MUSKIE Magazine

Transcription

MUSKIE Magazine

Photo Contest – November Winners
by Brad Waldera, Photo Editor • pictures@muskiesinc.org
Photo Tip of the Month –
Photo Hosting Websites
▲
Photo hosting websites can be a lifesaver. I recently had a paying job taking
photos at a high school football game. I put the photos on a photo hosting website and the parents of the players can access it to view or print the photos, or
download the original size photos to their own computer. I had done this, and
then thought I’d redo a couple of the shots and make them a little brighter or try
black & white versions. Somehow I ended up deleting two of my favorite shots
from my computer. So, I went on my photo hosting website and was able to
download those original size photo files and redo the shots. If I hadn’t posted the
photos there, they’d have been lost. There are many photo hosting websites out
there, some of which are even free. I use one called Smugmug, which has three
different membership levels. Using a photo hosting website can also be a lifesaver
if your computer ever crashes. If you value your digital photos and don’t want to
take any chances of losing them, check into a photo hosting website. It may come
in handy one day. ❖
Winner #1 Check out THIS Tiger! Don Wittenberger took this
shot of his friend Mike Nielsen with a 53-inch tiger muskie he caught
in 2005. I believe it is still the largest tiger muskie taken from Lake
Merwin in southwest Washington State. The fish hit a Windel’s spinnerbait Mike was using, then immediately rushed toward the boat.
Don quickly dipped the net into the water right in front of the muskie
and scooped him in. The whole battle took only seconds. Of course
the fish then proceeded to trash their entire boat. This fish looks to be
in the low to mid 30-pound range, and is a real beauty. I love seeing
all of the tiger muskie photos in the magazine lately. Check out this
month’s Member Photos section for a few more.
▼ Winner #2 We’ve probably all heard stories about muskies swimming with their heads out of the water, and some of
us may have even seen it with our own eyes, but this is the first photo I’ve seen of a muskie doing it. Chapter 44 member Paul
Framsted was kind enough to send this photo in of a mid-40 inch tiger muskie that circled his boat within 10 feet of it at times,
and showed no concern for Paul at all. There is some debate about why they do this, with many feeling it is to clean parasites
out of their gills. I’m not sure if that is true or not, but it is definitely quite strange. Thanks a bunch for the photo Paul.
MUSKIE is published monthly and is the Official
Publication of Muskies, Inc. International Office: Ron
Groeschl, International Sec., 14257 Waters Edge
Trail, New Berlin, WI 53151. Ph: 888-710-8286.
© Copyright 2008 by Muskies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Contents
MUSKIE • VOL. 42, NO. 11
Features
Departments
IFC Photo Contest,
Brad Waldera
10 Tiger Muskies in Washington State?
You bet! Bruce Bolding
2 President’s Message,
Dan Narsete
12 A Day to Remember, Jody Booth
14 A Treasure of Tigers in the Heart of
the Southwest, Michael Bishop
3 Magazine Notes,
Juris Ozols
17 Gil Hamm Chapter Challunge 2008,
Juris Ozols
4 MUSKIE News
5 Figure 8, Kevin Richards
18 Destination: Red Wing Lodge,
David Cates
6 Lunge Log, Jim Bunch
20 The Ohio Muskie Angler Log,
Elmer Heyob
21 Index of Advertisers
24 More MUSKIE News
FTB
22 Charitable Giving Using Life Insurance,
Kurt Eltvedt
25 Chapter News and Views
30 Member Photos,
Brad Waldera
28 Fishing With Mom,
Eugene M. Narsete, M.D.
FTB
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www.muskiesinc.org
November 2008.....MUSKIE 1
International
Officers
President, Dan Narsete
Email: president@muskiesinc.org
Vice President/Fundraising, Jim Shannon
Phone: 612-670-8943
Email: vp-finance@muskiesinc.org
Vice President/Fisheries, Research & Youth,
Dr. Tom Betka, MD
Phone: 920-544-5868
Email: vp-research@muskiesinc.org
Vice President/Internal Affairs,
[ vacant ]
Phone:
Email: vp-internal-affairs@muskiesinc.org
Vice President/Membership & Marketing,
Dale Vercauteren
Phone: 920-680-6093
Email: vp-membership@muskiesinc.org
Vice President/Communications, Jay Zahn
Phone: 920-660-7655
Email: vp-communications@muskiesinc.org
Treasurer, Kathy Goon
Phone: 419-945-2940
Email: treasurer@muskiesinc.org
Members Only Fishing Contest, Jim Bunch
Phone: 715-226-0295
Email: lungelog@muskiesinc.org
Web Master, Ron Groeschl
Phone: 262-271-1002
Email: secretary@muskiesinc.org
Int. Administrative Secretary, Ron Groeschl
14257 Waters Edge Trail, New Berlin, WI 53151
Phone: 888-710-8286 or 262-271-1002
Email: secretary@muskiesinc.org
At Large Directors
Term Expires
Brad Waldera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009
Dick McPike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009
David Rautmann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009
Diana Mindar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009
Dan Narsete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009
Tom Betka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2010
Dale Vercauteren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2010
Bob Timme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2010
Jim Shannon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2010
Gerald Bucholtz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2010
Adam Walsh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
Jay Zahn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
Fred Brogle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
Brett Knight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
Rory Potter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
2 MUSKIE.....November 2008
The
President’s
Message
by Dan Narsete
Muskies, Inc.
International President
Email:
president@muskiesinc.org
A
few months ago I was fortunate enough to shoot an outdoor show with New Mexico
Governor Bill Richardson. Having been a US congressman, former Ambassador to
the United Nations, Secretary of Energy, and Presidential candidate it was pretty
awesome to be hanging out with a person like that. With him were secret service guys
complete with the red ties, black suits, ear pieces and handguns…what an experience! I was
very careful not to hook, trip, or even say the wrong thing, lest I receive the wrath from the
United States Secret Service.
While on the river (in NM) we discussed Bill Richardson as a person; away from the
spot light and press conferences. For the brief period we were together we talked about his
horses, football and of course aliens in Roswell. The one thing that we left at the door was
politics. Though he is a super delegate for one of the Presidential candidates we forgot that
and focused on what we were there to do, which was fishing. It was very refreshing to disengage from rhetoric and public discourse.
What this experience taught me is that as an organization we need to leave our politics
at the door and focus on Muskie Fishing. How can we make it better and how can we help
each other? It is also important to ask is there a way we can stop fighting within the borders
of our organization and focus that energy towards common goals which would support our
mission.
The first step I suppose would be dispelling some common myths and misunderstandings. Often in these articles I brag about what various officers, individuals or chapters are
doing, not to put anyone on a pedestal. There is no “us”, “you”, or four-letter word in “international.” Everyone here is elected, interviewed, hired or approved by the Board; there is no
“good ole boys” club. Our Board is elected by you, our members.
The people who work on the Executive Committee, run the magazine, sell our ads, and
deal with our problems on a daily basis work very hard. Oftentimes they work multiple jobs,
support families, and work for M.I. for free or at a slim wage. It is not easy running this
organization. These guys and gals are working for you almost every day; they are also your
fishing pals, your chapter peers, friends and family; don’t forget that. They make the nearly
impossible possible, and they deserve our respect and admiration - they have mine. Without
them we might not be able to sustain Muskies, Inc. So take a minute and think about what
I am saying. After you pick up our magazine or log on to your favorite blog think about sending them a message of thanks. They are not better than anyone else, but they keep the lights
on and allow us to be a part of this fine organization.
That being said, how can we unite and put any past differences behind us? As I have said
in past articles one person is significant, but five, six, or seven thousand can be a unified army,
a real force to be reckoned with. Think about what we can do together…and share your
ideas with me at: president@muskiesinc.org
Tight lines, Dan ❖
by Juris Ozols
We all have some very special
moments in our lives. This was one
of mine. Last September I spent
three days on Whitefish Bay, Lake of
the Woods, chasing George Wahl
around in a boat to do a photo shoot
on those scenic waters. I also got him
to sit down on the dock at Whitefish
Bay Camp to film a fascinating, wideranging video interview.
George has been a member of
Muskies Inc. for over a third of a
century, has made “Eagletail” lures
for 25 years, and is in the MI Hall of
Fame. His ideas have been the
inspiration for many of the activities
of the Twin Cities Chapter, including
the Vets Home Fishing Opener and the spring Muskie Expo. He’s got over
400 Muskies caught, including some 80 fish 48 inches or better.
Not only all that, but he’s one of the great characters of our organization
and delightfully, thoughtfully opinionated.
The cover picture shows George casting from his boat on Whitefish, one
of his favorite red and black Eagletails flying high in the air, and long-time
fishing partner John Olson looking on. The other pictures here were also
taken during the September photo shoot and interview.
In our special January 2009 issue we’ll be running a full-length article on
the interview with George. You’ll get his comments on many topics including muskie locations, what it takes to catch a muskie, and the future of
Muskies, Inc. Be prepared to see a very different perspective on these
things – a lot of food for thought. George’s perspective is often not
conventional or mainstream.
He also talks about his experience with the “monster fish” of his life. I
wish I had been there to photograph that one.
We’ll have a transcript and DVD of the interview available if you would
like to hear George himself. ❖
MUSKIE Magazine Staff
EDITOR
Kevin Richards
7618 Sunrise Ridge Road
Henley, MO 65040
Phone: (573) 280-2300
Email: muskiemag@yahoo.com
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Juris Ozols
Phone: (612) 747-0178
Email: assistanteditor@muskiesinc.org
PHOTO CONTEST EDITOR
Brad Waldera
Phone: (701) 642-1952
Email: pictures@muskiesinc.org
LUNGE LOG EDITOR
Jim Bunch
Phone: (715) 226-0295
Email: lungelog@muskiesinc.org
ADVERTISING SALES TEAM
Contact Kevin Richards, Editor
Phone: (573) 280-2300
Email: muskiemag@yahoo.com
PUBLICATIONS TECHNICAL MANAGER
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25123 22nd Avenue • St. Cloud, MN 56301-9189
Phone: 888-253-8808, ext. 154
MAGAZINE DESIGN
Sunray Printing Solutions, Inc. - John Windschitl
ILLUSTRATORS/CARTOONISTS
Richard Gross, Charles Weiss
FIELD EDITORS
Patricia Strutz, Colby Simms, Sean Landsman,
Adam Glickman, Bob Chochola,Steve Budnik
EMERITUS EDITORS
Rod Ramsell, Keith Ogden, Jim Smith
MUSKIE is published exclusively for the membership of Muskies, Inc. and subscriptions
come with a paid membership. Muskies, Inc. is
a non-profit organization. Membership classes
and associated annual dues are listed on the
form at the bottom of page one. Copies of
MUSKIE magazine are available at $3.00 each
from the Muskies, Inc. International Office.
Contributors grant rights for M.I. to publish
once in MUSKIE Magazine, both the print and
on-line versions, including archives and on the
M.I. Web site.
Submissions to
MUSKIE Magazine
Persons interested in submitting articles for
publication are directed to our website
www.muskiesinc.org for a link to MUSKIE
Magazine, where you will find links on the left
side of the page providing information necessary for submissions to MUSKIE Magazine.
Further questions will be answered by Kevin
Richards, Editor. Submissions may be sent to:
7618 Sunrise Ridge Road, Henley, MO 65040
or email: muskiemag@yahoo.com. Phone:
(573) 280-2300.
www.muskiesinc.org
M AGA Z I N E N OT E S ◆ M AGA Z I N E N OT E S ◆ M AGA Z I N E N OT E S ◆ M AGA Z I N E N OT E S
ABOUT THE COVER
M U S K I E N E WS ◆ M U S K I E N E WS ◆ M U S K I E N E WS ◆ M U S K I E N E WS ◆ M U S K I E N E WS
– The Hugh C. Becker has priority rights to all press releases and
publications.
– If this project fails to reach its purpose, through false reporting,
deceit, and/or other unprofessional acts, the requesting group
may be responsible for restitution (committee determination).
Addendum:
Hugh C. Becker
2009 Foundation Awards
Many MI members remember Hugh C. Becker. Before his
death, Mr. Becker worked with fellow MI member George Selcke to
establish the Hugh C. Becker Foundation. Sixty-five percent of the
dividends from this multi-million dollar foundation go to Muskies,
Inc. each year! The funds are channeled by the foundation board and
through the Twin Cities Chapter. Many worthwhile projects were
funded in 2008, the first year of the grants.
The annual grant application process is open to chapters and
conservation agencies throughout the North American muskie range!
The grants can be used for projects such as muskie propagation,
stocking, habitat, water quality, and professional research. The 2009
grant application period will open on November 1st.
What an amazing legacy Hugh Becker has left for the benefit of
muskies and muskie anglers! Here are the details.
_____________________________________________________
All requests are to be received between November 1, 2008 and
January 31, 2009.
Address all requests to Hugh C. Becker Committee of Twin
Cities Chapter of Muskies, Inc., c/o George Selcke, 13004 Shady
Dale Road, Minnetonka, MN 55343-4904.
Requests are not to be more than five (5) legibly typed pages; send
an original and five (5) copies, to include all the following criteria:
1) Name and address of the group, and a history of group’s accomplished projects to date, if applicable.
2) Demonstrate need - how will this project benefit the Muskellunge
program(s) in area, region, or range (Canada included)?
3) What is the project and what is purpose of project?
4) Where is this project taking place?
5) What is the duration of this project? Include start and finish
dates.
6) What are the costs? Itemize equipment and labor, and provide
quotes.
7) Who will be involved? Provide names and contact information
(addresses, phone numbers, email) for the project team and project manager/coordinator.
8) Submit “milestone” dates for progress reports and accountability.
9) Can the requesting group match funds from another source?
Please list.
_____________________________________________________
Other Considerations:
– Cap on any individual grant/fund will be $10,000; incrementally within year or over the course of years.
– Credit to the Hugh C. Becker Trust Foundation will be incurred
in funding.
Like projects/activities that may qualify per the wishes and conditions of Hugh C. Becker include, but are not limited to:
• Muskie propagation by chapters, similar to what the Twin Cities
Chapter #1 has done in the past.
• Stocking, by either raising muskie fingerlings or purchasing fingerlings, yearlings, or adults for public use in designated waters.
• Habitat protection and improvement.
• Clean water (quality) protection and improvement.
• Professional research by qualified personnel (not limited to
Minnesota, but must include accountable data).
• Expansion of the present muskellunge range (special consideration for the Missouri river system in North/South Dakota).
The Twin Cities Chapter #1 Committee will consider projects based
on their respective merits per criteria above; awards will be published
in the Muskie Magazine.
Caring and Sharing
Employers’ Payroll Deduction and
Matching Charitable Plans
Muskies, Inc. needs your help for 2009 and beyond! Budgets
remain tight and operating costs keep rising. Most members look to
Muskies, Inc. to provide camaraderie and knowledge of muskie fishing while conserving the habitat and expanding the fishery. Each
year, as expenses increase, our ability to do this becomes ever more
challenging. We are very grateful to those members who make additional donations when they renew their memberships. Donations can
be to the M.I. general fund, your chapter, the Youth Fund, the Perry
Smith Fisheries Fund, the Research Fund, or the Kermit Benson
Scholarship Fund.
Many employers offer payroll deduction plans for their employees’ charitable donations. Often, employers match your donation.
Muskies, Inc. is a non-profit organization (IRC 501(c)(3)) eligible to
receive these funds. When you make a donation through payroll
deduction, it is tax deductible for you. We ask that if your employer
offers a payroll deduction plan, please consider listing Muskies, Inc.
as a recipient. Your tax deductible donation of $5 or $10 per week or
more would greatly help us give you a better Muskies, Inc. Further,
if your employer offers it, matching funds could double your help.
We appreciate your consideration during the months ahead. If
you have any questions or need to provide information or documentation to your employer, please contact our Treasurer, Kathy Goon,
at: treasurer@muskiesinc.org or 419/945-2940. Thanks for supporting Muskies, Inc.
figur e
8
Figure 8
8
figur e
8
◆
figur e
– Kevin
◆
After the thrill of catching your next muskie do your best to
carefully release it to fight another day; the future of our muskie
resource will literally be in your hands!
8
8
◆
figur e
8
◆
figur e
8
www.muskiesinc.org
or learn a new activity. I guess that’s why the political ads run over
and over and over.
In our sport one of the most important educational messages we
have to share is effective catch and release. Have you read and digested some of the C&R features we have highlighted in MUSKIE over
the past 6 months? Do you remember all of them, or just a low percentage of them?
Take another look! In April, many readers liked “After the Fight,
Treat ‘Em Right” by Bob Chochola. In July, John Skarie offered his
perspective in a well-written editorial. In October Sean Landsman
gave us “Blending Science and Proper Handling Practices for a Better
Release” – we even printed it in the center of the magazine so you can
pull it out, make copies, or keep it in your boat.
We will keep bringing the C&R message to our readers. Each
of us has the responsibility to learn and practice the best possible
release procedures. As M.I. members we also have the responsibility
of teaching the best C&R practices to new muskie anglers.
figur e
What percent of your follows do you think you see? Would 50%
be too low of an estimate? Would 90% be too high? Seriously, I
think about this quite a bit when muskie fishing. I often tell new
anglers to watch their bait for follows and to do at least an “L” on
every cast if they don’t want to do a full Figure 8.
So, are you watching every cast? What about those “mirages”?
Those times when at first you think you had a follow and then say,
“Oh, I guess it was just reflections on the surface” – or something
similar. You know we must miss quite a few follows from muskies
that are deep, far away, too fast, etc. A lot of this has to do with where
we are watching. Here’s a true story for you.
I like to watch for my own follows, but I also like to see the
muskies which follow the other anglers in my boat. I don’t miss too
many. When my wife started muskie fishing I told her to watch her
bait for follows and to make sure she kept the bait in the water if she
had a follow. One day on Sabaskong Bay she had a monster following about 4 feet in back of her bait and just lifted the bait out of the
water after her retrieve. I yelled (calmly, I think) to put her bait back
in the water, but the fish was gone. She said she didn’t see the
muskie. I asked if she was watching her bait. Her reply, “Of course
I was but I didn’t see the muskie.”
Then I realized that like so many
problems in life this one was caused by
ineffective communication. I tell novice
muskie anglers to watch their lure and
some do so, literally. What I mean is
watch a large semi-circular zone behind
and to the sides of your bait; a zone with
a radius of at least 3 to 5 feet. When I
explained this to my wife she asked why I
hadn’t told her this tip sooner! She sees a
much higher percent of her follows now.
Seeing our follows also depends on
how well we recognize and process
important muskie fishing stimuli – a gold
streak, the flash of a red tail, a swirl or
bulge behind our baits. Some folks are
better at this than others, but we all
improve with practice.
Speaking of recognizing and processing important muskie fishing stimuli,
most experts say we really need multiple
encounters or hits to grasp a new message
◆
Take another look!
8
by Kevin Richards
muskiemag@yahoo.com
Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g ◆ Lu n g e L o g
g
nge L
u
L
e
o
h
t
by
Ji m B u n c h
Oberfoell,
Dangerous New Blood!
Adam Oberfoell is from
Oregon, Wisconsin and a member
of the Capital City Chapter. He first
started reporting his muskie entries
to the Lunge Log in 2002. After a
few years and 130 of them later we
can see that he is becoming dangerous. He started out in Wisconsin
fishing some lakes around Madison
such as the Madison Chain. They
have good numbers but not many
big muskies. He spread north to
some of the more famous waters of
northern Wisconsin. After a while,
and we assume after checking the
Lunge Log history, he started crossing the border to the northwest into
Minnesota. This was a very good
idea as his largest in his list started
to grow.
In 2003 he got to 4 feet in
Cass, MN. Then in 2006 he found
Vermilion and Mille Lacs in
Minnesota and broke the 50 inch
mark at both with a 51 inch at
Vermilion and a 51.25 at Mille
Lacs. In 2007 he got to nearly 36
pounds at Vermilion with a 54.25
incher. He then broke 45 pounds at
Mille Lacs with a real beast at just
over 47 pounds (formula) with a 52
incher. So here we go again, this picture shows a 54.75 at about 35
pounds at Vermilion this July. Please
notice the amount of sunshine in
the picture, this should be a hint.
This man is becoming dangerous,
pay attention, we expect more in the
future. It was on a Dinnertail
Bucktail. Keep that in mind. It is
another up and comer.
Adam Oberfoell, Chapter 8. 54.75 Inches, 7/8/08. Vermillion, MN
Dinnertail Bucktail. Fish I.D. 255333.
Larry Ramsell, Chapter 13. 55.25 Inches, 7/11/08
Kitchissipi, ON. Amma Bamma. Fish I.D. 255732
We don’t really know where to start here
or where to end this story. Larry Ramsell has so
much Muskies, Inc. in his blood that it could
scare you. He was our M.I. president a number of years ago. He holds the largest release in
three different chapters. He has fished muskies
in more different places in North America
than you can imagine. Larry is a very unique
character. He has reported fish caught in some
lake names we have not heard of. If you see
Kitchissipi or Kaniatarowanenneh do not be
challenged. This is the Internet era, just go to
google.com and type them in; it will give you
a big hint.
A few years ago a very famous
Chicago newspaper called me out of
the blue and asked me who in
Muskies, Inc. could break the world
record. I guess with a quarter of a
million muskie entries I might have
an idea on the subject. I told them
that I have an opinion on who could
but that they might release it instead
of showing up at some bait shop
with a dead fish. So I gave them 10
names of some of our heavy hitters.
Naturally Larry Ramsell was on the
list. Larry studies muskie history, he
has written books on the subject. He
knows more people in the sport than
you and I will ever meet. He has
reported 26 fifty inchers to the
Lunge Log, I know that is not all of
them. He is dangerous. I bow to the
power and show you another of his
wonderful muskie pictures. No, it is
not near record status but it a fish
that many of us will never match. It
was just over 55 inches and being in
July was not heavy yet. The lake was
called Kitchissipi. Larry likes to play
a little game with us from time to
time. When Muskies, Inc. made a
ruling about not accepting “Not
Specified” Larry didn’t go away he
just found a new way to express
himself. If you are handy on the
Internet you can get within 300
miles of this water. In any event, if
you are searching for history or ability, this is the man. He is dangerous.
(Continued on page 8)
www.muskiesinc.org
Ramsell,
Dangerous Old Blood!
LUNGE LOG
(Continued from page 7)
Marino, Right in the Middle of
Dangerous Country!
Greg Marino is a member of the South of the Border Chapter of
Muskies, Inc. I do not know Greg very well but I doubt he spends
much time in northern Illinois. You see he is a guide on Lac Seul. A
muskie fishing guide at that. His home address is Sioux Lookout,
Ontario. He lives on the shores of Lac Seul. He is just getting into
this muskie thing. He just started in 2006 and already has 13 fifty
inchers and 21 four footers. Now if he could get a little more time to
fish he might do better. You see his boss/business partner is Linda
Rice, that will explain things a bit. Never the less, pay attention, this
man is dangerous and right in the middle of dangerous country. We
in Muskies, Inc. are always searching for new
water with big muskies. Lac Seul is so huge that
there are thousands of acres up there with thousands of huge muskies that have never seen a
muskie bait. So yes Greg is dangerous.
This picture is just another large Lac Seul
muskie caught in July. She was 55.25 inches and
not at her peak in mid summer. Greg likes surface baits and notice the sun light, not very
much. If he gets to fishing deep into the night on
that water, be careful. This man is dangerous.
The Gil Hamm
Chapter Challunge!
I just returned from the Chapter Challunge
held out of Cass Lake in Minnesota. Wow, what
an event. It was headquartered out of Break On
The Lake Resort at Cass Lake. Boy were they
ready for us. We kind of had the place to ourselves. They had a huge tent set up right out in
front of the office, bar and headquarters. They
served dinner 3 nights and breakfast 3 mornings.
If was so organized it would scare you. There
where 6 lakes to fish so traffic was not a problem.
Much of this event was funded by Tri Esox and
Steve Statland. Consequently the meals at night
went to us at no charge, and then on Friday
night the Fargo Moorhead Chapter served a fish
fry (Northerns) that would embarrass many a
restaurant. If you have not been to one of these,
you missed a dandy. There were 125 anglers and
21 teams. That is more than any Challunge in
the last few years. It should be twice as
large. Fargo Moorhead won it and will
host it next year. Many folks feel the
International should be more of a sponsor
in this event and will pursue that in the
future. The First Wisconsin Chapter ran
this event and hats off too them and especially Jon Olstadt for all the planning and
preparation. Keep a tight line,
Jim Bunch. The Lunge Log
715 226-0295
lungelog@muskiesinc.org
Greg Marino, Chapter 14. 55.25 Inches, 7/28/08. Lac Seul, ON
Top Walker. Fish I.D. 257453.
Gil Hamm
Edward T. Peterka
Robert Hill
Robert Shoop
Frank Schneider
Peter Hadley
DuWayne Bakke
Lou Cook
Peter Hadley
Bob Schmidt
Larry Ramsell
Lou Cook
Keith Ogden
Bill Davis
Steve Statland
John Hotle
Jim Blaubach
Steve Budnik
Jim Smith
Paul Framsted
Perry Smith
Greg Wells
David Cates
www.muskiesinc.org
Muskies, Inc.
Past
Presidents
n a state known for world-class native salmon, steelhead and
trout fisheries, some Midwestern newcomers, tiger muskies, have
emerged to provide an exhilarating trophy angling opportunity.
Since tiger muskies where first introduced into Washington in
1988, they have grown steadily in popularity and notoriety as a large,
exciting, sometimes controversial, and widely sought-after sport fish.
After the first stocking in Mayfield Reservoir in 1988, the second
water was not stocked until 1992. Since then, a total of twelve waters
have been stocked and seven are currently being stocked. That might
seem like a small number for a state the size of Washington, but in
order to avoid negative impacts on other species and to assure adequate forage and growth potential, the lakes where the tigers are currently stocked have been carefully chosen.
I
Since the beginning of the program, the Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has gotten its tiger
muskies in the form of “eyed” eggs (fertilized and partially developed) from Minnesota DNR. They are shipped to Washington and
hatched at the state’s only warmwater fish culture facility. They are
hatched and raised on pelletized food for eight months before being
fed live food for the next three months leading up to release. The
yearling tigers are a minimum size of twelve inches upon release into
the seven waters. Because tiger muskies are functionally sterile, their
density can be accurately controlled at about one fish per two acres.
One year after stocking, Washington’s tigers average about 17 to 20
inches; in another year, the broom-handle sized fish are about 24 to
27 inches and are putting on girth and weight rapidly. Prior to May
1, 2008 the minimum legal size limit was 36 inches. In order to create maximum angling opportunity while maintaining a conservative
density, the minimum legal size was increased to 50 inches. This has
essentially created a catch-and-release-only fishery, but when someone does catch a fish over 50 inches, at this time, they are pretty
much guaranteed a new state record (the current record is 32.25 lbs).
Because of the VHS virus problems in the Great Lakes Basin,
eggs coming from Minnesota are checked for presence of the virus
and are only shipped once a negative result is confirmed. As an
Two-month old Washington tiger muskie fingerlings in a hatchery
raceway.
Biologists flush a tiger's stomach to analyze its diet during a fivelake food habits study.
Current Tiger Muskie Lakes
located in Washington State
Ken Miller shows his beautiful 42-inch, second place muskie
caught during the 2008 Mayfield Lake tournament.
added precaution, upon arrival in Washington, two additional tests staff. Wider support for the program from across the state comes in
for the VHS virus are run, and the effluent from the tiger tanks is the form of phone calls, written comments and a non-stop stream of
treated with ozone to disinfect the water. Once the test results con- pro-muskie postings on several online forums. In 2006, the first
firm the absence of the virus,
tiger muskie tournament
the tiger fry can be moved to
was held in Mayfield
ponds without treating the
Reservoir. It was repeated in
effluent waters.
2007 and in 2008, six tiger
Along with merely raismuskie tournaments were
ing and stocking the tigers
permitted across the state by
and creating quality fishWDFW.
eries, WDFW has conductThe future of tiger
ed two different types of
muskies in Washington
research projects with them.
remains somewhat uncerDiet studies were done on
tain, with constant budget
The Chapter 57 banner is proudly displayed at the September 2008
five different lakes in the
problems
and the potential
Mayfield Lake Tiger Muskie Tournament.
state, two of which contain
loss of our egg source, but we
migratory salmon runs and all five contain trout fisheries. Results remain optimistic. WDFW is currently considering adding two new
indicate that tiger muskie predation on salmonids has been insignif- muskie lakes in the state and is researching viable candidates. ❖
icant, especially when more preferred forage species such as northern
pikeminnow, suckers and tench are present. The other study If you have any questions or comments about tiger muskies in
involved radio tracking. It showed that tiger muskies have a strong Washington, please contact Bruce Bolding at: boldibdb@dfw.wa.gov or
tendency for a relatively small home range when looking at their 360/902-8417. ❖
locations on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Following
several fish continuously for 48 hours though,
showed that the fish will suddenly move long distances over short periods and then return to their
home location.
The popularity of tiger muskies in Washington
is shown in several ways. In a 2003 statewide “user
preference” survey, three percent of Washington
anglers said they fished for tiger muskies. This represents 16,000 anglers and 56,000 angler-days. In
another example, the 57th chapter of Muskies Inc.
was formed in Washington in May 2007. Their
member base grew quickly to about 100 strong and
they stay very active with monthly meetings, sponsoring tournaments, fish-ins, family outings etc.
They also have a very good working relationship with A 41-inch tiger muskie gives up an 18-inch pikeminnow during a diet study on
the WDFW, keeping in regular contact with WDFW Curlew Lake.
www.muskiesinc.org
A Day to
Remember
by Jody Booth
Club member Jamie Martin with World War
II veteran Leonard Doeider and the Muskie
he caught
World War II veteran Leonard Doelder and
the Muskie he caught posing with his
daughter Diana Foth.
Steve drove us back to camp and as I
ell here we are, another year has gone
glanced
into the woods I saw a “ghost” walk
by and our 3rd Annual Day to
During the slow
out
of
the
woods, bright white. It was an albiRemember, “Take a Veteran Fishing”
moments
while
fishing,
a
doe. She was so close to the road I
no
deer,
is history. Before I tell you about how the day’s
could
see
her
pink eyes and nose - truly someLeonard
was
reporting
to
event went let’s go back to the month of June.
thing
I
have
never
seen.
I went up north on a 3-day muskie trip
Martin what it was like
On
the
last
day
we picked up camp in the
with my fishing partner and club member Steve
during
WW
II.
Jamie
morning
and
headed
for home. We stopped at
Western who helps me field test some of my
a
restaurant
for
breakfast
in Eagle River and
“Muskie Getters” lures. We went to Eagle River,
said, “It’s like having
Steve
and
I
ordered.
Close
to our table sat a
staying at a campground, and fished a few differthe
History
Channel
in
gentleman
wearing
a
hat
that
said “WWII vetent lakes with little or no action. We fished
eran.”
I
said
to
Steve,
“Let’s
buy
his breakfast.”
my
boat,
but
better!
Balderd Lake, a “numbers lake,” but you can
Steve
said
that
was
a
great
idea.
As he got
hook into a 45” fish there. As we were casting in
You can’t get these kinds
done,
Steve
and
I
walked
up
behind
him and
one of the bays, throwing our baits all around the
of
stories
on
TV.”
told
the
waitress
we
would
like
to
pay
for that.
sunken timber we happened to look up and saw
He
turned
around
and
said,
“What’s
three bald eagles land in different trees.
going on, what’s the meaning of this?”
So here we are, fishing for muskies, and three eagles are lookI
said
to
him,
finding
out his name, “Henry, I see your hat says
ing down watching with hopes of stealing a bass or walleye that
you’re
a
WWII
veteran.”
Henry
said, “Yes, I am.”
might hit our lures. Or were they just there to laugh at us because
I
said,
“My
friend
and
I
would
like to buy your meal to thank
there are no fish in the Bay because they ate them all? Well they left
you
for
serving
our
Country.”
and Steve and I fished about three more hours seeing three fish. I felt
Henry shook our hands and with teary eyes said, “Oh my God,
our eyes were blessed by God to see that many eagles at one time
thank
you so much.”
right by us.
We said, “No, thank you so much!”
W
********
Veteran Todd Babcock and his 41” Muskie.
Now it’s September 23, time for our third annual vets outing on
Random Lake. The day started out with Headwaters Chapter members assembling and docking the boats in the morning. The veterans
started showing up, and I checked them in. I directed the vets to
the shelter where we served coffee, juice and baked goods donated by
Ted Scharl family. After pairing guides and vets up they were off to
fish.
On this year’s outing we had two WW II veterans. Diana
Foth had signed her dad up to muskie fish. It was a surprise for him,
and she came along. Diana and her father, Leonard Doelder, a
WWII veteran teamed up with club member Jamie Martin.
Temperatures were in the 40s with a bright sun and blue skies,
and we were surrounded by ducks and geese visiting the lake to take
refuge from hunters. Leonard was fishing in the back of Martin’s
boat, casting a Top Raider. On one cast early in the day, as he was
just taking the bait out of the water an enticing a 45” muskie
splashed at the bait.
During the slow moments while fishing, Leonard was report-
ing to Martin what it was
I’d like to take this
like during WW II. Jamie
opportunity to say that if
said, “It’s like having the
you have someone who
History Channel in my
was in the Armed Forces,
boat, but better! You can’t
like your dad, mom,
get these kinds of stories on
uncles, aunts, cousins, or
TV.”
even friends, tell them,
Leonard told of the
“Thank you for serving
big bombers and also relatour great country.”
ed the heartbreaking story
So that’s what I’m
of how his younger brother
going to do right now. I
Peter died and remains
remember the days of livburied in Italy. In between
ing on an Army base in
stories a muskie hit giving
Illinois where my dad
Leonard his very first
served and going to
All the veterans that fished Random Lake.
muskie, a 29-incher. With
Germany where my sister
big smiles from all in the boat and pictures taken, the fish was was born. My dad served during the Vietnam years. He couldn’t
released.
go overseas to fight due to medical reasons. I remember him telling
Vet Todd Babcock fishing with John Markham boated two fish me when I was older that almost all the brave men that were in his
out of the six fish for the morning. One was a very nice 41-incher. platoon were killed. About six years ago I lost my dad and I never
With the smell of brats and hamburgers frying on the grill, lunch got the chance to say “Thank you” to him for serving our Country.
was around the corner. Club member Ted Scharl gave a blessing for But now I’m going to.
our troops around the world and the ones whose lives have been lost.
I’m looking up to the sky, and Dad, I know you can hear me,
After lunch our club handed out Muskies, Inc. hats and Between the I want to say “Thank you” for joining the army and serving our
Lakes muskie glasses left over from our banquet to the vets. I had country for 10 1/2 years. God bless you.
about thirty copies of MUSKIE Magazine which featured my story
Please say thank you to a veteran you know and thanks to all
about our previous outing that we gave to the vets. That was a great who helped out on this special day - our guides and friends, and
way for these vets to see what our magazine is like. Photos were taken Jamie Martin for donating the food and beverages, and the Ted
and another great “Day to Remember” came to a close.
Scharl family for coffee and baked goods. ❖
www.muskiesinc.org
Early morning, summertime tiger muskies are the
preferred alarm clock of the author’s son, Byron.
N
ew Mexico, known to many as “the land of Enchantment”,
is a land rich in history and heritage. The state capitol,
Santa Fe, has been listed by many vacation and tourist
magazines as one of the top ten destinations in the United States for
a vacation. Take a walk on a Friday or Saturday night on the historic
downtown plaza, and you will often meet people from many parts of
the globe.
The world-famous San Juan River, located near the town of
Farmington, is a trout angler’s paradise. During the 1990s, the San
Juan River was ranked as one of the top 3 winter fisheries for trout
in the world. Each year, the river receives visits from anglers who
Byron with his dad and one of 3 tigers he caught that day; muskie
hunting with your child is a very rewarding experience.
come from all parts of the country to put their fly fishing skills to the
test against the hyper-selective trout found in this river. But in the
midst of the attention that the San Juan River and other trout
streams in New Mexico receive from fly fishing magazines, outdoor
show hosts, biologists and anglers, there exists a fishery in our state
that few anglers know. It’s a fishery that has been ignored except by
the most adventurous of fisherman. This is the type of untapped,
trophy-producing fishing that keeps Esox fanatics coming back for
more. It gives new meaning to “the land of Enchantment”.
HISTORY OF PIKE/TIGER MUSKIES
IN NEW MEXICO
Starting from the 1940s and into the 1950s, northern pike were
stocked into the Rio Grande River as a means to control the population of suckers. Although rumor has it that pike made their way
down from Colorado, biologists with the Game and Fish
Department have confirmed the stocking of pike into the river.
From the 1960s through the 1970s, the stocking program for pike
was extended into other bodies of water. This included Springer
Lake, Miami Lake (now private), Navajo Lake and Cochiti Lake.
The current 53-inch, 36-pound state record pike came from Springer
Lake. However, even larger fish have been netted from Cochiti and
Navajo Lake during surveys conducted by the Game & Fish
Department. All pike in these bodies of water now maintain their
populations by means of natural reproduction. In the 1980s, it was
discovered that suckers and goldfish had been illegally introduced
into Quemado Lake, which is located south of Albuquerque, and
Bluewater Lake, located near the town of Grants. Because of the
trout populations that exist in these bodies of water, biologists with
the Game & Fish department were reluctant to stock northern pike
in these bodies of water. Then in 2000, what was referred to as “a
New Mexico tiger muskies are
most active when the water
temperatures are between 60-70
degrees . . . this translates into
exceptional fishing from June
through September.
possible solution to a perplexing problem”, biologists with the
Coldwater Fisheries department announced that Tiger Muskies
would be stocked into Quemado and Bluewater Lakes. How would
the angling public react to this decision?
Biologist Richard Hansen, who is the head of Coldwater
Fisheries New Mexico Game & Fish, supervises the tiger musky
stocking program. He relates, “When we announced our decision to
introduced tiger muskies into these two bodies of water, anglers
expressed their concern that this would be a death blow to the trout
populations. However, studies in other states had shown tiger
muskies actually prefer to feed on non-game fish. We have conducted numerous surveys on the tigers stocked into Quemado and
Bluewater Lakes, and the results have been very positive. Thus far,
we have found the tigers in these watersheds feed most commonly on
white suckers, goldfish, fathead minnows, crayfish and other invertebrates. A few trout had been eaten by tigers that were sampled
following a trout-stocking event, but they have been rare in the
overall diet of the fish. Currently, we stock tiger muskies at a rate
of 10,000 (1,000 advanced fingerlings) annually into Quemado
Lake and about 4 times that many into Bluewater Lake. Because
these fish are sterile in the wild, we plan to continuously stock
tigers into these bodies of water, and we may eventually expand the
tiger stocking program into other lakes”.
TIGER TACTICS FOR THE SOUTHWEST
Because tiger muskies are newcomers to our state, there are
very few anglers in New Mexico who really understand tiger musky
behavior and the tactics needed to catch them on a consistent basis.
One of the things I try to emphasize with local anglers is that a
tiger musky is not a northern pike. It’s not a true musky either.
Tigers are a different fish and they require different tactics than
they might normally use when pursuing pike or muskies. This fact
is compounded when you watch a tiger musky “snake swim” at the
water’s surface with its head completely exposed. Another peculiar
behavior you’ll see is repeated bulging at the surface of the water,
leaving a bubble trail behind as it retreats back to the depths. I
don’t know if there exists a good explanation for this behavior. But
it does show that tiger muskies are a different fish, and this is the
important thing for the angler to keep in mind.
New Mexico tiger muskies are most active when the water
temperatures are between 60-70 degrees . . . this translates into
exceptional fishing from June through September. This is especially true in the early summer peak period and pre-turnover time
frame. During the early summer peak fishing, huge numbers of
large fish are seen cruising in shallow bays feeding on goldfish, shin-
www.muskiesinc.org
The author says the first time a 20-pound hybrid muskie attacks
your lure you’re likely to get a severe case of muskie madness.
ers, sucker minnows and crayfish. Some of the most effective lures
for this time of year are the Rapala X-Rap in hot head color, a white
Mania Magic Maker, a neon-orange/yellow belly Dunwright Dancer,
a weighted Suick in sucker coloration, burnt-orange soft plastic crayfish, and swim baits in goldfish color. Due to its versatility and effectiveness, a white Berkley Bladedancer has become one of my favorite
lures for this time of year. Depending on the mood of the fish, you
can fish it like a buzzbait, bulge it like a bucktail, flutter it like a
spoon, or use it in heavy cover like a spinnerbait. This one lure alone
accounts for many tigers in my Sea Eagle inflatable boat. Fly fishing
has also proven to be very effective at this time of year.
(continued on page 16)
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A TREASURE OF TIGERS
(Continued from page 15)
New Mexico offers untapped, trophy-producing tiger musky and northern
pike fishing.
Pre-turnover fishing is similar to fishing the early
summer peak period. However, the difference is that the
fish seem to prefer larger, more aggressive presentations.
Early in the season, the previously mentioned lures 4-6
inches long are in order. As we move closer to fall, I have
found the same lures 7-9 inches long to be more effective.
Other lures that have produced in this early and late peak
period are orange and gold Grandmas and Salmo
crankbaits in tiger musky coloration. During the heat of
summer, concentrate your efforts during the classic early
morning and late afternoon feeding windows. The new Xhawgs from Hawgseekers Tackle Co. in white
suckers, bgr.sucker, and goldfish has provided
some memorable fishing for me this summer. In
the early spring and late fall (after the turnover),
the tigers in our state are sluggish and are not willing to chase lures. Using live suckers in conjunction with jig fishing has produced for me during
these times of the season.
WHY NEW MEXICO?
Why not? It is true that New Mexico is not
the state of 10,000 lakes. But don’t let this fool
you. The future of our tiger fishery looks very
bright indeed. Bear in mind that the tiger musky
fishing in our state is catch-and-release fishing only
by law. And don’t overlook the trophy pike fishing
opportunities that the surrounding lakes and the
Rio Grande River have to offer. Northern pike up
to 25 lbs. are caught each year both in the spring
and the fall.
Out of the lessons that I’ve learned in the
many hours I’ve spent chasing old Esox in my
neighborhood, there is one lesson that has
impressed upon me above all other lessons. The
lesson is this: Anglers spend thousands of dollars
each year traveling the globe in pursuit of that fish
of a lifetime. That fish of a lifetime can be much
closer to home than you realize.
Michael Bishop is working with Dan Narsete and
others to start a new chapter of Muskies, Inc. in
New Mexico! They will both speak at a meeting
on Dec. 4th at 7pm at the Sandia Prep High
School Theater. Biologist Richard Hansen has
told Michael that the G&F Department has
received calls from anglers inquiring about the
tiger fishery and his department is looking forward to the information that will be presented. If
you contact information for Michael, or want
more information about chapter formation,
please contact M.I. President Dan Narsete at:
president@muskiesinc.org
The traditional “Group Shot” of this year’s participants lined
up on the dock at Break on the Lake Resort on Cass Lake.
C
hapter 02 wins again! Those Muskie Pros from Team 2 of
Fargo-Moorhead managed to get one last 41” fish Friday morning. That put them in first place ahead of the Twin Cities Team
2, 84 points to 82 points and they walked away with the coveted “Lunge
Bucket” for the third time in the last five years.
Last year’s winner First Wisconsin hosted a great event on Cass,
Big, Bemidji, and Plantagenet lakes in upper central Minnesota on
September 24 through 26. Twelve Chapters sent 121 members to participate and catch 42 Muskies. Headwaters Chapter 12 may have set a
recent record by entering four teams with 23 anglers participating.
Three Muskies over 50 inches were caught, with the big fish a 52
1/2-incher landed by North Metro’s Darren Brockel. Unfortunately
Darren didn’t throw $5 into the “Big Fish” contest, nor did the other
two 50 inch catchers, so they didn’t win that. But Chris Heil from First
Fargo-Moorhead sent three teams to the Challunge this year
Wisconsin did, caught a 47 1/2 inch personal best, and picked up some
and walked away, again, with the Lunge Bucket.
$300.
The wind blew hard the first two days, but by Friday the weather
moderated and rain held off. Event headquarters was at Break on the
Lake Resort on Cass Lake, which served great dinners each of the three
days and also donated a 1-week’s stay for the Thursday night raffle.
This was an outstanding event put on by First Wisconsin, which
gets to take a break now after hosting the Challunge the last two years.
Fargo-Moorhead has been known to put on a fine show too, so we can
already look forward to next year. You can bet on a Thursday night
poker game! (We can also look forward to seeing what the Shawnee
folks do for fashion next year. This year they sported beautiful shirts
exquisitely embroidered with “Gil Hamm 2008” lettering and picture.
Very snappy indeed.)
A detailed account of this year’s event will be in the December issue
The Twin Cities Chapter 01 anglers posing on John Newman’s
of Muskie. ❖
boat. (They didn’t actually fish this way.)
Purposes of Muskies, Inc.
• To promote a high quality muskellunge sport fishery;
• To support selected conservation practices based on scientific
•
•
The Chapter 28 Shawnee Muskie Hunters – perhaps the finest
dressed team to ever take the water during a Challunge.
www.muskiesinc.org
•
•
•
•
merit and carried out by authorized federal and state agencies;
To promote muskellunge research;
To establish hatcheries and rearing ponds and introduce the
species into suitable waters;
To support the abatement of water pollution;
To maintain records of habits, growth, and range of species;
To disseminate muskellunge information;
To promote good fellowship and sportsmanship among men,
women and children.
Destination:
Red Wing
Lodge
Releasing a 42-incher to swim again
by David Cates,
M.I. Past President
Author's son J.R. with a LOTW muskie
ed Wing Lodge, located near Morson, Ontario on the shores Brad Waldera of the Fargo Morehead Chapter. They explained that
of beautiful Lake of the Woods, has a long and rich history their group of 10 fishermen were leaving Lake of the Woods (after 5
with Muskies, Inc. Besides hosting the Chapter Challunge days) having boated 88 muskies with 6 stretching 50” or larger.
on six occasions, Red Wing was the host of the Muskies, Inc. Fall Those guys are good. That encounter only wetted our appetite.
During the week, my son and I boated a total of 8 muskies rangBoard Meeting in 2007; the first such meeting held outside of the
ing
from
34” to 45”. In addition, we lost 12 (yes 12) more that we
continental United States.
had hooked. We had plenFirst Prize for the three
ty of action with over 20
day fishing tournament confollows each day. With this
ducted in association with the
action, we developed a prifall board meeting was a week
mary pattern and a secondat Red Wing Lodge during
ary pattern. Our primary
the 2008 season. I was lucky
pattern involved main lake
enough to finish on top of
rocks and wind. While
that tournament, leading my
most of the follows came
eldest son, two friends and
from the windy side of the
me to Red Wing during the
rocks, most of the fish that
first week of August, 2008.
hit appeared to be holding
My trip began poorly
just out of the wind in calm
when my trolling motor and
water, but immediately
VHF radio both failed to
adjacent to areas with curfunction. Despite my best
rent. Our secondary patefforts tracing wires, checking
tern involved the bloom
fuses, and setting breakers, I
line. We noticed areas of
could find nothing wrong.
current creating thick algae
Later that evening, back at
bloom lines. During periRed Wing’s dock, a member
44-incher released the last morning while the other guys slept in
ods of bright sun, it
of our group solved the probappeared
the
fish
were
using
the
cover
of the bloom line as an
lem by utilizing brute force on the plug. I was back in the game!
ambush
location.
Then
again,
maybe
we
missed
the primary pattern;
The trip started in earnest the next morning when I boated a
43” that t-boned a topwater bait. Later that day, we saw Brett and three muskies were caught off the Red Wing dock during our stay.
Later in the week, fishing the bloom
line did emphasize my need to avoid comCharles Weiss 2009 Classic Muskie Calendar placency. I hooked and brought to the boat
a small northern pike. The fish had the rear
Charles Weiss is a contributor to
treble of my bucktail embedded in its jaw.
MUSKIE Magazine and a member of
The front hook of the bucktail was hanging
Muskies Canada and Muskies, Inc.
free. After unsuccessfully attempting to
His 2009 calendar includes 12 of
simply shake off the fish (and without first
his full color images. If you’d like a
immobilizing the fish) I reached down with
copy please send a check for
my pliers in an attempt to quickly resume
$20.00, along with your name and
casting. Unfortunately, the fish had other
mailing address to:
plans and shook its head once as my hand
Charles Weiss
neared its jaw. In doing so, one of the front
34 Hughey Crescent
hooks embedded itself fully through my
Toronto, Ontario
right index finger. Luckily the hook was
razor sharp and sliced through cleanly. My
CANADA M1K 2V4
son utilized our hook cutters and we were
R
Lake of the Woods presently has a
strong year class of muskies in the
low to the mid 40-inch range. If you
are serious about our sport, the area
in and around Sabaskong Bay is a
great place to try.
able to back out the treble. Unhooking the fish, I silently
thanked my fiancee for putting antibacterial cream and band
aids in my boat. I learned the hard way it is best to immobilize
the fish before attempting to unhook it. I learned the value of
hook cutters. And I learned the value of having first aid materials on board.
This trip was my second to Red Wing Lodge, but will certainly
not be my last. Mike and Ann Bartlett, who own and operate Red
Wing, are the consummate hosts. Mike’s knowledge of the lake is
invaluable for the rookie or Lake of the Woods veteran, and he shares
that knowledge freely. Ann’s cookies are so well known that they
were mentioned to us at the border crossing on my first trip there.
Both are friendly and generous with their time.
Red Wing Lodge, from the main pier
Lake of the Woods presently has a strong year class of muskies in
the low to the mid 40-inch range. If you are serious about our sport,
the area in and around Sabaskong Bay is a great place to try. ❖
EDITOR’S NOTE: MUSKIE proofreader Rick Helm noted an important omission to the article by David Cates, “Obviously Dave forgot to
name the two other integral members of the team on this trip, Rick Helm
and Tom Stiver, who did not land a single muskie, but who should get
credit for many other things.” These included:
a. Catching all of the eating fish for several fish fries and thereby freeing up Dave and JR to catch muskies;
b. Fixing Dave’s electronics so he could fish for muskies;
c. Being patiently and thoroughly searched by Customs after Dave had
been waved right through; even Customs seemed to recognize David’s
essential role in this muskie mission!
Over
Our Past President enjoying his trip to Red Wing
ies
9,000 Musk
Released
On Sabaskong Bay
Six-time Muskies, Inc.,
Chapter Challunge Headquarters
1983, 1986, 1993, 1997, 2003, 2004
• Ultra-modern one, two, three, or four bedroom cabins
• Housekeeping or camping
• Floating docks, electricity for charging batteries, Lund Boats with swivel seats
and depth finders, Honda motors with electric start
• Dining room with food and liquor available for registered guests only
Call or write for data on musky catches:
1 (888) 488-5601 or (807) 488-5601
Red Wing Lodge, Box 1008, Baudette, MN 56623
www.redwinglodge.net
Family owned and operated for 40 years
On the last cast of the trip!
www.muskiesinc.org
From the Muskie Biologists
THE OHIO MUSKIE ANGLER LOG
by Elmer Heyob
A
new opportunity is available to Ohio muskie anglers to
record and manage information about their muskie fishing
trips and catches. It is known as the Muskie Angler Log or
MAL for short, a secure online fishing database designed by Ohio
Division of Wildlife, in partnership with Ohio muskie anglers. The
MAL is a user friendly tool to allow anglers to conveniently add,
search and edit information about their trip and catch information,
find information on muskie fishing in Ohio, share muskie photos, see
current catch totals from across the state, and more…
The MAL was designed and tested with the input of volunteers
solicited from Ohio’s muskie clubs to ensure it would be a useful
resource for muskie anglers. In turn, the MAL provides valuable
muskie catch data to Ohio Division of Wildlife fisheries managers to
maximize muskie fishing opportunities. The MAL also makes it easier for muskie club officers to view and download important catch
data entered by their members.
The MAL replaces the successful muskie scale submission program initiated in the early 1960’s by the Ohio Division of Wildlife,
which saw over 47,000 scale samples (catch records) submitted during this period. This program, like the MAL, provided the core infor-
mation needed to track the success of muskie stockings: how many,
where, date which fish were caught, fish length, weight and if kept or
released. The scale program required 4 to 6 scales be included in the
entry envelope so that fish managers could establish muskie growth
and track stocking success. Ohio muskies grow fast, so age determination by scales is more reliable there than fish from northern zones.
However, with over 40 years of growth data biologist determined that
scale samples were no longer necessary, so this requirement for catch
submissions has been replaced by the Muskie Angler Log. The MAL
will provide the same core information needed to manage the fishery,
but the key to success is still angler participation.
The voluntary submission of catch records by muskie anglers
and organized muskie clubs is the most practical way to track the
“health” of Ohio’s muskie population and success of its stocking program. With Ohio muskies making up a very small percentage of fish
in these lakes, it is impractical to obtain statistically sound population
estimates with netting and electrofishing surveys, even in the best
muskie lakes. Therefore, in addition to catch data, the MAL will provide Ohio fisheries managers with “effort” information as long as
anglers are willing to record their trips when no fish are caught. This
may allow biologists to determine the number of fishing hours it takes
to land a muskie on average in a given lake. Casting hours being a
1/1 ratio and trolling hours will determined by the number of rods an
angler is trolling with.
Muskie anglers who provide state fishery biologist with catch
data are essentially helping fisheries managers shorten the anglers’
time between strikes. It is important to report small fish that are
hooked and released also to help identify stocking success. These
“short fish” records allow biologist and hatchery personnel to quickly
determine the success and survival of individual stockings from one
year rather than waiting until the fish grow larger. This helps ensure
that culture methods and stocking practices are effective, plus allows
them to adjust fish culture and stocking practices to ensure the best
Ohio muskie fishing possible.
We hope the Muskie Angler Log becomes a popular tool for
muskie anglers and encourage all Ohio muskie anglers to check it out
and register on the MAL (www.ohiodnr.com/muskielog). Rest
assured, other members of the MAL are not allowed to access your
information. We do not offer or sell information to third parties. The
only people who will see your information are the members of Ohio
Division of Wildlife who manage the database and download catch
data for analysis.
If you are a member of the Ohio Huskie Muskie Club or
Muskies, Inc. officers of these clubs will also be granted access to view
and download information from the database, but only for their
members. Note that out-of-state anglers can register their Ohio
muskies also. We highly encourage anglers to enter their fish on-line,
but entry cards will be available at the boat ramps of all Ohio “Muskie
Program” lakes for anglers who do not have access to the internet or
prefer not to use the computer. ❖
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
CHARLES WEISS 2009 CLASSIC
MUSKIE CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
FITTANTE REPLICAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
INDIAN LAKE LODGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
LAX REPRODUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
MUSKIES, INC. 2009 CALENDAR
FUNDRAISER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
RED WING LODGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
TAYLOR COUNTY TOURISM
COMMISSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
YOUNG'S WILDERNESS CAMP . . . . . . . . . 5
www.muskiesinc.org
CHARITABLE GIVING USING LIFE INSURANCE:
A Benefit to You and the Community
Provided by Kurt Eltvedt, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
H
ave you thought of leaving a lasting legacy to Muskies, Inc.,
but feel uncertain that you can really do it? Or how about
having a tournament in your name or maybe a stocking
program to benefit a kids’ group? It is possible to provide significant
support, while still benefiting you and your family. Through
thoughtful planning you can achieve your philanthropic goals and
take care of your family’s needs.
So often in messages from non-profit organizations, the importance of fundraising is mentioned. Contributions of individual
donors play a key role in maintaining a consistent cash flow, carrying
out both day-to-day commitments and working toward longer term
goals. And, while the extent of financial support varies greatly, some
people hesitate to contribute because they assume the amount they
can afford to give might not make much of a difference. Most representatives of charitable organizations feel that this concern is
unfounded as even the most humble gift is appreciated and provides
help.
You may agree that the future of this organization depends on
our attention and efforts towards constant improvement. New revenues always help whether they come from tournaments, raffles, club
meetings, sponsors or new members. However, have you ever considered life insurance as a practical way to achieve your goals through
a charitable contribution?
With this in mind, let me share with you a way to use this strategy that can make a difference to Muskies, Inc. Donors need not be
wealthy to make a significant and meaningful gift.
The term “planned giving” is used broadly in the non-profit
community to denote charitable donations that are realized through
a careful process between the organization and a donor and his or her
financial professionals. A planned gift is a “now and later” gift made
to a charitable organization. The present value to the donor – the
now – of the gift may take the form of:
• a charitable income tax deduction
• the avoidance of capital gains taxes (on assets such as highly
appreciated stock for example)
• a secure income stream to you or other family members
The future value – the later – can come in the form of:
• reduced estate taxes
• the ability to pass on charitable dollars to help your family
carry on your philanthropic legacy
A planned gift takes into consideration a
variety of donor needs and situations including:
tax and estate analysis; the desire to secure
income from highly appreciated assets; involving family members in charitable giving decisions and special situations, such as the sale of a
business.
Given the complexity of situations like
these, tax consequences and the technical nature
of a planned gift vehicle, it is critical to seek the
advice of a knowledgeable attorney and financial professional. In addition, many charities do
not have staff knowledgeable in planned giving.
Your team of professionals can help you make
sure the gift is structured correctly for your
needs, and the charity’s. Some examples follow.
Charitable
Remainder Trusts
A charitable remainder trust is an example
of how a planned giving vehicle can benefit all
parties involved: the donors, their families, and
charities.
A charitable remainder trust allows you to
transfer assets into an individually structured
trust that provides you and/or your beneficiaries
with payments for life or a term of years.
Appreciated assets that you donate to the trust
can be sold without any current capital gains
tax, because the trust is tax exempt. This allows all the sale proceeds
to be reinvested. However, payments made by the trust to you or
your beneficiary will be income to the extent of any income generated within the trust. So it can be highly beneficial to donate appreciated assets such as securities, real estate or collectibles.
Charitable remainder trusts are appropriate for donors who
want lifetime income without immediate lump sum income tax on
the sale of the appreciated assets, and an immediate income tax
deduction for a portion of the gift. The donor or other named beneficiary receives income for up to his or her lifetime and the charity
receives the “remainder,” i.e., the amount remaining when the trust
terminates.
Giving Plans Using Life Insurance
Giving an old policy to a charity:
Perhaps you have a policy you feel you no longer need. You may
no longer have dependents or have amassed adequate resources to
care for your survivors. You could consider giving that old life insurance policy to your favorite charity. Under current tax laws, your federal estate will be reduced by the face amount of the proceeds. In
addition, you will receive an income tax deduction for the basis of
the policy and for any future premiums you continue to give to the
charity.
Giving insurance policy
dividends to charity:
This technique is appropriate for someone who is just beginning
a charitable plan and who may not
have assets to give. A gift can easily be
established by requesting that dividends be paid in cash. The cash dividends can then be donated annually
to a charity. These cash gifts are generally income tax deductible up to
50% of your adjusted gross income.
With life insurance policies that are
not modified endowment contracts,
you can receive dividends in cash up
to the basis without causing a taxable
event.
Buying life insurance to finance a
pledge or future donation to a charity:
One way to fund a large pledge or future donation is by allowing the charity to purchase an insurance policy on your life and to
name itself as the beneficiary. The life insurance death benefit will
not be in the donor’s estate since the charity was the owner from
inception and the donor never held any incidents of ownership in the
policy. You are entitled to a charitable income tax deduction for paying the policy premiums.
Charitable gifting can be a rewarding process and is not only for
the very wealthy. It is possible to address your own personal financial,
tax and estate needs and have a philanthropic impact that may exceed
your expectations.
As you can see there are several creative strategies to explore.
Just like finding the right lure, color and size, it takes time to figure
out which is best for any given situation. ❖
Article prepared by Northwestern Mutual with the cooperation of
Kurt Eltvedt. Kurt Eltvedt is a Financial Representative with
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network the marketing name for
the sales and distribution arm of The Northwestern Mutual Life
Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, Wisconsin, its affiliates and
subsidiaries. Financial Representative is an agent of NM based in
Crystal Lake, IL. To contact Kurt Eltvedt, please call 815-444-3752,
e-mail him at kurt.eltvedt@nmfn.com or visit his Web site at
www.nmfn.com/kurteltvedt. This information is not intended as
legal or tax advice.
Changing a life policy
beneficiary
to a favorite charity:
This simple technique is also
easily established. The policy owner
names a favorite charity as the beneficiary, for either the entire proceeds
or a portion. This charitable plan
allows the policy owner to retain
control of the policy because the
ownership is not changed. The
donor’s estate will receive a full charitable estate tax deduction for the
death benefit given to charity.
www.muskiesinc.org
M U S K I E N E WS ◆ M U S K I E N E WS ◆ M U S K I E N E WS ◆ M U S K I E N E WS ◆ M U S K I E N E WS
BOAT U.S. RECOMMENDS LEAVING YOUR
BOAT’S GAS TANK FULL THIS WINTER
The Problem with Ethanol Fuel: Phase Separation
Ethanol-laden gasoline, dubbed “E-10” for its 10% ethanol content, is now commonplace at marina fuel docks across the country.
However, as winter approaches and boaters lay up their vessels for the
season, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatU.S.) has
some recommendations to ensure that spring commissioning will go
smoothly. That’s because E-10 can phase separate, or form two separate solutions in the gas tank - water and fuel - over a long winter storage period. Once this happens, the engine may not run and internal
damage can occur.
BoatU.S. has these recommendations for storing boats fueled
with E-10 this winter:
Top Off: For boats with built-in gas tanks, stop at the fuel dock
and top off the tank before you haul out, leaving it nearly full with just
a little room for expansion. A tank that is almost full limits the flow of
air into and out of the vent, which reduces the chance of fluctuating
temperatures adding condensation (water) to the fuel, inviting phase
separation. Anglers who fish over the winter should also top off their
boat’s gasoline tanks between outings to prevent condensation.
Draining built-in fuel tanks of E-10 gas, while completely eliminating
any chances of phase separation, is not practical and potentially dangerous.
Freshening doesn’t work: Midwest marina owners, who have dealt
with E-10 for many years, report that phase separation typically occurs
when boats are stored with tanks only one-quarter to one-half full,
which cannot be remedied by adding fresh gasoline in the spring. Once
E-10 phase separates, the water will remain at the bottom of the tank.
Additive issues: With any fuel that sits in a tank for a long time,
it’s important to add a stabilizer. But stabilizers do not prevent phase
separation. Once it occurs, additives and water separators can’t help.
The only remedy is to have the gas and ethanol/water professionally
removed from the tank.
Fiberglass tanks beware: Ethanol is known to chemically react
with many fiberglass fuel tanks, which can cause them to deteriorate
and potentially fail. Unfortunately, unless your boat’s manufacturer
can confirm that your fiberglass tank was built to withstand ethanol,
your only remedy may be to replace the tank with a non-reactive
material such as aluminum.
Let it breathe: While ethanol does attract moisture, never try to
plug up a fuel tank vent to prevent moist air from entering a tank.
Without room to expand, the additional pressure could rupture fuel
system components.
Portable gas tanks: Any un-mixed gas (without 2-cycle oil)
remaining in portable tanks may be carefully poured into your automobile gas tank. However, if you do have to store gas over the winter
in a portable tank, keep the tank out of the sun and in a well-ventilated area away from ignition sources, keeping in mind that gasoline
fumes are heavier than air. Recent BoatU.S. Foundation tests of
portable jerry jugs confirmed that over time, gasoline can evaporate
through the walls of some plastic containers.
The good news: Next spring when you start the boating season
you will already have a tank full of last year’s gas, likely saving yourself some money on a fill up.
BoatU.S. is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters.
For membership information visit http://www.BoatUS.com or call
800/395-2628
ATTENTION
CHAPTER
CONTACTS:
Please make sure
your chapter address
and phone number
is correct on this page
AND on the M.I. website.
Whenever you update
chapter information on
the website, please send an
email to the Editor so we can
keep this page current. Thanks!
No. Chapter, Address
Phone #
01.....Twin Cities, 414 Division St., Excelsior, MN 55331..........................................952-380-1218
02.....Fargo-Moorhead, Box 2021, Fargo ND, 58107................................................701-298-9032
03.....Chicagoland Muskie Hunters, 7600 Kilbourn Ave, Skokie, IL 60076 ...............847-677-0017
04.....Titletown Muskies, Inc., 3097 Inverness Lane, New Franken, WI 54229 .......920-866-9705
05.....Pomme De Terre, PO Box 5, Hermitage, MO 65668 .......................................417-993-0035
06.....First Wisconsin, PO Box 122, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 ...............................715-726-8896
07.....South Side Muskie Hawks, 5211 S. Narragansett Ave., Chicago, IL 60638......773-581-8650
08.....Capital City, PO Box 8862, Madison, WI 53708...............................................608-669-5046
09.....West Virginia, 1270 Federal Road, Little Hocking, OH 45742 .........................740-667-3571
10.....Heartland, 239 8th St SE, Mason City IA 50401 ..............................................641-424-0827
11 .....Mississippi Valley, 5301 11th Ave “C”, Moline, IL 61265 ..................................309-797-1803
12.....Headwaters, PO Box 652, Eagle River, WI 54521...........................................715-477-2913
13.....Hayward Lakes, PO Box 609, Hayward, WI 54843 .........................................715-634-4543
14.....South of the Border, 28926 W. Big Hollow Rd, McHenry, IL 60050.................815-385-9026
15.....Star of the North, 29957 La Plant Rd., Grand Rapids, MN 55744...................218-326-4958
16.....Three Rivers, 119 Bus Lane, Renfrew, PA15136 .............................................724-789-7866
17.....Quad County, PO Box 185, Plano, IL 60545....................................................815-695-1494
18.....Hopedale, 15 Township Rd 125, Dillonvale, OH 43917 ...................................740-769-7269
19.....Akron-Canton Muskie Maniacs, 10957 Northwood Ave NE, Bolivar OH 44612.330-874-2773
20.....Between the Lakes, PO Box 61, Sheboygan, WI 53085-0061 ........................920-564-3226
21.....North Metro, PO Box 41216, Plymouth, MN 55441 .........................................952-469-2155
22.....New Jersey, http://www.mi22.com/ ..................................................................................TBD
23.....Cleveland, 5608 Brave Chief Lane, Ravenna, OH 44266 ...............................330-296-2398
24.....Brainerd Lakes, 9143 Lone Pine Road, Brainerd, MN 56401..........................218-821-3669
26.....Central Wisconsin, PO Box 263, Medford, WI 54451 ......................................715-748-4874
27.....Central Illinois, 1191 Sandra Lane, Monticello, IL 61856 .................................309-264-3730
28.....Shawnee Muskie Hunters, 61 W. Jennings, Wood River, IL 62095.................618-610-5003
29.....Upper Great Plains, 1788 Hwy 4, Estherville, IA 51334...................................712-362-2501
30.....God’s Country, PO Box 1461, LaCrosse, WI 54601 ........................................608-786-4062
31.....Penn-Ohio, 309 Spring St, Jamestown, PA 16134...........................................724-932-5815
32.....Flatlanders, 5776 Vesper Drive, South Beloit, IL 61080 ..................................815-389-4622
33.....Lake Superior, 2031 Hwy. 33 S., Cloquet, MN 55720......................................218-879-2712
35.....Milwaukee, PO Box 28842, Greenfield, WI 53220...........................................262-442-6260
37.....St. Cloud, 312 18th Avenue N., Sartell, MN 56377 ..........................................320-656-1160
38.....Vikingland, 2909 Wicken Lane NW, Alexandria, MN 56308.............................320-846-7975
39.....Fox River Valley, 1253 Cobblers Crossing, Elgin, IL 60123.............................847-741-9771
41.....Central Ohio, 870 County Road 9, Fremont OH 43420 ...................................419-992-4504
42.....Hoosier Muskie Hunters, PO Box 501371, Indianapolis, IN 46250 .................317-577-8050
44.....Colorado, 3739 Sawgrass Trail, Castle Rock, CO 80109 ................................303-668-4089
45.....Kentucky, 212 Linden Ave., Southgate, KY 41071...........................................859-441-1666
46.....Bemidji/Cass Lake, 11551 Misty Meadows Rd, Bemidji, MN 56601................218-759-0098
47.....Michigan Muskie Alliance, PO Box 512, Caledonia, MI 49316 ........................616-447-1688
48.....Arrowhead, PO Box 603, Tower, MN 55790 ....................................................218-753-2612
49.....Webster Lake Musky Club, PO Box 670, No. Webster, IN 46555 ...................574-834-1669
50.....Penn-Jersey, 372 Kingwood Rd., King of Prussia, PA 19406 ..........................610-962-0632
52.....Daniel Boone, 813 US 62, Maysville, KY 41056 ..............................................606-759-7610
53.....Huskerland Muskie Hunters, PO Box 394, Valentine, NE 69201.....................402-376-2743
54.....Southern Crossroads, 1524 Country Club Rd, Albert Lea MN 56007 .............507-373-1818
56.....SW Ohio Muskie Ass’n, 524 Sterling Meadows Place, Brookville, OH 45309 ..937-833-1833
57.....NW TigerPac, 10517 SE 214th Place, Kent, WA 98031 ..................................253-850-5889
58.....Lake St. Clair, 22206 Kramer, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080...............................586-778-9136
www.muskiesinc.org
Special Events
2008
–– Deadline for Chapter Reports! ––
The deadline to send chapter reports
to the editor is the 25th of each month,
approximately 5 weeks before the
magazine is mailed to members!
October 24-25
Muskies, Inc. Fall Board Meeting
Morehead, KY and Cave Run Lake
October 25-26
8th Annual Fall Brawl Muskie
Tournament, Kinkaid Lake;
Contact Shannon Beaty-Dingus:
Shannonbeaty1031@hotmail.com
Special events listings are provided at
no charge to Muskies, Inc chapters.
To list your chapter's event, email to:
muskiemag@yahoo.com
or by ground mail: Kevin Richards,
7618 Sunrise Ridge Road,
Henley, MO 65040
Please send announcements
at least 2 months in advance.
CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆ CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS ◆ CHAPTER NEWS & VIEWS
Chapter News and Views
01
Twin Cities
414 Division St.
Excelsior, MN 55331
952-380-1218
www.twincitiesmuskiesinc.org
Meets 2nd Tuesday 7:00 PM, Knights of Columbus,
1114 W79th St Bloomington, MN, near the SE corner
of the intersection of I-494 and I-35W.
Frank Schneider, Jr. Muskie Tournament
2008 Minnesota Rampage
Ron Sanders, Chapter Chairman of the 41st
Annual Frank Schneider, Jr. Memorial Muskie
Tournament, proclaimed that “One Hundred fiftysix muskies were caught and released by 112
contestants ….” Yep, that’s 156 Muskies, 40” and
over.
The winner, Mike Lundberg of Deer River, documented 5 entries: 451/2”, 451/2”, 43”, 42”, and
411/2”. Other winners were 2nd Place: Damien
Williams, Big Lake; 3rd Place: Mike Shepperd,
Leech Lake; 4th Place: Joel Dehmer, Leech Lake;
and 5th Place: Kris Astorp, Pike Bay. Recognition
went to Brett Murawski for the longest Muskie,
54.5”, Lake Bemidji. Nine Muskies over 50” were
caught!
The top 3 women anglers received cash
awards in honor of Mary Villnow: 1st Place,
Patricia Berglund; 2nd Place, Libby Hoene; and
3rd place, Carol Wolto. In the Junior Division,
Nick Ackley won first place with a 491/2” fish. He
was followed by Kendall Hill and Evan Nicolai in
2nd and 3rd place, respectively.
Winners shared more than $75,000 in prizes,
including a $30,000 certificate toward a GMC
vehicle, provide by the Lupient dealership of
Golden Valley, Minnesota. The top winner, Brett
Murawski, shared his $30,000 certificate with his
fishing partner, Aaron of Bemidji.
Well-known outdoorsman, Ron Schara, was
the Honorary Grand Marshall and MC. The
Tournament provided presented a cash contribution to the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources in Ron Shara’s name.
Al Emilson shared the $2200 Magic Muskie
Competition prize with sponsor John Olson.
Thank you and congratulations to Ron
Sanders and his team. More details of the tournament are available at www.muskiemania.org.
Vince Trotta
pie, catching seventeen of them (plus one catfish) by trolling, three more while casting, and
nine additional by drifting over brush piles. He
reported that the water temperature was down in
the low 70’s and the shad were starting to school
up, but that the water still looked good after that
first round of heavy rain that we had. However,
that was also before we got hit with the deluge
from the remains of Hurricane Ike.
John Daley just returned from a week-long trip
to Angler’s Kingdom on Nungesser Lake, which
is located approximately 30 miles north of the
town of Red Lake in northwestern Ontario, and
approximately 980 miles (18 hours of driving)
from Chicago. Nungesser Lake is known for its
trophy northern and walleye fishing, and has only
three resorts on the whole lake, which is 25 miles
long, and a little over 50’ deep. John and his
friend, Saban Dzabiri, boated over 200 walleyes
up to 28” in length, and over 40 northern pike up
to 42” in length. He explained that Nungesser
Lake is a catch & release only lake for northerns,
and also for walleye over 18” in length. He also
stated that during their trip, they saw moose,
bear, deer, numerous bald eagles, and a wolf.
John remarked that this was the fishing trip of his
dreams, and that he plans to return there.
However, he warned that if you need to buy an
Ontario fishing license, the last place that sells
them is in the town of Red Lake. Included are
two photos of John and Saban.
All are welcome, as we are a family-oriented
club. We hope to see you at one of our meetings
soon. Respectfully submitted,
Lynn Polyak, Vice-President
08
South Side Muskie Hawks
07
5211 S. Narragansett Ave.
Chicago, IL 60638
773-581-8650
Our meetings are held every third Wednesday of
the month at Mama Luigi's located at 7500 S.
Harlem in Bridgeview, IL starting at 7:00 pm.
The September meeting of the South Side
Muskie hawks got underway with Vice-President
John Daley presiding. The first order of business
was to ask for fishing reports from the members.
Steve Schmidt reported that while staying at
Sunrise Lodge on Lac Vieux Desert, he caught a
48” muskie on a black Creeper, three smaller
muskies ranging from 28”-30”, and plenty of
perch, northern and crappie. Don Rimbo gave a
report on a muskie tournament up on the
Chippewa Flowage, where forty-seven muskies
were caught, the three largest being 46”, 45 1/2”,
and 45”. He added that most of the muskies were
being caught on bucktails with green blades.
Meanwhile, Joel Janecek recently took a trip to
Evergreen Lake where he really nailed the crap-
hope and pray for Brian’s complete and speedy
recovery. Brian was a trophy winner in the
Juniors Division at one of our previous awards
nights. Our hearts go out to them in their time of
pain and sorrow, and we wish them the best.
Chuck will be fondly remembered by his friends in
the club.
Our annual seminar/ fundraiser will be coming
up on Sunday, November 30th, at Marie’s Ashton
Place, which is located at 75th and Clarendon
Hills Road in Willowbrook. The seminar begins at
noon, but the doors will open at 11 AM. As in previous years, there will be a giant raffle, which in
past years had a value of over $20,000, and
includes a boat, motor, and trailer generously
donated by Basa’s Marine of Bolingbrook.
Besides the fundraiser, other upcoming events
include the nomination and election of officers in
November, and our annual Christmas party on
December 17th, which takes the place of a regular meeting. The Christmas party will be held at
our regular meeting place, Mama Luigi’s.
Our speaker for the evening was Jim Kopjo,
‘The Crappie Professor’. Kopjo spoke on ‘Fall
Fishing’ as it pertains to finding and catching
crappie. He stressed several points which included finding the fish; depth, water temperature, air
temperature and light levels; the food source; and
the most productive time of the day to fish. He
then went into detail on the four methods of fishing that he uses; casting, vertical jigging, trolling,
and the use of slip-bobbers. Kopjo also stressed
using bait that is close in size to what the crappie
are feeding on, and that it should be down-sized
in the fall.
In other news, the South Side Muskie Hawks
were saddened to learn of the sudden passing of
one of our members from Wisconsin. Chuck
Wortz and his son Brian were involved in a terrible auto wreck. Sadly, Chuck did not survive, and
Brian was severely injured. We hear that Brian
has been released from the hospital and is recovering. The chapter would like to take this opportunity to extend our deepest sympathy to the Wortz
family and their close friends, and we sincerely
Capital City
P.O. Box 8862, Madison, WI 53708
608-669-5046 – Gerard Hellenbrand
www.capitalcitymuskiesinc.org
Meets: 2nd Monday 7:00 PM Park Ponderosa
McFarland, WI
There is a touch of fall in the air and the leaves
are starting to turn. Just what every muskie
angler has been waiting for. Outside of the spring
opener, the fall season is by far the most anticipated part the muskie season as they tend to go
on a feeding frenzy before the lakes freeze.
The club sponsored an outing to Ontario’s
Eagle Lake in September and many club members participated. The club’s September meeting
was held at the Coliseum Bar and Grill on
September 8, 2008. Mr. Scott Stewart was the
featured speaker. Scott is the Department of
Natural Resources fish manager for southern
Wisconsin. Scott reviewed the muskie stocking
history in all three of Madison lakes (Monona,
Waubesa, and Wingra). Most important to club
members was the status of the research study
between the “Wisconsin” fish and the “Leach” lake
fish stock in Lake Monona. After a start and stop
13
Hayward Lakes
P.O. Box 609
Hayward, WI 54843
715-634-4543
The Hayward Lakes Chapter’s 31ST Annual Fall
Tournament is just a few days away, as this is being
written. The weather has been on the warm side
and water temperatures are in the low 60s. This
could mean a high number of fish being caught.
The tournament entries are coming in at a normal
flow so we’re expecting a great event. If you were
unable to fish the tournament and you’d like to view
the results go to www.haywardbait.com.
The tournament is our major fund raising event
and we used some of the proceeds from our last
two events to stock fish recently. On September
24&25 the club stocked year and a half old yearling fish which we purchased from Kaleep’s Fish
Farm in Dorchester WI. These fish are kept at the
hatchery through the winter and the following
summer allowing them to grow to a length of 1418 inches. These fish have a much higher survival rate than the 8 inch fingerling size that is
usually stocked. With the DNR’s approval we
planted 530 fish in Round Lake, 270 fish in
Whitefish and 90 in Lac Court Orielles. We planted 1000 yearlings in LCO two years ago and we
have been gratified by the results. Many people
are seeing and catching these fish which are now
24-28 inches long.
The standings in our members contest: Youth –
Alex Spezia 1 fish-21 pts. - a 47”!!! Anthony
Spezia 1 fish-20 pts. – a 46”!!! Women – Caroll
Chinnock 1 fish-14 pts., Roz Smith 1 fish-9 pts.,
Sandy Hackbarth 1 fish-6 pts. Men – John Ryan
15 fish-275 pts. Includes a 50.5 and a 55.5!!!
Emmett Brown 5 fish-37 pts., Kris Gottwald 4 fish29 pts., Brian Smith 2 fish-29 pts., Tom Kirsten 1
fish-20 pts. a 46” !!! Masters – Ted Muntz 17 fish165 pts., Mike Persson 8 fish-83 pts. Senior
Masters - Larry Ramsell 29 fish-510 pts. includes
4-50’s, 51,52.5 and a 55 !!! Tom Muntz 40 fish-327
pts., Dick Minnick 14 fish-149 pts.
The club’s next meeting is Tuesday, November
4th at 7:30 p.m. at Dow’s Corner Bar, 13 miles
east of Hayward on 77east and County A. We will
review our tournament results and elect our officers for 2008. There will also be a “Lure Swap” so
bring any extra lures and other kinds of fishing
equipment you’re no longer using to trade. We
started this last year and it worked well.
Good Fishing, Mike Persson
Three Rivers
16
119 Bus Lane, Renfrew, PA 15136
724-789-7866 – James P. Buss
http://threerivers.muskiesinc.org
Meets 2nd Monday 7:30 PM, Northside Sportsmans
Club, Wexford, PA.
www.muskiesinc.org
elections along with another “Lure Auction” and
we do have some great lures to auction off.
Collectables as well as some hard to get lunker
busters! If you missed the last auction, here is
your chance to pick up some great lures.
Christmas Party on Monday Dec 8th - come
enjoy good friends, fish stories and some great
food! Bring a desert or snack if you can. Banquet
Tickets on sale which will be held at Sheraton
North, Cranberry in March.
Several volunteers from Three Rivers and
Moraine Muskies Assoc stocked a few PA lakes
with healthy 5 – 10 inch purebreds. Among those
lakes Somerset(250), Glendale (1600) and
Loyalhanna(600) Wilhelm (3500) Lake Aurther
(3500). Many thanks to all that helped stock, and
thanks to Pa. Fish Commission for helping to
improve musky survival rates.
As of Sept 15th 12th, the following are the club
standings. August Lunker of the Month – Kevin
Whipkey 49” Pymatuming Lake, Men’s Masters,
Dale Wiley – 39 releases, Adam Andresky – 33
releases, Bill Andresky – 22 releases. Men’s,
Kevin Whipkey – 38 releases, John Ryhal – 24
releases, Frank Alcorn – 23 releases. Women’s,
Lyn Yerman - 25 releases, Sue Marfin – 4 releases, Edie Buss – 3 releases. Juniors, Levi
Metheny-8 releases, Dominick Lamberto-3
releases, Christopher Esposito- 1 release. Total
release as of August 31st 387.
We wish you all the best this fall and remember above all else, be safe on the water. Thank
you.
Dave Huemmrich, fishing4musky@yahoo.com
Mike Yerman, yermanx3@msn.com
19
Akron-Canton
10957 Northwood Ave. NE
Bolivar, OH 44612
Gordon Selden - 330-874-2773
http://muskie_guy@tripod.com
Meets 3rd Monday 7:00 PM, Belgrade Gardens,
3476 Massillon Road, Akron, OH.
The Muskie Maniacs held their fourth tournament of the season with their Leesville Night Bite
Event on Aug. 16th. We had 23 muskie hunters
that fished hard but could only come up with only
3 legal fish being caught. Congratulations go out
to Anna Land for catching the biggest fish with a
41” fish! Bob Marshall took second with a 39”
fish and Chuck Land caught a 38.5” fish to take
third.
On Sept. 20th, we held our Annual Memorial
Outing at West Branch. There were 24 anglers
that participated and there was three legal fish
caught. Sylvester Trunkett caught the biggest
fish with a 40.5” fish to take the honors of winning the big fish pool. Congratulations Sylvester!
Chuck Land caught a 31.5” fish and Brian
Aguirre caught a 30” fish. We had a cookout at
the end of the outing at the pavilion at the west
ramp. We would like to thank Cliff’s Custom
Tackle for providing the sausage and hotdogs
and Muskie Train Enterprises for providing the
beverage for our cookout! We also took time out
to honor and remember the club members that
have passed on.
Our last tournament of the season will be held
at Leesville Lake on Oct. 11th. We are going to
have a Rod and Reel Raffle to be given away at
this event. I will give the results from this tournament as well as the winner of the Rod and Reel
combo in our next issue.
Kevin Proffitt
Central Wisconsin
26
P.O. Box 263
Medford, WI 54451
715-748-4874 – Jim Jacobs
www.centralwisc.co.nr
Meetings at Happy Joe’s Pizza on Hwy. 13 in
Medford, WI - 7:00 PM.- Dates to be announced.
Some nice 50s have been caught this year.
Jason Schillinger has 3 or 4 of ‘em but he has lost
count. Mike Ehlers has two 55 inchers and the
best part of the season is yet to be recorded. Matt
Brinkman is leading the Master’s and Joe Siegler
is leading the Men’s division. Mary Kay Ehlers is
leading the Women’s by just half a point over
Monica Schillinger. We are planning to have a
Banquet on Sat. April 25 but the location is yet to
be determined since Molitors is moving to
Marshfield. Any suggestions? Pay close attention
to JT’s meeting notices since there will probably
be a change in day of the week because we are
still struggling to get the attendance up.
- Gerald Bucholtz
Fox River Valley
39
1253 Cobblers Crossing, Elgin, IL 601230
847-741-9771 – Rich Gallagher
www.frvmuskie.com
Meets: 2nd Wed (Exc June/July) Poplar Creek Country
Club, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates, IL.
The end of the season and the holidays are
upon us. In a couple of weeks we will be gathering with family and friends for our Thanksgiving
Feast. After that you will not have long to get your
Christmas shopping finished!
First up in November is our Pool Demo and
Pizza night. The East Dundee Park District Pool
is the place for a night of free pizza and bait
demo’s in the pool. How can you go wrong ? We
provide dinner and a chance to see various baits
in the water before you lay out your hard earned
bucks for them.
Also in November will be the last of our club
outings for the year to North Webster Indiana on
the 21st. To the 23. This is the right place at the
right time to tie into a “Fall Beast” from a very productive body of water. Details of the outing are
on the web site.
In December we will be joined by Musky angler
Lee Tauchen. It has been a few years since he
has visited us and we are looking forward to having him back. Also please do not forget to bring a
donation of Non- Perishable food items for our
donation to the Elgin area woman’s shelter.
Lastly in December is our annual Lure and
Equipment Swap before the meeting.
We will be starting 2009 in a big, big way with
Joe Bucher stopping by for our January featured
speaker. One of the most respected and knowledgeable people in our sport. Watch here, the
website and the newsletter for the date and
details. Joe will be “custom making” his presentation for this night and our club. You will not see it
at the Tri-Esox show or anywhere else.
Our regular club meeting dates are the second
Wednesday of the month at the Poplar Creek
Country Club. They offer a buffet style dinner
starting at six p.m. before the 7:30 p.m. meeting.
The week before the meeting the web site will
have the buffet menu and cost.
Until later, return ‘em to the water Healthy and
remember Our Troops.
JT
At our November 10th meeting, we will hold our
beginning, the study is entering its second full
year and the club is committed to purchasing the
Leach lake strain for the next few years. Scott
indicated that it may take up to 10 years before
any comparison data between the two strains of
fish can be analyzed and conclusions drawn.
Some upcoming club events include fishing
with students from the University of Wisconsin
and the last club outing of the year to Vilas county in October. We expect some very exciting fish
stories in the last couple of months of the muskie
season here in Wisconsin.
Gary Hoffman
Fishing With Mom
by Eugene M. Narsete, M.D.
People have told me never to forget the “little people” when you become
successful. As the President of Muskies, Inc. this is one of the few chances
I get to do that and thank someone for taking me fishing. It is my honor
to write the forward and introduce a man who is responsible for me being
here today. He was one of the first trained vascular surgeons and one of
the earliest doctors to ever prescribe the drug Penicillin. Beyond his many
successes he has been a husband, father, friend, muskie fisherman and
most important to me, my grandfather… Dan Narsete
it is your fish.” She immediately sterilized her hands while I
remained silent and content to fish.
“Dear, I must go to the ladies room.” Ye gads!! What a time to
go. We were anchored in a rather isolated cove, and I suggested that
she go over the side. There was dead silence...her facial expression
could have stopped the charge of an 800 pound grizzly Bear! The
anchor was pulled and we returned to the dock. After the passage of
what seemed to be frozen time, she returned to the boat. Her hair
was rearranged; her hands cleaned…..what a beauty. We returned to
ur family has fished together for many years. We loved it the cove, dropped anchor, and resumed fishing. She baited the hook,
and, in addition, it was a cherished bonding experience. caught another fish, and had quite the smile on her face. Still, not
However, we encouraged our children to participate in even a nibble for me.
As the day passed, you guessed it! She had “to go” again! I did
other sports, particularly on our vacations. Barbara and I truly loved
not
need
this event, but silence was my reply. I could not get the
to fish together. There may be some men who would not be commotor
started.
My blood pressure index was rising! A few minutes
fortable to include their spouse. I felt that way, but, in time, my
passed
and
another
effort to start the motor was unsuccessful. Out
mind changed. There are women who are good “fishermen.” After
came
the
oars
and
tally
ho! We were off! I rowed and rowed and
all, my wife caught me!
rowed
with the great resistance against the
Barbara was always dressed for any occaoars.
A
thunderbolt struck me…..I did not
sion. Her hair was well groomed as was her
pull
up
the
anchor!! I had been dragging it all
Lo’ and behold, a large
makeup, painted nails, and clothes…the
that
time.
Fortunately,
my lovely companion
utmost of perfection. Everything matched,
muskie,
a
keeper,
remained
silent,
still
with
that smile on her
including her fishing attire of Capri pants or
face.
slacks, sneakers or pumps, and lovely blouse.
appeared. It came from
As we returned to her brother’s house, we
She, however, barely tolerated outdoor rain
the
lake
bottom,
struck
all
laughed
about the day’s events. The next
gear.
morning
we
drove to White Sand Lake in Lac
Initially, Barbara refused to board a messy,
the line, jumped about 3
du
Flambeau,
Wisconsin. After extensive disodorous, filthy boat to catch those slimy, stinkcussions,
we
decided
to muskie fish. I had
feet
above
her
head,
and
ing fish. It took a bit of time and effort to constated
that
we
would
not
use live bait and we
vince her. I brought to her attention that it
plunged
back
into
the
would
not
anchor,
but
move
around. This
would be a great experience for our three sons
pleased
her
a
great
deal.
(our daughter was born later). It worked! My
water. My immediate
Barbara’s gear was set up; a floating yelapproach was to keep it simple. Basic informacomment
was
“Set
the
low
lure
was attached to the leader. If the rod
tion regarding rod, reel, bait, and hooks was
and
reel
flew out of her hands, we would be
presented along with a few demonstrations.
hook!!” She was in a state
able
to
easily
retrieve both. Much to my surBasic safety rules were stressed and repeated.
of
shock,
speechless
and
prise,
this
did
not happen. It appeared to be
Those were understood and accepted! This, I
a
good
omen!
There were many backlashes
believe, was a first class miracle!
trembling. It took some
though.
I
did
assist
her with the first one but
It was time to go fishing. We drove to
after
the
second,
I
said,
“Dear, from now on,
time for her to recover.
Madison, Wisconsin, to visit her brother, who
you
must
untangle
your
own backlashes.”
was an excellent outdoorsman. We chose Lake
After
flashing
me
with
one
of
her determined
Wabesa, a nice lake with good facilities. With
the
painted
toenails?
She sat
looks,
I
continued
to
fish.
Remember
high spirits and some doubt in my heart, we rented a boat with a
on
the
bow
of
the
boat
with
the
line
and
lure
5
inches
below
her
foot.
motor and purchased a license and some good worms. You should
Lo’
and
behold,
a
large
muskie,
a
keeper,
appeared.
It
came
from
the
have seen her facial expression.
lake
bottom,
struck
the
line,
jumped
about
3
feet
above
her
head,
It was a beautiful sunny day with a comfortable breeze. We
located a good spot, the anchor was dropped, and we began to fish. and plunged back into the water. My immediate comment was “Set
“What?” she said. “You want me to put that slimy stinking thing on the hook!!” She was in a state of shock, speechless and trembling. It
my hook?” “Yes, dear, I will show you how,” I replied. “You must took some time for her to recover. We did enjoy the rest of our vacabait your own hook. All fishermen and fisherladies do it.” She tion.
She turned out to be a “good fisherlady,” catching walleye,
immediately caught a nice perch, much to my surprise! I did not
perch,
and small mouth bass. We had fun!! I wish she was still
even have a nibble. With obvious nausea, she said, “Do you expect
here…❖
me to take that disgusting thing off this hook?” I replied, “Yes, dear,
O
MUSKIE Photo Shoot
by Juris Ozols and Kevin Richards
During the first full week of October eight Muskies, Inc. members from five states participated in a
photo shoot for MUSKIE Magazine on Lac Seul. We will feature some of the 1,500 photos in future
articles, but wanted to share this little preview with our members. Special thanks to Jim Hejlik,
Morgan Huset, Joe Crossley, Earle Hammond, Tom Stark, and Jerry Bucholtz for being great
photo subjects and for offering ideas for MUSKIE Magazine. In addition we released 16 muskies
up to 52 inches, ate great, and made and renewed M.I. friendships – certainly one of the best benefits of being a member of Muskies, Inc.
Tying up the boats behind the
houseboat for the ride up to
our parking place.
Highway 502 up to Sioux Lookout,
beautiful with fall colors
Our “Sioux Lookout Floating Lodges” home for
the week. Very comfortable.
Editor Kevin Richards putting out
the secret “Muskie Attractor” flag.
Earle Hammond trying out a few casts near
the houseboat to see if any muskies might
be lurking there.
Kevin Richards pointing out a muskie
hotspot to RVP Earle Hammond.
It can get frosty in the mornings
on Lac Seul in October.
RVP Jerry Bucholtz trolling for muskies;
later that day he got a 52-incher.
Joe Crossley with his first of
twin Lac Seul 43-inchers.
Walleyes abound in Lac Seul, as do
great spots for shore lunch.
The Believer is great for catching
muskies, northerns, and sometimes logs
The photo shoot fishing team having breakfast
too. Ever wonder why your lure retriever
while Asst. Editor Juris Ozols mans the camera.
can’t salvage some hung-up baits?
Kevin Bye of Chapter 57 caught this 35 inch Tiger from
Washington’s Lake Tapps. For it’s size, Kevin says this
one put up a great battle.
Headwaters Chapter member Steve Pabst caught
this 52-inch beast earlier in 2008. Great shot of it
Steve thanks for sending it in.
Chapter 21 North Metro member “Smokin” Joe
Caudill sent in this shot of his very first Tiger,
a 32-inch fish from a Vilas County lake.
Quite a pretty fish.
Chapter 39 member Steve Crook with a nice looking
Vilas County Wisconsin Muskie.
Steve Crook with a real beauty from Northern
Ontario’s Lake Nipissing.
Steve Crook with another nice fish, this one from
Georgian Bay in Northern Ontario.
Awesome fish Steve.
Some of this year’s Chapter Challunge anglers checking out
the water dockside. Photo taken by Donny Hines, Brainerd
Lakes Chapter.
☞
Proper Muskie
Holding Techniques
for MUSKIE Magazine Photos
including Covers, Article Support,
Photo Contest Entries
& Member Photos
Muskies Inc. Past President Jim Smith
took this terrific shot of a Seagull recently.
Nice work Jim.
First Wisconsin Chapter member Eric Robinson caught
this 47x23 on a Bulldawg in the Eau Claire area. Nice
and healthy fish, good job.

MUSKIE Magazine

Transcription

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