YOUTH, FISHING, & Muskies

Musky Ad.8.5x11 2/28/11 10:08 AM Page 1 MUSKIE magazine is published six times each year and is the Official Publication of Muskies, Inc. Ellen Wells, Administrative Secretary, 1509 Stahl Contents Road, Sheboygan, WI 53081. Ph: 1-888-710-8286. © Copyright 2012 by Muskies, Inc. All rights reserved. MUSKIE • Vol. 46, No. 3

Departments 2 President’s Message, Features Jay Zahn 10 Advertisers Spotlight: Lakewood Products 3 About the Cover, Juris Ozols 12 Muskies, Inc. Hall of Fame, Steve Budnik 3 Index of Advertisers 13 The Unheralded Netter, Ace Sommerfeld 4 MUSKIE News 16 Ohio Muskellunge Anglers Mark Fifty Years 6 Lunge Log, Jim Bunch of Catch Reporting, Kevin Page 11 Figure 8, Kevin Richards 18 Youth, Fishing, & Muskies, Kevin Bushnick 25 Member Photos 22 Tough Trigger, Adam M. Glickman 26 Photo Contest, Brad Waldera 27 Chapter News and Views

Join Muskies, Inc. ... Regular Membership: ❑ 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 Junior Membership (Under 18): ❑ $20.00* ❑ Automatic Renewal as a gift. ❑ For Muskie Research $______* Addresses outside the U.S. must add an additional $15 per year (U.S. funds) to cover postage.

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City & State______Zip______Name of Spouse______Chapter Affiliation Choice Number______(to find the number of the Chapter you wish to join, see the Chapter News & Views section) Junior Member(s) Date of Birth (DOB) Old Address (for address change only)______Name______DOB ______City & State______Zip______Name______DOB ______My Membership #______Expiration Date ______Name______DOB ______Check One: ❑ New Member ❑ Renewal ❑ Address Change ❑ Gift MAIL TO MUSKIES, INC. 1509 Stahl Road Email ______Sheboygan, WI 53081 1-888-710-8286 Payment: ❑ Check or ❑ Credit Card: ❑ VISA ❑ MasterCard Card # ______- ______- ______- ______Exp. Date ____ /____ Signature ______

www.muskiesinc.org May / June 2012.....MUSKIE 1 Board of Directors Executive Committee President, Jay Zahn Phone: 920-660-7655 Email: [email protected] VP Finance/Treasurer, Jim Shannon Phone: 763-434-9729 Email: [email protected] VP Fisheries & Research, Tom Penniston Phone: 608-558-9657 Email: [email protected] VP Internal Affairs, Fred Brogle Phone: 715-479-5873 Email: [email protected] VP Membership & Marketing, Greg Wells Phone: 920-457-3720 Email: [email protected] VP Communications, Ron Teschner Phone: 701-640-0544 TheThe President’sPresident’s MessageMessage Email: [email protected] VP Youth Activities, Kevin Bushnick by Jay Zahn Phone: 847-987-3622 Email: [email protected] Muskies, Inc. President Corporate Secretary, Lorin Nevling Email: [email protected] Phone: 217-762-8070 Email: [email protected] hat an interesting winter! Between Muskie Expos, banquets, and talking to hundreds of people at all the shows I for one am ready for spring and the coming fishing sea- Past-President, Dan Narsete W Email: [email protected] son. Although it was great seeing old friends and making new ones at the shows there comes Senior Regional Representatives are also a time when you just have to get back on the water and greet the new season. I am sure I’m Executive Committee Members not the only one who feels this way. Spring has a way of making everyone feel like they have a chance to boat their personal best, or better yet, the elusive world record. Regional Representatives The people I met and the meetings we had at the shows proved to me there are many ( *denotes Senior ) different ideas alive in Muskies Inc. as to which way we should proceed. The passion of our Region 1 Term Expires membership is very apparent when you attend these shows. Your ideas and comments are *Carl Phillips ...... 2012 Greg Kvale ...... 2013 taken very seriously and are shared with the Executive Committee at every meeting. Brad Waldera ...... 2014 As I’m writing this there is a thread on a message board that was brought up by one of Region 2 our Regional Representatives, Leo Kofoot. Leo explained what has been going on this past Jeff Miller ...... 2012 year in Muskies Inc. - the magazine, Keyes Outdoors, the website, etc. The comments were *Leo Kofoot ...... 2013 very interesting, some agreeing and some disagreeing. They brought up the idea that the so Ron Groeschl ...... 2014 called “International” doesn’t have the best interest of the membership at hand. The only Region 3 thing I as President can say to this is we are trying and want what is best for the membership *Joel Johnson ...... 2012 as a whole. What works for the younger members isn’t always what is best for the older ones, Max Machuta ...... 2013 Vacant ...... 2014 so it is a balancing act. Sometime in the future I’m sure that the magazine will go to a completely electronic version, but we are not ready for that just yet. An Executive Director is a Region 4 *Earle Hammond ...... 2012 must to get this organization to the next level, but not just yet as we have to figure out a Frank Walter ...... 2013 way to pay for this position. Kimberly Cates ...... 2014 Ideas are always welcome. We are listening. I could go on and on but rest assured if you have an idea that will fix any of our challenges feel free to call or email. My contact Support information is in the front of the magazine. I have said over and over since taking this posi- Administrative Secretary, Ellen Wells tion that the way MI is set up makes our chapters the superstars of this organization. We 1509 Stahl Road, Sheboygan, WI 53081 Phone: 888-710-8286 are all in this together. Email: [email protected] I would like to devote the last paragraph of this message to say goodbye to two great Executive Accountant, Kathryn Goon MI members who passed away due to cancer since my last message. Chapter 19 President Phone: 419-945-2940 Gordon Selden passed away in early March. Gordon had a passion for Muskies Inc. and for Email: [email protected] helping kids; those two passions fit very well together. Later in the month Larry Besant Merchandising Director, Will Schultz passed away. I was lucky enough to call Larry a friend after meeting him in Green Bay and Phone: 616-447-1688 on Lake of the Woods while fishing for muskies. Larry was always looking at the positive Email: [email protected] side of things. I for one will always remember how he lived and try and pattern my life that Web Master, Ron Groeschl way. MI will miss both men in the years to come but we were blessed to have them as part Phone: 262-789-1255 of our great organization. Until next time . . . Email: [email protected] Grab em’ by the tail, Jay Zahn v

2 MUSKIE.....May / June 2012 About the COVER COVERTHE ABOUT MUSKIE Magazine Staff Kevin Bushnick’s caption for our cover photo is, “Muskie fishing frequently turns into a Editor family day on the water.” And on that kind Kevin Richards of day, do you think the size of the muskie 7618 Sunrise Ridge Road Henley, MO 65040 makes any difference at all? Well, just look Phone: (573) 280-2300 at those smiles. Email: [email protected] Kevin is the National Youth Fishing Director ASSISTANT Editor for Muskies Inc. He took this photo at the Juris Ozols Phone: (612) 747-0178 Hayward Youth Muskie Hunt in 2011. From Email: [email protected] left to right we have high school students PHOTO CONTEST EDITOR ◆ Tyler Saile, Chloe Kovalsky, and Tanner Brad Waldera COVERTHE ABOUT Saile. The gentleman (and dad) on the Phone: (701) 642-1952 right, Tor Saile, is the VP of Fundraising for Email: [email protected] the Youth Conservation Alliance. This LUNGE LOG EDITOR month we have a number of articles and Members Only Fishing Contest photos about our M.I. Youth Program and Jim Bunch Phone: (715) 226-0295 the 2012 Youth Muskie Hunt, starting on page 18. Email: [email protected] Our MI logo features the word “Youth.” This issue highlights what can be done ADVERTISING SALES TEAM for, and with, our younger muskie anglers; hopefully this will provide inspiration Kevin Richards, Advertising Manager for more members and chapters to get involved. – Juris v Phone: (573) 280-2300 Email: [email protected] Advertising Sales Representatives: Terri & Harlan Fierstine ◆ INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Phone: (218) 252-0947 or (218) 255-3461 INDEX OF ADVERTISERSOF INDEX CAN-AM | RAY DEMERS MEMORIAL (CENTRAL OHIO CH #41) . . . 35 Email: [email protected] FITTANTE REPLICAS ...... 15 Kevin Pischke Phone: (920) 676-7893 GIL HAMM CHAPTER CHALLUNGE (STAR OF THE NORTH CH #15) 13 Email: [email protected] JOE BUCHER OUTDOORS ...... 9 LAC SEUL FLOATING LODGES ...... 3 PRINTING Account Manager Sunray Printing Solutions, Inc. - Stacey Thielen LAKEWOOD PRODUCTS ...... 10 LARRY KLEEBA CHALLUNGE (CAPITAL CITY CH #8) ...... 14 Magazine Design LURE PARTS ONLINE ...... 6 Sunray Printing Solutions, Inc. - John Windschitl MIRROCRAFT ...... 38 IllustratorS/CartoonistS MUSKIE SHOOTOUT (BRAINERD LAKES CH #24) ...... 24 Richard Gross, Charles Weiss RED WING LODGE ...... 9 FIELD EDITORS ST. CROIX RODS ...... IFC Patricia Strutz, Kevin Pischke, Sean Landsman, T’S TACKLE ...... 5 Rick Helm, Adam Glickman, David Cates, TACKLE INDUSTRIES ...... 17 Steve Budnik YOUNG’S WILDERNESS CAMP ...... 4 MUSKIE is published exclusively for the membership of Muskies, Inc. and subscriptions come with

a paid membership. Muskies, Inc. is a non-profit ◆

organization. Membership classes and associated ADVERTISERSOF INDEX annual dues are listed on the form at the bottom of page one. Copies of MUSKIE magazine are available at $3.00 each from the Muskies, Inc. Administrative Secretary. Contributors grant rights for M.I. to publish once in MUSKIE Magazine, both the print and on-line versions, including archives and on the M.I. Web site.

Submissions to MUSKIE Magazine Persons interested in submitting material for publication should contact the Editor.

Contributors grant rights for M.I. to publish once in MUSKIE Magazine, both the print and on-line versions, including archives and on the M.I. Web site. www.muskiesinc.org May / June 2012.....MUSKIE 3 MUSKIE NEWS ◆ MUSKIE NEWS ◆ MUSKIE NEWS ◆ MUSKIE NEWS ◆ MUSKIE NEWS foresight and generosity of Hugh Becker.Hugh of generosity and foresight will the to which thanks youth and research fisheries, grants muskie benefit of list impressive the is order, logical of recipients the announced grants totaling $93,400 for 2012. Listed below, in chrono Inc. Muskies, of Chapter Twinthe Citiesof Committee Grant Becker C. Hugh The FoundationBecker C. Hugh the Grantsfrom 4 MUSKIE..... 4 Minnesota DNR, Bemidji Field Office, muskie trap-netting muskie FieldOffice, Bemidji DNR, Minnesota University of Illinois/Illinois Natural History Survey,NaturalHistory Illinois/IllinoisUniversity of continuing equipment: outings/fishing Firstyouth Wisconsin,6, Chapter Pomme5, de August Terre,Chapter the at shelters educational for 1, operating TwinChapter and organizing, promoting, for Cities, DNR Minnesota 4 assist to Metro,Northfunds 21, Chapter Pomme5, de Terre,Chapter damaged replace to funds matching graduate student MaxWolter): student graduate $2,500 (Dr.Study Escapement WahlDamDavid the of and support $700 $3,100 MO: Charles, St. near Area Conservation MemorialBusch A. $1,500 program: championship muskie-fishing School HighMinnesota the $8,800 equipment: research and management muskie Montrose)with (WestFisheriesOfficesMetro,Falls,and Metro, East Little $700 Missouri: ValleyLost in at pool Hatchery muskie-raising a over netting $4,000 equipment: May / June 2012 June / May - Chapter 39, FoxValley,River 39, Chapter Foxfingerlings, muskie of stocking the AreaWatershed for Lake acquisition Leech Foundation,land Minnow/Feed16, Rivers,State ThreeProject,Chapter Linesville electric of construction support UpperGreatPlains, 29, Chapter pur Center,with assist Palisade,Conservation MN, Lake Long for Turningfunds matching Lakes, the Between Leaf 20, Chapter Lake including Chapter,programs, Cloud St.youth 37, Chapter partial continue to funds matching BrainerdLakes, 24, Chapter and rental equipment with Pennsylvaniaassist FishCommission, 2016 Muskie Symposium, to commemorate the fifty-year (50) fifty-year the commemorate to MuskieSymposium, 2016 stocking of support continued Lakes, Hayward 13, Chapter MuskellungeRestorationSimcoe Lake Inc., MuskiesCanada, FoxValley,River 39, Chapter Illinois the through activities youth Chain of Lakes (and possibly Loon Lake), Illinois: $3,000 Illinois: Lake), Loon possibly (and Lakes of Chain $10,000 Lake: Leech of Bay Miller in grounds spawning muskie and habitat of protection FishHatchery, PA:$2,000 $5,700 results):Study Escapement Dam IL of consideration Weston Iowa(with barrier Lake, Okobojifish $2,000 camp: fishing youth new the for equipment of chase YouthProgram:$4,000 ParkFamilyFestival:Fun $2,000 Waiteand Sisters) Big & BrothersBig (with Outing George Study,Cisco Park):State(Itasca$6,800 Lake Elk PelagicPreferenceMuskellungeand the Habitat of of funding $8,100 FishHatchery: State Linesville the at program tagging muskie for purchase public as time approaches: $15,000 approaches: time as public made be will consideration and contingencies Other expenses. anticipated defray to annually deposits additional with account escrowthe an Twinin to held go be will Fundsarea. Cities to MuskieSymposiumproposed the sponsoring in interested is FoundationBecker HughC. the Muskies, Inc., of anniversary $4,000 program: Project:$8,000 UrbanFishingProgram:$1,500 Special thanks to these members these to thanks Special Dona and donations to Muskies,Inc: to donations YouthAlliance Conservation supporters for their recent their for supporters Shawn CummingsShawn Jeffery Thompson Edward GurkaJrEdward Kevin Bushnick Kevin Stacy BultmanStacy Richard MechRichard George Selcke George Diana Riddle Diana JohnLaimon Chad Harris Chad PaulPollock Jim CarowJim Dave Rott Dave JoeBeitz tionS - Remembering Larry Besant DNR invites public review of Michigan’s NEWSMUSKIE One of the reasons Muskies Inc. has and will always keep me muskellunge regulations around is the relationships that you gain from being a part of this The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Fisheries organization. Larry Besant was one of those friendships I developed Division is asking for public input on the management of muskel- along the way. He had the sincerity and charm that you would lunge in Michigan by reviewing some proposed regulations. expect from a southern gentleman, combined with a sharp intellect. Public review is being sought to determine which regulation For those of you who didn’t know Larry, he was a man who kept you anglers think should be accepted to manage muskellunge popula- on your toes. While talking with him you never quite knew if he was tions in Michigan. Four regulation options have been proposed with serious or joking because he had a dry sense of humor, which a combination of season, size limit and possession limits: demonstrated just how articulate he was. 1. Maintain the current fishing regulations for muskellunge. We first met during a Board Meeting in Bemidji, MN. In the 2. Change the harvest season and allow for a few waters currently ◆ midst of great debate and social discourse emerged a gentleman who managed with the 42-inch minimum size limit to be managed NEWSMUSKIE stood out. It was here that this gent from the south first landed his with either a lower or higher minimum size limit. first 50 incher. Among the many regional directors there was a buzz 3. Change the harvest season, reduce the possession limit to one in the air about this guy who was an “up and comer,” in the muskie (1) fish per season (with a harvest tag), and allow for a few world (and he was a mere 42 years my senior). He expressed his argu- waters currently managed with the 42-inch minimum size ments in a constructive, goal-orientated fashion, which was a refresh- limit to be managed with either a lower or higher size limit. ing contrast to many of the personal debates at the time. 4. Change the harvest season, keep the possession limit the same, Later, while serving as MI President, I got to work with Larry on and increase the minimum size limit for most waters, but allow a number of items as he had family living just outside of Denver. for a few waters to be managed with a lower size limit. When he was in the area Larry would call me up and we would have The public is being asked to review these regulation options through lunch. Talking muskies over the best prime rib sandwich you could an online survey at imagine, I met his granddaughters and learned of the conservation http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MuskellungeFishingRegulations ◆ challenges facing muskies in the southeastern US. It was here that Larry devised a plan to get the first ever minimum size restrictions in You can also take the survey over the telephone by calling NEWSMUSKIE the state of Kentucky . . . quite an accomplishment. Debbie Robinson at the Plainwell Operations Service Center at While visiting Kentucky for a Board Meeting a few years ago (269) 685-6851. The online and telephone surveys will close on Larry invited me to stay at his home. I arrived late in the afternoon Friday, May 25. To read more about the muskellunge regulation v and after a decent drive from the Lexington Airport we sat on his review, please visit www.michigan.gov/fishing porch sipping the finest whiskeys from his private collection. We chatted about various MI issues and he joked about how long it was going to take to get a new website for MI . . . something I had taken From Merchandise Director Will Schultz responsibility for executing. While laughing over the matter I assured Muskies Inc. apparel is now available via the “M.I. him it was being worked on, and in return he assured me they had a Apparel” link on the front page of our website or guide lined up for me to fish on Cave Run Lake. by going directly to: After the Saturday meeting and dinner I was invited to attend ◆ some of the local festivities held by some well-known muskie guides http://prostaffgear.com/muskiesinc1.html NEWSMUSKIE in the area. Adamant about my safety, Larry convinced me not to attend and made sure I was able to catch my flight the next morning. Apparently these parties were out in the woods, can get a little wild, and getting a cab is completely out of the question. For me it demonstrated the kind of guy he was; someone who looked after you, a passion- ate man with a big heart. He cared deeply for his family, his friends and for Muskies

Inc. ◆

We lost Larry this past March. I am a NEWSMUSKIE better man for having known him. He will be missed. Tight lines, Dan Narsete, Past- President of Muskies Inc.

www.muskiesinc.org May / June 2012.....MUSKIE 5 Lunge Log ◆ Lunge Log ◆ Lunge Log ◆ Lunge Log ◆ Lunge Log ◆ Lunge Log champions. The longest muskie listed maybe released maybe listed chapter muskie longest The champions. have now we Consequently it. caught who member the of name the recordedand muskie longest the shows then It chapter. that by recorded muskies today.have we one the as sophisticated as not was 1997 before system computer Our reasons. of variety a to due assignments chapter some lost we the Log Lunge of history 41-year our Over date. to Log Lunge does not equal it the total number of up entries in the entire all them add you if that understand Please ed. chapter list is chapter per entries the of number total ended. The when disappear not did chapters those longer no of members “Chapter the because listed says, still are Those active.” it instead chapter. name, a specific have record a for chapter keeping. You a to will notice some chapter numbers do not as listed also assigned is “Unaffiliated” entries those 6 MUSKIE..... 6

Next on the list we show the number of 50-inch of number the show we list the on Next Entries by Chapter: t b h

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- h o g tt / rvne Te o cus w so wo h mme was, member tie a is there states the few a In date. what who on and it, caught they showwhere we course of Then province. / state that for muskie longest the lists then It entries. Log Lunge total of number real the of accurate very is 312,274 of total The American. entry and one Wisconsin has has 91,996. Never-the-less only this list coversIdaho North province. or state specific a to assigned entries chapter different a of member a now is listed member the cases other few reality.a is Inerror, this an not is chapters. That different three for entry longest the Yes,has emails. Ramsell many get Larry I or kept. In most cases they are releases. As I mention each year before nre b Sae Province: / State by Entries Ti ls i a unn ttl of total running a is list This (Continued on page 8) page on (Continued

Lunge Log Log Lunge ◆ Lunge Log Lunge

Meredith Jacobson – 55 Mille Lacs, MN Chapter 21 – 2011 Juniors Replica Winner ◆ Lunge Log Lunge ◆ Lunge Log Lunge ◆

Lunge Log Lunge ◆ Lunge Log Lunge

www.muskiesinc.org May / June 2012.....MUSKIE 7 LungeMUSKIE Log NEWS ◆ Lunge◆ MUSKIE Log NEWS ◆ Lunge ◆ MUSKIE Log ◆ NEWSLunge ◆ Log MUSKIE ◆ Lunge NEWS Log ◆ MUSKIE◆ Lunge NEWS Log the Tigers started coming in fast and furious. and fast in the coming Tigers started 1993 from years 4 so checks proper with website new next a had we 1997 In 1996. through the listed 17 only are There all. at hybrids listed no are there 1992 through 1970 From hybrids. for check history.Muskies,Inc. in year every for Month the of Lunker every to lead will Lunker.This say will Inquiries Log Lunge below 9 the up opens it when Inquires, Log Lunge on click column hand left the in member, a as in log can, you Really list. this duce pro could you hands, your on time and site, web Inc.Muskies, the to access and computer a have you if way the Byrecord. broken the one month we still have a tie and list both of the entries. Here comes chapter number, the lake and the specific date within that month. In their it, caught who member the Welist tradition. that maintained “Release we board on the came we as when Consequently ago Month.” the years of Lunker started was award This releases. all are shows the longest muskie ever reported in each month. These entries coursenowhaveofweyearly champions. So inches. 50 were that entries of percentage the shows then column total number of 50-inch muskies for the year released or kept. The last caught each. At the end of the list in the right two columns we list the who member theyear, listingeach for muskie kept heaviest the and age of released muskies. As usual we show the longest released muskie percent the and muskies kept of number the releases, of number the totals by year down through our history. It shows the total for the year, hybrid. a was and pounds Jason40 Potter,weighed it kept, was an for Just kept. was example though, the first very one it on the list, caught in Colorado by show to weight the designate not do We be may listed chapter, longest releases.by are list most the Howeverin kept. as or released The both. them list we and longest the for LOG LUNGE 8 MUSKIE..... 8 ltm Hybrids: All-time Month: the of Lunker All-time history: year 42 Log Lunge May / June 2012 June / May (Con ro t 19 w dd o hv a specific a have not did we 1997 to Prior tinued from page 6) page from tinued This list simply keeps track of the of track keepssimply list This This list is short and sweet. It sweet. and short is list This th icon - - that we have this data available and are planning to incorporate it into their studies each year.incorporate Currently we to do not include the hours in planning are and available data this have we that learned just have states other Several catches. muskie between hours Minnesota, data. of number the for our asking are Ontario and Ohio Illinois, usingWisconsin, are DNRs provincial and state more your last 30-inch muskie on this body of water.of30-inchbodylastthisyour muskiesecondon question The sincehours of number the tochangedshortly water.be willofThat water and caught hour temperature. about questions the underneath just is It print. small fairly in and page the down halfway about are They es. catch betweenmuskie hours the concerning therequestions aretwo various the of need this site web the on help.yourmuskie need wea DNRs enter you When fulfill to order In shortly. reports the to the reports that are run in the Lunge Log. Ron Groeschl will add that The Lunge Log is starting its 43 Itasksnumbertheforhours of since your last legalthis bodyon YourDNR Chapter 24. 2011Winner 24. Replica WomensChapter Dawn Hines - 55 Lake of the Woods the of Lake 55 - Hines Dawn N such as 1.5 for an hour and a half. a and hour an for 1.5 as such less in than happens an hour catch simply use a decimal and points hot get youday. ifotherhandtothe day On from it on watch a keep to you expect not do weestimatedhours; says tion elsewhere. Keep in mind that the ques futurethewaterbodyinofituseand that on right something did they that evaluate can they people muskies of between number a by small fairly are hours the If different. something do to needmay DNRthatpeople of quitelarge for a body of water by a lot are hours these if it, about think Just that. know to like betweenwould they catches hours 200 or 100 go you massivethe Lunge Log has become. If realizehownot did theystated Some studies. their in that use could they really that is DNRs the from getting am I comments the as questions two water. of these answerWe to you need since hours yourlast 30-inch of muskie onany body number the for asks eeds YourHelp! rd year. As time goes by more and - -

2011 Chapter Challunge Headquarters! Log Lunge

Over ◆ 10,000 Muskies Log Lunge Wesley Worel - 55.75 Lake of the Woods Released On Sabaskong Bay Chapter 15. 2011 Mens Replica Winner Seven-time Muskies, Inc., Chapter Challunge Headquarters In my various discussions with the DNR folks they wanted to know how many members catch muskies but do not report them. I 1983, 1986, 1993, 1997, 2003, 2004, 2011 of course can’t answer that but from feedback I get from various • Ultra-modern one, two, three, or four bedroom cabins sources I’d say it is significant. They have stated that the more mem- • Housekeeping or camping bers who report their catches the better off their studies will be. • Floating docks, electricity for charging batteries, Lund Boats with swivel seats and depth finders, Honda motors with electric start ◆

Consequently, in 2012 the Lunge Log and Muskies Inc. are ask- • Dining room with food and liquor available for registered guests only Log Lunge ing you to please report your entries and answer the hour ques- Call or write for data on musky catches: tions. If you only catch one a year it is important to your DNR; 1 (888) 488-5601 or (807) 488-5601 if you catch 10 or 100, that info is needed also. Red Wing Lodge, Box 1008, Baudette, MN 56623 Jim Bunch The convenience of a drive-in camp with the privacy you would expect on an island. The Lunge Log www.redwinglodge.net [email protected] Family owned and operated for 40 years 715 226-0295 CHECK OUR WEB SITE FOR THE FIRST LIVE CAM IN MORSON! ◆ Lunge Log Lunge

Early Musky Season CHECKLIST

JB Rattler

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Red Eye Log Lunge Shallowraider 5”

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From April - July, Joe’s 54” Log Lunge figure 8 musky mount that he caught with a JBO Mag Tinsel Fluorocarbon will be on display at Rollie and Helens in Minocqua, WI. Leaders Come check it out!

Find the entire line-up of lures at your nearest retailer or go to: Joe Bucher Outdoors.com Find us on Facebook! www.muskiesinc.org May / June 2012....MUSKIE 9 MUSKIE Advertiser Spotlight lakewood products

akewood Products has been a builder of specialized tackle varying in size and purpose. Lakewood’s Extreme is designed to hold boxes for over 20 years. They recently joined the growing list over a dozen 14” – 18” inch baits. The Pedestal Pal is also very Lof advertisers who support Muskies Inc. by advertising in popular, serving not only as an on deck bait and tool holder but as a MUSKIE Magazine. As their ad states, all Lakewood cases are made grab and go travel box. Lakewood also manufactures multi-species with pride in the USA! They are manufac- cases: the Five Tray, Four Tray Upright, tured from start to finish in Saumico, and Pike Box. MUSKIE Field Wisconsin, a northern suburb of Green Bay. Editor Kevin Pischke uses Lakewood Lakewood builds quality tackle storage Products musky cases and shares his products for musky as well as most other perspective, “With Lakewood fish species. boxes my musky lures and tools Lakewood Products is a division of are always easily accessible and Midwest Textile Manufacturing, a com- safely stowed. They are built to last, mercial sewing business. Steve Wagnitz, strong enough to be utilized as a cast- the owner of Midwest Textile ing deck extension, and durable Manufacturing, purchased Lakewood enough to withstand years of fishing Products in 2006. Prior to purchas- the abusive waters of places like ing Lakewood, Midwest Textile Green Bay.” Manufacturing was contracted In addition to their by them to sew their tackle fishing line of products, boxes. While performing Lakewood also has a the contract work Wagnitz hunting line. For the realized the value of the avid hunter, Lakewood Lakewood line. offers their Bowfile Lakewood offers a bow cases, arrow, rifle wide range of tackle boxes and shot gun cases, as with over a dozen which are well as protection for musky specific. Their larg- specialty items like elec- est musky box, the Monster, tronics, video cameras and can handle up to 100 musky waterfowl calls. Metroline, baits. The Musky Jr. can hold another division of Midwest 20 baits; perfect for those times Textile Manufacturing, features when you are jumping in a buddy’s dart and billiard cases. boat for a day of fishing. Between these As an avid outdoorsman Wagnitz two Lakewood boxes you will find other models believes in creating and manufacturing products in the USA. He feels that the complete in-house design and production allows him to react quicker to market and industry needs and changes. It also allows for greater control of quality assurance and top-notch customer service. Wagnitz takes great pride in supporting his hometown econo- my by employing approximately 50 employees. He feels that enjoying the outdoors through pastimes like hunting, fishing and camping can help keep families together by giving them a common bond that will last a lifetime. You can read more about Lakewood Products and Midwest Textile Manufacturing by visiting their websites: www.lakewoodproducts.com or www.midwesttextile.com www.lakewoodproducts.com MUSKIE Magazine is pleased to have Lakewood Products as one of the fine advertisers who support Phone 1-800-US-BUILT (1-800-872-8458) • Fax 1-877-676-3559 • [email protected] Muskies Inc. v

10 MUSKIE.....May / June 2012 FIGURE 8 FIGURE Figure 8 8 8 by Kevin Richards ◆

[email protected] 8 FIGURE

Congrats to our M.I. Chapter Reporters! Hats off to all Chapter Reporters for their outstanding efforts. For the second consecutive issue, we have a total of 26 chapter reports in MUSKIE – a new record. The previous record was 25 and dicted 2012 membership income the real magazine cost will con- we only hit that level once (March 2011). sume about 20% of our total membership fees. Many chapters now have reports in most issues of MUSKIE.

Is that too high a percentage? That can only be determined by ◆ Six chapters have the distinction of having reports in every issue for

our members letting their opinions be known to our Board of 8 FIGURE the past year. They include our oldest chapter, Twin Cities (#1), Directors by communicating to them through their Regional West Virginia (#9), Hayward Lakes (#13), Upper Great Plains (#29), Representatives. Of course I welcome members’ opinions anytime Fox River Valley (#39), and our newest chapter, Mountain Muskies via email. (#60). I am your Editor, but I am also a proud 35-year member of Muskies Inc. It is my opinion that our magazine is a valuable and The Real Cost of MUSKIE Magazine to our Members essential communication tool for our organization. However, that About a month ago there was a lot of discussion on one of the doesn’t mean I think our magazine should continue on forever with- muskie forum boards about MUSKIE Magazine and the cost of out changing. For the past year magazine staff members have worked ◆ providing the printed version to our members. I thought our mem- very closely with our new website designer to incorporate a high 8 FIGURE bership would like an estimate of what that cost will be in 2012, quality digital version of MUSKIE into our website. We have also based upon the approved 2012 budget. incorporated photos, news alerts, advertising pages, archives, and Sometimes in the past folks have looked at the total of magazine other important magazine stuff into the new website. expenses as the “cost” of MUSKIE without taking in to account the Each new issue of MUSKIE is available on-line to our members income generated by our magazine. Obviously, leaving out the approximately 2 weeks before the printed versions are mailed. If the income side of the equation doesn’t provide an accurate picture. on-line version is all you need, please contact our Administrative Our membership fluctuates, but if we use a conservative count Secretary and ask to have your membership changed to on-line only. of 6,000 members the real cost of the magazine for 2012 would be This is an immediate way to help Muskies Inc. redirect some of our ◆ about $6.50 for the entire year for each member; that’s for all 6 issues printing and mailing expenses to other important projects. which will average over 36 pages each. Real magazine costs would be In this month’s President’s Message Jay Zahn states, “Sometime ◆ considerably higher if not for the support of our many advertisers, in the future I’m sure that the magazine will go to a completely elec- 8 FIGURE plus the fact that a high percentage of our articles are donated by our tronic version, but we are not ready for that just yet.” I agree with authors and one-third of our staff members are volunteers. Costs Jay and feel that we need to be thinking about how that transition have also been reduced in recent years by working closely with our will evolve. Our work on the website is the first key step. long-term printer to get the best bang for our buck. However, the MUSKIE Magazine has a special niche as a communication tool biggest cost reduction came this year with the new 6-issue produc- for Muskies Inc. MUSKIE provides information about our member- tion cycle; this change allows MI to direct more resources to our ship and our organizational structure. MUSKIE provides the oppor- website, TV sponsorship, and other activities. tunity for every chapter to share activities with the general member- Muskies Inc. has various sources of income each year with the ship. MUSKIE provides advertisers a forum to reach the most dedi- ◆ most significant being membership fees. If we look only at the pre- cated muskie anglers on earth. MUSKIE provides Fisheries Scientists 8 FIGURE an opportunity to share their work and regulation proposals with their constituents, the members of Muskies Inc. MUSKIE also pro- Deadlines & 2012 Schedule vides some great articles about muskie fishing, product reviews, and Please submit chapter reports, regional reports, news destinations. items, ads, and member photos by the deadlines below. In The key to the long-term success of Muskies Inc. and MUSKIE general, the deadlines will always be the 20th of the month Magazine is growing our membership base. Our magazine, our about 40 days prior to the date on the issue. In 2012 our 6 website, our Board, and our TV sponsorship can help in this effort, ◆ issues will be mailed at the beginning of each odd-numbered but ultimately membership will grow when each one of us shares our FIGURE 8 FIGURE month; they will be available to members on our website about time and our passion with others and convinces them that they are 10 days before they are mailed. Here are the remaining 2012 welcomed and needed in Muskies Inc. If each of us does this our deadlines for the upcoming issues of MUSKIE: membership will grow and our organization will get stronger! July/Aug issue - May 20th deadline Sept/Oct issue - July 20th deadline Finally . . . after the thrill of catching your next muskie, please Nov/Dec issue - Sept. 20th deadline do your best to carefully release it to fight another day; the future of our muskie resource will literally be in your hands! - Kevin v www.muskiesinc.org May / June 2012....MUSKIE 11 Muskies, Inc. Hall of Fame Class of 2012 by Steve Budnik On January 30, 2012, the doors of the 22 year old MI Hall of Fame swung open to admit its 58th and 59th members. Don Dubin of the Chicago Muskie Hunters and Denise Olson of the Twin Cities Chapter have been selected and become the class of 2012.

on Dubin has been an active member of the Chicagoland DMuskie Hunters since the mid-1970s. He has served the chapter as president and his involvement and contributions extend to all areas of chapter activity. Practicing conservation and promoting catch and release has been a staple in countless talks he has given to muskie clubs and other outdoor organization over the last 30 years. Don has been a leader in hatchery and rearing projects involving muskies dating back to the late 1970s. He has represented the muskie community working with the Illinois DNR on many projects. Don was involved with the IDNR on initial plans to build the Jake Wolf Fish Hatchery which produces many fish for Illinois waters today. Being involved in club youth programs has been one of Don’s major priorities. Don has served on the Chicagoland Muskie Hunters board of directors for many years. He is also the club’s delegate to the Illinois Muskie Alliance and he’s on Don Dubin, Chapter 3, being presented his Hall of Fame the Fishing Advisory Board for the City of Chicago. plaque by Steve Statland, former Muskies Inc. President and also a member of the Hall of Fame. enise Olson has been involved with muskies and with Dmuskie fishing for more years than she’d care to admit. For the past 30 plus years, she has been deeply involved with the operation of the Twin Cities Chapter on many levels. She has been responsible for the chapter newsletter for nearly 20 years and sold the advertising during that time as well. Denise has been instrumental in the chapter’s tournaments for 20 years. She has served the Frank Schneider Memorial Tournament in many capacities, including the last three as Tournament Director. Denise’s ability to organize chapter activities has been utilized in yearly planning for the chapter’s very popular Veterans Home fishing opener, which has been conducted now for 20 plus years. She has been on the chapter’s board of directors for the last four years. Denise coordinates several chapter committees and keeps everyone updated as to current volunteer needs at monthly chapter meetings. Denise truly defines what camaraderie means through Muskies. Inc. This “million dollar volunteer” spends year after year volunteering in countless ways-all to the benefit of the muskie fishery and Muskies, Inc. Steve Budnik is MI HOF Committee Chair, a MUSKIE Field Denise Olson, Chapter 1, being presented her Hall of Editor, and can be reached at [email protected] v Fame plaque by Chapter President Tom Keith.

12 MUSKIE.....May / June 2012 The Unheralded Netter by Ace Sommerfeld he canoe slows down after bouncing through a set of shallow like this remind me of a rapids. Our efforts are rewarded with an excellent hole, lesson I received long ago. Tstretching 200 yards downstream. A late June storm the day In 1976 I was a Buck before churns the river at perfect speed. We begin sniping through Sergeant, Security boulders-- concentrating on every cast without saying much. With Policeman in the Air Force 50 yards of deep water remaining Steve Ohms breaks the early morn- with orders to Alaska. ing trance, “Big fish!” Before heading north, I It’s all I need to know. Steve has pinned a fish he wants me to went through three months net. My Globester sprays water as it comes in at warp speed. I secure of Army combat training the rod behind me and hoist the net to port-arms. The process takes in west Texas. After a less than five seconds. Steve has already told me three times it’s a big 24-hour recon mission, I fish, and at first glance I agree with him. The longest river muskie I’ve had some questions for my ever seen clears the water with a tremendous headshake. Seconds instructor. later the fish goes airborne again, and runs around the front of the One of his answers canoe where Steve is sitting. has replayed itself from He does an impressive job of getting her close to me, but the mountains in Alaska to the fight is far from over. By now the river is gaining speed. Steve has to Canadian Shield. My Steve Ohms prepares to shove twist backward to hold the fish long enough for me to get into posi- question has been forgot- off. Note the folded net which can tion as the current works against us. She refuses to face the canoe. ten, but his response lives be fully extended in less than three seconds with practice. “She’s gonna shake off!” Steve shouts. It’s my green light to try on, “Look at it this way something drastic. He has its head up just a bit, so I swoop in Sergeant,” he said. “Come out alive, yer right. Come out dead, yer swiftly from behind and bag it tail-first. At the slightest hint of slack wrong.” The aging soldier was telling me there are times when you line the hooks are out, but we got her. Moments later we’re on shore have to think on your feet and trust your instincts. . . . Steve’s River Queen measures 50.5 inches. I don’t know if the old guy ever thought his words would fit into There are mixed reactions every time I tell the story. Many ques- muskie fishing, but they do. Getting a fish into the net is often the tion the wisdom of the unorthodox netting. It was truly one of those most difficult and unpredictable aspect of muskie angling. Trusting times when you had to be there to understand the situation. Episodes (Continued on page 14)

www.muskiesinc.org May / June 2012....MUSKIE 13 THE UNHERALDED NETTER of the net. I’ve lost some nice fish three feet from the net because we (Continued from page 13) didn’t take the situation seriously your instincts is a key factor to reacting properly in a wild situation. enough. Constantly remind yourself Instinct is the intangible part of the equation that will change with that the game isn’t over until the fish every fish, but thinking on your feet is all up to you. is all the way into the bag with no Experience is the best way to increase your ability to make sound possibility of escaping. decisions. Notice that I knew exactly where the handle of the net was Proper netting mechanics can when Steve hooked the fish. Good sticks never let anything get in the be taught. I learned valuable lessons way of grabbing the net cleanly. If you are forced to wrestle with a from the likes of Chuck Spletter and heavy tackle box while your partner is getting impatient, you’re likely Paul Gottwald when I joined Muskies to be in a panic when your head should be clear. Most experienced Inc. A host of other anglers also anglers have developed a routine that helps eliminate the need to guided me to an effective approach improvise when a fish is ready for the net. Anglers who go out alone to minimize boatside heartaches. quickly learn the importance of extending the handle before taking a Every experienced muskie stick has a single cast. distinct style and philosophy when it Steve and I have spent enough time together to hear each other’s comes to netting. Chuck is aggres- best stories at least three times. Along the way we have learned how sive, and he expects the same out of to be good partners. When he said big fish I didn’t have to waste a his netter. I haven’t missed any yet, Steve Ohm’s River Queen second wondering if my services were needed. If you are with a new but he admits I’ve made him nervous nearly broke his heart. It would have been a shame partner talk things over before you start casting. If your abilities are a couple of times because I wasn’t mentally prepared when he said, to lose her three feet from equal, the angler with the fish should take charge. If you have the net, the canoe. be prepared to respond instantly when your partner tells you he is “Now!” bringing the fish to the net. If your partner is new to the sport, take “I’ve lost too many fish at the boat because we messed around,” control of the situation from the time the fish is hooked until it is in he said. “I believe the longer it takes to net a fish, the higher the risk the net. If it’s your boat, try to direct your partner to the area where of losing it.” you feel most comfortable getting the net in the water. Trust your Chuck’s approach makes even more sense if you are fishing instinct and experience. Don’t worry about hurting a novice’s feelings warm water. The last thing we want to do is stress an old fish any- when you know he is doing something wrong. He (or she) will thank more than we have to. Releasing a fish as soon as possible includes a you for it later. quick, clean net job. There is a fine line between being aggressive for Many regrettable experiences could’ve been avoided if more the sake of the fish, and allowing a green one to settle down before thought went into netting. Take every fish seriously. Routine catches you turn its head toward the net. It’s another one of those situations can turn on a dime when a docile fish decides to explode at the sight that require you to think on your feet.

LARRY KLEEBA CHALLUNGE June 1, 2, and 3, 2012 Turtle Flambeau Flowage Mercer, Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Chapters of Muskies, Inc. are invited to enter one or more teams of six anglers each in this friendly fishing contest hosted by the Capital City Chapter of Muskies, Inc. The event will be headquartered out of Gateway Lodge and Resort

(www.thegatewaylodge.com.)

The Registration and Rules Meeting is at the Gateway Lodge and Resort. 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., Friday, June 1, 2012 On Saturday, June 2, 2012, Hours of Fishing are from 5:45 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. with a two-hour lunch break. On Sunday, June 3, 2012, Hours of Fishing are from 5:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The Awards Ceremony will occur at 1:00 p.m. at the Gateway Lodge and Resort. Contact Steve Reinstra ([email protected] or 608-770-7131) or the Capital City Chapter of Muskies, Inc. website for more information (www.capitalcitymuskiesinc.org).

14 MUSKIE.....May / June 2012 The type of net you chose will play a huge role tion. We also figured out the importance of keep- when it comes to being successful. It’s hard to fault a Muskie angling is a ing the bag from twisting when a fish is in it as we novice who loses a fish because you provided them team sport which head to shore. The netter should disregard pad- with inferior equipment, or a bag that wasn’t suited allows the netter to get dling and constantly turn the bag to prevent it for muskies. Don’t expect your twelve year old daugh- from pinching the gills shut. ter to whip a 32-inch net around like you do. If you involved and share the I’ve always considered netting a fish payment haven’t updated your net in a few years consider retir- excitement. For nearly for the education I’m receiving. The way you take ing the old bag. Modern net manufacturers take their every grip n’ grin musk- orders, and handle a net in a tight spot could deter- craft seriously. You’ll find a top-notch product that is ie photograph there is mine if you’ll ever get back into someone’s boat. tailored to your specific requirements. Muskie angling is a team sport which allows the For myself, I have three distinct styles of someone behind the netter to get involved and share the excitement. fishing;two of them require nets, and I use a differ- camera who did a great For nearly every grip n’ grin muskie photograph ent one for each.If there is someone in my Sylvan service to their partner. there is someone behind the camera who did a (it’s a boat) we’ll use a big Beckman. Getting a spe- great service to their partner. v cial muskie in the net is the wrong time to show off your moxie. Nobody is going to find fault if you’re using a 30-inch plus bag. Almost any teenager or adult can handle a big net with two hands, and I recommend leaning toward a bigger net over a smaller one. Problems such as green fish, snagging the hoop, and position of the netter are less critical with a large bag. One more thought before I climb off the stump . . . fish will be more relaxed when they are upright and straight as opposed to the upside-down pretzel position they often end up in with a small bag. The net I use most frequently is a 30-inch fold- ing style with a fin-saver, Guardian bag. Its size and weight allow me to net effectively when I’m alone in the boat.My river partners appreciate the lightweight Guardian material when it comes to the awkward nature of netting from the canoe. The fold-up feature is handy for storage, and can reduce clutter in the canoe, but I learned the hard way that it takes practice to open the bag and extend the handle. It is quicker and simpler to leave it in the ready posi-

Chuck Spletter takes an aggressive approach to fighting and netting muskies. To free-up both hands, he secures the net bag to the boat cleat while removing hooks. www.muskiesinc.org May / June 2012....MUSKIE 15 Ohio Muskellunge Anglers Mark Fifty Years of Catch Reporting by Kevin Page, Ohio Division of Wildlife

he year 2011 marked fifty years of collaboration between the catch reporting “up with the times”. In 2008, the Ohio Division of Ohio Division of Wildlife and Ohio muskellunge anglers in Wildlife launched a new online catch reporting system called the Tbuilding quality muskellunge fisheries in Ohio reservoirs. Muskie Angler Log, or MAL for short. Developed in cooperation Muskellunge were once prevalent within the Lake Erie and Ohio with OHMC and local Muskies Inc. (MI) clubs, the new system River watersheds, but natural populations drastically declined in the allows anglers to securely record, view, and summarize their own early 1900s due to pollution and dam con- catch data online within individual accounts, struction. Stocking designed to rebuild mus- One of the most important similar to the Lunge Log. Information on kellunge fisheries began in the 1950s and contributions muskellunge lengths, dates, and locations of muskellunge today, 20,000 muskellunge 8 to 12 inches in anglers can make to supporting catches are required, but catch details such as length (advanced fingerlings) are stocked annu- weather conditions, fish depths, structure, ally into nine reservoirs to provide put-grow- muskellunge management is and lure types, among others, can also be and-take fisheries. These fisheries now produce reporting their catches. recorded. In addition, anglers can view quality numbers and sizes of muskellunge monthly or annual muskellunge catch sum- similar to other areas of North America. The backbone of this part- maries from specific reservoirs and statewide. Club officers can also nership, and ultimately the success of the muskellunge program, is download club catch records to verify and summarize club catches. based on angler reporting of muskellunge catches. As illustrated by The MAL also serves as a fishing information resource. The Steven Kerr in his article, Ontario’s Volunteer Muskellunge Angler MAL contains details on muskellunge biology and management, and Diary Program, published in the January/February 2012 issue of the in the future will provide information on muskellunge fishing, stock- Muskie Inc. magazine, one of the most important contributions ing updates, reservoir maps, and solunar phases. Importantly for muskellunge anglers can make to supporting muskellunge manage- management, the system provides instantaneous and long-term ment is reporting their catches; and in Ohio, this is no exception. monitoring of muskellunge catches. For example, seasonal pulses in The partnership between the Ohio Division of Wildlife and muskellunge catches due to weather conditions can be evaluated. muskellunge anglers began in 1961 with the development of the Complete records of fishing trips, successful and non-successful trips, Ohio Huskie Muskie Club (OHMC) and the Muskie Scale Program. allows the Ohio Division of Wildlife to evaluate fishing effort and OHMC was founded by the Ohio Division of Wildlife to facilitate muskellunge catch reporting through the Muskie Scale Program. Membership in OHMC and qualification for muskellunge fishing awards were achieved through catch reporting within the Muskie Scale Program. As part of the Muskie Scale Program, anglers mailed scale samples of the muskellunge they caught to the Ohio Division of Wildlife (used to estimate growth). Along with these scales, critical information on when and where fish were caught, fish lengths, and whether fish were kept or released were also provided. This catch information provided the basis for judging stocking success and fine tuning stocking strategies. Over time, numbers and sizes of muskellunge reported steadily increased, demonstrating the growth of muskellunge fisheries in Ohio. Reports also showed a growing apprecia- tion among muskellunge anglers for catch-and-release fishing as the percentage of muskellunge released has grown to nearly 100%. For over 40 years the Muskie Scale Program was a vital component in the catch-rates. Since its inception, 1,280 anglers have registered with development of trophy muskellunge fisheries in Ohio. By 2007, the MAL from eighteen states, and of those anglers, 213 are members more than 47,000 muskellunge had been reported by anglers using of MI; representing 7 local chapters. Currently, anglers have report- the program. ed 9,690 muskellunge in the MAL, showing a continued dedication While the Muskie Scale Program was highly successful, over to reporting muskellunge catches within the new system. time it became apparent to the Ohio Division of Wildlife and mus- Interestingly, angler catch reports represent more than just the kellunge anglers that the program had become antiquated. Scales fishing “success” of anglers. During 1986 to 2006, the Ohio Division were no longer needed as growth of stocked muskellunge in Ohio of Wildlife conducted a tagging study on Clear Fork Reservoir in was now well understood, and there was growing interest in bringing which adult muskellunge (24 inches and larger) were captured and 16 MUSKIE.....May / June 2012 tagged each spring. Recaptures of tagged the Ohio Division of Wildlife proposed muskellunge provided important infor- a new program that will involve the tag- mation about this muskellunge popula- ging and monitoring of all muskellunge tion. Muskellunge anglers again provided stocked within Ohio reservoirs over a ten valuable information by reporting tagged year period. All muskellunge stocked muskellunge caught within the reservoir. into the nine program reservoirs will It turns out that the size distribution of receive an external tag, and those stocked muskellunge caught by anglers was very in three of these reservoirs will also be similar to that of muskellunge caught by implanted with internal “transponder” the Ohio Division of Wildlife, indicating tags that can be read by automated tag that angler catch reports also provide use- reading stations installed below dams or ful information about sizes of muskel- by anglers equipped with hand-held lunge available within the reservoir. These same tag reports also readers. Recaptures of fish with external tags will provide critical showed that angler recaptures of released muskellunge may be low. information on long-term survival, angler catch and recapture rates, Surprisingly, most muskellunge (84%) reported by anglers were and harvest and release rates. Transponder tags will be mainly used caught only once during the study. It is unclear as to why the “recy- to determine the number of stocked muskellunge leaving reservoirs cling” of muskellunge in this fishery was low, but it may be related through dams. Data collected by this study will rely heavily on the to movement out of the reservoir through the dam, mortality, or a reporting of tagged fish caught by anglers. Such an ambitious project change in behavior; an outcome deserving of more study. In short, would not be possible without the support of muskellunge anglers angler catch reporting has provided opportunities for understanding and their continued commitment to supporting muskellunge man- Ohio muskellunge fisheries in greater detail, and opened up new agement through the reporting of muskellunge catches. avenues for exploration. Obviously, catch reporting by muskellunge anglers in Ohio Because anglers continue to support muskellunge management has a long and successful history. Reporting by muskellunge anglers through catch reporting, the Ohio Division of Wildlife is able to has been and will continue to be a significant component of muskel- develop new projects that would otherwise be difficult if not impos- lunge management in Ohio. As fisheries managers, we recognize the sible to successfully implement. At the 2012 Ohio Muskellunge important role anglers play as stewards, educators, and partners in Program Summit - annual meeting sponsored by Ohio Division the management process. That partnership has been indispensible Wildlife to exchange information, ideas, and concerns with regional for the success that muskellunge fisheries have experienced in Ohio muskellunge club officers regarding muskellunge fishing in Ohio - over the last 50 years. v

www.muskiesinc.org May / June 2012....MUSKIE 17 Youth, Fishing, & Muskies by Kevin Bushnick, National Youth Fishing Director for Muskies Inc.

WHY THE MUSKIE? Over the past several years, many people have asked me “Why such an emphasis on “the Muskie?” MY ANSWER: I’ve been A father & daughter team involved in many youth fishing the stumps. events and my experience indicates that fishing for muskies, as compared to fishing for many fishing programs. It makes things more captivating and gives the other species, requires a closer look and even some study. Preparing youth a sense of how important the entire ecosystem is around this for our Youth Muskie Hunt is not as simple as bringing along the spectacular freshwater fish. worms and a bobber. Planning for the event becomes project-orient- ed and gives a child something to work on with their family. At our MUSKIES INC. INCREASING EMPHASIS Youth Muskie Hunts, parents, grandparents and even aunts and ON YOUTH FISHING uncles often participate. I have seen time and time again how valu- Many Muskies Inc. chapters have been involved with youth fish- able this is. I’ve had MANY family members comment on the rela- ing activities for quite a few years, but the activity gained national tionship building that occurs as together, they try to figure out how momentum in the fall of 2008 when the Fox River Valley Chapter to catch one of these toothy predators. It still may take 10,000 casts and the Sheboygan Chapter pooled their resources and created a to catch a muskie, but it takes some brain-power too unless you’re Youth Muskie Hunt. It took place in Lac Vieux Desert in Northern extremely lucky, and most of us aren’t. Wisconsin. Kevin Bushnick, Greg Wells and Rich Gallagher of It is for this reason we bring in high-end educators like Michelle Muskies Inc., along with MANY other volunteers put together a Groves, who is an Illinois-based Professor of Environmental Sciences youth fishing event that would change the course of Muskies Inc. and VP of Education for the Youth Conservation Alliance. Muskies forever. In fact, something really incredible happened at this event. and the environment around them are very interesting to study No it wasn’t a grand fish story about someone catching a 60-inch indeed. We always try to build an educational component into our muskie; it was a series of simple, quiet moments watching a few kids

Muskie fishing legend Larry Ramsell always helping with the Muskies Inc. President-Jay Zahn along with VP-Greg Wells, kids Kevin Bushnick and Pete Maina. All there to support the kids. 18 MUSKIE.....May / June 2012 Muskie ‘lunging’ out of the water - talk about exciting.

gained his composure and said he would never allow his job to prevent him from spending time like this with his son again. From there, one child after another with their dad’s next to them said basically the same sort of thing. There wasn’t a dry eye in the entire group. It was a very powerful moment. It was at that point, we all saw an opportunity to re-connect kids Father & daughter muskie team; doesn’t get any better. with their dad’s. Getting boys and girls out muskie fishing with their interact with their dads. parents is a great way to make this happen. Many mothers and After a fun-packed day of fishing, a large group of us were stand- daughters have begun to participate. It’s all good no matter how you ing around a campfire warming up. All the dads were hanging out look at it. Getting kids together with their parents is at the heart of with the kids reflecting back on their day. Keep in mind, this is late what Muskies Inc. and the Youth Conservation Alliance are seeking fall up in the Northwoods. Many of these dads were tough, hard-core to accomplish in the years ahead. The great fringe benefit in all of fisherman. Just about everyone was in camo attire. So one of the this is our fisheries goals will fall right in line once we get the families volunteer guides, Captain Roy Kalmerton, began to walk around involved; they go hand-in-hand. asking the kids to share with everyone what the day of fishing meant to them. Now we were expecting the kids to talk about the fish they SUMMARY OF THE 2011 YOUTH MUSKIE caught, how fast they went in the boats, stuff like that. Well, to our HUNT IN HAYWARD, WI. surprise, that’s not what they highlighted. There are a lot of things I could say after a major event like we One little blond-haired boy, probably about 10 years old, started had last fall, but the one thing that stands out the most for me about telling everyone how nice it was to spend time with his dad. The boy this program was watching the kids interact with their moms, dads, said his father was always working and he hardly ever saw him. The aunts, uncles and a couple of grandparents who participated. There boy started to cry. His father was standing behind him with his was a lot more than just fishing going on. The 26 kids who partici- hands on his son’s shoulders. The dad, with his voice cracking, pated will remember this Hayward Moose Lake trip for the rest of agreed with his son that his job got in the way of them spending time their lives . . . so will I. together. The dad even went so far as to say he missed the fishing (Continued on page 20) trip the year prior due to work. The dad started to tear-up, but The 2012 Youth Muskie Hunt has already been scheduled for September in Hayward, Wisconsin. If you are interested in attending with your child, or are interested in guiding, please contact Kevin Bushnick, MI’s National Youth Fishing Director, at [email protected] Children must be accompanied by at least one (1) parent or legal guardian. There is NO COST what-so-ever for the kids. If you’re a Chapter Youth Director and wish to receive information, please do not hesitate to contact any of the senior staff at Muskies Inc. The entire Board of Directors has taken on youth fishing as a premier initiative and we welcome those who want to get involved. Hayward’s very own Youth Muskie Hunter, Eric Reinemann. www.muskiesinc.org May / June 2012....MUSKIE 19 Youth, Fishing, & Muskies (Continued from page 19) The 2011 Youth Muskie Hunt was paid for by Muskies Inc. and the Youth Conservation Alliance. The YCA is a relatively new charity, founded in March 2010, set up to teach environmental education to children The Youth Muskie Hunt group lines up for awards. ranging from 2nd grade through high school. The YCA does this primarily through fishing events and hunter safety programs, so team- Speaking of success, we had 26 kids catch 56 muskies in just 2 and a ing up with Muskies Inc. made a lot of sense. half days! Maybe this was a “world record” for a youth fishing event, but Remember, an important goal of Muskies it doesn’t really matter. The kids had fun and spent some real quality Inc. is to ensure the future of our muskie time with family and friends; that’s what this is all about. fisheries, and one of the key strategies is to utilize youth fishing initiatives. There were a total of 7 Muskies Inc. chapters which participated in the 2011 Hunt. Nobody was turned away. Several Chapter Youth Direc tors came out; our ultimate goal is to have each Chapter within Muskies Inc. begin to build their own youth fishing programs. Of course this has already begun. Our objective is to have more Chapter participation year-after-year as the success of these events becomes apparent. Speaking of success, we had 26 kids catch 56 muskies in just 2 and a half days! Maybe this was a “world record” for a youth fishing event, but Pete Maina signs a Phantom for one lucky youngster. it doesn’t really matter. The kids had fun and spent some real quality time with family and friends; that’s (Jay Zahn and Greg Wells) what this is all about. If we don’t get the youth involved in our sport, on hand in their boats help- Larry Ramsell, catching muskies with our young red-heads it will die. The time to build these youth fishing programs is right ing guide. We had profes- now. sional fishermen from all over On the people front, I was absolutely humbled by the support we Illinois and Wisconsin also serving as guides. We had some of the top received. We had a four-time Emmy Award winning NBC cameraman muskie fisherman in the history of the sport on site to take the kids shooting video (Bill Nuyttens). We had Ryan Hexum from Slumberland fishing, serve up trophies and take pictures with the kids. Our pros Furniture provide ALL of the included Larry Ramsell, John Mhyre and Pete Maina. kids with loaded muskie In this day and age, with so much negativity out in the world, it tackle boxes. We had Mike is absolutely amazing to see what people will still do in this great Anderson from Pine country of ours when it’s for a good cause. Many people made a lot Insurance Company in of sacrifices to pull this off and I appreciate them all. It’s pretty Minnesota make a sizable heartwarming to see guides drive 800 miles and take vacation days cash donation. We had Todd off work to take someone else’s kid out fishing. Long time Muskies Cleveland at Phantom Lures Inc. members Dan Koniewicz, Tim Crews and Dave VanDoorn from make custom commemora- Fox River Valley Chapter 39 have done this repeatedly. I mention tive lures for all the kids. We these guys specifically because they are truly examples for the rest of had the most impressive and us to follow when it comes to working with our young people and well organized resort owner teaching them about this sport. Dan and Dave helped many of these ever (Jim Onarheim of the kids catch their very first muskies and when you see the smiles on the Mystic Moose Resort) keep- kids’ faces you know why they do it. Bill Nuyttens, 4-time Emmy wining the kids’ muskie-train on ning Youth Muskie Camera-Man the tracks. We had Moose WHY THE HAYWARD LAKES AREA? Lake restaurants (Louie’s Landing & Charlie’s) working hand-in-hand The Hayward Lakes area has a lot to offer, such as a long- making sure the entire group had great food. Diane Schneider coor- standing history with fishing and being home to the Freshwater dinated the Cabela’s donation of some awesome tackle bags for prizes. Fishing Hall of Fame. But this isn’t the only reason why Muskies Inc. We had Famous Dave’s (the original restaurant in Hayward) provide and the Youth Conservation Alliance like Hayward for our Youth lunch for us all one day. We had the President and VP of Muskies Inc. Muskie Hunt.

20 MUSKIE.....May / June 2012 Our 1st place winners (2011) with a pair of 42’s

Interestingly enough, Hayward is home to the annual Lumberjack Other considerations for our events must include good boat World Championships. It is important to mention that many of the launches and adequate parking for around 25 or more trucks with Hayward area lakes and flowages (including Moose Lake) were cre- trailers attached. We also need adequate docking space for all the ated by the early logging industry. Speaking of Moose Lake, we have boats. This is a tall order as most public facilities just don’t have that chosen Moose for one of our annual Youth Muskie Hunts because of much vehicle space. its beauty, and its large population of muskies. Moose is not known Local Community support is always important too. For exam- for producing huge muskies, but it certainly produces numbers, ple, the Hayward Chapter of Muskies Inc. donated cash for our event which is an important consideration when trying to hook kids on to help with costs. Several Hayward area businesses also chipped in our sport. It doesn’t need to be a 50 incher although rumor has it, big time. Famous Dave’s (the actual Famous Dave) served up lunch there are a few 50 inch fish cruising Moose. for 75 one day. Slumberland and Wildwoods Furniture donated Because the Hayward Lakes area is an outdoor destination for thousands of dollars in tackle for the kids. All of this not only helps thousands, they are able to sustain their own newspaper and news with charity costs, it brings the entire event to the next level. media center. This is kind of cool as they have reporters onsite cover- Lastly and most importantly on a safety note; the owners of the ing events. The Sawyer County Record always covers our event as a Mystic Moose Resort and Louie’s Landing are both on the local Fire feature story and gives us plenty of space for write-ups and pictures. Department. In fact, Jim Onarheim regularly teaches emergency The Hayward Lakes Visitors Center is also very supportive giving us response medicine at Eau Claire College. He’s also a Fire Marshall. plenty of news coverage. In fact, the Moose Lake Youth Muskie Yet another important aspect to Hayward is there is a hospital and Hunt is now being featured in the Hayward Lakes 2012 Vacation trauma center located right downtown. Although nobody has been Guide. hurt at one of our events, it sure is nice knowing there is big-time If there’s one thing that’s important to fisherman, it’s FOOD. medical help near-by. It is well documented that the first hour of any Being outside all day on a boat breathing fresh air makes people emergency (the Golden Hour) is critical in life and death situations. extremely hungry. It is staggering the amount of food people can eat It’s nice knowing we could get someone to a hospital facility well after fishing all day. It’s even more amazing how much kids can within that time-frame. inhale. So, a key factor is being able Muskies Inc. and the Youth to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner Conservation Alliance are very for EVERYONE. When you’re talk- open to holding events in other ing about groups nearing 100 peo- locations too. We just need to ple, this creates some challenges. take into account all the prerequi- We need restaurants that are very sites mentioned above. If you close by, and able to accommodate a have a lake or area you think we crowd. We also must have lake access be a good fit for one of our Youth restaurants. We really can’t be hav- Muskie Hunts, please contact ing people drive all over the place in Kevin Bushnick at the middle of the Northwoods to go [email protected] eat 3 times a day. This is especially Youth Muskie Hunts are important at night when people are win-win events for the kids, the tired, it’s dark, and there’s wildlife parents, the sponsors, the com- everywhere. This is why Moose munities, and for the YCA and Lake is such a good spot for us with Muskies Inc. Consider joining Louie’s Landing restaurant right on in the fun! v the water. Young Makayla, she’s a big-time Muskie producer. www.muskiesinc.org May / June 2012....MUSKIE 21 Tough Trigger Precise and thorough tactics for fussy early season muskies by Adam M. Glickman

Muskie spawning locations vary from water to water, but include bays, main lake weed edges, creek tributaries, and below impassable obstructions in rivers.

worked my boat slowly with the slight current running through approach is fairly simple. I use my knowledge of the fish to predict the upper end of a small flowage. I was just downstream of the specific locations I think will hold muskies. I also choose to fish I river entrance, looking for post spawn muskies transitioning out waters that have very specific structural elements. Once I have of the river. I concentrated heavily on log jams along a deep bank, decided on where I will fish, I confidently pick these areas apart with casting many times to each, and then moving quickly to the next slower tantalizing presentations to trigger strikes. eliminating dead water and maximizing time in high percentage areas. I worked the areas quietly from close range picking apart every nook and protruding log. Early Season Muskie Location My Manta slid to the boat along one very nice timber edge and In May and June, water temperature is critical to predicting I went into a deep straight line maneuver so I could finish out the muskie location. Depending on water temperature, muskies are edge in the same cast. As my boat proceeded slowly forward, I either in spawning areas, transitioning out of spawning areas, or worked the Manta in a slow steady forward progression with wide already in summer locations. Water temperature in the upper 40s glides along side and underneath a deep log. After about 10 seconds and lower 50s will have muskies in spawning locations in either pre- of this, my bait neared the end of the log and a spawn or spawn activity. As water temperature good muskie emerged from the depths of the jam rises into the mid to upper 50s, there will likely and T-boned the plug in effortless fashion. Combining lots of lure be late spawning muskies but some may be in Later that day, many miles upstream on the transition areas between spawning sites and sum- same river system, I caught another nice muskie action while maintaining mering locations. Once daytime water tempera- fishing from shore at the culvert mouth of a creek a slow rate of forward ture reaches the lower 60s, spawning areas will inlet that was attracting baitfish. It was a different progress can be the key to likely be deserted unless water temperature is ris- yet very similar scenario. I was fishing very spe- early season success ing rapidly, forcing some late spawning muskies cific structure in an extremely meticulous and to do their rituals in less than ideal water tem- deliberate manner. I had moved the fish in the perature. Water temperature in the low to mid first couple casts, but it took a couple dozen more 60s is prime time for the transition. Once the casts to the same area and two color changes before it committed to water reaches the upper 60s and especially lower 70s, muskies are a solid strike. usually established in summer locations. When I look back at that day of fishing, I realize just how tough Muskie spawning locations vary from water to water, but muskie fishing can be in May and June. Those where the only two include bays, main lake weed edges, creek tributaries, and below fish I moved that day. Had I been any less patient, persistent, or impassable obstructions in rivers. Many muskies show up to these thorough, I am confident the day would have been completely fruit- areas, often well before the spawn, and stick close by until reproduc- less. Muskies during May and June can be tough for a multitude of tive activity is complete. Usually, many muskies will use one small reasons. In the upper Midwest, the post spawn period almost always area that has the right depth, bottom, structure, current, etc. falls into this time frame. If that wasn’t enough, the unstable water I have come to realize that the transition period after the spawn and weather conditions of late spring and early summer often drive is much shorter than I once thought and has more to do with dis- the last nails into the coffin containing the dead hopes and dreams tance to summer areas, forage location, and in some cases main lake of many anglers, myself included. weed development than anything else. In rivers, if muskies spawn Of course, excellent steady action can be found at this time, but below a dam, the suckers they forage on all season are moving into in my experience tough times are the norm. The advantage is that the same areas to spawn just as the muskies are finishing their spawn. these fish do need to feed at least a little to regain strength, and I have In this case, the muskies don’t go anywhere to transition into a sum- figured out some tactics that have helped during hard times. The mer pattern, because their summer pattern is following the suckers

22 MUSKIE.....May / June 2012 and their summer location is any structure near where the suckers happen to be. On the other end of the spectrum, post spawn muskies in a large natural lake may have to swim many miles between a spawning bay or tributary and main lake structure they will use until ice-up. If their destination is rock reefs, main lake edges with well developed weed growth, or reefs with already developed vegetation. They may make such a transition in less than a day and use transition areas such as the mouth of a bay for no more time than it takes to swim through. However, if proper forage is not yet using the rock reefs or if weed growth is behind in the main lake, muskies will be forced to use transition areas for however long it takes for their main lake haunts to get right. This may take a few days to a few weeks depending on weather and how fast the water warms.

Choosing Waters Regardless of what period I think the muskies are in during early season, I choose waters with specific small Fishing from shore helped the author realize just how much it can take structural elements. I know these locations will have to coax strikes from early season muskies muskies and I can pick them apart and move onto the next, fishing as little dead water as possible. I usually steer clear of I will also hit much larger lakes, but only if they have very spe- large waters with vast weed edges and/or flats. Unless I am very cific structures that consistently hold muskies all season or at least familiar with weed extensions, inside turns, or rare rock and weed hold them well early in the season. In lakes with vast weed edges, a spots that are almost always holding muskies, it is too hard to predict very well defined point or inside turn in the edge often works. If the exact muskie location and therefore too tough to predict where to lake has few rocks, a spot on the edge with a few rocks is great. Rocks concentrate precise tactics. If water temperatures are around 70 and on an inside turn or point are dynamite. on a good warming trend, covering lots of water and vast structural elements with traditional searching tactics will often work. Such Tough Time Tactics conditions though are not the norm. The tactics I speak of are for when early season conditions are not ideal and times are tough, I have written many times that when the bite is tough and/or the which in my experience is the case more often than not. water is cold, neutrally buoyant plugs work the best for me. They I generally stick to small rivers, small flowages, small lakes, and have tantalizing action when worked whether their action is erratic lakes with little structure. Small river muskie location is usually easy. or mechanical, and when paused they simply hang in the strike zone Holes, current breaks, washout pools, current seams, log jams, dams, begging to get hit. My favorites are jerkbaits, both gliders and divers. and boulders all hold fish and are often few and far between with I use neutral gliders to work the top of the water column and neutral long stretches of shallow featureless water being the norm. I skip the divers if I want my lure to run in the 6 to 10 foot range. For me, this dead water that is easy to identify and meticulously and quietly fish means Manta Hang 10s and weighted Bobbie Baits. Neutrally buoy- the obvious good looking stuff. Small flowages often have good deep ant twitch baits are also excellent. Those who like to lift and drop log jams, nice pools, current seams, and boulders below their first large spinner baits or bottom bounce soft plastics will also do well heavy elevation change upstream. Small lakes, even if they have a practicing their craft. weed edge all the way around, usually have limited features in the (Continued on page 24) weed line that attract muskies, and it is these areas that I pick apart when attempting to trigger tough fish. Lakes with little structure of any type are also good, because the little structure that exists is almost sure to be holding muskies. www.muskiesinc.org May / June 2012....MUSKIE 23 ered to ensure there are no missed opportunities. If the water isn’t Tough Trigger (Continued from page 23) overly clear and/or shallow, I will get pretty tight to the structure to Combining lots of lure action while maintaining a slow rate of make this task easier. If I am very quiet I don’t seem to spook fish. forward progress can be the key to early season success. Violent Shallow and/or clear water conditions will make keeping a distance slashes, sharp jerks, long quick glides, fast lifts, and quick hops com- from target structure necessary. Accuracy with longer casts will be bined with long pauses are going to get the most attention and trig- more difficult, as will boat and lure control. ger the most strikes. Some anglers prefer keeping things very subtle Fishing from shore helped me realize just how much it can take in such scenarios, and if that works I say go with it, but in my expe- to coax strikes from early season muskies. A slight variation in retrieve rience the lure has to “pop”. style or moving the casting target just a few feet can make all the dif- The cast itself is also just as important as the retrieve. Whether ference in taking a strike or not. Shore fishing is a great way to hone I am working wood, rock, or weeds. I keep my casts as close to the techniques, access certain waters, and there are some great shore fish- structure as I can with out dulling my hooks or fouling too much. ing opportunities to be had, but inevitably there are many areas that Of course, if I am getting into the right range, some snagging and are only accessible by boat. Holding position in current or wind long making contact with structure is inevitable. However, I make sure I enough to take a strike using such techniques is tricky at best and am not snagging so much that I am spooking out every spot retriev- requires practice, but it will pay off in the long run. Anchoring isn’t ing lures, and if I bump solid structure I make sure I check my hooks a bad idea as long as it is done in a quiet, gentle fashion. Other than and sharpen if necessary. Sharp hooks are always a must, especially that, learning to use my trolling motor in a precise and deliberate when muskies are tough because strikes are few and far between and fashion has been my best path to proper boat control. often light in nature. I like to make all my effort count at the For me, the early season is second only to fall in terms of pro- moment of truth; therefore I keep my hooks sharp. ductivity. I would much rather deal with a tough spring day than a The cast angle is also another important aspect to consider. scorcher during the dog days of summer. I think stressfully warm When the strike zone is tight to the structure I have found more suc- water temperatures are much more detrimental to a muskies’ willing- cess working parallel to structure to keep my lure along side of it and ness to strike than are typical poor spring conditions. Developing in the strike zone longer. The first few movements of a retrieve made skills to trigger strikes from early season muskies will make for a after a perpendicular cast take the lure out of the narrow strike zone much more productive season overall, it most certainly has for me. and result in less efficiency and thus less productivity. Parallel casts also work more of the structure per cast so it takes fewer casts to work Adam Glickman is an avid muskie angler, guide, outdoor writer, and each structural element thoroughly. All possible areas must be cov- Field Editor for MUSKIE. v

October 13-14, 2012 Horseshoe Bay Lodge on Leech Lake Walker, MN • Tournament limited to 50 teams • Tournament registration $140 per two person team • Special lodging and meal plan rates available payment must be made by September 28, 2012 For more details, log on to www.muskieshootout.com

24 MUSKIE.....May / June 2012 Travis Smith of Chapter 28 caught his first muskie while trolling, Chapter 50 member Art Knute caught this 43 inch muskie Chapter 44 Colorado member Dr. Thomas this 35 incher, and it was also his first muskie registered as a right at dusk on a figure 8. He was using a custom AC Glider Narsete caught his first muskie over the Muskies Inc. member. Congratulations Travis, hope there are made and painted by 2 fellow Chapter members. 30lb mark while fishing Eagle Lake. It was many more to come. a 49.5x22.5 inch beauty. Congratulations!

Star of the North Chapter member Gary Prestidge caught this LOTW fish while enjoying a free stay he won at Red Wing Lodge. It was also one of the 18 caught while fishing with Kris (Prestidge).

Dave Ledman of Chapter 21 caught this 47 inch fish from Minnesota’s Lake Vermilion. Chapter 19 Junior member Greta Heiser caught this 22 inch Saugeye Nice fish and a good photo as well. last June while fishing a smaller bait for muskies. Nice job Greta.

Chapter 02 member Evan Twa caught this 44 inch Seth Davis of Chapter 52 caught this 40 inch muskie while fishing the Collins River in Tennessee in Kris Prestidge of the Star of the North Chapter caught this LOTW muskie while fishing Goose Creek River in Clay January during heavy rain. It’s nice to be rewarded muskie last October. It was one of 18 on the trip. Nice job. co. Kentucky. He was fishing with a 12 inch Red when fishing conditions like that. October Sexy Tube on 1/1/2012. Nice job. www.muskiesinc.org May / June 2012....MUSKIE 25 Photo Contest – May / June by Brad Waldera, Photo Editor • [email protected] * Photo #1 Frequent contributor Dave Ledman of Chapter 21 submitted this nice sunset/sunrise photo. On first glance I thought there appeared to be a bird fly- ing overhead but then I noticed he captured a lure in midair as it was heading toward the edge of the boulders. What a great spot for a muskie to be and looking at this shot just makes me wonder what the outcome of this cast was. Often times we don’t take the camera out and capture moments like this, and only take pictures of guys holding fish. From the pictures Dave has sent in over the years, I know he never forgets to take a moment to get a good scenery shot or two. Thanks for the reminder to us all Dave, nice photo.

Photo #2 * Here is a great photo submitted by Tom Dietz of the Brainerd Lakes Chapter. I like a lot of things about this particular shot. The exposure is just about spot on, as you can really see the beautiful colors of the fish. Sometimes it can be too bright and you miss the little details. The color is also right on and the picture is in good focus. I also like the angle it was taken at. I’ll assume Tom took off his sunglasses, and he doesn’t have his hat pulled down too low over his eyes so we can’t see him. That seems to be something we forget to do a lot. Keep these things in mind this coming year, as it really only takes a split second to kneel down like this, tip your hat up a bit, and remove your sunglasses. It could help you capture a great moment with a terrific photo such as Tom did here. Good fishing all. v

26 MUSKIE.....May / June 2012 Chapter News and Views ATTENTION CHAPTER CONTACTS: Please make sure your chapter address and phone number is correct on this page AND on the M.I. website. Whenever you update chapter information on the website, please send an email to the Editor so we can keep this page current. Thanks! No. Chapter, Address Phone # 01.....Twin Cities, 4012 Washburn Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55410...... 612-925-1109 Special Events 02.....Fargo-Moorhead, Box 2021, Fargo ND, 58107...... 701-298-9032 03.....Chicagoland Muskie Hunters, 7600 Kilbourn Ave, Skokie, IL 60076...... 847-677-0017 04.....Titletown/Packerland, 3097 Inverness Lane, New Franken, WI 54229 ...... 920-866-9705 05.....Pomme De Terre, PO Box 5, Hermitage, MO 65668...... 314-440-2173 2012 06.....First Wisconsin, PO Box 122, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729...... 715-864-2269 07.....South Side Muskie Hawks, 5211 S. Narragansett Ave., Chicago, IL 60638...... 773-581-8650 April 17, 2012 (Tuesday night) 08.....Capital City, PO Box 8862, Madison, WI 53708...... 608-669-5046 09.....West Virginia, 1270 Federal Road, Little Hocking, OH 45742...... 740-667-3571 Between the Lakes Chapter 20 10.....Heartland, 239 8th St SE, Mason City IA 50401...... 641-424-0827 26th Annual Banquet 11...... Mississippi Valley, 5301 11th Ave “C”, Moline, IL 61265...... 309-797-1803 Range Line Inn, 12.....Headwaters, PO Box 652, Eagle River, WI 54521...... 715-891-5574 Sheboygan Falls WI 13.....Hayward Lakes, PO Box 609, Hayward, WI 54843...... 715-634-4543 Contact: [email protected] 14.....South of the Border, 28926 W. Big Hollow Rd, McHenry, IL 60050...... 815-385-9026 15.....Star of the North, 16774 West Bay Drive, Pengilly, MN 55775...... 218-885-1677 April 28, 2012 16.....Three Rivers, 119 Bus Lane, Renfrew, PA 15136...... 724-789-7866 MI Annual Board Meeting 17.....Quad County, PO Box 185, Plano, IL 60545...... 815-695-1494 18.....Hopedale, 15 Township Rd 125, Dillonvale, OH 43917...... 740-769-7269 Green River Lake, KY 19.....Akron-Canton Muskie Maniacs, 10957 Northwood Ave NE, Bolivar OH 44612...330-874-2773 May 18-20, 2012 20.....Between the Lakes, PO Box 61, Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085-0061...... 920-564-3226 21.....North Metro, PO Box 41216, Plymouth, MN 55441...... 952-469-2155 16th Annual Indiana Muskie Classic 22.....New Jersey, 167 Washington St, Belvidere, NJ 07823...... 908-750-6615 Chapter 42 23.....Cleveland, 5007 Starr St., Newton Falls, OH 44444...... 330-219-7964 [email protected] 24.....Brainerd Lakes, 18031 Heritage Road, Brainerd, MN 56401...... 218-838-5509 317-373-1270 26.....Central Wisconsin, PO Box 263, Medford, WI 54451...... 715-748-4874 28.....Shawnee Muskie Hunters, 923 Reiss Rd, O’Fallon, IL 62269...... 618-628-4205 August 29-31, 2012 29.....Upper Great Plains, 1788 Hwy 4, Estherville, IA 51334...... 712-362-2501 Gil Hamm Chapter Challunge 30.....God’s Country, PO Box 1461, LaCrosse, WI 54602...... 608-792-7722 Lake of the Woods 31.....Penn-Ohio, 309 Spring St, Jamestown, PA 16134...... 724-932-5815 32.....Flatlanders, 5776 Vesper Drive, South Beloit, IL 61080...... 815-389-4622 October 5-7, 2012 33.....Lake Superior, 2031 Hwy. 33 S., Cloquet, MN 55720...... 218-879-2712 Hayward Lakes Chapter 35.....Milwaukee, PO Box 28842, Greenfield, WI 53228...... 262-442-6260 37.....St. Cloud, 312 18th Avenue N., Sartell, MN 56377...... 320-656-1160 35th Annual Fall Tournament 38.....Alexandria-Vikingland, 106 Main Ave, P.O. Box 102, Carlos, MN 56319...... 612-554-8170 www.muskiesinc-hayward.org 39.....Fox River Valley, 1253 Cobblers Crossing, Elgin, IL 60123...... 847-741-9771 715-634-4543 Mike Persson 41.....Central Ohio, 2716 Red Robin Way, Delaware, OH 43015...... 740-225-1152 42.....Hoosier Muskie Hunters, PO Box 501371, Indianapolis, IN 46250...... 317-372-0111 Special events listings are provided at 45.....Kentucky, 212 Linden Ave., Southgate, KY 41071...... 859-441-1666 no charge to Muskies, Inc chapters. 46.....Bemidji/Cass Lake, 16256 Andrusia Rd NE, Cass Lake, MN 56633...... 218-335-8597 47.....Michigan Muskie Alliance, PO Box 512, Caledonia, MI 49316...... 616-447-1688 To list your chapter's event, email to: 49.....Webster Lake Musky Club, PO Box 670, No. Webster, IN 46555...... 574-834-1669 [email protected] 50.....Penn-Jersey, 510 Bryton Ave., Pottstown PA 19465...... 484-459-5940 or by ground mail: 52.....Daniel Boone, 813 US 62, Maysville, KY 41056...... 606-759-7610 Kevin Richards, 53.....Huskerland Muskie Hunters, 15706 Hamilton St, Omaha, NE 68118...... 402-498-8959 7618 Sunrise Ridge Road, 54.....Southern Crossroads, 1524 Country Club Rd, Albert Lea MN 56007...... 507-373-1818 Henley, MO 65040 56.....SW Ohio Muskie Assoc., 524 Sterling Meadows Place, Brookville, OH 45309.. 937-833-1833 57.....NW Tiger Pac, P.O. Box 5515, Kent, WA 98064...... 253-850-5889 Please send announcements 58.....Lake St. Clair Muskies, Inc., P.O. Box 806027, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080.....586-873-5781 at least 2 months in advance. 59.....New Mexico Muskies, Inc., P.O. Box 65575, Albuquerque, NM 87193...... 505-264-2999 60.....Mountain Muskies, 37720 N. Sheets Road, Elk, WA. 99009...... 509-263-7235 www.muskiesinc.org May / June 2012....MUSKIE 27 and realizing the objectives established by founder Gil Hamm. Denise has established an exceptional body of work in Muskies Inc. and our chapter. NW TigeR Pac For the induction, Vince Trotta read the selection criteria and listed the P.O. Box 5515, Kent, WA 98064 57 www.nwtigermuskies.org members of Chapter #1, who have been previously inducted into the Hall of email: [email protected] Fame. Previous inductees: George Selcke, Jeri Glander, and Juris Ozols Hot line: (253) 850-5889 • Norm Dillon, President were introduced and called to the stage. The planning committee had kept the secret and Denise was surprised when her name was called and she Chapter 57 had a great awards meeting in March with some new faces was presented with the Hall of Fame plaque. Her friends, Patty Slack and in the crowd even. Welcome to Trent R. from Olympia who signed up that Elaine Randolph, on behalf of the Chapter presented Denise with a dozen night. By the way, Miles McDonald has graciously decided to take on the roses and a cake that had a picture of Denise holding a giant muskie. Membership position so guide any new people that want to sign up to him. People like Denise have solidified Muskie Inc.’s place as a preeminent Thanks Miles. conservation organization on the national stage. Paul Hartman says, “The As for the awards: Mike Floyd won Angler of the Year for the fourth time seasons fly by as this “million dollar volunteer” spends year after year vol- and Lunker of the Year also. He caught 44 Tiger Muskies for a total of 1548 unteering in countless ways, all to benefit her favorite fish – the muskie.”

Cinches H A P T E R N Eand W S his biggest fish was a 48.5 x 23.5 incher. Mike spends a lot of Our March General Meeting featured Luke Ronnestad as the guest speaker. Luke is an outstanding guide on Lake Vermilion and Mille Lacs. ◆ time on the water and is very willing to help others learn how to catch TM’s. He talked about making good decisions on the water to make the most of Next up is Dan Fuller who received the Tournament Champion trophy your day. He feels that for a variety of reasons, feeding windows have for catching the most Tiger Muskie inches during tournaments last year. Dan become shorter. Luke talked about a number of things that every angler can and Perry Peterson also shared in bringing the Golden Bucket home to do to more effectively utilize their time on the water. He shared a terrific Chapter 57 this year. He and Perry caught a total of 129.85 inches of Tiger quantity and quality of information. Everyone appreciated how he patiently Muskie during the combined Chapter 57 and 60 Curlew Tournament. answered all questions. Our Sportsman of the Year went to founding member and past By the time you read this, we already will have had our banquet. This president Perry Peterson. He hasn’t been able to be out on the water as is the major fundraising event for our Chapter. A special thank you to Joe much as he’d like due to his recent injuries but he continues to support Mellott and Jody Dahms for the amazing job they have done with the ban- Chapter 57 any way he can. A Big CONGRATULATIONS to all of you. quet. Their skills have helped the banquet grow, which in return results in A big thanks to all the club members that volunteered at the many more opportunities for muskie anglers. We are so fortunate to be Sportsman’s Show this year: Norm D., Brett O., Mike F., Dan F., Bryant P., involved in a sport that has so many great and caring people. Oliver S., Joe F., Jesse F., Doug and Maddy P., Daryle W., Bill E., and Jani Respectfully submitted, Tom Keith and Perry. A special thank you to Mike and Brett for doing another outstanding job in the Blue Theater with the Tiger Muskie Seminars and great job Perry for filling in at a moment’s notice when the Show changed Chicagoland Muskie Hunters the Seminar time on Mike that first day. 7600 Kilbourn Ave. • Skokie, IL 60076 As I am writing this on March 18th I have not heard of any Tiger Muskies 03 847-677-0017 – Dean Rosset being caught by club members yet this year. We have been having colder [email protected] nd than normal weather this Spring but hopefully that will have changed and Meets 2 Tuesday 7:30 PM, Park Ridge VFW 10 West Higgins Ave., Park there will be some Washington Tigers logged into the Lunge Log by the time Ridge, IL. this comes out in May. Don’t forget about our first chapter tournament on May 5th at Mayfield In March the Chicagoland Muskie Hunters held our annual fishing Flea Lake. I’m sure there’s a bunch of you that have been anxiously awaiting the Market. This event is our biggest annual fundraiser and this year we estab- CHAPTER & NEWS VIEWS start of tournament season. If you haven’t been out yet it’s a good excuse lished record attendance. Six hundred and fifty people gathered at this

◆ to get on the water. Thanks Norm and Sue for having a preseason potluck year’s event. CMH members donated many hours of hard work to make this at your house in April to get everyone together again. event such a huge success. Thank you Zach Arnold and all the participants Lastly, be sure and circle May 17th on your calendars and plan to attend who worked at the event. The time, dedication, and energy contributed by Chapter 57’s five year anniversary meeting. The board is lining up some individuals from our club make our chapter and every MI chapter great. If guest speakers and there will be free pizza for all attending. We will be at you have not participated in a club event please make an attempt to do so our normal Round Table Pizza meeting place in Federal Way. Check the in 2012. You will not be disappointed! club website for updates since I’m writing this is March. Due to the warm weather this spring a couple members from our club Good fishing and tight lines to everyone this season. Rosann Green had early opportunities to test the waters. Paul Hortenstine and Frank Loye were the first two members to boat muskies this year. I am sure there will be many added to our list in future months. Many other anglers in our club took full advantage of the Chicago lakefront for multi species angling and beach- Twin Cities combing. The coho, brown, and lake trout fishing was spectacular this 4012 Washburn Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55410 spring. It was not uncommon to reach a limit (5 fish) in a couple hours. 01 612-925-1109 Since the fishing season is now upon us it’s time to focus on your next www.twincitiesmuskiesinc.org Meets 2nd Tuesday 7:00 PM, Knights of Columbus, 1114 W79th St Bloomington, trip. If you are looking for advice on new waters, want to be more productive MN, near the SE corner of the intersection of I-494 and I-35W. on your favorite body of water, or want to perfect a new fishing technique stop by one of our meetings. Our May meeting will focus on arguably the biggest muskie producer in the world – Lake St. Clair. The June and July The Twin Cities Chapter was honored to recognize Chapter #1 mem- meetings will be held on the Fox Chain of Lakes. This is a great opportunity ber Denise Olson at our February General Meeting. She was one of two to catch muskies and hang with some of Illinois finest fisherman. To see a new members that were added to the Hall of Fame for Muskies Inc. this year schedule of all our events and activities please take a look at our website - (you can read more about both inductees elsewhere in this magazine). www.chicagolandmuskiehunters.org/. If you have any questions or are look- Denise joins 58 others inducted into the Hall of Fame since 1991. She is ing for a hot Chicagoland report give me a call at (847) 456-2193. recognized for making major contributions to the growth of the organization Trollin till swollen, Joe Pavilonis CHAPTER NEWS CHAPTER & NEWS VIEWS

28 MUSKIE.....May / June 2012 Titletown/Packerland First Wisconsin VIEWSNEWS& CHAPTER 3097 Inverness Lane P.O. Box 122, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 04 New Franken, WI 54229 06 Jason Smith - 715-726-9912 • 1-888-726-6733 920-866-9705 www.firstwi.muskiesinc.org Meetings 1st Monday, 5:30 PM, at Rod and Gun Club, Lake Wissota from May to September and at the Fill Inn Station, 104 W. Columbia St., Chippewa Falls from October to April. Spring arrived early in Green Bay this year! This was apparent by the amount of boats seen walleye fishing on the Fox River in early March, a lot of anglers were able get on the water to help fight off the winter blues. In February Gregg Thomas spoke at out monthly meeting and Luke Ronnestrand gave a presentation at our March Meeting. Our annual banquet was March 9th at the Stadium View Bar and Banquet Center, we had a great turn out. Thanks to the support of those in attendance and the generosity of our sponsors the banquet was a huge success. Our banquet coordinators and workers efforts were also key to its success. Awards for 2011 were also given out. Big fish of the month; March: Ray Perry 40”, April: Kevin Pischke 36”, May: Doug Kapla 49”, June: Jeff Wickesburg 47”, July: George Owen 51”, August: George Owen 52”, Sept: Shirley Kallman 53 1/2”, October: Jay Zahn 46”, November: Jeremy Van Ert 50 1/2”. Jeremy also placed 5th overall in the men’s division with 61 releases for 824 pts. Shirley Kallman 53 1/2” was also the big fish of the year for the chapter and also the 3rd largest release for the women in the nation for 2011. Congratulation’s everyone! The Spring Packerland Outing is scheduled for June 8 9 10, it will be

headquartered out of the Sand Lake Pub in Phelps. With musky season ◆ just around the corner we hope everyone has a safe, enjoyable and suc- CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWSNEWS& CHAPTER cessful year fishing. Take the time to introduce someone new to fishing and MUSKIE’s Inc.! Get Bit! Kevin R. Pischke, RVP

First Wisconsin 2011 Masters Division Winners (L to R): Jim Coffin, Len Rubesch, Jason Smith, Chuck Spletter-1st Pomme de Terre P.O. Box 5 • Hermitage, MO 65668 Dates to Remember 05 314-440-2173 – Wayne Humphrey May 7 Fish Fry, Rod & Gun Club, Lake Wissota, 5:30 pm www.missourimuskies.org May 21 Chapter Board Meeting, Rod & Gun Club, Lake Wissota, 6 pm Meets: Various days-Call for schedule May 30 Wednesday Night League starts. June 4 General Meeting, Rod & Gun Club, Lake Wissota, 6 pm June 9 Topwater Challenge on Lake Holcombe, noon Sports Shows are done and now it is time to get down to the serious June 18 Chapter Board Meeting, Rod & Gun Club, Lake Wissota, 6 pm business of fishing. Our first event is the challenge event with Shawnee Fundraising Committee- Dave Vollmer Musky Hunters on Kinkaid Lake in the latter part of March. Tough time of Dave wants to publically thank the dozen members who helped out at the year to fish in this part of the country and every fish will be critical to the Eau Claire Sports Show March 17 & 18. They helped set up and man getting back the bragging rights for this event. the club’s booth. They sold over $700 in tickets for the Musky Alliance Boat The chapter had been given two grants by the Hugh C. Becker Raffle. Dave points out that seventy-five cents of each dollar sold stays with Foundation for this year. The first grant is for $700 to purchase a new net our club. Thanks go out to Joe Heil, Jake Caswell, Dave Jann, Scott for the Lost Valley Hatchery. The chapter is also purchasing a new net to Pomeroy, Tom Riedel, Brian Wright, Bob Longwitz, Ace Sommerfeld, Paul replace nets damaged in a storm last year. These nets cover the rearing Gottwald, Rob Given, and Don Maves. They gave out some door prizes to pools to keep out predators that reduce the number of muskies available to folks who visited the booth including two memberships, some club clothing, stock in the fall. Nets have been ordered and should have been received baits donated by Musky Madness (Tom Riedel) and a “Got Slime” t-shirt

by the time you read this report. (Ace Sommerfeld). Dave has additional tickets available for you to sell to ◆ The second grant is for $3,100 to purchase equipment for use at the family, friends, co-workers, etc. Let him know at one of the meetings and he lakes used for educational purposes at the Busch Wildlife Area in St will set you up. VIEWSNEWS& CHAPTER Charles, MO. This area is used for children’s fishing education and for some adult programs. The chapter has also donated money for programs Gil Hamm 2012 Chapter Challenge at these lakes. Our sincere thanks to the Hugh C Becker Foundation The Gil Hamm 2012 will be held on the LOTW. The hosting lodge will th st for their support of these projects. be Red Wing Lodge again. It will be held the week of August 26 -Sept 1 , th June 9th and 10th will be our outing at two of the musky lakes in 2012. Challenge days will be Aug 29 -31st. We currently have 7 members Missouri that don’t get much pressure; Henry Sever and Hazel Creek committed. We have one 6 man team and hopefully we can fill the 2nd. Lakes. We will fish Sever on Saturday and Hazel Creek on Sunday. Both Contact Joe Heil if you are interested in going. 715-839-7089, 715-559-2945 lakes are in northern Missouri and only about an hour apart and provide the or [email protected] musky experience on lightly used lakes that have restrictions on engine President/Chapter Representative Report use. Make sure the trolling motor batteries are charged for Hazel Creek as Spring board Meeting for MI will be held during the Cabin Fever Days it is trolling motor only. See the chapter newsletter for more information on at Green River Res. in Campbellsville, KY April 26th & 27th with the Board this event. Meeting Saturday the 28th, 2012. Muskies Inc. has started a relationship as We have had a couple of fund raisers this spring. Thanks to Indian a sponsor with Keyes Outdoors. The show can be seen on FSN North at 8 Lake Lodge for donating a trip and to Dave Williamson for donating fishing am on Saturdays and FSN Midwest at 9 am on Sundays. trips. The Kleeba Challenge (Wisconsin Chapter Challenge) will be held Thanks to those that worked the Kansas City sports show: George June 1st -3rd 2012 on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage. So far have 2 members Donner, Steve Worstell, Dick McPike, Paul Scharenhausen, Paul that are interested in going. If you are interested contact Joe Heil. Summerfield, Robert Viscek, Frank Viscek, and Max Steward. May 7th, 2012 will be our annual fish fry at the Chippewa Rod & Gun. Earle Hammond reported that the MDC muskie crew will start their We are in need of 4 fryers to cook fish and fries. Along with that we need annual netting on Pomme de Terre on April 2. help doing the cooking. Contact Joe Heil to help out. Check out our website for more about what is going on: www. The Board has voted to establish a Facebook page for the Chapter. We MissouriMuskies.org feel it’s an easy way to get our name out to the masses to let them know the Wayne Humphrey benefits on being a member and to showcase events for the Chapter and (Continued on page 30) www.muskiesinc.org May / June 2012.....MUSKIE 29 chapter news & views (Continued from page 29) plaque, they all posed for pictures together and then joined everyone else for some delicious desserts that were provided by members. for Muskies Inc. as a whole. The site is “under construction” But feel free to Special thanks go out to those who helped with the set-up, take-down, check it out and get all of the updates. This will be headed up by Jake and cooking for this meeting: John Daley, Saban Dzabiri, Ian Niemiec, Sean Caswell. If you have any questions on this contact him. Kays, Lynn Polyak, Deb Niemiec, Debbie Strnad, Denise Riedl, Mike Youth Committee Blazek, Tom Pavlowski, Les Feher, Rick Noerenberg, and also to Basa Looking into possibly doing a one day youth tournament on June 2. We Marine, Ron Basa, Rudy, and the rest of the staff for making this meeting are still up in the air on date. Need 4 to 6 volunteers to setup a youth com- possible. mittee. Please contact Dave Jann for more info at 715 577-3395. Thanks also go to Temple Bay Lodge, Jeff Moreau, Larry Karolewicz, and owner Bob Paluch for an excellent and informative presentation. First Wis. Members Only Fishing Contest We would also like to thank those who set-up, did the take-down, and Starting in 2012 our chapter’s minimum size limit for muskies will be worked the Tinley Park Fishing Show: John Daley, Les Feher, Tom the same as the International at 30 inches. When you enter muskies on the Pavlowski, Mike Blazek, John Parmigiani, Ron Rodak, Bob Arnony, Jack web site please respond to the two questions on hours between captures. Frost, Joe Vega, Rich Rada, Ian Niemiec, Alex Niemiec, Chloe Niemiec, and This is for DNR studies. Pete Barber III. Chapter Fishing Outings We hope to see all of you at our March Awards Night and our April Sign up for Wednesday Night League ($5 to Jim Bunch) at the May 7 Swap Night, where many great bargains can usually be found! Fish Fry. Details will be published later but the basics are the same. Waters Respectfully submitted, Lynn Polyak, Chapter Representative will be Wissota, Old Abe and Holcombe. Dells Pond in Eau Claire will be a one night guest lake on one designated Wednesday in the schedule. (Date Pending). The Top Water Challenge will be June 9th on Lake Holcombe. We Capital City will have a cookout at Pine Point at noon then fishing from 1 PM until dark. P.O. Box 8862, Madison, WI 53708 The Fall Meltdown will be October 20 on Lake Holcombe. 08 608-669-5046 – Gerard Hellenbrand www.capitalcitymuskiesinc.org Regards, Jim Bunch Meets 2nd Monday at the 5100 Bar, 5100 Erling Ave., McFarland, WI. CHAPTER & NEWS VIEWS

◆ May is finally here, and CCMI members are on the water trying to catch South Side Muskie Hawks their first muskie of the season. Waiting for the season to open was espe- 5211 S. Narragansett Ave. • Chicago, IL 60638 cially hard this year because of the very early warm weather. Ice cover was 07 773-581-8650 gone by early March, and everyone was anxious to wet a line. Our meetings are held every third Wednesday of the month at Vince’s Late winter and early spring is a very busy time for the Capital City Restaurant and Pizzeria, 6217 West 63rd Street, Chicago, starting at 7:00 pm. Chapter of Muskies, Inc. In addition to monthly membership meetings, we had our Awards Ceremony meeting, sponsored a booth at the Madison Fishing Expo and the Wisconsin Muskie Expo, held our annual fishing school, had our first outing of the year in Iowa, and held our annual fundraiser fishing seminar. Our annual “Intermediate and Advanced Muskie School” deserves special comment. Geoff Crandall, the coordinator for the event, once again did an outstanding job. Over 30 ninety minute classes were offered during this full-day program. School attendance was 262, and of that number, 38 students were kids 18 years old and under. It was a fun, informative event. It should be noted that students came from all over the map. Approximately 75% of those attending were not CCMI members. Geoff does a great job putting the school together. Thanks, Geoff. Our annual “Fundraiser Fishing Seminar” was also a great success. James Lindner, from the Angling Edge TV show, was the featured speaker, and he was well received. Jim did an outstanding job helping us to learn more about finding and catching muskies. The event was held at our new meeting location, the 5100 Bar and Banquet Hall, in McFarland, WI. A special thanks to Dan Reim for coordinating this program. CCMI is the host of the “Larry Kleeba Challunge” this year. This friendly fishing contest between the Wisconsin Chapters of Muskies, Inc. will

CHAPTER & NEWS VIEWS be held on June 1, 2, and 3, 2012 on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage near

◆ Mercer, Wisconsin. An announcement and contest rules were sent to Wisconsin chapter presidents several months ago. We are looking forward Jeff Moreau (speaker on left), Larry Karolewicz (goodwill ambassador), to meeting and getting to know members from other chapters and hope to Ladi Lapin (artist), Bob Paluch (owner of Temple Bay Lodge on right). have a great turnout. The CCMI spring outing on the Madison lakes is scheduled for May 19, The February cook-out meeting of the South Side Muskie Hawks was 2012. The registration form for the outing is available in our newsletter and held on February 15th at Basa Marine. President John Daley opened the on our website. Remaining CCMI events for the 2012 calendar year include meeting by making a few announcements, and then added that the food the following: June 11: On-the-Water Meeting; June 23: Bill Wood Memorial was ready, so everyone got in line for burgers, Italian sausage, hot dogs, Lake Winter Outing; August 13: On-the-Water Meeting; Sept. 1 – Sept. 8: potato salad, and pasta salad. After everyone had finished eating, John Eagle Lake Outing; October 12 &13: Vilas County Outing. As always, more announced our speaker for the evening, Jeff Moreau from Temple Bay information on these upcoming events is available on our website at www. Lodge. capitalcitymuskiesinc.org. Jeff proceeded to give us a quick rundown on Eagle Lake and the ori- We wish you a great and safe fishing season. We look forward to see- entation of its islands. He also told us about the fish species that are present ing you at our scheduled events. in the lake and where they can be found. Next on his agenda was a descrip- Lee Bartolini, President tion of some of the amenities to be found at Temple Bay Lodge, and also about the bus trips to the lodge from the Chicago area. He mentioned that they now have a 5-day trip for less money, which might fit better with current West Virginia economic conditions. In addition, Jeff talked about the different kinds of 1270 Federal Road • Little Hocking, OH 45742 Ontario fishing licenses that are available and how much they cost, plus 09 740-667-3571 http://westvirginiamuskiesinc.org hitting on changes in the fishing regulations and the requirements for cross- Meets: No definite schedule-call ing the Canadian border. Jeff finished his informative presentation by answering some questions from the audience. Following the presentation, John had Jeff, goodwill ambassador Larry Our Annual Business Meeting and Awards Banquet were held on

CHAPTER NEWS CHAPTER & NEWS VIEWS Karolewicz, and owner Bob Paluch come to the front for the presentation of March 10, 2012 at the Jackson Park Community Building in Vienna, WV. a wood-burned plaque by artist Ladi Lapin. After the presentation of the John Kaltenecker, Secretary, summarized the minutes of the 2011 Business

30 MUSKIE.....May / June 2012 Meeting. Darlene Kelley, Treasurer, gave the Financial Report. Out begin- Division is being established. It is modeled after our Men’s Masters. ning balance for 2012 was $21,486.82. In 2011 we spent $6,500.54 and Larry Robinson made a presentation to Mrs. J.C. Dicks in honor of her VIEWSNEWS& CHAPTER took in $4,640.60. Much of our money is dedicated to particular projects and her deceased husband, a pioneer among WV Baitmakers. They estab- including funds remaining from the $10,000. Hugh C. Becker Foundation lished the J.C. Dicks Bait Co and in the 1960’s advertised in the classified Grant for providing electrical power for pond aerators at the Palestine pages of Field & Stream Magazine. Later, they sold their company to Bill Hatchery. President Jim Moore distributed and explained our 2012 and Sharon Crane. When asked to compare todays’ muskie lures to the Proposed Chapter Budget which was previously approved by the Executive ones they made, Ruby accurately responded they were “bigger and more Committee. We expect to take in about $6,770 and anticipate expenses of colorful”. $6,741. We try to maintain in reserve enough funds to operate for one We enjoyed a delicious dinner of barbequed chicken, pasta salad, year. baked beans, rolls and strawberry shortcake provided free of charge by the President Moore said that we will again donate $250 to the Ohio Woodmen of the World. After dinner we had our awards presentations, lure Minnow Fund. Some of our members live in Ohio and many of us fish Ohio auctions, drawings and door prizes. Each Jr. Member present received a waters. lure courtesy of the Crane Bait Co. Jim updated us on the Palestine Hatchery aeration project. There are John Kaltenecker, Secretary twelve (12) ponds needing electrical service upgrades, six (6) which are used exclusively for muskies. A couple of the others are often used for minnows to feed the muskies. He estimates two more workdays will complete Headwaters pulling the wire, additional time will be required to assemble the electrical P.O. Box 652 • Eagle River, WI 54521 boxes and wire them in to complete the project. 12 715-891-5574 – Bill Jacobs Jim told us that North Bend Lake is losing some fish through the dam, www.headwatersmuskies.com probably due to the design of the overflow. It is required that water be con- Meets 1st Wednesday 7:00 PM, Eagle River Inn, Eagle River, WI. tinually flowing into the NF Hughes River because of the mussel population downstream. The overflow tower is located right against the shoreline in It’s hard to believe not too long ago we were plowing our driveways and close proximity to the dam. The top is a typical baffle style which is not now we’re just about ready for Muskie season in the beautiful Northwoods! necessarily a problem. The issue is a 4 or 5 foot square hole in the walls of Maybe the time goes so fast because the Headwaters Chapter has been the tower which is located beneath the normal pool surface to allow year keeping very busy as usual. ◆

round flow regardless of lake level. Unfortunately it is located in a spot To begin with, we need to once again congratulate the winners of our VIEWSNEWS& CHAPTER where routine fish movement patterns can lead them right into it with pos- 2011 Annual Big Fish Contest. Here are some of the highlights: sible suction action pulling them in. A screen or other type of barrier over The biggest fish caught in each division were as follows: Men’s the opening would be the reasonable fix but the Natural Resources - “Mace” Mason - 55”. Women’s (Tie) - Pattie Miller / Linda Crass - 48.5”. Conservation Service, a Department of Agriculture agency, controls the dam Junior’s - Jesse Karau - 52” and resists this type of modification in fears of plugging off the flow. Jim has For the entire season, Charles Schauer won the Men’s Hall of Fame been in contact with them, as has the DNR, but little progress has been Division with 887 pts. Men’s Masters winner was Bruce Ludke with 1,217 made. If the problem cannot be addressed, DNR may consider increased while George Owen took home the Men’s Div title with 753. stocking to offset the problem. DNR is planning to insert at least four (4) The ladies of Chapter 12 also did a great job. Pattie Miller finished at more transmitters into muskies in North Bend for the 2012 season as part of the top of the Women’s Hall of Fame Division with 72 points. (Pattie also the Radio Telemetry Tracking Study. won in the “Nicest Jewelry” division). The Women’s Master title went to The Chapter will purchase another PIT Tag Scanner to be used at Rosemary Owen with 234 points, and Sue Gerds ran the table in the North Bend Lake or Elk River in support of the tracking projects ongoing at Women’s division with 56. these waters. When these are complete, other studies will be undertaken. A special congrats goes out to Jesse Karau in our Junior’s division. At the Chapter’s suggestion, Sleepy Creek Lake in Berkeley Co. is being Jesse was the big winner with 91 points. Congratulations to all our 2011 considered for possible muskie stocking in the upcoming season. winners and best of luck defending your titles this year! Cooperation with the Maryland DNR will be required due to possible migra- Here are the winners month by month: May: Men’s Masters - Bruce tion downstream into the Potomac River. Ludtke - 48”. Junior’s - Zach Sanderson - 31”; June: Men’s Masters - Jim asked for our input regarding proposal of a Trophy Water Charles Schauer - 50”. Men’s - Brian Verkuilen - 48.25”. Women’s Masters Designation for one body of water in WV. The Chapter had previously pro- - Rosemary Owen - 45”; July: Men’s Masters - Charles Schauer - 51”. posed Stonewall Jackson Reservoir for this distinction but was rejected by Men’s - George Owen - 51”. Women’s Masters - Pattie Miller - 48”. Junior’s DNR primarily due to forage concerns at that time. The membership indi- - Jesse Karau - 46”; August: Men’s Masters - Bill Jacobs - 52”. Men’s cated that Burnsville Lake would be their preferred waters for proposal at - “Mace” Mason - 55”. Women’s Masters (Tie) Rosemary Owen/Linda this time. The proposal would include a minimum length limit of 50 inches Crass - 48.5”. Women’s - Cindy Pearson - 40”. Junior’s - Jesse Karau - 52”; as well as a creel limit of one (1) fish. We will also propose a total Catch September: Men’s Masters (Tie) - Paul Hansen/Bruce Ludtke - 51”. Men’s

and Release Zone below Kanawha Falls on the Kanawha River, probably - George Owen - 50.5”. Women’s Masters - Rosemary Owen - 46”; ◆ downstream to the London Locks. Jim also encouraged the membership to October: Men’s Masters - Robert Jacobs - 50.25”. Men’s - Andy attend the WV DNR Public Meetings being held around the state concerning Hendrickson - 47.5”. Women’s Masters - Rosemary Owen - 41”. Women’s VIEWSNEWS& CHAPTER proposed Hunting and Fishing Regulations and voice our support of these - Sue Gerds - 42”; November: Men’s Masters - Bruce Lutke - 48”. Men’s recommendations. - Fred Brogle - 46.5”. Women’s - Linda Welch - 45” A special thank you to Board Member Dale Peterson who collected all Our 2012 Tournament/Outing Schedule was announced: the information on fish caught and kept us apprised of our fish numbers Spring Mail-In April 14 – 15 Chair: Jim Moore throughout the year. Odie Cutlip Memorial May 5 – 6 Chair: Darlene & Kevin Kelley One of the highlights of the Headwaters Chapter events is our 34th Stonewall Jackson Reservoir Annual Awards Banquet and this year’s was no exception. Held at the Ohio Lakes June 16 – 17 Chair: Tim McCauley Eagle River Inn April 21st, Joe Koschnik and all the volunteers did a won- Salt Fork Lake - Saturday June 16; Piedmont Lake - Sunday June 17 derful job making sure the huge crowd in attendance had a great time. We Kanawha River July 14 Chair: Nancy & Paul Amick had a terrific meal and a fun time of networking with friends, trying to win Burnsville Lake September 15 Chair: Jake Flint what seemed like an endless supply of raffle items, and participating in the Fall Mail-In November 3 – 4 Chair: Sharon Crane auction. Jim Moore was re-elected President, Kevin Kelley re-elected Vice- An exciting addition to the Banquet was the introduction of some new President, Darlene Kelley re-elected Treasurer and John Kaltenecker re- award categories. Jim and Carol Heffner won the Mr. and Mrs. Muskie elected Secretary. They were elected for two year terms. Award, while our prestigious Presidents Award was given to Jim Charlie Carpenter and Jeff Hanshaw were elected to one year terms Chamberlain, Jeff Miller, Paul Hanson, and Elmer Jensen. on the Executive Committee. Debbie Bever has one year remaining of a Our sincere congratulations to these individuals, all of whom continu- two year term on the Executive Committee. Bill Crane chose not to con- ously distinguished themselves for their service to the Headwaters tinue as our Chapter 09 Regional Representative. Bill Boggess agreed to Chapter. serve in this capacity. We are grateful for the many, many years of service The Chapter now has its sights set on the first Outing of the year and sacrifice that Bill Crane has given to the Chapter as RVP and Regional Saturday May 26! That’s the Muskie opener up here and if you haven’t Representative. participated in our outings in the past, we hope you’ll consider joining us. It’s Because of increased participation of female members in our Chapter really simple. Members can fish anywhere they like all day Saturday. At the and the increased number of fish they are registering, a Women’s Masters (Continued on page 32) www.muskiesinc.org May / June 2012.....MUSKIE 31 chapter news & views (Continued from page 31) club. Bring family, friends or prospective club members! RSVP – Ivan Uttech – 715-462-3478. end of the day we will meet at the Oneida Village in Three Lakes for drinks, August 5 - Sunday - 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. - Annual Kids Fishing Day. dinner and a whole lot of fun. Those who catch fish that day have a chance Club members guide youngsters on Tiger Cat Flowage. Shore lunch at to win some great prizes! For more information, visit our website or contact noon with prizes for kids. All club members and friends are encouraged to Chapter President Bill Jacobs. 715-477-2913 [email protected] help as guides and cooks. Event to be held at the Dick-sy Roadhouse. Everything is just about set for the Chapters 32nd Annual Spring Fishing will be on Upper Twin and other nearby lakes. For more information Classic Muskie Tournament taking place on the Eagle River Chain of call Mike Persson - 715-634-4543. Lakes June 9 & 10. September 4 - Tuesday - 6:00 p.m. - Business Meeting - to prepare for The Spring Classic is the oldest and most prestigious tournament in tournament - 7:00 p.m. - General Meeting -with Guest speaker DNR the region, and there are still openings if you’d like to join us. You can read Fisheries Supervisor Dave Neuswanger. Meeting is the Dick-sy all about the Classic and print out an application by going to www.headwa- Roadhouse*. tersmuskies.com Click on “tournaments”. October 5, 6 & 7 - Friday - Sunday - 35th Annual Fall Tournament. If you have any questions about the Spring Classic, feel free to con- Saturday night raffle, Sunday awards ceremony at the Flat Creek Inn - Hwy. tact Tournament Directors Jim and Carol Heffner at 715-477-2667 / jhef- 27 – ½ mile south of Hayward. For more information call Mike Persson - [email protected] 715-634-4543 or visit our website. While we’re on the subject of tournaments, don’t forget the Headwaters November 6 - Tuesday - 7:00 p.m. - General Meeting - with election of Chapter Fall Classic taking place September 29 & 30 on the beautiful Three officers and LURE SWAP. Bring your old lures or extras to buy, sell, trade Lakes Chain of Lakes. Information will be mailed out soon and available on or other fishing miscellaneous items. Meet to be held at Dow’s Corner Bar our website. For more information, contact Jay Hollnagel, 715-891-5627 located on Hwy 77 East and Cty. Rd A - 13 miles east of Hayward. Many Chapter members plan on taking part in the Larry Kleeba December - Annual Christmas Party - Date to be announced. Challunge being held on the beautiful Turtle Flambeau Flowage near January 8, 2013 - 7 p.m. - Business Meeting - To plan year 2013 proj- Mercer. If you’ve never been on this body of water you really need to check ects, activities and budget. All board members are asked to attend. All it out. Just spend a few minutes at www.turtleflambeauflowage.com and interested members are welcome. The meeting will be held at Dow’s you’ll start packing your bags! Corners. CHAPTER & NEWS VIEWS If you’d like to join us for the Kleeba Challunge, Jerry Hollnagel and Joe NOTE: For more information call Mike Persson - 715-634-4543 or visit

◆ Koschnik both have information on lodging and other important info. our club’s website www.muskiesinc-hayward.org. *Dick-sy Roadhouse is 11 Contact Jerry at 920-295-4174 [email protected] Joe can be reached miles East of Hayward on Highway 77 East. at 715-542-2366 or [email protected] Reminder: Register your muskie catches with Hayward Lakes Chapter Many Chapter members regularly take part in the Gil Hamm Tournament of Muskies Inc. and be a part of the musky fishing spirit and a possible as well as our popular Canadian Chapter Outing. Both events take place on award winner! Register your release forms on line at the Muskies Inc. web- beautiful Lake of the Woods and the exciting news this year is that they are site (www.muskiesinc.org) or send paper forms to Hayward Lakes Muskies both being held the same week! This scheduling allows members to take Inc. P. O. Box 609 Hayward, WI 54843. advantage of both events with one trip. The Gil Hamm takes place August Good Fishing, Mike Persson 29th-31st, while our Chapter Outing will run from August 28th through September 1st. For information on either event, contact Bill Jacobs at 715- 891-5574 [email protected] Quad County Bill is looking for volunteers to help with Fishing Has No Boundaries P.O. Box 185, Plano, IL 60545 taking place at the Wild Eagle Lodge in Eagle River June 1-3. As in previous 17 (815) 695-1494 – Dana Smith years, the Headwaters Chapter will be serving the Saturday evening meal [email protected] • [email protected] and we could use your help with this great organization. Reach Bill Jacobs Meets 2nd Thursday, 7:30pm. Plano American Legion at 715-477-2913 or [email protected] The Chapter has supported FHNB for a long time and we encourage Hello Hawg Hunters! you to learn about them and get involved! Check out their website at http:// The offseason is upon us now… or is it? With temperatures fairly www.fhnbinc.org/eagleriver.html warm, there’s some open water in the south… Maybe it’s time to head to Once again, we hope you will be able to join the Headwaters Chapter Spring Lake. for a meeting or one of our many activities. We usually meet the first At our February meeting, we were happy to present Morgan Kiefer with Wednesday of each month at the Eagle River Inn (www.eagleriver-inn.com) a check for over $1700 for her college fund. Morgan’s uncle Dan Kiefer was at 7pm. Please check the schedule at our website to confirm: www.head- a member of our club who passed on recently, and his fishing equipment watersmuskies.com and contact Scott Samuels with any questions or com- was auctioned by the club for this purpose. We like to think that Dan would ments at: [email protected] or 715-547-3340. have liked that. Thanks to all who participated.

CHAPTER & NEWS VIEWS Respectfully submitted by Scott Samuels, Chapter PR Director March 4th was our annual fundraiser breakfast. The annual Seminar/ nd

◆ Raffle was held March 22 at the American Legion in Plano. Speakers were Bill Guerini on Illinois River sauger and walleye and Aaron Sands on Lake Hayward Lakes Shabonna fishing. P.O. Box 609 We have several fishing events planned for this year. If you wish to go 13 Hayward, WI 54843 on the Lake Erie walleye trip April 13-15, please contact Duane Landmeier 715-634-4543 ASAP. The Pewaukee outing is May 5-6. For a room contact Country Pride Inn 262-646- 3300 (Rms 45-55) and mention the outing to get a special rate. June 8 is our meeting on the water at Shabonna Lake. The following day is The Hayward Lakes Chapter of Muskies Inc. has scheduled its calen- the outing with Midwest Musky Club and the Flatlanders Chapter. October dar of events for 2012 and it is shown below. The events which are not yet 13-14 is the Lake Kinkaid outing. Contact Jim Frohlich for more informa- scheduled are the fishing outings which our club does every other tion. Wednesday during the summer. We will pick the dates and lakes in May and Hope everyone is having fun at the musky shows and sharpening the start fishing in June. The schedule will be posted on our website, www. hooks on their new weapons! muakiesinc-hayward.org. The site also has lots of other information about Tyler Kennedy, Secretary our club. May 1 - Tuesday - 7:00 p.m. General Meeting will be a tour of the DNR Spooner fish hatchery, with hatchery manager Gary Lindenberger. After the Hopedale tour we will meet with researcher Martin Jennings for an update on the “pit 15 Township Rd 125 tag project”. Meet in hatchery parking lot on the south side of Hwy. 70. Feel 18 Dillonvale, OH 43917 free to invite friends. 740-769-7269 – Mike Uscio June 5 - Tuesday - 6:00 p.m. – Business Meeting, 7:00 - General Meets 1st Thursday 7:30 P.M., Pine Valley Sportsman's Club, Smithfield, OH. Meeting - Guest speaker will be John Dettloff. John will talk about the fishing the Chippewa Flowage where he guides and owns Indian Trail Resort. The May meeting will begin at 7:00 P.M. to allow for the annual chicken Meeting is at the Dick-sy Roadhouse*. BBQ, meeting, and lure auction. Come hungry and ready to bid. July 22 - Fishing Outing and Picnic – Fish during the day if you like and

CHAPTER NEWS CHAPTER & NEWS VIEWS The May 5 tournament will be at Leesville from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.. meet at 5 p.m. at Fish Hatchery Park for beer brats and fun provided by our There will be a mandatory shore lunch at 1:00 in the dam area. The June

32 MUSKIE.....May / June 2012 tournament will be June 16 and 17 at the lake of your choice. The hours will At our January 31st meeting, we discussed plans for the Ramsey Cast be 8:00 A.M. June 16 to 8:00 P.M. June 17. Remember to report your catch and Blast Show, in Succasunna, N.J. The Show was held on February 25th. VIEWSNEWS& CHAPTER as soon as possible to tournament director Dave Nabb. He can be reached We had a manned table at the event promoting our upcoming Muskie at 740-942-3502. School and Chapter22. Our Club President, Cal Huntzinger gave an atten- Librarian Pete Sall has purchased a new photo album that is in need tive audience a lecture on Musky Hunting. Thanks to all members who took of pictures. the time to help make this show a success. Kevin Singhaus, News Reporter A calendar of upcoming shows was discussed and volunteers requested. An excellent and educational presentation was given by Joe Chervony Akron-Canton on homemade bucktails. 10957 Northwood Ave. NE • Bolivar, OH 44612 Steve Scornavaca displayed some of his prized Spinner Baits and 19 Gordon Selden - 330-874-2773 discussed the differences and presentation techniques of using them at http://[email protected] varying water depths and water conditions. Meets 3rd Tuesday at 7:00 PM, North Canton FOE, 6979 Sunset Strip NW, As the highlight of the meeting, Russ Marion recapped his December Canton, OH. 12th, 2011 historic trophy 55/29 (estimated 58 lb.) catch and release on the Saint Lawrence River on an 18”Yuko. WHOW! What a story. Congratulations The Muskie Maniacs lost one of our great fisherman and friend on Russ. March 5th due to a short battle with cancer. Gordon Selden served two At our February 27th meeting, two of our newer members were intro- important roles in our club for the past four years as President and Release duced, Brian Toia and Mark Modoski. Welcome to Chapter #22. Chairman. Gordon took pride in the positions that he held and did a fantastic Jay Strum gave a demonstration of his great lure painting talents. As job in leading our club and reporting our fish releases. Gordon was a great an example, Jay showed the detailed process of how to air brush a brown fisherman and hunter. He mostly muskie fished but also did some trout and perch with a gold scale. Thanks Jay. salmon fishing also. Gordon will surely be missed by all and leaves behind Preparations were discussed for the Suffern Outdoors-man Show which his wife Brenda and their three children Cortney, Ryan, and Stacy. was held from March 1-4 in Suffern, New York. We had a table at the show On Feb 21st, our club had our Annual Lure Auction. We had a great time and thanks to Jim Evers who organized our participation as well as the other and want to thank Dean Herrick for being our auctioneer again this year! Chapter #22 members who assisted in manning the event. We solicited a lot ◆ rd

Our Annual Awards Banquet was held on March 3 at the North Canton of interest in the Club as well as our upcoming Muskie School. Thanks to VIEWSNEWS& CHAPTER Eagles. We missed Gordon in leading the banquet but we had Mike Mordas everyone who participated. Musky School was all but SOLD OUT!!!! and Charlotte Fuchs do a great job stepping forward in leading us. We had Volunteers were also requested for the Annual Open House at the approximately 125 in attendance. Our total club releases for 2011 was 985. Pequest Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center which will be John Dennis won the Men’s Masters Division with 102 releases. Dean Davis held on March 31st and April 1st. We will have table at the event to help cel- won the Men’s Division with 92 releases. Charlotte Fuchs won the Women’s ebrate the Hatcheries 25th Anniversary. Master Division with 28 releases. Deborah Crossley won the Women’s Craig Lemon from the Hackettstown Hatchery spoke on the recent Division with 82 releases. Sophie Heiser won the Junior Division with 1 improvements made to the hatchery and the 100 year anniversary sched- release. Our longest club release for 2011 went to Jason Bond with his 54 uled for June 2nd and 3rd. We’ll need volunteers for the preparation prior to inch fish from the St. Lawrence River. Congratulations go out to all of the the event and well as staffing during the event at the Chapter 22 table as winners! We also want to mention that we had awards go out for the Lunker well as the two fishing education ponds. of the Month winners as well as the winners of our tournaments. We want to We still need volunteers and guides for our annual Musky School. thank our banquet speaker for the evening Spencer Berman! He did a great Once again this year, it is being held at the Mason Street Pub and Flash job with his presentation on how he fishes Lake St. Clair and the patterns he Marina in Lake Hopatcong, N.J. on May 19th. uses. At the end of our banquet, we did a toast to honor Gordon for all that Wishing ALL of our prized GIANTS a successful year in 2012, he has done for our club with his favorite drink. Respectively Submitted by Phil Eden Our first tournament of the season will be held April 14th and 15th at Salt Fork Lake. I will give the highlights of this tournament and as well as our Chapter Challenge that will be held also at Salt Fork Lake on May 4th and 5th. Cleveland Our second tournament will be held at Leesville Lake on June 2nd and 3rd. 5007 Starr St. • Newton Falls, OH 44444 23 330-219-7964 • [email protected] Kevin Proffitt Meets 2nd Monday of each month, 7:30 PM at RC Sports Lounge, 2422 South Canal St., Newton Falls, OH, except June-August New Jersey when meetings are at the East Boat Ramp Pavilion in West Branch. 167 Washington St, Belvidere, NJ 07823 As I’m writing this the weather in North East Ohio was well above aver- 22 908-750-6615 • http://www.mi22.com/

age for the winter. I’m sure there has been a few hard core Muskie fisher- ◆ Chapter meetings are held monthly the last Tuesday of each month, September through man that have been on the lake in search of their first Muskie of the year. May. Summer meetings will be held on the water. Check our web site for details. But for the rest we are ether, getting things together by going to banquets or VIEWSNEWS& CHAPTER fishing shows. Or even some of us that don’t like shoveling snow went Congratulations to the ëNew York’ Giants on winning the Super Bowl. south for the winter. Since the Giants practice in New Jersey, have their home field in New I was told by our president, Sherman Champlin, that our banquet was Jersey and many of them live in New Jersey, we consider them ëNJ a big success. There were 68 people and everyone had a good time with Residents’. lots of lures and other prizes. Phil Hillman of the ONDR District 3 was the They are not the only “Giants” in NJ. Muskies are our other GIANT speaker for the night. Thanks Phil for a great job. I would like to thank all residents. The New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife (NJDFW) efforts who worked hard to put on the banquet. in raising and stocking musky has resulted in 50”+ “giants” being caught in The OHMC put their summer open on one of our tournaments and we several of the 17 bodies of water that have been stocked. In 2011, NJDFW know a lot of our members like fishing that tournament. So we had to make (Hackettstown Hatchery) stocked 1018 true strain musky (average 8”+), an adjustment with the dates for the Summer Tournament at West Branch. along with 30,000 (average 1”). Additionally, “The Fishmaker” ( Craig Lemon It’s now July 14-15 and his staff) stocked 4092 tiger musky ( 7” to 8”average) and produced Cleveland Chapter 23 Tournament Dates for 2012 100,000 tigers for New York State, in an exchange program. In all 12 bodies Chapter Challenge Salt Fork May: 5-6 of water were stocked in New Jersey during 2011. Tom Bishop Sr. Memorial Tournament W. B. May: 19-20 The continued dedication of everyone in NJDFW along with the contri- Cindy Dean Memorial Kids Derby Lake Milton June: 2 butions of all our members has resulted in a very successful and healthy Ed Garland Memorial Tournament Pymatuning June: 9-10 Musky population. Having reached trophy class in size they are often Summer Tournament West Branch July: 14-15 referred to as ëThe Beast of the East’. Late Simmer Tournament Lake Milton August: 18-19 We continue to promote the growth and success of this effort by lectur- Chili Cook-Out West Branch October: 20 ing at local clubs and shows and educating new and interested anglers at Please everyone check your wheel bearings and tail lights before you our annual Muskie School, which includes detailed instruction on proper leave your driveway for this year’s fishing season. Be safe and I will see you Catch and Release techniques. In addition, our monthly meetings help keep on the lake. our members up to date with the latest news, techniques, equipment, rec- Tom Morris ommendations, instruction and demonstrations (Continued on page 34) www.muskiesinc.org May / June 2012.....MUSKIE 33 chapter news & views (Continued from page 33) donated by Tackle Industries. The school and chapter deeply appreciate Tackle Industries’ generosity. 2) The Chapter 29 annual awards banquet was held on February 25, 2012. Shawnee Muskie Hunters Long-time chapter members Clayton and Joanne Will were named 923 Reiss Rd, O'Fallon, IL 62269 Anglers of the Year. Additional award winners can be found on the chap- 28 618-628-4205 – Jerry Ford ter’s website. http://www.muskieclub.com/events.htm [email protected] 3) Chapter 29 has been actively supporting an effort to install a fish barrier www.shawneemuskiehunters.org to prevent Asian carp from entering the Iowa Great Lakes that would also deter out-migration of muskies and other game fish. Chapter 29 was able Check out our website (shawneemuskiehunters.org) for lots of good to secure grants from the Hugh Becker Foundation as well as from information. Thanks to Renee Johnson for taking over our website and Muskies, Inc. to support the Iowa Great Lakes fish barrier project. The rebuilding it. I think you will like it. fund-raising for this project is progressing rapidly thanks to these grants, Fishing has been very good all spring and now we are in the final funding from local citizen groups, allocations from the Iowa DNR, and month and half of muskie fishing before the water gets too warm to fish for appropriations from the Iowa legislature. muskies here in the southern waters. May is always a very good time to 4) The Upper Great Plains chapter sponsored a free spring seminar on catch a muskie on Kinkaid. By mid-month the muskies will be leaving the March 17, 2012 at the Spirit Lake, IA, YMCA. Paul Hartman was the shallows to follow the shad to open water and casting will have to take a featured speaker at the seminar. Paul is an extremely knowledgeable back seat to trolling. From mid-May until mid-June trolling will be the main muskie angler who is able to share his knowledge in a very matter-of- method if you want to catch them. fact manner. Paul’s presentation was filled with ideas that will help Our officers have done it again. This year’s calendar is full of activities muskie anglers increase their success rate. Five new members joined for our members. We have some new ideas for the entire family and I hope Muskies, Inc. during the seminar. The chapter held a raffle at the conclu- to see you there. sion of the presentation and donated the raffle “profits” to the Iowa Great May 5th and 6th Spring Warm up Tournament on Kinkaid. This is our first Lakes fish barrier project fund. http://www.muskieclub.com/events.htm\ money making tournament for the Shawnee Muskie Hunters this year. This 5) The chapter will be holding two outings during 2012. The June 2 outing year we will have a $10,000 prize for the largest 50+ inch muskie caught will be held at Templar’s Park on Spirit Lake. The theme of that outing is CHAPTER & NEWS VIEWS during the tournaments. This tournament is one of twelve tournaments in “bring a non-member-introduce someone to the chapter and/or muskie

◆ the IMTT Tournament Circuit. The $10.000 check will be hopefully awarded fishing”. The August 4 outing will also be held at Templar’s Park with a at the IMTT State Championship Tournament held on Lake Shelbyville in theme of “bring a youth-get young people involved in fishing”. Additional November. For more information on this and the IMTT, you can go to the details on these outings will be available on the chapter’s website. Illinois Muskie Tournament Trail website or our Shawnee Muskie Hunter 6) The 2012 activities will culminate with our annual Fall and Idso tourna- website. ments. The Fall tournament is scheduled for September 15-16 and the May 19th Guide for the Day and Member Outing on Lake Kinkaid. June Idso tournament for October 6. Additional details on these tournaments 2nd Kids Fishing Day at Lake Murphysboro. will be available on the chapter’s website. Remember I’m in the other Lund, Walt Krause Steve Horswell, President

Upper Great Plains Fox River Valley 1788 Hwy 4, Estherville, IA 51334 1253 Cobblers Crossing, Elgin, IL 601230 29 712-362-2501 39 847-741-9771 – Rich Gallagher http://www.muskieclub.com/ www.frvmuskie.com Meets 3rd Thursday , Legion Club, 1709 Okoboji Ave., Milford, IA. Meetings and banquets: Chandlers Chop House at the Schaumburg Golf Club, 401 N. Roselle Rd. Schaumburg, IL 60194. Dinner will be available starting at 6PM. Upcoming 2012 activities for the Upper Great Plains chapter activities include: The next Fox River Valley Chapter’s general meeting is on Wednesday th April 19= Chapter 29 board meeting; May 2 Fish Iowa classroom ses- night, May 8 . Our speaker will be Tom Rosek. Tom was the 2007 PMTT sions with Okoboji Middle School; May TBA Fish Iowa on-the-water ses- Top Gun award winner, lives in New Berlin, WI, and owns/operates the River sions with Okoboji Middle School; May 17= Chapter 29 board meeting; May Hunter Fishing Guide Service. Tom is also the primary organizer for the 21=Iowa Great Lakes Muskie Opener; June 2=Spring Outing at Templar Ironman Musky Tournament Trail... so you can imagine he’s pretty well Park, Spirit Lake; June 21= Chapter 29 board meeting; July = Chapter 29 immersed in all things musky fishing year-round! Come on out and see what board meeting; August 4=Summer Outing at Templar Park, Spirit Lake; he has to say. After the May meeting, the club takes a two month hiatus to August 16= Chapter 29 board meeting; September 15-16=Fall Tournament; give everyone a chance to fish, relax, and enjoy their time in the outdoors. th CHAPTER & NEWS VIEWS September 20= Chapter 29 board meeting; October 6= Idso Tournament; We’ll resume meeting again as a chapter on August 8 . On Saturday, May 19th, FRV will be taking a slight different approach

◆ October 18= Chapter 29 board meeting; November 20= Chapter 29 board meeting; December 13= Chapter 29 board meeting. to its “Spring Fling” outing. Chapter members Nick Ellis, Brendon Newell, Monthly board meetings are held at the Perkins Restaurant in Milford, and Jeff Jonas have organized a “Cast for a Cure”/Breast Cancer Awareness Iowa. Meetings start at 6:00 pm. All chapter members and the public are Outing. This will be a small tournament-style event on the Fox Chain that encouraged to attend. will also double as a non-boater outing. There will be no limit to the number of anglers per boat, and the fee is $25 a person. Registration starts at 5 Some recent chapter highlights include: a.m. Fishing starts at 6 a.m. Boats launch from the Chain O’Lakes State 1) Chapter 29 assisted the Okoboji Middle School with ice fishing sessions Park – Grove: Oak Point #2. Fishing ends at 2 p.m. There will be no cash on February 17 and 20. Although the abnormally warm weather damp- payout as all proceeds will go directly to the National Breast Cancer th ened the fishes’ spirits, a great time was had by the nearly seventy 7 Foundation. An Awards/Picnic will follow for all participants at 3 p.m. (meal grade students, teachers, and chap- provided by FRV). Fish caught will be registered via an “honesty policy” and ter members. Chapter members first through fourth place will be awarded with a plaque. A custom “Big Fish” also used this occasion to present to plaque will also be awarded to the angler with the biggest muskie of the day. the school a large number of baits This is usually a great time of year to fish on the Chain. But even more importantly, taking part in this event contributes to a cause funds the battle against a disease which has touched the lives of so many of our members personally. We really hope to see many of you there... whether you’re a member or a non-member. Looking for other FRV activities in June? FRV will be assisting in the June 2nd NISRA Outing on Bang’s Lake in Wauconda. They’re looking for volunteers to serve as guide boats for a day of fishing for young adults with disabilities. Busy that day? You’ll get another chance to do the same thing (offering your boat and guide-for-a-day services) on June 16th for the One Hope United Outing on Deep Lake. That should keep everyone busy through the middle of summer! CHAPTER NEWS CHAPTER & NEWS VIEWS As always, please visit our website at www.frvmuskie.com for more

34 MUSKIE.....May / June 2012 information on all 2012 FRV speakers, meetings, fundraising events, tourna- Our second fundraiser of the year is our chapter tournament. This year ments, stocking, and youth outings. it’s happening on June 16th and it runs from 5am-4pm. We have a ham- VIEWSNEWS& CHAPTER Tight lines! Mark Lamont burger feed included after the tournament when we announce the winners along with a raffle of some great prizes. Of course we also talk about what worked and didn’t work and all the “near misses” people have every year! Bemidji/Cass Lake You can choose to fish on Lake Bemidji, Cass Lake, Lake Plantagenet or 16256 Andrusia Rd NE • Cass Lake, MN 56633 Big Lake. These are all trophy/destination waters and we’d love to have as 46 218-335-8597 many people participate as possible. Adult entries are only $45 and only Meets: 3rd Wed. 8:45 PM Gander Mtn., Bemidiji $25 for youth (17 and under). Every year a portion of the proceeds from this http://www.muskiesinc.com/chapters/46/index.html tournament are devoted to a scholarship donated to the Aquatic Biology program at Bemidji State University. We also feature a “chapter challenge” Chapter 46 is proud to be back in MUSKIE after a long hiatus! We aspect to the tournament and would like to see members from any chapter really want to be a part of the recent recording breaking number of chapters come to see if you can beat us on our own waters. Please visit our website reporting in. We had chapter elections in early 2012 and have maintained for the most up to date tournament info and start making your plans to Rory Potter as President and Kevin Cochran as Vice-President. New offi- attend now! cers were Chris Thury and Brian Johnson, Treasurer and Secretary respec- Our chapter outing series for last year worked out to a dead tie tively. We’re optimistic for the future of the chapter and are devoting a lot of between Rory Potter and Brian Johnson. There was a quadruple death time and energy towards increased participation from existing members as overtime (4 separate days) in late November to try and break the tie, all well as encouraging some new people to join. If you’ve got any great ideas fishing together with host and referee Chris Thury. Some great times were of what’s working for your chapter we’d love to hear from you. had in both very good and very bad weather. Ultimately Brian choked and At press time we should have just had our chapter lure auction, it’s lost 2 fish including a mammoth in those last overtimes so we had to settle always a great time and I’m sure a few folks went home with lighter wallets for a tie. Congrats to both anglers and to Chris for daring to spend that and hands full of baits! This is one of only 2 fundraisers for the chapter each much time with two unruly gents! Speaking of our outing series, we’ve year. We all bring a few baits in new to very good shape and everyone really gone out of our way to schedule some great outings this summer, brings home some new treasures, usually for pennies on the dollar. We’d selecting great waters and working dates and times around to what should like to thank Duff Thury for his donation of a few of his awesome trolling baits make for great fishing. We’d love to have any and everyone show up for ◆

– these baits have caught the winning fish in our chapter outings a few years one, we are awesome at our information sharing and would like to share VIEWSNEWS& CHAPTER running! Quite a few chapter members also made it down to the Minnesota some of our local knowledge of these great lakes with you! Our schedule Muskie Expo – wow that was a great time but once again we all suffered is below, every year we catch some huge fish during these outings; from “light wallet” syndrome. All that new stuff better help us catch some info about the outings can also be found on our chapter website under fish this summer! the Event Calendar area: A nice handful of members made it to the Brainerd Chapter banquet in July 22 (Sunday) – Pike Bay (south of Cass Lake) (9am-5pm) early March, we won a few general raffle drawings and Ethan Rogers won August 25 (Saturday) – Lake Plantagenet (1pm-9pm) a brand new Benelli SuperNova 12 gauge! Nice job on the banquet September 16 (Sunday) – Cass Lake (9am-5pm) Brainerd, the prizes and chow were GREAT! We also had some people October 13 (Saturday) – Big Mantrap (10am-6pm) make it to the Vikingland and Star of the North banquets at the end of March, November 11 (Sunday) – Lake Bemidji (9am-5pm) good times were had by all. We’re really trying to show our support for fel- Respectfully submitted, Brian Johnson, Secretary low chapters as they’re all doing great things. (Continued on page 36)

RAY DEMERS MEMORIAL MUSKIE TOURNAMENT LAKE ST. CLAIR CAN-AM and CHAPTER CHALLENGE

PRESENTED BY ◆

CENTRAL OHIO CHAPTER of MUSKIES INC. VIEWSNEWS& CHAPTER JUNE 22-24,2012 Quinlan’s Family Marina, Deerbrook,Ontario(entrance is 1 mile east of Deerbrook) ENTRY FEE $ 40 US or Canadian-(pork roast included) OPEN TO THE PUBLIC All tournament festivities will be held at Quinlan’s Family Marina

TROPHIES will be awarded for the 5 biggest released fish. The Traveling Trophy will be awarded to the winning chapter and the Ray Demers Memorial Cup will be awarded for the largest fish. Great door prizes, Belle River Food Bank Raffle, Big Fish Pot and more ! This is a catch and release tournament.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Friday, June 22– Welcome and Registration- 6pm-8:30pm Saturday,June 23-Tournament hours-6am-10pm, Late Registration-6am-7am,Pork Roast-2pm-3:30pm Sunday, June 24– Tournament hours-6 am-1pm, Awards ceremony– 2:30pm U.S. Contacts– Mark Pauling ([email protected]) -(419) 992-4504 Mark Steinert ([email protected])-(614)374-4418 Canadian Contact– Paul LaLonde ([email protected] ) (519)728-9954

www.muskiesinc.org May / June 2012.....MUSKIE 35 chapter news & views (Continued from page 35) September 16th – MI50 Fall Muskie School (Tentative) October 14th – 2012 “King of the Marsh” Fall Tournament TBD – Lake Hopatcong Chapter Challenge w/ MI22 Penn Jersey Mike DiGuiseppe Sebastian Musumeci, President 50 510 Bryton Ave., Pottstown, PA 19465 484-459-5940 • Website: www.mi50.com Daniel Boone Meets at 7pm on 1st Wed. at Casey’s Bar on Corner of 813 US 62, Maysville, KY 41056 Cherry and California Rds, Quakerstown, PA. 52 Phone: 606.759-7610 • e-mail: [email protected] President: Larry X. Besant While the local ice fisherman may be crying, January and February Meets on Fridays-call or email. have been quite kind to the MI50 Muskie anglers in 2012. With 38 fish registered already and several personal bests caught this looks like a ban- Despite having to deal with high water and unfavorable weather condi- ner year for our club. The biggest being Art Knute’s beautiful 48” fish, fol- tions for a big part of the spring, Chapter 52 was able to have a great year lowed by MI50 Chapter President Jeremy Kern landing a fat 47” river in 2011. In fact, it was one of the best years to date. A few of the scheduled muskie. Congratulations! outings had to be cancelled or rescheduled along the way, but there were MI50 was represented well once again at the Philadelphia Sportsman’s still plenty of outings that went as planned. The following is a list of outings Show Feb 16-19 2012. This event is attended by thousands daily and our and their respective winners: clubs display has become an attraction that many participants come back March Jon boat outing – Jim Gully to annually. With large muskie pictures/posters, a large digital picture May Cave Run outing – Suanne Bushong viewer and a 52” “replica” muskie for all to see, we get strong traffic to our June Buckhorn outing – Shane Coomer booth. We also once again set up an aquarium with a few 12-14” muskies July Lynn Frazier Memorial outing – Ronnie Simpson inside which kids and adults love to see. With the added minnows in the September Green River Lake outing – Ricky Parnell tank for them to feed on, it has become quite a show piece. We raffled off September “Reservoir” outing – Justin Diller 4 guided trips provided by club members as well as muskie rod, reel, net October Members Money outing Cave Run – Scott Salchli & Colin McCoy

CHAPTER & NEWS VIEWS and tackle package. This raffle is a great fund raiser for our chapter and November Cave Run – Logan Faulkner helps us raise money for the fish we stock in local waters. ◆ In addition, we also had as many as 9 members ranked in the We will be scheduling one of our future meetings at the local Cabela’s International Lunge Log Top 25. Member Mike Harris caught the National in Hamburg, PA. We’ll also be hosting an MI50 day at Cabela’s, run by our LOM at Buckhorn Lake in February, a fat 47” pig. Member Chipper Bushong club. We’ll be handing out club material, recruiting new members and had an 8 fish day in April with 4 fish over 40”, the biggest being 48”. The next educating the public on muskie fishing. morning he went back out and got a 40” fish that marked his 100th legal 2011 MI50 Release Contest Winners: Masters local –Tim Jedrejczyk; muskie, and entered the century club. Caleb McCoy caught his first 50+ fish Masters open – Silvia Spitzer; Men’s local - Mike DiGuiseppe; Men’s at Ave Run, a 51” which also put him on top of the Top 25 LOM Jrs. Chapter open - Jason Lawall. CONGRATS to all Winners!! 52 had four 50+ inch fish recorded in 2011, and 34 fish recorded 45” or Calendar and Events above. Here are the 2011 Daniel Boone Chapter 52 Fish Contest winners. March 24th –MI50 Marsh Creek State Park Clean Up Master’s: 1st - David Johnson, 77 Fish, 672 points; 2nd - Chris Haley, 56 May 20th - 2012 MI50 Club “Spring Fling” Tournament Fish, 563 points; 3rd - Bill Allen, 55 Fish, 541 points; Men’s: 1st- Seth Davis, June 3rd – MI50 Spring Muskie School 20 Fish, 229 pts; 2nd - Mike Woelfel, 17 Fish, 203 pts; 3rd - Chipper June 24th – MI50 5th Annual Kids Day at Lake Nockamixon State Park Bushong, 16 Fish, 194 pts. Women’s: 1st - Vickie Banks, 10 Fish, 120 pts; 2nd (three-way tie) - Laura Sanders, 2 Fish, 18 pts; Valerie Jameson, 1 Fish, 18 pts; Mellanie Cornett, 1 Fish, 18 pts. Junior’s: 1st - Caleb McCoy, 15 Fish, 208 pts; 2nd- Jacob McCoy, 5 Fish, 78 pts; 3rd- Charles Haley, 2 Fish, 15 pts. 2011 Big Fish: Anthony Smith, 51.5\224, December 13, 2011 All in all, it was a fantastic year. And now we are looking forward to another great year in 2012. Our annual awards banquet was one of the best ever and a great kick-off to our 2012 fishing season. Larry Besant was inducted into our inaugural Chapter 52 Hall of Fame and David Johnson connected live with Larry in Centralia, Illinois via Skype to have a live presentation. Mike Faris and CC Campbell worked an auction that was supported by member donations that may be our best fundraiser ever. Gregg Thomas, Fred Howes and Tom Timmerman informed us with fishing infor-

CHAPTER & NEWS VIEWS mation that was entertaining and has to be helpful. Adam Fergusons meal

◆ from Cave Run’s “Pop’s Southern Barbeque” was as good as it gets and I have to think it was a fun and enjoyable evening by all 65 people in attendance. Our first outing of the year is at Green River this coming Sat so if you can get out it will surely be worth it. Hope to see you soon. For Chapter updates, outing info and more, follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/muskiesincchapter52. David Johnson

Southwest Ohio Muskie Association 524 Sterling Meadows Place • Brookville, OH 45309 (937) 833-1833 • Email: [email protected] 56 Meetings are the second Tuesday of each month, 7:00 p.m., Marion’s Pizza @ the Traffic Circle.

We had a lure swap and awards banquet on February 25th at Cafe Bella in Mason, Ohio. Bella was an excellent hostess and the food was superb. Chris Haley from Buckhorn Guide Service, Hazard KY (606-439- 4499) was our speaker. Chris gave a great presentation on Musky Fishing in Tennessee and seldom fished Kentucky Rivers. David Wood received the Angler of the Year award for the most points accrued in 2011. Mike Davis received the big fish award and a plaque from Muskies Inc. for 9th place in the catch and release standing. Mark Wright received a plaque for wining first place in the Amateur/Crankbait Division of the 2012 Musky Lure Building World Championship which was held at the Milwaukee

CHAPTER NEWS CHAPTER & NEWS VIEWS Muskie Expo; you can see a color photo of his beautiful lure on the following page (page 37).

36 MUSKIE.....May / June 2012 and brings the total number of fish recorded from New Mexico to 180. Not

bad for two small lakes over five years, and it does not even count the many VIEWSNEWS& CHAPTER fish that members choose not to turn in, or the many smaller fish that have been caught and released this year. These are all signs of good fishing for several years to come, as long as we continue to practice and encourage careful catch and release. As for the release contest, it appears that Tom Jones exploited his home field advantage and finished 2011 at 176 release points, with Kyle Sprosty a close second at 170 points and Matt Pelletier third at 141 points. Thanks to everybody who has participated in the Lunge Log for helping build a resource and database that can be used by members and NMDGF to learn more about how to catch these fish and manage this fishery. We’re looking forward to an exciting 2012 fishing season, and have a number of events planned. Check the website for details of our outings, get in touch with another member, or find a family member and get out tiger Mark Wright from Chapter 56 won first place in the Amateur/Crankbait fishing this season. Division of the 2012 Musky Lure Building World Championship with Chris Nordquist this beautiful crankbait. The Championship was held at the Milwaukee Muskie Expo. Mountain Muskies Working with the Army Corps, ODNR and Caesars Creek State Park Email: [email protected] we dropped 90 Christmas trees as fish attractors. The speaker at our March 60 Website: www.mountainmuskies.com meeting (2nd Wednesday) was Greg Them from Humminbird Electronics. 509-263-7235 Greg gave an excellent talk on current and future products. He also updated Meets every 4th Tuesday at 6:30 pm @ the VFW, 300 West Mission Ave., the firmware for everyone that had a Humminbird unit. Our speaker at the Spokane, Wash. April meeting will be a representative from Extreme Musky Lures. We have ◆ outing planned for the following dates: March 24th, Caesars Creek; April

If all of you Midwest muskie fisherman are wondering why you had VIEWSNEWS& CHAPTER 15th Caesars Creek; May 6th Caesars Creek; May 19th - May 20th Clear such record hot weather late winter/early spring, the answer is very simple. Fork Lake. On April 26 we will be helping Chapter 45 present the Cabin The Pacific Northwest intercepted all the cold air and hogged it for our- Fever Challunge on Green River Lake in Campbellsville, Ky. selves. In fact as of this writing, the morning of March 20, I am off to fish Bruce Voorhees – 513-290-1975 tigers with our chapter president, Doug Wood, and the snow is coming down (CHAPTER 57 - See beginning of News & Views, page 28) hard with a couple inch accumulation on the roads. Why not, it’s the first day of spring! Hopefully the weather has settled down by the publishing of this magazine for all of us and we can get down to muskie business in ear- Lake St. Clair Muskies, Inc. nest. Doug and I had a P.O. Box 806027 scheme to carry out. 58 St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 Last fall Chris Gades 734-968-3752 - Scott Robertson, President caught the first tourna- www.lscmi.com ment photographed, measured, and verified 50 inch tiger muskie in 2012 Events Calendar Washington State. Lax May 17 - General Membership Meeting & Lure Manufacturers Night; Sports Reproductions was Channel very generous in gifting June 2-3 - 4th Annual Muskie Madness Derby; Anglers Point, Chesterfield a reproduction to the Twp., MI first such tiger catch in June 24 - 5th Annual Kids Fishing Day; Stoney Creek Metro Park, Shelby, our state. Doug clan- MI destinely asked Lax to Aug. 11-12 - 4th Annual Big Show Shootout Muskie Tournament; Sports send it to him on March Channel 19 instead of sending it Sept. 20 - General Membership Meeting & Big Bait Night; Sports Channel to Chris. We gingerly

Sept. 29-30 -First Annual Casters Only Tournament; S p o r t s photographed it on the ◆ Channel water; (see photo). At CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWSNEWS& CHAPTER Oct. 13-14 - 4th Annual Muskie Mayhem Fall Tournament; Sports Channel the March 27 meeting October 18 - General Membership Meeting; Sports Channel we will claim to have caught a BIG tiger today, show our picture of it, and Nov. 15 - NO GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING - GONE HUNTING then surprise Chris with his prize. Lax did a beautiful, very impressive job Dec. 6 - General Membership Meeting & Elections; Sports Channel capturing the true identity of the fish and we truly appreciate and thank them * Board of Directors Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month at for the support. the Sports Channel in St. Clair Shores, MI Our March 27 meeting is our first full chapter meeting of the season Jason Quintano, Tournament Director – www.lscmi.com getting everyone energized to get fishing. On April 14th we hold our first tournament on the Pend Oreille River for pike. We do that to wet our appe- tite for the bigger variety of Esox. Then in May we will do a firstóa full New Mexico Muskies, Inc. weekend of muskies and pike. On Saturday, May 12, we fish for Tigers at P.O. Box 65575, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87193 Silver Lake followed by pike at the Pend Oreille River again. Those results 59 (505) 264-2999 • Matt Pelletier will be in the next edition. The remainder of the 2012 tournament schedule [email protected] is June 16, Silver Lake Muskie Open; July 21, Newman Lake Muskie Open; www.newmexicomuskiesinc.org August 18, Newman Lake Muskie members only; and September 14-16 for the Muskie members only at the Curlew Lake Esoxaganza teaming up with Spring arrived in New Mexico with the usual warmer temperatures, NW TIGER PAC, Chapter 57, for the battle for the Golden Bucket. longer days, howling winds, blowing dust, and thawing lakes. The ice is off All members are asked to help with the annual Washington Dept. of of our tiger muskie lakes, and as of mid-March, already some members Fish and Wildlife spring kids fishing day that is scheduled for May 5 at Clear have been getting out to fish. With the fish that our chapter helped stock a Lake, 7:30 a.m. We expect 1,000 kids to show up for that event! It’s few years ago growing up, we should have some good fishing this season. extremely important to get the next generation off to a good start in the sport Reviewing the Lunge Log, in 2011 there were 79 muskies from NM’s of muskie fishing. “Give a kid a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a kid to two lakes entered into the Lunge Log, with 13 of those measuring 40” or fish and he will go out and buy a nice fishing outfit and when he grows up, greater in length. The overall longest was a 46” fish caught by the well- a big boat, four wheel drive pickup……….” traveled Will Hardy, and the longest one caught by a chapter member was Let’s go fishing! It’s…brrr… Tiger Time! a 42.5” turned in by Matt Pelletier. This is New Mexico’s best showing yet, Chuck Gades, Secretary www.muskiesinc.org May / June 2012....MUSKIE 37 Muskies, Inc. 1509 Stahl Road Sheboygan, WI 53081

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