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Innovating the outdoors www.frabill.com • 800.558.1005 P.O. Box 49 • Jackson, WI 53037 MUSKIE is published monthly and is the Official Publication of Muskies, Inc. International Office: Terrie DuBé, You CAN have your fish and release it, too! International Sec., 80 State Hwy. 200 NW, Longville, MN 56655. Ph: 888-710-8286, Fax 218-836-2087. Contents © Copyright 2006 by Muskies, Inc. All rights reserved. FITTANTE TAXIDERMY REPLICAS MUSKIE • VOL. 40, NO. 4 Serving discriminating sportsmen for over 32 years Fittante Taxidermy is proud to lead the way in unsurpassed fish reproductions. We make our molds in-house and offer dozens of different sizes and positions. References are available upon request and phone orders are welcome. Serving quality minded sportsmen across the nation is our specialty. Departments Features 7 Beginner’s Luck, 2 President’s Message, David Cates James W. Colgan 3 Magazine Notes, Staff 10 A New Muskie Attitude, Bob Chochola 4 International News, Staff 16 Muskie Memories, 6 Letters to the Editor Gary Bennyhoff 13 Lunge Log, Jim Bunch 22 Girl Scouts Merit Badge Spearheaded by M.I. Members, 19 Photo Contest, Juris Ozols Patricia Strutz 20 2005 Photo Contest Winners, 25 The Barbless Debate Continues, Juris Ozols Don Dubin 27 As I See It, Jim Smith 26 Reflections on Muskies, Inc., Dick Chapman 33 Chapter News and Views 28 My Most Exciting Muskie Hunt, Vince Trotta 40 Muskie Tales, Bob Jennings 30 Southern Spring Muskie Tactics: Part One, Colby Simms 42 Member Photos, Juris Ozols

Join Muskies, Inc. ... Regular Membersip: ❑ 1 Year-$35.00 ❑ 2 Years-$65.00 ❑ 3 Years- $95.00 or give a membership Family Membership: ❑ 1 Year-$47.50 ❑ 2 Years-$90.00 ❑ 3 Years-$132.50 as a gift. Junior Membership (Under 18): ❑ $20.00 “The #1 reason I choose Joe Fittante is his artistry. He ❑ For Muskie Research $______is the only taxidermist I have found who can accurately reproduce the true colors and markings of a living Name ______Phone ______Name of Spouse______musky. His painting technique separates him Address______Chapter Affiliation Choice Number ______(to find the number of the Chapter you wish to join, see the Chapter News & Views section) from the rest. That is why I use him exclusively, and City & State______Zip______Junior Member(s) Date of Birth (DOB) prefer his work above all others.” Chapter Affiliation Choice Number ______Name ______DOB ______(to find the number of the Chapter you wish to join, see the Chapter News & Views section) – Joe Bucher, Old Address (for address change only) ______Name ______DOB ______Hall of Fame Angler Capture the moment City & State ______Zip______Name ______DOB ______www.fittantereplicas.com • email: [email protected] My Membership # ______Expiration Date ______Chapter Affiliation Choice Number ______Check One: ❑ New Member ❑ Renewal ❑ Address Change ❑ Gift MAIL TO MUSKIES, INC. 80 State Hwy. 200 NW, Longville, MN, 56655 Email ______3 miles north of Antigo on Hwy. 45 • N4598 Hwy. 45, Antigo, WI 54409 ❑ VISA ❑ Discover 1-888-710-8286 ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ (715) 627-7662 • 1-800-261-2327 Payment: Check or Credit Card: AmEx MasterCard Card # ______- ______- ______- ______Exp. Date ____ /____ Signature ______www.muskiesinc.org April 2006.....MUSKIE 1 I could not complete my initial “Presidents Message” without thanking those who help MAGAZINE NOTES lead this organization. Jim Beaty and his finance committee have done much to maintain MUSKIE Magazine Staff International our organization over the past year; Ron Mazur led our research and committees. Dick McPike worked hard to lower everyone’s insurance costs (and is still the last person to Rod Ramsell, Editor Emeritus Officers net a Muskie for me); Bob Timme has worked to expand our membership; Jim Bunch Keith Ogden, Editor Emeritus manages the members only fishing contest as a labor of love; Ron Groeschl works tirelessly MANAGING EDITOR President, David Cates Jim Smith Phone: 574-457-3222 to improve and expand our website; Ken Karbon has worked countless hours on fundraisers 15045 W. Double Tree Way Email: [email protected] and producing income for Muskies, Inc.; and Jim Smith continues to improve this publica- Surprise, AZ 85374-8568 tion. But the largest and most heartfelt Thank You goes to immediate past President, Greg Phone/Fax: (623) 388-3225 Vice President/Finances, Jim Beaty Wells. Greg led our organization through two difficult financial years, and through his lead- Cell: (623) 810-9103 Phone: 618-235-3646 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] ership we moved into the black for calendar year 2005. He has taught me much about the value of diplomacy, at times when I would have preferred to manage with a sledge hammer. ASSISTANT EDITOR Vice President/Research, Ron Mazur Juris Ozols Phone: 708-458-0055 I have no doubt but that I will rely heavily upon his knowledge and wisdom. Phone: (952) 956-5793 Email: [email protected] onor. Pride. Apprehension. Each of these words describes, in part, my feelings in As we look to the future, it is my desire to focus on fish and the . We must run Email: [email protected]

accepting the gavel as International President. However, no one should expect me ◆ Vice President/Internal Affairs, Dick McPike our organization as a business. There are hard decisions ahead. However, we will focus on ADVERTISING MANAGER Phone: 816-436-4909 to “do it all”. We have approximately 7,500 members. Estimates are that 10% of Muskies, improving their habitat, improving the fishery, and expanding their range. If we all Kimberly D Miller H MAGAZINE NOTES Email: [email protected] the people do 90% of the work. If that is true, then we have approximately 750 members pull an oar, the sea of issues surrounding Muskies, Inc. won’t seem so large. ❖ Kimberly D Miller Associates who are pulling an oar. I have read recently that there are approximately 750,000 Muskie P.O. Box 543 • Syracuse, IN 46567 Vice President/Membership, Bob Timme Phone: (574) 529-0228 Phone: 715-462-3053 fishermen. If true, then one-tenth of 1% of the Muskie fishing community are the ones who Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] have worked to expand and improve Muskie fishing who have worked to disseminate DONATIONS PUBLICATIONS TECHNICAL MANAGER Vice President/Communications, information to make each of us better anglers who have worked to meet the goals of Sunray Printing Solutions, Inc. - Brenda Kirchner Phone: 574-457-3222 Muskies, Inc. Allow yourself to imagine every member of Muskies, Inc. pulling an oar. Allow FEBRUARY 25123 22nd Ave. S. • St. Cloud, MN 56301-9189 Email: [email protected] yourself to imagine the impact on the fishery. If you need help with that thought, think Phone: 888-253-8808, ext. 133 Treasurer, Pete Barber about how far we have come with the concept of . MAGAZINE DESIGN Phone: 847-726-7267 So where do we begin? Communication is the key. I have heard frequently during my Sunray Printing Solutions, Inc. - John Windschitl Email: [email protected] tenure on the International Board complaints about the lack of communication between ILLUSTRATORS/CARTOONISTS Richard Gross Members Only Fishing Contest, Jim Bunch International and Chapters. While the International must bear its share of the blame for Phone: 715-723-8343 • Fax: 715-723-8354 difficulties, communication in fact is a two-way street. Too often, Chapters do wonderful FIELD EDITORS Email: [email protected] things for the fishery and for the future of Muskie fishing. Too often, those wondrous On behalf of Muskies, Inc., thank you for adding a bit extra when you renewed Bob Chochola, Elizabeth Cratty, Adam your membership. Glickman, Robert Jennings, Mike Kanaval, Colby Web Master, Ron Groeschl achievements go unreported and unknown to those not a part of that Chapter. The maga- Simms, Patricia Strutz ◆ Phone: 262-271-1002 zine and the website are two vehicles available to the Chapters to disseminate information. – Pete Barber, Treasurer CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Email: [email protected] MAGAZINE NOTES What works for your Chapter may or may not work for a neighboring Chapter, but if that James W. Colgan, Bob Chochola, Int. Administrative Secretary, Terrie DuBé neighboring Chapter never hears of your success, how can they know to even consider your Gary Bennyhoff, Patricia Strutz, Don Dubin, 80 State Hwy. 200 NW, Longville, MN 56655 model? Place a posting on the Internet. Write an article for the magazine. Include something Dick Chapman, Vince Trotta, Colby Simms Phone: 888-710-8286 • Fax: 218-836-2087 ABOUT THE COVER in Chapter News and Views. Let everyone know the good work you are doing! Email: [email protected] MUSKIE is published exclusively for the mem- But I will not limit communication to merely the Chapter level. If any member has an We ran the story on Jim Roerig’s bership of Muskies, Inc. and subscriptions issue or concern, feel free to contact me directly. My email address is located at the begin- come with a paid membership. Muskies, Inc. is At Large Directors Term Expires monster fish in the January issue. ning of this article. My telephone number is listed with my name under the International a non-profit organization. Membership classes Ken Karbon ...... 2007 Officers’ heading in this publication. Contact me, let me know your concerns. The late Perry But it’s worthy of a cover picture and associated annual dues are listed on the form at the bottom of page one. Single copies Jim Shannon ...... 2007 Smith challenged us all to make this a better Muskies, Inc. I hope you do your part. too – these kinds of fish don’t of MUSKIE magazine are available at $3.00 each from the Muskies, Inc. International Bob Timme ...... 2007 come along every day. So was it (Continued on next page) Office. Jim Beaty ...... 2007 really a Minnesota state record? Contributors grant rights for M.I. to publish once in MUSKIE Magazine, both the print and Bob Osborne ...... 2007 We’ll never know. on-line versions, including archives and on the

Laura Morrison ...... 2008 M.I. Web site. ◆

Don Jahnke ...... 2008 Muskies, Inc. Past Presidents Submissions to MAGAZINE NOTES David Cates ...... 2008 MUSKIE Magazine Gil Hamm Peter Hadley Jim Blaubach Patricia Strutz ...... 2008 Persons interested in submitting articles for publication are directed to our website Karl Scherer ...... 2008 Edward T. Peterka Bob Schmidt Steve Budnik link to MUSKIE Magazine. From there you www.muskiesinc.org. There they will find a will find links on the left side of the page pro- Dick McPike ...... 2009 Robert Hill Larry Ramsell Jim Smith Coming in Next Month’s viding information necessary for submissions Dan Narsete ...... 2009 Robert Shoop Lou Cook Paul Framsted to MUSKIE Magazine. Further questions will MUSKIE Magazine: be answered by Jim Smith, Managing Editor. Diana Mindar ...... 2009 Frank Schneider Keith Ogden Perry Smith Submissions may be sent to: 15045 W. Jack Moga ...... 2009 Peter Hadley Bill Davis Greg Wells ✒ Muskie Photo Ops by Kevin Richards Double Tree Way • Surprise, AZ 85374-8568 . Brad Waldera ...... 2009 DuWayne Bakke Steve Statland Phone: (623) 388-3225 or you may Lou Cook John Hotle Email: [email protected].

2 MUSKIE.....April 2006 www.muskiesinc.org April 2006.....MUSKIE 3 INTERNATIONAL NEWS comparison was possible. Feed trials will need to continue in the 2005 Illinois Muskie Stocking Totals (from all sources) future to determine the best diet. Meanwhile, the survival of the fry in the three ponds was deter- Lake Number Size Date Source Remarks mined. Ponds 20 and 21 were relatively clear and had good survival. Big 200 10" 8/25 IL Congratulations! The third pond (22) had a very strong phytoplankton bloom with no Carlton 76 10" 8/25 IL The ballots are in and have been counted. apparent survival. It was drained and re-stocked with the fish raised in Carroll 250 10.2" 9/1 IL For INHS research The membership has chosen the following the in-door start tanks. (Approximately 30,000) Deep 25 10" 8/26 IL individuals to serve as At-Large Directors for By late July, a number of mortalities was noticed in pond 20. The the next three-years. pond was drained and the fish moved to raceways for treatment of Evergreen 926 12.6" 10/18 IN MI Needs Your Help Columnaris. After treatment, the fish were returned to pond 20. A Forbes 350 (0)4 10.2" 8/31 IL For INHS research at Sam Parr few days later, a similar problem was observed in pond 22. That pond At-Large-Directors EXPERIENCED ACCOUNTING Forbes 300 12.6" 10/20 IN For INHS research at Sam Parr was drained and the fish were moved to raceways. Unfortunately, Terms Expiring 2009 PROFESSIONAL these fish were not only suffering from Columnaris but also Fox Chain 1,000 12.6" 10/20 IN 1 Volunteer needed to handle short term, special project. Must be Aeromonas, another bacterial infection. The fish were successfully Fox Chain 120 12-14" 12/21 MN donated -M. R. strain experienced in either: treated for Columnaris, however, the only treatment for Aeromonas Fox Chain 200 12-16" 12/21 MN donated1-M. R. strain Dick McPike • public accounting with multi-location audit clients; or was to cool their holding water down to 54° F. After a week of treat- George 167 10" 8/25 IL • selection and coordination of outside auditors for a multi-loca- ment with the cooler water, warmer water (eventually 75° F) was Diana Minder Goose 64 10" 8/26 IL tion business or non-profit organization. introduced. After a few more days of observation and a decrease in INTERNATIONAL NEWS INTERNATIONAL This is a short term project to help us find a CPA firm that can mortality, the fish (5,035) were harvested and stocked. About 1,106 Heidecke 1,955 10" 8/26 IL Jack Moga help us comply with the audit requirements of the 15 states in which muskies were lost due to the infections. (Mortalities may have contin- Hennipen Hopper 98 10.2" 8/26 IL ◆

◆ Dan Narsete our chapters operate. You may be currently active in accounting or ued on a reduced level after stocking.) On August 29, the two remain- Hennipen Hopper 902 10" 8/30 IL you may be retired with some time to help. The project will com- ing ponds were drained, the fish harvested (6,932) and stocked. INTERNATIONAL NEWS INHS 600 10.2" 8/30 IL For trade with Ohio Brad Waldera mence after April 15th and be completed by August 1st. About 51% of the total 11,967 fish stocked were produced from the We would, also, like to talk with any MI member who may be fingerlings raised in-house, with the remaining resulting from the Johnson 600 10" 8/26 IL associated with a CPA firm that might consider accepting an engage- swim-up fry stocked directly into the rearing ponds in April. Kinkaid 2,000 10.2" 8/31 IL For research ment to develop the audit program and to either: a) conduct the nec- About 10,000 6” fingerlings were received from Indiana in Lake of the 63 12.6" 10/21 IN essary chapter audits; or b) assemble and coordinate CPA firms in the August. After bacterial disease treatment, about 9,800 of these fish Woods Purposes of locales where our chapters are located. were placed in pond 22. On October 16 the pond was drained Mill Creek 366 10" 8/26 IL Your prompt reply would be appreciated. Please contact - and 8,729 fingerlings were stocked in Illinois waters. 925 of the Illinois raised fingerlings were stocked into the three Mingo 325 10.5" 8/30 IL Project Green Gene-mixed strain Muskies, Inc. Pete Barber Green Gene project lakes. Additional fish were received from several Mingo 196 9.2" 9/28 NY Project Green Gene-Ohio strain International Treasurer out of state sources. The fish were marked for future Mingo 163 (156)3 9" 10/11 MN Project Green Gene-M. R. strain Phone (847)726-7267 study identification. Mingo 30 10" 11/15 MN Project Green Gene-M. R. strain • To promote a high quality Fax (847)726-7268 Otter 765 12.6" 10/18 IN E-mail [email protected] The following genetic strains were produced: muskellunge sport fishery; 1,110-Ohio River Drainage: Pierce 300 10.6" 8/31 IL Project Green Gene-mixed strain 3 • To support selected conservation Illinois Muskie Stocking- 2005 306 from the Clark E. Minor Hatchery-KYDFW (Cave Run Lake) Pierce 302 (161) 10.3" 9/24 OH Project Green Gene-Ohio strain by Ray Thompson 196 from the Chautauqua Hatchery-NYDEC (Chautauqua Lake) Pierce 166 (154)3 9.3" 10/10 MN Project Green Gene-M. R. strain practices based on scientific merit

608 from the Kincaid Hatchery-OHDNR(Clear Fork Lake) 3 The Illinois muskie stocking program was beset with a number Sam Dale 300 (186) 10.7" 8/31 IL Project Green Gene-mixed strain and carried out by authorized

INTERNATIONAL NEWS NEWS INTERNATIONAL 555- Upper Mississippi River Drainage: 3 of feed or bacterial related setbacks in 2005. Luckily excess fry were Sam Dale 306 (10) 9" 8/19 KY Project Green Gene-Ohio strain federal and state agencies;

stocked into netted rearing ponds. These fish supplemented the tradi- 226 from the Little Falls Hatchery-MNDNR (Leech Lake) ◆ Sam Dale 306 (115)3 10.3" 9/23 OH Project Green Gene-Ohio strain ◆ tionally in-house intensively-reared (pellet-fed) fish which finished 329 from Lake Carroll, IL-from MNDNR fry (Leech Lake) • To promote muskellunge research; 3

Sam Dale 196 (189) 10" 11/16 MN Project Green Gene-M. R. strain INTERNATIONAL NEWS their rearing in netted ponds and excess fish, which were given to A total of 2,590 muskie fingerlings from all sources were stocked into Indiana, raised and returned to Illinois for stocking. Along with dona- the three study lakes: Shabbona 850 10" 8/25 IL • To establish hatcheries and rearing tions by the South of the Border and Quad County Hawg Hunters Mingo-Vermillion County Shabbona 200 12-16" 12/17 MN donated2-M. R. strain ponds and introduce the species into chapters of Muskies, Inc., enough muskies were available to con- Pierce-Winnebago County Shelbyville 563 10.2" 8/30 IL suitable waters; tribute to the Green Gene study and stock most of the top priority Sam Dale-Wayne County Shelbyville 1,342 12.3" 8/30 IL lakes in Illinois. • To support the abatement of water Brood stock was collected from Spring Lake (North) in Tazwell The Illinois hatchery system produced 11,967 mixed genetic Shelbyville 3,525 12.6" 10/18 IN Co. from March 8-18. The fish were spawned and the resulting swim- strain muskie fingerlings. Of that total, 600 were turned over to the Shelbyville 2,000 12.6" 10/20 IN pollution; up fry were started on feed. Surplus fry were stocked into three net- Illinois Natural History Survey for trade to Ohio and 350 fish Shovel 200 10" 8/25 IL ted one acre ponds. sent to the Sam Parr research facility were lost. 925 were sent to the • To maintain records of habits, Two new diets (Lansy and Nutra) were used this year. Initial Green Gene projects. The Green Gene project did receive 1,665 out Staunton 84 10" 8/26 IL growth, and range of species; results indicated that the Nutra diet produced a more rapid growth of state fingerlings. The state also received about 10,000 6” fingerlings Sterling 150 12.6" 10/20 IN rate. The fish in the hatchery developed the common parasite ich. In from Indiana, which were raised to 12” at the Jake Wolf Hatchery and Wheel 350 10" 8/25 IL • To disseminate muskellunge order to treat the remaining fish (approximately 30,000-1.75” to resulted in 8,729 stocked fingerlings. 300 of these fish were sent to the information; Sam Parr facility to replace the earlier fingerlings that had been lost. Notes: 2.4”), they were moved to a netted one acre pond. The hatchery did- 1 n’t have sufficient quantities of the larger Lansey diet on hand, so this Additionally, 520-12” to 16” Leech Lake strain fingerlings were These fingerlings were Leech Lake strain, purchased by the SOB Chapter of MI from Minnesota Musky Farms. • To promote good fellowship and was supplemented by Vita and Nutra feed. When the fish were trans- donated by IMA member clubs The grand total of muskie fingerlings 2 These fingerlings were Leech Lake strain, purchased by the QCHH Chapter of MI from ferred to the pond one tank of Nutra fed muskie had excellent survival stocked into Illinois waters in 2005 was 21,631. On behalf of the Minnesota Musky Farms. sportsmanship among men, women 3 Estimated number of muskie surviving, based on mortality net studies.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS NEWS INTERNATIONAL Illini Muskies Alliance, I’d like to thank the Illinois Department of rate and one tank of Lansey fed fish had a great growth rate but poor 4 and children. survival. The fish in the other two start tanks performed poorly, so no Natural Resources for their efforts. ❖ These fish were lost and replaced with the 300 fingerlings stocked on 10/20/05. 4 MUSKIE.....April 2006 www.muskiesinc.org April 2006.....MUSKIE 5 The fish weighed in at 70 pounds 7 ounces. With all the spray controverter still in my mind I had everyone sign statements as to the weight, girth and length of this fish. My LETTERS TO THE dream did not share with me the length and girth (sorry) BEGINNER’S LUCK Obviously this new world record had made me famous. It car- by James W. Colgan ried with it both good news and bad news. The good news was that EDITOR the Spray controversy was finally over. The bad news was that since I had to go to such great lengths to y wife Peg, answering the phone wasn’t shocked to hear for his many philosophical utterances; like, “I’d rather be lucky than have this fish documented I was unable to release it to fight another Rod’s raspy voice, “Is the ole coot home,” he shouted into good.” day. Mthe phone enthusiastically, “or do I have to call one of my And lucky he is, in more ways than one as you’ll learn as this Jim Breen other fishing buddies?” story unfolds. To begin with, when he called me Tuesday morning he I Had A Dream Hayward lakes “Someone wants to know if the ole coot’s home,” Peg chuckled had no idea of going muskie fishing with me the next day and could- Monday January 16th was Martin Luther King Day. mirthlessly as she handed me the phone, “and it sounds like another n’t imagine the complications that would develop before he picked fishing trip is in the making.” me up Wednesday morning, and it’s still somewhat of a mystery to It was also the day the Fishing Hall of Fame held their news con- God’s Country Awards Youth “This is the ole coot,” I muttered softly, “and I’ve got good news both of us. ference to announce their decision on the WRMA’s challenge to A loud, honking horn announced Rod’s arrival Louie Spray’s all-tackle muskellunge record. Conservation Scholarship and bad: which do you want first?” and the suburban was loaded in no time. Exciting I also had a dream Tuesday night. I dreamt that I caught a very, Rod cut me off before I could utter another The God’s Country chapter is proud to announce that Brianne conversation in anticipation of our trip while savor- very, large musky on Lac Courte Oreilles Lake (my home lake). Looze, of La Crosse Wisconsin, is the 1st recipient of its newly imple- word and excitedly asked, “Will mama let you come “Forty inches; ing sips from our thermos cup of coffee brought us LETTERS TO THE EDITOR THE TO LETTERS Since I had attended the news conference conducted by the hall, mented scholarship program. Brianne’s application stood out as she out and play with the big boys? You probably realize that’s four strikes to Murphysboro and Tippy’s restaurant at 0730 for many details where in my mind as I slept. The fish I caught was sooo met the criteria to receive the chapters $500.00 grant to help pay her we’re in a full moon phase and that means big fish

◆ a big breakfast and constant coffee refills. Filled with big that I was afraid my wife could not handle it in the net. A few sec- college tuition. She is a graduate of La Crosse Central, and is current- in the fall.” in twenty minutes good food and the promise of upcoming events, we onds later in my dream it was a fishing buddy who was trying to net ly attending the University of Wisconsin-Superior pursuing a career “Let me give you the bad news first and that is with two in the the fish. In any event, she was in the net. With all the controversy in in Biology and Forestry. I’ll be out of town for the next couple of days,” I drove five miles to the marina to be greeted by Chad my mind over Spray’s record, my first thought was to take the fish to God’s Country member, Brad Foss, came up with the scholar- explained with emphasis on the bad news first. boat and the size Cain, a good friend and our muskie guide for the next couple of days. Angler’s Haven to be weighed. Their scale could not handle a fish of ship idea and began working on its details. It was felt offering a schol- “However, the good news involves muskie fishing is getting progres- that size. So I called Trace Mullen at the Meat Palace (a local meat arship would be an excellent way to reach out to our area’s youth as down at Lake Kinkaid.” Greetings were shared and usual boat dock retailer and wholesaler). He agreed to meet us at the store where they well as let them know of our existence. Last Spring, Brad sent letters Í suppose you’re going with your wife or your sively bigger.” blather exchanged before launching at 0830. Once had commercial size scales. I also called our local DNR biologist announcing the grant to 8 area High Schools in Wisconsin and son Rick?” Rod complained, hoping to talk me out on the water I explained to Chad, “Rod’s a newcom- Frank Pratt and Dave Neuswanger area DNR fisheries supervisor to Minnesota. Chapter Muskies, Inc. members with students, that were of my trip south. er to muskie fishing and we should do our very best meet us at the Meat Palace. located out of the selected school districts, were also made eligible for “I’ve got the day off tomorrow and wanted to take you south to to make sure he connects with a long green fish over forty inches.” the scholarship. A chapter committee then selected the finalist from Sparta for some fine bass fishing but I guess that’s out,” with his dis- Chad, grasping the gravity of the situation explained, “You’re the applications received. GPA, extra curricular activities, and future appointment clearly understood. not looking at the miracle man. We’ve had a hot dry year with educational plans all weighed into the decision. “No!” I said sternly, “I’m going to Kinkaid alone because Peg’s drought conditions and today’s no different. It’s been in the high THE Metro Muskie Brianne was notified that she would receive the grant at the start president of the auxiliary and can’t miss the Thursday meeting, and nineties for as long as I can remember. Look around, today is clear, nd of her 2 semester. After Christmas break, she is now back in school Rick is on the west coast for a month,” I explained, and then, a sud- no clouds anywhere and it’s already eighty degrees and supposed to Tournament and with the help of Muskies, Inc., on her way to a successful career den thought occurred and I asked, “Why don’t you come along as reach into the nineties.” in environmental conservation. my guest and try your hand at predator fishing? It’s like grabbing an As we slowly motored to mid-lake, Chad slyly grinned at Rod Mike Weidemann JUNE 10, 2006 • 6 am to 3:30 pm alligator by the tail and hanging on for the ride.” and said, “But don’t count us out. Everything has to eat eventually st God’s Country Chapter 15 BEST MUSKIE LAKES 1 Prize - $1,500 Rod works in construction and has three daughters in college so and I believe I’ve found the pattern for hot weather muskies.” 2nd Prize - $1,000 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR EDITOR THE TO LETTERS IN THE TWIN CITY AREA I thought it unlikely he could take time off during the middle of the “,” I protested, “I’d rather . . .” I continued, but was cut 3rd Prize - $500 off before I could state my objections. Bald Eagle • Bryant • Cedar (SCOTT COUNTY) 4th Prize - $250 week. Furthermore, I thought if he could manipulate it and go with ◆ Clear Lake • Eagle (HENN. COUNTY) • Elmo 5th Prize - $100 me, it would be his first time muskie fishing and there’s nothing I’d “Boots,” Chad exclaimed with deliberate authority, “hear me Forest • Independence • Johanna • Owasso Pierson • Waconia • Wasserman 1st-5th & Jr. Prize Include MISSION STATEMENT rather do than introduce a newcomer to muskie fishing and possibly out then decide what to do.” Weaver • White Bear Gander Mountain Gift Certificate “Look at the clear blue sky and bright intensity of the sun,” Abu Garcia 6500C3 Reel have a future muskie fishing partner. COMPETING FOR $10,000 IN CASH & PRIZES Fig Muskie Rod “Muskies, Inc. is an active, service-oriented, non-profit Chad began sternly and continued, “and you’ll realize no sensible Lakewood Muskie Box I couldn’t have been more surprised when he grumbled, “Let me 100% L IVE RELEASE CONTEST Eagletail Lure Package organization with the single focus of improving the sport of call you back in a couple of hours. It’s pay back time and I’m calling fish will be in the top three feet of the water column.” ALL MUSKIES Plaque Laser Cut by Advance Corp. muskie fishing for men, women, and children. Having our full attention, Chad explained, “However, I have AWARDS Plus! in some favors long overdue.” CEREMONY CAUGHT QUALIFY Our mission is to unite all muskie fishing interests for the The phone rang before noon as I was savoring my second cup located muskies suspended just over the thermocline at thirty feet for the A trip to one of these top muskie resorts: MUSKIE BAY RESORT promotion and protection of a high quality muskellunge sport deep. Unfortunately, they are not relating to any structure but are Gander Mountain GRAND Crow Lake of coffee. Lifting the receiver, Rod began speaking before I could get Maple Grove BRINDLEY’S HARBOR RESORT fishery in the United States and Canada. following large pods of shad suspended in the middle of the lake.” PRIZE Leech Lake the phone close to my ear, not that it mattered, “Don’t say anything (8030 Wedgewood) LONG LEGGED LAKE RESORT Laying out his strategy, Chad further described our approach. 4:30pm One week stay for two at Ear Falls, Ontario We will accomplish this by supporting conservation prac- you ole coot; don’t ask how or why, just be ready tomorrow at 0600 CASS LAKE LODGE SAH-KAH-TAY RESORT CASS LAKE, MN Cass Lake tices and research based on sound scientific merit, and carried out when I’m out front honking to pick you up. I’m going to try catch- “We’ll troll six lures in all: two shallow runners to three feet deep TOP THREE ANGLERS WILL BE PARADISE COVE AWARDED A FREE $1000 ENTRY Drifter Tackle Lure Package Winnipeg River by authorized federal or state agencies, appropriate academic ing that fish you refer to as the fish of ten thousand casts.” behind the boat, two mid depth lures to ten feet deep on each side INTO THE MINNETONKA Abu Garcia 6500C3 Reel IZATY’S 5-STAR RESORT CHAMPIONSHIP Mille Lacs Lake institutions, Muskies, Inc chapters, and their members. Rod’s real name is Scott Nicholson. While Scott was working on of the boat and two deep runners to twenty feet deep on planer OF THE MINNESOTA MUSKIE Fig Rig Muskie Rod BIRCH VILLA RESORT Cass Lake boards out away from the boat. I believe the deep runners will work TOURNAMENT TRAIL We are committed to the abatement of water pollution; a phone line connection with an apprentice up in a “cherry picker” Metro Muskie Tournament Entry maintenance of records for muskie habits, growth, and range; and many years ago, lightning struck the line miles away and arched best, but let’s cover all the bases.” NAME PHONE NUMBER (10-DIGIT) ENTRY FEE: $35 through the line zapping both electricians and almost proved fatal. Trolling under a hot, blazing sun was not as bad and uncomfort- Completed form and entry fee must be the dissemination of muskie information to everyone.” ADDRESS postmarked by MAY 27, 2006. Mail to: Following so serious an episode, fellow workers jokingly referred to able as first imagined because we were well greased with sun-block CITY STATE ZIP Adopted, April 2002 MN Muskie Tournaments Scott as “Lightning Rod,” and later, just Rod. and we created our own breeze with the moving boat. Three hours EMAIL ADDRESS 9339 Bataan Street NE Blaine, MN 55449 Since then Rod has led a charmed life and has become famous LETTERS TO THE EDITOR EDITOR THE TO LETTERS (Continued on page 8) 6 MUSKIE.....April 2006 www.muskiesinc.org April 2006.....MUSKIE 7 BEGINNER’S LUCK (Continued from page 7) She was big, and as it turned out, the biggest of the trip and An hour later Rod had another hit, then Chad Chad could hardly contain himself when he measured her and and I casting to two different structures had a dou- passed and the only excitement we had was the occasional weed or shouted, “You boated a forty six incher Rod, it’s going to be a hard ble hit—a rarity for both of us. Ten minutes later a rock we snagged. The conversation was pleasant, light and some- measure to beat.” forty four incher ate Chad’s spinner and jumped times downright amusing as the minutes ticked away. Back slapping and hand shaking completed, the grand lady was vertically, four feet into the air. During the next Chad openly declared, “In all fairness, you both have to alter- quickly photographed and gently returned to her watery home. Rod, hour, both Chad and I had a follow and a hit each, nate bringing the fish to the boat, and since Rod is the first-timer, he elated at his good fortune said, “We’re celebrating tonight. Dinner’s but nothing in the boat. gets first fish.” on me at the 17th Street Bar & Grill.” At high noon, Rod began a figure eight in the Who could argue such an arrangement; however, things had Our day ended at a quarter after five on a funny note. It was my clear water and a forty two incher came from out of been slow, almost monotonous and Rod flippantly asked, “When do turn to bring in the next fish and the strike was strong and the sound no where and hammered his spinner. “Oh-ma- we get any action? I suppose I’ll take my shirt off and work on my of the drag being released encouraging. However, as Chad reached to gosh!” Rod shouted frantically as the fat muskie tan while we’re motoring around.” unsnap the planer, he began laughing and nearly choked when he pulled drag. “Oh-ma-gosh! Get the net. I can’t lose Our first fish hit just after noon and Chad excitedly shouted, said, “It’s a big ole channel cat foul hooked. You snagged her in the this one!” After quick pictures were taken, Rod sat “Grab the outside rod with the planer board and go easy. I have to back which gave her leverage to put up a good fight.” down for thirty minutes to smoke a cigar and com- remove the board before you bring her to the boat.” Our evening dinner was more like a feast to two famished fish- pose himself. The climate in the boat changed dramatically and Rod was all ermen exhausted from heat, hunger and spending a day in a bounc- Before the day ended, we each got another fol- smiles when Chad netted his first muskie. Measurements were taken ing boat under an unforgiving sun. Our appetite having been satis- low and a hit. Chad ended the perfect fishing day and Chad called over his shoulder, “How does thirty nine inches fied, we returned to our motel to check-out the weather channel. with quite a surprise when a twenty inch large sound for your initiation into our grand sport?” Channel surfing to pick up local weather news seemed favor- mouth bass attacked his spinner and put up a fero- The next two strikes were mine to bring in, but they were able; then, at the 10:00PM news hour our hopes and dreams became cious fight—far better than his size would suggest. inconclusive and may have been weeds or rocks jerking on the rods. a reality. After months of glaring sun, clear blue skies, sweltering heat Returning at dusk to the launching area, Chad My disappointment quickly changed to excitement as I relinquished and drought conditions, a cold front was moving into the area bring- remarked, “It never fails, ‘beginner’s luck’ from the the next strike to Rod which occurred within several minutes of our ing with it storms overnight and the forecast of cloudy, overcast, weather, to the action, to the fish in the boat.” next pass. north-westerly winds with scattered thunder showers and dropping And Rod, suppressing a smirk, chuckled “Strike hard,” Chad boomed over the noise in the boat, “and temperatures by as much as twenty degrees. mirthlessly and added, “I’d rather be lucky than ❖ remember I have to remove the board.” “Rod, do you know what this weather report means?” I asked good.” Boat-side and netted, Chad bent over the side of his Ranger and with a new found spirit of enthusiasm, “We’re still in a full moon called to Rod, “Forty inches; that’s four strikes in twenty minutes phase, with a falling barometer combined with low light and chop- with two in the boat and the size is getting progressively bigger.” py water tomorrow. These are ideal conditions for muskie movement Then it was an hour and a half before the next strike and it was and we should have some action, perhaps even better than expected.” my fish this time. Chad netted the plump little muskie and said, We awoke early to rolling thunder, pelting rain and much cool- “Boots, it’s a thirty six incher, but she sure is a fatso.” er temperatures more in line with fall. Following a quick trip to The next fish hit around 3:30PM and Chad directed Rod to the Tippy’s for a filling breakfast and caffeine boost, we met Chad at the jumping rod with the buzzing reel. “You’ve got a big one on Rod so marina already in his boat waiting for our arrival. don’t give her any slack. The rain had slowed to an intermittent drizzle and dark clouds closed in overhead choking back the sun. A perfect muskie day as three avid anglers made three to four casts a minute covering all the immediate struc- ture while the boat moved westerly in a slow deliberate manner. In thirty minutes we had covered a cou- ple hundred yards of shoreline and weedy points. We next entered into thick standing trees and submerged stumps when Rod cut loose with a yell, “Fish . . .fish,” and a hot muskie followed his spinner to the boat. Another cast and another follow brought Chad and me to a stand-still and Chad said, “Bring you next cast in faster and put your rod tip into the water when you figure eight.” FOUND Rod made an identical cast back between two standing trees and was burning his spinner back when it was intercepted by a vicious strike and thrashing muskie. Rod would begin our fantastic day with a thirty five incher which was quickly released at boatside.

8 MUSKIE.....April 2006 www.muskiesinc.org April 2006.....MUSKIE 9 Take Stock… our favor by planning early and Winter is a good time to inventory your gear. With any luck you preparing a solid game plan well in found some great muskie catchin’ tools under your tree Christmas advance. morning. Now is the time to decide if you have everything you need I about drive my co-workers for the upcoming season. Believe me it’ll be here before you know it. nuts by September, because not If the answer is no, then hit the winter sales and muskie shows to long after the first of each year we stock up. Seems I buy a new rod and a new reel pretty much every already have our trip dates set and year. This way I always have combos that range from the newest inno- a “countdown to Dryberry” click- Bob waiting for a BIG Dryberry vations to the hardcore road tested models at my disposal – some- ing off every day in anticipation. I fall trolling strike (Sept 2005) thing for every occasion. have a huge calendar on my office Every evening in Sunset Country is painted with beautiful colors like these. I like to get out my tackle boxes on a lazy Sunday afternoon and wall and at the top the words are written in large letters, “COUNT- sort through my lures. If you are anything like me, there are huge balls DOWN TO DRYBERRY” with the number of days to go in red next of tangled and mangled lures in your boxes right now and all you have to it. Last year we started the count at “229 days to go” and needless trip outnumber my victories this winter. But baby it’s COLD outside! to do is grab one and pull to remove all the lures from your box at Heck, it’s that way most every winter. (Continued on page 12) once. Pull ‘em out, sort ‘em out, sharpen or Put down the snowball… Seems like muskies have a knack for get- change those hooks, and replace everything in ting the better of an angler, no matter how an orderly fashion. You’ll be ready to go at the Time to plan for Muskie Season 2006. successful the season. I know I always drop of a hat come spring this way. just love this time of year. While all you guys are out there fish- head home thinking about the one that ing through a hole in the ice, battling sub-zero wind chill, got away – because it’s more often Need a change? and hoping your shanty doesn’t blow into the next coun- than not the biggest fish I saw on I will change line just before I go to I the trip. One such stubborn ty, I simply put on a light jacket and head to the nearest Canada in the fall each year, so there’s no need North Texas lake with a cooler full of cold brew. Love to muskie in particular got my A tree uprooted by a tornado to do it over the off-season. That’s my person- catch those fat Lone Star large mouth bass. When I real- attention this year. I had four years ago still rests where al preference, but you may wish to do it over ly feel adventurous, I gather a couple of close friends raised it on a bucktail, not it landed during the storm. the winter? I usually make a few trips to and head to East Texas’ pristine and somewhat infa- once, not ten times, but Webster Lake before I head north of the border mous Caddo Lake (see my web site www.bobzilla.tv over the course of at least twenty consecutive casts and keep using the line from the previous year. and click on the “Caddo Corner” tab for details) for this fish would charge after my lure like she was I like to have the new stuff on for the “big” trip a battle with an even larger version of said species. gonna eat, then she would stop and swim away and believe it or not I actually throw a line All jokes about me being the Caddo Lake slowly. At one point I put a muskie jig on a second changing party about two weeks before I go Critter aside, living down south does have its rod and when she stopped, I dropped the lead head each year. That’s right, a line changing party advantages when the mercury dips below say, the and hit her right in the snout. and I take care of all my reels myself. Just point where even a penguin would complain about Yet another fish (this was a monster too) because a vendor or tackle shop will put line on the cold. Heck, we’re talkin’ long johns with a trap chased a few times and at one point seemed to stop for you, doesn’t always mean they will do it door wearin’ weather and the one time of year when and look at me. That’s right, she just sat there tread- right. If a line change is in order, now is a good I get some zingers in about the lousy conditions up ing water and I even hit her in the face with a figure time to just do it. You don’t want to miss a north. I’m always hearing, “Hey, you guys cookin’ eight and she didn’t move an inch until she was good record fish because your braid has a ding 25- steaks on the sidewalk yet?” Then there’s the old stan- and ready. We returned to the spot a few times and feet up from the knot, or that you packed the dard, “But it’s a dry heat, right?” Bah ha! It’s all very didn’t see her again and then she came up on a point spool wet and moisture has weakened it. When funny. So, what’s it like catching frozen fish? I know, I across the bay from the first place we raised her. After in doubt, change it out. know, “ is fun.” Not! Some folks think it’s fun that she was gone for good. to go swimming when it is ten-below outside too, but A third muskie blew-up on my bait on a figure I’ve got a new attitude… you won’t find me doing that any time soon either. eight just before dark, but I didn’t see her coming and The most important off-season activity You know what else I like about winter? I’m not missed. A couple of casts later I felt a strike (well, kind my partner and I go through ever winter is to wondering who is fishing my best muskie spots. If they Pat with a nice 47-incher of like a strike) and I set the hook with what felt like plan ahead. I have found that Muskie Hunters caught last September. want to, they’d better bring along a shovel, an auger the lure bumping or scraping a fish. When I brought in general have a pretty positive attitude when with about a 4-foot bit, and it wouldn’t hurt to have a St. Bernard with the lure back, there was a scale stuck on the tip of one of the hooks. it comes to the possibilities of the year ahead. a keg of brandy dangling around its neck along for the trip either. I’m not making this stuff up – it all really happened. In fact, We stack as many odds as we possibly can in Winter is for reminiscing. Winter is for looking at pictures of last most of it happened before I boated a fish. It was like the muskies had year’s huge fish and wishing you planned the whole thing and it was pay back for catching so many big could go make a few more casts – fish in the past. I waited and waited and waited some more. I was so right now. We all have at least desperate that I even calculated how long I had to stay in Canada if it one special moment every season was indeed going to take me ten thousand casts to catch a muskie… that plays over-and-over in our “Let me see… I make about 40 casts per hour (a conservative minds and winter is the time to estimate considering drive time and breaks) and fish about twelve sit back and enjoy the view. We hours a day. Hmmm? That’s roughly 480 casts a day… it’ll take me all also have at least one moment 20 days to hit 9,600 and it’ll be evening of my 21st day… oh, my each season that haunts us – a gosh, I’m not gonna be here that long - I’d better cast more.” lost fish, or a missed opportuni- All’s well that ends well and I finally nailed a 49-incher on the ty. It’s okay to remember those evening of my eleventh day. That’s a total of 5,280 casts, in case you Pat’s dad (right) and my dad (left) rest times too. were wondering. It was considerably longer than I am used to wait- Bob navigating the pristine Dryberry Lake sitting and enjoy a beautiful day on Dryberry, Haunts from my Canada ing, but now I have a great memory to keep me warm all winter. with all the great scenery to view. back to enjoy the view (Sept 2005). 10 MUSKIE.....April 2006 www.muskiesinc.org April 2006.....MUSKIE 11 Lunge Log for me, but it was I who have been an excuse, my twin sister lives 50 miles from there. See how that We all have at blessed by more big fish in any one L u n g e works out. Never been there before but you tweaked my interest. given two-week period than most e L o Here we go. least one special anglers catch in a lifetime. For that I h g moment every am grateful and humbled and driven t to get out there again in 2006 with Entries By State / Province! season that plays much hope for yet another big fish This is a very interesting list. I am pretty handy with picking over-and-over in (or two… or three) year. information out of the Lunge Log for you. Do you realize you have ◆

So start getting that gear ready access to the same thing that I have produced for you? Yes you do, Lunge Log our minds and for the new season and every time just go into the web site, click into the Lunge Log and start surfing, winter is the time you show-off the photos of last year’s b you will find it. This is from an old farm boy that couldn’t even spell catch, think about where you are y h to sit back and J c computer in 1984. Do not be afraid of it, it will not hurt you. It is going to find that huge muskie i m B u n a very neat deal. enjoy the view. you’ve been dreaming about after In this list are 24 states and 2 provinces that members have the ice melts away in the spring. reported a muskie catch from. We have provided the longest entry This isn’t a painting, it’s what we see every day when we return It’s A Wrap! 2005 Done! Don’t forget to dream BIG and when that opportunity does come for each. There are some ties, such as Indiana with a three way tie for from the lake and enter camp. ❖ ◆ knocking, set the hooks hard. Once in a while we have to retire the old and bring in the new. the longest, Iowa with a 5 way tie for the longest and West Virginia

We have beat on the 2005 muskie season long enough. We have said Lunge Log A NEW MUSKIE ATTITUDE (Cont’d from page 11) Bob “Bobzilla” Chochola has been a musky hunter for almost twenty with a 2 way tie for longest. So in this list we show 34 of the longest years. He is a member of The Chicagoland Muskie Hunters living in the everything we could about it, we have displayed every possible list from where ever. You should note that only 8 of these listed are from to say by September 9th, the folks at the office were just happy to see Dallas/Ft. Worth area, where folks are just now only learning of the about it. It is time to put it to bed. This month we simply provide 1995 and earlier. This blows me away. We always talk about improv- me finally go. Mighty Muskie - thanks to Bob. you with the 2005 statistics mixed in with all the records from 1970 ing the sport, introducing muskies to good water. Sometimes we give By the time the new 2006 MI calendar hit our mailboxes, Pat Bob is a freelance Film & Video Editor/Producer/Director & Writer. He until now. So we come up with the All Time entries by state and the out a lot of hype about how this organization is doing all these great and I already knew that we are going to be on the hunt in Canada also plays bass for a Texas-based blues/classic rock band. Catch him All Time entries by chapter. As we close 2005 we will mix in some things. Look at the facts folks; it is right here in this list. Muskies Inc. during the September full moon. After that it’s just a matter of nail- online… reflections of a few winners of International Awards and then next is the most dominant influence every created. Here is an example: ing down specific dates. Of course, we plan shorter trips to other WWW.BOBZILLA.TV month we just dive right into 2006. Many of you crazy people are

my very own chapter, The First Wisconsin Chapter of Muskies, Inc. ◆ places and I have been known to call Pat on a Wednesday to let him chasing muskies more than nine months a year. When the April know I’m flying up for the weekend. magazine comes out I will be on Shelbyville with my brother, we got Lunge Log It’s all about having a good time and having that good time still (Continued on page 14) in front of you. Not a year goes by when we don’t do this because it gives us something to think about besides work. You know as well as I do that every cast is an opportunity to catch a muskie. I have said this a million times. This is also true on a much larger scale for the trip ahead, particularly when you are heading to

prime water. If you give yourself the ◆ opportunity on a lake that has been Lunge Log known to give up big fish, then who knows what the year ahead will bring? In 2005 I was humbled. My first eleven days in Canada were spent beat- ing the lake surface into submission with zip to show for it, while all around me were battling huge muskies. Pat released

a 50.50-incher. Our friend Mike Ah, home sweet home among the towering pines. ◆ released a 51.75-incher in conditions that resembled the Mark Whalberg Lunge Log movie The Perfect Storm. Even “Spanky” (our rookie on board) improved upon his personal best of low- thirties with a fat 41-incher. On the eve of my twelfth day a very fat four-footer relieved my agony. I guess a guy can get used to multiple 50-inch- ◆ ers every year and forget that this species isn’t exactly the most cooperative or for- Lunge Log giving. I have had time to put it into perspective since then and realize that it wasn’t this year that was necessarily “off” Pat and his dad, Don, prove you don’t even have to get out of the boat to enjoy the scenery on Dryberry. A waterfall in a peaceful hid- den bay on Dryberry provides a nice place to stop every day just to marvel nature. 12 MUSKIE.....April 2006 www.muskiesinc.org April 2006.....MUSKIE 13 Lunge Log ◆ Lunge Log ◆ Lunge Log ◆ Lunge Log ◆ Lunge Log ◆ Lunge Log ◆ Lunge Log place in the in the Men’s. MUSKIE 15 st st April 2006..... Keep a tight line, Keep Bunch Jim Masters fished alone along a river at age 5. fished alone along a river Masters nd in the Men’s, have something in common. They something in common. have in the Men’s, th in the Women’s release with 90 muskies in 2005 and Bud in 2005 and with 90 muskies release Women’s in the st Joe Hardy of the Fargo Moorhead Chapter and Alexandria, MN Moorhead of the Fargo Hardy Joe Will Hardy, 2 Hardy, Will We chatted with Jack Pertz in an earlier magazine about his Pertz with Jack chatted We 1 this year, took one of the big prizes Rick Mickel chapter, 1 chapter, a job with a farmer as an early at age 9. Got along a lake shore Fished and fishes about is retired a boat. Now enough to by teen and saved and for muskies and another 30 for bass, walleye 90 days a year that took first in the Juniors. Twa grandson, Evan a young Has trout. look at 1 you that when realize We is kind of scary. He has been a mortgage banker by profession for 16 years. He is 42 He for 16 years. has been a mortgage profession banker by He 90 muskies for 1516 brokered He old, single and no children. years Rick says he cut his teeth fishing for points and a 42 inch average. spend 80% of my time I now county. Vilas Wisconsin’s muskies in I spend on aver- reasons. for obvious chasing muskies in Minnesota fishing for muskies, I am neither a guide or a tour- age 100 days year to be one. nament angler nor do I desire Men’s Masters you might think how is this possible? I do not know is this possible? I might think how you Masters Men’s on a house boat in Lac Seul but I did spend a week him that well this is a do not get the impression met him you you with him. If will though, you look at his track record you giant among the stars. If says in 2005 he did manage to land 405 mind. Joe change your he keeps meticulous records, He muskies with at 34 inch average. also had on and lost another 255, he had another 800 plus follows. of 9 hours a day. fished 94 days for 854 hours that is an average He he also landed the process the mix he landed a 44 inch hybrid. In In to add a Just Log entrythe first Lunge the state of Montana. from Log entry he also caught the first Lunge to his year little spark from another very shares scary fact for Joe Dakota. the state of North my god! Oh job. his regular from 2006, he is about to retire Anderson of Alexandria, MN and the Fargo Moorhead chapter, with chapter, Moorhead Fargo MN and the of Alexandria, Anderson and 9 97 releases Another very has the same address. Ruth unique thing is that have first fished and Bud years muskies for three only been fishing many retired, I’m says Ruth ago. 5 years Hardy Will muskies with but my hus- is a good bait, a 13 inch grandma lure people think that fish. Ruth seems to attract more band says that his 5’ 3” grandma after she out fished him. Muskie” “Granny calls her says Bud three have We stay home and knit socks. he wishes I’d Sometimes It’s do. much as we fishing as that will hopefully enjoy grand children on a lake with no live says I am retired Bud been fun. Husband her that her out fishes me, but I remind wife usually muskies. My guide should get some of the credit. on his Lac Seul from of the Month Lunker 56 inch October massive time Chapter and a long the Flatlanders is from Jack first trip there. he caught his first muskie when he was 8 how shares servant. He still talks about He ago. That was 50 years old with his father. years and him netted a 48 inch and a Suering member Gene fellow how of the 49 inch for each other with both fish hooked on the outside act together and slipped the 56 inch is glad they got there net. He been to Canada with I have right dead center into the Beckman. very nice man, very dedicated to our cause. Jack, in the th in the Women’s). She Women’s). in the th in the Women’s. in the nd Reflections on 2005! on Reflections Kevin Witt from Sun Prairie, WI and the Capital City Chapter Prairie, Sun from Witt Kevin Jeffrey will find out that site, you the web bounce around you If and Pa Kennerdell, Longest hybrid in 2005 is from Boyer Tom Moorhead Anderson of Alexandria, MN and the Fargo Ruth I have been chatting a little bit with some of the International been chatting I have relates she works full time in the family business. They only have full time in the family business. works she relates has is. She that to Ontario of town, time to fish when they get out a trip to Kishkutena, On muskie in Minnesota. to catch a yet and she was casting shore Earl was casting towards husband Ontario at the same a follow They both had out to the center of a channel. both exploded out These two fish met under the boat and they time. They were could imagine. fight you of the water in the biggest fish When it thrashing at each other with jaws wide open like mad dogs. thought one of We scales floating on the water. were there was over told Joe go back to camp we When we 40 inches. them was over that night and caught back there went about the episode. He Hardy much for So Alley”. Dog “Mad call that area now We a 45 incher. seen. have about any fish we telling Joe postal retired he simply says I am a widower, is a man of few words, to fish muskies. Is I love cook and eat. Naturally, to and love worker, and 5 he any good at it? Landed 104 with a 36 inch average I will fix that here is actually the same guy. Samson and Jeff Samson He Chapter. Moorhead MN and the Fargo Fargo, is from He shortly. says to match. He that is hard the last two years did something over see muskie waters expand and success we Inc. thanks to Muskies, is concerned He stocking and pollution control. from mushroom effect on stocked walleye about stunted northern pike population’s harvest on the trophy dwelled of and pan fish populations. He 2004 he was lucky enough to hook and land a beautiful muskies. In in Keep in Minnesota. Pelican 55 inch on bait he made himself from he was 2005 in mid September This past year said 2004. mind we 2004 with the same spot from again and just passed over on Pelican what that meant, he no success but noticed a line twist, not sure 15 minutes later he land- Eagletail. Just changed to a black and silver also at 55 of the Month Lunker September Inc, ed the Muskies, fish, maybe so, maybe not, would she have this the same Was inches. instead of the Eagletail, maybe so, maybe eaten his homemade lure successful that this is a stocked lake and a super great shares not. He project. old is 55 years He WV. and OH, NY in the timber industry in PA, is his youngest prize also runs a small muskie guide service. real His fish- in Muskie interested old and really grandson who is only 5 years I chase muskies. says my life is simple, I work, Tom ing. Men’s final. Trista Spindler Smith of Milford, MI and the Michigan of Milford, Smith Spindler Trista final. Men’s she the water and finally realized she loves Alliance says Muskie time on the water if she would just go muskie fish- could spend more to is classified as a fanatic according ing with her husband. Husband to catch says she is very very and works She competitive hard Trista. did a fine fish, bigger fish and cuter fish than her husband. She more 349 points and 2 job with 32 releases, Contest Winners lately and here are a few comments. Sonya are lately and here Winners Contest (4 Alexandria, Minnesota Anderson is from choice, they want Muskies, Inc. they are just too far or do not want just too far or are they Inc. they want Muskies, choice, for specific longest entries 57 this list are connection. In the local is 1996 or earlier. advised that not one of them be chapters. Please listen- Keep I think so. an influence, we listening to me, are you Are facts right here. I got all the Bunchman, ing to the Da www.muskiesinc.org Muskies By Chapter! By Muskies This is another very intriguing list. First of all, don’t even both- even all, don’t of veryThis is another intriguing list. First member, some for the state / province and some for the body of some for the and / province for the state some member, with that. to live have it be we Let water. er to add up the totals in the entry column. It will not match the will not match totals in the entryer to add up the column. It time entries. Now only be about half of the all will state. It entries by want to you Now you? and did that didn’t just went see, you you time. waist your do not Please email me about the discrepancy. members die, come and go, members change chapters, Members This list shows Inc. Muskies, it or not leave and members believe and of course members associated with a specific chapter, current understand their Affiliation. Please Chapter first on the list is No (Cont’d from page 13) from (Cont’d .....April 2006 This list by State / Province does have some “Not Specified” some “Not does have / Province State This list by 14 MUSKIE

has been trying to explain to the Wisconsin DNR that they are DNR has been tryingWisconsin to explain to the resis- They have in our waters. strain of muskie stocking the wrong they stocked Leech what, for a long time. Guess ted this adventure I may not live this year. Wisconsin lakes in several Lake strain in one of them where I know However see the results. long enough to Thank you door. my front from the hill right down is 97 feet is. It Inc. Muskies, listed as “Not / Province a State do show We inter-mingled in it. under- this. Please allowed the era when we This is from Specified”. that for allowed do not want to delete those entries as we stand we for the Specified” some listed as “Not is even There a period of time. LUNGE LOG LUNGE

◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ Lunge Log Log Lunge Lunge Log Log Lunge Lunge Log Log Lunge Lunge Log Log Lunge Lunge Log Log Lunge Lunge Log Log Lunge Lunge Log Lunge write - for “Texas Outback” magazine, and I’ve been Muskie Memories writing a lot about muskies for Texas cowboys. That’s my story and I’m stuck with it. Ray by Gary Bennyhoff, Founder, Muskies, Inc. Ostrom is still my hero and the best musky fisher- man I know. In my 40-plus years of chasing don’t like fishing tournaments. I’ve never caught a fish in a fish- It was around this time that Ray Ostrom showed up on my muskies, I’ve probably caught a couple dozen, but ing tournament. I think if you get paid for fishing it’s like get- sonar and he talked a lot about muskies. Ray had a sport shop on nothing over 40 inches. On a fly-in trip in Canada I ting paid for making love. I love fishing. Lake Street and he was one hellofa promoter. He invited me on a trip caught nearly a dozen in one day on a lake with I nothing but muskies in it. Normally, I can expect to one morning to fish bass with Buck Perry, inventor of the I’ve been fishing for over 70 years. Over forty of those years Spoonplug. We fished Prior Lake, and while Perry’s fishing technique catch one or two muskies a year despite hard work included fishing for muskies, and I’ve never caught a big musky. was not much fun, it caught fish and Ray demonstrated by calling on a number of very productive lakes and the sup- Now you know what I am. I’ll tell you who I am. his shot when he hauled in a 6-pounder on the first cast. port of some guides. My grandfather was a crappie - never used anything It wasn’t long then until Ray started murmuring something I’ve written many stories about musky fishing but a fly rod. He took me fishing when I was 3, and I’ve been hooked about muskies, and he tweaked me good when he invited me to and I’ve attended tournaments in Minnesota and ever since. My uncle Cyril Moeglein was a musky fisherman and he attend a fishing party on Lake of the Woods. It was the first musky Wisconsin. I’ve helped a partner land a big fish and got me hooked on the musky mystery even though I never saw him tournament I’d ever heard of and the results were incredible. Nobody I’ve seen dozens of monsters in the water. I’ve always catch one. caught a musky the first day except Ray. He came back to the dock had the best tackle and the best lures and fished the It wasn’t until I met Ray Ostrom that I became a real musky with three monster fish all caught in the same place at the same time. best waters with some of the best guides. Yet, my fisherman, yet I never saw Ray catch one either. So what in the hell There was another fisherman and a guide in the boat so the three fish wall is bare. The only humor I can use to off-set my is the excitement all about? were legal. Ray had caught all three fish on a that was frustration is the way my old editor, Jim Peterson It was around 1960 when I fell in with the wrong crowd: A cou- no longer being made, so he bought the patent and produced them used to put it. When another fisherman would ask ple of musky hunters named Harold R. (Bud) Meier and Eric (Big himself. That was before he discovered Rapala and started Normark, what he was fishing for he’d say “lake trout,” then Swede) Rehnwall. Meier had been my boss at KSTP and Rehnwall but that’s another story. he’d turn to me and say “might as well be fishing for worked at the Pioneer Press in St. Paul. My regular fishing partner The next day, there were a number of fish caught and the something big. We’re not catching anything any- at the time was Dick Chapman, whom I worked with at WCCO musky “tournament” was born. how.” radio. We had been doing the fishing openers and hunting shows The next year, Ray had another tournament and a lot more big Keep up the good work for muskies. I’ve got and hosted fishing and hunting parties at the Minnesota Press Club. fish were landed. Of course, all the legal fish caught were killed. It lots of stories I could tell if we ever get together. The four of us began fishing bass at the local lakes around the Twin was a sight that is hard to forget, but will hopefully never be Look me up if you ever get to Bulverde, Texas, Cities with many of the bass winding up on the breakfast menu at repeated. during the winter. ❖ Eric’s home. His Swedish-born father was a sucker for fried bass in My musky fishing took a new turn when the word spread and the morning. Bud, Eric and Dick joined with me to form what we called “The Flowage Four,” a quartet of totally unqualified musky hunters who The only crowds up here frequented the Chippewa Flowage at Hayward, Wisconsin. It was a are under water. wild weekend when the “Four” headed for the flowage for two-and- a-half days of casting with nary a strike or a follow. We knew the area’s reputation and some of the locals helped, but we never caught any good muskies. I did manage to land a keeper in Bone lake, Wisconsin when fishing with my secretary’s husband one time after I had left WCCO All the comforts of home to work in the Tourist Division for the State of Minnesota. The fish in the Canadian Wilderness. Accessible only by float plane. was the last musky I ever killed. It was around that time when the idea of a musky club was sug- •Home cooked meals •Showers in every cabin gested by Gil Hamm, and I was eager to be part of the group when •Daily maid service I attended that fateful lunch at the Criterion restaurant in St. Paul. •Outstanding Canadian fishing When Gil asked about dues, I suggested ten dollars would be reason- able and would not discourage new prospects. So, when everyone at the table nodded agreement, I wrote a check and handed it to Gil, becoming the first member of Muskies, Inc. I regret that I haven’t kept up with my MI membership. When we started, I lived in St. Paul and I was writing for Jim Peterson’s Outdoor News, which he had recently started, and I was able to give the muskies a lot of ink. Later, I joined a New York advertising agency and was sent to North Dakota where I was a member of MI NIELSEN’S FLY-IN LODGE Chapter #2 and I maintained my membership when I was trans- Rowan Lake, Ontario ferred to Milwaukee in 1975. I even fished a Wisconsin musky Call for our brochure or go to tournament during that time, but I was spending a lot of time fish- www.nielsensflyinlodge.com ing Lake Michigan for Salmon. When I was transferred to San Winter 1-800-653-5946 Antonio, Texas, by the agency, I ended my ten years of writing for Summer 1-807-226-1234 Outdoor News and lost track of MI, but I’m back on the musky trail now that I’m retired and spending my summers in Minnesota. I still

16 MUSKIE.....April 2006 www.muskiesinc.org April 2006.....MUSKIE 17 8MUSKIE 18 Division participants. Registration applications accepted after February 1, 2006. www.northmetromuskies.com and click on June Jam For more information and updates, or to download Rules Registration forms, visit: in Polk County, Wisconsin. waters of Deer, Bone, Blake, Cedar, Round and Wapogasset lakes the Apple River Flowage The second weekend of June draws the finest sportsmen in region to famous Muskie www.fudallytackle.com See the TWIST on an old favorite at: & THE NEW REEF HAWG .....April 2006 www.purefishing.com JUNE JAM MUSKIE TOURNAMENT 16 TH ANNUAL NORTH METRO CHAPTER TWIST! JUNE 10-11, 2006 SPONSORED BY: www.phantomlures.com F

. Registration is limited to 175 Open www.muskiesinc.org looking for just that special lure and ending face of an anonymous swap meet participant one that catches all those huge Muskies.) to be confused with Will Schultz, his son, the (Incidentally, that’s Will Schultz, D.V.M., not theTri Esox Chicago Muskie Show this year. SB800 Speedlight flash at the lure swap after shot the picture with a Nikon D70 and Muskieiar to every fisherman. Will Shultz of “April 1” in it, documents a situation famil- November 2004 by Peter Lahosky: is, and I’ll repeat Joe Satkowski’s about the monster caught in story tures” we’ve ever had, and needs to be recognized as such. So here it photo contest. A major oversight. This is one of the best “fish pic- month was the cover picture for July 2005, but I didn’t have it in the n’t get any better than that!” from the generations past and present. It does- Not fish but an offspring a stocked hatchery the St. Lawrence, the place where it all began. thing spiritual: A fifty plus pound Muskie on just happened that was beyond words, some- looked at one another. It was as if something “As she swam off into the darkness, we all strong release.”water for a very snapping photos, as Pete and Ernie eased the big girl back into the noted the cursor’s position and then moved quickly to the photos. I kept Doctor”, boat owned a charter and operated by our friend Captain “We were trolling the St. Lawrence river system aboard the “Fish Will captured a great expression on the Our second April picture, which has a bit I should have done this last year. The first winning photo this ht ots April Winners – Photo Contest 50 pound mark!” We shouted out “It’s past the the Chatillion scale. Pete Pete and Ernie watched strained to lift the rig as ing, so in she went. I scale out, ready and wait- “I had the cradle and the way to tail.” and thick all inch girth, inches long with a 27 And it measured 55 1/2 than your average fish. net told us this was more and a two man lift of the . A lengthy battle slammed the Believer line rig when the fish to adjust a long started come at dusk or later. Pete the fish taken recently had day of the trip. Most of approached on the second was strong as darkness Mexico, NY. Our focus Ernie Lantiegne of by Juris Ozols Satkowski likely to be strong contenders. It would also be interest- record-class fish from January and this months beautiful shot by Joe place. incher got seventh ing a beautiful 49- Marc Grattan hold- was in 2004, when with fish” picture by any “adult male The highest finish last three years. spotty during the has been especially males holding fish pictures of adult voting response to the last twelve. The the other six were in (# 3 and # 11), showing people holding fish. Two of those finished in the top twelve voting. Last year we had eight of the twenty-four monthly photos Tips and Comments writes: up with a rat’s nest. Note even the spool of line in bundle. Will the swap misses a little Americana.” the lure swap may be more fun than the show - anyone that misses mists, bait makers, fishing guides and boats. All under one roof. But started. The show is an amazing collection of bait shops, taxider- trading mood moved over to that table and the bidding trading each person opened their cache of lures, As in the everyone lures. The room was wild with each new person arriving a mess of picture to Will but I didn’t the fisherman, see any that I fish with. a mess - I may be able to get names for all lures if I send the “What But I expect better this year, with the pictures of Jim Roerig’s Interesting about “fish picture” popularity in our photo contest contributors to the photo contest. would especially like to hear from the regular positive or negative, and we’ll go from there. I The idea is to focus on recognition, not money. case some of that person’s other photographs. give the winner a page in magazine to show- quet each year, showing the winning photo, and test winner a plaque at the spring award’s ban- tos for various uses by Muskies Inc. recognize quality photography and obtain pho- the purposes of photo contest, which is to I never did like it, and it really doesn’t promote contrary, I’m going to eliminate the $500 prize. ing: Unless I get some strong arguments to the those. other creative to photos. Looking forward ing to see if some of you could come up with Please let me know your reaction to that, What I propose to do is present the con- Then, on the subject of photo contest vot- April 2006..... April 2006 Juris Ozols MUSKIE 19 4

th M Alan’s sisters bought Henry for him, a Muskie. The background: When Alan’s father Alan Sr. passed away, Lake in Indiana, on a day when Alan went fishing with Henry and got Buvelet and his Muskie dog Henry. fully charming picture. Ron Rodak sent in this shot of his friend Alan S be applied to the purchase of photographic equipment. Mark’s picture myself. So Mark gets the first prize of a $500 check to photo contest winner,This is a well deserving and indeed I voted for I’ll taste it for dinner.” off. It had that sinister smile look - like, “Put your hand down here and last September. Hoyle on Lake Vermilion, Minnesota moments after release, caught by Bob The photo shows a 54” Muskie, votes from all over the organization. Johnson’s glaring release shot got F point totals and comments: Here’s the top ten, with picture ran away with it. got votes, but Mark Johnson’s cover And the winners? Well, picture every ters. and voting packages sent out to chap- phone calls, hand-scribbled notes, my buddy Jerry Peters, emails, letters, votes set up by via the web interface points given to # 1, 4 2, etc. I got their five favorite photos with 5 last year. Each person voting ranked 249 members vote, double the 124 and January 2006. This year we had Voting ran through December 2005 opened up to the membership. zine cover picture, and the voting was out the 24, I added April maga- which only had one picture. To fill magazine last year, except for August, ners were featured in each issue of the the 500 in 2004. Two monthly win- track, but I know it was more than Photo Contest in 2005. I didn’t kept 0MUSKIE 20 “ econd place (372 points): irst place (634 points): It just looked interesting laying alongside the dock getting ready to take many pictures to the tinued to submit many, uskies Inc members con- .....April 2006 And a distant second it was, but beauti- Mark so he would have “This picture was taken on “This Webster Contest Winners 2 2005 Photo a Muskie Buddy nd by Juris Ozols S Chapter’s Big Creek Lake outing in July, April magazine. child. is always strong, and here it highlights the obvious curiosity of a Ontario, last June. The symbolism of an outstretched, reaching arm Tyson reaching out to touch a 52-incher from Lake St. Clair, spective. It shows Kevin La Roche’s stepson, seven year-old Dylan thought this was one of best entries from a pure photographic per- snapshot ranked so high with the membership, but I personally S Rounding out the rest of the top Ten: ev ixth place (217 points): enth place (209 points): 1 st Will Dykstra’s fog scenic from the Colorado of a surprise that Miranda La Roche’s F mist coming off the water at sunrise.” yet appreciateportion, the beauty of angle to get items of interest in the lower one just happened to place me at a good something dead-smack in the center. This in the photos, knowing that I didn’t want here: hard to get the composition that we see number of digital photos and worked rise was shot by Terry Savoie. He took a place blazing Technicolor “scenic” sun- F seriously underexposed. Thir does. one certainly pictures should “tell a story” and this ing.” Sr. is looking down from heaven and smil- to help replace his father. I am sure Alan that, the picture would likely have been ple of the use “fill-in flash.” Without water. This picture is also a fine exam- and lays a nice colored reflection on the sunset highlights Patricia and the fish, the third place photo. The glow of the us a gorgeous smile and fine fish for Well, maybe, but Patricia Strutz shows scowl to have the winning picture? place picture prove that you have to The August picture of Ron Mazur and our ifth place (239 points): d place (279 points): I commented in my writeup that th place (257 points): “I actually tried to place objects with- To me it’s a bit Does the first

The fourth

3 rd

E liked this photo myself. with Muskie rods in hand! I really day, a beautiful couple, on boat Susan Zebleckis Caldwell, wedding T calendar. picture too, and used it in the 2006 issue. I thought this was a great Oneida county Wisconsin, May of wife Char on Stone Lake, Myshak’s “into the sunrise” picture N Vermillion Bay, October issue. Camp, Edward Lake, Ontario, near Reinstra’s sunset shot from Clarks Trotta holding up his lawn chair catch even ended up 19 like last year. Nobody was skunked. My “humor” shot of Vince monthly winners in the contest? Well, they all got votes again, just only one standard “fish” picture crack the top ten. And other “wedding shot” and a “kid” picture were also in there. But we had issue. Steiger’s “Study in Blue,” the reflective foggy scenic from the May www.muskiesinc.org

enth place (145 points):

ighth place (185 points): © APK-605 2006 Cabela’s, Inc. Cabela’s, 2006 inth place (184 points): Four of the ten top ranking pictures this year were “scenics.” A Outfitting you for seasons of success. Outfitting Dave Gary Steve th . brochures, and various other purposes. Keep ‘em coming! the contest but also for annual calendar, the Magazine covers, voted. Muskies Inc. gets a lot of use out those photos, not just for RECATALOG FREE 800.588.7509 I’d like to thank all the members who sent in photos and outdoor gear T At Cabela’ hat’ Guarantee. Call today for a free catalog, shop selection of hunting, fishing, camping and s w

online or visit one of our retail stores. 5 h

y w th . All backed by our 100% Satisfaction s, outfıtting you is our priority. e offer an incredibly comprehensiv www.cabelas.com HPONLINE SHOP nical stuff. distinct asset. I would help with the tech- are energy and time, with youth being a are interested. The main qualifications the Photo Contest is demanding. things I want to do for Muskies Inc., but testing photos. There’s a bunch of other thing? Four years is a lot of years of con- like to take over this Photo Contest tions the membership might have. ly appreciate any comments or sugges- the $500 prize though. I would serious- have to rethink the voting process and going as before for right now. But I do of this year’s contest, and I’ll keep on For sure, let me know if any of you Also – is there anybody who would We’re now month into the fourth April 2006 Juris Ozols April 2006..... EALSTORES RETAIL 800.581.4420 MUSKIE 21 e Girl Scouts Fishing Merit Badge Spearheaded by M.I. Members 2006 It’s Coming! by Patricia Strutz BEST OF THE BEST ’m so proud of Muskies, Inc. Chapter #20 (Between the Lakes). pass the “live bait” station by hooking up their own worms. There Their club, led by Chuck Strysick, organized the program which were a lot of “yucks,” grimaces and giggles during this part!” More Adventures. They supplied all the Frabill portable ice led to the very first Girl Scouts Fishing Merit fishing time and hot dogs cooked over a charcoal I shanties and Coleman heaters.” Muskie’s Inc. International Muskie Badge ever awarded in the United States. What a grill rounded off the open water events. They had written their “It was very well received by our local community, Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 13th, 14th and 15th great accomplishment. Here’s the story: March 5, 2005, the fourth event was offered: too. Parents and business people stopped out to visit, as Chuck’s daughter, Amanda, belongs to a Girl an ice fishing outing on Jetzer’s Lake in Howard’s very own “Fishing Song” did the county conservation association. Ellen Wells, of Scout troop (#56 near Sheboygan, WI). Chuck Grove. “This was another super event, with 22 Silken Images, donated the silkscreening for the hooded and fellow members Roy, Pat and Jerrad and sang it loud and young ladies attending. We had initially spent 1 ? sweatshirts which listed all the sponsors. Miesfeld’s Meat Kalmerton, Pete Hageness and others wish to pass hours presenting outdoor instruction the week Market in Howard’s Grove donated the hotdogs, and Look for more details in the on their love of fishing to youth. They were sur- clear. These are the days before by setting up ice houses in the parking lot coffee and cocoa came from another local business, prised to find out that the Girl Scouts had no of Horace Mann Middle School. We covered a upcoming Muskies, Inc. Torke Co. It was truly a wonderful event.” organized fishing program in place. “So, I went that make you feel safety clinic, implemented a buddy system and Strysick believes the added incentive of earning a Publication or log on to about setting one up,” explained Strysick. “It was introduced them to the fishing equipment. really proud to be a badge made the girls attend the fishing outings. “They a very time-consuming undertaking with a lot of Different species of fish were discussed. And we muskiesinc.org for an ended up designing the badge themselves, following the paperwork involved. It took a long time to get it passed out a Jiffy equipment checklist and fisherman.” guidelines, and turned it in for national recognition. A entry and liability sanctioned by the Girl Scouts, but it was definite- explained proper clothing requirements.” Muskies Inc patch for youth fisheries was awarded to any ly worth the effort.” form. returning participants who had already received their A total of four fishing outings have taken place thus far. Starting Girl Scouts Fishing Award.” in 2003, the first three outings pertained to “open water fishing.” The Strysick and Kalmerton encourage other clubs to girls would meet at a pond that had been stocked with bluegills and help promote youth outdoor education through this pro- bass by the club. The Muskies, Inc. mission statement was read and gram. Strysick would be glad to discuss the process with explained. Next, they were introduced to the fishing gear they would any interested parties. He adds, “At the end of the event, have to learn to use to earn their badges. Strysick gave instruction on the Troop Leaders called the girls and the instructors over musky fishing, “The girls were throwing topwater lures in no time at to the pavilion and presented us with a special all. No hooks, though! I learned that if you are going to work with a moment… they had written their very own “Fishing bunch of inexperienced anglers throwing big baits, it’s best to take off For more information 303-688-4954 Song” and sang it loud and clear. These are the days the hooks.” that make you feel really proud to be a fisherman.” Next, Bob Melcher from the Helen Shaw Fly Tying Club Kudos to Between the Lakes for introducing a instructed the gals on the finer points of fly tying. Within a short whole new generation of females to our sport and to time, the gals were tying their own patterns. These very same flies Muskies Inc. For more information on setting up a would later be incorporated into the badge design. Friends Tom Girl Scouts Merit Badge program, contact Strysick Young and Rodney Johnson, from the Federation of Trout on his cell phone: (920) 918.4299. ❖ Unlimited, had the girls roll casting and whip casting by the end of the afternoon. “And, then we saved the best for last…the girls had to On the day of the event, the instructors set up ice shanty sta- tions. The girls needed to experience 7 out of 10 skills to earn their badges. They learned how to jig for panfish, put tip-ups out, read an Aqua View, work a gas powered ice drill and their favorite…rig live bait. Panfish and northern pike were caught. A lesson in correct catch and release techniques was employed with the pike. “The girls were so excited about this outing. Most of them had never ice fished before and could not believe a fish that big could come through a hole. And it had teeth!! They were so much fun. We had a lot of support from the fishing community. Mark Gostisha, from Frabill, helped out immensely. Frabill donated jig sticks with spinning reels, Gander Mountain spooled up all the reels and also donated white fishing buckets and jigs. Jiffy Ice Drills gave us hand and gas augers to use for the event and Wharf Bait and Tackle donat- ed all the minnows and waxies. Lastly, a special thanks to Wolf Pack

22 MUSKIE.....April 2006 www.muskiesinc.org April 2006.....MUSKIE 23 The Barbless Debate Continues by Don Dubin

he article by Elmer Heyob, Jr. in the January issue of tioned with the shank straight and the bend in the fish’s mouth. This MUSKIE Magazine page 24, addressed the merits of using is what we are after when we are “setting the hook.” T barbless hooks versus barbed hooks for muskie fishing. Manitoba Canada, has outlawed the use of all barbed hooks in During the panel discussion at the Dr. Ed Crossman Muskie order to protect the province’s trophy fishery. In the U. S., some Symposium, I raised the issue of using barbless hooks for all fishing species of fish in specific waters need protection, and regulations in and especially in the pursuit of muskies. As Mr. Heyob pointed out, these waters only allow the use of barbless hooks. More D.N.R. this is a hot topic that, indeed, sparked a vigorous debate. agencies should follow this lead and adopt this “barbless” regulation. As members of Muskies Inc., we are all interest- Filing hooks down and totally removing the ed in protecting our muskie fisheries and our future barb can be done. However, this is a slow procedure. trophy fish. That is why so many of us are commit- The reason you did Furthermore, crimping down the barb is not as effec- ted to releasing the fish we catch. However, many tive as removing it completely. fish that are released will swim away only to die not hook the fish is Why can’t we purchase large barbless hooks? I later. This delayed mortality is the result of a high because there was have researched hook manufacturers. All of them degree of stress applied during the hooking, han- make barbless hooks in the smaller sizes. I have not dling and release process. not enough force to found a single source for a high quality, sharp barb- Muskie fishermen use big lures with two or less treble hook in any size larger than a 2/0. If bar- three large treble hooks. Many muskies will thrash drive the hook past bless works on smaller fish, it will work benefit larg- around in the landing net, entangling half of the the barb er fish even better! lure in the mesh of net while the lure remains in the Manufacturers say: “We can make them, but fish’s mouth. The lure must be removed in the there is no demand.” We fisherman must create this shortest time possible if the fish is to survive. demand. Muskies Inc. could and should be the leader While hook removal is a critical time for the fish, it can be a in supporting and promoting the barbless concept. Barbless will save dangerous time for the angler who must remove the hooks as well. I more fish – and protect fishermen as well. ❖ have been hooked myself and have heard many horror stories from other anglers who have been severely injured with barbed hooks. Often it’s a case of a hook in the hand while another hook is embed- Test to evaluate the performance ded in the fish’s mouth. If this happens, you will be going to the hos- of barbed vs. barbless hooks pital. If you are in a remote area, you are in real trouble. The use of barbless hooks makes the release process easier and much safer for A simple test that you can use to get some idea of the the angler. force that is required to penetrate the jaw of a fish can be As for the muskie, when a barbed hook is removed, it creates a done by using two identical 3/0 barbed treble hooks. larger wound and tears the flesh. Barbless hooks, on the other hand, Using a pair of pliers and a file, smash down and totally come out remarkably easily file off two of the barbs on one of the treble hooks. The January article did state that you can reduce delayed mor- To simulate a fish’s jaw, take a newspaper of tality by filing down the large barb to make it smaller. I totally agree approximately 12 pages and fold it in half. This should be with this statement, however, a totally barbless hook is much more about the thickness and consistency of a muskie’s jaw. effective than a hook with a smaller barb. Another point: Mr. Heyob’s article refers to research projects Insert only the two points of the barbed hook in the that have focused on hooking mortality of trout. He refers to the folded newspaper. Do the same with the barbless hook Schill (1966) study in which fish caught on live bait displayed a high beside it. incidence of heart and liver punctures. Muskies that are caught on Now grip the shaft of the barbed hook with your hand or lures will not find hooks penetrating these vital organs. with the pliers so that two of the points are pulled through But back to the hook issue…I think that many muskie anglers the newspaper to the bend of the hook. Now do the same feel that they will lose more fish by going barbless. This is a miscon- with the barbless hook. Note how much more pressure is ception. A reasonably experienced fisherman will actually hook and required to penetrate the barbed hook versus the barbless land more fish on barbless hooks. A barbed hook creates a large tear hook. Note also the size of the hole both hooks made. when it penetrates. A barb also can prevent the hook from going Now remove both hooks and examine the tearing of the around the bend. Getting the bend of the hook to set in the fish’s newspaper and the force that is required to remove the mouth is what prevents the hook from coming loose, not the barb. barbed hook. Do the same with the barbless hook. Many times you rear back to set the hook, and the muskie If this test was done on a muskie’s jaw – or your hand – jumps out of the water and throws the lure back at you. The reason which hook do you think would cause the most damage? you did not hook the fish is because there was not enough force to drive the hook past the barb. A barbless hook will make a small round hole, and it requires less force to get a barbless hook posi- www.muskiesinc.org April 2006.....MUSKIE 25 I 6MUSKIE 26 in coming years as fishing pressure continues to expand. other species. Catch and release may be the salvation of game fishing biggest fish and set up the catch release point system we use now. group. Our muskie tournaments quickly abolished prizes for the purpose of our the M.I. membership quickly adopted it as a primary killed. brought in alive. I can’t imagine how many fish were needlessly trash your net, and disarray your boat if fish that might otherwise catches before boating. It was an effective method of landing a large lievable. into nearby cabins and outhouses, or even nearby boats. It was unbe- their boats. Effectively of the water bouncing bullets off the surface many weirdoes were opening fire at hooked fish 20 to 30 yards from catches before boating them. Wisconsin finally changed that because Muskies, Inc., anglers in Wisconsin carried pistols to shoot their unless you werestate of the fishery there to see it evolve. Before t’s difficult to comprehend how much Muskies, Inc. changed the With plastic technology being used by taxidermists, I the new What a bonus when our “catch and release” campaign spread to I’m not sure who first promoted “catch and release.” I do know Most muskie anglers carried a “muskie club” to bonk their site www Contact Vince Weirick 574-551-0214 or Chae Dolsen 574/834-1669 for further information visit our web- *Based on field of 45 boats. Payout will be 3 places for less than 20 teams; 4 20-29 Third tournament payout: First and second tournaments payouts: teams; and 5 places for 30+ teams. 3 rd 1 1 .....April 2006 st st .websterlakemuskyclub.org =$2250* 2 =$1700* 2 Annual Series Cash Tournament Reflections on Muskies, Inc. Webster Lake Musky Club September 9, 2006: Barbee Chain $150 October 7, 2006: Webster Lake$200 June 3, 2006: Webster Lake $150 ~ Limited to the first 45 boats by Dick Chapman, Founder, Muskies, Inc. All 3 tournaments for $450 if paid by June 3, 2006. nd nd =$1500* 3 =$1150* 3 for entry form and tournament rules. rd rd =$900* 4 =$700* 4 should be proud. I know I am. midway district, Muskies, Inc. has come a million miles. Everyone within sight of the Minneapolis skyscrapers. muskies being taken from lakes Calhoun, Harriet, and Minnetonka lakes on one hand. How many do we have today? How about trophy it. We’re still raising money today. What a difference! Yes, it cost us money, but we went out and raised our own at Battle Lake, raising muskies to 12 inches before release. ate them. 100% - everything tality rate was virtually into other lakes when they were about 2 to 3 inches long. Their mor- from Shoepack Lake in Northernfry Minnesota and released them damn about trophy fish. muskie The DNR, at the time, harvested philosophy was “Lots of fish for lots people.” He didn’t give a chief, Hjalmar Swenson, head on. Hjalmar was a nice guy but his catches of all species. Is that something to be proud of or not! can see catch and release becoming the normal practice for trophy From that first meeting at the Criterian Restaurant in St.Paul’s When I first came to Minnesota you could count the muskie Muskies, Inc. (working with the DNR) developed a program of In the early days Muskies, Inc. took on the DNR’s fisheries th th =$550* 5 =$400* 5 ❖ th th

=$200* =$150* www.muskiesinc.org As I See It by Jim Smith PLEASE CHECK ALL TOURNAMENTS THAT APPLY: IYSAEZIP STATE PHONE NUMBER (10-DIGIT) EMAIL ADDRESS CITY ADDRESS NAME Cass/Leech Lake Qualifying Tournaments Mille Lacs Lake Lake Minnetonka Vermillion Mille Lacs Cass/Leech Minnetonka Champ. ALL 4 ALL TOURNAMENTS Minnetonka Champ. Cass/Leech Mille Lacs $1,000/team $350/team $350/team $350/team balance deposit, ($500 21-22) (October 23-24) (Sept (Aug19-20) 21-22) (July Vermillion Lake Vermillion 8th Place 9th Place 10th Place 10th Place 9th Place 8th 8th Place 9th Place 10th Place 10th Place 9th Place 8th 1,0* $000*$7,500** $10,000** $16,000** 2nd Place 3rd Place 4th Place 4th Place 3rd Place 2nd 2nd Place 3rd Place 4th Place 4th Place 3rd Place 2nd 5th Place 6th Place 7th Place 7th Place 6th Place 5th 5th Place 6th Place 7th Place 7th Place 6th Place 5th 250* 200*$1,500** $3,000** $2,000** $3,500** $2,500** $5,000** 270 200 $1,500* $3,600* $2,000* $5,000* $2,700* $7,000* 100 70 $500* $700* $1,000* Championship 1st Place 1st Place $ 3 0 , * $ 1 , 0 * • August 19-20 (Sat-Sun) • • • Sept. 23-24 (Sat-Sun) July 21-22 (Fri-Sat) Oct. 21-22 (Sat-Sun) *Based on full field of 150 teamsre 150 gof field i s full t eon *Based re d T H E Minnesota Muskie Tournament Trail **Based on full field of 100 paid teams To u rnament Tra i l Tra u rnament To inst M u s k i e Minnesota $2,000/team due 30 days prior to event) TOP THREE TEAMS IN EACH QUALIFYING IYSAEZIP STATE PHONE NUMBER (10-DIGIT) EMAIL ADDRESS CITY ADDRESS NAME Angler of the Year Paid out to the top three total point-scoring A REGAHT ERDCINFO IE TECH FIBER FROM REPRODUCTION GRAPHITE FREE 100% L OTELRETMSI RMTEMNEOAMUSKIE TOURNAMENTSLARGESTTO THEMUSKIE MINNESOTA FROMTHE 2nd Runner Up teams on the 2006 tournament trail 1st Runner Up FREE ENTRY TOURNAMENT WILL BE AWARDED 1 April 2006..... st Plaque Laser Cut by Advance Corp. $ 2 , 0 $ 3 , 0 $ 5 , 0 -3 Abu Garcia 6500C3 Reel rd IVE CHAMPIONSHIP Fenwick Muskie Rod 39Bta tetN lie N55449 9339 Bataan Street NE • Blaine, MN Prize Include INTO THE MINNETONKA postmarked by May 15. Starting positions will then be Starting postmarked by May 15. A drawing for start positions will be held all entries Plus! R ELEASE 2006 SEASON Mail completed form and entry fee to: fee entry and Mail completed form MN Muskie Tournaments assigned in order of receipt.

MUSKIE 27 C

ONTESTS

◆ ◆ ◆ EDITOR’s PAGE EDITOR’s PAGE EDITOR’s PAGE EDITOR’s PAGE EDITOR’s My Most Exciting Muskie Hunt 2004 & 2005 Muskies, Inc. Shipping Searching for the Original Muskies, Inc. Founders Commemorative Lures... included Commemorative Lures... to all for the 40th Anniversary Celebration Limited quantities... domestic $35.00 for one....$65.00 for two. locations. by Vince Trotta Each lure is signed and numbered Please Founder Rodric Guindon asked me if I knew he was the first was pure gold. Earlier, MI Life Member Dick Chapman wrote to by the artist. specify: treasurer of Muskies, Inc. I confessed that I did not. Then, he asked Jim Smith with compliments on the 2006 Calendar. I am told it was Over if I knew what being the treasurer of Muskies, Inc. meant 40 years that email that launched the idea of searching for the MI founders. ago. Humm, who was interviewing whom? Again, I confessed igno- Dick has continued to guide me in this search. ■ 2004 Crane Bait 7,000 Muskies Released rance. Rodric retorted, “Being the Muskies, Inc. treasurer meant you Dick’s first referral was to Founder Gary Bennyhoff, a resource- Qty On Sabaskong Bay could write your own personal checks to help pay some of the ful provider of information and stories of Muskie fishing before and ■ 2005 Grandma classic 9" Lure Six-time Muskies, Inc., Muskies, Inc. bills.” This interview confirmed what I had been told, after the founding of MI. Gary sent me an excellent collection of Qty Chapter Challunge Headquarters Gil Hamm found the right people to get the job done. Thanks, professional and amateur photographs of early Muskie fishing and 1983, 1986, 1993, 1997, 2003, 2004 Rodric. Muskie tournaments. Those artifacts have been scanned and pre- Send your order and check made out to: This story and many more came my way as I searched for the served on CDs. One of Gary’s tournament pictures was in the March Muskies, Inc. c/o Pete Barber, International Treasurer, 1150 Berkshire Lane, Barrington, IL 60010. 14 founders. Not all stories agree – not even that there were 14 peo- Muskie issue, along with an anecdote from him describing the way • Ultra-modern one, two, three, or four bedroom cabins • American plan, housekeeping or camping ple present at the founding of Muskies, Inc. 40 years is a long time Muskie fishing was before MI. Name: ______• Floating docks, electricity for charging batteries, Lund Boats with swivel seats for the memories of some of us and a lifetime or more for the Both Gary and Dick were affiliated with WCCO during its hey- and depth finders, Honda motors with electric start Address: ______younger members. day. Dick’s book regarding that era is, When ‘CCO Was Cooking. • Dining room with food and liquor available for registered guests only City: ______State: ___ ZIP: ______C all I became involved because I had shared beer with Muskie mag- Gary writes about outdoor life for Texas Outback magazine. It didn’t or w Check total: ______rit azine’s Assistant Editor, Juris Ozols; I had a computer, telephone, take me long to realize that these professional writers should be e fo Or, If paying by credit card please include r da ta o and an automobile; and, most importantly, as a retired person, I had writing about the early days of MI. I asked both to do so and they signature and phone along with your number. n m usk the time. Muskie’s Editor, Jim Smith, kicked off the project when he agreed. Here are some of their thoughts. I am hoping for addition- y ca Credit Card #: ______Exp. date: ___ / ___ tch e-mailed me the names of the 14 Founders, one valid email address, al articles from them and the other Founders. es: and several inactive telephone numbers. Vince Trotta Signature: ______Phone: ______www.redwinglodge.net • www.redwinglodge.on.ca Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for shipment. With the only asset, Founder Dick Chapman’s email address, I [email protected] Family owned and operated for 40 years started the search last November. As it turned out, the email asset

Gil Hamm’s Trip List 2EDß(OTß2ONNIE !ßBAITßTHATßISßAßCROSSßBETWEENßAß$AWGßANDßAß&ROG 3TRAIGHTßRETRIEVEß2EDß(OTß2ONNIEßANDßHISßTAILSßWILLß¾ßAPß So what does the founder of Muskies Inc. bring along when he goes on a fishing trip? Well, we have a AROUNDßLIKEßAß$AWG ßTHROWßINßSOMEßJERKSßANDßTWITCHESßTHENß unique document. Among the many treasures in the scrapbook loaned to us by Peggy Lemmon, Gil 2ONNIEßWILLßSWIMßLIKEßAßFROGßßSIZESßAVAILABLE Hamm’s daughter, we found the handwritten list you see here. We don’t know the date, but it does show us what Gil checked off to take with him. 3UBß:EROß3HAD And first on the list? Well, an item you can’t argue with – “underwear!” And then several different kinds 4HISßISßAßSOFTßPLASTICßBAITßTHATßISßBUILTßTOßLAST ßFEATURESßAßUNIQUEß of shoes. Gil also brought cards EXTERNALßBREAKßAWAYßRIGGINGßSYSTEM ßSTRONGßYETßSUPPLEßPLASTICß along, and a variety of fishing ANDßEVERYßBAITßISßHANDßPOUREDßINßTHEß53! tackle. Note the Lindy Rigs and fly rod – Gil apparently

didn’t fish just for Muskies. #/,/23ß!6!),!",% 3ILVERß'HOSTß3HAD !LLß"LACK But what was the “priest”? "LACK#HARTREUSEß "LACK'OLDß'LITTER 'LOW One can speculate. And under "LACK/RANGE "LUEß3ILVERß'LITTER &IREß4IGER -OTORß/IL 'REENß&ROG “Car” heading what was "LACK2ED 2AINBOWß4ROUT 2OOTß"EER'OLDß "ROWNß&ROGß “Muskie App”? 'LITTER 'OLDENß&ROG In any case, this list gives !LLßOURßLURESßAREßHANDßPOUREDßINßTHEß53!ßCHECKßOUTßTHEßWEBSITE us insight into the man who #/,/23ß!6!),!",% /RANGEß4IGER #ISCO WWWSHACKATTACKLURESCOMßFORßTHEßLATESTßPRODUCTßINFORMATION ß founded Muskies Inc. 9ELLOWß"ELLYß0ERCH #HARTREUSEß4IGER 2AINBOWß4ROUT WEßHAVEßPLENTYßOFßNEWßLURESßUNDERßDEVELOPMENT #RAPPIE "LACK/RANGE "LACK'OLDß'LITTER #USTOMßCOLORSßAVAILABLEßTOßORDER Juris Ozols 3ILVERß'HOSTß3HAD 7ALLEYEß "LUE3ILVERß'LITTER 3(!#+ß!44!#+ß,52%3ß,,# ß0/ß"/8ß ß(5.4,%9 ß),ß &IREß4IGER "ASS 3UCKER 4%,%0(/.%ßßß߄ß%-!),ß).&/ 3(!#+!44!#+,52%3#/-

28 MUSKIE.....April 2006 www.muskiesinc.org April 2006.....MUSKIE 29 from spawning grounds toward deeper, main lake type areas. These choice. Flippin & pitchin sticks like the Team All Star Big Boys work SOUTHERN SPRING fish will stop and hold on points, irregular shorelines, islands and well in 7' models for minnowbaits and 7 1/2' models for breaklines with cover that are at the mouths or outside of the mouths and jigs. I prefer the wide spool, low profile reels like the President of large spawning coves, bays and creeks. WLP, Trion LP and LPCR for the advantage of casting comfort. MUSKIE TACTICS Fluorocarbon and monofilament lines are best with these lighter Presentation: baits. Choose a low stretch line with high abrasion resistance like PART 2: MID-SPRING SPAWN PERIOD Even though some muskies can be taken on large lures, as some Supreme Super Tough or Cajun Red Lightnin in 17 to 25 pound tests of the late spawning fish will still be feeding heavily in the latter por- and finish off the package with a quality steel or titanium leader test- by Colby Simms tion of their pre-spawn period, the best baits are usually small in size. ing around thirty pounds, or go with a 60 pound test fluorocarbon Fish that are actually spawning can be caught, but small lures are typ- leader like the Predator Casting Leaders from Simms Sport Fishing ically the most successful baits to throw. Likewise, small lures are also Tackle in 6, 9 or 12 inch lengths. usually the best choice for post-spawn fish because they're recuperat- Just because muskies are spawning doesn't mean that they can't ing from the rigors of spawning and a little too worn out to aggres- fish as long as the angler performs a proper hookset. After a good tus- be caught. With these special tactics, this normally tough period can t the start of another cool, early morning on beautiful sively attack large presentations. Some fish will always take small lures mean some fast action. In the next article in this three part series we'll Kinkaid Lake, I could see the looks of confusion on the faces sle, the fish was netted, photographed and released, like all of the even in the pre-spawn stage and so the percentages for hooking up on muskies we catch. Throughout the rest of that day, we caught anoth- talk about the late spring period in the south and the best methods to A of my clients that had booked a guide trip during the mid- more muskies go with down sized baits, particularly small muskie and target big muskies. Good luck! ❖ spring period in Southern Illinois when the muskies were spawning. er fish on the lipless crankbait, another on the Baby School N Shad, pike lures and medium to large size bass fishing lures. As I pulled rod & reel combos from the locker that seemed a little too one on a small minnowbait and another on a jig and plastic combo. Lipless crankbaits are a hot early season presentation light to my guests and lures from the boxes that they believed to be We also hooked and lost another muskie on the lipless crank, had sev- option in the south. These rattling, vibrating little baits have too small, they looked absolutely bewildered. We started the day on eral other follows and boated several nice largemouth bass. This was a tight wiggle that muskies find irresistible at this time. one of my favorite mid-spring muskie fishing spots, a large shallow a good day on the water, but not untypical for this time of year. While considered to be more of a bass lure than a tradition- flat with a short break to slightly deeper water on the al muskie offering, a lipless crank in the 3/4 to 1 1/4 ounce edge. I positioned the boat just over the edge so that After not more than Location: size range is optimum. These lures perform best in water we could work most of the flat and still pull our baits about fifteen minutes During the mid-spring, pre-spawn period when temperatures from around 50 to 63 degrees. Anglers should past the edge for a couple of seconds before transi- the water temperatures hover around 50 to 60 make long casts with these lures and burn them at very high tioning into the ever-important figure eight maneu- he yelled out "fish" degrees or so, muskies will be in one of three stages. speeds in and around spawning areas. Small spinnerbaits are ver. I began the morning like I often do, explaining just as the surface Not all of the fish will spawn at the exact same time. another hot lure for this time of year and will work both in the equipment that we're using and demonstrating Some of the muskies will still be in the pre-spawn and out of cover in all zones. Spinnerbaits ranging in size how to work each type of bait. I started casting a exploded. The muskie mode and probably feeding heavily, some will be from about 1/2 to 1 3/4 ounces in weight will work. Choose small lipless crankbait and got the typical response, rushed in and spawning and focused mostly on that task and some baits with metallic blades that mimic the shad and other will be in the early stages of the post-spawn period "are we fishing for bass or muskies?" I made a long grabbed the spinner- baitfish that these muskies feed on. My guides and I select cast and showed them when to engage the reel to and recuperating. Peak spawning usually occurs Simms Sport Baby School N Shad start the little bait moving forward as soon as it bait just as he started between about 53 to 58 degrees on southern lakes. Spinnerbaits with three willow leaf blades for clear to lightly splashed down. I burned the lure across the flat at into the figure eight Just like earlier in the pre-spawn period, search out stained waters and go with Simms Baby Thump N Shad warp speed thanks to the high speed gear ratio on my the warm water portions of lakes, typically on the Spinnerbaits with tandem deep cup Colorado blades for fish- Pflueger President WLP baitcasting reel, which looks and the fight was on. north side of a body of water that's protected from ing in water with a moderate to heavy stain. A moderate to the average muskie nut like more of a bass fishing major wind and wave action. Spawning muskies are retrieve speed is usually best with spinnerbaits. Anglers reel than the common large, heavy, round muskie reels. Before the usually found on shallow dark bottom flats, in the backs of coves, in should use a steady retrieve with occasional pauses to allow bait made it half way back to the boat, a muskie grabbed it with a the upper ends of creeks and along very gradually sloping shallow the bait to stop and sink for just a split second before con- vicious strike! I set the hook and handed the rod to my client. After a shorelines. Pre-spawn fish can also be found in these same areas, but tinuing. Other good presentation options include twitching long fight on the light, soft tipped rod, the muskie was in the net. also in slightly deeper water near these areas. Points, humps and short small minnowbaits, both floating and suspending models in After a few quick photos with big smiles, the fish was released back breaks hold these fish too. Post-spawn muskies are usually traveling 4 to 6 inch sizes, as well as dragging and hopping small jig into its watery world to fight again another day. and plastic combos of around 1/2 to 1 1/2 ounces in weight We continued to work down the flat. The on the bottom. angler on the back deck was casting a Baby School N Shad from Simms Sport Fishing Equipment: Tackle. As I had instructed, he was working the Proper equipment is critical to success with these tactics, bait at a slow, steady pace with an occasional pause, and most anglers are using gear that's just too heavy for this allowing the spinnerbait to drop for just a second type of fishing. Many anglers are reluctant to fish with small, or less and then continuing the retrieve. After not lightweight lures, believing that they can't handle the pun- more than about fifteen minutes he yelled out ishment that muskies dish out. That's probably because "fish" just as the surface exploded. The muskie they're not gearing up properly. Heavy gear doesn't allow for rushed in and grabbed the spinnerbait just as he shock absorption, and small baits can be torn apart when started into the figure eight and the fight was on. using standard muskie equipment. Lipless crankbaits require The nervous angler set the hook hard, as I had the most specialized equipment because they're compact, instructed, and then began to relax a bit knowing heavy for their size and easy for fish to throw. Rods selected that the light rod would flex enough to keep the must be flexible and have softer actions. The 7' Shakespeare fish on until it slid into the net. The joy of catch- Ugly Stik CAL 1101 Freshwater Rod is a perfect rod for this ing muskies on lighter than normal tackle is quick- duty when combined with a high speed reel like the ly evident on the face of someone locked in a bat- President WLP with a 6.3:1 ratio. A crankbait specific rod tle with one of these great beasts. Unlike lipless that falls in the heavy end of the bass spectrum like the Team cranks, spinnerbaits are almost never thrown by a IM10 Series TAS944CBX from All Star Rods is also a great

30 MUSKIE.....April 2006 www.muskiesinc.org April 2006.....MUSKIE 31 CHAPTER NEWS &VIEWS

48 46 2 15 33 24 12 38 13 37 21 6 26 1 4 30 20 8 35 29 47 Special 10 32 14 39 11 17 3 49 23 31 53 7 22 19 16 27 51 41 18 50 Events 44 42 9 45 52 5 28 2006

May 20, 2006 Jake Wolf Memorial Tournament on Fox Chain of Lakes, IL. 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Chapter News and Views by M.I. Chapters # 14 & 39. Information

Call Frank A. Walter 847-689-2133. ◆ August 9,10,11

As of right now the 2006 Gil Hamm CHAPTER NEWS &VIEWS No. Chapter, Address Phone # Chapter Challunge is going to be hosted 01 ...... Twin Cities, 414 Division St., Excelsior, MN 55331 ...... 952-380-1218 out of McQuoids resort on Mille Lacs 02 ...... Fargo-Moorhead, Box 2021, Fargo ND, 58103 ...... 701-298-9032 Lake in MN. 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 October 21 05 ...... Pomme De Terre, PO Box 5, Hermitage, MO 65668...... 417-745-2381 M.I. International Fall Board Meeting 06 ...... First Wisconsin, PO Box 122, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729...... 715-726-8896 Host: Fargo/Moorhead Chapter, 07 ...... South Side Muskie Hawks, 5211 S. Narragansett Ave., Chicago, IL 60638 ..773-581-8650 Saturday, October 21, 2006 08 ...... Capital City, PO Box 8862, Madison, WI 53708 ...... 608-669-5046 Guided fishing on Friday, Oct 20 09 ...... West Virginia, 1270 Federal Road, Little Hocking, OH 45742...... 740-667-3571 Contact: RVP Brett Waldera, 10 ...... Heartland, 239 8th St SE, Mason City IA 50401 ...... 641-424-0827 email: [email protected] 11 ...... Mississippi Valley, 5301 11th Ave “C”, Moline, IL 61265...... 309-797-1803 Home Phone 701-298-9032 12 ...... Headwaters, PO Box 652, Eagle River, WI 54521 ...... 715-477-2913 Hotel: Holiday Inn, Detroit Lakes, MN 13 ...... Hayward Lakes, PO Box 609, Hayward, WI 54843...... 715-634-4543 218-847-2121, www.dlinn.com 14 ...... South of the Border, 28926 W. Big Hollow Rd, McHenry, IL 60050 ...... 815-385-9026 Room rate $69.95 15 ...... Star of the North, 29957 La Plant Rd., Grand Rapids, MN 55744 ...... 218-326-4958 (mention Muskies, Inc.) 16 ...... Three Rivers, 119 Bus Lane, Renfrew, PA15136 ...... 724-789-7866 17 ...... Quad County, PO Box 185, Plano, IL 60545 ...... 815-695-1494 Spring, 2007 18 ...... Hopedale, 15 Township Rd 125, Dillonvale, OH 43917...... 740-769-7269 19 ...... Akron-Canton Muskie Maniacs, 1503 S Main St, Akron, OH 44301 ...... 330-724-7592 M.I. International Spring Board Meeting 20 ...... Between the Lakes, PO Box 61, Sheboygan, WI 53085-0061...... 920-564-3226 Host: Columbus, Ohio Chapter 21 ...... North Metro, PO Box 41216, Plymouth, MN 55441...... 952-469-2155 Contact: Ross Warner 22 ...... New Jersey, http://www.mi22.com/...... TBD [email protected]

23 ...... Cleveland, 5608 Brave Chief Lane, Ravenna, OH 44266...... 330-296-2398 Phone: 614-554-2058 ◆ 24 ...... Brainerd Lakes, 9143 Lone Pine Road, Brainerd, MN 56401 ...... 218-821-3669

26 ...... Central Wisconsin, PO Box 263, Medford, WI 54451...... 715-748-2630 Fall, 2007 CHAPTER NEWS &VIEWS 27 ...... Central Illinois, 1191 Sandra Lane, Monticello, IL 61856...... 217-762-8070 Canada, hosted by the International 28 ...... Shawnee Muskie Hunters, PO Box 602, DeKalb, IL 60115...... 815-756-3231 Friday, September 14, 2007 29 ...... Upper Great Plains, 1788 Hwy 4, Estherville, IA 51334 ...... 712-362-2501 Contact Paul Framsted 30 ...... God’s Country, PO Box 1461, LaCrosse, WI 54601...... 608-786-4062 [email protected] 31 ...... Penn-Ohio, 309 Spring St, Jamestown, PA 16134 ...... 724-932-5815 32 ...... Flatlanders, 5776 Vesper Drive, South Beloit, IL 61080...... 815-389-4622 Looking for Chapters to host both 33 ...... Lake Superior, 2031 Hwy. 33 S., Cloquet, MN 55720 ...... 218-879-2712 2008 meetings and beyond 35 ...... Milwaukee, PO Box 28842, Greenfield, WI 53220 ...... 262-789-1255 37 ...... St. Cloud, 312 18th Avenue N., Sartell, MN 56377...... 320-656-1160 38 ...... Vikingland, 609 S. Otter Ave., Parkers Prairie, MN 56361 ...... 218-338-5441 Special events listings are provided at 39 ...... Fox River Valley, 1253 Cobblers Crossing, Elgin, IL 60123 ...... 847-741-9771 41 ...... Central Ohio, 8494 Fall Gold Lane, Westerville, OH 43082...... 614-451-0485 no charge to Muskies, Inc chapters. To list your chapter's event, email to: man- 42 ...... Hoosier Muskie Hunters, PO Box 501371, Indianapolis, IN 46250...... 317-577-8050 44 ...... Colorado, P.O. Box 270064, Louisville, CO 80027...... 720-938-4109 [email protected] 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 or by ground mail: Jim Smith, 47 ...... Michigan Muskie Alliance, PO Box 512, Caledonia, MI 49316...... 616-447-1688 15045 W. Double Tree Way, 48 ...... Arrowhead, PO Box 82, Virginia, MN 55792 ...... 218-482-5217 Surprise, AZ 85374-8568. 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 Please send announcements 51 ...... Ohio Valley Muskie Hunters, 211 Mann St., Bowerstown, OH 44695 ...... 740-269-1216 at least 2 months in advance. 52 ...... Daniel Boone, 428 N. Wilson Ave., Morehead, KY 40351...... 606-784-3933 53 ...... Nebraska, PO Box 394, Valentine, NE 69201 ...... 402-376-2743 32 MUSKIE.....April 2006 www.muskiesinc.org April 2006.....MUSKIE 33 CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆ CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆ CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS 4MUSKIE 34 Wissota and Lake Holcombe on 5/31 to 7/12 Summer Musky League $10. For more information contact: the fish adopted. Each can be adopted for ing a musky will receive ongoing information on adopt an individual musky. Each person adopt- Musky” program allows an angler to “Adopt A Leech Lake and Bone muskie strains. The four studies in Wisconsin comparing growth Lake Wissota Musky study. This study is one of Musky” program to raise funds for a “Adopt A Ronnestrand on Mille Lacs MN Muskie fishing. fishing. The April 3 meeting featured Luke tured Jim Murphy on Leech Lake MN Muskie Chippewa Falls, WI. The March 6 meeting fea- Monday of the month at Fill-in-Station in Chapter. Good Fishing to all. pening with Muskies Inc. like there may be some interesting things hap- to be voted on at the spring board meeting. Looks wait to see how they turn out. and sweatshirts with our new logo on them. Can’t towners. I’m sure some nice fish will be caught. boats and guide service available to the out-of- We’ll also have many F-M members making their Holiday Inn, where we have 30 rooms reserved. meeting. It will be held at the Detroit Lakes you don’t normally attend, as it’s a great time. keeps getting better. Make plans for next year, if met our goal for two years straight, and it just and about how it was a complete success. We best idea I’ve heard coming from them. accesses showing these differences. Not the the DNR in MN wants less signs at boat idea by the MMA. The sad thing though, is that Muskies and Northern Pike. This was a great handbook that shows the difference between is the page in Minnesota fishing regulations “Know the Difference” page printed in color. This to help cover the costs associated with having Minnesota Muskie Alliance. They used the funds and Girls Club, the Sucker Creek project, money to the Boy Scouts, Detroit Lakes Boys recently made to various organizations. We gave getting some new members. themselves. It’s nice to see we are growing, and having our new members and guests introduce Monday, February 27 2006 Club Activities planned include: a First Wisconsin Chapter has launched the First Wisconsin Chapter meets on the first That’s the latest from your friends in F-M Next month we’ll be talking about the motions We took some orders for club shirts, jackets, The F-M Chapter is hosting the Fall Board We also talked about our annual fundraiser, We then talked about the donations we’ve President Mark Stenger began the meeting by The Fargo-Moorhead Chapter last met on Meets 4th Monday 7:00 PM, VFW in West Fargo. Meetings 1 02 06 st P.O. Box 122, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 701-298-9032 – Brett Wade Waldera Monday 7:00 PM, Arizona’s Restaurant [email protected] .....April 2006 Box 2021 • Fargo, ND 58103 Fargo-Moorhead 715-836-7463 First Wisconsin muskybob@charter [email protected] Mark Hintz [email protected] th . 715-726-8896 to take place on Lake Brad Waldera .net Masters champion- Jeff Hanson with 130 fish (5 in the Madison lakes. There is an interesting trend to longer fish caught ship between fish caught and moon phases. years. The data continues to show little relation- month, length and a comparison to previous egory that include lure type, moon phases, preceded by a summary of the fish caught cat- job emceeing the award presentations which was released. Craig Eversoll did his usual excellent ter as it recorded 1,272 muskies caught and great year for the 300 plus members of chap- Park Ponderosa in McFarland. It was another tion committee is the President, Vice-President Chapter Hall of Fame was adopted. The selec- nation and selection of candidates into the WV expenses. projects and are not available for usual club donations which are earmarked for particular $8,039.93. Much of these funds are grants and began 2005 with $5,513.68 and ended Kelley, Treasurer, gave the financial report. We minutes of the 2005 Business Meeting. Darlene 06 at the Vienna (WV) Community Building. Awards Banquet and Business Meeting on 2-11- musky fishing. an appreciation for all the time Gerard gives to Gerard Hellenbrand for his 51” catch in 2001 as duction, donated by a 2004 winner, was given to surprise graphite repro- 2005 fishing season. A ourselves a pat-on-the-back for very successful congratulate all the above winners and give Don Hunt. On behalf of the club members, I winners were Dan Squires (Wisconsin fish) and caught fish 45” and over in 2005. This year’s only and anywhere) for those members who drawing of two graphite reproductions (Wisconsin ceremony was concluded with a grand prize November – Don Hunt (51 1/2”). The awards (51”), October – Craig Eversoll (48”) and Buechner (54 1/2”) December-Dale Anderson (54”), July – Tom Oldenberg (52”), August-Bill May – Chris Marsden (46”), June Shane West The lunker of the Month awards are as follows: Year award went to Troy Schoonover with 15 fish. champion-Jeff Blettner with 5 fish. Rookie-of-the- champion – Lynn Steyer with 15 fish, Junior Champion – Don Hollatz with 59 fish, Women’s in MI Inc contest with 1,548 points), Men’s annual awards dinner on February 13 Chapter Challenge hosted at Mille Lacs MN. Hayward Lakes Chapter and the Gill Hamm Kleeba State Chapter Challenge hosted by the Holcombe on October 7 and participation in the Holcombe on June 10; a 8/2 to 9/27; a McFarlan, WI Meets: 2 Individual champions for 2005 are as follows. proposal detailing procedures for the nomi- A John Kaltenecker, Secretary, summarized the About 100 persons attended our Annual The Capital City Muskies Chapter held its Youth activities are also in the works. 08 09 nd Meets: No definite schedule-call Monday 7:00 PM Park Ponderosa 608-274-3479 – Gerard Hellenbrand P.O. Box 8862, Madison, WI 53708 http://westvirginiamuskiesinc.org Top Water Challenge www Little Hocking, OH 45742 West Virginia .capitalcitymuskiesinc.org 1270 Federal Road Capital City 740-667-3571 Fall Meltdown Gary Hoffman th on Lake on Lake at the th ments of our club and the roll we play for area Headwaters to show the benefits and achieve- meeting with local businesses which allows Headwaters hosted Business after 5. This is a which involve our community. February we are preparing for several upcoming events excitement of getting our boats back into action, members. As we await open water and the increase membership and now have over 460 Northwood’s. As a chapter we are continuing to very active with the community here in ideas for the upcoming season. Our chapter is attended with great enthusiasm and many new our website http://westvirginia.muskiesinc.org plete minutes of this meeting can be accessed on ed on the Web Site. Further information and com- cious. Please support our sponsors which are list- sauce and meatballs salad. Dinner was deli- Kaltenecker for preparing the spaghetti with Elected to the Executive Board: Officers elected for a two year term. Fall Mail-In October 7 – 8 Outing Only June 25 Sunday Piedmont Ohio Lakes North Fork Hughes Lake Odie Cutlip Mem. (Team) Spring Mail-In Tournament/Outing Schedule for 2006: Jackson Lake and Middle Island Creek. waters except the Buckhannon River, Stonewall tissue samples are still needed from all WV Clip collection for Genetic Analysis. Muskie fin WV Lakes Habitat Improvement Project and Fin from Sutton Ponds and warmwater hatcheries, lection and stocking of Advanced Fingerlings Buckhannon River and Middle Island Creek, col- Woodrum Lake, Tagging and Tracking on Lake Radio Telemetry Project, Restoration of Resources. They include the North Fork Hughes cooperative projects with WV Division of Natural Moser. bers are Jim Marsh, Mike Moschell and Dave and three other members. The three other mem- Chapter 12 Headwaters Feb meeting was well Special thanks to Dave, Glenna and David Dave Moser–One Year Term Isaacs–TwoJason Year Term Bill Crane, Regional VP Darlene Kelley, Treasurer John Kaltenecker, Secretary Kevin Kelley, Vice-President Jim Moore, President Chairperson – Darlene Kelley October 21 – 22 Cave Run Lake, KY June 24 Saturday Salt Fork Chairperson – Kevin, Darlene Kelley Saturday only – Kid’s Fishing Derby June 3-4 Chairperson – Jim Moore May 6 – 7 Chairperson – Sharon Crane April 8 – 9 Jim Moore reviewed some of the chapter 12 John Kaltenecker, Secretary 2-21-06 Meets 1 Chairperson – Gary Fields Chairperson – Ken Squires (Ken, Shelia McCord) www 715-477-2913 – Paul Hansen st Wednesday 7:00 PM Eagle River, WI 54521 .headwatersmuskies.com Headwaters

P.O. Box 652 www.muskiesinc.org next meeting is Tuesday April 4 of club events for the coming year by now. Our Larry Ramsell at 715-462-9880. propagation. On May 2 talk about.Muskie brood stock selection and Neuswanger DNR Area Fish Supervisor who will meeting at 7:30. Our guest speaker will be Dave have a business meeting followed by the general ideas go to [email protected] quality fish. To learn more about the WMRP’s stocking practices to try and produce a better The DNR does however, plan to change it’s in Wissota,Monona,Petenwell and Green Bay.) the Hayward area. (These fish have been stoked plans to stock the Mississippi River strain fish in stocking change. The DNR, however has no majority of the audience supported size. A poor genetic quality and unable to achieve large stocking process has resulted in fish that are of natural reproduction and mixing of fish during the into some local lakes where there is currently no Leech Lake/ Mississippi River strain of Muskies like the DNR to stock faster growing, large would Restoration Project (WMRP). The WMRP Bob Benson of the Wisconsin Muskellunge viewpoint was presented by Larry Ramsell and Fisheries Supervisor for the DNR. The other sented by Steve AveLallemant, Northern school auditorium. One point of view was pre- ject since there were over 125 people in the high There was obviously a lot of interest in the sub- to discuss Musky stocking in the Hayward area. sored a meeting on Monday night February 12 from our members. would be difficult to put on without a lot of help The above events make our club very active and tips for Kids, our spring Classic open tournament. fishing contests among our members. Fishing ber of Chapter Challenges which are one day the kids and work at getting our youth involved. Show. We normally have a trout fishing pond for Later in April we will be at our local Spring Home forward to having approximately 200 attendees. quet is being run by Dale Peterson and we look host our 28th annual awards banquet. Our ban- and area businesses. April 1st we are proud to has begun to loosen up their arms and shoulders Tournaments have started and most everyone Restaurant. will be at the Wisconsin Beer Hunters Water Tactics For Big Muskies” Both meetings be John Dettloff, his presentation will be “Top Meets 2nd Thursday, 7:30pm. Plano American Legion All members should have received a calender The Hayward Lakes Visitors Bureau spon- Regards, Spring has sprung and so have the fishermen! As we approach opening day have a num- 13 17 [email protected] ..Bx15 ln,I 60545 P.O. Box 185, Plano, IL (815) 695-1494 – Dana Smith Hayward Lakes Quad County Hayward, WI 54843 [email protected] 715-634-4543 nd P.O. Box 609 our guest speaker will Chapter 12 Secretary th Mike Persson . At 6;30 we’ll Glenn Matula Good Fishing, or call th attending Sport Shows, other club’s Banquets, winter blues, our club members have been get our boats out of storage. To get through the are looking forward to the end of March for us getting out on the water. For the rest of us, we been caught recently by the brave souls that are few muskies have tle ice to no on them. A been above normal. Most of our lakes have lit- When traveling at night, be sure your running • Keep your eyes on the weather. Leave the • Do not use drugs or drink alcohol when boat- • Never overload a boat. Know how much weight • Know how to properly use the rescue devices. • Make sure all required equipment and a first- • Always dress for the weather and be prepared • Shoes should always be worn whether fishing • Protect the only eyes you have by wearing • Wear a hat. Hats keep your head cool in the • Always wear sunscreen on exposed areas like • Whenever around water, small children should • Always remove hooks and lures from your line • Don’t leave your tackle lying on the ground. • Make sure to look behind you before casting so • Some safety reminders from the Illinois DNR: safe fishing and boating. everyone to enjoy the sport but follow rules of reserving their spots. Chapter 17 wants to remind outings are being set up and members this one of the busiest years in their history. Club for the season. Chapter 17 has plans to make lights are on so others can see you. boat. on and cautiously travel to shore beach the caught in a storm, make sure your life jacket is water before storms arrive. If on the and alcohol or drugs. ing. Over half of all drowning victims were using distribute your load. your boat can safely carry and always evenly aid box are in the boat before going fishing. for sudden changes. dip into the water. help prevent you from taking an unexpected keep your feet from slipping in a wet boat could your bare feet. In a boat, shoes designed to objects on shore and in the water could cut Stray hooks, glass, sharp rocks, and other on shore, in a boat, or wading the water. objects. the surface of water to see fish and other Polarized sunglasses also help you see below eyes from hooks and the sun’s harmful rays. some kind of glasses. Sunglasses protect your your head from hooks during a stray cast. help keep the sun out of your eyes and protect summer and warm in the winter. They also can can damage your skin. your face, neck, and hands. The sun ‘s rays tion device (PFD) that fits properly. wear a Coast Guard-approved personal flota- your equipment. and store them in your tackle box when moving or even break your tackle. Someone may trip and fall on it, step a hook, or another person. that your hook will not catch a power line, tree, Well the weather for month of February has Keep those lines tight and release ‘em healthy! Parkway St. Canton, OH. Meets 3rd Monday 7:00 PM, Tim’s Tavern, 3323 19 http://[email protected] Akron-Canton Akron, OH 44301 330-724-7592 1503 S. Main the 4 Banquets! Our Banquet is coming up on March tality and wonderful time we had at their Virginia and Cleveland Chapters for their hospi- combo. We also want to thank the West show, we had our drawing for a rod and reel about our club and MI. On the last day of at the show in which we gave out information results of the Banquet. On Feb. 20 information in our next month’s newsletter on the be even better this year. I will give you more place as we speak in preparing for our banquet to like to thank everyone in the club and from We’d and I) released our first 50” Muskellunge. (my Dad 46” fish and today “Team Campbell” Marshall followed up his recent 48” Muskie with a have been a couple notable catches recently- Pat There his time and expertise in setting us up. a reminder, Archie Roche of Chapter 50 donated As library and other updated info graphics. address MI22.com but with a photo gallery, line, we’ve completed our new site- same web Along that Contact any club officer if interested. have some available in sizes s,m, and lg. We’ve almost completed our t-shirt fundraiser but Tuesday in January (see MI22.com for details). They resume the last December meeting. several things to keep in mind: First there is no There are now effort to support this endeavor. money and purchased boat raffle tickets in an The chapter donated learn at future meetings. Muskies Inc. symposium and will report what they Lemon and Pat Marshall will be attending the Craig Chingery did a great job with organization. and appreciate all of our sponsors. As usual, Jed enjoyed the company of those other fine clubs We high hooks with releases of 35”, 43” and 45”. Our own Mike Kopp and his cousin Pete were along with Chapter 50 and the Knee Deep Club. our “Fall Challunge” was held at Lake Hopatcong Monksville and Echo Lake. Earlier in the month dreds of 7-10” Muskies soon to be stocked in On display were hun- niques used to raise fish. showed us the sophisticated facilities and tech- Hackettstown Hatchery where Craig Lemon October Meeting Views….Jim and herein post your Chapter News bers of the New Jersey Chapter, I apologize of MUSKIE Magazine, as well to the mem- to my new friend and very patient supporter missed this article now for three months. So pointed out very politely to me that I have Talk about patience….Gordon Campbell has thing and our members gently remind me. EDITORS NOTE: Occasionally I miss some- soon as you can. those boats out and ready to hit the water as Great Job Dean! Well that’s all for now. Get entertaining and every one had a great time. for the evening. He once again made this event our club. Dean Herrick was again Auctioneer held its Annual Lure Auction to raise money for Jan. 27 Fishing at the Early Bird Show that was held on and Jason Bond for giving a seminar on Muskie thank Michael Mihalko, Cliff Jones, Mike Cline, and club meetings to pass the time. We want to Our meeting was held 10-25-05 at the 22 th . Plans and food orders are still taking th thru the 29 April 2006..... th! http://www.mi22.com/ New Jersey Our club also had a booth MUSKIE 35 Kevin Proffitt

th

, our club

◆ ◆ CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS & NEWS CHAPTER VIEWS & NEWS CHAPTER VIEWS & NEWS CHAPTER NJDFW who have worked so hard to stock these Upcoming events on Kinkaid Lake: (Please of getting members together to shoot the breeze fish over the last 10 years. Submitted by contact Manuel Santa Cruz for all tournament and tell fishing stories. All together the chapter Gordon Campbell VP Chapter 22. information at 618-610-5003 or cruz61@char- had a total of 373 releases for the year. Of the ter.net ) 373 releases, 57 of them were from the IA Great January Meeting April 22 new member outing. Lakes. The most impressive thing about the Our January meeting was held on the 31st and Also on April 22 @ 6:00 p.m. we will have our 373 releases is the fact that 203 of those releas- was attended by 35 people. annual awards banquet at the Mississippi es were from just three members! That’s right, Well known guide John “Muskie Daze” Flyway restaurant in Carbondale. Dick Crail had a whopping 91 releases and his Brylinski gave a great presentation on fishing the May 6-7 spring tournament @ Kinkaid (IMTT) son Tracy had 72 releases to lead the Master Delaware River. Recently the Chapter was con- May 20 new early guide for a day @ 7:30 a.m. at division. No surprise this is a record for our tacted by Mike Kanaval who will be spot lighting the marina boat ramp A monthly meeting will chapter. Dick Manske won the men’s open us in an upcoming issue of Muskie Magazine. follow at 7:30 p.m. division by releasing 40 fish. Dick will move into Although the Parsippany show was cut short due June 10 this is something new for us: Kid Fishing the Master division since he won the Open divi- to weather, we did begin sales of raffle tickets for Day @ Lake Murphysboro. More information sion. Joanne Will may have got second last the Aqua Vue camera. Drawing will be at the on this event in the upcoming newsletter. year in the women’s division but she took home March 28th meeting and tickets will be available In July is our lake cleanup on Kinkaid Lake. first place this year. Jacob Loew won the Junior til then. There was a notable report recently Date to be set @ next meeting. Please contact division for a second year in a row with an out- when Jim Archembault trolled a mid - winter 46 Scott Donovan @ (618) 201-5820 e-mail esox- standing 12 releases. Congratulations to incher, see the picture on our site. As a reminder, [email protected] to show your support for everyone who won awards. Here is a least of Guide For a Day is Saturday May 13th at Lake this very worthy event. the awards and the winners: Hopatcong and our June outing is on for Steve Burian is the coordinating the chapter Saturday the 10th at Greenwood Lake. team(s) for the Gil Hamm Chapter Challunge Angler of the Year – Pete Hildreth Submitted by event from August 9-11. Please Contact Steve Gordon Campbell, VP Chapter 22. @ (618) 656-7007 e-mail scburian@madisontel- Master Division –

CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS & NEWS CHAPTER co.com if you’re interested in going to Mille Lacs, 1. Dick Crail, 91 releases, 864 pts. MN. 2. Tracy Crail, 72 releases, 637 pts. 3. Mark Mitchell, 18 releases, 222 pts. ◆ Shawnee Muskie Gal P.O. Box 602 Shannon Beaty Men’s Open Division – 28 DeKalb, IL 60115 [email protected] 815-756-3231 – Gary Dew 1. Dick Manske, 40 releases, 353 pts. (815) 529-1159 2. Pete Hildreth, 12 releases, 144 pts. Meets: varies-call for schedule. Upper Great Plains 3. Carl Waddell, 7 releases, 128 pts. 1788 Hwy 4 Women’s Open Division – We want to welcome all our new members: 29 Estherville, IA 51334 1. Joanne Will, 1 release, 11 pts. Greg Clancy, Anthony and Frankie DiBebedetto, 712-362-2501 Cheryl, Gregory, and Jerry Ford, Sophia and Meets 3rd Thursday , Legion Club, 1709 Okoboji Junior Division – Everett LaCaze, Virginia Moore. Ave., Milford, IA. 1. Jacob Loew, 12 releases, 119 pts. Please check out our chapter web site @ 2. Trent Witt, 3 releases, 38 pts. www.shawneemuskiehunters.org On February 11 the UGP chapter held its 3. Carlee Fletcher, 1 release, 12 pts. If you have any suggestions please send them annual awards banquet to honor its members to Larry Owens @ [email protected] accomplishments for the 2005 season. I really 50 inch Release Award – Congrats to our Lunkers of the month: enjoyed the evening, not only because I was Shannon Green 52 incher January David E Clark 46 inches. honored with two awards, but the camaraderie Randy Meyer 50 incher CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS VIEWS & NEWS CHAPTER ◆ CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS VIEWS & NEWS CHAPTER 36 MUSKIE.....April 2006 www.muskiesinc.org April 2006.....MUSKIE 37 I would like to personally thank Skip Frakes The club should get another good shot to the CHAPTER NEWS &VIEWS and the other board members for honoring me treasury in March when we have our annual lure with the Angler of the Year award. I was auction. Maybe we can use some of this money blessed to have a great year on and off the to help purchase minnows this year for the water. Without such a great group of board advanced muskie fingerlings. April’s program will members I know it wouldn’t have been possible, feature our big spring fishing seminar, free to the so I thank you all and I look forward to the work public. We hope to sign up at least another ten we will do together in the future to make the new members. For those of us who didn’t buy chapter the best it can be. enough tackle at the Muskie Show we can finish REEL DOCTOR South Side Be sure to visit us at our website: breaking the bank at the Buckeye Outdoors big http://muskieclub.com annual fishing extravaganza this coming week- Sincerely, Pete Hildreth Chapter Editor end. I get to talk muskies three more days, see ya there! Muskie Hawks St. Cloud The following is a list of our first two tournaments CLASSIFIE D AD 312 18th Avenue N. for the year. Sartell, MN 56377 37 (320) 656-1160 Event Date: April 29th and April 30th, 2006 www.stcloudmuskies.com Event Name: Jon Fisher Tournament at Clear Fork Meets: 3rd Tues. 7:30 PM American Legion, Waite Park. Contact: Jack Worline - Tournament Director STILL TO COME Over 50 members attended our pool side email: jackworline@wowwaycom Annual Swap Night demo on February 21st. The demo was present- ed Event Date: June 3th and 4th, 2006 by the staff of Thorne Brothers. Brett, Luke, Event Name: Russ Dodridge Memorial at and Brad showed off many new lures. We had Clear Fork

April 19th, 2006 the opportunity to see many new top water, buck Contact: Jack Worline - Tournament Director ◆ tail, and plastic baits. Every one was able to get email: jackworline@wowwaycom an up close view of all the hottest new lures from CHAPTER NEWS &VIEWS the pool deck. No fish were caught, but we had Elmer a few follows. Not really, but the demo starting getting everyone thinking about the up coming muskie season. Tony Jordan was drawn for the Location: Mama Luigi’s lure of the month, and will win three lures if he is at the next meeting. The first week end of March our chapter is Resource Section clearing the ice on three local muskie lakes. We FOR SALE: 7500 So. Harlem Ave. have two different groups heading out to clear 2000 Honda BF130AYLA Outboard, #1008303, 152 Hours. lakes north and south of St. Cloud. Last year our chapter had many positive comments about the Purchased 03/16/2001. Controls, control cables, wiring and lake clean up. guages included, $5,500.00. This motor is covered by a trans- ferable warranty for ten years from date of original purchase. Upcoming meetings: Fred Wehrli, Pomme de Terre Muskies Inc., Our March meeting will be our awards 785-584-6393 • [email protected]. Time: 7:30 to 10:00 P.M. banquet, and lure swap. Last years lure swap was a lot of fun. Our April meeting will feature Jack Shriver speaking. Jack has a ton of knowl- edge, and we are very excited to have him speak at our meeting. Jason Jones Program Director Bargains, Raffles & Split the Pot. [email protected] ◆ Central Ohio Everyone is welcomed. CHAPTER NEWS &VIEWS 8494 Fall Gold Lane 41 Westerville, OH 43082 614-451-0485 – Ross Wagner Meets 2nd Tuesday 7:00 PM, Buckeye Hall of ** Open sales after short club meeting has concluded. ** Fame Café, 1421 Olentangy River Rd. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each refreshments available month at the Buckeye Hall of Fame Café, 1421 Olentangy River Rd., beginning at 7:00pm. Guest and the general public are always wel- come. For more information, call Ross Wagner at 614-451-0485. ** Small donation at door for adult admittance, children free ** Wow, the Ohio Muskie Show just ended yes- terday, what a blast! I worked the Division of Wildlife booth all three days and had the opportu- nity to talk to a lot of new muskie fisherman. If all that new tackle didn’t fire you up, you mustn’t For more information phone: 773-617-9685 have a pulse. I see on our web site that we signed up 10 new members, sold $435 in mer- chandise and $843 in raffle tickets. Not bad at all, this opportunity didn’t even exist three short years ago, way to go Ross! I may have to walk back to my pond and test out some of my new lures tomorrow, even if it’s only 40-degrees.

38 MUSKIE.....April 2006 www.muskiesinc.org April 2006.....MUSKIE 39 “Lemmie know how you do.” know them real well, and I just now found “Sure enough. I’ll be in touch.” out about Stripers; or Rockfish as they are ——TIME PASSES—— known here.” “You ain’t never gonna guess what I I asked what Reservoir they were fishing almost boated!” Came Balliver B.s’ voice and she told me. ‘Yikes!!!’ I thought. over the phone. “Tell me more and if it’s what I think, “You’re sounding more Redneck every I’ll tell YOU something,” I said. LIMITED EDITION CAP time I talk to you, Balliver.” “This fish,” Kodie said in a kind of a “Redwhat?” weak voice, “it was…well, it’s body was that “Redneck! Haven’t you ever heard Jeff of a …” Foxworthy?” I interrupted, “Striper with the head of a “Jeff Whoosworthy?” Muskie!” BALLIVER B., THE “Ask Kodie.” “Just the opposite!” “I will. She’ll know. She explained to me “Huh! The opposite—-How?” As a Muskie Fisherman and Member of Muskies Inc. LADY & RO-OX II about the ‘give ‘em hell Harry’ and ‘OK “The body was long like a Muskie and Show Your Support with These Great Buys... MI-5505 $6.50 Mac,’ so I’m sure she will know this one too. perfectly marked….but the head was that of Foam Beverage Coolers 3-Season Jacket Youth Fisheries Decal Youth Fisheries Patch I hadn’t heard from my friend Balliver B. Boy, I’ve been out-of-touch way too long.” a Rockfish with the start of stripes just for some time, so I called him. “That you have.” I said. behind the gills.” “We just got back from Lonesome “Now, about this fish,” Balliver B. said, “How big was it?” Lodge,” Balliver B. said, “Kodie fell in love “it’s the strangest I’ve seen, and it’s not a Gar “At least thirty pounds—-I’d guess about with the place. She’s fascinated with it all. either or something like that.” forty five inches. Never did jump—-just Rods’ Sport Shop was open and she got some “Well, this time, you have a witness; rolled over near the surface. We…er…Ballie vintage tackle…uh…vintage now, not in the Kodie was there, wasn’t she?” got it boatside; it was barely hooked. One set store. I wonder….she wouldn’t be an illu- “Certainly!” of trebles from Ballies new lure.” MI-20051 $2.00 MI-800 $50.00 220-MI $1.50 225-MI $3.00 sion, would she, Bob?” “Well, did you get a picture?” “New lure?” “No, but she must be part of what “Yes, but….” “Yes, and it’s a good one.” brings us to Lonesome Lodge and I was won- “Yes but what Balliver, and this better be “Then what happened?” Sweatshirt Denim Long Sleeve Boat/Truck Vinyl Decal High Leverage Bolt Cutter dering when you were going to tell me her good!” “Ballie handed me his outfit, said he’d name.” “Well, I gotta new name…” take the pictures. I grabbed his outfit; he got “I didn’t want to scare you.” “You WHAT?!” the camera, took a picture and then this fish “You already said that! Did you Muskie “A new name.” He said sheepishly. rolled and took off toward the back of the Fish?” “Has this got anything to do with the boat. I accidentally hit the free spool button “Yes, Rod took us row trolling to picture of this fish?” and when I realized this, quickly turned the Charlies’ Point. That’s really something, that “Yes an…” handle, then Fumble fin….I mean, ( a MI-245 (White) $5.00 old strip built boat. As he rowed, Rod told “Tell me your new name and let me chuckle from both), Ballie made a dive for MI-300 $20.00 MI-100 $28.00 MI-246 (Black) $5.00 $37.00 Kodie the whole story of Chin Whiskered guess how you got it.” the slack line, the camera bounced on the Charlie’s Kin. He’d stop and we’d drift a lit- “Fumble fingers! And I deserve it!” gunwales and KA-PLOOSH!!! In the drink it tle while. He would light his pipe and take a “You dropped the camera!” went. When the line went taught, the prop Sport Towel (White only) Cloth Muskie Patch Knipex Bolt Cutter Sport Bag couple of puffs. It sure smelled good! And, “Yes, but I did get the picture.” of the outboard cut it. We both just stood we caught Muskies. I caught one. It wasn’t “Did you get it developed?” there looking at each other…then hugged very big; about like the others…but “No.” and laughed like crazy saying ‘no one will Bob….I’ve got ‘Muskie Fever’ “How come?” ever believe us!” “Hmmm…” I mumbled. “Well…..the picture is still in the cam- “I do!” “We’re heading South to a Reservoir for era…..at the bottom of the Reservoir.” “You do?” some more Muskie Fishing.” “It went overboard?” “ I sure do. I caught one like it…only Med $25.00 “When you leaving?” I asked. “Yep!!” the opposite; head of a Muskie, body of a MI-2005 $4.00 230-MI $3.00 $35.00 MI-900 Lg-$30.00 “In a couple of weeks.” “Didn’t it float?….just for a few sec- Rockfish.” onds?” “When and where?” “Nope, went right to the bot- “Same place you’re at now…a few years tom. It was an old Argus.” ago. I figured nobody would believe me MAIL THIS FORM TO: Muskies Merchandise Muskies, Inc. 1509 Stahl Road, Sheboygan, WI 53081 “Now, tell me about this either. When are you heading back?” I Name ______BILLING INFORMATIOIN strange fish.” I asked. asked. Address ______VISA ______MasterCard______“Well, and I’m not “In the morning.” Personal Check ______Money Order______lying….here, I’ll put Kodie on and “If it’s not that far outa your way com- City ______Zip_____ State___ Country______she’ll tell you what happened, I’m ing back…” Phone ______Fax______EMAIL______Card # ______Expiration Date ____ too embarrassed.” “It just happens to be exactly on our way MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO MUSKIES, INC. Signature ______“Hello Bob, I’m Kodie; back. We’ll stop by. We wanna hear about VISIT OUR WEB SITE www.muskiesinc.org FOR THESE AND OTHER GREAT MUSKIE BUYS... Balliver has told me so much about your strange catch,” Balliver B. said, “I’ve To order call 920-457-3720 Fax 920-208-8467 you that I feel I know you.” been listening. See you soon!” “Pleased to meet you, Kodie, “You bet!” ❖ Freight needs to be added to all orders - Call Ellen for details or Visit the web site. now about this fish.” “Bob, I know Muskies and 40 MUSKIE.....April 2006 www.muskiesinc.org April 2006.....MUSKIE 41 Daniel DiCaro writes: “On a mild July evening in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, sixteen-year-old Mike DiCaro experienced true Muskie Magic. With the help of one of the best Muskie Guides Without a doubt, Tiger Muskies make for the John Nutkins pictured just moments after Dan Anderson’s personal best, in the business, Greg Marino, Mike managed prettiest “fish pictures” – amazing markings! releasing a Muskie he caught below the caught and released on a “Fuzzy to land not only one but two Muskies over 50 This is “somehat new” MI member Ryan waterfall. A classic Muskie spot, but where is Duzzit.” He got it in 35 feet of water inches within the span of only two hours!” Moeller from the Between the Lakes chapter this one? (How many of you have driven past adjacent to the “Cisco Triangle” on Here we see the first one with a 48” x 23” fish from last season. “If and never fished the equally great spot below his own special Wisconsin lake. you notice I am wearing my Muskies, Inc. Nestor Falls?) hat in the picture.”

Jim DeLine sent in this picture and solicited advice on how to take pictures without hurting the fish when fishing by him- We needed a bit of color for this month’s member photos, and Jim Kroupa with his biggest Muskie yet. Can you self. He’s “developed this highly refined technique of holding here it is. A fine picture by Justine Bowser of Ed Whyte fishing guess where he caught it, just from that spotted the fish by the tail with one hand while I fumble/focus at sunset on Buckhorn Lake last August pattern? Jim’s also in that fine Muskie Video put around and finally take a picture with the other.” I advised together by the Twin Cities chapter. him to go fishing with a wife, daughter, or mistress.

Jason Narancich’s picture of a 42” Musky caught last fall From Ellen Wells: “I took these at our Women’s tour- by his step-father Ted Bone on “Big Sis Lake outside Steve Statland, fishing alone on Crow Lake last October after an nament in September of 05 simple Canon Powershot Hawyard, Wisconsin. “The fish was netted by Greg Voss all-night drive from Chicago, hooked this small Muskie on an Old A75 early morning as we were getting ready to hit the and both Ted and Greg explained to me the importance of Wooden Bait Co. diver. But he was awake enough to grab his water. Love these days…” And can’t you just picture joining Muskies Inc. I filled out an application and became Nikon and get this super shot of the fish and lure before yourself on that dock, a Hawg Wobbler snaking in a new member. This is such a wonderful releasing it. toward you? The best that Muskie fishing has to offer. organization, keep up the good work!” ☞ Proper Muskie Holding Techniques for MUSKIE Magazine Photos includ- PREFERRED FOR PHOTOS ing Covers, Article Support, Photo Contest Entries & Member Photos

42 MUSKIE.....April 2006 ©2006 ST. CROIX ROD

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