George
nods toward Whitefish Bay Camp. “But
GW: Gets a distant look on his face.
it’ll always be Whitefish.”
“Worked for a Volkswagen dealership and
JO: “When you started coming here,
a Volkswagen Rabbit rolled off a rack. A
hoist.” George lifts up in the air with his
who did you come with, the other people, who were some of the other, I think
hand. “And ran over me. And it broke
you mentioned Hugh Becker at one
my back.” George has a smile on his face.
time…”
“And I had to change jobs. Or stay on
workman’s comp for life. And I just
GW: “Hugh Becker is the Muskies Inc.
chose to change jobs. And I got in the
pioneer for this place. He’d been coming
bucktail business.”
here,” George chuckles, “forever, and he
caught some awful, awful big fish. And
JO: “When was that, how long ago?”
he was a real decent guy. Stayed down at
GW: George has to think. “…eighty
Vic and Dot’s and hung around this
two… yeah…”
neighborhood right here.” George looks
JO: “When you started out making
out past the docks into the bay. “But he
Eagletails, did they look then like the last
has now died, and left Muskies, Inc.
ones, or did you change along the way?
three million bucks.”
GW: “From the first one I made to the
JO: “You went out on a boat with him,
one I made last – there’s no difference.”
actually fished with him, together?”
Emphatically: “Identical.”
GW: George nods. “Yeah.” And he
JO: “What are you trying to do with
laughs. “But I’m not leaving Muskies, George Wahl driving his Crestliner fishing boat on Eagletail that makes it a very good lure,
Inc. three million bucks.” George laughs Whitefish Bay. He is wearing an “Eagletail” hat.
you know? What is special about it?
GW: George doesn’t hesitate. “Strong!
again.
JO: Also laughs. “Well, that’s alright. Hugh took care of that. Was It’ll never break. And a single hook will land a very big fish, consisHugh a pretty good fisherman?”
tently. So if you’re not going to break,” and George shrugs, “you’re in.
There is a loon call in the background, from out on the lake. George You got the best lure going.”
JO: “Yeah… You don’t use treble hooks or anything then…”
turns to look out there. He turns back to the camera.
GW: “Nobody is a good fisherman. Nobody. It’s just how much GW: “Don’t need ‘em. In ocean fishing, there’s no such thing as a
time are you willing to put in. On the right water. And if you’re will- treble hook. It’s all singles. What have they learned that we don’t
ing to do it, then you’ll catch fish. And you’ll end up with big fish.” know? And that’s that a single hook lands a big fish.”
JO: “You said earlier, we were talking, and I asked you something JO: “When you started, how did you sell your Eagletails. You know,
about ‘Well, where are the Muskies going to be today, and you know, do you have some stories, you went to Thorne Brothers or whatever…
what does it take to catch them,’ and you just kind of laughed at me. How did you do that?”
Go ahead and tell me what you said then.”
GW: “I threw a whole bunch of them in the trunk of the car. And
GW: George has a smile on his face. “All the geniuses… with ‘Sure I went to Wisconsin.” George makes a circle I the air with his arm.
Fire Tactics for Muskies’ – they ain’t got a clue! They really don’t. All “And I sold every one of ‘em. And never made another phone call.
they can do is type well.” George types in the air with his right hand. They called me.”
“Nobody knows where that fish is right now. If any of us here did,” JO: “Yeah? Must have sold pretty well then…”
and George points at me and the other folks, “we would be there in GW: “For years and years… Or not years and years. Three years.
the next thirty seconds.” George points out into the bay. “But we Everything sold in Minnesota was a Burgertail. And it was sold at
don’t. So it’s a guess. You have to put your time in, and pay your Burger Brothers. Everything sold in Wisconsin or Chicago was an
dues, and then you’ll eventually catch a fish.”
JO: “I noticed when we were following you around trying to take
pictures, that you would go from spot to spot, and you’ve got kind of
a “route” marked out, that you go to?
GW: “Just a mental paper route. When you leave in the morning,
you don’t know where you’re going. Or what you’re going to do. But
your only decision is what color am I going to put on and what direction am I gonna go? Refining it beyond that? No.” George shakes his
head. “Cause the fish you’re looking for is anywhere. She might be
right there in a foot of water.” George points at the shoreline by the
dock.
JO: “When you say color, do you have any particular favorite colors,
or do you change around”
GW: “Red and yellow with a flame blade. Or purple. Or gray.”
JO: “Does it make a lot of difference do you think?
GW: George pauses. “Sometimes yes.” Another loon calls in the
background. “Sometimes it’s red and yellow, period. But any color
that you use, enough, you can be successful with.” George nods several times.
George and John Olson coming into the dock at Whitefish Bay
JO: “Hey, let’s talk Eagletails! You were in the Eagletail business for Camp. George caught his biggest Muskie, a 55-incher, “right
a long time. How did you get started on that?”
around the corner” to the right of the picture on one of his early trips.
www.muskiesinc.org
GEORGE WAHL
on it. Cause I was just going to do it at
a nursing home. And it turned out to be
a good program for the meeting. It’s
been twenty years now. Close.”
Eagletail. And that was by design.”
JO: “Okay, another thing of course is
George nods his head several times. “Ted
the Muskie Expo, the Blaine show there.
Burger knew that. And, finally one had
Tell us about that.”
to eat the other, and,” a smile on George’s
GW: “A guy in Milwaukee put one on.
face, “it was Eagletails that won.” Big
And I went to it as an exhibitor. And he
smile.
did well. So I came back to the board…
JO: “Where did the name “Eagletail”
May of ninety-four and said, ‘I know
come from?
everybody in the tackle business, I can
GW: George laughs and points to his
pull this off. But I think it’s expensive
head. “My imagination. It turned out to
and I need some money. How’d you like
be the exact, right name. Another guy, at
to loan me the front money?’ No. Not
the same time, come out with a very
a chance. The conservative board memidentical lure with a treble hook called a
bers shot it down instantly. And thirty
‘Fuzz-Wubbie,’ and it was dead the day it
days later I talked them into it. And it
came out. Because of the name.”
turned out to be only nine hundred
JO: “How many lures do you think
bucks. Which was very aggravating to
you’ve made in your career?”
me, afterwards. But they loaned me the
GW:
“Hmm… several thousand.
nine hundred, and I paid them the nine
Under a hundred thousand but over fifty. George reeling in one of his Eagletail lures with John
hundred back by October First. And I’ve
I’ve got Eagletail number 50,000. I Olson in the background.
given them another seventy thousand,
think. And I got it in a case.”
beyond that nine hundred.”
JO: “Muskies, Inc. How long have you belonged to Muskies, Inc.?”
JO: “Right, that’s been a very successful thing, then.”
GW: “Started in December of sixty-six, and I joined in the summer
GW: “And it was just a handshake deal. I promised them I’d do it.
of seventy-two. And John Olson over there,” George points behind
And, most of ‘em didn’t believe me. But I did it.”
the camera, “He’s right there with me. We’re two of the older guys
JO:
“What do you think of Muskies, Inc. now? The direction it’s
around.”
going,
should things change, how about some thoughts on that?
JO: “You’ve done a lot. The Vet’s Home Opener, I believe, came out
GW:
George pauses, but it’s clear he has a definite opinion. “Just
of your imagination?”
keep
doing
what you’re doing. It’s never going to be the Junior
GW: “Uhh… Let’s stab at February eighty-eight. Or eighty-nine.
Chamber
of
Commerce where there’s oodles and oodles of members.
We had a snow storm. Don Pursch canceled as the speaker. And I
Cause
it’s
a
select
crazy few to start with. And a lot of guys will join,
was president. So I had to come up with a program. So I started talkand,
two
years
later
they’re out. It wasn’t what they thought it was.
ing about why don’t we do something for a nursing home? And Mike
Tesch out in the audience raised his hand and ‘Naahh. Vet’s Home.’ It’s been hovering around 6000 members forever. That’s fine. Leave
it there. Cause you got the hard core people that love it, enjoy it, and
That was it. But that clicked with everybody.”
JO: “Oh, man. I’ve been to, I don’t know, maybe not ten but over will put an effort into it. And if you get all the fly-by-night Harry’s
half dozen here recently, taking pictures and stuff, and that to me is in there, and you get, say, 12,000 members, it becomes very hard to
administer, and, they’re not the right people.”
one of ‘the’ highlights of the year. That’s a wonderful thing to do.”
GW: “Yeah, I guess it was my idea but Mike Tesch put Vet’s Home JO: “I hesitate to ask this question but I’m going to do it anyway –
what do you think of the magazine and especially the covers of the
magazine?
GW: A quick response. “I love it. You take the magazine away and
you don’t have Muskies Inc. anymore.
JO: Laughing, “A great answer, great answer!”
GW: “It’s the glue. And, beyond the magazine, the Members Only
contest is the glue. You got to have ‘em both. But,” and here George
frowns a bit, “the Members Only contest promotes that you measure
every fish that you catch. That’s wrong.” A nod of the head. “I guarantee you if you come home and tell your wife that you caught a 48,
a 46, and a 44 and a half: ‘Oh, that’s nice honey. Go cut the grass.’
She doesn’t care. Your buddies don’t care. Nobody cares. To that half
inch, or whatever. So just estimate. And if you’re wrong, you’re
wrong. Cause, nobody cares, how big your fish is. They’re more
interested in telling you how big ‘theirs’ was.
GW: “Everybody’ll come up and say, ‘Hey, how did you do on your
last trip?’ And, before you give them the answer, they’re telling you
John Olson, Steve Tooker, and George Wahl leaving Whitefish Bay how ‘they’ did on their last trip.”
Camp to go fish Muskies. The interview with George took place JO: “Let me go back to Whitefish Bay. What’s the biggest fish you’ve
caught here on Whitefish?”
right on the dock in the background.
“As far as Muskies Inc., just keep doing
what you’re doing. And don’t get any
grandiose ideas of becoming a real big
organization. It’s just not in the cards. Stay
healthy, stay small, and stay important.”
George Wahl, September 2008
GW: “Fifty-six, right around the corner.” George points over to his
right. “And right around the corner, I also saw the biggest fish I’ve
ever seen. Big enough that I think I could have stepped out of the
boat and stood on her back. I almost had a hook in that one, but not
quite.” George smiles. Memories are obviously going through his
head.
At this point George’s closest fishing buddies, John Olson and Steve Tooker
joined in the conversation.
JO: “Well, How long you guys been running around together?
John: “We’ve been here eighteen years, nineteen years. He’s probably
one of my two best friends.”
GW: George looks over. “I’m too opinionated.”
John: “But he’s still one of my two best friends. And the other one’s
over there.” John points at Steve Tooker.
JO: “Steve, why don’t you sit down. Tell us a little bit about yourself.”
Steve: “I met George after I bought a resort at Leech Lake. And I met
him, through John, and John says, ‘You gotta meet George.’ So we
went over to his basement. And George was sitting there making
lures. And that was one of my first introductions to Eagletails.”
JO: “So how long you been fishing with George?”
Steve: “Since in the mid-eighties.”
JO: “You really think he is opinionated?”
Steve: “George? Oh definitely!” Lots of laughter by all three.
JO: “But does he have any opinions that are wrong?”
Steve: “You know, I think we all have opinions that are wrong.”
GW: “We have never had an argument in the boat, not even close.”
Steve and John are both nodding their heads. “Not even a cross word.
But that’s because I’m right all of the time, and they know it.”
Laughter all the way around.
Steve: “I think the most fun I’ve ever had is the times on Whitefish
Bay with George and John. I’ve always had a marvelous time up here,
and it’s just one of the highlights of my life. The week is too short.
The week is always too short.”
JO: “Well, I understand you’re going to come back again for the
opener. George, are you planning already?”
GW: “Well, I got some physical problems and I hope I’ll be back for
the opener. I didn’t think I’d ever be here again now.”
JO: “How, how about if I promise to come and take pictures of you,
you know, so you finally catch a fish so I can get that.”
GW: “Opener… Uhhh…” George pauses. “Well as far as guaranteeing a Muskie…”
John: John is nodding. “That’s as close as it will get.”
GW: “Yeah… And big fish too. Some guys say fall is the best or
other guys will say August full moon. But a fish eats every day of the
year. Or close to it. So that puts opener right in the money.”
JO: Sighs. “Well, okay. What else do you want to say, George, here?
Here’s a chance. This tape will be around forever, you realize.”
GW: “As far as Muskies Inc., just keep doing what you’re doing. And
don’t get any grandiose ideas of becoming a real big organization. It’s
just not in the cards. Stay healthy, stay small, and stay important.” ❖
www.muskiesinc.org
Stever Tooker and George Wahl holding a 42-inch Northern Pike,
the last fish that George caught.
George Wahl passed away November 19, 2008 and is buried at Ft.
Snelling National Cemetery. The Expo has been renamed “George’s
Minnesota Muskie Expo” and will continue to be held annually.
The video of the full interview is available on DVD. Please contact Juris Ozols at: [email protected]
Minnesota Muskie Expo
Finds New Home in 2009
The 15th annual MN Muskie Expo will have many
great changes as the show has moved from Blaine’s
National Sports Center to Concordia University’s
Gangelhoff Center in St. Paul. This facility is a larger,
neater space with better lighting and sound. “The real
selling point driving the change in location (which is
now dead center between the downtown areas of
Minneapolis and St. Paul) was the proximity to the Twin
Cities,” says Paul Hartman, the Expo’s co-director. The
new location is 2 blocks off Interstate 94 which will be
convenient for the out-of-town attendees and
exhibitors as well. “With the high price of gas, we want
to become as central as possible to help keep costs
down for everyone,” Hartman adds.
This year’s MN Muskie Expo will also have new
dates – April 3, 4, and 5th. The later dates will eliminate
the travel conflicts with snow and cold. The show’s
founder, George Wahl, chose to bring in Paul Hartman
of the Minnesota Muskie Tournament Trail to help
organize the 2009 show. Questions about exhibitor
space at the show should be directed to Paul Hartman
at: 763/786-6031. The show content will remain a pure
muskie theme but the move to Concordia has created
space for additional vendors. The show information
including seminar times, show hours, directions, and
special attractions can be found online at
www.minnesotamuskieexpo.com
MUSKIE by running paid ads – special thanks to Sioux Lookout
ave you ever dreamed of having your of
Floating Lodges on Lac Seul and to Tomahawk Resort on Lake of the
own cabin within view of your favorite Woods!
muskie spot on one of your favorite Where and when do you want to go?
lakes? You can have it!
Are houseboats available on the body of water you want to fish
H
Even if the lake you love is controlled by the government or has
very strict development rules, you may be able to experience your
dream. A good number of high quality muskie waters offer a unique
choice for accommodations which can provide a very special muskie
fishing adventure. Using a houseboat as your base camp for a muskie
trip is an option on waters ranging from as far south as Kentucky,
through the northern portion of the muskie range in the USA, and
into the remote reaches of Ontario.
On my first trip, about 10 years ago, I had many questions
about what to expect and how to prepare. By my last trip (2008) I
was already thinking about this story and asked my great team of
fishing partners to share their ideas during the trip. Hopefully this
article will give some tips which will be beneficial to both novice and
experienced houseboat trip participants. Many of the ideas come
from guys with 3 to 8 trips under their belts.
Houseboat trips require a good deal of advance planning and
coordination, especially if your group is coming from a wide geographic area. This has always been the case on the trips I’ve been
involved with.
For this article I am going to focus on houseboat trips which
might occur on some of the largest and most remote muskie waters
in northwestern Ontario, places like Lac Seul or Lake of the Woods.
While there are several houseboat rental operations available on these
big lakes I urge you to support those who support Muskies, Inc. I
was very pleased that two such operators decided to support this issue
and at the time of year you want to be there? This is an important
consideration, especially way up north. By all means start checking
details well in advance - it’s not too early to start doing so right now
for mid or late 2009.
Certain prime muskie fishing periods coincide with peaks when
other anglers and hunters will be looking for houseboats. Book early
if you plan on muskie fishing during hot times for walleye or during
the fall hunting seasons.
Once you’ve booked your houseboat make sure you know where
on the lake you want to tie-up for the week. Your rental operator can
help you choose a good spot near your prime fishing area. You will
want to be protected from the prevailing winds and hopefully have
great scenery and perhaps a sand beach nearby.
Who do you want to share the houseboat with?
This is a very important consideration - the success of your trip
will have a lot to do with the team you assemble. You will probably
be on the boat in fairly close quarters for 7 nights with your fishing
partners. In addition, houseboats come in many sizes and price
ranges. Pick a houseboat that fits your budget and pick a team that
is willing to split all group expenses evenly. For example, if you are
planning a family vacation and the kids aren’t old enough to contribute to expenses mom and dad will have to foot the whole bill.
On the other hand if you are splitting expenses between 8 adult
anglers the cost per person can be quite reasonable.
Don’t try to fill the boat to maximum capacity just to cut
expenses. Every angler needs some space for gear and will need more
space if you will be fishing during cold weather periods like late fall.
If the maximum capacity of your houseboat is 10 consider a team of
8 anglers.
www.muskiesinc.org
Try to pick team members who are known to be compatible in
most situations. It also helps if at least a few of your team members
have fished the lake before and have been involved in a previous
houseboat trip. If there are considerations that are important to
members of the group make sure anyone considering joining you
knows them in advance. For example, I like to make sure everyone
agrees on a few basic premises before they sign on, such as:
➣ We split all expenses
➣ We split duties for meal preparation and clean-up
➣ No smoking or complaining inside the houseboat cabin – take
those outside
For a group of 8 plan on having at least 4 fishing boats. That
way, if one boat breaks down during the week you can comfortably
fit those anglers in one of the remaining boats.
HOME SWEET
MUSKIE HOME
Pick a team that wants to catch
muskies and is willing to share catch
details and locations each evening
around the dinner table.
Finally, pick a team that wants to
enjoy each other’s company, eat well, and have
some fun. If you’re lucky you’ll even have some
guys who like to take a few “walleye breaks” so
you can have a great fish fry one night for dinner!
What about meal planning?
There are many ways to do this. You can
assign one person to coordinate meal planning
for the week and to prepare a grocery list for a
group shopping trip as you near your point of
departure. You can also just assign meals so that
each fishing boat is responsible for buying and
preparing their fair share of breakfasts and dinners. We normally eat lunch on the water or
meet on an island for a group meal when the
weather is good. One great thing about having a houseboat in the
middle of your fishing area is that you can quickly return to your
base if the weather conditions turn bad.
I really like the diversity of dinners we always end up with as
each team tries to highlight a favorite meal. Great steaks, special
walleye batters, venison stew and stroganoff, fine BBQ, Cajun,
Italian, you name it!!
I’ll offer two important tips on food and supplies. Prepare what
you can in advance to speed up meals after a long day of fishing and
to reduce clean-up time. Make sure you coordinate on items that
you can easily have too much or too little of – bread, milk, eggs, butter, paper plates, paper towels, etc.
Let’s fish!
Remember we came here to muskie
fish and we have put our houseboat in
the middle of our target area. Fish hard,
be flexible, and adapt quickly to new
information.
On our fall trolling trips we have
had great success on day one during
some trips or we have started off really
slow for a few days, but, by sharing
information and staying flexible we always
mange some nice muskies. In 2008 our team of
8 muskie men represented 5 MI chapters, 25
previous trips to Lac Seul, and had previously
released nearly 1,200 muskies. There is no
doubt that the experience and diversity of the
team helped us all to adapt to changing conditions.
Our largest muskie during any of our
houseboat adventures was a monster 55.5 incher
caught by Keith Ogden. In 2008 our big one
was a very hefty 52-incher caught by Jerry
Bucholtz which graced the cover of our
December issue. Here’s a great shot of Jerry
unhooking his 52-incher in the net and in the
water. By following proper release techniques
this big mama was ready to blast off to deeper water after a couple of quick photos by
assistant editor Juris Ozols.
While muskies will probably be your
main target, don’t forget to enjoy every fish
you catch. Encounters with other species will
often give you some clues as to where to look
(or where not to look) for muskies. At times
you may run into big pike, walleye, or even
bass on your muskie baits.
Think safety!
You may have picked a houseboat adventure to get away from it all. With this in
mind, make sure you have planned for safety
as well as you have planned for meals or fishing. You may be well outside the range of
phone and Internet service. If so, make sure
the houseboat you rent has communication
back to the rental headquarters. Normally
this means the houseboat will have a marine
band two-way radio. I’d also suggest each of
your fishing boats have marine band radios to
facilitate contacting each other and your team
on the houseboat. They also come in handy
for sharing fish reports during the day.
A good paper map of your fishing area is
always essential, even if you have the latest
GPS technology. However, if you are going to a remote location I
would recommend that each fishing boat have a GPS unit. Your
conveniently located houseboat can be hard to find in dark or foggy
conditions!
Even if you have a paper map and GPS – beware! In my experience the accuracy of any map is inversely proportional to the
remoteness of the area you are fishing. I’m pretty sure I could spend
the rest of my fishing days just marking unmarked rocks and reefs on
the best available maps of some of our best remote muskie waters.
When thinking safety, there are two guys who were on our 2008
trip who I would like to have with me on every trip – one was a doc-
www.muskiesinc.org
tor and the other was a jack of all trades.
Couple these guys with a good tool kit and a
good first aid kit and you’re ready to fix or
stitch almost anything.
Finally, I’ll share a note about my favorite
fall fishing safety gear. Here’s a photo of me
wearing my full-floatation survival suit. I had
just unhooked a nice muskie caught by Juris
Ozols, who would rather operate the camera
than the hook-cutters. These suits are warm
and will keep you afloat and delay hypothermia in frigid water conditions.
Making memories!
Relish every aspect of your houseboat
adventure. Catch some muskies but make
sure you take the time to make some great
memories and friendships. Enjoy the scenery near your special
home. Spend some time on the top deck each night watching the
northern lights or just enjoying the stars. You’ll have a chance to
encounter wildlife that didn’t expect to see you in their world each
night and, if you wish, you’ll have a chance to stay out in your remote
fishing area from before sunrise until after sunset. ❖
Special thanks to Juris Ozols for his great photography and to each of
the guys who I’ve had the pleasure of sharing houseboat adventures
with. Our 2008 trip included 3 other guys who were on my very first
houseboat trip plus 4 guys I had never fished with before. We had one
of the best and most compatible teams you could hope for. - Kevin
The Changing World of Muskie Fishing
by Patricia Strutz
M
uskie fishing has changed dramatically over the 40-plus
years since the formation of Muskies, Inc. Interviews with
numerous veterans of the sport resulted in agreement that
the greatest changes have come in the expanded range of musky
waters, more restrictive harvest regulations, instilling the practice of
catch and release, and the evolution of high-tech gear.
Experts in the industry - biologists, guides, manufacturers - agree
that these changes took effect, in large part, as a result of the establishment of organizations such as Muskies, Inc. The mission of Muskies,
Inc. has been carried out through it’s strong network of ardent supporters. This is something we should all take pride in.
In this feature I’ve interviewed long-time musky anglers to document some of the important changes they’ve seen during their many
years on the water.
GEAR
Rods: 1950s guide Bill Gautsche relates, “We all used very short,
stiff rods. Bobbie from Bobbie Baits actually used a rod that was only
four feet long! Nowadays guys are using 8-footers and beyond. The
modern rods are lighter and more powerful. And, anglers have multiple rods with different actions and powers for different applications.”
Reels: Chuck Brod from Sportsman’s Repair notes, “Generally
we’ve seen the quality of reels remain about the same but the gear ratio
has changed dramatically. Years ago, 3.5 to 3.8 was the standard. In
the mid 1970s, 4.7 were touted as high speed. By the late 80s everyone went to 6.3. Now we even have 7.1 - the funny part is that the
fish don’t swim any faster!”
“With the advent of all these big, harder pulling baits many fishermen are returning to lower gears again. What goes around comes
around, I guess. Other changes include a better variety of reels offered.
Garcia used to own the market but now Shimano, Penn, St. Croix,
etc. have added very quality products into the mix. Lastly, up until the
early to even mid-90s you still saw some guys using large spinning
reels. Nowadays even most of the old-school fellows have switched
over to baitcasters. Better anti-back lash properties and good cranking
power has won over all the
hold outs.”
Bucktails: Fishing guru
Joe Bucher explains, “The
natural bucktail was the only
deal for the first century or
so of musky fishing. We
made our Buchertails out of
natural material and let me
tell you, it was a terrible
mess. And, to make them so
they all consistently work is
difficult. Mepps was the
forerunner to try a synthetic
material. The thought was
good - mass producing lures
that would consistently work
without the costs or mess of
Bill Gautsche, creator of the Billy Fin natural hair. Initially, the
Bucktail, Wisconsin guide during idea failed. Guys didn’t like
1940's and 1950's and Hall of Famer. them and wouldn’t buy
them. The idea was just way before it’s time and the musky angler
mindsets wouldn’t accept the change.”
“It took a long time for the synthetic material idea to catch on,
but now, with proper marketing and promotions, naturals are in second place. There aren’t a whole lot of “new” ideas...just re-cycled ones.
It takes the right timing for the market to accept changes, and the
right supporting gear. We had HUGE bucktails years ago, and they
caught big fish. But, unfortunately we didn’t have superbraid lines
that could handle throwing those oversized lures.”
Hard Baits: Bucher continues, “The biggest change in musky
lures was the acceptance of plastic. When we started our lure company in the late 1970s, other small bait manufacturers made all wood
baits and they were the only thing musky anglers would throw. We
thought that was kinda ironic because of the teeth of the musky and
the fact that plastic held up to their abuse better. Creek Chub came
out with a plastic version of the revered wooden pikie minnow and
the guys pretty much boycotted it.”
“Well, I was disillusioned with the lack of durability of wood
lures along with the lack of consistency. Some worked great, others
not at all. I figured there had to be a better way. So, I developed the
plastic Depthraiders and Shallowraiders. With people like me and
other pros out there proving and promoting that these plastics worked
as well as wooden lures, the market started to change. There was a
whole new generation of musky people coming on board that weren’t
as locked into the old traditions.”
Line: Cyndi Arnold of Innovative Textiles walks us through the
evolution of musky fishing line, “Early on, the only line available was
monofilament. Then, Dacron, a polyester based product, came on the
scene. It addressed some of mono’s drawbacks - namely mono’s line
memory, UV degradation, mildew, poor abrasion resistance, and high
stretch. However, Dacron was thick (high line diameter) and absorbed
water. About 15 years ago the first super lines came out. They had
thin diameters-to-high-strength but were hard on equipment. Three
years later PowerPro was introduced. It used a super slick, non-abrasive Spectra fiber. This new generation of superline revolutionized the
fishing industry. It lasts five times longer than mono, has an unbelievable strength-to-size ratio, and sheds water.”
Norm Hartmann of Cortland Line adds, “Many trollers still use
monofilament. It has good knot strength and with its stretch factor, it
is very forgiving. This is
important because it acts as a
shock absorber when aggressive fish strike and gives the
fisherman time to grab the
rod. When trolling Spectra
fiber a snag can result in a lost
lure or a broken rod.”
Boats/Motors: Author
and guide Dan Craven, “The
boats we use today are two to
three times the size of the
boats we used just thirty years
ago. My father fished Eagle
Lake in Ontario using a 3 1/2horsepower engine in the late Late 1950’s Mercury outboard
1950s. You would fish your motors, 60 and 70 HP. A far cry
way out and fish your way from today’s 300 HP Optimax.
back - all day trips - planning your route due
rowboats. Either way we were sitting down.
to slow motors and weather conditions. He
Nowadays just about everyone stands and
Muskies, Inc. has experienced
rarely burned five gallons of fuel in a whole
finishes with a figure-8.”
a 25% growth in chapters
day.”
Wisconsin guide Tommy Swanson has
“The entire rig cost around five hunchased muskies for over 50 years. “We all
over the past 17 years – this
dred dollars. Today’s high-octane boats and
used to use single hooks with our suckers.
growth has a strong correlamotors are able to cover in a matter of minLuckily, most of us have changed our ways
tion to the expansion and
utes what he covered the entire day. But,
with the information on delayed mortality
they also burn many times the fuel. Spot
and availability of quick strike rigs. We had
improved quality of muskie
fishing is the norm now. Today’s boats cost
no idea back then how many fish we were
fisheries across North America. inadvertently killing.”
more than most houses cost in those days. I
believe it has gotten out of hand and feel
Bill Gautsche adds, “Casting suckers
Dan Narsete, M.I. President
that many people do not fish because they
was a very common practice years ago.
cannot afford a large boat and believe these big boats are a prerequi- Today you rarely see it. We’d work them like a jerkbait.”
site to being a successful fisherman. Nothing is further from the
Todd Powell, Eagle River WI guide for over 38 years proclaims,
truth.”
“Years ago when you purchased a rod and reel they came with detailed
Trolling Motors: According to Tim Price of Johnson Outdoors, diagrams. The instructions showed how to properly hold and cast the
“Forty years ago fishermen could only hope for wind and weather to equipment. You were to load the rod with the reel placed sideways
work in their favor. Drifting with very little boat control made for instead of on top. This allows for a more controlled snap of your arm.
minimal success. Minn Kota’s advanced technology brought musky The line comes off the spool easier and cocking it sideways virtually
anglers to an entirely new level. They now have options such as cable eliminates backlashes. Everyone casted this way and it is, in my opinvs electric steer, auto pilot to lock in any
ion, still the most controlled way to cast. But,
heading and provide smooth course correcmost contemporary anglers have never heard
tions against wind, and co-pilot to steer from
of it.”
anywhere in the boat. Extended shaft lengths
Keith Ogden joined Muskies, Inc. in
allow effective use in brutal weather. Today’s
1977 and remembers, “There were a lot of
trolling motors offer precision boat control so
controversial articles in the newsletter that
musky anglers may approach structure in the
were anti-motor trolling. The sentiment was
most efficient manner.”
that it was harmful to the fishery. I believe
Electronics: Doc Bruce Samson rememour perspective has changed on that over the
bers, not so fondly, early electronics, “Years
years as we fishermen who troll are just as
ago high-tech sonar mant a Vexilar paper
conscientious about releasing as other muskie
graph and Humminbird flasher. It wasn’t a
anglers are.”
bad system but had it’s limitations and was
“In addition to the mindset changing,
cumbersome. The Loran came next. It
many of us tend to troll a bit faster now.
worked like our present day GPS but wasn’t
Some guys speed troll well over 5 mph. In
as reliable. When GPS came around it was Display of vintage sonar equipment at my boat we’ve increased from around 3.5 to
Hayward's Fishing Hall of Fame. Lowrance’s
much simpler to use but the initial accuracy
4.5 mph over the years. We now have a large
first generation “Green Box” was the first
was poor until the government stopped the commercially usable fishing depthfinder.
selective availability. That happened around
2000. Then, for the first time you could drive to
your waypoint and start fishing. Before that time
you were 200 feet off.”
“Color sonar is another recent improvement. It’s easier to read and has more shades for
interpreting echo strength of targets. I predict
black and white screens will end up the way of
black and white TVs.”
“Maps converted to digital cards were an
amazing advancement. In the last decade or so
LakeMaster and Navionics started producing
high definition maps from surveyed data. This
has dramatically shortened the learning curve for
fishing a new lake. Now the latest advance in
mapping is the ability to create your own highdef maps to display on your sonar. This technology continues to take some time for fishermen to
adapt to but is awesome and amazing stuff.”
TECHNIQUES
Hall of Famer Milt Diekman explains,
“Years ago we all either casted or trolled from
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CHANGING WORLD
variety of crankbaits available that run true at faster speeds. Longer
rods help cushion the shock of the strike and superbraid lines have
helped fine tune our running depths. Also, in the past 15 years a lot
of us have started to run a bait very shallow, right in the prop wash.
That’s been very effective.”
Author’s note: “Whether row or motor trolling I find the addition
of GPS and Navionics maps indispensible. This rather recent electronics innovation makes working structure child’s play. I can’t imagine ever trolling without it again. There are many more bells and whistles for trollers to play with now - line counter reels, planer boards,
downriggers - making trolling really active because you are always
doing something.”
FISHERY CHANGES
Here is just a sampling of some of the changes in North
American musky fisheries, a more detailed summary will be presented in part two of this article in a future issue of MUSKIE.
“In 1966 there was a two fish catch limit in Ontario. Curently
there is a one fish catch/possession limit for holders of a Sport Fishing
License and 0 fish for holders of a Conservation License. In 1966 the
provincial minimum size limit was 28 inches. The only exception was
Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers where there was a
30” minimum. Currently the provincial standard MSL is 36” and
Ontario has designated waters (which have the growth potential) with
40, 44, 48 and 54-inch minimum size limits”. - Steve Kerr, Ontario
biologist.
MUSKIE Editor Kevin Richards added, “Ontario also has several
waters which are total catch-and-release for muskies; the largest of
these is Lac Seul.”
“Many states have added totally new muskie programs. A great
example is Washington’s extemely popular tiger musky program
which started with one lake in 1988. Since then, a total of twelve lakes
have been stocked. In May 2008 the minimum legal size limit was
increased from 36 to 50 inches in order to expand recreational opportunity and protect the conservative stocking rate of one fish per two
acres.” - Bruce Bolding, Washington biologist
“In 1966 we had approximately 160,000 musky anglers who harvested an estimated 94,000 muskies. Today, our fishery supports an
estimated 400,000 anglers who harvest less than one-tenth of that
total annually. A strong release ethic has contributed to a substantial
reduction in the number of lakes that need to be stocked today.” - Tim
Simonson, Wisconsin Bureau of Fisheries Management
FISHING PRESSURE
Buckshot Anderson has guided in Wisconsin, for 59 seasons. He
shares, “Over the past half-century I’ve seen vast changes in the normal behavior of muskies. Into the mid-1980s it was common to get
into feeding frenzies during the daytime. Nowadays it seems necessary
to get up very early or wait until at least dusk. It seems the better sized
ones shun the shallow shorelines where they were found years ago. I
blame the increase in lake activity as the reason the lunkers head for
deep water during the daylight hours.”
Well-known Lake of the Woods guide Doug Johnson declares,
“Although the fishing is still among the very best there is, I can tell
that fishing pressure is changing the fishery. The Ontario Ministry of
Natural Resources has taken some very proactive steps in muskie regulations and has some very restrictive size limits on many trophy lakes
-great moves in my opinion. But at what point does the fishery start
to decline even though we aren’t keeping any fish? GPS units and
global mapping systems take some of the mystery out of large lakes
which adds to the fishing pressure. I’m starting to see dead muskies on
LOTW, particularly in the heat of the summer. Up until just a few
years ago, I had never seen one.”
Author’s note, “Night fishing was practically non-existant when I
started fishing for muskies. Now, it is the preferred summertime technique for many anglers in northern Wisconsin and Minnesota. It has
added a new dimension of fishing pressure.
ANGLER CHARACTERISTICS
Fishing personality Pete Maina discusses the evolution of CPR, “I
started guiding at a very young age; my first job being 32 years ago.
At that time, fishing was a consumptive proposition; all fish that
could be legally kept were, including muskies. The mindset was to eat
the smaller ones and haul the big ones in to hang on the wall.
Releasing was never a consideration I’d heard.”
“About five years later my friend Mike Brandt, a Muskies, Inc.
member, discussed CPR. Initially I recall being somewhat perplexed
at the thought of it, yet the common sense aspects slapped me. The
efforts of Muskies, Inc. members and other individual leaders have
changed the face of musky angling in the last three decades from nearly all keep to nearly all release. Long gone are the days of shooting
muskies.”
“I’ve enjoyed using media sources to talk about release and handling issues, specifically so in the Fisheries First column in the Next
Bite-Esox Angler magazine. It is important that we continue to pass
along this information for all new generations of anglers.”
Esox Angler Editor Emeritus Jack Burns comments, “Alot has
changed in the nearly forty years that I’ve been fishing muskies.
Perhaps the biggest change I’ve seen is cultural. When I was getting
started, musky fishing was a solitary sport that attracted quiet, secretive, asocial types. Now we have the internet discussion boards, tournaments, club outings, schools. We have marked community maps
and GPS data marking the discoveries of others. Decide for yourself
if all this is a good or bad thing. But for me, the hard work and the
resultant satisfaction of learning, exploring, paying dues and discovering for one’s self is lost in today’s musky fishing culture. It’s just not
the same game.”
Professional angler Bob Mehsikomer adds, “I started running
musky tournaments in 1976. We shot and produced the first ever televised musky tournaments and, in the process, really impacted and
elevated the sport as we know it today. Some anglers feel tournaments
are just a nuisance but in the process of operating these events we’ve
learned a lot -like how to handle these precious fish properly and onsite immediate release being the healthier alternative over transporting
muskies. This information has trickled down to become common
knowledge by today’s angler.”
“We’ve also learned there are social side effects in terms of disturbing attitudes displayed by lakeshore owners or some local anglers.
We, as promoters and anglers, were driven to illustrate better ethics,
unprecedented sportsmanship, and better choices in terms of seasonal dates and overall sound stewardship. Thus, the bar was raised for
the next generation. The opposition contributed to the sport, everyone is better off because of simply being questioned.”
“And, from a technology side of things, much of what we have now
is a direct result of hundreds of top-notch anglers performing under
controlled circumstances. Whether you love or hate tournaments, the
sport of musky fishing is better today in part because of them.”
Taxidermist Rick Lax notes, “My father and I started creating
replicas almost two decades ago. During the first few years two-thirds
of our work were skin mounts. Now, I’d venture to guess that over
three-fourths of our clientele opt for replicas. This has been a remarkable transformation.”
started with steel rods and knuckle buster
Joe Fittante, of Fittante replicas,
reels); add the endless choice of quality
noted that over 95% of his muskie busimusky lures - well, the job has gotten
ness is for replica’s of released muskies.
almost too easy.”
Skin mounts normally fall into two cate“With the addition of literally
gories – large muskies which died during
dozens of musky waters to enhance previattempted release or muskies harvested
ously minimal states, or add muskies in
by non-muskie anglers who didn’t realize
states that never before had them availthere was an alternative to skin mounts.
able to anglers, we have almost too many
Russ Warye remarks that musky fishchoices of where to fish. The future of
ermen continue to influence legislation,
“Particularly around the 1980s, passion- Old Muskie Baits – Some early “topwaters.” And yes musky fishing is great! I wish I was young
again!” ❖
ate fishermen, many MI members, made indeed, Muskies were caught on these baits too.
their desires known in the political arena. This directly impacted the Patricia Strutz is a Field Editor for MUSKIE Magazine. She can be
season opener in northern Wisconsin. Wishing to protect the fragile reached at: [email protected]
fish during their spawning process, the season opener was delayed.
Recent efforts to revert back to an earlier opener were
once again largely opposed by conscientious fishermen. Tremendous negative reaction ensued across the
state with musky anglers vocally opposing the new season opener. As it looks now, legislation will be introduced to repeal the early-opener law. Again, astute
anglers have forced the protection of our resources.”
MUSKIES, INC.
Current president Dan Narsete posits, “Before
Muskies, Inc. muskie catch-and-release simply didn’t
exist. We have been the pillars and foundations of the
movement and have influenced many other conservation organizations. The residual effects of this practice
can be noted in the Lunge Log - the size, quality, and
quantity of muskies all increasing over the years. There
are even mid and upper 50-inchers being caught and
released now; that used to be just legend and lore.”
“Forty-one of the lower states now have at least
some muskies. Tiger muskies in particular have
become a “dream fish” for some Game and Fish
Departments as they cannot over-populate and can
have some very beneficial management uses. They can
actually turn surplus poundage of prey and rough fish
into poundage of fighting trophy sportfish! Muskies,
Inc. has experienced a 25% growth in chapters over
the past 17 years – this growth has a strong correlation
to the expansion and improved quality of muskie fisheries across North America. For a while we seemed to
have gotten away from our mandate to protect and
grow the fisheries but in the last few years we’ve
returned to it. We are starting to get involved with
influencing new minimum size requirements, stocking
programs in non-traditional waters, and so forth. Our
future, and the future of musky fishing as a whole, is
very bright.”
Muskellunge historian Larry Ramsell has persued
muskies for over fifty years, yet his enthusiasm and
optimism for the sport hasn’t waned. He eloquently
expresses his feelings, “There have been many changes.
The progression from the old, round bottomed wooden boats with only a pair of ash sails (oars) to propel
them to today’s aluminum and fiberglass muskie
machines is spectacular. I can recall when using a 10horse was considered big and a 20-horse was a REAL
machine. Add in the electronic age and advancements
like electric motors; toss in far better rods and reels (I
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After The Catch
Getting the most from your muskie photographs
by Brad Waldera
S
o you’ve caught a special fish you’d like to remember with a great
picture. What do you do to make sure your photo is as equally
fantastic as the fish you just caught? Here are a few tips you may
want to keep in mind, beginning with the steps to take before leaving
your house, and ending with the moment you release the muskie’s tail
from your hand.
At Home
Before leaving for the lake, there are a few things to consider
regarding your camera. You’ll want to charge the battery, or in some
cases, bring extra batteries along in case yours lose their charge. You’ll
also want to know how to quickly change the settings of your camera,
if it allows for that. Many fishermen start fishing early in the day or
fish late into the night, and the lighting is not the same as it is at noon.
If you can adjust your shutter speed, ISO, or aperture settings with
your camera, make sure you know how to do it, and do it quickly. You
won’t want to waste that time later.
You will also want to make sure your camera is set to take the
highest resolution shot possible. On many cameras you can adjust the
size of the photos you’ll be taking, such as small, medium, and large.
A lot of people pick the smaller settings to be able to fit more images
on their memory cards, but that also means that those pictures can’t
be printed as large without a loss in quality. Can you imagine catching a 60-inch muskie and only having a 5x7 picture to show for it?
My camera is a 6 mega pixel model and I keep it set on the
highest/largest photo size possible. I can print pictures from that setting to poster size. If you can, adjust your camera to the highest resolution setting; you may be very glad you did later on.
At The Lake
Before heading out on the lake for the day, take a moment to go
over the settings of not only your camera, but your fishing partner’s
camera as well. Many times we’ll each bring our own camera and don’t
think about having to use our friend’s camera for pictures of their fish.
Show each other the basics of operating your cameras, such as turning them on/off, focusing them, etc. It should only take a minute or
so, and may help you get a great muskie picture for your friend with
his or her own camera.
On The Water
At this point you’re on the water, knowing your gear is in proper
working condition and how to operate it when you’ll need it. Next
thing you know, your buddy is yelling for the net. If the net is already
☞
Proper Muskie
Holding Techniques
for MUSKIE Magazine Photos
including Covers, Article Support,
Photo Contest Entries
& Member Photos
extended and readily available, I may quickly pull the camera from the
bag and turn it on while my buddy is still fighting the fish, or even
attempt a few shots trying to get one of the muskie in mid-air or of
the expression on my friend’s face as he’s battling the fish. You may
need a very understanding fishing partner to get away with
grabbing the camera and not the
net at that point, but there are
some out there. Now you stop
taking pictures and net a beautiful muskie for your friend.
In The Net
While your buddy is
unhooking the fish, you may
want to snap a few photos of the
process (example 1). What I like
to do (or tell my buddy to do)
immediately after unhooking
the fish, but before lifting it
from the net supported with
both hands, is to take off my
sunglasses and tilt up my cap. A
great muskie picture isn’t nearly
as great if nobody can tell who it
is holding the fish (examples 2,
3). Again, this is something that
takes literally 3 seconds to do,
yet we often forget all about it in
the heat of the moment. We end
up with a picture that just isn’t
quite what it could have been.
Ex 1: A muskie being unhooked while
in the water in the net - much better
than bringing it into the boat.
Ex 2: I took this photo of my brother without him removing his sunglasses and without the flash - it could have been better.
In The Boat
Now you’ve got your camera ready, your friend has his
sunglasses off and his cap tilted
up a little and you’re ready for
him to hold the fish up for a
photo. At this time remind him
to use both hands to keep the
fish supported as horizontal as
possible while he lifts it from the
Ex 3: Removing my sunglasses and tilting up my hat before lifting the fish from
the net made for a much better picture.
net, as it is will reduce stress on the muskie. Many folks lift the fish
from the water vertically to take a horizontal picture, which kind of
defeats the purpose. Before taking the fish from the net for a photo,
quickly check your boat position. Many anglers prefer to have the
front of the boat behind them, or the back of the boat behind them
in their pictures. Will the sun be in their eyes in their current position? You might want to quickly turn the boat before lifting the fish
from the net.
Fill The Frame
Now we’re at another tricky step. Even though we want to keep
the time the fish is out of the water to a minimum, there is one other
thing we can do very quickly to help ensure a better photo. Fill the
frame. If you’ve just caught a great
muskie worthy of a photo, you’ll
want the fish to be the main subject
of your shot, not the one third of
open water on each side of your
buddy. Zoom in to get a shot like
this one (example 4). If your camera
is like mine and has a fixed lens,
meaning you can’t zoom in or out,
simply move forward or backward
until you fit most of the fish and
Ex 4: Zooming in or moving for- your friend into the shot you see
ward to fill the camera viewfinder
through the viewfinder. Make sure
with your subject can produce better photos and reduce the amount you don’t step back too far, if you
know what I mean.
of dead space in your shots.
Lighting
So now your buddy is holding the fish, properly supporting it in
a horizontal manner, his sunglasses off, his cap tipped up, and you’ve
got the camera ready, and the frame is filled with him and his fish. I
normally take a couple of quick pictures without using the flash, and
then quickly take a couple with it. Depending on the weather conditions and lighting, you never know which will give you the best results
and it only takes another second or two for the extra flash shots.
Letting It Go
After you’ve taken a few quick shots, it’s time to get that fish back
in the water. This is another great photo opportunity. As enjoyable as
it is to catch a big muskie, it is often even more enjoyable to release
one, and a photo capturing that moment
can be a great memory for the angler.
Please remember to
take the same care
when placing the fish
back into the water as
you did when removing it from the net for
the photo.
For this type of
Ex 5: This 52.75 inch personal best fish for Jeff release shot, you may
Bommersbach was made even more special with want to lean a bit over
the terrific photo taken by Brett Waldera.
the side of the boat
for the best angle (but don’t lean too far). Take a few shots of the entire
process, and you may end up with some real beauties (example 5).
Going Home
Now that the fish has been released form your buddy’s hand, you
may have a chance at getting a couple more shots before the fish heads
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back home. Many times the fish
will just kind of mosey along on
the surface for a few moments
and if you’re lucky you may end
up getting a shot like this one
(example 6).
First and Foremost
First and foremost is the
welfare of the fish. Please be sure Ex 6: Posing for this photo with a broto keep the risks to the fish min- ken rod and ruined lure in hand, Brett
Waldera’s released muskie could still
imal by keeping it out of the be seen in the background; it made
water for as short of time as pos- for a great photo.
sible. Not every muskie must be
photographed. At times, if fishing conditions (such as warm water)
have already placed the muskie in a high stress condition, the best
photo tip I can suggest is to not take the picture at all.
I hope you will keep a few of these tips in mind the next time
you’re on the water and that they help you obtain even better photos
of your muskie adventures. Better photos can help you remember and
share those special muskie memories. Good fishing! ❖
Photo Guidelines for
MUSKIE Magazine
January 2009
Muskies, Inc. promotes the philosophy of catch-and-release. Muskies Inc.
reserves the right to use submitted photos in MUSKIE Magazine, the calendar, and/or the
M.I. website. Muskies, Inc. reserves the right to refuse to publish any photo (or artwork)
which does not support the mission and best interest of our organization. These guidelines are not all encompassing. The editorial staff of MUSKIE Magazine will make the
final decision regarding the publication of photos. Photos for MUSKIE Magazine should
be of high quality and resolution. Photos for the Photo Contest and Member Photos sections of MUSKIE must be submitted in digital format and sent via email to the Photo
Contest Editor at: [email protected]. The guidelines are:
1. Photos must have been taken by, or of, a member of Muskies, Inc.
2. In photos featuring released muskies, the fish must be in the water or properly supported with two hands in a non-vertical position (the closer to full horizontal the better; see illustration on page 32).
3. Members are encouraged to minimize the amount of time fish are out of the water for
photographs. Photos of released muskies which appear overly stressed in the judgment of the editorial staff will not be published.
4. Photo submissions must include the following: Name of the photographer and
names of other key individuals in the photo. In the case of chapter or group photos
please identify the group. If the photographer is not the person submitting the photo
you must provide the name, address, and telephone number of the photographer.
A brief description of the photo. If the photo features a muskie, the length of the fish
and the date of the catch are required. The name body of water and the name of the
lure are requested, but not mandatory. In most cases the photo should feature the
angler who caught the muskie, although another person may hold the muskie in the
case of children or members unable to hold the muskie by themselves.
Please include any other special information, such as: first muskie caught, personal
best, event winner, or special circumstances.
5. The majority of muskie photos which are published within MUSKIE Magazine should
serve to reinforce the catch-and-release philosophy of Muskies, Inc. However,
MUSKIE Magazine will consider occasional publication of photos of large muskies
which were legally harvested by Muskies, Inc. members and which were submitted
to the Lunge Log, or are of historic significance.
6. Photos which include fish will only be considered for the cover of MUSKIE Magazine
if they show muskies which have been successfully released and are good examples
of current catch-and-release handling practices.
MUSKIE Magazine will not publish artwork which displays muskies in conditions or
positions which are not compatible with these photo guidelines or which depict scenes
that may present a detrimental public image of muskies or of Muskies, Inc.
The photo guidelines review committee included:
Kevin Richards, MUSKIE Editor
Juris Ozols, MUSKIE Magazine Assistant Editor
Brad Waldera, MUSKIE Magazine Photo Contest Editor
Jim Bunch, MUSKIE Magazine Lunge Log Editor
David Cates, Muskies, Inc. Past President
Jay Zahn, Muskies, Inc. VP of Communications
Dan Narsete, Muskies, Inc. President
could. They said they thought it might very well be a new state record.”
“Scott said it was up to me - did I want to bring the fish in to
find out if it was, indeed, a record? Or, did I want to release her? I
did not want to kill the fish, she was beautiful. Scott and everyone at
our Muskies, Inc. club has taught me the importance of catch and
release. So, I decided to release her. The guys worked really hard trying to get her to swim off, but she kept going belly up. She just
wouldn’t revive. When we saw that she wasn’t going to survive we
decided to bring her in to get weighed.”
“We had a hard time finding a certified scale. The fish bottomed
out the scale at the Food Lion. So we ended up going to a feed store
in Morehead. Fred Haouse, a biologist from the Department of Fish
and Wildlife, met us there and verified it. She was 53.5-inches with
a 26.5-inch girth. She weighed 47-pounds even. It was so exciting,
there were a lot of people sharing in the excitement. We are sending
the fish to Lax Taxidermy in Wisconsin. I think we’ll put a replica
mount of her in a glass coffee table in our house. The original fish
will probably go in our cabin.”
Sarah’s mother, Mary Kay Salchli reflects, “It’s been incredible to
witness the excitement in our community and the fishing community as a whole. We’ve had calls and interviews from many newspapers,
magazines, and television stations. The phones haven’t stopped ringing and they’ve laminated large photos and hung them up in the hallways at her school. Reaction Strike is sending her a new rod, Musky
ometimes the moon, sun, and stars all align and the muskie Mayhem sent a basket of shirts and lures, and Rick Lax is donating
gods smile down. Such was the case this past November when the mount. Walmart even donated all the photos we had made and
14-year old Sarah Terry, of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, became the hung a large one up in their department in Morehead. Truly, it
new muskie record holder in her own home state. Sarah and her fam- couldn’t have happened to a better child, she’s been so thrilled yet
ily belong to Muskies, Inc. Chapter 52. Step-dad and area guide humble through it all.”
“Sarah is a freshman at Montgomery County High School and
Scott Salchli introduced them to the sport and now they are all defexcels academically. She’s part of Beta Club, Key Club (like a junior
initely hooked.
Sarah relays her story, “Scott has been fishing and guiding on Kiwanas club) and the Kentucky Youth Association. She’s very stuCave Run for many years. Over the past year and a half he taught me dious but she also loves the outdoors. She goes squirrel and turkey
how to cast and has been bringing me out fishing in his spare time. hunting, and gigs for frogs. When Scott entered our life she got
hooked on fishing. Every free chance he gets,
I just love it. He taught me everything I know. I
she is begging him to go out. As long as she
had been getting a little frustrated because I
“All
of
a
sudden
I
saw
the
keeps up the good grades, I guess she can fish
hadn’t caught a fish yet. Then, at the end of
as much as she wants!”
September I caught two in one day, both
fish come up, she swam
Step-dad Scott is very proud, “Sarah is an
trolling, a 33-incher and a 44-incher. Catching
up
really
quickly
and
on
amazing
gal and good fisherman. She executed
those fish just got me more excited about the
a
text
book
figure-8. What I was most excited
sport.”
my second figure-8 she
about
was
the
fact that our whole family was
“So, our whole family was out fishing
nailed
the
lure.”
together
to
witness
this event. Carli was excittogether on Sunday, November 2nd. We had
ed,
then
scared.
Sarah
was screaming, it was
been trolling all day and hadn’t had any luck.
unbelievable.
What
a
memory
and
what
a
fish.
It had a clipped upper
We were reeling in the lures and I asked Scott if we could cast for a
left
fin.
The
Department
of
Fish
and
Wildlife
had
done an eight year
while. He brought us over to Clay Lick, where they had been seeing
study.
That
fin
was
clipped
in
both
1989
and
1994.
We’ll be sending
a lot of muskies. My 7-year old sister, Carli, was really excited about
the
cleithrum
bone
in
to
figure
out
a
more
precise
age.”
that because Scott is just starting to teach her how to cast. They were
What are Sarah’s future aspirations? For the longest time she fanup in front practicing and mom was taking photos of them. I was in
cied
becoming an editor or photographer for National Geographic.
the back casting a purple and gold Cowgirl. I had won that lure the
Now,
after meeting with all the staff at the Department of Fish and
week before at a Muskies, Inc. meeting. All of a sudden I saw the fish
she has decided she’d like to look into becoming a biologist.
Wildlife,
come up, she swam up really quickly and on my second figure-8 she
And,
I
asked
her, “Will you continue to muskie fish? It may be hard
nailed the lure. She just started thrashing her head and I think Scott
to
follow
up
this
catch?” She replied, “I’m going tomorrow! Any size
was there with the net in under two seconds!”
tickles
me
to
death.
I just love fishing.”
“He was very excited. His friend Tony Grant was guiding close by
Congratulations
to Sarah and the whole Salchli family!
so he called him on his cell phone to ask for help. I heard him say
can
be
contacted via: www.kymuskie.com ❖
Scott
Salchli
Guide
something like ‘I’ve never seen anything like this in my boat.’ Tony
came over and helped get the lure out and took measurements. Patricia Strutz is a Field Editor for MUSKIE Magazine. She can be
Unfortunately, the fish had inhaled the big bucktail down really deep. reached at: [email protected]
The guys used bolt cutters and tried to be as quick and gentle as they
Sarah Terry Lands
New Kentucky State
Record Muskie
by Patricia Strutz
S
In support of the proposed
Muskie C&R Study at Carleton University
by Dr. Thomas Betka, VP for Fisheries, Research & Youth
hen I was asked to accept the position of Vice President by such as using nylon-coated (knotless) mesh nets; the use of artificial
MI President Dan Narsete, I told him that I would do it versus live bait to limit hook ingestion; using barbless versus barbed
under one condition - that I would be allowed to start MI hooks to shorten handling times; and targeting release-oriented
back along the path of supporting active research relative to our sport. angling activities for periods during the season when water temperaIn my opinion, that’s one of the most important ways that we can tures are cooler, and dissolved oxygen levels are higher. And while
impact the sport and insure our legacy as an organization. Thankfully, these generalizations can be considered valid for a variety of species,
there have been at least two muskellunge-specific references published
Dan was supportive and here we are . . . just in the nick of time!
in the literature; and indeed, the disparity seen in
Shortly after taking the VP position I was conreported mortality rates has become a point of debate
tacted by Hedrik Wachelka (Chairman for the
The catch-andwithin the sport.
Ottawa Chapter of Muskies Canada) in reference to
release
study
is
In a study published in 1980, Beggs et al found
an exciting project being sponsored, in part, by our
that
muskellunge that died in response to angling
cohorts in that fine organization. With a summer
still about
(and subsequent exercise under laboratory condi2009 proposed start date, the study is designed to
$34,000 short on tions) probably did so due to acid-base derangeupdate and expand our current knowledge on the
ments, thought to be initiated by the fish’s response to
physiological responses of muskies to the catch &
funding; this is
increased levels of lactic acid in the blood. Fish that
release process. This will be part of a larger multiwhere
Muskies,
died (approximately 30% of those angled in that
species study being hosted by Carleton University in
study) did not respond to the acid-base challenges as
Inc. can step in.
Ottawa.
well as fish surviving the experience. However the
The principal investigator for the study will be
Dr. Steven Cooke (Carleton University) and the co-investigator will study utilized methods where the fish were angled, anesthetized,
be Dr. Cory Suski (University of Illinois). These two researchers are transported to a lab, and then had blood drawn repeatedly over a perivery prominent in the scientific community, especially in the field of od of observation up to 84 hours in length—not exactly a natural
fish physiology. In fact, Drs. Cooke and Suski (Cooke - environment. While most fish that died did so fairly early in the
http://www.carleton.ca/fecpl; Suski – http://fishlab.nres.uiuc.edu) recovery process, not all muskellunge died immediately. A possible
have published over 180 papers as either primary or co-authors; and confounding factor was the size of the fish. Fish in the Beggs study
ranged from about 3.1 to 9.4 pounds, and were 24.4-36.1 inches in
a good many of these directly pertain to the physiology of fish.
The proposed graduate student for the muskellunge portion of length; much smaller than the average muskellunge sought by most
the study is Sean Landsman, currently a senior in the Integrative anglers. In contrast to the results of the Beggs study, Storck &
Biology program at the University of Illinois. Sean is also a member Newman (1992) found that angling-induced mortality of tiger
of Muskies, Inc. and a Field Editor for MUSKIE Magazine! Sean will muskellunge in a 15-acre Illinois impoundment averaged 8-10% durgraduate in May 2009 and then get right to work in June for the early ing the first three years of tightly-controlled angling effort. However
part of the Canadian field research season. The current plan is that this mortality rate increased to about 22% during the final year of
Sean will conduct field research during the summers of 2009 and effort, when significantly fewer fish were caught. As to be expected
2010, and will use that data to fulfill the requirements of a Masters of however, the angling-induced mortality was significantly lower when
Science in Biology. He also plans to present the data from this proj- water temperatures were more favorable. These studies were conductect to muskie clubs and angling clubs throughout Canada and the ed in vastly different environments and thus additional work is needed to further define the factors which most influence the survival of
Midwest as well as at scientific conferences.
Although there are many variables, some generalizations can be the muskies relative to the angling process.
These two references are the only ones I’ve found that directly
made to help simplify the problem of how a muskie reacts to the catch
& release process. Muskellunge are approximately 56% white muscle address the issue of angling-induced mortality in muskellunge, so it
by mass, and it is this white muscle that is most responsible for the should be apparent that further research needs to be done. The proproduction of lactic acid during times of strenuous exercise. Thus it posed study at Carleton University will include comparison of temseems as though the musky, although well-equipped for the short perature-related mortality as well as the differences in mortality inherbursts of strength that we as anglers pursue with vigor, may be some- ent to different angling techniques. For example, fish angled to
what ill-equipped to defend itself against the physiological effects of exhaustion by less-experienced anglers will likely suffer increased morthe angling process. Angling equipment and variability in angler skill tality rates when compared to those angled and released quickly by
level are factors which can impact fish survival, and are related to the more experienced anglers. But to what degree are these differences sigtime spent fighting the fish and experience in handling large fish. nificant; and if there are differences, are they significant enough to
Water temperature may be another important factor. All of these vari- warrant altered management strategies? These are just a few of the
ables will have to be controlled for the proposed study to carry scien- answers we hope this study will help to provide, as this information
may indeed help us determine whether special provisions might be
tific validity.
In a very thorough and educational review of multi-species work needed to aid in the protection of this valuable resource.
Muskies, Inc. is working to find funding and additional support
published on the matter, Casselman (2005) outlined the disparity of
angling-induced mortality values reported in the literature. He also for this study. Many members feel that we must lead the way within
made several excellent recommendations for minimizing mortality—
W
www.muskiesinc.org
STUDY AT CARLETON
the sport, and I personally believe that for our organization to grow in
strength and numbers, we must convince the general angling population (our new member recruitment pool) that we are committed to
this effort and we are willing to lead the way. I also believe that we
need to strive to build and foster better relationships within the academic world, as this is how we can reach future fisheries managers and
the educators who will help mold them. Why wait until they are
working in the field to try to form an alliance, when we can help them
attain their goals? What better way to form a life-long partnership?
But at the time of this writing, the proposed study is still well short of
being completely funded.
The majority of the funding for the study is being provided by
Carleton University and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
Our friends with Muskies Canada have generously agreed to contribute $5,000 of the required $92,000 amount. The catch-andrelease study is still about $34,000 short on funding; this is where
Muskies, Inc. can step in.
This is not to say that we must find a way to fund the entire
amount, but as recognized leaders in our sport, I feel that we should
make the effort to fund a substantial portion of the outstanding balance. At the recent fall meeting of the International Board, much discussion was had in this regard.
Obviously, there are various ways in which we can find the necessary funds: allocating a portion of the annual MI research budget,
direct member contributions and special events are just three possibilities that come to mind. While the Executive Committee is currently
working on the best way for our organization to meet this challenge,
it is quite clear that it will not get done without the support of the
general membership. Simply put, we cannot expect to reap the benefits of the data collected by this study if we don’t make the effort to
help fund the research. Let’s do whatever we can to make sure that the
work is done as quickly and as efficiently as possible. For those of you
who don’t know Sean Landsman, take a look at some of the past 13
issues of MUSKIE (October 2008 would be a good place to start) and
I think you’ll be as impressed as I am. I’ve gotten to know Sean somewhat over the past several months and I can say with certainty that he
is the right person for the job. We are truly sending one of our best
to represent us in this critical endeavor. So please join me in expressing our support for him, and in this important study, in any way you
see fit.
Dr. Thomas Betka is the Vice President for Fisheries, Research & Youth for
Muskies, Inc. Tom also holds a BS degree in Aquatic Biology.
Literature Citations
Beggs, GL, Holeton, GF, and Crossman EJ. Some physiological consequences of angling stress in muskellunge, Esox masquinongy
Mitchill. Journal of Fish Biology. 1980. 17:649-659.
Casselman, SJ. Catch-and-release angling: a review with guidelines for
proper fish handling practices. Fish & Wildlife Branch. Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources. Peterborough, Ontario. 26 p. 2005.
Storck, TW and Newman, DL. Contribution of Tiger Muskellunge
to the Sport Fishery of a Small, Centrarchid-Dominated
Impoundment. North American Journal of Fisheries Management.
1992. 12:213-221.
Muskie Fishing to be highlighted at the
Northern Illinois Fishing
& Outdoor Expo
Feb. 20-22, 2009 at the
Indoor Sports Center/Expo
Complex in Rockford, IL
The Northern Illinois (Rockford) Fishing and Outdoor
Expo will be Feb. 20-22 at the Indoor Sports Center/Expo
Complex. The Expo features FISHING - how, what and where
along with lure demos, the Next Bite/ESOX Angler Magazine
personalities, and lots of fishing tackle. There will also be many
free seminars by the best muskie and walleye pros in the business (many topics will be exclusive to this show).
Expected on the clinic stage are: PWT 3 time angler of the
year Gary Parsons, Rob Kimm, Rob Manthei, Mark Boyd, Jack
Penny, Jerry Sondag, Teresa Webinger, Dave Fornara, Steve
Herbeck and more!
You’ll also find a gigantic display of fishing boats plus book
your next trip with fishing and hunting camps, resorts, guides,
fishing charters and more.
Andrea Nichols-Costello at Showtime Productions is the
contact. For more information, please call 815/877-8043 or
visit: www.showtimeproduction.net ❖
ATTENTION
CHAPTER
CONTACTS:
Please make sure
your chapter address
and phone number
is correct on this page
AND on the M.I. website.
Whenever you update
chapter information on
the website, please send an
email to the Editor so we can
keep this page current. Thanks!
No. Chapter, Address
Phone #
01.....Twin Cities, 414 Division St., Excelsior, MN 55331..........................................952-380-1218
02.....Fargo-Moorhead, Box 2021, Fargo ND, 58107................................................701-298-9032
03.....Chicagoland Muskie Hunters, 7600 Kilbourn Ave, Skokie, IL 60076 ...............847-677-0017
04.....Titletown Muskies, Inc., 3097 Inverness Lane, New Franken, WI 54229 .......920-866-9705
05.....Pomme De Terre, PO Box 5, Hermitage, MO 65668 .......................................417-993-0035
06.....First Wisconsin, PO Box 122, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 ...............................715-726-8896
07.....South Side Muskie Hawks, 5211 S. Narragansett Ave., Chicago, IL 60638......773-581-8650
08.....Capital City, PO Box 8862, Madison, WI 53708...............................................608-669-5046
09.....West Virginia, 1270 Federal Road, Little Hocking, OH 45742 .........................740-667-3571
10.....Heartland, 239 8th St SE, Mason City IA 50401 ..............................................641-424-0827
11 .....Mississippi Valley, 5301 11th Ave “C”, Moline, IL 61265 ..................................309-797-1803
12.....Headwaters, PO Box 652, Eagle River, WI 54521...........................................715-477-2913
13.....Hayward Lakes, PO Box 609, Hayward, WI 54843 .........................................715-634-4543
14.....South of the Border, 28926 W. Big Hollow Rd, McHenry, IL 60050.................815-385-9026
15.....Star of the North, 29957 La Plant Rd., Grand Rapids, MN 55744...................218-326-4958
16.....Three Rivers, 119 Bus Lane, Renfrew, PA15136 .............................................724-789-7866
17.....Quad County, PO Box 185, Plano, IL 60545....................................................815-695-1494
18.....Hopedale, 15 Township Rd 125, Dillonvale, OH 43917 ...................................740-769-7269
19.....Akron-Canton Muskie Maniacs, 10957 Northwood Ave NE, Bolivar OH 44612.330-874-2773
20.....Between the Lakes, PO Box 61, Sheboygan, WI 53085-0061 ........................920-564-3226
21.....North Metro, PO Box 41216, Plymouth, MN 55441 .........................................952-469-2155
22.....New Jersey, http://www.mi22.com/ ..................................................................................TBD
23.....Cleveland, 5608 Brave Chief Lane, Ravenna, OH 44266 ...............................330-296-2398
24.....Brainerd Lakes, 9143 Lone Pine Road, Brainerd, MN 56401..........................218-821-3669
26.....Central Wisconsin, PO Box 263, Medford, WI 54451 ......................................715-748-4874
27.....Central Illinois, 1191 Sandra Lane, Monticello, IL 61856 .................................309-264-3730
28.....Shawnee Muskie Hunters, 61 W. Jennings, Wood River, IL 62095.................618-610-5003
29.....Upper Great Plains, 1788 Hwy 4, Estherville, IA 51334...................................712-362-2501
30.....God’s Country, PO Box 1461, LaCrosse, WI 54601 ........................................608-786-4062
31.....Penn-Ohio, 309 Spring St, Jamestown, PA 16134...........................................724-932-5815
32.....Flatlanders, 5776 Vesper Drive, South Beloit, IL 61080 ..................................815-389-4622
33.....Lake Superior, 2031 Hwy. 33 S., Cloquet, MN 55720......................................218-879-2712
35.....Milwaukee, PO Box 28842, Greenfield, WI 53220...........................................262-442-6260
37.....St. Cloud, 312 18th Avenue N., Sartell, MN 56377 ..........................................320-656-1160
38.....Vikingland, 2909 Wicken Lane NW, Alexandria, MN 56308.............................320-846-7975
39.....Fox River Valley, 1253 Cobblers Crossing, Elgin, IL 60123.............................847-741-9771
41.....Central Ohio, 870 County Road 9, Fremont OH 43420 ...................................419-992-4504
42.....Hoosier Muskie Hunters, PO Box 501371, Indianapolis, IN 46250 .................317-577-8050
44.....Colorado, 3739 Sawgrass Trail, Castle Rock, CO 80109 ................................303-668-4089
45.....Kentucky, 212 Linden Ave., Southgate, KY 41071...........................................859-441-1666
46.....Bemidji/Cass Lake, 11551 Misty Meadows Rd, Bemidji, MN 56601................218-759-0098
47.....Michigan Muskie Alliance, PO Box 512, Caledonia, MI 49316 ........................616-447-1688
48.....Arrowhead, PO Box 603, Tower, MN 55790 ....................................................218-753-2612
49.....Webster Lake Musky Club, PO Box 670, No. Webster, IN 46555 ...................574-834-1669
50.....Penn-Jersey, 372 Kingwood Rd., King of Prussia, PA 19406 ..........................610-962-0632
52.....Daniel Boone, 813 US 62, Maysville, KY 41056 ..............................................606-759-7610
53.....Huskerland Muskie Hunters, PO Box 394, Valentine, NE 69201.....................402-376-2743
54.....Southern Crossroads, 1524 Country Club Rd, Albert Lea MN 56007 .............507-373-1818
56.....SW Ohio Muskie Ass’n, 524 Sterling Meadows Place, Brookville, OH 45309 ..937-833-1833
57.....NW TigerPac, 10517 SE 214th Place, Kent, WA 98031 ..................................253-850-5889
58.....Lake St. Clair, 22206 Kramer, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080...............................586-778-9136
www.muskiesinc.org
Special Events
2009
–– Deadline for Chapter Reports! ––
The deadline to send chapter reports
to the editor is the 25th of each month,
approximately 5 weeks before the
magazine is mailed to members!
March 7
Pomme de Terre Challenge with
Shawnee Muskie Hunters, Pomme
de Terre Lake
October 2-4
35th Annual Pomme de Terre
Muskie Tournament
Special events listings are provided at
no charge to Muskies, Inc chapters.
To list your chapter's event, email to:
[email protected]
or by ground mail: Kevin Richards,
7618 Sunrise Ridge Road,
Henley, MO 65040
Please send announcements
at least 2 months in advance.
CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆ CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆ CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS
Chapter News and Views
01
Twin Cities
414 Division St. • Excelsior, MN 55331
952-380-1218
www.twincitiesmuskiesinc.org
Meets 2nd Tuesday 7:00 PM, Knights of Columbus, 1114 W79th St Bloomington,
MN, near the SE corner of the intersection of I-494 and I-35W.
MINNESOTANS ADD MORE SUPPORT
FOR HABITAT AND WILDLIFE
Through a Constitutional Amendment
Even in these financially troubled times, on November 4th, 56% of
voting Minnesotans voted “Yes” for a Constitutional Amendment to provide an estimated $300 million a year support for environmental and
cultural activities. The new revenue will be dedicated to an Outdoor
Heritage Fund (33%) for habitat and wildlife, a Clean Water Fund
(33%), a Parks and Trails Fund (14.25 %), and an Arts and Cultural
Fund (19.75%).
Major supporters of the Amendment were statewide Muskies, Inc.
Chapters and the Minnesota Muskie Association (MMA).
Minnesotans have proven, again, their dedication to an unrivaled
quality of life for today and tomorrow. Their position was strengthened
when they agreed to increase the Minnesota Sales Tax by 0.375 % for
25 years. The additional Sales Tax will be collected beginning on July
1, 2009.
MORE PLANS FOR THE 2009 WINTER BANQUET
Chapter #1 Members with 30 or More Years of Membership
to be honored
A subcommittee of The Winter Banquet Committee has surveyed
the 30-years-plus group of Chapter #1 members to determine individual interest in attending the Winter Banquet to receive recognition as
Muskies, Inc. Pioneers. All active members, with at least 30 years of
membership, will be so honored and receive their certificates at the
Banquet or by mail. What a great time for them to renew old friendships!
This activity is the Chapter’s way to offer a thank you to the
Pioneers for their dedication and service to Muskies, Inc. Chapter #1,
the Twin Cities Chapter, and to Muskies, Inc. In the group are several of the original Muskies, Inc. Founders, the builders of Chapter #1,
and some of the first founders, leaders, and members of Muskies, Inc.
International.
All members, please mark your calendar for the Annual Winter
Banquet
Date:
February 21, 2009
Time:
5:30 pm
Location:
Minnesota Valley Country Club, Bloomington
Speaker:
Jim Lindner
For tickets & directions: [email protected]
or 612 201-0209
Jim Lindner is a member of the famous Lindner family of outdoors
enthusiasts, fishing experts, the magazine publishers, TV fishing pioneers, and entrepreneurs. The Chapter is pleased to offer such a
quality speaker to those attending the Banquet. Please join the excitement and fun on February 21st.
Vince Trotta
NOTE TO CHAPTERS: We hope you like the new
look of Chapter News and Views. We would like to
see an increase in the number of chapters sharing
news each month. We are also offering you a chance
to submit 5 to 10 photos of chapter activities so we
can feature your chapter on the banner above.
03
Chicagoland Muskie Hunters
7600 Kilbourn Ave. • Skokie, IL 60076
847-677-0017 – Dean Rosset
[email protected]
st
Meets 1 Tuesday 7:30 PM, Park Ridge VFW 10 West Higgins Ave., Park
Ridge, IL.
Greetings Thrillseekers,
What a great season Chicagoland Muskie Hunters have had.
Big fish hunter Mark Podobinski released a 56.5” pig in September and
will probably be sharing his tips and suggestions once again (he did
after releasing a 60” muskie last year) at one of our upcoming meetings. It is good to see that most members got “in the books” this year
with at least one muskie but all seem to have had fun.
Chicagoland Muskie Hunter members will be manning a club
booth at the upcoming Chicago Muskie Show (January 9-11, 2009)
at Harper College in Palatine, Illinois. Stop by and say “hello”. We will
have membership forms that you can fill out at the show. This may be
a great way of finding out about the upcoming guest speakers lined up
for coming meetings. There is no better way of becoming a better fisherman than by joining an active fishing club. Plus, there is nothing better than talking fishing with a bunch of like mined folks.
Tip of the Month: Getting Educated for Your Next Fishing
Trip. First, go to the muskieinc.org web site and start researching
lakes and lures that have been successful. Once you begin to narrow
down specific lakes and lures, go to the sport shows armed with questions for fishing camps located on those lakes. Ask questions about
the lake and the camp such as the water color, fishing regulations
(such as no night fishing), bloom issues, meal and lodging plans
(American or Housekeeping Plans). Review the photos and ask when
they were taken (night or day, spring, summer or fall) and check out
photos of the cabins (Do you really want to share the “bunk room” with
five other guys or is another cabin better suited to your needs?). Ask
what lures work best at the time of year that you are planning. Will you
be fishing shallow or deep, rocks, weedy bays or heavy current areas?
Find out if there are accurate maps, electronic chips and/or experienced guides that are familiar with the body of water you are considering. If you are bringing up a boat, find out if there is electrical on the
docks, trailer storage, access to fuel and a camp boat ramp that can
handle your boat. If you can go to the sport shows with a couple of the
guys you usually travel with, the better. Be prepared to put down
money and you can be assured of getting the right cabin on the right
week/weekend (know the moon phases and when you want to go if
this is important to you). Preparation is the key in having a successful
trip and utilizing the muskieinc.org web site and then sport show visits
makes success more likely.
If you want to have a little winter fun, come to one of the
Chicagoland Muskie Hunter meetings. Meetings are the first
Tuesday of the month at the Park Ridge VFW located at 10 W. Higgins
Road at 7:30pm with pizza being served about 8:00pm. Keep the calls
coming with questions about joining Chicagoland Muskie Hunters.
05
Pomme de Terre
P.O. Box 5 • Hermitage, MO 65668
417-745-2381 – Carl Marks
www.missourimuskies.org
Meets: Various days-Call for schedule
The Pomme de Terre chapter stays busy throughout the year with
events and activities geared for all levels of participation and musky
fishing experience.
January and February are filled with sports shows and promoting the organization.
March brings the Border Wars, an annual fishing event with the
Shawnee Muskie Hunters from Illinois. Alternating between “home”
lakes, this is quickly becoming one of our more popular events. The
2009 event will occur on March 7th.
May is Muskie Mayhem; an all day event where experienced
members of the chapter take new members fishing to educate them on
the lake and musky fishing.
June is the Prime Time Outing, fishing early and late and taking
off in the middle of the day.
July is Kid’s Day. Then, when it is too hot to fish in the summer
we hold the Pomme de Tour. Put a bunch of muskie fisherman on a
pontoon boat for an all day outing and you can learn a lot about the
lake and how to fish it. A great event for novice fishermen.
September is our first fall Guide for a Day fund raising event.
October brings our annual Muskie Tournament (October 2-4) and
our 2nd fall Guide for a Day.
November is a white bass outing (not all fish are muskies).
December is our annual planning meeting; an all day event to set
plans for the coming year and beyond.
Funds raised by these activities are used in many ways. In 2008
we purchased nets for the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Lost
Valley Hatchery. These are used to cover the muskie rearing ponds
and greatly increase the yield by keeping predator birds away from the
fish. We also made a significant dollar contribution toward the construction of a handicap accessible dock on Pomme de Terre Lake.
For the past several years we have contributed to, and received
grants for, creating pens and planting vegetation in Pomme de Terre
Lake. Determining the best vegetation to handle the fluctuating lake
levels, where to plant, and how deep to plant have been challenges to
address.
Activities for all experience levels and interests are our goal and
we try to provide it in a low pressure environment. No one is keeping
score and we try to be sure that everyone has a good muskie fishing
experience by sharing information and our experiences on the lake.
Check us out at www.MissouriMuskies.org
Wayne Humphrey
07
that our Christmas party would be held at Mama Luigi’s on our regular
meeting night, December 17th, and that tickets would be $30 per person with an open bar. This represents a change from previous years
when ticket prices were less, but we had to pay separately for all
drinks. The Christmas party will also be the last chance for members
to sign up to work the Tri-Esox (Muskie) Show. The sign-up sheet will
be circulated at the party. Nominations and election of officers and
board members will also take place at the Christmas party, as we had
no time to do it at the November meeting.
The next item on the agenda was the introduction of our speaker
for the night, Frank Jakubicek from the Illinois DNR. Frank gave an
entertaining and enlightening presentation on the invasion of the Asian
carp into the Illinois waterways, and what was being done to try to stop
their advance into Lake Michigan. He talked about three species of
Asian carp; the bighead, silver, and grass carp, and showed pictures
and identifying characteristics of all three. He also stressed contacting
the nearest DNR office if one was caught and/or snagged. Frank also
talked about how they first got into the Illinois waterways, how prolific
they are, and why they can’t all just be netted and disposed of. He also
talked a bit about the electronic barriers in the Sanitary and Ship Canal
near Romeoville. Several questions regarding the Asian carp problem
were fielded by Frank, though as he explained, he is not an engineer
and therefore isn’t privy to some of the information regarding how
much current is being applied at the barrier at present. Though some
of the questions came from our members, many also came from invited guests from Fish Tales Fishing Club, Riverside Fishing Club, and
Midwest Musky Club. We were glad to see that some of them accepted our invitation and joined us for an informative evening. Frank also
spoke a little on the subject of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia, what it
looks like, how it is spread, and what can be done to prevent its
spread. He stressed emptying and cleaning of all live-wells, bait buckets, bilges, etc. before going to another body of water with your boat.
He also mentioned that a cup of ordinary chlorine bleach to each gallon of water will kill any disease organisms that remain after rinsing.
Another method is to leave everything open to the sun to dry when
your boat is in your driveway.
After finishing his presentation, Frank answered a few more questions, and then was presented with a donation for the DNR from the
South Side Muskie Hawks in appreciation.
Don’t forget that our annual fundraiser/seminar will be held on
Sunday, November 30th at Marie’s Ashton Place, which is located at
75th Street and Clarendon Hills Road in Willowbrook, IL. The speakers
for the seminar will be professional muskie anglers, Tom Ustaszewski
and Ron Mazur. Doors open at 11 AM, and the seminar will start at
noon, with the fundraiser ending by 5 PM. At least $20,000 in prizes
will be raffled off, including a boat, motor and trailer generously donated once again by Basa’s Marine of Bolingbrook. Tickets purchased in
advance are $8.00, and if purchased at the door, are $10.00. We hope
to see you there!
South Side Muskie Hawks
5211 S. Narragansett Ave. • Chicago, IL 60638
773-581-8650
Our meetings are held every third Wednesday of the month at Mama
Luigi's located at 7500 S. Harlem in Bridgeview, IL starting at 7:00 pm.
Acting President John Daley (V.P.) called the November meeting
of the South Side Muskie Hawks to order. Fishing reports were asked
for, but very few were given as most of the members had been too
busy getting ready for winter’s onslaught, and hadn’t been out fishing.
Following the fishing reports, the next order of business was to
remind the members that we needed workers for our upcoming
fundraiser on November 30th, and a sign-up sheet was passed around
for those who wished to volunteer their time. It was also announced
www.muskiesinc.org
Frank Jakubicek (right) of the Illinois DNR with V.P. John Daley.
As always, feel free to contact Dean Rosset at: 847/677-0017 or:
[email protected] - or contact me at: 847/434-1400 (ext. 100) or
[email protected]
Take care, Kevin M. Lynch
Since the Christmas party is being held on our normal meeting
date in December, there will be no speaker that night, but we are looking forward to our January meeting when we plan to have Tony Grant
as our speaker. Tony is always informative and interesting, so it looks
like it will be a great meeting to attend.
The South Side Muskie Hawks meet at 7 PM on the third
Wednesday of every month in the banquet room of Mama Luigi’s
Restaurant. Mama Luigi’s is located at 7500 South Harlem Avenue in
Bridgeview. All are welcome, as we are a family-oriented multi-species
club. Come out and join us for an evening, and you may find that you
want to keep coming back!
Respectfully submitted, Lynn Polyak, Vice-President
09
West Virginia
1270 Federal Road • Little Hocking, OH 45742
740-667-3571
http://westvirginiamuskiesinc.org
Meets: No definite schedule-call
Late last year the Fisheries, Research and Youth Committee
awarded West Virginia Chapter 09 a grant in the amount of $250.00
towards a project that had come up unexpectedly.
If you recall, a trophy class muskie had become entangled in nets
that the WV Division of Natural Resources had set to conduct walleye
and white bass surveys in Stonewall Jackson Reservoir. When discovered, the fish was in distress and despite efforts by DNR personnel;
the fish died. This fish measured 53 7/8 inches and weighed 46
pounds. If angler taken and verified, it would have been a state record
in the length division.
I was immediately contacted by DNR and we made a joint decision to make the best of a bad situation by having a replica mount
made for the purpose of display for both DNR and Chapter 09 during
joint activities. This would present a good tool to promote Catch and
Release and encourage the use of replica instead of skin mounts.
Our Chapter agreed to finance this endeavor and with the tremendous assistance and cooperation of Lax Taxidermy Studio, along with
partial funding from the grant money, we were able to accomplish this
goal.
The mount has been completed and we have already used it at a
recent WV DNR Hunting and Fishing Show which hosts in the area of
15,000 people during the weekend. WV DNR Fisheries Biologist
Kevin Yokum commented that it is one of the most impressive mounts
he has ever viewed.
I wanted to take this opportunity to update the committee on the
use of the grant monies as well as extend our thanks to MI for helping
make this project a success.
Jim Moore, President
12
13
Headwaters Chapter 12 of Muskies, Inc. has had a very busy
year. It’s hard to imagine we are at the end of 2008. A recap for our
2008 year consisted of 5 member outings, a first class Spring Banquet
and Spring Classic Tournament. Both of these events have been run
for almost 30 years. We host an Open Discussion with the public invited with the DNR to keep up to date on information as well as share
ideas. We ended the year with a great Christmas party.
Our final fish registration is not in, but Headwaters as a group had
a fine year with over 900 recorded for the season. One highlight is
member Rosemary Owens who caught a fish of a lifetime - a 55 inch
by 24 incher while casting with one her favorite lures. Take a look at
this month’s Lunge Log for a great picture. Congratulations Rosemary!
Anybody looking to joining a active and fun club please write, or
visit our web site: www.headwatersmuskies.com
To all Musky Hunters a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Glenn Matula, Secretary
P.O. Box 609
Hayward, WI 54843
715-634-4543
The November club meeting was primarily a business meeting.
We reviewed our tournament results which were very similar to last
year. We had a slight increase in participants, up 27 people to 504. The
number of fish caught fell from 76 last year to 57 this year, mainly due
to the severe cold front and bright, flat conditions. The complete fish list
can be seen at www.haywardbait.com. The financial results of the tournament were also similar to last year and we expect to continue with
our regular projects and events.
The officers were elected at the November meeting, they are:
President, Mike Persson; Vice President, Larry Ramsell; Treasurer,
Jim Breen; Secretary, Ivan Uttech; and Bob Reinert will be our RVP
this year. We also elected our board members.
With great sadness we have to mention the loss of an important
club member, Dave Emmert passed away suddenly, shortly after our
tournament. Dave and his wife Joyce have been wonderful assets to
our club for many years and Dave will be greatly missed. The family, in
conjunction with our club, has set up the Dave Emmert Memorial
Stocking Fund. Anyone who would like to contribute please contact us.
The entries in our member’s contest as of November 25th : Youth
– Alex Spezia 1 fish-21pts.- a 47”!!! Anthony Spezia 1 fish-20pts.- a
46”!!! Women – Caroll Chinock 1 fish-14pts., Roz Smith 1 fish-9pts.,
Sarah Muntz 1 fish-9pts., Sandy Hackbarth 1 fish-6pts. Men – John
Ryan 19 fish-322pts. includes a 50.5 and a 55.5!!! Emmett Brown 15
fish-138pts., Kris Gottwald 4 fish-29pts., Brian Smith 2 fish-29pts., Tom
Kirsten 1 fish-20pts. a 46” from the Chip., Denny Kozicki 1 fish-18pts.,
Jim O’Leary 1 fish-17pts., Masters – Ted Muntz 27 fish-236pts., Mike
Persson 13 fish-128pts. Senior Masters – Tom Muntz 65 fish-575pts.,
Larry Ramsell 30 fish-526pts. includes 50”,50.5”,51”,53.5”,55.25”!!!
Dick Minnick 67 fish-451pts.
We will award trophies and plaques, as we do each year, at our
annual awards banquet at the beginning of March, the exact date will
be announced in next month’s magazine, or call if you need to know
sooner.
To enter your fish please try to do it electronically through the
Muskies, Inc. website, if you need help call Mike at the phone number
above. If you wish to send the paper form, send it to Hayward Lakes
Muskies, Inc. at P.O. Box 609, Hayward, WI 54843.
The January meeting will be Tuesday the 6th at 7pm. at Dow’s
Corner Bar at the corner of Highways 77 and A, 15 miles east of
Hayward on 77. This will be a business meeting to plan our activities,
projects and budget. All board members are asked to attend, all interested members are welcome.
Good Fishing, Mike Persson
Headwaters
P.O. Box 652 • Eagle River, WI 54521
715-477-2913 – Paul Hansen
www.headwatersmuskies.com
Meets 1st Wednesday 7:00 PM
Hayward Lakes
19
Akron-Canton
10957 Northwood Ave. NE • Bolivar, OH 44612
Gordon Selden - 330-874-2773
http://[email protected]
Meets 3rd Monday 7:00 PM, Belgrade Gardens, 3476 Massillon Road, Akron,
OH.
Happy New Year to all! Hopefully 2009 will even be a better year
than last year. The Muskie Maniacs are finishing up their totals of
2008. There are a few club members still fishing to catch their last fish
of the year. For the rest of us, we are already looking forward to the
‘09 season.
At our December meeting, we will be electing our new officers for
2009. Our tentative tournament schedule will be verified by the first
part of January.
With the dawg days of winter upon us, it’s time to put on new line,
sharpen hooks, and attend area sport shows and banquets. Our first
events of the season will be our Annual Lure Auction in February and
our Banquet on March 7th. I will give more details of these up-coming
events in my next issue.
Kevin Proffitt
North Metro
P.O. Box 41216
Plymouth, MN 55441
763-537-0781 • www.nmmuskies.com
Meets 3rd Tuesday, North Air Banquet Hall, Fridley (6831 NE Hwy 65)
At our November meeting we had Jay Waalen representing
Mustang Survival floatation and hypothermia protection products. Jay
brought with him a selection of the products they offer and talked about
their benefits, especially to those chasing muskies in the late fall.
League night ended with Tim Acker taking home first prize. Dave
Parks updated the members the current MOC standings. Dave is also
organizing a rod building class, the date yet to be determined.
Updates will be posted on the web site.
Preparations are under way for our 2009 North Metro MI Banquet
on January 31, 2009. Gregg Thomas, owner of Battle of the Beast
Guide Service will be our featured speaker. Tickets are $25 and must
be purchased in advance - contact Bob Anderson at [email protected] or call 763-441-3108. Your paid ticket automatically enters you
in the grand prize drawing for 7-days at Red Wing Lodge for 4 people.
We will also have thousands of dollars in raffle prizes, guide trips, silent
auction items, games & all you can eat fish fry. Banquet is open to all.
Only 200 tickets will be sold. Check out our web site for more details.
Chapter members who are not receiving the electronic monthly
newsletter please contact Bob Anderson (see contact info above).
Brett Erickson from Thorne Brothers was the featured speaker.
Brett shared numerous fishing experiences from Canada this past summer. He noted the fishing was excellent and very few people up there.
I’m sure $4 gasoline had something to do with the lack of crowds. Brett
finished the night by showing us some of the new baits already arriving
at the store just in time for Christmas shopping.
Ross Fischer
28
Shawnee Muskie Hunters
61 W. Jennings • Wood River, IL 62095
618-610-5003 – Manuel Santa Cruz
[email protected]
www.shawneemuskiehunters.org
39
Fox River Valley
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.
Happy Holidays to everyone. Hope your 2008 musky season was
a good one. As the year comes to a close, all of us here at Chapter 39
are looking forward to the 2009 musky season.
Our January meeting will be held on a Thursday (January 8th)
instead of our normal Wednesday night meeting. This is done to
accommodate folks coming into town for the Chicago Musky Show, as
we get a fair amount of people stopping into our meeting on Thursday
night. Our January 8th speaker is none other than the legend himself,
Joe Bucher. Joe’s presentation will NOT be duplicated anywhere else!
He will be covering “Muskies, then & now”. Tickets are $10.00 in
advance or $15.00 at the door. We have 200 tickets to sell, and are
already 50% sold out. Contact Rich Gallagher, club President to get
your tickets in advance. We will also have an Italian Buffet dinner prior
to Joe’s seminar. Food is served at 6:00 PM and the cost for the buffet is $10.00/adults and $5.00 for kids. The meeting starts at 7:00 PM
so make sure you mark your calendars for this great opportunity!
The FRV will have a booth at the Chicago Musky Show. We will
be raffling off tickets to win an 8’6” Franks Custom Rod with a Garcia
reel; so stop buy and buy some tickets for this awesome combo. Retail
value is over $450.00!
Our annual awards banquet will be held on Saturday, February
21st at Poplar Creek Country Club from 5-11PM. Check out our website at www.frvmuskie.com for additional details regarding all of the
items we will be raffling off.
Our February 11th meeting will feature Chad Cain as our guest
speaker. Chad will be covering muskies on Kincaid and Vermillion.
This should be a great meeting, so don’t miss this one. Dinner is available to all beginning at 6:00. The meetings start promptly at 7:00.
Until next month, Happy Holidays from all of us to all of you.
Remember to support our troops.
Rich Gallagher
Check out shawneemuskiehunters.org,
our website, for lots of good information.
Thanks to Jerry and Cheryl Ford for taking
over our website and adding new items such
as: Hot News, members looking for fishing
partners, and much, much more!
What a fall we had on Kinkaid. The month
of October was the best I have ever seen on
Kinkaid. Big fish were everywhere. Many of
our members caught their personal best with
many fish in the 48 inch range. I expect a lot of
50 inch fish coming from this lake in the next
couple of years.
Our Fall Brawl Tournament produced 49
fish in the two days. More than 1/2 were 40
inches or over. And the winning team had 4 fish
over 40 inches. A large number of the fish were
between 46 and 48 inches. I know they will be
a lot bigger in the spring. If you have never
fished in one of our tournaments on Kinkaid,
you need to start in our spring warm up tournament the first weekend in May. We have a very
good time and the fish seem to like it as well.
Make your plans and come and fish with us.
Upcoming Events for 2009
Jan. 2-3-4 Collinsville “Lets Go Fishing Show
Collinsville, IL
Jan. 16-17-18 St Charles Boat and Fishing
Show St Charles, Mo.
Remember I’m in the other Lund,
Walt Krause
www.muskiesinc.org
21
49
Webster Lake
57
P.O. Box 670
No. Webster, IN 46555
574-834-1669
Hello everyone, with another very good season behind us all, we
can look forward to another great year. Here are the dates for 2009
year:
Jan 17th &18th ~ Hammond Outdoor Show
Feb 28th-Mar. 1st ~ NW Indiana Outdoor Show (Valparaiso)
March 14th ~ LURE SWAP
March 28th ~ Ice Out Challunge (Alt. date April 4th)
April 25th ~ Guide for a Day
June 6th ~ Tippy cash tournament 6am-3pm
June 19th & 20th ~ Iron Man
Sept 12th & 13th ~ Barbee/Webster Tournament
Oct 3rd Guide for a Day (Fall Sucker Hunt)
December 5th ~ Meeting Speaker to be announced
I hope to see every one there! I am organizing the shows and
guide for a day events this year, so if you are interested in helping,
you can call or email me.
Now that we have hard water and are busy going to the musky
shows and watching fishing shows, this is also a good time to go
through all our tackle and get rid of all the rusty hooks and install new
ones and sharpen them up, go through all of our rods and reels and
change line and clean up and “lube” reels (remember - a little grease
goes along way).
Also, let me take the time to congratulate the Members Only Fish
Contest winners. Remember, during the 2009 year you must have
your fish turned in no later than 30 days from the day of catch for them
to be eligible for MOFC points.
For any other info you can check out the clubs website www.websterlakemuskyclub.net or you can email me at: [email protected] or call me at: 219/201-6123; or email Chae Dolson at:
[email protected]
Thank you and see you on the water,
Bill Bennett
NW TigerPac
10517 SE 214th Place, Kent, WA 98031
www.nwtigermuskies.org
email: [email protected]
Hot line: (253) 850-5889 • Perry Peterson, President
Dateline Washington State: Non Resident Active Duty Military pay
the price. Should our Active Duty military personnel have to pay out
of state fishing and hunting license fees? Chapter 57’s Lee Burns and
Don Wittenberger say absolutely NOT. Lee had the idea and Don took
the bull by the horns.
Don has started the process of eliminating or at the least reducing
the fee for fishing licenses for active duty military personnel. His plan
is to resurrect an old tax that took a small percentage of the tobacco
tax. It is like all other taxes, it never died it just got funneled into the
black whole. It set aside money for active duty military personnel when
they returned from overseas duty but was last used after Vietnam. By
using the existing funds the WDFW will not be burdened with a reduction of revenue as these funds would pay the WDFW for the military
licenses and our active military will not be burdened with another fee
to participate in some good recreation in our state.
Dateline Washington State: WDFW in need of a new rearing tank
for Tiger Musky fingerlings. Chapter 57 found out that the WDFW
needed two round rearing tanks to transfer their TM fingerlings to this
coming spring. They had funding for one so our club decided to try to
raise money for the second tank. Mike Floyd stepped up to the challenge and coordinated the fundraising effort. Less than three months
later the total amount needed has been raised. A special thanks to Lee
Burns who contacted some of our local businesses to help. The rest
of the money was donated by our members. Even in this bad economy everyone stepped up to the challenge and the outlook for this
year’s fingerlings and future fingerlings looks a whole lot better.
Our club is again going to man a booth at the Puyallup Sportsmen’s
Show the last of January, stop by and see us in you are in town, and we
are also working on the details for a Muskie School in April. For more
information about any of this see our website: www.nwtigermuskies.com
Bill Green
SPORT SHOW LOCATOR
Calendar of upcoming events in 2009
DATES
EVENT NAME/ &
WEBSITE
LOCATION
CITY
STATE PHONE
Jan. 9-11
Chicago Muskie Show
www.chicagomuskieshow.com
Harper College
Palatine
IL
847/328-6200
Feb. 13-15
Milwaukee Muskie Expo
www.muskieexpo.com
Wisconsin State Fair Park
West Allis
WI
608/445-4645
Feb. 20 -22 Rockford Fishing &
Outdoor Expo
www.showtimeproduction.net
Indoor Sports Center
Rockford
IL
815/877-8043
Feb. 27Mar. 1
Madison Fishing Show
www.madfishexpo.com
Exhibition Hall at the
Alliant Center
Madison
WI
608/245-1040
April 3-5
Minnesota Muskie Expo
www.minnesotamuskieexpo.com
Concordia University
St. Paul
MN
763/786-6031
MUSKIES, INC.
14257 Waters Edge Trail
New Berlin, WI 53151
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Jim Smith sent in this terrific shot of a Bald
Eagle in flight. It’s nice and sharp, with good
color and detail. Not an easy shot to get by any
means. Nice job Jim.
Jesse Frolek of Chapter 02 Fargo-Moorhead caught this chubby 50
incher on a Minnesota lake last summer. Looks like a pretty heavy
Chapter 21 North Metro member Joey
fish, nice job.
Wyszynski caught this 53 inch beauty while
fishing with her husband Ryan near Bemidji
last year. She said it was an unforgettable
fish, and she’s obviously right about that.
Great catch Joey.
Chapter 09 West Virginia member Craig Brewer
caught this 50 incher from Stonewall Jackson Lake.
He said it was even more special as his 83-yearold father Jim and also his 11-year-old son Bailey
were in the boat with him at the time. What a great
memory to have.
Chapter 24 Brainerd Lakes member Donny Hines
Capitol City Chapter member Michael Winther sent in this
with a 29-inch walleye caught during the 2008
Chapter Challunge. Donny says the Walleye was beautiful silhouette shot. It was taken during sunrise on a
Vilas County, Wisconsin lake over Labor Day weekend.
caught on a pink and white Super D. Not a
Very nice Mike.
muskie, but a great catch nonetheless.
This is the kind of picture that makes you want to BE THERE. Check out the
morning mist rising off the water in this shot sent in by Jim Smith. I believe this is
the view Steve Budnik sees most days, as Jim says this shot was taken at
Steve’s Rock Lake home. Great view.
You can see a sunrise photo from Michael Winther on this page, but he does
sunsets too. Here is a shot he took of the sun setting over a small Oneida
County, Wisconsin lake last year. Very nice again Mike.

MUSKIE Magazine

Transcription

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