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“The #1 reason I choose Joe Fittante is his artistry. He is the only taxidermist I have found who can accurately reproduce the true colors and markings of a living musky. His painting technique separates him from the rest. That is why I use him exclusively, and prefer his work above all others.” – Joe Bucher, Hall of Fame Angler Capture the moment www.fittantereplicas.com • email: [email protected] 3 miles north of Antigo on Hwy. 45 • N4598 Hwy. 45, Antigo, WI 54409 (715) 627-7662 • 1-800-261-2327 MUSKIE is published monthly and is the Official Publication of Muskies, Inc. International Office: Terrie DuBé, International Sec., 80 State Hwy. 200 NW, Longville, MN 56655. Ph: 888-710-8286, Fax 218-836-2087. Contents © Copyright 2006 by Muskies, Inc. All rights reserved. MUSKIE • VOL. 40, NO. 6

Departments Features 2 President’s Message, 6 The Order of Things, Dr. Gene Smith David Cates 8 Minnesota’s Top Muskie Water, Brian Kaiser 3 Magazine Notes, Staff 10 A Family Tradition, Brian Wellman 4 International News, Staff 15 Pop-Pop, Ploop-Ploop, Splish-Splash, 13 Lunge Log, Jim Bunch KA-A-A BOOM-M-M-M!, James W. Colgan 18 New Products, Staff 20 A Day to Remember, Jody Booth 19 Photo Contest, Juris Ozols 22 The Top Water Color Code, Justin Gaiche 25 Letters to the Editor 27 My Muskie Story: A Fall Monster, 25 As I See It, Jim Smith Daniel Anderson 33 Chapter News and Views 28 Showcasing our Muskies, Inc. Supporters: 39 Muskie Tales, Bob Jennings Esox Angler Magazine, Patricia Strutz 42 Member Photos, Juris Ozols 29 Muskie Magic on Lac Seul, Daniel P. DiCaro

Join Muskies, Inc. ... Regular Membersip: ❑ 1 Year-$35.00 ❑ 2 Years-$65.00 ❑ 3 Years- $95.00 or give a membership Family Membership: ❑ 1 Year-$47.50 ❑ 2 Years-$90.00 ❑ 3 Years-$132.50 as a gift. Junior Membership (Under 18): ❑ $20.00 ❑ For Muskie Research $______

Name ______Phone ______Name of Spouse______Address______Chapter Affiliation Choice Number ______(to find the number of the Chapter you wish to join, see the Chapter News & Views section) City & State______Zip______Junior Member(s) Date of Birth (DOB) Chapter Affiliation Choice Number ______Name ______DOB ______(to find the number of the Chapter you wish to join, see the Chapter News & Views section) Old Address (for address change only) ______Name ______DOB ______City & State ______Zip______Name ______DOB ______My Membership # ______Expiration Date ______Chapter Affiliation Choice Number ______Check One: ❑ New Member ❑ Renewal ❑ Address Change ❑ Gift MAIL TO MUSKIES, INC. 80 State Hwy. 200 NW, Longville, MN, 56655 Email ______❑ VISA ❑ Discover 1-888-710-8286 Payment: ❑ Check or ❑ Credit Card: ❑ AmEx ❑ MasterCard Card # ______- ______- ______- ______Exp. Date ____ /____ Signature ______www.muskiesinc.org May 2006.....MUSKIE 1 International Officers President, David Cates Phone: 574-457-3222 Email: [email protected] Vice President/Finances, Jim Beaty Phone: 618-235-3646 Email: [email protected] Vice President/Research, Ken Karbon Phone: 303-688-4954 Email: [email protected] he late Perry Smith once challenged each of us to make Muskies, Inc. “the best it can be”. Less eloquently, I recently asked Chapter Presidents, RVPs, and ALDs Vice President/Internal Affairs, Dick McPike how we can get better. To date, I have received a number of excellent responses. I Phone: 816-436-4909 T Email: [email protected] will try to provide a comprehensive review of the subject matters raised in advance of the Fall Board Meeting. However, I believe some of the matters deserve immediate attention. Vice President/Membership, Bob Timme The most commonly raised issue in response to my query involved communication. Phone: 715-462-3053 Email: [email protected] No one finds it surprising that this is our number one issue, but while the issue is easy to raise it is difficult to address. Muskies, Inc. has a number of avenues for communication, Vice President/Communications, Jack Moga Phone: 440-886-3926 including the magazine, the website, chapter meetings, events, and good old fashioned Email: [email protected] word of mouth. I have attempted to utilize the broadcast e-mail function of our website to communicate with both international and chapter officers. Please take the time to Treasurer, Pete Barber Phone: 847-726-7267 ensure your contact information is correct in member maintenance on the website. If you Email: [email protected] are a chapter or international officer who has not received an e-mail communication from Members Only Fishing Contest, Jim Bunch me please let me know. We may need to find a better method of communication. Phone: 715-723-8343 • Fax: 715-723-8354 Another common theme as to how Muskies, Inc. can get better involves a return to Email: [email protected] more of a conservation mindset. I believe there is no question that should be one of our Web Master, Ron Groeschl main areas of focus. While Muskies, Inc. is one of the premiere conservation organizations Phone: 262-271-1002 in North America, we must remain vigilant to maintain that primacy. Read our purposes. Email: [email protected] If you see an activity occurring within Muskies, Inc. that you believe fails to meet our pur- Int. Administrative Secretary, Terrie DuBé poses, please let me know. I would like to maintain an open dialogue (there’s that commu- 80 State Hwy. 200 NW, Longville, MN 56655 nication thing again) to enable us to maintain our conservation base. Phone: 888-710-8286 • Fax: 218-836-2087 Though I have received a great many positive and constructive comments from offi- Email: [email protected] cers, it occurs to me Muskies, Inc. strength is in our members. Accordingly, I have a request for each of you. Please take the time to consider our purposes and consider our direction. At Large Directors Term Expires I ask each of you to let me know how you believe we can get better. Two months ago I Ken Karbon ...... 2007 asked everyone to pull an oar for Muskies, Inc. Your communication to me is one prime Jim Shannon ...... 2007 way you can help. Please take a few minutes and send me an e-mail with your comments. I look foreword to receiving them. Bob Timme ...... 2007 See you on the water. ❖ Jim Beaty ...... 2007 Bob Osborne ...... 2007 David Rautmann ...... 2008 Muskies, Inc. Past Presidents Don Jahnke ...... 2008 David Cates ...... 2008 Gil Hamm Peter Hadley Jim Blaubach Patricia Strutz ...... 2008 Edward T. Peterka Bob Schmidt Steve Budnik Karl Scherer ...... 2008 Robert Hill Larry Ramsell Jim Smith Dick McPike ...... 2009 Robert Shoop Lou Cook Paul Framsted Dan Narsete ...... 2009 Frank Schneider Keith Ogden Perry Smith Diana Mindar ...... 2009 Peter Hadley Bill Davis Greg Wells Jack Moga ...... 2009 Brad Waldera ...... 2009 DuWayne Bakke Steve Statland Lou Cook John Hotle

2 MUSKIE.....June 2006 MAGAZINE NOTES ABOUT THE COVER MUSKIE Magazine Staff Although it doesn’t qualify for “Research,” Rod Ramsell, Editor Emeritus our cover this month certainly gives you Keith Ogden, Editor Emeritus “Youth” and “Fisheries.” It shows a MANAGING EDITOR young lad pausing for a quick photo op Jim Smith 15045 W. Double Tree Way during the North Metro / Twin Cities Surprise, AZ 85374-8568 chapter stocking event last November. Phone/Fax: (623) 388-3225 Muskies Inc. members netted some 176 Cell: (623) 810-9103 Email: [email protected] fish from a small rearing pond north of ASSISTANT EDITOR the Twin Cities and under the direction of Juris Ozols the DNR transported them to be stocked Phone: (952) 956-5793 in White Bear Lake. Email: [email protected] ADVERTISING MANAGER ◆ The young man on the cover had the job Kimberly D Miller MAGAZINE NOTES of quickly shuttling captured Muskies Kimberly D Miller Associates P.O. Box 543 • Syracuse, IN 46567 from the lake up to the aerated Phone: (574) 529-0228 Minnesota DNR truck. He performed the Email: [email protected] duty with alacrity and glee. PUBLICATIONS TECHNICAL MANAGER Sunray Printing Solutions, Inc. - Brenda Kirchner All 176 Muskies, running from 27 to 30 inches, survived the experience. 25123 22nd Ave. S. • St. Cloud, MN 56301-9189 They were released in White Bear in excellent shape and should provide Phone: 888-253-8808, ext. 133 great fishing opportunities in coming years. MAGAZINE DESIGN Sunray Printing Solutions, Inc. - John Windschitl This effort is an ongoing project organized by Paul Hartman, director of the ILLUSTRATORS/CARTOONISTS Metro Muskie Tournament, who also runs a variety of other fishing activities. Richard Gross Paul devotes a great deal of personal effort and financial support toward FIELD EDITORS Bob Chochola, Elizabeth Cratty, Adam Glickman, stocking Muskies, and has done so for several years. He’s supported by Robert Jennings, Mike Kanaval, Colby Simms, members of the Twin Cities and North Metro chapters of Muskies Inc. Patricia Strutz, Vincent P. Trotta ◆ CONTRIBUTING EDITORS MAGAZINE NOTES Gene Smith, Brian Kaiser, Brian Wellman, James W. Colgan, Jody Booth, Justin Gaiche, MISSION STATEMENT Daniel Anderson, Patricia Strutz, Daniel P. DiCaro “Muskies, Inc. is an active, service-oriented, non-profit organization with the sin- MUSKIE is published exclusively for the mem- gle focus of improving the sport of muskie fishing for men, women, and children. bership of Muskies, Inc. and subscriptions Our mission is to unite all muskie fishing interests for the promotion and protec- come with a paid membership. Muskies, Inc. is tion of a high quality muskellunge sport fishery in the United States and Canada. a non-profit organization. Membership classes and associated annual dues are listed on the We will accomplish this by supporting conservation practices and research based form at the bottom of page one. Single copies on sound scientific merit, and carried out by authorized federal or state agencies, of MUSKIE magazine are available at $3.00 appropriate academic institutions, Muskies, Inc chapters, and their members. each from the Muskies, Inc. International We are committed to the abatement of water pollution; maintenance of records Office. for muskie habits, growth, and range; and the dissemination of muskie information Contributors grant rights for M.I. to publish once in MUSKIE Magazine, both the print and to everyone.” on-line versions, including archives and on the

Adopted, April 2002 M.I. Web site. ◆

Submissions to MAGAZINE NOTES MUSKIE Magazine Coming in June: Persons interested in submitting articles for publication are directed to our website ✒ When Legends Speak by Bob Podgorski www.muskiesinc.org. There they will find a link to MUSKIE Magazine. From there you ✒ Finally Home on the Water by James Colgan will find links on the left side of the page pro- viding information necessary for submissions ✒ Finesse Muskie Tactics by Colby Simms to MUSKIE Magazine. Further questions will be answered by Jim Smith, Managing Editor. ✒ Early Summer Lures by Patricia Strutz Submissions may be sent to: 15045 W. Double Tree Way • Surprise, AZ 85374-8568. ✒ plus more historical moments from our 40 years past Phone: (623) 388-3225 or you may by Vince Trotta Email: [email protected]. www.muskiesinc.org June 2006.....MUSKIE 3 Towns said the muskies that are being found in Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River appear to have died about a month ago and were likely on the bottom of the lake and river system. As they have been decomposing, they have floated to the surface of the water, he said. Due to the decomposition, DNR pathologists cannot test the fish for musky pox or other diseases. Only live fish or fish that have been dead for less than a few hours can be tested for bacterial or viral diseases, Towns said. The rapid warming of the water in the St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair area could be a major factor, Towns said. Normally in late NEWS ALERT April, the water temperatures are in the mid-40s. Towns said that Michigan Department of Natural Resources presently the water temperatures are in the low to mid-50s, and some anglers have reported water temperatures in isolated bays in the 60 Muskellunge Die-Off in degree range. Rapid water temperature changes can put a lot of stress on fish, he said. Southeast Michigan Being Monitored In terms of musky pox, Towns said while many muskies may be APRIL, 2006 - A significant number of muskellunge, the second infected with it, the disease is usually only fatal to a few fish. Musky pox largest game fish in Michigan, have been observed dead over the last could cause the death of some fish when the fish are under stress, for INTERNATIONAL NEWS INTERNATIONAL month in Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair and Detroit rivers, accord- example during the spring when water temperatures can warm rapidly. The DNR has contacted Canadian fisheries officials to monitor

◆ ing to Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologists. The die- off is being monitored by the DNR and volunteer groups in the area. their side of Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River as well, and they “Any time a significant number of fish die, we are concerned for have reported some dead muskellunge, too. While a musky die-off the resource and monitor the situation closely to determine the fac- was observed in the spring of 2003, very few dead muskies were tors behind it,” said Gary Towns, DNR Lake Erie Management Unit reported in 2004 and 2005. supervisor. “We feel the current situation has likely been caused by a “We want area anglers to know that we are aware of the problem combination of factors which have impacted the muskies in the area.” and we appreciate their reports of dead muskies in the waters of the Towns said the DNR has essentially ruled out pollution as a factor. St. Clair River, the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair,” Towns said. “We He said species such as walleyes, emerald shiners and other minnows, are actively monitoring the situation to determine the extent of the which are more sensitive to pollution, do not seem to have been die-off, however; we feel at this time it is a combination of weather, affected. Anglers are currently catching lots of walleye, bass and other spawning stress and perhaps some disease factors which have affected species which appear to be very healthy, Towns added. the fish.” DNR fisheries officials feel the die-off of muskellunge could have The DNR is committed to conservation, protection, manage- ment, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural resources for current been caused by several factors including a combination of spawning ❖ stress, a warmer winter which may have set the stage for a higher inci- and future generations. dence of disease, and recent rapid warming of water over the past sev- Contacts: Gary Towns 734-953-0241 or Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014 eral weeks. It is unknown if the bacterial disease first detected in Lake St. Clair muskellunge in 2002, known as musky pox (Piscirickettsia MI Needs Your Help sp.), is involved. Fish with visible signs of musky pox have red rashes and sunken eyes. EXPERIENCED ACCOUNTING INTERNATIONAL NEWS NEWS INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL

◆ Volunteer needed to handle short term, special project. Must be DONATIONS experienced in either: • public accounting with multi-location audit clients; or APRIL • selection and coordination of outside auditors for a multi-loca- tion business or non-profit organization. Matt Sundquist & David Stalle Phil Uhl This is a short term project to help us find a CPA firm that can Family Steve & Kay Richard Mech help us comply with the audit requirements of the 15 states in which Shane Eakle Budnik Russ Warye our chapters operate. You may be currently active in accounting or Robert Dock Keith Nergaard you may be retired with some time to help. The project will com- Dave Majewski mence after April 15th and be completed by August 1st. Stupp John Geml Pete Barber We would, also, like to talk with any MI member who may be Vito Calianno Mark Krause associated with a CPA firm that might consider accepting an engage- Kenneth Miller Neal Tamms & Greg Adams ment to develop the audit program and to either: a) conduct the nec- Gary C. Pysher Sr Family Robert Stamps essary chapter audits; or b) assemble and coordinate CPA firms in the locales where our chapters are located. Greg Ridge Jerry Stayer Frank & Victor Your prompt reply would be appreciated. Please contact - Patrick Fields Bill Brunstad Walter Pete Barber On behalf of Muskies, Inc., thank you for adding a bit International Treasurer extra when you renewed your membership. Phone (847)726-7267

INTERNATIONAL NEWS NEWS INTERNATIONAL Fax (847)726-7268 – Pete Barber, Treasurer E-mail [email protected]

4 MUSKIE.....June 2006 INTERNATIONAL NEWS Vince Trotta Advances to Historical Artifacts and Questions Field Editor Position by Vince Trotta Asked about his Muskie fishing, Vince put it this way, “There are The April issue’s Muskies, Inc. History “WANTED” ad, elicit- two Muskies I haven’t caught, yet, my biggest one and my last one.” ed valuable responses. The first one takes strange twists, but ends That is the kind of optimism found in his writing. Vince first wrote well. The second raises more questions than it answers. for Muskie magazine in 2004. Since then, his contributions have IT WAS MEANT TO BE. Tom Smetana wrote to tell of the increased in number and significance. three, framed pictures he had given to Joe Heil, both are members of Most recently, he and Juris Ozols, Muskie Assistant Editor, creat- the First Wisconsin Chapter. Joe is a Muskies, Inc. Regional Vice ed and continue the Muskies, President. Tom had saved and framed the items and gave them to Inc. 40th Anniversary Founders Joe to “put to good use.” Two days of my emails to Joe, failed. On Project. The yield from that the second day, Juris Ozols delivered the materials we had used at the project continues to provide International Spring Banquet. With them, he had additional items readers with significant informa- of unknown source. Juris had been copied on every Trotta, Smetana, tion, as well as, copies of collect- and Heil email and had full knowledge of the email problem in locat- ed pictures and artifacts from the ing the Smetana items. Once home, I looked carefully at the framed early days of Muskies, Inc. These items, noticing that one was the cover of the December 1984, Gil include the contributions of Gil Hamm, memorial, Muskie magazine issue. In plain sight was the Hamm and the other 13 magazine address label to Tom Smetana. Again, I asked Juris where founders. Vince continues with he got the items and he confessed that he had bought them at the ◆ that project and is focusing on International Spring Banquet Silent Auction, for the MI archives. INTERNATIONAL NEWS other tasks related to the history Thanks Tom; thanks, Joe; and thanks Juris. It was meant to be. of Muskie fishing and Muskies, WHICH CAME FIRST? Hal Wohl from New Jersey, a New Inc. Through this work, Vince earned the Muskie title of Field Editor York City CPA, wrote to tell of his collected Muskie artifacts. He and we are pleased to have him continue with us in that capacity. started fishing for St. Lawrence In late April, MI President David Cates announced that the River Muskies in the 1950s Executive Committee approved Vince’s proposal to establish a with his father and younger Muskies, Inc. history and archive committee. The primary purpose brother. Hal joined Muskies, of the committee is to assure that the MI tradition of preserving Inc. in its early days. He saves Muskies, Inc. history and artifacts will be continued. A long-term Muskie magazines and other objective of the committee is to investigate the feasibility of a perma- Muskie-related items and pub- nent repository for the growing number of artifacts of our 40-year-old lications. One of those items is organization. the patch, pictured here. Hal With a career in higher education teaching and management, does both salt and fresh water Vince continues to teach courses for the Minnesota campus of fishing. Most of his Muskie Wisconsin’s Cardinal Stritch University. Mary Jane and Vince reside fishing is done in Wisconsin. Hal says that Hayward’s John Dettloff in Apple Valley, Minnesota. They are natives and longtime residents has made that fishing more interesting for him and his wife. Hal of Pennsylvania. Three sons and their families live in Cincinnati, speculated that he belonged to the long- inactive, National Muskies Cleveland and Pittsburgh. ❖ Association, before Muskies, Inc. was founded. He was not certain of the dates.

Please watch future issues for more on the QUESTIONS: Who remembers the National Muskies ◆ Association and can give us some additional details? Which came Muskies, Inc. Forty Years of Excellence.

first, the National Muskies Association or Muskies, Inc.? Were there INTERNATIONAL NEWS other Muskie organizations started in the ’50, ‘60s, and ‘70s? ❖ PLEASE LET US KNOW OF ANY HISTORIC MUSKIES, INC. ARTIFACTS OR PICTURES THAT YOU MAY HAVE. It would be BUY-SELL-TRADE great to get copies of the Newsletters that preceded Muskie magazine. Contact Vince Trotta at [email protected] or call 952 688-7216. MUSKIE Magazine is looking to start a Muskies, Inc. Resource Section (Classified ads) each month. MEMBERS NOTICE We would like you to send in your ads. We will also include them on our website in a special section for no additional charge. Cost will be $50.00 for a fifty- Members are asked to please go to: word ad. Plus 10¢ per word over the minimum. (2 www.muskiesinc.org column inches maximum) Photos will be included for an additional $35.00. and check on the "members only" side, and hit the "My Member Info" button and For information contact Kimberly Miller at update their member information, including [email protected] their e-mail address. www.muskiesinc.org June 2006.....MUSKIE 5 The Order of Things by Dr. Gene Smith

o say that we live in a desperately troubled society is to gross- order, gotten my priorities screwed up. As I looked back over 30 years ly understate the situation. Violent crime, unemployment, of serious angling, I realized that I have been blessed beyond anyone’s T degradation of the education system. What is the driving expectations. I have fished nearly half the days of my life, caught more force behind it all? Obviously, there are no easy answers. Most people and bigger fish than anyone could expect to, and accomplished many have some idea of the things they think need changing in order to goals I had set for myself. The “self” part of that, however, was the bring about improvement in our society. For the most part they all problem. have merit. Looking today at my children, they are wonderful kids. They For 47 years I have been here, making one mistake after anoth- love the outdoors, especially the water. All of them love to fish. They er. Sometimes I learn the first time. Sometimes it takes a while. In the have been with me to the Ogoki River in northern Ontario on a fly- midst of raising four children, however, there is one thing that has in since they were 4 years old. They are mature and skilled beyond become painfully obvious to me. Over the last few their years. Yet I have pushed myself and them along decades, fewer and fewer parents are recognizing the My daughter and without consideration for order. All of my kids have value of time. Time is the one and only thing we can- sons can no more caught and handled big pike and muskies. They all not replace. We can make more money, but we can- will work and work for a follow as long as it takes. I not make more time. We can go back and fix lower get back the time have come to realize, however, that at times they do it units knocked off on a rock, fix stripped drag wash- I left them home just to gain my approval. Truth is, they would rather ers, replace line. We are, however, slaves to time. As be tied up to a brush pile with a thousand wax worms the song says, “like an hourglass glued to the table”, than I can. Too catching one bluegill after another. Or crappie fishing time goes on. many times I have with minnows, eating chips and laughing about the I have always recognized that. What I neglected gone to the water ones that got off before they could get them in the to see, however, is that it goes on for everyone else as boat. Instead, I often had them strained to the limit, well. My daughter and sons can no more get back the alone when I could barking instruction. Everything has its time. I had to time I left them home than I can. Too many times I have taken them. learn how to read the clock. have gone to the water alone when I could have taken Everyone who has children surely must know them. Why? “What is the end of all this?” I asked myself. What am I where I am coming from. Surely I am not the only dad who had made trying to accomplish? Astonished at the realization of the truth, I or is still making this mistake. Children, regardless of how talented made a decision to change how I approach musky fishing, fishing they are with a bucktail or crankbait, are still children. To become life- period, and life in general. long anglers, and to become confident anglers that enjoy their sport, You see, the truth is that I had been selfish. True, there is noth- we need to observe the natural order of things. ing wrong with fishing. To the contrary, fishing can be a blessing of The truly great anglers, all of them, have in common the histo- the highest order. The problem was that I had gotten things all out of ry of learning things gradually, over time, stepping on all the rocks along the way. To start a child out musky fishing without learning him or her about bluegills or perch is like learning to drive a car during a Nascar race. Basic skills are essential, and they cannot be learned at the top. Successful anglers and people learn fishing like life, one step at a time. Bluegill, crappies, and perch can be the best teachers for children beginning to show interest in the water. Notice I said, “water”, not fishing. Notice the kids who you see fishing on the banks all the time, or anywhere they can get to the water. If the fish aren’t biting, they will be scavenging along under rocks or logs to see what lives there. My kids LOVE watching how bluegills chase little minnows and insects along the banks or under docks. By watching how the bluegills move, what gets their attention, what spooks them, and so forth they gain invaluable knowledge of the ecosystem and how it operates. My 7-year-old twins practically live at our pond. They know many of the fish in it individually because of indi- vidual markings or scars. They know when the salamanders are due to show up to lay their eggs, followed by the toads and frogs. They know which fish eat minnows and which ones eat algae. They caught and placed one hybrid bluegill in a 20-gal-

6 MUSKIE.....June 2006 lon aquarium for months, caring for him. His job, by the way, was to anyone else in your circle or club. Competition can be a good thing, chase grubs or little jigs up and down the water column so they could but experience has taught me that it can also make monsters out of see which colors and shapes he preferred. The knowledge kids gain otherwise great people. On our trips, regardless of whether an after- from these things is invaluable. noon bluegill trip to Buckhorn or a 2-week pike and walleye trip to When the schools of shad are feeding heavily on plankton on the Ontario, I discourage competition between my children. Instead, I surface just before dark, we often just drift and watch them. The boys place them in situations where cooperation leads to more fish for have questions by the dozens. One of my twin sons, in particular, everyone. often dozes off to sleep while asking me questions My kids catch their share of fish. Much more about things he has seen in and around the water. It is Over the last few important is the lessons they learn along the way, les- important to him to know the answers to simple ques- sons about life. Kids, who grow up on an outdoors tions before he is satisfied to move on to other things. decades, fewer family, provided, again, that everything is kept in Bluegill fishing teaches kids basics. Hooksets, and fewer parents proper perspective, seldom get involved with the drug characteristics of hooks themselves, removing hooks are recognizing culture and its traps. I have learned not to burn them from gullets, taking care with gills. Learning to respect out on any one type of fishing. As they age, I give the fish, first and foremost, leads to a respect for life the value of time. them more freedom to choose techniques and loca- and lives, including those of other children. Time is the one tions to fish. As they succeed, even with bluegill fish- As my children have gained basic skills, they have ing, they become closer and closer to becoming life- moved on, ever so slowly, to more complicated equip- and only thing we long anglers. ment and techniques. I have made it a point to try to cannot replace. Let us remember that all things have an order. work with them on techniques for catching ALL the Bringing up a muskie angler is no exception to this species of fish we have available in our area. Panfish first, catfish, carp, rule. Respect for other anglers, regardless of their target species, must bass, etc. To be a good angler and enjoy the sport, kids need to learn be ingrained from the beginning. Likewise, respect for life, regardless to effectively target whatever species is available to them at the time. of the species, is the cornerstone for building good anglers and good My kids do not all like fishing for muskies and pike. One likes people. All aspects of the ascent from the first days on the water catch- bass fishing, as does my wife. Nothing wrong with that. Point is, I ing bream up to the first time your son or daughter heads out in your challenge you, confidentially, to think of one truly exceptional angler boat alone are necessary steps in the building of a successful angler. As that is not multispecies capable and very knowledgeable about local parents, we must give our time. Nothing else will do. ❖ ecosystems. Gene Smith, Chapter 45, Kentucky Keeping things, including fishing, in perspective is the key to Redstone Outdoors enjoying it. Self-induced pressure to catch a 50-incher this month or www.kentucky-muskie-fishing.com on this trip, or to boat 100 muskies this can be a death sentence to [email protected] the fun side of things. Worst of all is pressure to catch more fish than (606) 487-8033

Webster Lake Musky Club 3rd Annual Series Cash Tournament June 3, 2006: Webster Lake $150 September 9, 2006: Barbee Chain $150 October 7, 2006: Webster Lake$200 All 3 tournaments for $450 if paid by June 3, 2006. ~ Limited to the first 45 boats ~ First and second tournaments payouts: 1st=$1700* 2nd=$1150* 3rd=$700* 4th=$400* 5th=$150* Third tournament payout: 1st=$2250* 2nd=$1500* 3rd=$900* 4th=$550* 5th=$200* *Based on field of 45 boats. Payout will be 3 places for less than 20 teams; 4 places for 20-29 teams; and 5 places for 30+ teams. Contact Vince Weirick 574-551-0214 or Chae Dolsen 574/834-1669 for further information or visit our web- site www.websterlakemuskyclub.org for entry form and tournament rules. www.muskiesinc.org June 2006.....MUSKIE 7 Minnesota’s Top Muskie Waters by Brian Kaiser

f you are traveling through the state of Minnesota in search of mum helps put this lake at the top of my list when it comes to Trophy muskies you should consider the following eight bodies of water. muskie lakes. Located in Hubbard County and just down the road I I have spent time on “all” the waters listed below and highly rec- from the city of Bemidji, Lake Plantagenet offers you a true shot at a ommend them if you are in search of the mighty Muskie. Trophy. Try fishing at Night or early in the morning before first light. Fishing in the dark with top water lures has French Lake located in Rice County in the put some real Big Brutes in the boat for some southern part of the state right out side the of the local muskie nuts. city of Faribault is about 850 acres in size and has depths up to about 50 feet. This fertile BABY LAKE is a 704-acre lake with a maxi- body of water has had an aggressive stocking mum depth of 69 feet. It is located in Cass program going back 20 plus years. French County seven miles east of Hackensack. lake is one of the very few lakes in southern About 35% of the lake is 15 feet or less deep. Minnesota that has a solid population of The water clarity in Baby Lake is 8 to 10 feet. Muskies as well as having some 50-inch class In July 2000, adequate oxygen for fish was fish. The lake can turn into pea soup in the present down to 19 feet. A DNR-owned pub- summer but that doesn’t stop the fish from lic access opened on the East Side of the lake hitting, nor should it stop you from giving it in 1997. Small fishing boats can travel from a try. On one hot summer evening with the Baby Lake to Mann Lake through the narrow, water looking like green scum I bagged three low-clearance outlet channel on Baby Lake’s muskies in less than three hours and missed east shore. Baby Lake is a native Muskie lake two others. Like many other good lakes it has and not much stocking has taken place in the a lot of fishing pressure so night time and last 5 years. weekdays might be your best option. DETROIT LAKE Leech Lake strain muskel- WABEDO I have a special love affair with lunge were first stocked in Detroit Lake in this lake due to the fact that my first 40-inch 1989. Fishing opportunities now exist in this muskie came from this body of water. The lake for catching muskies over fifty inches Lake is an 1185-acres in size & located in long and weighing well over thirty pounds. Cass County near Longville, MN. With a Water clarity is around 7 feet. With maximum depth of 95 feet, approximately 25% of the lake is less Over 3000 acres you can find many places to fish and if you come up than 15 feet deep. A public access is located on the southwest shore empty simply move to the next spot on your Milk run. I have had my just off County Road 120. Wabedo Lake is in Lake Class 22; lakes in best luck on this lake throwing Black & silver as-well as Red & yel- this class are generally clear, irregularly shaped, very deep, and have a low spinner baits. Top water baits also Produce well at sundown. The low percentage of littoral area. This lake is primarily managed for Pike tend to run small on this body of water & there are lots of wave muskellunge, black crappie, and walleye. whackers, pleasure boaters and other water enthusiast to contend Lake Waconia Located in Carver County Considered to be a Metro with, but none the less this is an excellent choice for fishing Muskies. Lake is filled with reefs and a variety of structure, edges and transition MILLE LACS otherwise known as the Big Pond this water covers areas. Maximum depth is about 40 feet and water clarity is only at 5 more than 132,000 acres. Some people think of Mille Lacs Lake as feet. Waconia offers you almost 3000 acres of fishing and has been Fragile Trophy water. Tribal netting quota’s, sport fisherman Quota’s, stocked with muskies in 1998, 2000, & 2002. I personally have never slot limits, bag limits, legal fishing hours and the list goes on and on. broke 40 inches on this body of water but this Lake has been doing There are many variables to contend with when fishing this lake. quite well in the Metro Muskie Tournament the last few years with many fish being taken in the 42 to 48 inch range. If you fish this Lake please check the most recent regulations, because they are changing on a continuing bases. Bag and slot limits WHITE BEAR Another Metro Lake located in Washington County can change three or more times per year depending on Lake Surveys has some real Big Brutes in it! Stocking has taken place in 1997, 98, and other pertinent information. There are over a dozen public 99, 2000, 2001 & 2002. Maximum depth is around 82 feet and accesses on the lake which help you get closer to the area you choose water clarity according to the secchi disk is around 10 feet. The water to fish. Sometimes you swear the fish are not there and other days the covers 2,400 acres but you will have plenty of company due to the lake just seems to come alive so if you first don’t succeed try and try large number of sailboats that will accompany you. Trolling the deep again and something good will surely happen. This truly is a Beautiful weed edges with10 inch Jakes and large Grandma lures is one proven Body of water! method of producing fish. This lake has also produced very well in past Metro Muskie Tournaments. You can find Brian on the web at www.kaisertail.com LAKE PLANTAGENET Back in 1989 I gave my first Windels Musky101 Guide service Muskie Harasser a good work out on this lake. Since then, this 2,530- 218-841-3534 acre lake has been kicking out some real monsters. A 48-inch mini-

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www.muskiesinc.org June 2006.....MUSKIE 9 EDITORS NOTE: The Wellman’s son Grady told his own the cane pole snapped and the bass swam to story in the November 2005 issue of MUSKIE Magazine. I Last summer, I was really safety. The second true fish tale takes place on th published it then as I thought it was too great of a story to itching to hit my favorite Friday the 13 of August, 1982. While sleep- wait and publish it now in June. You may want to go back ing (yes sleeping) on the sofa in the cabin, my and re-read Grady’s own account of his great muskie. stomping grounds on Lac mom woke me to tell me my younger brother Seul. Who should I ask? at age 16 had just landed a 55 1/2” muskie. I y dad taught me how to fish at a very young After a few last minute could not believe my eyes but it was true. The age. My grandpa taught my dad, and so on, whole camp was in awe as was I, albeit a bit M and so on. Growing up in Minnesota, our attempts, I asked my wife if jealous. While I was interested in muskie fish- family spent a week in August camping and fishing on it would be ok to take Grady. ing prior to that foggy 13th day of August, I beautiful Lake Winnibigosh in northern Minnesota. She agreed. He was already was sure “hooked” now. Those were great times with the family – parents, siblings, While my patience level in general is next grandparents, uncles and aunts. packed and in the truck. to non-existent, I more than make up for it Our family also spent many weekends at my grand- when fishing. All fishermen know you need parents’ home on Lake Minnetonka. They had the perfect fishing it. It took 9 years for my first personal muskie catch; 1 more hour dock. We would fish for for my second. To date, I’ve caught more than 25 muskies with 3 at sunfish, crappies and or over 50”. I owe my luck and success to my dad who introduced bullheads with cane me to fishing. While I’m proud of my success to date, success is not poles and worms. To be a destination but rather a journey. For me, the journey continues as real clear, Uncle Walter I pass the fishing tradition onto my kids, Grady (11) and Annika (7). was the one who fished Prior to age 5, Grady had fished with me on many occasions. for the bullheads, not He had caught multiple species of fish including panfish, perch, a us. few walleyes and even a northern pike. In the fall of 2000, Grady From my early years would add a muskie to the list. of fishing, there are While fishing Lake Independence with a bass rod and reel and many “true” fish tales Fat Rap lure in a crayfish pattern, we trolled the north end of the but two tales stand out lake. It was a very pleasant day. I had packed a PB&J (peanut but- for me. The first one ter and jelly sandwich) for Grady, and as sure as noon set in, Grady was from the Lake was munching down the PB&J. Part way into the sandwich, Grady’s Minnetonka dock. rod began to “violently” bend; i.e., no weed or rock – this was a fish! While fishing all alone, a We didn’t know it was a muskie until it swam by the boat. It was a very big largemouth ate great fight and a perfect little muskie. After a quick photo, the fish my worm. I did all I was released. In the photo you will notice not only the beautiful fish could to get him (or her) but also the PB&J in the corner of Grady’s mouth! What a proud in but lost the battle as day for both of us.

10 MUSKIE.....June 2006 One year later and almost to the While a bit discouraged, Grady believed day, we found ourselves back on Lake this statement to be true. He also Independence. Grady is now 6-years believed that the big one could bite at old. Not surprisingly, Grady had the anytime. For Grady, it would happen same rod and lure but no PB&J. I can’t the next year. remember if I forgot the PB&J or Talking to some friends who were thought a can of Pringles would be a lot also fellow anglers, the notion of taking easier. Whatever. What we did find out your son/daughter to Canada fishing was is Grady’s luck must not have been in something we agreed would be best done the PB&J, for once again, Grady’s rod when they reached age 13. At that age, began to shake. Following a couple they would have more patience; there- minute battle about 1,000 yards from fore, more capable of staying in the boat the previous year’s muskie, Grady had for a lengthier period of time. Last sum- another muskie in the boat. After a mer, I was really itching to hit my quick photo, back home she went. favorite stomping grounds on Lac Seul. Muskies eat crayfish? Muskies eat every- Who should I ask? After a few last thing I told myself. minute attempts, I asked my wife if it Also noteworthy this year was a would be ok to take Grady. She agreed. quick morning run to Lake Mille Lacs He was already packed and in the truck. to fish for walleyes. This was the year We left at 4:00 AM for the 9-hour where the forage base was down and the drive north. The folks from Ojibway walleyes were on fire. My dad, Grady Outfitters/Lac Seul Outposts are great – and I left the Twin Cities at 5:00 AM always have been. They met us as and we were fishing by 7:00 AM. It was planned at the dock for our 1-hour boat- a windless day and the mudflats pro- in to camp. The entire trip was awe- duced. We caught some 40 walleyes in some, just dad and son. However, it was four hours – 18 of which were landed by the first night that put the proverbial Grady including a 27”er. What I remember most was Grady play- “icing on the cake.” Grady’s 2-year muskie drought would soon be ing his Gameboy while keeping his fishing rod in the rod holder. As over. we inched along, I would watch Grady’s rod tip for the walleye bite (Continued on page 12) - the “bump-bump-bump.” As soon as I noticed the bite, I pulled the rod out of the holder and gave it to Grady. Grady would set the hook and the battle was on. We had a great day. Ok, back to muskies. Surely now you’re thinking that Grady can’t possi- bly make it 3 for 3 - one muskie at age 5 and one muskie at age 6. Another muskie at age 71/2 You bet! We were on the same lake (surprise!) and same time of year. However, this year, Grady had his own muskie rod and reel in hand – a nice Christmas present. Grady was also using a bigger lure, an 8” Believer. Another 1,000 yards or so from last year’s muskie, the big rod began to bend. We knew this was a muskie as almost immediately the fish was airborne. Following a quick fight and photo, the muskie was released. Grady had caught three muskies in three consecutive years with each one bigger than the last. The last muskie was around 40”. While I know we were Fall trolling and not cast- ing, I’m not sure if Grady realized that the muskie was known as ‘the fish of 10,000 casts.’ He would soon find out. The next two years we fished the same lake and others many times but didn’t have any luck. We even fished 1,000 yards from the spot on Lake Independence where Grady had caught his last muskie and didn’t have a bite. There goes that pattern. I told him to remember that it’s “fishing” not “catching.” www.muskiesinc.org June 2006.....MUSKIE 11 A FAMILY TRADITION (Continued from page 11)

Following our boat-in, we went fishing for walleyes and caught a few for dinner. Grady asked me if we could pitch for muskies. I quickly said, “You bet!” We tried a couple spots with no luck and it was starting to get late. Moving to a new area, we were now fishing one of my favorite spots. It had been a long day and Grady asked if he could call “the last cast.” I agreed as night and fatigue were upon us. Also, it was our first day and we had 3 more days to fish. What happened on Grady’s last cast can only be described by Grady himself for I was only a witness. For his story, I ask you to read Grady’s article in the November, 2005 issue of MUSKIE maga- zine. The title of his story is “The Last Cast.” Grady’s muskie was a

fat 47”er and I’m sure close to 30 pounds. Congrats Grady! I relive the moment all the time. It was a special time for both of us. What will happen in the future with this young fisherman? My guess and advice is to watch the MUSKIE Lunge Log for the name Grady Wellman. In fact, we may also want to watch for the name Annika Wellman, Grady’s younger sister. Knowing my daughter and her attraction to fishing, she will soon have her own true big fish tale. There’s no doubt about it. While Annika has done some muskie fishing, she hasn’t had any luck yet. However, she has caught many panfish, perch, a few nice walleyes and a 36” north- ern pike. Grady and I would be remiss if I didn’t share a fish story about Annika. Annika’s 36” northern pike was caught while ice fishing. She had just turned 5- years old. I know this to be true as she would be off to the doctor that afternoon for her booster shots. Annika wasn’t think- ing doctor. She was thinking fishing. We were fishing Lake Ann in Chanhassen with tip-ups and shiners. It wasn’t long after we got set up that the first flag went. I went running with Annika to the hole. Line was running out, and once it stopped, we set the hook together. By herself, Annika fought the fish by hand. Once it was through the hole, we snapped a couple quick photos and released the pike to fight another day. I was so proud of her. Will this be the year Annika catches her first muskie? Will Grady get his fifth? No one knows because it’s fishing. One thing is certain. We will fish together because it’s A Family Tradition. ❖

12 MUSKIE.....June 2006 Lunge Log ◆ Lunge Log ◆ Lunge Log ◆ Lunge Log ◆ Lunge Log ◆ Lunge Log ◆ Lunge Log nd MUSKIE 13 (Continued on page 14) June 2006..... Lures by Date Range! Date by Lures The tools or lures that you use is a long standing issue of what standing issue of use is a long that you or lures The tools up in also shows It tops the all time list with 9518 entries. Suick you spend your money on in the pursuit of the muskie. We did a sort We of the muskie. money on in the pursuit your spend you all time list. and then an last 5 years for the to find the top ten lures lure different 2500 Log has over file at the Lunge the lure Today when you instance, of course many duplicates. For are There names. that come up with the 13 names are there enter the name Mepps is nearly the same for name. It as just part of that lure Mepps word as part of its name. On names with Bagley 14 lure are as there Bagley the is just one. Never there look up Suick, when you the contrary, or may be accurate a list. It have done, we less, when all said and list.” tainted but it is “the the 2 also has recorded It years. the top ten for each of the last five and Junior’s list, and we made sure Robert Simms’s 30 inch hybrid Simms’s Robert sure made and we list, and Junior’s from are of these entries Most into the list. got Virginia West out of open and water was tundra where south of the frozen waters a bit truly sport is a 12 month now. open. It where muskie seasons

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b h t This is my favorite release list to publish of them all. Late in the list to publish of them all. Late release This is my favorite Winter/Spring Longest Releases, Points! Releases, Longest Winter/Spring year if you don’t have a real beast you don’t make the list. This list is make the list. don’t beast you a real have don’t if you year 30. April 1 through January to us from reported muskies caught and the coun- some smaller entries across get to report we Consequently, the super stars that take of members versus try group a different by Women’s entries in the see some 30 inch We later in the year. over www.muskiesinc.org LUNGE LOG (Continued from page 13) most 50 inch muskies with 132. One casual observation many have stated about the Suick is that it is probably fished slower than all the rest. Interesting! Next up is the Mepps with 7434 entries. Keep in mind this is only the ones listed simply as Lunge Log Lunge Mepps. It does not include the other 12 variations. It was in

◆ the top ten in four of the last 5 years. Muskie Inc. members also used the Mepps in landing 68 fifty inch muskies, which is 10th all time. Next up is the Bagley Crank with 7297 entries. It does not show in our list for the last five years. However it is a very popular trolling bait and has 42 fifty inch- ers to its credit. Number 4 on the list with 6674 entries is the Wiley Crank. There also is a listing for a Wiley Jerk, which in some Lunge Log Lunge cases maybe the exact same lure, depending on how it is

◆ fished. It is a very popular trolling bait and has 117 fifty inch- ers which is 3rd on the list. The Wiley is in the top ten for each of the last five years and actually was first in four of the five. It is followed on the list by the Grandma Crank with 5858 entries and 76 fifty inchers. Like the Wiley it also has a listing for Grandma Jerk, which once again could be the same exact lure. It is in the top ten each of the last five years taking 3rd in 2004. Sixth on the Lunge Log Lunge list is the Reef Hawg with 5671 entries and 67 fifty inchers. It ◆ is a long standing staple of many a tackle box. It does not show in the top ten in any of the last five years but is very be a factor. Ninth is Jake with 4348 entries. It is probably the unique and successful. If you have one and it comes in straight, beat youngest invention in the list. It made the top ten in each of the last on it a bit, it is not suppose to swim straight. five years. It also is fifth all time with 106 fifty inchers. It is very pop- Seventh on the list is just plain old Buck Tail. It is the name used ular trolling bait. The lure list also shows a Jake jerk, which once when you do not want to tell us the name of your specialty. It is the again could be the same. name of most of your garage gems that you have not named yet. The last one is simply the Crank Bait. This is used when not th th Lunge Log Lunge Never the less it is 7 with 5026 entries and also 7 with 99 fifty revealing the real name. It has always been a factor and always will. inchers. Eighth is Sucker. It is live and not really a lure, but has 4588 ❖

◆ Tired of all these facts and figures, good, lets go fishing. entries. It has been around since they invented dirt and will always Da Bunchman Lunge Log Lunge ◆ Lunge Log Lunge ◆ Lunge Log Lunge

14 MUSKIE.....June 2006 POP–POP, PLOOP–PLOOP, SPLISH–SPLASH, KA-A-A BOOM-M-M-M! by James W. Colgan

he muskie, arguably the gamest freshwater fish in North bubbles, and producing a distinctive wake, while simultaneously giv- America, is primarily a sight feeder; however, a surface distur- ing off the cheep, cheep, cheep of a lost duckling frantically looking T bance on top of the water with its attendant sound will for its mother. invariably get the muskie’s attention and cause this curious fish to Frenchie made several other lures of gigantic proportions that investigate. Consequently, the sound generated by a surface lure itself found frequent use during those witching hours; the large Creeper and the commotion it causes on the water can draw attention to that and the Giant Jointed Creeper, both in black of course. His large particular lure and make the fish strike. Creeper was made with a spreader double treble hooks on the rear There are many types of surface lures being offered to the instead of the single treble which helped to up the ratio of hooking muskie angler today. There are poppers, gliders, twitchers, splashers muskies as opposed to those striking, leaping and getting away. His and buzzers. Each type of lure will cause a cer- Giant Jointed Creeper was much bigger and tain disturbance upon the water, which may or heavier with additional sound made by the joint may not trigger the muskie into striking. The There are surface lures in the middle and an oversize propeller in the capricious nature of the muskie is such that that wiggle, wobble, rear. As the Jointed Creeper is retrieved through whatever it is that triggers a strike one day, will the water, it produces the ploop, ploop, ploop usually not work the next day, so the determined bobble and shake; and with its oversize, spread arms; and, in addition angler will work on lure selection and presenta- other lures that pop, gives off the click, click, click of the fore and aft tion. Many times it will be the action of the lure ploop, sputter, spit and bodies hitting each other and the rattling of the generated by the angler which is ineffective; so, large propeller spinner turning in the rear. work on different types of presentations before splash; but my favorite There were other lures I used during the changing to an entirely different lure. surface lure creates a witching hour but none were as consistent as the The muskie, like all other efficient preda- gurgling, bubbling sound three lures mentioned. I experimented with tors has a highly developed set of receptors Frenchie’s Water Thumper and his Topper but including sight, smell, sound, taste and feel, not with a rotating head they were more productive during the day. to mention the lateral line. The sound a lure having a loosely attached, Fishing the top-water lures during the day makes seems to be more important on some requires lures that produced a different, subtler lures than on others. Practically all lures give of oversized blade that also sound mimicking the natural forage found in the some kind of vibration that produces an under- gives off a high-pitched environment. Lures that represent injured, strug- water sound, and some of these sounds are more clicking sound much like gling fish causing a disturbance on the water, or appealing to the muskie than others. Different the commotion caused by frogs, small animals surface lures will produce a greater variety of a chirping baby duckling. and birds familiar in the area like ducklings, sounds than other categories of lures and it is this goslings and such. one aspect that often triggers the muskie into striking. Not to be overlooked is the first top-water lure I began throwing There are surface lures that wiggle, wobble, bobble and shake; back in the 1960s when experimenting with the surface bite. and other lures that pop, ploop, sputter, spit and splash; but my Arbogast makes a giant size Jitterbug which wiggles and wobbles favorite surface lure creates a gurgling, bubbling sound with a rotat- across the surface of the water like a teeny-bopper on the dance floor, ing head having a loosely attached, oversized blade that also gives off but also creates a ploop, ploop rhythmic sound when retrieved at a a high-pitched clicking sound much like a chirping baby duckling. I steady pace. The Jitterbug gave me my first taste of surface action on first heard about this oversize Globe back in the late 1980s and a lit- muskie waters and spurred further experiments with top-water lures. tle research led me to Frenchie LaMay. Several phone calls to Frenchie (Continued on page 16) were enough to get me started using LeLure lures fashioned by Frenchie. His giant size Globe has the Leap-R - 51/2˝ The distinction of producing the largest muskies boated “Best darn Also available on surface lures. Frenchie has long since retired from musky/northern Magnum Leap-R 71/2˝ Gopher lures I ever used!” the lure making business; however, there are several Augie Machtig Bait Co. versions of his lure being produced by manufactures Sheboygan, WI and are available in muskie shops. An Instant Musky Meal – Just add water!TM Most muskie anglers wait for calm, flat water The Gopher Leap-R • Top-water wooden bait • Chrome plated steel before casting their top-water lures. I prefer the chop Available at: • Slowest bait in your • Jerkbait Rollie & Helen’s Musky Shop, Minocqua, WI caused by wind and the choppier, the better. I partic- tackle box The Gopher Crazy - D - Tackle, Elk Mound, WI • Two sizes: 5 1/2’ - 1 oz. 1 ularly like to fish the witching hour with a nice chop • Two sizes: 8 1/2” - 2 oz. & 7 1/2’ - 2 oz. 8 /2˝ Diamond Sporting Goods, Hales Corners, WI and 5 1/2” - 1 oz. Kolar Bait & Tackle, Carol Stream, IL on the water and go to my black LeLure Globe. Ye Olde Tackle Shop, North Webster, IN During those last remaining minutes of dull dimin- DMS Tackle & Guide Service, East Grand Forks, MN Free Brochure: Gopher Bait Co. Smokey’s Muskellunge Shop, Pewaukee, WI and other fine tackle dealers. ishing light, the black Globe produces a good silhou- 9759 Middle Road, Oostburg, WI 53070 • 920-458-4488 Also available Dealer Inquiries Invited ette churning through the water kicking up spray and Visit our website: www.gopherbaitco.com Baby Gopher - 51/2˝ www.muskiesinc.org June 2006.....MUSKIE 15 POP–POP...KA-A BOOM-M-M-M! (Cont’d from page 15) Up at the top of everyone’s favorite list is Mouldy’s Hawg Wobbler. This is probably the one surface lure that can be found in every angler’s tackle box because it’s a “no-brainer” lure when casting and retrieving, and is a consistent producer. The Hawg Wobbler is made in four different sizes, but for some reason most anglers choose the six and a quarter inch model, neglecting the other two larger sizes which are equally effective. There is no clear line of departure when to use one lure and not another because many factors determine which lure to choose. Under ideal conditions like a falling barometer, with cloudy, overcast skies and a stiff westerly breeze chopping the water means just about any surface lure can be used. If the day is darkened by heavy low threatening clouds, then I like to start off with my Sara. Ed Latiano produced custom-made muskie lures before retiring some years ago. He fashioned four different sizes of Saras for me from four inches up to his giant of seven inches. Ed’s Sara was designed from Heddon’s Zaragossa made over a hundred years ago and has stood the test of time. From all his colors I have filling my tackle box, I invariably begin with the large black Sara and retrieve it with sharp downward pulls of the rod to give the Sara a zigzag motion of a fish escaping danger. Some of my biggest muskies have fallen victim to the allure of this tantaliz- ing bait and I must confess I lost my favorite Sara on a huge muskie one dark, rainy night many years ago. Retrieving the Sara is more difficult than retrieving other surface lures. It requires the angler’s full attention. In addition to simultaneously twitching and jerking the rod with one hand, the other hand is cranking, reeling up slack line. If per- formed correctly, there will be no interruption in the steady zigzag motion of the Sara and she will come rhythmically toward the boat. This retrieve is called “walking the dog” and is the standard retrieve for the Sara; however, there are other variations which include shorter and longer zigs and zags, glides, pops and pauses. Often, it is one of these simple varia- tions, which trigger an otherwise neutral muskie into striking. If I see a muskie following, I will quicken the speed and rhythm of the lure, and as the Sara approaches the boat, push my rod tip into the water and continue with a fast, pulsating rhythm making a large, sweeping figure eight. You’d be sur- prised how many strikes occur on a surface lure retrieved underwater next to the boat. Clear bright blue-bird days present challenges to most muskie fishermen, but when you’ve traveled hundred of miles and spent an equal amount in dollars, you have no choice but to get on the water. When you make reservations from six months to a year ahead of time, your ability to predict is lim- ited to moon phase, lake and lodging; not to the weather, water clarity, barometer, or wind direction and velocity. Fishing one of my favorite lakes in northern Minnesota one summer several years ago, we experienced several blue- bird days in a row. The muskies were tight lipped and shunned all our baits save one; and that particular lure was an act of des- For entry forms, rules, and payouts please visit our website at peration, not a logical choice by any means, and no doubt www.mnmuskietournament.com or call 763-786-6031. pulled from the tackle box because it was totally different from anything we had been throwing; but also because it made an extraordinary commotion and noise on the water. It was one of the latest innovations named the Holcombe Low Rider. Another similar lure created on the same concept 16 MUSKIE.....June 2006 is the Tsunami and it too moves a lot of water and emits loud sounds as it is retrieved through the water. Very often the answer to moving otherwise neutral muskies is to get their attention with something unusu- al to make them strike—maybe out of reflex. Our Low Riders were rapidly retrieved across the surface of the water and did just that; churned the water into a froth, rattled and gurgled loudly, and produced strikes. However, there were no solid hook-ups, only hits and follows. Still, that was the best action we had for three days until the weather changed. Another favorite top-water lure has propellers on both ends. There are many propeller baits on the mar- ket featuring a large variety of spinners and propellers on both ends, but I’ll invariably chose the Wisher, a four inch top-water body having two different types of spinners both fore and aft. The lure is good straight out of the box as manufactured, but it becomes sensation- al when tweaked. This is a simple adjustment by care- fully bending the propellers to make them barely touch each other when the lure is being retrieved causing a clinking sound like cheep, cheep, cheep. The Wisher is a lazy man’s top-water lure because it works best when retrieved at a slow or medium steady pace. If the lure has been fine-tuned to perfec- tion, the two propellers touching will cause a high- pitched clink, almost like the cheeping from a bird or baby duck. With no additional action imparted to the lure, the steady retrieve will cause a surface disturbance, a discernable wake and a rhythmatic cheep, cheep, cheep like the cry from a lost or frightened bird. Color, which often seems so important to many anglers, really boils down to individual preferences and confidence. While I’ve never given the matter much thought, I’ve come to realize over the years black has become more dominant in my tackle box and a color I’ve come to rely upon. There hardly seems a logical explanation for this choice, but black does work and has become my most effective color. Is it effective because it offers a greater contrast when viewed from beneath in the water, or because it is more impressionistic of the many fish and animals in or near the water, or because I use it more than other colors, and since it is offered more, statisti- cally stands a better chance of being eaten? I really have no idea, but it has become my confidence color and I reach for black more often than the other colors. I’ll always begin and end the day on a muskie lake with a surface lure. Anytime the light is diminished by time of day, or by approaching storm, I’ll throw a top- water lure anticipating a surface eruption. But just as the sounds of top-water lures entice muskies to investi- gate and strike, it also captivates the attention of the angler who focuses on visual cues, and relies upon watery sounds of gurgles, splashes, ploops and pops. Nothing can compare to, or prepare a muskie fisher- man for, that first surface-caught muskie. After your first muskie caught on a top-water lure, you’ll be hooked just like your muskie, and the next thing you know, you’ll begin fishing surface lures more and more. Warning! It’s addictive. ❖ www.muskiesinc.org June 2006.....MUSKIE 17 NEW PRODUCTS U.S. Boating Charts on DVD from Maptech — Free Chart Updates Plus GPS Real-Time Navigation Software — 3,000 Nautical Charts — Only $50 U.S. Boating Charts on DVD 3000 NOAA coastline chars and river charts from the Army Corp of Engineers —- with GPS Real-Time Navigation Software — $50!

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18 MUSKIE.....June 2006 Photo Contest – June Winners by Juris Ozols he good news is that only my buddy Jerry Peters got hit by Montezuma, and the other three of us escaped unscathed, T although Jerry got it hard. More good news is that we went out for a day’s deepsea fishing and got four fish including a 130 pound Striped Marlin. And even more good news is that Mazatlan is a great place for week’s getaway, if you can avoid Montezuma. But the bad news is that I’m recovering from our Mexico trip slowly, at the same time I’m doing overtime at work to catch up on projects. So this month’s Photo Contest column will have to be a short one. The first winning picture for June comes from Rich Gallagher, Fox River Valley chapter, who had that great kid picture that took third place in the 2004 contest. Rich sent in this “fishing in the fog” shot and reports: “Todd Berg is our chapters merchandise director. Todd and his wife Veronica, along with our Treasurer Dave Hebeda and his fishing part- ner Dave Dille joined myself and our RVP Joe Trisilla for the weekend of the Wisconsin musky opener on a small lake in Southern WI. “The weather was cold the morning of the opener, as you can see from Tips and Comments the photo taken! The steam was rising off the lake, the water was calm, skies were clear & sunny, it was a perfect day to begin the 2006 One quick photography note on my Mexico trip. After some musky season!! cogitation, I decided to take my “second best” digital camera along. It’s a three year-old Canon Powershot G5, which has served me well “Todd captured this “Kodak” moment of myself & Joe Trisilla working but is definitely not state of the art anymore. I left my Canon EOS a shallow bay that morning, shortly after sunrise. What a great 20D, a digital SLR, at home because of concerns about losing or photo!” damaging it. In retrospect, I wish I had taken the 20D. A number And I agree. This is one of those classic pictures that make you of times, and especially on the fishing outing, I lost shots with the G5 want to be there. Let the imagination run just a bit, and you can that would have come out much better with the 20D. And as always, envision a follow, a strike, a jumping Muskie, ripples spreading away once a photo opportunity is gone you don’t get it back. on the still water… A fine photo. With a bit of cropping, this one might just end up on the 2007 calendar. I’ve made the point before in these pages that a great photo can We haven’t had a “release” picture in the contest yet this year, so be taken with any camera, it all depends on the photographer. That here’s one from Mike Winther. It shows Joel Michel releasing a 49.5- may be true, but it’s much easier with a good camera. Today’s digital incher on the Fox Chain in April. The picture is done very well, SLR’s are truly fine pieces of equipment, and I wish I had had mine taken from the side of the boat, and not “over the shoulder.” It focus- with me in Mazatlan. I’m taking my beloved 20D with me from now es attention on the happy grin on Joel’s face and the big belly of the on wherever I go, and never mind the risks. fish. Release shots are always hard, and this is a good one. Juris Ozols June 2006

www.muskiesinc.org June 2006.....MUSKIE 19 A Day to Remember by Jody Booth

eptember 18, 2005 mean anything to anybody? Well maybe a Five days later I took Kevin to our club meeting were he was birthday, anniversary. Maybe to 14 veterans it was a day to given a Musky Inc cap from our club. I told our club members I S remember! Now lets back up almost 6 months before. would like to go one step more with this idea, and said I would like I had a talk with my son Tyler and said, “Hey to have a Vets Day out fishing and take out more I have an idea!” “How about taking a vet out I want to ask all vets with club members. The idea was a hit with Muskie fishing for saying thank you for serving the members, and that night I had 12 members our Country.” I said, “Wow that’s a great idea.” Muskies, Inc. Chapter signed up. So now I went to our local newspa- So the next day I opened the phone book and Clubs and their members per and they printed up my idea and phone turned to the yellow pages and let my fingers do number for them to contact me. By the next the walking. Looking up VFW’s and called the to get together and have meeting I made up about 100 fliers from my VFW Wolf-Olson Post 1230 in Sheboygan where a National Vets Day Out computer and handed them out to all club mem- I live. Musky Fishing with as bers.Vets started calling to sign up. I’m telling With phone in hand and a gentleman answer- them the only cost would be a fishing license. ing on the other end, I said hi my name is Jody many Chapter clubs The boat, gas, rods, baits were all on us. So now Booth and I’m a member of a Musky Club called taking out a Vet on we come to the beginning of this article and on Between the Lakes, a Chapter of Musky Inc. and I September 17, 2005 fourteen vets gathered on and my son Tyler would like to take one of your September 24, 2006. the shores of Big Elkhart Lake waiting to hit the vets out musky fishing. The vet on the phone said, water. All the vets received a bucktail handmade Wow that’s great!! The vet said, tonight is our meeting and I’ll be glad by myself and a Musky Inc. hat given by our club. At 7am the vets to pass this on, please call back. So the next day I called back. And talking to the vet on the phone he said he brought it up at the meet- ing and no one seem to be interested. So I wouldn’t give up and I called again and asked when the next meeting was. So at the next Veterans meeting, my son and I took off with a rod and musky lures in hand. At the meeting I talked about my son and I would like to give something back to a Vet. One vet said he never went musky fishing before and would like to try it. So I got his name, Kevin Hafemister, he had served in the Navy for both Desert Shield & Desert Strike.

teamed up with club members in hope to hook in to a 50” Musky that lurks in our Lake. With each boat having radios and by 7:50 Veteran Cal Wynveen in Sheboygan Bay using a Brown Buck Tail caught a 23” Northern Pike. Shortly after that a 40” Muskie followed the bait off of Fireman’s Park on a purple spinner in the boat of Roy Kalmerton and Veteran Will Mondragon. By 9:25 20” Northern Pike taken by Cal also. Cal released both pike back to the lake. Cal is now our newest member of our club.

On July 17, 2005 the three of us were off to Big Elkhart Lake to fish for muskies. Elkhart Lake is one of two lakes, which our club stocks muskies in. So my boat launched and we were on our way. I had my son Tyler drive the boat as I gave Kevin two handmade muskie bucktails that I made. Kevin said, wow that’s nice. Thank you so much. When Kevin was casting my buctails, I was using top water bait and my son crank bait. After about a half hour I asked our guest if he wanted to change baits. He said no. Well we all know what its like when muskies have lock jaw. Well it sure seems like the muskies went to the nearest hard- ware store and got every lock and put them on their jaws. But Kevin did get a 17” Small Mouth Bass and released back to the Lake.

20 MUSKIE.....June 2006 Now it was close to lunch. We all headed down the road to the Enclosed is a copy of how I typed up the flyer for this Year’s Vets Sheboygan County Marsh Park for fellowship and fishing stories in Outing. If you have any questions, feel free to call me. hand. Our club hosted soda, beer, hamburgers, and yes German In closing I would like to say to all the Veterans throughout Bratwurst frying on the grill. With lots of smiles about the day and Muskies, Inc. thank you from Between The Lakes and myself for big thanks to me and the other club members, one by one our serving in our Armed Forces. God Bless You All. ❖ Veterans started to head home, with memories to tell their wives and Jody Booth (920) 458-4195 kids about this day of thanks to them. 1622 S. 24th Street, Sheboygan, WI 53081 OR Ted Scharl at (920) 564-3226

So here I sit writing this story on how I got fourteen vets out fish- ing. So can that day be topped or can we go one more step further? Hmmm. Lets see. Well I want to ask all Muskie Inc. Chapter Clubs and their members to get together and have a National Vets Day Out Musky Fishing with as many Chapter clubs taking out a Vet on September 24, 2006. That’s the day our club is going to take more Vets out. Well I sure you are thinking how do we get started? WELL this is what I did. Look in your phone books, for VFW Post and run an article in your local Buy your tackle on the net and spend more time putting fish in the net newspaper, make up fliers and pass them out at your food markets, work places, gas stations or stores. I got in touch with our Sheboygan County Veterans Service Office. In return they gave me about 40 different Vet Posts that I sent flyers to. The flyers that I made said, the date, open Musky Fishing Online Catalog Easy & Secure Online Ordering to male or female veterans who served during www.whitecapstackleco.com War or Peace time, the Lake you choose to fish on. It’s better to pick one Lake to fish on in Huge Selection: your area. This way it’s a club outing together Lure sizes & colors Fishfinders & GPS that day. Fishing Line Rods, Reels, & Tackle Boxes So please lets all make this day happen on September 24, 2006, a day to remember and E-mail: [email protected] FAX (248) 471-6212 phone(248) 471-6211 address: PO Box 530714, Livonia MI 48153 honor our Veterans. www.muskiesinc.org June 2006.....MUSKIE 21 The Top Water Color Code by Justin Gaiche

loop, bloop, bloop… thump, thump, thump. The sounds more complex than that. While there are times when a musky might coming from my Topraider and my heart seem to be in per- bite anything you throw at him, allow me to explain my experiences Bfect sync. It’s “the feeling”, you know the one where your in color changes and why I believe they are important. wound so tight you may unravel in the confidence of a heart stop- ping strike from a giant musky. My client Scott Wright, though Changing My Opinion enthusiastic was curious why a top water lure was my choice at noon On the same water and a similar day as previously mentioned on a sunny June day. Just then, in mid sentence a swing and a miss my friend Tom Hanaman and I had decided to start a mid-day fish- followed by a great fish inhaling the top raider. With ing outing. Thinking alike, as we seldom do, we both a swipe of the rod, Scott was on the reel and I grabbed Topraiders. His was blackbird and was directing with my big Frabill net in mine was a one of a kind watermelon hand. After a great battle, Scott had Tom had painted. As we began to landed his first trophy musky, a cast with Tom on the bow and 47-inch specimen. me on the stern I instantly In the past 100 years, hooked up with a 45” fish. our ideas of musky top After the adventure ended water lures have gone we began casting again unchanged. Black prop and within the next two baits, glide baits and hours I had seven cranking top waters strikes all on Tom’s cus- made up for only three tom watermelon. Tom spots inside of that old being in the front of the Styrofoam cooler. boat never moved a fish Though the actual func- and the sounds of the tions of top waters have baits were very similar as is gone relatively unchanged, the common in production lures. way they are created, the sounds We were led to believe that they make and where and when they watermelon was superior to black are used has gone under great changes in on this water and on this day. Since recent years. With all of the changes, all of the then there has been an astonishing difference models, all of the materials I believe the greatest change in brighter colors like yellow, chartreuse and green top has been color. “Color?” some ask with a doubtful look, “I thought water baits verse black on this stained body of water. all I needed was black!” While black is certainly the finest color in Colors in top water have made leaps and bounds in recent years. silhouetting against the skyline, I believe there are times when it is Some of these advances have been important in improving our suc- cess and others have been more for the angler’s pleasure. This does not mean you should overlook any color choice given you use them in the right situation. Like Ford cars in the first decade of the 1900’s, top water lures were black, black and black. Though a few other colors existed, the idea that black silhouetted best against the sky was best because it allowed the fish to identify the lure eas- ily. While it is true that black silhouettes great against the skyline and I use the color often, there are times where choosing other colors could indeed increase your success. Hot Colors If you search through my tackle boxes you will find an abundance of bright top water lures. Blaze Oranges, chartreuses and lime greens all deserve a home in ones tackle box. When you have a combination of dark waters and darker skies, these colors really stand out. These sunrise

22 MUSKIE.....June 2006 and sunset times are often portrayed as classic “feeding times” and in The final advantage to those cases I am covering water looking for active fish. These lures white or chromatic top water stand out and are not only visible to fish, but in the low light peri- presentations is back to visibility. ods are more visible to my clients and me increasing our hooking If a musky is forage specific, percentages tremendously. which is common in clear water, being able to see the lure, might When in Doubt, Go Black not be a benefit. By using the Since I have gotten into looking to colors other than black, I white or chromatic top water believe it is important to not discourage you from dark colors. There lure I can make the lure notice- is certainly a reason that black has been so popular for all of these able through sound and vibra- years and that is silhouette. A fish in the water in part, is similar to tion. A musky is characteristi- a person on land. While it is common knowledge that fish see color cally a sound or feel feeder and if in water in a completely different way that we the musky see in air there is one thing that congruent and It is this realization the has located that is contrast. Many of our lures have con- leads me to believe that in the bait, trast in themselves, fire tiger has stripes, perch but unable has bars and coachdog has spots. It is this con- most cases, muskies can see to visibly identify that the lure there might be trast that helps a fish determine that there is the color pattern and while a lesser chance of visually turning the fish off something present and allows them to effective- but rather increasing your chance of the musky ly hone in on their target. Nighttime is perhaps some of the lure is above making a mistake by taking a shot at it. the time when this is most important. Visibility water and the disruption Are they really Top Water baits? is extremely limited and when little light is pres- of the water might decrease My last observation on top watercolor is ent, black will contrast the best. how the general public views top water. It has Another time when black is an excellent overall visibility, color is become apparent to me that people believe all color for creating contrast is extremely stained still important. top water lures just sit on the surface and that or muddy water. It has been a preference of suc- all a fish can see is the silhouette of the lure cessful walleye anglers to switch from a bright, fluorescent color to against the sky making black the only logical option. I did not agree black when rivers are very turbulent. It is also a time where increas- or disagree with them until I began spending time at sport shows ing the amount of black, by using a larger bait is preferred. where the lure tank was present. In my opinion top water lures should be only classified as sur- face lures as they are both above surface and below surface simulta- neously. The new generation of surface lures have become heavier now, many made of plastic materials or denser, precision weighted wood. This means that while the lure may float, the majority of it is below the surface of the water making as visible as a bulged bucktail or a shallow running crankbait. It is this realization the leads me to believe that in most cases, muskies can see the color pattern and while some of the lure is above water and the disruption of the water might decrease overall visibility, color is still important. Am I right? Who knows, but it has been difficult for me to argue my success be it by chance or confidence in my presentation. The Black Sheep…Is White! Regardless, I encourage you to take my experiences to heart, give There is a complete opposite to low light visibility and black some new colors a try in specific situations and I am confident that lures and that is during high visibility periods like the high skies of they will result in greater top water success for you! ❖ summer. On clear waters, muskies can be very forage specific and this is the time when I put the black away and go with the oppo- site, white or chromatic lures. While top water lures are rarely a choice during these times I Your Online Guide to Muskie Fishing have found them to be very effective. A very popular presentation during the summer is “bulging” bucktails over weed beds. I have a difficult time seeing the advantage to bulging a bucktail over throw- ing top water when dealing with weed beds. For one, when you bulge a bucktail, speed is important to both keep the lure near the Fishing Reports * Guides * Resorts * Tackle surface and prevent it from fouling on weeds. With the top water lures, preferably the prop baits like Bucher Topraiders I am able to Presented By slow my presentation as much as I want allowing muskies to key in on my lure in the dense cover and be more visible in the open pock- ets. I have found that being able to use the slow presentation while keeping my top water free of weeds is far easier with the top water E-mail [email protected] Toll Free 1-888-704-8380 lure than the bucktail. www.muskiesinc.org June 2006.....MUSKIE 23

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR As I See It LETTERS TO THE by Jim Smith EDITOR

Jim ow! Lots happening. Summer is heading our way. Here’s a cool pic a guy Muskie openers have come and most of you are out there sent me from one of his trips flailing away. Don’t forget to take photos of interesting W to Lake of the Woods. It’s “things” you find while on the water. If you get lucky and hook a pretty self explanatory, but nice fish have someone record it, get some photos of the fight as well it’s interesting to note how as the “just before the release” photos. There are always other things many theories there are float- that make good photo subjects, like the assortment of lures just after ing around about what those you have dropped your open tackle box in the boat. The moon big toothy critters up in reflecting on the water, wildlife, like a deer or bear swimming in the Canada like to eat (and what water. Juris is especially looking for lightening photos. If I had been ◆ they supposedly don’t eat). quicker in my thinking I would have taken a photo of Brian Grote,

“They don’t eat small mouth bass - they cohabitate.” Is one of LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (Fargo-Moorhead) just after we hit a stump while drifting along the my favorites. Cohabitate my butt! This pic shows how one pike ate a shoreline on Lac Suel. You probably already have an 8”x 10” of that fishing lure and on the way in to the boat, a larger pike decided to photo without me going any further. Send us your photos! munch (or should I say, canabalize) one of his own kind. It was no I always enjoy reading all of the articles I receive for publication. mistake either... both fish were netted and released. I guess the big This month two struck me as being special. Talk about who we are pike just didn’t want to give up the meal? Any bets on how long it and Jody Booth and Ray Thompson both exemplify what we, took him to relocate the “food” after they were both put back into Muskies, Inc are all about. Jody Booth, Between The Lakes Chapter, the underwater buffet? tells a story about our veterans and Ray Thompson’s tells about the Happy cohabitation... chomp! Mississippi Valley Chapter and their $4,500.00 donation for the pur- [ Unsigned ] chase of fingerling muskies. This month Lynda and I will be attending the Outdoor Writer’s Jim, Association Conference in Lake Charles, Louisiana. We’ll also be Attached are pictures of the recent donation ($4,500) of finger- doing a little off shore fishing. I’ve been invited to sit on an “Ask the lings purchased by the Mississippi Valley Chapter of Muskies, Inc., Editors Panel.” In addition, I will be doing a “One-on-One With one of the member clubs of the Illini Muskies Alliance. The finger- the Editors” to solicit more freelance writers for MUSKIE Magazine. lings were well fed fish, hatched in Minnesota (Leech Lake Strain) in This conference will host around 800 writers, supporting members, 2005 and over-wintered. The 300 fingerlings were at least 12-14” in advertisers and experts in outdoor related fields. I hope to come length and stocked on April 20, 2006. 160 were stocked into 142- away with more great ideas to improve our magazine. I am also acre McMaster Lake and 140 were stocked into 133-acre Storey interested in hearing about the future of fishing as well as various Lake. Both lakes are located in Knox Co. and both lakes have pro- conservation efforts going on across our country. duced 50”-(30 lb class) muskies already. ◆ By the way, if you haven’t been to our website Ray Thompson LETTERS TO THE EDITOR www.muskiesinc.org you might just drop by. Ron Groeschl has made a few significant improvements, such as direct links to the bul- (Photos letin board and lunge log. I think you’ll enjoy the faster/shorter trav- provided by el time. Welcome to David Rautmann our new At-Large-Director Steve Pallo replacing Laura Morrison. of the Illinois Have a great summer. DNR).

Jim Smith, Managing Editor MUSKIE Magazine The Official Publication of Muskies, Inc. Email: [email protected] We work to improve fishing!

www.muskiesinc.org June 2006.....MUSKIE 25 of Muskics, INC Skcboyq**, W|

Between The Lakes Chapter Of Muskies Inc. is hosting a Vets Day out of Musky fishing on Big Elkhart Lake, September 24th, 2006.

Boats, gas, baits, and rods will be provided by Club Members. Veterans will need a valid WI fishing license and transportation to Elkhart Lake.

Brats and hamburgers will be served afterwards at the Sheboygan Marsh.

Open to all Vets serving during War or Peacetime, Male for Female.

Thank You for serving our country.

To sign up call: Jody Booth at (920)458-4195 Or Ted Scharl at (920)564-3226

26 MUSKIE.....June 2006 My Muskie Story: A Fall Monster by Daniel Anderson ctober 21st 2005. That is the day that that I caught my first I was going to catch something on this baby someday. My fishing big musky. My friend Jay and I woke up in my cabin that buddy Mike used to laugh at me when I would talk about using the O morning at 3 a.m. and filled our thermos loaded the boat and Fuzzy Duzzit. If you can picture a banana made of lead and flattened truck with our fishing and camping gear and headed north with hopes like pancake, that is what the Fuzzy Duzzit was - a smashed lead banana (like any other trip) that this would be the time that we “get the big (cisco pattern). When you dropped in the water it sunk like a manhole one”. cover. The other thing I like about it is it’s easy to use. For two months prior to this trip I had been opening the lake map Our thought was to try the deep water that was adjacent to “The to read and plan how to fish fall muskies on the chain of lakes we had Cisco Triangle”. We positioned ourselves out in about 35 feet of water planned to fish. I had spent a week fishing on that same water the year let out the suckers and began shaking dice. When it was Jay’s turn to before with my brother Paul (who is damn good musky fisherman him- shake I lowered the lead banana down to the bottom. Sometimes I self) his son Isaiah, and Mike Shuda (whose dad ties to Louie Spray). would jig it and other times I just left the rod tucked under my leg. Jays We caught nothing. So naturally I had to go back. turn to shake. This time I picked up the pole from What was it about that chain of lakes that made me go As I reeled to take up under my leg. I gave the lead banana a long pull up and back? Maybe it was the same thing that kept Bill the slack I could fell slowly let it drop back down while focusing most of my Gardner returning to Crab Lake – knowing that there there was something attention on the shake to make sure he didn’t cheat. are giant fish in there and sooner or later I’d have to be Something wasn’t quite right as the lure was falling. close to ten thousand casts and the musky gods would heavy. Had the lure It seemed to hit the bottom way to early. Usually I can give one up. fallen right into the feel the lure pulling on the line as it falls. Or maybe it Right around 7:30 we made our stop at Rollie and jaws of “The Cisco wasn’t the bottom at all. I had better stand up. As Hellens Musky Shop and picked up all the tackle we’ll Triangle Monster”? I reeled to take up the slack I could fell there was some- need. The plan was to soak suckers all day, shake dice thing heavy. Had the lure fallen right into the jaws of and drink coffee and Korbel Cokes. At about 8:30 we Nervously I alerted “The Cisco Triangle Monster”? Nervously I alerted Jay landed the boat into the secret Lake, the lake we had Jay that I thought I that I thought I might have one on. Time to set steal. I planned to camp on and do most of our fishing. After might have one on. let her have it. Now I new I had a fish - and it was good a slow ride through the stumps and rocks we located our Time to set steal! one. When you question whether it’s a stump or a fish campsite and cracked open our first beer. In a frenzy we you know you’ve got something nice. I don’t know how unloaded all our camping gear, firewood, coolers and set up the tent. many times I told Jay it was a big one and to get the net. I felt like I Now it was time to pick the spot we were going to start fishing. We was a drill sergeant in the marines barking out orders – “Get net, get the opened our second beer and talked strategy. We finally had it all pliers, get the bolt cutters, pull the motor up”. “It’s a big one, it’s a big, planned. We made ourselves up a couple Brandy Cokes and headed out and it’s a big”. to fish. By now it’s about 10:00. The best way to describe the fight is to compare it to reeling a We each had pole ready for soaking a sucker. That’s what they call cement block up the side of a building while it’s swings back and forth it when you fish for Muskies with suckers – soaking suckers. I hooked and in circles. We were finally going to be able to say we got a big one. us each on a large sucker (this was after Jay had so humbly confessed his After a short wrestling match with a giant bulldog lure that was stuck fear of touching them) and dropped those down. We positioned our- in the net Jay had assumed the ready position. Then it appeared. “Holy selves between three islands and over a series of rock humps for our first Sh—” we said, “it’s a slobasaurous”. drift. We later decided we would call this area “The Cisco Triangle”. Jays first attempt to net it was unsuccessful as it turned and head- We then each hooked on our lucky lures that we were sure would catch ed away from the boat. He did the right thing and did not try to net it us a musky. While I hooked that first lure on I had an anxious feeling, tail first. I thought for sure it was going to make a leap out of the water like I was being watched. What if those beasts can’t wait and one and we would lose it. Shortly, we had her turned back towards the boat explodes out of the water grabs the lure, both my hands and flops back and moving jaws first into the net. in the water. I did manage to get the lure on. After each cast I watched After quite a bit of screaming by grown men, Jay must have with optimism waiting to see a large shadow behind my lure. noticed my nervous state and grabbed the brandy and with shaking After about an hour of freezing hands and disappointment it was hands proceeded to pour a couple shots in my mouth as I sat in the bot- time for a break. We opened up our first brandy coke and got out the tom of the boat out of breath, shaking, and staring at the largest live dice. Let the games begin. In the bottom of the boat began the first musky I had ever seen. In my net! OK now we were ready to take care game of the “World Series of Squelch”. I don’t recall for sure but I think of this beautiful bugger. We had turned on the aerator in the live well I did about as well shaking dice, as did catching fish up to this point. and began to work at getting her out of the net. I had forgotten the After some time we seemed to have gained renewed sense of opti- camera so the plan was to put her in the live well and drive to camp for mism so we began casting again. As usual all we did was get ourselves a photo shoot. The lure had pull out of the fish’s mouth while it was in closer to that magical 10000 mark - no fish. Time for some more dice the net. The net and fished remained in the water while we worked to and brandy cokes. Mmmmm mmm, were those brandy cokes good! get her out. Jay opened the live well and I hoisted that beast out of the It’s about 12:30 now. net like I was picking up a 35-pound baby out of a crib. That ride from Gardner wrote about “Time On The Water”. Well I thought “lure “The Cisco Triangle” to camp was the best boat ride I can ever remem- time in the water” would also increase my 10000 to 1 odds. We had ber taking. both suckers in but I figured if I could have another lure in the water it After some quick photos we lowered her back down into the water would improve my chances. I knew the lure I wanted to tie on. The and watched as she swam away. Seeing her swim away felt just as good “Fuzzy Duzzit”. I had used this lure in the past and had grown some- as watching her swim into the net. It had finally happened - I had got what fond of it. Just as with all my other favorite lures, I had told myself a big one. ❖ www.muskiesinc.org June 2006.....MUSKIE 27 Showcasing Our Muskies, Inc. Supporters: Esox Angler Magazine by Patricia Strutz uring the late 1990’s four guys (Pete Maina, Ross Fisher, ‘eyes into the mix completes the circle for the Northcountry environ- Rick Renard, and Scott Schwalbach) put their heads togeth- ment that muskies live in. Certainly it expanded our market but it Der to start a new venture. The result was the magazine Esox also expanded our magazine. We did not cut back on articles focusing Angler. An interview with Senior Editor Jack Burns describes those on muskies or pike, instead we added twelve more pages. In the past early years, “They thought there was room in the market for another two issues we added 16 more pages so we now have 112 (the first issue voice. Let’s say they had an agenda and they didn’t have an agenda. had 80). There is more content on all species. In the summer 2005 They wanted to offer a different style magazine, one that pursued a issue we have a musky guy writing about using musky tactics to catch variety of perspectives. Our columns like “Back Lash: Thumbs Up & walleyes in Green Bay and a pike guy using walleye tactics to catch Thumbs Down” dove right into this controversial arena. Our sport is pike. full of passionate people with strong opinions and we wanted to be a We also have a musky guy using pike tactics to catch ‘skies. This forum for these topics.” is all conscious. We are well positioned to do this because we have “Sometimes our intentions are misconstrued. The perception can guides from all three species and there is truly a lot of overlap. If you be that when a high profile guy like Pete (Maina) takes a stand on read about other species you get a multi-dimensional look at the fish’s tournaments or other topics that the whole core group at the maga- environment and it makes you a better angler.” zine feels that way. That’s just not true. We want to tackle tough top- Including other species beside muskies also fosters a larger group ics-like tournaments, world records, and proper handling of fish. We of qualified fishermen and authors to share their expertise. Noted pike invite pros and cons on both sides to be discussed. We even had a pro and walleye anglers such as Keith Kavajecz, Gary Parsons, Joe Bednar, & con debate between two friends who fish together yet disagree on and Jack & Mary Penny regularly add their insights. Esox Angler selective harvest vs. total catch and release (Rusty Lilyquist and Pete works toward balance-from discussing issues to offering viewpoints Maina). Within the magazine core, we are very divided on these dif- from a variety of fishermen. “We have a great balance of veterans as ferent issues yet we embrace the chance to discuss each side and learn well as young kids writing for us. And guys from out East and from from them.” the MidWest. This just goes hand in hand with our ‘real deal’ philos- “We truly want to live up to our motto of being ‘the real deal.’ ophy, offering information from many sources.” We try to discuss political hotbed issues such as Indian treaties and No In addition to the magazine, the group has expanded out into More Muskies groups. Most folks try to tapdance around these issues other endeavors. Their office and store is located in downtown but they are paramount to our sport. We certainly don’t make all our Hayward, Wisconsin and are kept running smoothly by staff mem- readers or our sponsors love us, but we feel these topics are too impor- bers Melissa McPeak and Jennifer Tavolacci. Items such as Musky tant to ignore.” Mania Tackle Logo shirts, a variety of books and videos, and EA Esox Angler’s staff currently includes editors Jack Burns and Rob branded merchandise and release tools are offered. When visiting the Kimm, General Manager Pete Maina and Director of Operations National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame (also in Hayward), com- David Fornara. Scott Schwalbach heads up the art direction. plete the trip with a stop the Esox Angler shop. Marketing Director Burns continues, “We work with an excellent group of authors Teresa Webinger has recently added a “women’s line of musky wear.” and welcome new submissions. We are always looking for fresh topics Fashionable yet functional denim shirts and tees are offered for the to delve into. We’d like to dismantle the macho edge of our sport by ever- growing number of females out chasing these toothy creatures. welcoming more articles by women and about angling women and This scribbler applauds her efforts! children. Health, fitness, and medical considerations centered around Pete has been regularly featured on Gillespie’s television show fishing are other issues we find extremely relevant. In past issues we’ve “Woods & Water” but has recently added another show of interest. discussed skin cancer (with graphic photos to drive the point home!) The Next Bite, hosted by Maina, Kavajecz, and Parsons, features seg- and strength and conditioning techniques. Fisheries biologist Dan ments on muskies, pike, and walleye. It airs on the Outdoor Channel. Isermann adds some wonderful knowledge in his field of expertise. They strive to not only be educational but to show how much fun Other key musky authors such as Doug Johnson, Bruce Shumway, fishing can be, too! Rob Manthei, Dick Pearson, Dan Craven, Lee Tauchen, and Josh The bold publication and the outcropping of enterprises it has Vorovsky have all contributed to the magazine’s level of excellence.” created try to remain true to their roots by continuing to provide Esox Angler started out as a pike and musky magazine from day truthful information and ‘the real deal’ on the sport to their readers one. The argument was that there was a lot of overlap. “Our musky and viewers. Though their focus is mainly on muskellunge, they also season is very short in the northern realm, the pike season extends fur- feature trophy pike and walleye tactics-easily balancing cutting edge ther into the calendar year. Including pike also extended our venues techniques with time proven ones. Education, promoting a strong to Europe. This extended geography allows us to work with incredi- catch & release ethic, and establishing a platform to bring muskel- ble authors such as Jan Eggers from the Netherlands, and David lunge, northern pike, and walleye anglers together on these common Lumb from the United Kingdom. We can bring some of their tactics grounds ranks high on their priority list.❖ over here and learn from another culture.” In keeping true to their “controversial edge” the magazine recent- ly added walleye content and created a stir. Burns explains, “Bringing 28 MUSKIE.....June 2006 2004 & 2005 Muskies, Inc. Shipping Commemorative Lures... included Commemorative Lures... to all Limited quantities... domestic $35.00 for one....$65.00 for two. locations. Each lure is signed and numbered Please by the artist. specify: Over ■ 2004 Crane Bait 7,000 Muskies Qty Released On Sabaskong Bay ■ 2005 Grandma classic 9" Lure Six-time Muskies, Inc., Qty Chapter Challunge Headquarters Send your order and check made out to: 1983, 1986, 1993, 1997, 2003, 2004 Muskies, Inc. c/o Pete Barber, International Treasurer, 1150 Berkshire Lane, Barrington, IL 60010. • Ultra-modern one, two, three, or four bedroom cabins • American plan, housekeeping or camping Name: ______• Floating docks, electricity for charging batteries, Lund Boats with swivel seats and depth finders, Honda motors with electric start Address: ______• Dining room with food and liquor available for registered guests only City: ______State: ___ ZIP: ______Call or write for data on musky catches: Check total: ______Or, If paying by credit card please include signature and phone along with your number. 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rod from Parker to help undo the tangle and we began to drift towards the back of the bay. All of a sudden, the action began as Matt let a “holy ….look at that” and we turned to see a torpedo like, big silver muskie fol- lowing his Suick. As he approached the boat and Matt did a fig- ure eight, the fish seemed to lose interest and veered off, only to reemerge as Dan’s bucktail, which was trailing Matt’s lure by some distance, came spinning towards the side of the boat. Rather than follow Dan’s figure eight the fish simply hovered for what seemed like a long time then slowly swam off, in the direction of the front any anglers spend years seeking that elusive trophy Muskie. of the boat towards the back of the bay. On a mild July evening in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, six- Mike was watching this from his perch at the bow and he made teen-year-old Mike DiCaro experienced true Muskie a great decision – he quickly switched his lure from a bucktail to a M Top Raider and began casting towards the back of the bay. On his sec- Magic. With the help of one of the best Muskie Guides in the busi- ness, Greg Marino, Mike managed to land not only one but two ond effort the water erupted and the fight was on! Mike gave no Muskies over 50 inches within the span of only two hours! A special ground and his rod bent nearly in half under the weight of this type of muskie magic always seems to be there for muskie, none too happy to be on the end of this line. members of our group each trip we take up to Lac On his second effort After a struggle, Mike “horsed” him into a great net job by Marino. This was Mike’s first muskie caught while Seul, creating lasting memories for years to come. the water erupted Mike was with his father, Dan on their annual casting and it measured 51 1/2 inches long. fishing trip to Canada. In their boat along with their and the fight was on! The smile was still on Mike’s face a little less than guide Marino, were Matt O’Mara and his son Parker. Mike gave no ground two hours later when we motored into a section of This group had been on the hunt for monster muskies and his rod bent shoreline that Greg felt was a good bet to hold an for the last three years, with Greg providing the aggressive fish. Mike, who had been relegated to the nearly in half under back of the boat, still had on his lucky Top Raider lure. expertise over that time to turn four muskie novices the weight of this into anglers with the legitimate chance of landing one. We peppered the shoreline with casts, and as Mike cast Last year, Parker had set the bar by catching a 51-inch muskie, none too deep towards the rocks and cranked the reel twice the muskie, (doing so while using 8 lb. Test Fireline with happy to be on the water exploded again; and again the fight was on. The an Ugly stick). The group was determined to experi- end of this line. After longer distance made for quite a battle and as Mike finally steered the thrashing muskie into Greg’s waiting ence that kind of excitement again; little did they a struggle, Mike know what was in store on this trip. net, our screams could be heard across the lake. When On the second day of the trip, after spending the “horsed” him into a the measurement was 50 ? inches, we knew that this morning and early afternoon catching our fill of great net job by was indeed a special, magical night. walleyes for shore lunch and our take home coolers, Marino. When we returned that night to enjoy dinner and we set off to hunt for muskies. We were fishing Lac stories at Moosehorn Lodge, where we have hunted Seul, a huge reservoir over 360,000 acres in size. It was shaping up to muskies from the last two years, we realized how truly be a beautiful evening as we drifted into a channel between two fortunate we were. In just the last three years, we have experienced the islands that sheltered a smaller bay. Greg Marino knows this area as thrill of a young lifetime for four teenage boys, each of whom before well as anyone and he got us all on edge by telling us about a fish he he turned seventeen had the fortune to catch his first muskie. In fact, had seen in the shallow part of the channel within the last week. the Whitney brothers, Jason and Andrew, have been the leaders land- We launched our lures like missiles, raining from the sky in a ing several muskies each during this period with the help of their constant assault on the guide Colin Goose and their father Marty Whitney who had started water hoping to raise a it all four years ago by landing a 50 ? inch muskie on his first day out giant. Our reels hummed with Colin. In addition, the Siers family, four boys in all ranging from as we cranked in our 11 to 22, joined us with their dad Dave for the first time this year and retrieves. Just as we com- each landed a muskie of his own with the help of their guide Brian pleted a slow trip through Cole, with 16 year old Jimmy topping us all when he caught a whop- the channel, we heard the ping 56 inch beast the second to last night of the trip. unmistakable sound – no As Greg Marino said we were now “family”. Linda and Carter not of a strike but of the Rice and all the folks at Moosehorn Lodge made us feel right at home anglers curse, a backlash. during our stay there, presenting us with pictures and plaques com- Greg shut off the trolling memorating our stay. You can bet we will return to try and recapture ❖ motor and grabbed the the Lac Seul muskie magic in years to come.

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32 MUSKIE.....June 2006 CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS

48 46 2 15 33 24 12 38 13 37 21 6 26 1 4 Special 30 20 8 35 29 47 10 32 14 39 11 17 3 23 31 Events 49 53 7 22 19 16 27 51 41 18 50 44 42 9 2006 45 52 June 22 -25 5 28 Wisconsin Chapters Larry Kleeba Memorial Challenge on Lost Land and Teal Lakes. Information - Mike Persson 715-634-4543 August 9,10,11 Chapter News and Views As of right now the 2006 Gil Hamm Chapter Challunge is going to be hosted ◆ out of McQuoids resort on Mille Lacs Lake in MN. CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS No. Chapter, Address Phone # October 6,7,8 01 ...... Twin Cities, 414 Division St., Excelsior, MN 55331 ...... 952-380-1218 Hayward Lakes Chapter 02 ...... Fargo-Moorhead, Box 2021, Fargo ND, 58103 ...... 701-298-9032 29th Annual Fall Tournament 03 ...... Chicagoland Muskie Hunters, 7600 Kilbourn Ave, Skokie, IL 60076...... 847-677-0017 $30,000.00 in prizes. Entry Fee $60.00. 04 ...... Titletown Muskies, Inc., 3097 Inverness Lane, New Franken, WI 54229 ....920-866-9705 Contact: Mike Persson (715) 634-4543. 05 ...... Pomme De Terre, PO Box 5, Hermitage, MO 65668...... 417-745-2381 06 ...... First Wisconsin, PO Box 122, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729...... 715-726-8896 October 21 07 ...... South Side Muskie Hawks, 5211 S. Narragansett Ave., Chicago, IL 60638 ..773-581-8650 M.I. International Fall Board Meeting 08 ...... Capital City, PO Box 8862, Madison, WI 53708 ...... 608-669-5046 Host: Fargo/Moorhead Chapter, 09 ...... West Virginia, 1270 Federal Road, Little Hocking, OH 45742...... 740-667-3571 Saturday, October 21, 2006 10 ...... Heartland, 239 8th St SE, Mason City IA 50401 ...... 641-424-0827 Guided fishing on Friday, Oct 20 11 ...... Mississippi Valley, 5301 11th Ave “C”, Moline, IL 61265...... 309-797-1803 Contact: RVP Brett Waldera, 12 ...... Headwaters, PO Box 652, Eagle River, WI 54521 ...... 715-477-2913 email: [email protected] 13 ...... Hayward Lakes, PO Box 609, Hayward, WI 54843...... 715-634-4543 Home Phone 701-298-9032 14 ...... South of the Border, 28926 W. Big Hollow Rd, McHenry, IL 60050 ...... 815-385-9026 Hotel: Holiday Inn, Detroit Lakes, MN 15 ...... Star of the North, 29957 La Plant Rd., Grand Rapids, MN 55744 ...... 218-326-4958 218-847-2121, www.dlinn.com 16 ...... Three Rivers, 119 Bus Lane, Renfrew, PA15136 ...... 724-789-7866 Room rate $69.95 17 ...... Quad County, PO Box 185, Plano, IL 60545 ...... 815-695-1494 (mention Muskies, Inc.) 18 ...... Hopedale, 15 Township Rd 125, Dillonvale, OH 43917...... 740-769-7269 19 ...... Akron-Canton Muskie Maniacs, 1503 S Main St, Akron, OH 44301 ...... 330-724-7592 Spring, 2007 20 ...... Between the Lakes, PO Box 61, Sheboygan, WI 53085-0061...... 920-564-3226 21 ...... North Metro, PO Box 41216, Plymouth, MN 55441...... 952-469-2155 M.I. International Spring Board Meeting 22 ...... New Jersey, http://www.mi22.com/...... TBD Host: Columbus, Ohio Chapter Contact: Ross Warner 23 ...... Cleveland, 34188 Euclid Ave., D-24, Willoughby, OH 44094-3351 ...... 440-269-2464 ◆ 24 ...... Brainerd Lakes, 9143 Lone Pine Road, Brainerd, MN 56401 ...... 218-821-3669 [email protected] 26 ...... Central Wisconsin, PO Box 263, Medford, WI 54451...... 715-748-2630 Phone: 614-554-2058 CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS 27 ...... Central Illinois, 1191 Sandra Lane, Monticello, IL 61856...... 309-264-3730 28 ...... Shawnee Muskie Hunters, PO Box 602, DeKalb, IL 60115...... 815-756-3231 Fall, 2007 29 ...... Upper Great Plains, 1788 Hwy 4, Estherville, IA 51334 ...... 712-362-2501 Canada, hosted by the International 30 ...... God’s Country, PO Box 1461, LaCrosse, WI 54601...... 608-786-4062 Friday, September 14, 2007 31 ...... Penn-Ohio, 309 Spring St, Jamestown, PA 16134 ...... 724-932-5815 Contact Paul Framsted 32 ...... Flatlanders, 5776 Vesper Drive, South Beloit, IL 61080...... 815-389-4622 [email protected] 33 ...... Lake Superior, 2031 Hwy. 33 S., Cloquet, MN 55720 ...... 218-879-2712 35 ...... Milwaukee, PO Box 28842, Greenfield, WI 53220 ...... 262-789-1255 Looking for Chapters to host both 37 ...... St. Cloud, 312 18th Avenue N., Sartell, MN 56377...... 320-656-1160 38 ...... Vikingland, 609 S. Otter Ave., Parkers Prairie, MN 56361 ...... 218-338-5441 2008 meetings and beyond 39 ...... Fox River Valley, 1253 Cobblers Crossing, Elgin, IL 60123 ...... 847-741-9771 41 ...... Central Ohio, 8494 Fall Gold Lane, Westerville, OH 43082...... 614-451-0485 Special events listings are provided at 42 ...... Hoosier Muskie Hunters, PO Box 501371, Indianapolis, IN 46250...... 317-577-8050 44 ...... Colorado, 3739 Sawgrass Trail, Castle Rock, CO 80109...... 303-668-4089 no charge to Muskies, Inc chapters. 45 ...... Kentucky, 212 Linden Ave., Southgate, KY 41071 ...... 859-441-1666 To list your chapter's event, email to: man- 46 ...... Bemidji/Cass Lake, 11551 Misty Meadows Rd, Bemidji, MN 56601 ...... 218-759-0098 [email protected] 47 ...... Michigan Muskie Alliance, PO Box 512, Caledonia, MI 49316...... 616-447-1688 or by ground mail: Jim Smith, 48 ...... Arrowhead, PO Box 82, Virginia, MN 55792 ...... 218-482-5217 49 ...... Webster Lake Musky Club, PO Box 670, No. Webster, IN 46555...... 574-834-1669 15045 W. Double Tree Way, 50 ...... Penn-Jersey, 372 Kingwood Rd., King of Prussia, PA 19406...... 610-962-0632 Surprise, AZ 85374-8568. 51 ...... Ohio Valley Muskie Hunters, 211 Mann St., Bowerstown, OH 44695 ...... 740-269-1216 Please send announcements 52 ...... Daniel Boone, 428 N. Wilson Ave., Morehead, KY 40351...... 606-784-3933 at least 2 months in advance. 53 ...... Nebraska, PO Box 394, Valentine, NE 69201 ...... 402-376-2743 www.muskiesinc.org June 2006.....MUSKIE 33 CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆ CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆ CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS know itwillsoon(toosoon),cometoanend. like anendlesssummeraheadofus,butweall muskies, withmanymoreontheway. Itseems Hunters havealreadycaughtagoodnumberof Chapter. GoodFishingtoall. it uptherenextyear. few oftheF-Mguys,andI’mgoingtotrymake age fish. This hasbecomeayearlyeventfor at closeto100lbs. They alsohada55-inchaver- length. Oneofthosefishhadanestimatedweight ing, theycaught7,withtwogoing62inchesin ing ontheRainyRiver. Inadayandhalfoffish- before themeeting. as theFargo-MoorheadChapterhadvoted were there. All oftheMotionsvotedoncameout them SINCEthemeeting,thanactuallywhilewe seems tobemuchmorediscussiononsomeof voted onattheSpringBoardmeeting. There ect untilafterwegetthatrequest. n’t evenwanttocontinuetalkingaboutthisproj- landowners oneachsideoftheaccess. They did- project, we’dneedwrittenpermissionfromthe DNR saidthatbeforegoinganyfurtherwiththis be placedatthePelicanLakepublicaccess. The chase, installation,andmonthlyfeeforalightto that theyarefindingsignsofnaturalreproduction. 1600 fishtherebiannually. They alsomentioned announced thatthisFall,theywillbeginstocking about their“Plan”forPelicanLake,and Minnesota DNRinFergusFalls,MN. They talked again, toallwhohelpedout. filled twopickuploadswithvariousjunk. Thanks two years,we’vehelpedcleanitup. This yearwe after theicefishingseasonends,andforpast were perfectthisyear. Somuchstuff isleftbehind did onDetroitLake.Hestatedthattheconditions that’s alwaysagoodsign. order. We introducedtwonewmembers,and 4MUSKIE 34 The winnerswere: we drewraffle tickets forourannualfundraiser. won byFrankIncardinc. At theendofday, The clubsponsoredapopularcasting contest, used fishingequipment,including some antiques. were abletogetsomegratedealsonnewand at RollingMeadowsHighSchool. Attendees Monday,24 April West Higgins Ave., ParkRidge,IL. Meets 1 The FishingFleaMarketonheldMarch12 Spring atlast. The ChicagolandMuskie That’s thelatestfromyourfriendsinF-M Some oftheF-MmemberswentSturgeonfish- We talkedbrieflyabouttheMotionsthatwere The F-MChapteroffered topayforthepur- Brett Waldera wenttoameetingwiththe Mark thentalkedabouttheon-icecleanupwe President MarkStengerbroughtthemeetingto ei otet“MuskieLair” “Cartwheeling Muskeie” Kevin Rortvedt “St.Lawrence RiverMuskie” Scott Mueller Schuck “DeepWaterMark Muskie” “DarkWater Muskie” Zachary Arnold Pete Kukurba The Fargo-MoorheadChapterlastmeton Meets 4thMonday7:00PM,VFWinWest Fargo. 02 03 st Tuesday 7:30PM,ParkRidge VFW10 701-298-9032 –BrettWade Waldera .....June 2006 847-677-0017 –DeanRosset Box 2021•Fargo,ND58103 th Fargo-Moorhead . Muskie Hunters [email protected] 7600 Kilbourn Ave. [email protected] Chicagoland kke L60076 Skokie, IL Brad Waldera th Study comparing LeechLakeandBone tags fortheLakeWissotaMusky chase PIT Musky”programtopur- through the“Adopt A ing andmealwillbefollowedbyfishing until9pm. briefmeet- Monday oftheMonthat5:30pm. A throughout thesummerwillcontinue onthefirst Gun ClubonLakeWissota.Chapter meetings annual FishFryandBaitSwap at theRodand season at5:30pmonMonday, May1withits See ourwebsiteformoreinformation be acookout,contests,andexcitementgalore. Barnacle Bob’s onSaturdayJuly 8 on MilleLacs. also begivinga“LakeinNutshellpresentation cussing springMuskietactics.JoeDecostewill Statland, JohnRyan,andMarkPodobinski,dis- a paneldiscussionwithourveryownSteve about noddingoff whileheistalking. extremely entertaining. You don’thavetoworry being appliedtomuskiefishing. And Danis walleye, bass,andothergamefishapproaches sport fishing.HeissuccessfulwithSaltwater, using techniquesborrowedfromotherareasof encounter. Dan’s livelytalkisgearedaround which isdifferent frommostotherguidesyouwill Dan alsocoveredhisapproachtomuskiefishing, he discussedfishingonSpringandStoryLakes. Vinovich. DanisaguidefromCentralIllinois;and on theirhomePCs. everyone totakehomeandlookatover LVD. Larryhadcopiesofhispresentationfor mounts ofSilverand Tiger Muskiescaughtat Wisconsin. Larryhadbroughtsomewonderful Muskie fishingatLacVeiux DesertinNorthwest McDermitt gaveaninsightfulpresentationon children. the crowdhopefulforfutureadventureswiththeir the tournamenttrailandmadeallfathersin related tothegrouphiswonderfulexperienceson on anevenbetterperformancein2006.John series oftournamentslastyear, andisplanning and fuscia-tintedreel.Johndidverywellonthe coincidentally ishisdaughter, withacustomrod 2005 Chaptercontesttotheluckywinners. Chicago Sun-Times presentedtrophiesforthe Leah Rossett,alongwithDaleBowmanofthe Statland’s reportontheSpringBoardmeeting, evening. After thefishingreport,andSteve hall. Whateverthereason,itmakesforagreat raderie, maybeeventhebartenderatVFW maybe it’s thepizza,orperhaps,cama- events.. Ourattendanceisgrowingsteadily; stream ofwellattended,educational,andfun Lake Wissota. Meetings 1 First WisconsinChapterisraising funds First WisconsinChapterbeginsthesummer See youonthewater! July’s meetingisonthewater. Meetat Next monthsmeeting,onJune6 May’s meeting,onMay2 After theevening’s complimentaryPizza,Larry partner, who John RyanpresentedHisPMTT $100GiftCertificate April’s meetingwasanotherinacontinuous $100GiftCertificate $100GiftCertificate Victor Fox BeckmanFinSaverNet Jim Bruscato MuskieRod&ReelCombo Rich Bohne MuskieRod&ReelCombo Leah Rosset Rich Monti Greg Denny 06 st Monday, 5:30PM,RodandGunClub, Chippewa Falls,WI54729 First Wisconsin muskybob@charter [email protected] 715-726-8896 P.O. Box122, nd featured Dan th Greg Denny th .net , There will , There will feature and preparetherearingponds. Thanks toall. ponds. The studentsbeganbyhelpingto clean conduct anongoingstudyofourchapterrearing ing withstudentsfromDelongMiddleSchoolto 715-834-1308. sent toyou.ForinformationcontactJonOlstadt, include youraddresssothecertificatecanbe Paypal [email protected] Claire, WI54703. You maysendfundsvia donation to:MarkHintz,1365S.50 adopted afuturetrophy”sticker. will receiveanadoptioncertificateand“I individuals adoptingthemusky. Those adopting each fishcomesin,itwillbepassedontothe adopt anindividualmusky. As informationabout Musky programallowsinterestedpersonsto strains overthenextfouryears. The Adopt a **UPDA monthly All Non-muskieawardsareannual,not Largest byinches SALMON MULTI-SPECIES LUNKER OFTHEMONTH MUSKIES HOW fish youregisterwiththeSSMHorMIin2006. Hawks willawardyouonegraphicmountforany mount ofyourbestfishin2006? DANCE INCENTIVEFOR2006 on theInternet(www no longerbeaccepted.Newformsareavailable Submissions** ANNOUNCING NEWMEETING 708-429-0526 oremail:[email protected] day rule).Ifnot,submissionwillnotbeaccepted. mitted within30daysoffishbeingcaught(the SSMH clubmeetings. tickets willstillbe includedinthedrawing. Christmas Party. almi rdeiw Lstartingat7:00pm. Harlem inBridgeview, IL the monthatMamaLuigi'slocated7500S. Our meetingsareheldeverythirdWednesday of The FirstWisconsin Youth committee iswork- To adoptyourMusky, pleasesenda$10.00 Smallmouth Bass,Walleye each monthbyinches Fittante Taxidermy andtheSouthsideMuskie Would youliketowinafreereproduction (Includes Feb-Nov Please discardanyoldforms.Oldformswill Contest Chairman:GeorgeBenda,phone: All requiredareasmustbefilledoutandsub- If youdonotattend theChristmasparty, your Drawing tobeheldatour2006 December Maximum ticketsyoucanachieve is5tickets. Attend 9meetings=5drawingtickets Attend 6-8meetings=3drawing tickets Attend 3-5meetings=1drawing ticket Remember tosigninateachmeeting 07 - Largestofeachspeciesbyinches - Best5byinches - Determinedbyinches ? TE onSSMHFishEntryForm 2006 CHAPTERCONTEST - Kings,Browns,Steelhead South SideMuskieHawks Kids Division(under12yrs) Junior Division(12–17yrs) Women’s Division Women’s MasterDivision Men’s Division Men’s MasterDivision - Northern,LargemouthBass, 5211 S.Narragansett Ave. .muskiesinc.com hcg,I 60638 Chicago, IL . Meetings) 773-581-8650 - LargestMuskieof . Besureto Th ) oratour Ave., Eau A TTEN - Now that all of the off season club activities are On April 17, 2006 Chapter representatives Jim CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS Capital City completed club members are busy sharpening Moore, Mike Moschell, John Kaltenecker, Kevin P.O. Box 8862, Madison, WI 53708 hooks for the May 6th opening. and Darlene Kelley met with Chris O’Bara, 08 608-274-3479 – Gerard Hellenbrand Gary Hoffman Warmwater Hatcheries Manager and Scott www.capitalcitymuskiesinc.org Morrison, District VI Fish Biologist; at the Meets: 2nd Monday 7:00 PM Park Ponderosa Parkersburg DNR office. Scott reported on the McFarlan, WI West Virginia status of and plans for Woodrum Lake and his 1270 Federal Road work this spring at North Bend Lake. Chris The Capital City Muskies Inc chapter was busy 09 Little Hocking, OH 45742 in March and April. The featured speaker at our 740-667-3571 reported on the muskie rearing and stocking pro- March meeting was Howie Meyer a guide from http://westvirginiamuskiesinc.org gram and Special Muskie Projects for 2006. We Vilas county who spoke about catching fish in Meets: No definite schedule-call made recommendations to DNR concerning sig- clear water. He broke it down into four “P’s” nage at North Bend Lake, creation of stream pounding, puffing, pausing, and patience. We helped WV DNR plant Bullrush, Arrowhead access sites at public bridges and organization of Good advice regardless of the water clarity. Our and Sago Pondweed at Woodrum Lake and Watershed Management Groups to reduce annual musky school was held in March. There Burnsville Lake in March. Being native to the muddy waters and siltation. Details can be was a remarkable increase in attendance as over region, this aquatic vegetation should have a accessed at http://westvirginia.muskiesinc.org. 150 anglers registered, twice has many as in good chance to thrive. Plants are surrounded by We appreciate the opportunity to meet with 2005. The school offered something for everyone wire barriers to protect them from predators. DNR officials in this small group format which from rigging suckers to hands-on GPS experi- Volunteers included Jim Moore, David facilitates discussion and the exchange of ideas ence. New this year was a “moon phase” debate. Kaltenecker, Ken Squires, Bill Looney and Gary better than larger, more formal meetings. The importance of the moon phase was repre- Fields. John Kaltenecker, Secretary sented by Steve Worrall, a northern Wisconsin About 20 members fished North Bend Lake on WV Chapter 09 Muskies, Inc. guide. The lack of moon phase importance was April1 with DNR on standby to accept muskies for represented CCMI member Craig Eversoll. Both their rearing program. We were the butt of a cruel April Fools joke by the muskies until late evening Headwaters Steve and Craig agreed that the best time to fish P.O. Box 652 when finally Jerry Miller caught a 32” and anoth- ◆ is when you can go. The annual spring fundrais- 12 Eagle River, WI 54521 ing seminar was held in April. Fishing great Bob er was seen. More importantly, a good location 715-477-2913 – Paul Hansen was revealed to DNR which returned a couple of Mehsikomer was the featured speaker. Bob kept www.headwatersmuskies.com CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS the large gathering engaged all evening with days later and electroshocked several muskies. Meets 1st Wednesday 7:00 PM footage from his TV shows catching 50+ inch fish. These NB fish are growing much more rapidly th He challenged the audience to respond to what than those in Middle Island Creek. The April 5 general membership meeting of was favorable and unfavorable in various situa- Some guys understandably abandoned the the Headwaters Chapter 12 of Muskies, Inc. was tions. Bob ended with that helpless feeling when mission to catch muskies for DNR in favor of the well attended and a number of important items the “big” one gets away. A few club members got frantic bass fishing in the extreme upper reaches ere covered. To start off with we gave a big round an early jump on the musky season by heading of the lake. Bill Looney lost count at 60 bass. Bill of applause to Art Anderson. Art is our current south and west. Our president Steve Reinstra Boggess and Gary Batton joined in the fun. Regional Vice President and at the March meet- nabbed a 43+ incher in Illinois Lake Kincaid. Our Twenty-eight individuals entered our Spring ing Art was inducted into the Muskies, Inc. Hall of second annual Iowa Pleasant Creek Lake outing Mail-In Tournament. Chuck Braniff and Jason Fame. Congratulations Art! Our first club outing th was attended by 24 club members and although Issacs braved morning snow and constant wind will be May 27 . This outing is a one day outing only one fish was caught, all agreed it felt good to Saturday at Piedmont Lake. Chuck caught a 35”, on the Eagle River Chain followed by a get hear the “plop” of lures hitting the water again. the only qualifying fish registered. Thanks to together at the Honey Bear Inn. As fellow musky chairperson Sharon Crane. (Continued on page 36) ◆ CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS

www.muskiesinc.org June 2006.....MUSKIE 35 hunters await the opening day here in the We still have 2 donation jars that need homes Dykstra who recently purchased Greenwood Northwood’s its time to get our fishing gear and and we need to know where the rest were placed. Lake Marina. Don makes beautiful wooden boats and trailers ready. Early June bring our $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ lures and Elena offers a wide array of boats, gear 26th annual Spring Challenge – June 10th & 11th. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ and service. Enjoy the season and should you This event has been one of the most sought after Last year we placed donation jars at strategic catch a tagged fish, photograph or note the tag# events. spots around the area for our MI club. We raised ( try to avoid removing the tag) and contact any There are many activities, meeting and events over $600 that went into buying baby muskies we club officer or Craig Lemon at his previously stat- going on with our Chapter. Please be sure to visit released into Shabbona. This year we want to ed email address. our website @ www.Headwatersmuskiesinc.com help where ever we can. Please consider where Submitted by Gordon Campbell, . For out of town members that frequently visit you could put a couple of these and collect the VP Chapter 22. Eagle River be sure to mark the dates for outings money every week or two for our club. This does- and meetings. Looking forward to meeting and n’t take much for you to do and it would help your Central Illinois having you get involved with our organization. club immensely. 1191 Sandra Lane Regards, Congratulations for taking 4th place in percent- Monticello, IL 61856 Glenn Matula age of new members out of 49 MI chapters!!!! We 27 Jeff Gillis – 309-264-3730 ended up 3rd in retention and only 1 of 3 chapters www.tcimh.org that retained over 90% of their current members. Meets 3rd Wednesday 7:00 PM at White Oak Hayward Lakes The 3-day trip to Lost Lake in Hayward, WI that is Community Room, 1514 N. Cottage Ave., P.O. Box 609 being auctioned off in our silent auction was our Bloomington, IL except Mar, July, Aug & Dec. 13 Hayward, WI 54843 prize. 715-634-4543 We also won the picture of the year contest We have a new location and time for the with Bob Hoyle’s 54” monster. The $500 prize Central Illinois Muskie Hunters, chapter 27. The was donated and bought our video projector. meetings are on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. The guest speaker at our April meeting was Again, congrats to everyone in Chapter 17!!!! Except for March, July, August, and December.

CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS CHAPTER NEWS Dave Neuswanger, DNR Area Fisheries Hope everyone has a successful season wher- The meetings are held at the White Oak Supervisor. Dave covered a number of Muskie ever you fish and remember to be safe on the Community Room located at 1514 N. Cottage

◆ topics but mainly talked about genetics and water. Avenue in Bloomington, IL. This location is in the stocking. He also made it clear that the DNR will Keep those lines tight and release ‘em healthy! west side of Bloomington. This location is not at not be stocking any Leech Lake, Minnesota strain Mark A Johnson Evergreen Lake. fish in the Hayward area because all of our lakes VP Chapter 17 The meetings start at 7:00 pm and are free and are natural Muskie lakes and will only be stocked open to the public. Contact Jeff Gillis at 309-264- with native fish. 3730 or visit CIMH on the web at www.tcimh.org The lawsuit against the cranberry farmer on for directions or information. Musky Bay on Lac Court Orielles was decided by New Jersey Just keep on pluggin, the judge in April with the judge finding that the 22 John Jackson cranberry farmer was not breaking the law. The http://www.mi22.com/ judge did note that the farmer was causing the deterioration of the bay’s water quality but at this Upper Great Plains time it was not a public nuisance. The land own- Our April 25th meeting was held at the 1788 Hwy 4 ers and their attorney plan on appealing so there Hackettstown Hatchery and attended by 24 peo- 29 Estherville, IA 51334 is still some hope of seeing the bay cleaned up. ple. Craig Lemon displayed 6 breeders up to 45” 712-362-2501 Our June meeting will be held at the Fresh from Echo Lake and gave a report. Hightlights Meets 3rd Thursday , Legion Club, 1709 Okoboji Water Fishing Hall of Fame. We will tour the facil- included the following: Pike stocking in Budd Ave., Milford, IA. ity with director (and club member) Emmett Lake may need reduction, the Delaware River will Brown and have beer and brats afterward, we’ll receive a half million Walleye fry, netting at It has been a while since chapter members meet at 7pm. Greenwood produced fish up to 50” and was have been able to get on the lakes together. I In June we’ll also be hosting the Wisconsin attended by NYDFW personnel, all breeders know everyone is excited to be back on the Chapters Larry Kleeba Memorial Challenge on were tagged before quick return, the average muskie waters of Iowa. To get everyone back the 24th and 25th. The fishing will take place on Walleye in Greenwood was 6.5 pounds and 25”. together the chapter is holding an upcoming out- Lost Land and Teal Lakes with the headquarters Additionally 16 holdovers were returned to ing on Big Spirit. In addition the annually muskie at Lost Land Lake Lodge. For more info call Mike Mercer Lake along with 7 to Mountain Lake. league nights are in full swing to get anglers Persson 715-634-4543. They’ll achieve their goal of 600,000 Muskie eggs together to have some fun chasing the elusive CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS & VIEWS CHAPTER NEWS Good Fishing, and Craig expects another strong Fall stocking. muskellunge. Mike Persson Also emphasized was the importance of catch The UPG chapter is hosting a summer outing ◆ reports and Craig is particularly interested in on Big Spirit Lake. It will be held on Saturday, smaller Muskies. All imfo can be forwarded to June 24th. Fishing hours are from 7am to 7pm. Quad County him at [email protected]. Treasurer Jed We have reserved the shelter at Templar Park for P.O. Box 185, Plano, IL 60545 Chingery provided a report indicating a balance a cookout following the event. If we are lucky 17 (815) 695-1494 – Dana Smith of $ 4,600.00 before Guide For A Day deposits. Rod and Ryan Blau just might serve up their deli- [email protected] We have a full calendar- June 10th is the annu- cious barbeque ribs like they did at last years [email protected] al Spring Tournament with Echo Lake, event. Man were they good! The event is free of Greenwood and Monksville Reservoir as destina- charge and it is a great way to get members Meets 2nd Thursday, 7:30pm. Plano American Legion tions. As usual a banquet with dinner and prizes together. will be held. Watch MI22.com for details. The Mark Mitchell has kindly volunteered is time Chapter 17’s board has been very busy with following Sunday, June 18th we’ll be hosting again this year to run muskie league nights on budgeting and planning the year’s activities. Here NJDFW personnel for a day of fishing and lunch. area lakes. Here is a following list of the dates is a brief rundown of what is on the platter for This will be a great time to fraternize with those and locations: May 24 Big Spirit, Templar Park. 2006: who work so hard for our Muskie and freshwater June 7 East Okoboji, Triggs. June 21 West May regular meeting changed to 5/4/06 from programs. Guide For A Day will have been at Okoboji, Triggs. July 5 Big Spirit, Templar Park. 5/11/06. near record proportions again. As a reminder all July 19 East Okoboji, Triggs. August 2 Big Spirit, May 4 meeting will be a SWAP MEET. Bring are encouraged to file catch reports either on the Templar Park. August 16 West Okoboji, Triggs. your stuff to trade or sell. Muskiesinc.org site or directly to Craig. For each August 30 Big Spirit, Templar Park. League night June 9th will be our Friday night meeting on submission to the MI site, the angler will receive fishing begins at 6:15 and goes until sunset. Be Shabbona Lake. a year end raffle ticket towards prizes. Fishing is sure to arrive early enough to get your entry fee June 24th will be our club outing on Heidecke underway locally and Jeff Young’s son Ryan to Mark so he can be on the water to get after the Lake recently released his first- a 33” True Strain. fish as well. July 16th will be our Kid’s Fishing Day. We’d like to welcome and thank two new spon- I had a great time seeing and handling some We have 3 events/prizes on our Silent sors: Don Slagle of very nice muskies gill netting with the IDNR fish- Auctions. Hoosierhandmademuskybaits.com and Elena eries. I worked with fisheries personnel on East CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS & VIEWS CHAPTER NEWS

36 MUSKIE.....June 2006 Okoboji April 7-9 and we caught several beautiful and have a great morning of fishing fun! was estimated to be well over 20 pounds. Greg’s fish. All together the DNR captured 312 adult Volunteers are welcome. partner John Fierro netted and photographed the muskies this year in 6 nights of netting. They Also this month on the 28th. We will be spon- fish and we should have the picture on our web were able to extract about 21 quarts of eggs for soring the local Boy Scouts at Max McGraw site soon. Greg proved that you don’t have to their stocking program. I would have to say the Wildlife Foundation in Elgin in earning their fish- pound the water all day with expensive muskie future of Iowa’s muskie fishery looks to be a ing merit badge. Space is limited for this event. lures as he hooked this impressive beauty with a bright one. For more details or if you wish to volunteer please 2” fire tiger colored Rattle Trap. Several large Be sure to visit us at our website: contact Youth Director Jim Schroedl at 847-202- small mouth bass were caught on Saturday and http://muskieclub.com 7963. Greg was taking a break from muskie fishing and Sincerely, Pete Hildreth Chapter Editor In the coming months you can look forward to decided to switch to a medium spinning rod and our club outing in Green Bay the smaller lure. St. Cloud the weekend of October 6 to 8 and our Fall The following members participated in our first 312 18th Avenue N. Challunge on the Chain. tournament of the year: President Jeff Don with Sartell, MN 56377 Have a terrific summer! Hope to see you on his guest Brian Knapp, Matt Snider and Brian 37 (320) 656-1160 the water. Ashe, Greg Story fishing with John Fierro, Jim www.stcloudmuskies.com Our regular club meeting dates are the second and Peg Raney who drove all the way from Meets: 3rd Tues. 7:30 PM American Legion, Waite Park. Wednesday Grand Junction where they now live, Ken and of the month and will resume in August. The Betty Karbon and Paul Framsted fishing with On April 18th we had a good turn out at the Poplar Creek Country Club is most gracious in Tournament Director Brandon Hoffman. Fishing Waite Park Legion for our monthly meeting, and providing us with great accommodations. They conditions were very windy both days with most to see Jack Shriver speak. The meeting started also provide us with a great Buffet style dinner participants having to take cover by around noon with President Bruce getting us all up to speed on starting at six p.m. before the 7:30 p.m. meeting. on Sunday. The temperature was mild and the current issues. Our club has many exciting things Check the website the week before the meeting water temperature at Horseshoe was in the low going on at this time. Our stocking community is for info on what the meal will be. 50’s. We met at noon Saturday for lunch togeth- making great progress on the potential stocking Until Later, Return ‘em to the water Healthy er and took a group photo which is attached in of new muskie waters. They are getting to know and Remember Our Troops. this email. the right people, and are using the appropriate JT The next tournament will be May 19-22 at LAK channels to make it a win for every one. On May Reservoir near New Castle, Wyoming. We will 6th our club is hosting our annual big brothers/big Colorado be fishing this reservoir for the first time for all of sisters fishing contest. The contest is held on 3739 Sawgrass Trail us. A former member of our club Danny Kurttila Lake George. All the kids get set up with a new 44 Castle Rock, CO 80109 had good success fishing there and strongly rec- rod and real, and a stocked tackle box. It is a Phone: (303) 668-4089 ommended we give it a try. I am making arrange- great way for our club to give back to the commu- Website: www.coloradomuskies.com ments for hotel and camping facilities and would nity. On April 19th we have our 2nd annual fund Dan Narsete, Pres. • [email protected] like to get a head count soon so I can get a good Meets 2nd Tuesday ex. July/Aug 7:00 PM, Colorado raiser fish fry. We have many door prizes and a Division of Wildlife, Hunter Education Building, 6060 group rate. The reservoir is a 340 mile drive from silent auction. Broadway, Denver, Colorado 80216. Denver so we hope it will be a fruitful trip. The Our guest speaker Jack Shriver did a great June tournament is set for the 9-11th at Merritt job! He gave us a lot of great information, and told Our first tournament of the year was held at Reservoir in Northern Nebraska near the city of us many stories that made us all laugh. Jack told Horseshoe Reservoir near Walsenburg this past Valentine. We have a cabin reserved that will us a great deal about how muskie fishing has weekend. We had a great turnout for our first accommodate 8 people and they have RV camp- changed, and how he changed his fishing tech- event with 11 members and one guest fishing. ing facilities so we need to get a head count for niques over the years. Jack is the creator of the Greg Story came out of the box with an early lead that tournament as well. The July tournament will HiJacker buzz bait, and several in line spinners. in our 2006 tournament standings with the first He has well known for his guiding on Leech Lake, muskie of the year, a very stocky 40 incher that (Continued on page 38) and other northern Minnesota lakes. Jack is a great spokes person for muskie fishing, and it was truly a pleasure to have him speak at our meeting.

Fox River Valley 1253 Cobblers Crossing, Elgin, IL 601230 847-741-9771 – Rich Gallagher 39 www.frvmuskie.com Meets: 2nd Wed (Exc June/July) Poplar Creek Country Club, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates, IL.

The days are getting longer and warmer. Quite early mornings on the water that turn into twelve or fourteen hours in the boat. Yes, it is finally sum- mer! This is what we have been waiting for. Another season of good times, good friends and life time memories. We hope you all have the opportunity to get out as often as you can in pur- suit of our toothy friend. This month don’t forget to join us for our Summer Fishing League. This will replace our On The Water Meetings for June and July. The fish- ing and meeting days will be Sunday the 11th. Of June and Sunday the 9th. Of July. There is a $25.00 per person entry fee. The fishing hours are from 2 to 8 p.m. with a meeting and raffle after fishing. The payouts will be 100% of the pool. Come out and enjoy a Sunday on the water. Details can be found on the website. June is the month for kids. On the 10th. We will participate in the Annual Elgin Fish For Fun at Walton Island in Elgin. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. The event runs from 9a.m. to 11 a.m. with awards handed out afterwards. Bring the kids www.muskiesinc.org June 2006.....MUSKIE 37 be at Lower Big Creek Reservoir the weekend of Resource Section July 28-30 and members need to get a campsite reserved soon for that one. You can get on line at reserveamerica.com to book your campsite. The May meeting will be our annual awards FOR SALE: ceremony for the 2005 fishing season. We will be 2000 Honda BF130AYLA Outboard, meeting for dinner at White Fence Farms on #1008303, 152 Hours. Purchased 03/16/2001. Tuesday evening, May 9. We have a private room reserved and dinner will be at 7:00pm. Controls, control cables, wiring and guages White Fence Farms is in Lakewood on Jewell included, $5,500.00. This motor is covered by Avenue, between Wadsworth and Sheridan a transferable warranty for ten years from Avenues and their phone number is 303-935- 5945. You can also bring up their website at date of original purchase. www.whitefencefarm.com if you would like to Fred Wehrli, Pomme de Terre Muskies Inc., print a map. White Fence Farms have been a Denver Family Dining tradition for many years 785-584-6393 • [email protected]. and are famous for their family style dining, a great petting zoo and gift shop. That’s it for this month and please remembers to rsvp for the May tournament at LAK Reservoir in Wyoming. Paul CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS CHAPTER NEWS Webster Lake P.O. Box 670 ◆ No. Webster, IN 46555 49 574-834-1669

Water temperatures are currently (end of April) in the upper 50’s on the local lakes. Fishing has picked up over the last week as reports of boated fish are coming in on a regu- lar basis. Guide For A Day will take place on April 29. With approxi- mately 20 boats lined up for the days activities, all guides and organ- izers participating in this event deserve a big THANK YOU. Upcoming events: Webster Lake Musky Club Cash Tournament Series will include the following dates and locations: June 3 Webster Lake, September 9 Barbee Chain, October 7 Webster Lake. The first 2 events each offer total payouts of over $4,000. The final event has a total payout of $5,400. All payout totals are based upon CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS & VIEWS CHAPTER NEWS having a maximum number of boats entered. June 16 and 17 ◆ Terry Anderson Iron Man Outing. August 5 Youth Outing. November 4 Ice On Challenge. Check out our website(www.websterlakemusky- club.org) for information on club activities, local lodging, and regis- tration forms. Greg Dini [email protected] CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS & VIEWS CHAPTER NEWS

38 MUSKIE.....June 2006 PREFACE: We will now fast forward from the last Muskie Tale in this Magazine to the end of my book ‘MUSKIE TALES’ where much has hap- pened at Lonesome Lodge and the people there: from Balliver B. and Alberts’ Muskie Lures, some Muskie Adventures, meeting Otis and Maynard, Keg and Kodie become the new owners of Lonesome Lodge, me finally getting Muskie Fever, some new characters come along, and to my Adventures with The Muskie Legend…..and now…..the adventures con- tinue with “Will We Ever Get Back?!!” WILL WE EVER GET BACK?

“I’m taking that offer on my cabin.” Announced Kodie to Keg. “You sure you want to do this?” Asked Keg. “Well, our log home is finished, we’re all moved in, we’re the new owners of Lonesome Lodge and we’re getting married soon so….” appeared to be the remains of a wooden boat. Suddenly the Marina “Yes, our home is here. We haven’t been to the cabin for quite Office came into view…and what a horrid sight it was; window bro- some time tho.” ken out, door ajar hanging on one hinge. “I would like to go back once more….for old times sake…” “Can we get to it?” Kodie asked. Kodie said and let it trail off. “We can sure try!” Replied Keg. “We did spend some good times there.” They made their way best they could on the rickety dock. They “Yes, I know!” made it…got wet feet but were at the Marina Office. Keg gave the Lonesome Lodge would be in good hands with Harold so Keg door a push…it fell in and to the floor with a dull thud!! They and Kodie left for her cabin. They spent the next couple of days reliv- stepped inside, Kodie hanging onto Keg—Keg hanging onto his san- ing fond memories and closing the sale to the new owners. Kodie ity! wanted to keep her Ranger Boat and Black Max Outboard despite a There was a rod and reel standing, rather leaning against a wall. nice offer from the people that bought her cabin, so they pulled it Keg picked it up…the rod didn’t straighten up…it remained bent or back to Lonesome Lodge and their new log home. (This rig had been warped. He looked closer at it and said to Kodie, “I’d guess it to be stored in the garage at her cabin.) bamboo, Heddon and the reel is red.” Something was strange as they passed Lonesome Lodge heading “A # 900 Musky Special and an old Ambassadeur, I’ll bet.” Kodie to their home. said. “Turn around Keg,” said Kodie, “I’ve got an eerie feeling all of a There were a couple of rotted chairs, a well rusted wood stove…a sudden!” closed door. Keg tried to open it. It seemed stuck or locked. He gave “So have I.” Keg said. it a hard push and it opened to his and Kodie’s surprise. “Pull over,” Said Kodie as they were returning past Lonesome “Alberts’ shop!” Keg said, “Look! Wood working tools all well Lodge. rusted—a somewhat rotted work bench and a few other weather beat- “What has happened here?” Said Keg as they got out of their en items……… vehicle. “Keg”…..Kodie said weakly, “That’s the first you’ve mentioned “That’s what I’d like to know.” Answered Kodie. anyone….anyone we know….or knew….” Lonesome Lodge looked old; and in disrepair—like it had been “Yes, I just realized this. What happened to closed for years. Both Keg and Kodie looked at each other in disbe- Albert…..Rod…..Lonesome Lodge…..all the others…..What lief. They found a well weathered sign….barely legible, but they Happened??” could make out parts of it….L O N S M ODG Kodie was about in tears as they made their way back…getting The big heavy wood front door was in very poor condition. wet feet again. They got to their vehicle, took a long look at They walked to Rods’ Sport Shop and descov- ered…. “It’s like I found it when Bob told me to go to it after I had just been there that morning, Kodie.” “I remember you telling me about it, but I…well, after visiting Rod and his Shop, I just couldn’t imag- ine…but here it is…windows and door like mirrors!” “I don’t know exactly what to think,” Said Keg, “Let’s check the Marina.” “Great idea!” Kodie answered. As they walked back and around Lonesome Lodge and down to the Marina, they could see the deteriora- tion of the place. They both just shook their heads. The dock or what was left of it lay mostly under water; there was the bow of a boat sticking out of the water. It www.muskiesinc.org June 2006.....MUSKIE 39 Kodie and Keg didn’t have to think twice as Kodie said, “We sure MUSKIE TALES (Continued from page 39) would appreciate it!” Next morning, Keg and Kodie got an early start back to Lonesome Lodge and down the street at Rods’ Sport Shop. They got Lonesome Lodge, Rod’s Sport Shop, their new log home and especial- in the vehicle and sat silently…. ly the people. Keg and Kodie did not tell of their experiences at Kodie broke the silence, “Our Log Home!!! What has happened Lonesome Lodge. to it?? Is it still here?” Not much was said on the way back and Kodie again rested her “And do we still own Lonesome Lodge….such as it is.” Said Keg. head on Kegs’ shoulder and fell asleep. Anxiety was building in Keg “Let’s go find our home!” announced Kodie. as they drew closer to Lonesome Lodge. Kodie awakened with a There was a pause….a long pause as Keg and Kodie looked at twitch as Keg turned into the entrance of Lonesome Lodge. each other. “Will we ever get back?” Kodie sleepily asked. “LET’S NOT!” Keg said, “Let’s go straight back to your….your “We’ll soon see.” Keg answered. They pulled up out front, former cabin!” glanced down the street and saw Rod come out of his shop, look their Another slight pause, “I think I’m with you, Keg….Let’s go!” way and wave a welcome back sign---- And with that, they headed back the same was they came in. Keg They got out, said Hi to Rod, stopped a moment and hugged and Kodie made small talk on the way, “I didn’t see anyone….any- and gave each other a long, loving look and both breathed a sigh of where.” relief. “Neither did I,” said Kodie, “You would think someone would “Still Honeymoonin’?” Asked Rod. have seen us poking around the Marina area,” “You bet!” Keg and Kodie said together. “Strange, very strange,” Said Keg. They opened the door and walked in and were greeted by Kodie rested her head on Kegs’ shoulder and fell asleep. Harold, “Welcome Back! Get everything settled?” As they pulled up to Kodie’s former cabin, the new owners came “All taken care of and we are back to stay!” Keg said. out saying, “Back so soon?” “This is Our Home!” Kodie added. “You still wanna buy Kodies’ Ranger?” Keg asked. A voice from one of the oversized chairs near the fireplace said, “We were hoping you’d reconsider us wanting it. It seems to go “Glad ‘ur bak….’N now kin ve git ta sum Muskie Fishin’….dere with this cabin and we do want it so bad!” bumpin’ da dock agin….’N I got more a dem Muskie Lurz Kodie took their first offer and they all went out for a well made…..” deserved dinner. “HEAR! HEAR!” Voices from everywhere in Lonesome Lodge “You guys need a good nights sleep—you know there’s a hide-a- shouted!! ❖ bed in the cabin and you’re welcome to spend the night.”

40 MUSKIE.....June 2006 www.muskiesinc.org June 2006.....MUSKIE 41 Arija Mynette Greenseid in her Grandpa’s lap, 12 hours old and shortly to be Muskies Inc. All budding Muskie fishermen need training, Jeff Sacco took son Dustin and friend Andy Allison Small with a nicely- youngest member. She hasn’t caught a Muskie including perusing Muskie magazine. John out fishing last April. They both got fish, striped 12” Tiger Muskie, and yet, but Grandpa has vowed to make that hap- Nutkins found a unique way to train his including Andy’s 29-incher in the picture. also a wonderful smile. pen at the earliest possible opportunity. young lad, on Muskie things and otherwise. Andy: “This was the best fishing trip EVER; I caught a fish bigger than my mom, my dad, & my brothers!”

John Small and a 33-incher. A more masculine, grown up smile (he’s 16) than his sisters, but then that’s a nice fish Marah Overmyer with her 48-incher from Lake St. Clair, also last Norm Small’s daughter Lauren and a 35-inch Muskie too. John has been known to be very gracious to those June and also Grandpa Mark helping out again. Marah has 57 that she caught. Note the smile! sisters of his on Muskie matters – go see the member fish in the Lunge Log, and is fast catching up to her brother. photos for March.

Christian Overmyer with his 53-incher caught and released Megan Doebler, daughter of Todd, with a pretty tiger. The Cortland Spletter, age 7 and a member of the First on Lake St. Clair last June, grandpa Mark Pauling helping Doebler kids have been photographed with fish on the Wisconsin chapter, with his 47.5” Muskie caught and out with the hold. Christian is 10 years old and already has bow of this boat many, many times. released last October from Cornell Flowage in Wisconisn. 65 fish in the Lunge Log. It’s his second of three fish in the Lunge Log. ☞ Proper Muskie Holding Techniques for MUSKIE Magazine Photos includ- PREFERRED ing Covers, Article Support, Photo FOR PHOTOS Contest Entries & Member Photos

42 MUSKIE.....June 2006

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