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July 2007.....MUSKIE 1www.muskiesinc.org

Departments2 President’s Message,

David Cates

3 Magazine Notes, Staff

4 International News, Staff

6 Figure 8, Kevin Richards

8 Lunge Log, Jim Bunch

14 FCIS Boat Safety

14 Letters to the Editor

14 2006 Photo Contest Winners

19 Photo Contest,Gordon Campbell

24 As I See It, Jim Smith

25 Chapter News and Views

30 Index of Advertisers

31 Muskie Tales, Bob Jennings

32 Member Photos,Gordon Campbell

Features7 The Trinity Muskie Trail,

Dr. Gene Smith

11 Muskie Lures: What’s the Difference?,

Kathy Zainea

16 Chapter Challunge, [Centerspread]

20 Trolling in Tight Places,

Justin Gaiche

22 Summer on Vermilion,

Adam Glickman

29 See More! Catch More! ,

Patricia Strutz

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Check One: q New Member q Renewal q Address Change q Gift

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MAIL TO MUSKIES, INC. 14257 Waters Edge Trail,New Berlin, WI, 53151

1-888-710-8286

Regular Membership: q 1 Year-$35.00 q 2 Years-$65.00 q 3 Years- $95.00

Family Membership: q 1 Year-$47.50 q 2 Years-$90.00 q 3 Years-$132.50

Junior Membership (Under 18): q $20.00

q For Muskie Research $________

Payment: q Check or q Credit Card:

Card # __ __ __ __- __ __ __ __- __ __ __ __- __ __ __ __ Exp. Date ____ /____ Signature ____________________________________________

(to find the number of the Chapter you wish to join, see the Chapter News & Views section)

(to find the number of the Chapter you wish to join, see the Chapter News & Views section)

ContentsMUSKIE • VOL. 41, NO. 7

Join Muskies, Inc. ...or give a membershipas a gift.

q VISA q Discoverq AmEx q MasterCard

MUSKIE is published monthly and is the OfficialPublication of Muskies, Inc. International Office: RonGroeschl, International Sec., 14257 Waters EdgeTrail, New Berlin, WI 53151. Ph: 888-710-8286.© Copyright 2007 by Muskies, Inc. All rights reserved.

InternationalOfficers

President, David CatesPhone: 574-457-3222Email: [email protected]

Vice President/Finances, Jim BeatyPhone: 618-235-6370Email: [email protected]

Vice President/Research, [OPEN]Phone:Email: [email protected]

Vice President/Internal Affairs, Dick McPikePhone: 816-436-4909Email: [email protected]

Vice President/Membership, Bob TimmePhone: 715-462-3053Email: [email protected]

Vice President/Communications, Jack MogaPhone: 440-886-3926 Email: [email protected]

Treasurer, Pete BarberPhone: 847-726-7267Email: [email protected]

Members Only Fishing Contest, Jim BunchPhone: 715-723-8343 • Fax: 715-723-8354Email: [email protected]

Web Master, Ron GroeschlPhone: 262-271-1002Email: [email protected]

Int. Administrative Secretary, Ron Groeschl14257 Waters Edge Trail, New Berlin, WI 53151Phone: 888-710-8286 or 262-271-1002Email: [email protected]

At Large Directors Term Expires

David Rautmann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008

Don Jahnke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008

David Cates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008

Rory Potter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008

Karl Scherer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008

Dick McPike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009

Dan Narsete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009

Diana Mindar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009

Jack Moga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009

Brad Waldera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009

Jim Shannon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2010

Bob Timme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2010

Mark Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2010

Vince Weirick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2010

2 MUSKIE.....July 2007

Both the Hoosier Muskie Hunters and Webster Lake Musky Club recently conductedTournaments. I was privileged to fish each, and again enjoyed the comradery of other

muskie anglers. Participation gave me the time to reflect upon my enjoyment of the sport and an oppor-

tunity to contrast my muskie tournament experience with my prior bass tournament experi-ence. Those bass anglers that I had the extreme misfortune to encounter were, to a man, bothuncivil and mercenary. Not before, during or after the tournament did any speak with meregarding the fishing experience or their success (or lack thereof ) on the water, nor did Iobserve any of them speaking with each other about these events. For the muskie tourna-ments, participants shared emails with tips and tricks prior to the event, discussed the eventat length before, during and after, and even recommended to each other places to go andtechniques to utilize, all this while competing with each other. Participants in the muskietournaments seemed happy when their competitors enjoyed success, something that was ananathema to the bass fisherman.

While it would undoubtedly be incorrect to stereotype all bass fisherman as surly,unfriendly sorts, or to stereotype all muskie anglers as benevolent and friendly, my experi-ences in these tournaments mirror those I have generally had when dealing with other muskieanglers. Enjoy the resource, enjoy your time on the water and enjoy the others. This sport istough enough. If you have the opportunity to help someone, you will be rewarded.

My chapter, earlier this year, held a guide for a day fundraiser. The two gents assigned tomy boat had limited muskie fishing experience (although plenty of gear) and neither had everboated a muskie. We suffered through a tough day on the water with only a few follows toshow for our efforts. Five minutes after the scheduled ending time for the event, I announcedwe would make one last past through an area I believed held fish. Ten minutes later, one ofmy “clients” was holding a fat 45-inch Webster Lake fish. Approximately one month later Ireceived an email with even more thanks for putting him on that fish. Reading his words Icould sense the smile that he displayed while holding the fish had yet to leave his lips.

The only way our sport can continue to grow and thrive is by increasing participationof those in the sport, and by bringing new enthusiasts to the sport. Whether you take a kidfishing, recruit a family member, ask your significant other, or even attempt to convert a bassfisherman, please realize that your efforts in that regard are as important to the sport as iscatch and release. It is truly a privilege to be associated with the muskie angling community.

AT LARGE DIRECTOR VACANCYThere is a vacancy in the offices of At Large Director for Muskies, Inc. Ken Karbon sub-

mitted his resignation and the remainder of his three year term needs to be filled. Ken’s effortson behalf of Muskies, Inc. with regards to corporate sponsorships, fundraising, and initiation

(Continued on next page)

Muskies, Inc. Past PresidentsGil Hamm

Edward T. PeterkaRobert Hill

Robert ShoopFrank Schneider

Peter HadleyDuWayne Bakke

Lou Cook

Peter HadleyBob Schmidt

Larry RamsellLou Cook

Keith OgdenBill Davis

Steve StatlandJohn Hotle

Jim BlaubachSteve Budnik

Jim SmithPaul Framsted

Perry SmithGreg Wells

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MUSKIE Magazine StaffRod Ramsell, Editor EmeritusKeith Ogden, Editor Emeritus

MANAGING EDITORJim SmithPhone: (623) 388-3225Email: [email protected]

ASSISTANT EDITORJuris OzolsPhone: (952) 921-6311Email: [email protected]

PHOTO EDITORGordon CampbellPhone: (973) 208-8297Email: [email protected]

ADVERTISING MANAGERJim Smith15045 W. Double Tree WaySurprise, AZ 85374-8568Phone: (623) 388-3225Email: [email protected]

PUBLICATIONS TECHNICAL MANAGERSunray Printing Solutions, Inc. - Brenda Kirchner25123 22nd Ave. S. • St. Cloud, MN 56301-9189Phone: 888-253-8808, ext. 133

MAGAZINE DESIGNSunray Printing Solutions, Inc. - John Windschitl

ILLUSTRATORS/CARTOONISTSRichard Gross

FIELD EDITORSSteve Budnik, Bob Chochola, James W. Colgan,Elizabeth Cratty, Adam Glickman,Robert Jennings, Mike Kanaval, Colby Simms,Patricia Strutz, Vincent P. Trotta

CONTRIBUTING EDITORSDr. Gene Smith, Kathy Zainea, Justin Gaiche,Adam Glickman, Patricia Strutz

MUSKIE is published exclusively for the mem-bership of Muskies, Inc. and subscriptionscome with a paid membership. Muskies, Inc. isa non-profit organization. Membership classesand associated annual dues are listed on theform at the bottom of page one. Single copiesof MUSKIE magazine are available at $3.00each from the Muskies, Inc. InternationalOffice.Contributors grant rights for M.I. to publishonce in MUSKIE Magazine, both the print andon-line versions, including archives and on theM.I. Web site.

Submissions toMUSKIE Magazine

Persons interested in submitting articles forpublication are directed to our websitewww.muskiesinc.org. There they will find alink to MUSKIE Magazine. From there youwill find links on the left side of the page pro-viding information necessary for submissionsto MUSKIE Magazine. Further questions willbe answered by Jim Smith, Managing Editor.Submissions may be sent to: 15045 W.Double Tree Way • Surprise, AZ 85374-8568.Phone: (623) 388-3225 or you may

Email: [email protected].


Coming Next Month:2 Commemorative Lure Edition

2 Phantom Lure, by ToddCleveland

2 ”Who’s Fish Is It?” by PatriciaStrutz

2 Three “C’s” for Muskie Fishing byWayne Humphry

2 Nils Master Lures by Nils Master

2 More on the 2007 ChapterChallunge

ABOUT THE COVERThe winners of the 2007 ChapterChallunge out for a “victory lap” onHolcombe Flowage, Wisconsin, afterthe close of the tournament on Friday,June 15. In the boat are the six mem-bers of Team # 2 from the FirstWisconsin Chapter, plus a ringer.From the Lunge Bucket clockwise: JeffPriest, Jon Olstadt, Jason Smith (shirt-tail team member), Len Rubesch, BobNeidhold, Tom Reidel, and JasonMalone. First Wisconsin, the hostteam, caught ten muskies to finish with116 points. They just edged out Team# 1 from the God’s Country chapter who got nine fish for 104 points.As seems to be customary in the Chapter Challunge, First Wisconsinhad to get a “last fish” on Friday morning to take the trophy. Morepictures from the Challunge on pages 16 and 17, including a photo ofthe “Big Fish,” a 49-incher caught by Jim Wiltinger. The full story willappear in the August issue. v

of the Best of the Best Tournament were Herculean. He leaves big shoes to fill and has mythanks for his efforts. If you have an interest in supporting Muskies, Inc. in a leadership posi-tion, we need you. Please send me an email with your “Muskies, Inc. Resume” for consider-ation by the Executive Committee.

STRUCTURAL CHANGEWhat would a president’s column be without a comment on the status of the change of

our organizational structure? The Strategic Planning Committee is hard at work producinga detailed plan involving changes to our By-Laws to implement the general plan approvedby the board at the spring meeting. I expect a plan to create zones of governance and a much-streamlined board. Given that you are likely as tired of reading about this as I am writing, Iwill conclude this month by saying I expect a detailed plan to be on the table at the Fall 2007Board Meeting for discussion purposes, and to be considered for a vote at the Spring 2008meeting in Green Bay. See you on the water.

See you on the water! v

NOTICERe: the September

issue of MUSKIE

I will be away on vacationthe month of July. Pleasesend all articles, ChapterNews & Views, and/oranything for publication toJuris with a copy to me.

Thanks, Jim

Muskies, Inc. InternationalFall Board Meeting UpdateFrom: Paul Framsted Chairman, Board Meetings CommitteeTo: Members of Muskies, Inc. International Board of Directors

The purpose of this memo is to bring you up to date regardingthe International Fall Board Meeting which will be held in Morson,Ontario at the Community Center on September 21, 2007. I haverecruited Frank Walter, RVP from South of the Border to act as myco-chair for the social activities preceding the board meeting. Frank’sphone number is 847-689-2133 and his email address is: [email protected]. Frank has been fishing for muskies at Lake of theWoods for over 60 years and is a wealth of information.

We have planned a few events I would like to make you aware of:On Sunday, Sept 16, 7:00pm we will hold a fish fry at Red Wing

Lodge. Please bring a few cleaned filets (walleye and pike). All sidedishes will be supplied at no charge. Beverages can be purchased atRed Wing. We will be signing up members and their guests whowould like to participate in a 3 day tournament for a nominal fee, $25per participant. The tournament will go from dawn to dusk Monday-Wednesday. The top 3 winners will be rewarded based on the pointsystem used by Muskies, Inc. We will also have a prize for big fish.

We will be holding a dinner at the Community Center inMorson Thursday evening, starting at 6:00pm. There will be a chargefor the dinner and drinks. We will be awarding the tournament win-ner prizes and will be raffling prizes and trips for the 2008 season.

The board meeting will also be held at the community center onFriday, September 21. Breakfast and lunch can be purchased right atthe center.

I have been in contact with a few lodges in the Morson area andI strongly recommend you make reservations soon: Red Wing Lodgehas several cabins for 4, 6 and 8 people available. The rate is $35 perperson per night, or $250 per person for the week, American, basedon the cabins being full. Members who are arriving by themselves canstay at the main house which holds 8, if they are ok with sharing.Members can also camp at Red Wing for 12.50 per person per day fortent or pick up and 15.00 per day for a motor home. Shower facili-ties are provided. Red Wing can be reached at 888-488-5601 or 807-488-5601.

Mylie’s Place is a short distance from Red Wing and theCommunity Center. They currently have only one cabin for 4 avail-able for the full week. They can be reached at 204-482-8931 winter,and 807-488-5616 summer. Their web site is www.myliesplace.com.They also have camp sites available with full hook ups and services.Buena Vista Resort is also close by. They currently have 2/2 bedroomhotel units available that sleep 4 each. They also have a mobile homethat could house 2 people available. The rates are $150 per night for4. They can be reached at 800-465-6201 or 807-488-5652.

All three lodges rent 16 foot boats with motors. The going rateis about $90 per day.

I was unable to get availability and pricing from a few otherlodges in the area today but they are: New Moon Landing, phone807-488-5347 Morson’s Pelican Landing, phone 807-488-5511Sabaskong Bay Resort, Located on an island 10 minutes by boat fromMorson. Phone 800-380-2910.

If anyone has any questions regarding the fall board meetingplease feel free to contact Frank or myself.

Have a great summer and we’ll see you in September for the first-ever International Board Meeting held in Canada!

Paul Framsted

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DONATIONSMAY

On behalf of Muskies, Inc., thank you for adding a bit extra when yourenewed your membership.

– Pete Barber, Treasurer

Dustin MullisCarl T. Phillips

Paul E. McClintockDavid H. HardtRonald Groeschl

Janice KuperTony SworskyGreg E. AdamsDiane Mindar


M.I. Welcomes NewestChapter - #57 NW TigerPacGood News for M.I. – a new chapter has been

formed in Washington State. They have held theirfirst organizational meeting, on May 24, 2007with 37 folks in attendance. They signed up 17new members. Read their comments in ChapterNews & Views.

Welcome aboard #57 NW TigerPac. PerryPeterson (President) and his wife Janice areready to bring new views and information onWashington's seven muskie lakes (all tigers).

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POSITIONS AVAILABLEWITH MUSKIE MAGAZINE

Editor MUSKIE MagazineMuskies, Inc. is currently searching for qualified candi-

dates to fill the Editors position. Those members express-ing an interest are asked to submit their resume to JackMoga, at [email protected] Please referto Editor search on the subject line.

Submission deadline is July 15th 2007All submissions will be considered. Those found to be

most qualified will be presented to the ExecutiveCommittee for final decision. Conference call interviewsmay be scheduled. Questions regarding this position maybe directed to Jim Smith, Managing Editor, at [email protected] or by phone at (623) 388-3225.

Successful applicants will have a working knowledge ofmodern publishing/editorial practices, versatile and practi-cal job specific computer skills, a college degree and/orrelated applicable work history. Applicant must have theirown computer (particular minimum specifications may berequired) valid Email address, high-speed Internet connec-tion and experienced with MS Word, Adobe Reader orother similar software programs.

Duties will include, but are not limited to, choosing arti-cles and photos for publication, edit, proofread, anddesign MUSKIE magazine, producing camera-ready copysubmitted to the printer n a timely and professional manner.

This is considered a part-time position. Salary will becommensurate with experience and qualifications and cur-rently pays pre-approved out-of-pocket expenses.

Advertising Manager MUSKIE MagazineMuskies, Inc. is currently searching for qualified candidates

to fill the Advertising Manager position. Those membersexpressing an interest are asked to submit their resume toJack Moga, at [email protected] Pleaserefer to Advertising Manager search on the subject line.

Submission deadline is July 15th 2007All submissions will be considered. Those found to be

most qualified will be presented to the ExecutiveCommittee for a final decision. Conference call interviewsmay be scheduled. Questions regarding this position maybe directed to Jim Smith, Managing Editor, at [email protected] or by phone at (623) 388-3225, or PeteBarber, Treasurer at (847) 726-7267 regarding the QuickBooks accounting system.

Successful applicants will have a working knowledge ofsales/marketing modern publishing/editorial practices, ver-satile and practical job specific computer skills, a collegedegree and/or related applicable work history. Applicantmust have their own computer (particular minimum speci-fications may be required) valid Email address and experi-enced with MS Word, Microsoft Excel, Quicken and/or asimilar accounting format.

This is considered a part-time position, and compensa-tion is a commission structure based upon collected rev-enues, plus pre-approved out-of-pocket expenses. v

Michigan DNR considersNew Rules to Combat Fish VirusASSOCIATED PRESS – 05/11/07

Michigan regulators hoping to delay a killer virus' march acrossthe Great Lakes are proposing tighter controls on moving some fishspecies between waterways for activities such as stocking ponds andselling live bait.

Rebecca Humphries, director of the Michigan Department ofNatural Resources, is expected to decide early next month whether toapprove the rules, which would take effect June 28. The state NaturalResources Commission, which sets policy for the DNR, was briefedon the plan Thursday in Lansing.

"It's designed to slow the spread of various fish pathogens," saidGary Whelan, the DNR's fish production manager. "You really can'tstop them, but we can slow them down."

The primary target is viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS, amicroscopic invader from Europe that has caused fish kills in lakesOntario, Erie, Huron and St. Clair, and in several rivers that linkthem. It doesn't harm people.

VHS is expected to soon make its way into Lake Michiganthrough natural movement of infected fish. State authorities hope tokeep it out of Lake Superior and Michigan's inland lakes and streamsas long as possible by closing off potential shortcuts while they devel-op a damage control strategy.

The rules would require commercial operators to get certificationbefore transporting or selling live fish or fish eggs within Michigan orreleasing them into public waterways. Applicants for certificationwould have to have the fish or eggs tested at a state-approved labora-tory.

The requirement would pertain only to fish on a list of suscepti-ble species. The DNR periodically would update its list, which nowincludes 32 species including such prized sport and commercial vari-eties as brown trout, chinook and coho salmon, walleye, whitefish andyellow perch.

Bait wholesalers and retailers would have to give customersa receipt stating where the fish or eggs were taken.

Another requirement: People who catch fish on the list of affect-ed species could release them only into the water body from whichthey came.

In addition to general rules, the package has VHS-specific poli-cies that differ among three management zones: areas where thepathogen is known to be present; areas where it's likely to show up inthe near future; and areas believed free of the pathogen.

Whelan said one goal is to discourage amateur "bait bucket biol-ogists" from catching fish in one waterway and releasing them inanother to promote growth of the species.

"We'll go and treat a lake to be a trophy brook trout lake, andsomeone will put yellow perch in there," he said. "That practice needsto be curtailed."

VHS also could lurk inside water transported between lakes andstreams -- even small volumes. Under the rules, people would have toempty water containers used to carry bait fish. Boaters would berequired to drain live wells and bilges before leaving a waterway.

The DNR plans a campaign this summer urging sport anglers todisinfect boats and gear, spokeswoman Mary Dettloff said. v

http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070511/UPDATE/705110447/1003/METRO

Ban the Barb!

Iwent to high school and college from the late 1960s through thelate 1970s. There was always something folks wanted to ban orprotest against. Sometimes the protesters would shout the slogan

or carry the sign even if they wouldn’t really embrace the cause whenit was time for real action.

Well now it’s my turn to lead the shouting and it’s your turn toembrace the cause; let’s save our muskies – LET’S BAN THE BARB– let’s go barbless!!! 95% of you are already saying “Hold on big fella!- Why is this necessary? - Show me the proof!”

To be honest there isn’t much proof out there for muskiesalthough the practice of fishing with barbless hooks has been accept-ed by anglers fishing for other species, especially trout and salmon.Some states and provinces have barbless fishing regulations on thebooks but they are the exception rather than the rule, and they arenormally directed at increasing the release survival of trout andsalmon.

If you encounter a barbless hook requirement on NorthAmerican muskie waters it will most likely be in Canada. Most like-ly the regulation will be associated with an Ontario fishing campwhich is working with the Ministry of Natural Resources to do allthey can to maintain quality fishing in their local lakes for the bene-fit of their guests.

Even on waters which don’t mandate barbless hooks, the MNRoffers this advice: “In many catch and release situations, anglers com-monly use barbless hooks. Hooks with little or no barbs cause lessdamage when penetrating and when removed. Under many circum-stances, anglers can pinch down hook-barbs partially or completelywith fishing pliers.”

You can look through the MNR regulation book, but threeexamples are Maskinonge, Hooch, and Cloudlet lakes near SiouxLookout. These lakes are catch and release only for muskie, northernpike and smallmouth bass and artificial lures with a single barblesshook must be used. I’ve never fished these lakes, but I intend to. Ifyou’ve fished them send me a note and let me know what you thinkabout the regulation (only small attachments, I’m still on dial-up).

Remember the protesters I mentioned who would shout the slo-gan or carry the sign even if they wouldn’t really embrace the causewhen it was time for real action? Well, by writing this column I guessI have become one of them! I have only used barbless hooks on about3 muskie baits, and all of those baits were ones I borrowed from myfishing buddy Keith Ogden when we were fall trolling in Ontario.

Like a number of successful and devoted muskie hunters Keithhas been fishing primarily barbless for many years, especially when heis fall trolling. I’ve been with him and watch how easy it has been tounhook most of his fish, even to the point of being able to shake thehooks free from smaller ‘lunge in the water without ever touchingthem.

If you look back at the 2006 Muskies, Inc. calendar you will seea photo of Keith releasing his 55.5 incher on Lac Seul. I took thatphoto – what a fish! As usual, Keith was using barbless hooks!

So why haven’t I switched over? I think it has been fear of losingthat fish of a lifetime in addition to a good deal of procrastination onmy part. Here’s how I intend to overcome this, starting in 2007.Over the years I figure that my boat has landed about every fifthmuskie we encounter, that includes follows, short hits, hook-ups thatget off, and the joy of being able to touch about 20 percent of thesemuskies. During the next peak of good action I’m switching to bar-bless for just 10 “encounters”. I’m going to slowly prove to myself Ican catch muskies without barbs – how about joining me and tryingthis too?

Remember, the purpose is less injury to the hooked muskie anda quicker release! A side benefit might be less injury to yourself thatday when you finally put a muskie hook in your own hand (in 30years I’ve only done it once, but that’s another story).

If you have a biology or fisheries management question you wantme to try to tackle let me know. I hope 2007 is a great season for you.How about joining me to Ban the Barb at least on a trial basis! v

8 8Figure 8by Kevin [email protected]

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Illinois Proclaims “Muskies, Inc. Youth Day”Mark A. Johnson, Illinois State House Rep. and Minority

Leader, Tom Cross, and Bill Sassaman (pictured left to right)showed the proclamation from the State of Illinois that June 13this Muskies, Inc. Youth Day. Tom Cross helped the club get thishonor working with his fellow lawmakers.

Johnson is the President and Sassaman is a new member ofChapter 17 of Muskies, Inc. which meets monthly in Plano, IL.Chapter 17 holds fundraisers to sponsor events like Youth Daywhich has been re-scheduled for July 1st this year at Jim Huganin'sponds in Oswego. The club also buys and releases Muskie finger-lings into local lakes and helps with research on fish habitats. Anyparent wishing to bring their son or daughter out to our eventshould call Mark at 630-553-2985 by May 18th. This fishing andfun event will be held from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm and willinclude a petting zoo, water events(bring swim suits and squirtguns), games and prizes, cotton candy, snowcones, hotdogs, chips,pop, and of course, fishing.

Anyone wishing to join Muskies, Inc. or find out more cancontact Johnson at the number shown or go on-line at:

http://quadcounty.muskiesinc.org/homepage.html.


From it’s beginnings as the “muskie” branch of the Fishers ofMen team tournament organization, the TRINITY MUSKIETRAIL was founded on the Christian faith and the desire to

produce excellent tournament events with top anglers and sponsorsinvolved. Luke Sparks of Carol Stream, Illinois, began to seek region-al or state directors as early as 2004 hoping to gradually build sever-al divisions. With several tournament trails popping up across themidwest, this was no small task. While some smaller divisions initial-ly showed promise, the southern division, centered in Kentucky, hasestablished itself and is growing rapidly in terms of angler participa-tion and sponsorship support from some of the best companies in themuskie fishing tackle industry.

Based in eastern Kentucky, the Kentucky Trail involves fourqualifiers scheduled at the state’s best fisheries at times likely to pro-duce the greatest numbers of fish. Kentucky’s reputation for qualitymuskie fisheries has proven itself over the years. Cave Run Lake nearMorehead in Rowan County is the best known of the three lakesstocked annually by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife,with a well deserved reputation for producing numbers of fish andproduced the current state record as well, a fish just under 45pounds. Numerous 50 inch fish are caught and released annually atthe Cave. Green River Lake near Campbellsville may be the mostunderrated muskie fishery in the south. At 8400 acres, roughly thesame size as Cave Run, this lake can be unbelievable and producessome of the heaviest muskies caught by anglers each year. The thirdreservoir, Buckhorn Lake near Hazard in far southeastern Kentucky,is 1350 acres of narrow, winding waterways and although small, isconsidered an excellent fishery as well. The Kentucky River nearBeattyville also has excellent muskie fishing and will be on the sched-ule in coming years.

The Trinity Muskie Trail is very different from other existingtrails in several ways. For starters, this organization is dedicated total-ly to the anglers themselves and totally non-profit. There is a 100%payback of entry fees to the anglers themselves. Donations fromsponsors in the form of cash donations as well as angling equipmentor lures are channeled to the tournament anglers in the form of win-nings for tournament events or as participation prizes given away ateach event.

Another big difference is the atmosphere surrounding tourna-ment events. Each event starts with a mandatory meeting held on theFriday night prior to the tournament (which is always on Saturdayexcept the championship event which is a two day event). The Fridaymeeting consists of a home cooked meal for everyone in attendance,an inspirational message by a guest speaker, rules discussion, anddrawings for starting positions. Attendance awards are given away aswell consisting of lures, nets, batteries, etc. No one leaves enptyhanded.

While the Christian way of life is the core of the organization,these are professional, highly competetive angling events. Judge boatsare utilized and a heavy emphasis placed on caring for caught fish.Tournament rules also lean heavily toward preventing mortality andmorbidity of caught fish. Events are scheduled to avoid the severewarm water periods of summer. While highly competetive and witha lot of money at stake, qualifier events tend to be light hearted and

enjoyable. Unruly or lude behavior has no place in a Christian envi-ronment and is not tolerated at any events associated with the TrinityMuskie Trail. Judges and directors make a concerted effort to mon-itor the status of all anglers in an event to help provide securityshould a motor fail, a prop break, or someone become ill. Sparetrolling motor parts, props, etc. are kept on hand as best as possiblein order to assist anglers with problems. If a team has mechanical orphysical problems at any time, every effort is made to help resolve theproblem.

Sponsorship comes from both inside and outside the muskiefishing world. Some of the best lure manufacturers, including DrifterTackle, Super Slayer, Ducktail Lures, and Muskie Magnet Luresalong with Frabill and Esox Rods are just some of the super industrysponsors on board, with more to come. Local financial support is alsoimportant for a nonprofit organization, and some household namesin Kentucky have given generously to the ministry, includingWhitaker Banks of Kentucky, First Trust Banks, and many others.

Teams are made up of a wide range of anglers from beginners tosome of the best muskie anglers in the nation. Teams fromWisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia, Indiana,Illinois, and Kentucky have competed or are registered to competethis year in this rapidly growing organization.

By nature, Trinity Fishing Ministries and the Trinity MuskieTrail is always looking for individuals who would like to become apart of the organization as directors, judges, or a number of otheravailable positions that will need to be filled, especially as rapidgrowth continues and more leaders are needed.

Any and all anglers are very welcome to compete in any events.For more information go to:

www.trinityfishingministries.comor contact the following individuals:

THE TRINITY MUSKIE TRAILby Dr. Gene Smith

Luke Sparks President

[email protected] Executive Drive Apt 105

Carol Stream, IL 60188(630)292-25352

Gene SmithKentucky Director

[email protected] Box 1127

Hazard, KY 41702(606) 487-8033 or

(606) 438-1231


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Lunker Of The Month History!

Way back in our history, long before I came on board,someone started the Lunker Of The Month Award.From here on in our visit this month I will refer to it as

LOTM. Last year a friend of mine, who is not a fisherman, was inmy office and noticed a report that I had tacked up on the wall. Heasked what is Lot M? Oh brother, I had to explain this to him. Soyes, we in Muskies, Inc have our own language. The award of courseis the longest release during a given month, during a given year.However as computers go, the report that I ran and have displayedfor you, is the longest which includes any kept fish. So you will seea kept fish or two in the records. At years end though theInternational Award at the banquet is for released fish only.

Naturally at the bottom of the spread sheet is the overall longestfor each month ever. A fifty is now the minimum leader for everymonth. It also shows that May through December, if you want tocrack the top one of these months, it will take a really serious oldmuskie as the smallest is a 55 incher.

This shows that the longest for every month except June hashappened in the last ten years. In 8 of the months the longest hashappened since 2002. So what we are once again trying to say is thegood ole days are now. Muskie fishing keeps getting better and bet-ter. Muskie anglers are getting better and better. Now the LOTMhall of fame so to speak.

JANUARY – This sits at 54.5 inches by Howard Wagner ofFombell, Pennsylvania. He caught this on January 9, 2002 in theAllegheny River in Pennsylvania. Howard has a thing about thisriver in the winter. The picture of this fish is always available on theweb site by bringing up his fish list and clicking on this fish.

FEBRUARY – This month has a three way tie at 50 inches. Thefirst one was caught by a junior member, a very young junior at thetime. This was Troy Oliver of Tridelphia, West Virginia from SaltFork Lake in Ohio. It was kept and weighed out at 36.2 pounds.Once again this picture is available on the web site under his fish list.The next 50 came in 2005 at the hands of Chipper Bushong ofMorehead, Kentucky out of the Licking River in Kentucky onFebruary 20, 2005. The third of the threesome came this year onFebruary 2nd from North Carolina out of the French Broad River.The angler was Derek Argotti.

MARCH – Once again 2007 is the longest ever for this month. Itwas caught from Cave Run in Kentucky. It was caught by Mike

Tackett of Olive Hill, Kentucky on March 13th. At 52.5 inches anda 25 inch girth, it is estimated at a touch over 41 pounds.

APRIL – This months all time leader is 53 inches and came in justlast year. It was caught in Thornapple Lake in Michigan. It wascaught by Charles Lynema of Moline, Michigan. The state ofMichigan kind of left our records for a number of years, but with thestart up of our new Muskies, Inc chapter there, they are back likegang busters.

MAY – This months longest is 55 inches. It came in just 2 yearsago. It was caught from Katherine in Wisconsin by Charles Schauerof Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. Charlie had the most entries foryears until recently, however he has a fine mix of some really bigmuskies.

JUNE – This month is the oldest record holder for a month. Itcame in all the way back in June of 1979. At 59.5 inches it is the 2nd

longest entry in our Lunge Log. It was reported as caught in Eagle,Ontario. Unfortunately this came from our famous Not Specifieddays and the name of the angler was withheld. We no longer exceptthat but is reality in our past history.

JULY – This months longest was kept. It was a very significant keptthough because at 52.4 pounds it is the heaviest in the Lunge Logkept section. It was caught by Gale Radtke of Alexandria Bay inNew York from the St. Lawerence River in New York. Gale original-ly is from Green Lake in Wisconsin. His muskie came in on July 10,2002. Once again the picture of this beast is in the Lunge Log.

AUGUST – This muskie is the longest ever in the Lunge Log at60 inches. It happened on July 23, 1996. It was caught by AlanMartinson. Unfortunately this came from the Not Specified days sowe do not have a lake. Please understand that is part of our history.This muskie is still the longest in August and the longest ever. I didsee a picture of this muskie once in the water, it was not clear enoughto use. I was also told the lake once but the person was not the angleror the witness. I was then told if I said anything they would have tokill me. I am old but not ready for the deep six yet.

SEPTEMBER – The longest for September is another NotSpecified. It happened on September 20, 1998. In this case the nameof the angler was withheld and the name of the specific lake waswithheld. It was reported in Ontario at 57.5 inches.

OCTOBER – Same thing here, name withheld, lake withheldand caught in 1997. I saw a picture of this fish. It was huge, big,long, fat and 58.5 inches. I saw the picture, I never possessed the pic-ture. Once again, I respect the Not Specified thing in effect at thetime. One little tickle for thought here, it was not this anglerslongest muskie. The longer one is not in the Lunge Log.

NOVEMBER – This months longest was 56 inches and camefrom Moon River in Ontario on November 2, 2001. It was caughtby Todd Booth of South Lyon, Michigan. We met Todd as he cameall the way from Michigan to the International Banquet inChippewa Falls, Wisconsin which is my home. I will never forget it,I announced his award and that he was not present, then he stoodup in the back of the room.

DECEMBER – Wow! It was another fine example of a muskie

the Lunge Log

by Jim Bunch

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getting ready for winter. It was 55.5 inches with a 27 inch girth. Thismeans a touch over 50 pounds. It was caught by Kevin Goldberg onYoungstown, Ohio on December 6, 2004. It came from the St.Lawrence River in New York.

Now this spread sheet I printed. That came off the computer allat once on a special program I had written for me by a genius. Youhave it all though. Just log in as a member. Then click Lunge Log,then click Lunge Log Inquires, then click Lunker. It will give you theoption to select a year. It will then give you the option to select amonth within that year. You can see everything you want to knowabout a specific LOTM listing. That is a pretty neat deal because youare a member of Muskies, Inc.

2007This year is off to a fine start. We have 1028 entries, including

3 fifty inchers reported to us by May 24, 2007. Next month we willstart our normal listing of leaders in each division. If you catch areally nice muskie and get a picture, I would like the picture and anote or two. If you have a really neat muskie event, I would like tohear about it. If you have a fishing experience on the humorous side,I would like to hear about it. Just email me at

[email protected].

Thanks a bunchJim

Year Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Yr Max2007 49.5 50 52.5 48.5 50.25 52.52006 46.5 47 45.5 53 54 54.5 56 56 55.25 55 54.5 55 562005 42 50 45 51 55 55 57 55.25 55 56 54.5 53.5 572004 53 44 53 51.5 52 56.5 55 55.5 55.5 55 55.5 55.5 56.52003 45 44 47 50.75 51.75 55.75 55.5 55.5 55 55.5 53 50.25 55.752002 54.5 50 51.5 50.5 51 54.25 58.5 58.25 54 55.5 54 48 58.52001 42 45 51 49.5 53.75 55.5 55 53.5 54.5 53 56 51.5 562000 45 44.5 50 52 51.25 54.25 54 55 54.5 55 53 47.75 551999 45 47 49 48 53 55 53.5 56 54 55.5 52 49.125 561998 45.25 49 50 49.5 53 53.25 57 54 57.5 55 54.25 51 57.51997 43.25 47 43 50 50 54 53 56 53 58.5 52 46 58.51996 46 41 51 50 48 52.5 53.5 60 54 55 55.25 48.5 601995 39.5 41 47.5 51.5 49 52 53 54 54.5 52.5 53 46 54.51994 31 41 48 48 49.5 52 54 54.5 55 55.5 54.5 47 55.51993 47 45 46 49.25 50 52 55 54.5 54 55.5 50 43 55.51992 46.5 39 48 46.5 51.75 51 54.5 56 54 55.25 52 39 561991 37.75 43 43.25 46 52 53.25 55.5 54.5 56.5 53 53.5 44.5 56.51990 36 45 47 47 52.5 54 57 57 54 55 54.5 48 571989 42 36 43.5 45 49 52.5 55 53 54 54 55 40 551988 41 36 39 51.25 46.5 54 56 53 53.75 52.5 52 46 561987 46 42 47.25 46.75 48 51.75 54 53 54 56 50 39 561986 36 45.25 43.25 43 46.5 51 54.5 53 53 52 50 45 54.51985 33 30 46 46.5 53 51.5 53.5 53 55 50.75 52.25 40 551984 33 45 37.5 38 47.25 51 54.25 51.5 53 52 48 48 54.251983 39 37 43 38 47.5 52.5 54 54 52 52.75 48.5 39.5 541982 42 39 43.75 43.25 48 52 51.5 53 52.75 54.75 50.75 37.5 54.751981 38 33.5 39.75 38 51.5 53 53 53.25 57 50.5 48 37.5 571980 32.5 32 38.5 46 49.5 49 53 53 50.5 52 49.25 33 531979 38 35 48 59.5 52 54.5 53 52.5 48 34 59.51978 32 38 50.5 50.25 52.5 55.5 54.25 52 45 55.51977 32 45 56 52.5 52.5 55 50.5 46 561976 31 43 44 54 50.5 53 56.5 47.5 43.5 56.51975 37.25 35.75 52.5 57.5 52 53 52 52 43 57.51974 43 50.5 53 47 53.25 48 42 53.251973 42.5 49.5 55 50 52 49 32 551972 42 54 54 52 53.5 50.75 50 541971 35 50 52 52 51 44 49 521970 32 43 51 49.75 51.75 50 33 51.75

Overall 54.5 50 52.5 53 55 59.5 58.5 60 57.5 58.5 56 55.5 60

Lunker Of The Month History 1970-May 2007

Let’s face it: There are lots of different kinds of muskie lures outthere. There are certain types of lures that work better on LakeSt. Clair, and everyone (including us) seems to have their

favorite styles and colors. But sometimes – especially when you’rehaving a slow day – you might wonder what you’re missing. Whenyou go shopping for muskie lures, you’ll either find yourself pleasant-ly surprised at the wide variety of lures available…or you’ll find your-self totally overwhelmed. So, let’s take a look at some of the standardmuskie lures, and see what the difference really is.

Our experience has taught us that the best muskie lure choices onLake St. Clair are bucktails, spoons, or crankbaits. The bucktail is avery basic lure, essentially consisting of an eye on one end, a set ofhooks on the other end that’s covered by a bucktail or feathers, somesort of connecting metal shaft with beads, and a blade or colored plas-tic attractor attached. While the basic appearance of various bucktailsdiffers in size and weight, the overall action is typically the same. Oneof the most important things to remember when fishing with buck-tails is that without any modifications, they have no distinct swim-ming action on their own. If you are trolling, the bucktail will followin a straight line behind the boat. While this method does producefish, your success rate can potentially increase if you add some sort ofaction to it. If you’re trolling a bucktail at a steady speed, you could

periodically give a tug to the line toentice the muskie to strike. We put atwo ounce weight on our bucktails sothat they ride smoothly below thewaves. We have found that our buck-tails produce a little better if we usethem on rougher days (about a twofoot chop) because that tends to cre-ate a more erratic action to the lure.One last thing to consider: if it does-n’t come with one, you’ll need to adda ball swivel to your bucktail to keepthe lines from twisting up.

Two of our favorite bucktail brands for Lake St. Clair are Cat’sTails and Glitter Bitches. Cat’s Tails are made with super strong .062stainless steel wire shafts so that they won’t bend even after you’ve hiton a big one. The tails are constructed from Prime NorthernBucktail, Pheasant Feathers, or Genuine Skunk hair. On Lake St.Clair, we’ve had great success with two styles of Cat’s Tails: theOriginal Bucktail, which is eight inches long and weights 1.5 ounces,and the Super 7 Bulgers, which are like the Originals, except the twin#7 fluted blades give them super lift. Cat’s Tails are keel weighted,which keeps them running straight. They run very smoothly, with noline twist. Cat’s Tails are excellent for trolling or casting, and becausethey have a treble hook followed by a single hook, you have a greaterchance of increasing your hook-up rate. We troll with them at about3.4 mph, and have great success with the Original, in Perch, Black,and Black & Orange, from the early part of the season until the Fall.

Vince Bianchi’s Glitter Bitches (so named after his championfemale show dog) are the newest addition to our musky lure collec-tion. For years, we’ve talked about the shine and sparkle of Swarovskicrystals, and how well that would work as a muskie attractant. Vincebeat us to it, and created his line of famous bucktails. The GlitterBitch, and the smaller Glitter Puppy, have Swarovski crystals on theshaft, and they sparkle and reflect sunlight better than diamonds. The

Glitter Bitch is ten inches long, has a #9 fluted blade, ball bearingswivels, and hand-crafted bucktail made from deer hair and hacklefeathers. These are the best quality bucktails we’ve ever seen – sure tohold up under the pressure of repeated muskie strikes. They are excel-lent for casting, and we troll them from the early part of the seasonuntil late summer. The hottest colors are the ones with chartreuse orred in the tail.

Spoons are an old-time muskie lure with a lot of flash that can bevery effective in catching muskie. They are an all-around good choicefor muskie fishing on Lake St. Clair, regardless of the water color orthe weather. Spoons are simple – just a curved piece of metal with ashiny side. Some spoons have reflective or glow-in-the-dark tape onone side, and they can be painted in the same color patterns ascrankbaits. Like the bucktails, you’ll need to make sure your spoonhas a ball swivel to keep your lines from twisting. Spoons have anerratic, flutter action, meaning they zigzag and swerve a lot in thewater. They are run mostly close to the boat - on the down rod witha one pound weight is a good spot. Spoons can be run in combina-tion with another lure such as a crankbait, on what’s called a 3-way.A 3-way setup has one line attached to the rod, a spoon on the secondline, and a crankbait on the other line, all connected by a 3-way swiv-el in the middle. We like the old-time style of spoons like SpikeSpoons and Swim Zag, but newer ones like Ivanhoe and “TheChamp” by Lapper Lures can also be very effective. Spoons are canbe used for casting or trolling.

If you’re fishing for muskie on Lake St. Clair, you’ll definitelyneed to have a good supply of crankbaits. Crankbaits can be looselycategorized bytheir runningaction. Tight-action lures have ashort, distinct,side-to-side move-ment, and cover asmaller paththrough the water. This faster action is good when the muskie aremore active early in the season, and can increase your chances of get-ting a larger fish. In general, jointed lures have tighter actions thanstraight lures do, and a diver with a larger lip will dive deeper, andusually work better at slower speeds. The more you increase yourspeed, the deeper the diver will go. Some examples of tight-actionlures are: Lapper Lures, Terminators, Wileys, Mordas Minnows,Muskie Specials, and Z-Baits. Wobblers, on the other hand, are luresthat wobble in the water. They tend to have a slower, more erraticside-to-side movement, and a larger coverage area than tight-actionlures. Wobblers work better later in the season when the fish are lessactive. Some examples of wobblers are: Loke, Nils Master, Believers,and Grandma’s & Jakes.

While the action of the lure determines how deep it can befished, and at what speed, you can vary those factors somewhat,depending on how much line you run out, and how much weightadd. If you’re not sure what type of action your lure has, try runningit along side the boat. If your lures are rolling over or popping to thesurface, you’re probably going too fast. Don’t forget to take into con-sideration where the fish are. Since muskie can only look up, checkyour fish finder to see where the bait fish are, and then make your lure

(Continued on page 12)


Muskie Lures – What’s the Difference?by Kathy Zainea

choices based on what depth you will need to run to get the lures righton top of those bait fish.

Our experience on Lake St. Clair has taught us that it’s generallymore effective to run smaller lures such as Lokes at the beginning ofthe season, and then switch to larger lures like Nils Master as Fallapproaches. Lokes Lures are hand-crafted in Michigan out ofHonduras Mahogany wood. They have a heavy duty stainless steelthrough-wire, Lexan lips, and stainless steel double hooks. Lokes aremedium-action wobblers, however the jointed Lokes run tightenough for us to run them in the early part of the season, and we dovery well on them. Recently, someone asked me, “If you could haveonly one lure in your tackle box, what would it be?” Without hesita-tion, I answered, “Loke Walleye”, and it’s true. Overall, Lokes are an

all-around safe betmuskie lure for LakeSt. Clair, and aregood for gettingstrikes at any time inthe season, in anywater color, and inany weather. Thecolors that consis-

tently produce on Lake St. Clair are St. Lawrence, Perch WB, Walleye,and $9 Bass. Lokes are good for casting or trolling.

Nils Master lures are medium action wobblers, and are well-known for their ability to produce fat Fall muskie on Lake St. Clair.The most common model is the Invincible-F, in 20 cm and 25 cm.Nils are made in Finland from Apache wood, and coated in a specialplastic to ensure durability. They feature a through-wire design, largesteel hooks, Lexan lips and a wobble action that often produces the

largest fish of the year. Because of their larger size, Nils MasterInvincible lures are usually trolled slower than other lures. Due totheir design and the placement of the lip, they push a lot more waterand have a tendency to pull harder than smaller lures. More recently,smaller versions of the Invincible began making their way into the“must have” lure market for Lake St. Clair. Invincibles come in sevensizes, ranging from 5 cm (2”) to 25 cm (10”). Because Finnish fishlike different color patterns, it’s common to find Nils Master lures incustom colors. Our best producing custom color Nils are Lawton,Carp, and Black Perch. The best factory colors for Lake St. Clair areBrown Bar (65 or 67), Perch (07), and Silver Sucker (55).

Lake St. Clair is one of the best-producing muskie lakes in theworld. With over 200,000 muskie in the lake, it isn’t uncommon tohear of someone fishing for bass, and find out they were surprised bya muskie instead. If you haven’t had the pleasure of fishing our lake,I urge you to try it. If you feel overwhelmed by the large variety oflures that are available for fishing on Lake St. Clair – or any lake –then please contact us. We are happy to help you out, and give youour experienced opinion on what should work to help you catch thatmonster muskie on Lake St. Clair. v

For more information about muskie fishing, please visit our website atwww.LSCMuskieShop.com


MUSKIE LURES (Continued from page 11)

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Jim,I send this as a proud parent. This is a photo

of Jim standing in front of the College of NaturalResources in Stevens Point, which has a mosaic ofthe state including a muskie. Last year PatriciaStrutz had done an article of Jim of his internship with NorthernEnvironmental. He has now been hired full time.

Yours truly,Ted Scharl

2006 PHOTO CONTEST WINNER


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Boat Safety ProgramProduced byFarm and City Insurance ServicesThe Angler’s Choice Insurance

Let’s Talk Tires!In previous articles we covered the language of weight as

it pertains to proper and safe loading and towing of ourboat and trailer. This is extremely important as it directlyaffects the proper operation of our tires.

Tires are probably the most vulnerable component on aboat trailer, and unfortunately, the most neglected. Tiresare the only contact point between a boat trailer and theroad. As such, they have several different jobs to do, suchas providing traction for moving, stopping, and steering, aswell as providing a cushion for the vehicle.

Over the course of the next few months, we’ll discusswhat you, as a boat owner/operator need to know abouttires. The goal is not to make you a tire expert, but ratheran educated consumer by providing essential informationfor safety and peace of mind.

In this months article, we’ll cover the basics of tires andlanguage of tire markings. There is a great deal of informa-tion molded directly onto the sidewall of your tires. As aboat owner, knowledge of this information is essential toassure that you purchase the correct replacement tires, selectthe correct inflation pressure, and conduct appropriatemaintenance procedures.

We have chosen as an example, the LT235/85R16 – thistire is widely used on many tow vehicles and trailers:

LT – stands for light truck, one of the tire type classifica-tions covered by the Tire and Rim Association (T&RA),which sets standards for tires, rims, and allied parts. Otherclassifications include “P” for passenger car tires, and “ST”tires that are Special Trailer tires. Truck and bus tires haveno prefix.

235 – is the metric measurment across the section width(widest portion of the tire) in millimeters.

/ - the slash is a mathematical symbol indicating ratio.85 – is the aspect ration and is a mathematical result of

dividing the section height (distance from the tread to thebead), by the section width. Sometimes this is referred toas the profile or series of the tire. In other words, the tiresheight is 85% of it’s width.

R – stands for radial tire. In a radial tire, the cords runperpendicular to the bead of the tire, directly across thecrown of the tire to the opposite bead.

16 – is the diameter of the bead of the tire in inches.Next month we’ll cover load carrying ability, finding rec-

ommended pressure, and where to find tire assistance.Keep It Safe

www.fcisanglerschoice.com

This article is provided as a public service to our mem-bership. Not intended as an advertisement.

LETTERS TO THE

EDITOR

James Scharl with a degree and a job. Jim, a member of Between the Lakessince 1999, graduated in May from UW Stevens Point College of NaturalResources with a degree in Fisheries and Limnology. He had the help ofscholarships from BTL and MI’s Kermit Benson Scholarship. He is nowworking for Northern Environmental in the Counties of Vilas and Oneida onAquatic Invasive Species.


888.462.3832 www.esoxfishingrods.com

Stronger, lighter, more sensitive. ESOX Rods are considered by many to be the best Muskie rods on the market.

If you’re into the sport, you know that fishing for Muskie can be both trying and tiring. Our Muskie rods are extremely lightweight, sensitive and perfectly balanced, yet through skillful engineering, offer superior strength and durability. This helps reduce your fatigue over a long day of fishing.

Our 10 models of Muskie rods allow you to work any lure on the market and impart the action it was designed to have. Each rod is hand made in the USA.


2007 Chapter Challunge PicturesOpposite - The Traditional “Boat Photo”, plus some of the fish caughtduring this year’s Challunge.

Jim Wiltinger’s “Big Fish” of the tournament, a 49-incher fromHolcombe Flowage. Jim also caught other fish from 31 to 40 inches.

Len Rubesch and Bob Neidhold tagging one of thefish they caught.

Greg Hassman and Steve Ohms fishing DairylandFlowage at sunset.

The host team from First Wisconsin, the “Leinie’sTower”, and Frank Viscek from the Pomme de TerreChapter, who won the raffle for the Leinie’s chairs.


Photo Contest – July Winnersby Gordon Campbell

ss Winner #2: Jeremy Strahl & 49 as photographed byKent Sorensen and sent by Mike Winther.

This is a whopping Muskie and is photographed perfectly as a candid portrait.

ss Winner #1: "Live One"- Brad Waldera had theopportunity to photograph some Muskies on display

in large tanks. The natural portrait and slightlyblurred & uncluttered background added to the

appeal of this unusual shot. Note the facial detailsof the fish. Great shot, Brad.

Photo Tip of the Month“See it in the Magazine”

This month's tip deals with getting your photo(s)here in MUSKIE Magazine. Obvious as it may sound,the first thing to do is send them in. Right now wehave a relatively small group of members who oftensubmit photos. The next thing is to remember to sendyour best files. Avoid cropped images or ones thathave been resized or undergone major editing. Bysending an original, high resolution file, we have aphoto that I can work with and that will be printable.For now the member photos are in black & white soconcentrate on people, fish and fishing shots. Sunsetsand scenics lose their appeal and the feedback I'vereceived says people want "action"!

Good luck,Gordon Campbell,Photo Editor.

P.S. As an added incentive, check out the plaque shownon page 14 that Jim Roerig received, complete withwinning photo, from the 2006 Photo Contest.


New Introduction:When thinking of muskie fishing, many envision an angler cast-

ing a bucktail on a calm lake at sun rise. This tactic has and willalways, be a popular and productive technique. This vision is notalways the reality on the water. Fish move, conditions change and tobe successful, angler’s need to make the adjustments to remain suc-cessful.

Trolling, though used for decades, is changing rapidly. Oncefor vast open waters, or people too tired to cast, trolling is now awidely accepted practice for effective muskie fishing. Commonlyused in vast waters like Georgian Bay or the St. Lawrence River,trolling is becoming common practice in many parts of the Midwestand Canada.

Flowages and rivers are places where trolling is underutilized.The times when covering water is the ticket, trolling makes sense.This creates a problem. Flowages are filled with obstructions mak-ing it difficult to troll and discouraging at times. Do not give up.There is a way to troll these waters effectively.

Creating A SolutionFailed attempts at new tactics can get discouraging, and trolling

is no different. Learning to troll in between tight, turning structureis not suggested. When surrounded by these conditions, like theanglers of central Wisconsin, you may not have a choice. The pur-

pose of trolling small, open areas near structure is to catch muskiesafter the heat of summer drives forage away from shallow structure.

Perhaps your first trolling experience resulted in a mess. Longlines behind planer boards, far out to each side, is a recipe for disas-ter. With each turn came several snags, broken rod holders andpounds of weeds. Shortening up the presentation to take tighterturns would make navigating much easier. Utilizing modern elec-tronics to be more precise in navigation will help you pinpoint fish.

If new to trolling, search outside of the muskie fishing realm.Salmon, trout and walleye anglers are engulfed in trolling traditions,dating back several decades. The equipment they use covers allaspects of depth targeting and attraction. Combine the best qualitiesof all methods of trolling. This will allow you to come up with aneffective system for any situation. This is the solution to trolling intight cover.

Advantages to Short LinesThe best way to make navigating easier is to shorten your pres-

entation. The closer your lures are to the boat, the quicker they willmake turns with the boat helping you keep your lures clear of struc-ture and running properly. This is control and control is everything.It is easy to control the lure depth, speed location of a lure when cast-ing. Multiply this by six lines and control a lure with a boat ratherthan two arms and you have a challenge. Precision in trollingmethod is only to cover water with multiple lines, while not sacrific-ing the benefits to casting.

This is most apparent when trolling the wrong way. What hap-pens? You have three planer boards on each side and you have tomake a quick turn to avoid a rock bar. Because of the rapid speedand long lines, your outside boards come racing around the corner atspeeds twice that of your boat. When trying to avoid structure yourbaits will often dig into snags. When this happens, your insideboards slow greatly, sometimes to a complete stop, which can quick-ly result in a mess. As you can tell, I’ve dealt with this before!

With short lines you still increase speed on one side and decreasespeed on the other when turning, but on a much smaller scale.Rather than causing havoc on both sides of the boat, varying speedsmay become the quality needed to trigger strikes. This has becomea common practice of mine. Manuvering the boat back and forth,you change lure speeds on both sides of the boat in opposite direc-tions. Many times when making a turn specifically for lure action, aturn up of the throttle can achieve some more erratic action fromoutside lures. Ultimately, direction change can determine the speedthat fish prefer.

Outfitting Yourself for Trolling Short LinesWhile keeping lines short sounds like an easy task, there is a

variable that needs to be addressed. The first is getting you outfittedwith the proper equipment. There are a million different types ofproducts and styles, but I will share my favorite with you.

If you do not have a tiller but have a kicker motor, I would sug-gest controlling the motor by its tiller handle. Being in the back allthe time gives you quick access to all of your rods in case you hookup with a fish or get a snag. Adjust your speed to water temperaturesvarying them throughout the day. In the heat of the summer, troll

Trolling in Tight Placesby Justin Gaiche

www.redwinglodge.net • www.redwinglodge.on.caFamily owned and operated for 40 years

On Sabaskong BaySix-time Muskies, Inc.,

Chapter Challunge Headquarters1983, 1986, 1993, 1997, 2003, 2004

Over

7,000 MuskiesReleased

• Ultra-modern one, two, three, or four bedroom cabins• American plan, 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) 488-5601Red Wing Lodge, Box 1008, Baudette, MN 56623

between 5 and 7 miles per hour. Muskies are aggressive and scatteredand the faster you can cover water the more fish you will make con-tact with. Match your mood with the mood of the fish. When watertemperatures are higher and fish are aggressive, choose aggressivelures with wide wobble. In the fall when temperatures dip below 50degrees, slow down significantly. Two and three miles per hour areideal in cold water temperatures. Again, match your lures with thefish and move to crankbaits with tighter actions.

Each state is different in the number of lines allowed in thewater. It is legal to use three lines per person in Wisconsin but neverrun more than six lines at one time. While it is okay to use your highquality casting rods and reels for trolling, there is a plethora oftrolling specific gear. Choose a shorter prop wash rod like a 7-footheavy action fiberglass rod. This rod has a lot of power and is easierto manage close to the boat. Use a large profile, highly visible andnoisy lure like a chartreuse coach or firetiger crankbait. Use linecounter reels to get the lure back about six feet. If you do not haveline counter reels, learn how much line is let out with each pass ofyour level wind. There are also inexpensive add-on line counters thatwork well. Adjust your rod holder so that the rod tip is straight downinto the water. This will act along with the ball bearing swivel on myleader as a weed catch to keep the lure running true. Use fish friend-ly three to four foot, 80 pound fluorocarbon leaders. In the flowages,line visibility is not an issue with its stained water.

On the other back corner rod holder, put out a long line. Usinga long line does not mean putting a lure 100 feet behind a boat, justfurther back than your prop wash lure. Setting the lure 15 to 20 feetback is typical. I like to run glide baits or in line spinners that trackwell and don’t blow out. Adjust your rod tip to be down in the wateror up out of the water depending on your speed.

Then move to the outside of the boat beam and run two 8-footglass rods with lures just outside of the boat. They are called siderods, and you can rig them in two ways. When fishing shallow (lessthan 7 feet), simply use deep diving crank baits. Deeper crank baitsallow you to achieve the 5 foot depth you desire without lettingmuch line out. When fishing deeper situations like river channels orreef edges put away the deep cranks and go with shallow runningcranks. To maintain easily adjustable and controlled depths, add a 1-pound lead ball attached to the leader with a heavy duty snap. Thisallows gauging depths with line counters quickand easy as depths change.

Lastly, are the two outside rods, planerboard rods. The focus is to have short lines andcontrol. Use 8-foot glass rods to keep lines awayfrom the side rods. Run a planner board on eachside of the boat about 15 – 20 feet out. Thiskeeps patterns tight and covers the stained waterthoroughly as needed. With two planer boardrods, a 50 foot wide area will be covered with 6lures. When covering a break or channel withshallow cover on the inside, run a topwater lurelike a Topraider or Magnum Stomper. Theselures should be behind the inside board, about10 feet back. This is a great way to be unawareof the shallow depths and away from the boat,covering water with efficiency. It is not a goodidea to leave the topwater 100 feet behind theboard for two reasons. First, the shorter the linebetween your lure and your planer board, thebetter your hooking percentages are going to be.Having a bunch of line out is similar to using arubber band, as there is a lot of stretching and

movement between your rod tip and the fish. Secondly, planerboards can attract fish. Boards are bright; they cut water and makenoise. One of the largest muskies I’ve seen came up after a boardtwice. Let the board work for you as an attractant.

Run the deep water planer board similar to the side rods. Donot use lead weights, use a deep diving crankbait. The lead weights,along with deep crankbaits are too much for planer board to movefreely. Keep these lures higher, maybe 4 feet down over 10 or morefeet. Hopefully an active or moving fish will be higher on the watercolumn, putting your lure in his face.

Be AccurateNow that you have outfitted yourself in trolling in tight places,

it is important to use precision in your boat control. If possible, usea full screen GPS unit that has lake depth contours like Navionics,Lakemaster or Mapsource technology found in Lowrance, Eagle andGarmin units. These will allow you to precisely follow structure linesand keep your lures in the strike zone.

Many times you will have to deal with lakes, rivers and flowageswithout contour software available for them. Go out in the springbefore the weed beds had fully develop and plot them out with plot-ter screens on a GPS. Once you have saved this trail, you can go overit time and time again, without fouling up your lures. Being able tosave waypoints on major pieces of structure, or where you havecaught fish in the past will greatly help you key in on specific loca-tions.

Give it a try!While trolling is a great option there are certain times and places

for it. For trolling, mid-summer and late fall seem best. If you are acasting minded muskie angler and fishing structure gets difficult,give trolling a try. Those muskies you are looking for might be justover your shoulder. v

Justin Gaiche is a guide for Hooksetters Fishing Services (920)739-1309 – www.hooksetters.biz. Justin guides the waters of theWisconsin River and its flowages primarily for muskies. In addi-tion to guiding, Justin is a successful tournament angler and aManager for Gander Mountain in Appleton, Wisconsin.


The summer of ‘06 brought me a fortunate experience of liv-ing on the famous muskie factory Lake Vermilion in northeastern MN. I fished the lake from early May through late

September, and had many great experiences and learned many valu-able lessons.

Lake Vermilion sprawls from east to west with its northern mostextremities bordering the BWCA. There is a dam on the Pike Riverflowing into the lake, which is just one of many substantial tributar-ies. There is also a dam at the exit of the Vermilion River, which isthe lake’s only outlet. The dam on the in-flowing Pike River is veryold and seems all but derelict. If it is possible to change the volumeof influx, I think it is done very little. The dam on the VermilionRiver’s exit is nothing more than a fixed level retaining wall of rockand cement. Therefore, there is very little control over the lake’swater level throughout the season. Large amounts of snow melt-offand spring rains make the lake high in spring, but this water cannotbe retained. So if the summer is hot and dry, as was the case in ‘06,water level declines rapidly. Bob, my employer at Bay View Lodge,allowed me full use of his boathouse. During May, I could float my18’ boat all the way into the boathouse. However, by mid summerthe water didn’t reach the entrance of the boathouse. In total, thelake lost about 2-1/2’ of surface level throughout the season.Structurally, Vermilion is not one of Minnesota’s typical sandy-shoredlakes. If your boat is disabled and set fast adrift on a windy day, yourchances of hitting something soft are slim at best. Most ofVermilion’s shoreline is rock, and I’m not talking gravel. Bouldersfrom basketball to car size and exposed bedrock are the norm. Somesurfaces have been worn smooth, while others are very jagged.Vegetation is scarce in main lake areas, especially in the eastern half,which has a large rusty crayfish population. However, the lake hasmany weedy bays. There are docks and lots of fallen timber to pro-vide structure as well.Vermilion sprawls with many islands, points,bays, and channels; and is very easy to get lost. At roughly 50,000surface acres it is about one-quarter the size of Mille Lacs, yet it hasabout twice the shoreline. It would literally take a lifetime to fish allthe spots on Vermilion, and in reality a lifetime may not be enough.Experience is definitely a bonus on Vermilion, as its veteran anglersboat muskies with much greater consistency than newcomers such asmyself.

As far as populations of fish are concerned, Vermilion is verydivided. The western half of the lake has a much stronger popula-tion of bluegill, crappie, and northern than the eastern half. Muskiesare dispersed throughout; but the main lake structure, especially inthe eastern half, concentrates the most muskies during summermonths. Vermilion also has very healthy populations of walleye,perch, sucker, and tulibee; on which the muskies grow fast and large.Sometimes on a calm summer night, vast schools of surface feedingtulibees will go on as far as the eye can see. Water clarity also showsgreat variance. In the absence of any late summer algae bloom, waterin deeper main lake areas is very clear. However, water in many of thebays, especially sprawling Pike Bay, is dark stained similar to that of aWisconsin flowage.

Vermilion is one of those rare lakes on which it is tough to decidewhere to begin because everything looks so good. Every piece ofshoreline looks very fishy. With the incredible abundance of qualitystructure, one would think that the muskies would be widely and

evenly dispersed around the lake, but nothing could be further fromthe truth. Once hot weather stabilizes in late June, muskies concen-trate heavily on the shallow rock structure of reefs and small islands.Strong winds concentrate them even further on the wind blown sidesof these structures. In case you’re wondering what I mean by con-centrate, during certain wind conditions I have seen 12 muskies from45-55 inches in my field of vision all at once. They move in uniformfashion, just like any other school of fish; evenly spaced, in the samedirection, and with a uniform cadence of rhythmic tail sweeps. Onone occasion, I maneuvered my boat directly through one suchschool. The fish responded by circling my boat twice before meltingof the reef. It didn’t take me long to realize that if I saw the fish beforethey saw my lure, I didn’t have a chance of triggering them into strik-ing or even following. By keeping my distance from these locationsand bombing lures into them, I started to move many fish but gettingstrikes was another story. After all, these fish were not using hiddenout of the way spots that I had stumbled on by chance. These werecommunity spots not only for muskies but for muskie anglers as well.In fact, more than half of them were marked with hazard buoys.These spots were pounded day in and day out, but it didn’t drive thefish off of the structure. They hung around in the midst of it allrefusing to take the vast majority of presentations. Followers werevery curious and kept their nose right on the lure. At times theywould come in just to look at the boat. It was like a civilized under-standing between adversaries, like the wolf and the sheep dog drink-ing coffee together before punching in on the time clock in the oldcartoons. In my 13 years of muskie fishing, I had never seen any-thing like it. So my summer went on mostly like that. Raising hugemuskies almost every day, but taking very few strikes. I am a littleembarrassed to say that I never really figured them out and never tooka solid strike from a fifty incher. The closest I came was a low 50”range fish that lightly nipped the tail of my lure, never touching ahook, and proceeded to follow it all the way back to the boat beforeturning around and going home. I blame my poor success on myrefusal to adapt my presentations to suit the mood of the fish. Itsounds stupid because it was stupid, but I can honestly say it was thefirst time that my stubborn nature definitively cost me fish. So I sup-pose I learned an important lesson, even though I should have knownbetter to begin with.

The scenario played out like this. I like to fish jerkbaits, and Ican cover almost any casting situation using them. However, Ilearned that I cannot get the high speed reaction strike using them.On Vermilion, most muskies are caught by burning bucktails andstraight retrieve surface lures. The fish have seen many lures andlove to look closely at lures (especially jerkbaits, trust me on that one),but statistically they bite best on the reaction strike. A reaction strikeoccurs when a lure is moving too fast for the muskie to examineinquisitively, the principle being they can either choose to strike or donothing.

The trick would have been to start burning bucktails and surfacelures in prop and tail spin styles. However, that is not the style offishing I enjoy so I didn’t do it, I stuck with what I like to throw; andsometimes I regret it and sometimes I don’t.

I stuck by my guns and finished 17th when the MinnesotaMuskie Tournament Trail came to Vermilion. I stuck a 45.5” fattiewithin one hour on day two. I was the only single angler team to


Summer on Vermilionby Adam M. Glickman

boat a fish. Each day I had multiple fifties nose to the plug, but theywould not take for me. It was not because the fish weren’t goingthough, as I was told it was the most productive muskie tournamentever, even though there were only sixty some boats in the field. Infact, the top six teams each boated three fish; seven of those eighteenwere 50” or better, including muskies of 53.5”, 54”, and 54.5”!

I imagine those anglers were for the most part more experiencedon Vermilion than I was, and also more willing to do what needed tobe done to take strikes. From what I understand, they used tacticssimilar to the more productive ones I described earlier, as well asincorporating some use of Bulldawgs. The most important thing Ilearned in that tournament is that there are some serious anglers onthat tournament trail and that an angler must do whatever it takes totrigger strikes if they are to compete with them.

I will conclude this article with the story of the events duringwhich I learned my most important lesson of the summer. It wasAugust 31st and I had they day off. I stayed up the night before andwent out very early in a boat loaned to me by one of the lake’s shore-line residents. It was windy and there was a storm threatening fromthe northeast, so after an hour of fishing I went in before the sun waseven up. I went to bed and woke up around noon. The storm wasstill threatening, but was still not over the lake. I was frustrated overthe weather conditions, because I didn’t want to waste my day off,which incidentally only lasted for a half hour longer when my bosswalked over to my shack and informed me that I would be workingat 6:00 after all. At that point I said, “@#%$ it,” and decided to goout for a few hours.

I fished for a couple of hours about 5-7 miles to the east. Thebite was slow and I enjoyed fair skies overhead, all the time watchingthe storm brood over the boundary waters like a sleeping beast rollingin its bed. Then at about 4:15 p.m., the wind switched from out ofthe northeast to straight out of the north and the beast that had beenplaying possum pounced on me and everyone else who was foolishenough to be out that day. The storm bulged down with speed thatI had never before seen and by the time I had theengine started the sky was raining cloud to waterlighting strikes at 300 degrees around me. HadI anticipated the full storm surge that was notupon me yet, I would have headed north to takerefuge from the wind. However, the winds werenot as fierce yet as they would become.At thetime though, my first instinct was to drivetowards the only clear patch of sky, which wassouth directly over McKinley Park. I made it inbefore being completely enveloped by the electri-cal storm, tied up the boat, and took cover. Fora few minutes, everything seemed like it wasgoing to be O.K., but then the wind intensifiedlike I had never seen before and never want to seeagain. The dock I had tied to ran east to west,of which the boat was on the north side. Fueledby the winds howling across the main lake, hugerollers began pounding into the bay, smashingthe $50,000 borrowed boat into the dock.

My heart dropped into my stomach and Inew I was in for it. I ran out onto the dock inthe midst of lightning strikes and winds that hadto have exceeded 60 mph. For over half an hourI endured the elements keeping the boat formcomplete ruin and the brand new 200 hp out-board from smashing into the cement wall at thebase of the dock. I kept a buoy in one hand that

I strategically placed in the correct spot where the boat hit the dockeach time. One rope snapped, but the other held; keeping the motorfrom sliding into the wall. As the waves troughed, the distancebetween the trough and crest was so great that the boat pulled about4’ from the dock. This gave a good amount of distance for the boatto speed up with the next crest before hitting the dock.

Each time, I braced my feet against the dock and my hands onthe boat to slow it as much as possible before letting the buoy take thebrunt of the impact. The buoy would crush without taking a frac-tion of the force, upon which the side of the dock would lift violent-ly, nearly bucking me backwards into the water. If, in that seeming-ly endless amount of time, any part of my body had fallen betweenthe boat and the dock, it would have been severely crushed and bro-ken. The waves were huge, and every once in a while one wouldcatch up with the one in front of it and they would combine. Whenthis happened, the 19’ deep wide V hull, 200 hp main outboard, and9.9 hp kicker would rise over my head before crashing down. All inall I am lucky to be alive.

The storm subsided slightly, I started the engine, and an onlook-er loaned me his knife to cut the rope that had held. The knots werepulled too tight ever to be undone. I juiced the throttle and foughtthe still huge waves out of the bay. I docked up the boat and muchto my chagrin clocked in at the kitchen on time. Large trees weredown all around the lake, it was truly the storm of the decade.

The boat sustained only cosmetic damage, although much of itwas very unsightly and expensive. In some places, splinters from thedock were lodged into the aluminum hull. It was the best workout Ihad ever had. Every muscle in my body hurt for days. I felt like Ihad been hit by a truck.I knew that big water was capable of such fury,but I guess I had to experience it to truly understand. I’m not a reli-gious man, but I saw something out there that day, and it was mad atme. Mother Nature is not to be taken lightly, especially on big water.Most already know this, but a healthy reminder never hurts. Staysafe, dead anglers catch no muskies. v



Gosh, what a pleasant surprise to hear from so many dearfriends about my retirement. I do want you all to under-stand I am only passing the reins to someone else to do my

job. I can’t imagine me getting very far from Muskies, Inc. I intendto get back to writing articles and keeping you posted on manyevents. But, thank you for your thoughtfulness.

Best news I’ve heard all day…a new chapter in Washington State.#57 NWTigerPac was formed May 24th with seventeen new mem-bers. Welcome aboard President Perry and Janice.

Well, I have finally gotten all the plaques from the MUSKIEMagazine Chapter Projects Contest mailed to everyone, includingour wonderful sponsors; Tuffy Boats, Fittante Replicas, Cabela’s,Illinois Muskie Tournament Trail, Red Wing Lodge and Farm & CityInsurance. I am just sorry that we had a glitch and they couldn’t havebeen presented at the Spring Board Meeting. I thank you all anywayand look forward to next year.

FYI, the September issue will most likely be handled by Juris orsomeone else as I am goin fishn. Steve Budnik and I are headed forLac Suel for my 50”er. Then back to northern Wisconsin for moremuskie fishing. Lynda and I will be gone for the entire month of July.So please send all articles, Chapter News & Views, or anything toJuris, but please copy me also. Thanks!

This last weekend the Sun City Grand Fishing Club (of which Iam a member) held our first major Kids Fishing Derby. As many ofyou probably will recall, I helped organize four of these in Colorado.They were very successful and they are continuing to be very success-ful under Forrest Dykstra’s direction.

Anyway we had Wal-Mart here participating, they provided thekids T-shirts. The Arizona Game & Fish Department stocked extrafish and provided prizes for the kids. The City of Surprise RecreationDistrict provided a lot of prizes and a catered lunch for all of the par-ticipants. The SCGFC provided a bunch of old men and some greatwives to help the kids rig lines, bait hooks and remove fish, pass outprizes, etc. We had 197 kids and according to the Surprise RecreationDistrict folks this was the largest group of kids they had experienced.In talking with the AZG&FD they said this was either the 1st or 2nd

largest event of this weekend, National Fishing Week in the state. I mention this, as I know many of our chapters have their own

kid’s derbies. If there were other chapters who may be interested inputting on a derby I would certainly be willing to help with provid-ing information and contacts. I got started a few years ago with helpfrom a number of other chapters myself.

I had a call today from a member and he had just returned froma fishing trip to Rhinelander, Wisconsin. I have asked him to writean article for MUSKIE and I will publish it. Briefly, a fellow verbal-ly accosted him, his son, and his son-in-law coming out of a tackleshop from some barbershop across the street. This “person” was ani-mate about gaffing the muskies and cutting them open and left to lie.His only other option was to eat them. This person’s reasoning wasthat the muskies are eating all their walleye. Strangely enough I hadan Email from a totally different M.I. member from Minnesota whowas unhappy with a recent article I ran in MUSKIE. I will publishhis letter as well as my response. However, the bottom line here isWE members of M.I. need to do a major job of “damage control”. Ibelieve we need some large scale marketing efforts to bring the muskieto a sport fish level and support our state DNR’s to shut off this typeof ranting and raving. Now I am not suggesting this as a project forthe International and that they should hire some mystic marketingdirector. I am talking about each of us becoming knowledgeableenough to stand with and debate the benefits of having muskies inour lakes and streams. I would challenge you to start writing yourlocal Outdoor Editor of your newspapers, watch for negative storieson TV and offer to try and “educate” their audiences to the true facts.Let’s get our acts together and make sure we are all on the same wave-length. It sure looks like we have a job to do. Let’s get er done!

JimJim Smith, Managing EditorMUSKIE Magazine, The Official

Publication of Muskies, Inc.

Email: [email protected]

We work toimprove fishing!

As I See Itby Jim Smith

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Special Events2007September 21 (Friday)

M.I. International Fall Board MeetingLOTW in the Morson, Ontario area.Headquarters: Red Wing LodgeHosted by the International.Contact Paul Framsted

[email protected]: Sept 21st is the correct date.

(The 2007 MI Calendar incorrectlyshows Sept. 14th).

October 27, 287th Annual Fall Brawl – Kinkaid Lake,Murphysboro, IL. Host: Shawnee MuskieHunters Chapter #28.

2008April 3, 4, 5

2008 Spring board meeting, Hosted byTitletown Muskies, Inc., Chapter #4

Radisson Hotel & Conference Center,2040 Airport Drive, Green Bay, WITelephone: 800-333-3333

Contact Jay [email protected]

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Special events listings are provided atno charge to Muskies, Inc chapters.To list your chapter's event, email to:

[email protected]

or by ground mail: Jim Smith,15045 W. Double Tree Way,Surprise, AZ 85374-8568.

Please send announcementsat least 2 months in advance.

Chapter News and ViewsChapter News and Views

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No. Chapter, Address Phone #01.....Twin Cities, 414 Division St., Excelsior, MN 55331..........................................952-380-121802.....Fargo-Moorhead, Box 2021, Fargo ND, 58107................................................701-298-903203.....Chicagoland Muskie Hunters, 7600 Kilbourn Ave, Skokie, IL 60076 ...............847-677-001704.....Titletown Muskies, Inc., 3097 Inverness Lane, New Franken, WI 54229 .......920-866-970505.....Pomme De Terre, PO Box 5, Hermitage, MO 65668 .......................................417-745-238106.....First Wisconsin, PO Box 122, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 ...............................715-726-889607.....South Side Muskie Hawks, 5211 S. Narragansett Ave., Chicago, IL 60638......773-581-865008.....Capital City, PO Box 8862, Madison, WI 53708...............................................608-669-504609.....West Virginia, 1270 Federal Road, Little Hocking, OH 45742 .........................740-667-357110.....Heartland, 239 8th St SE, Mason City IA 50401..............................................641-424-082711 .....Mississippi Valley, 5301 11th Ave “C”, Moline, IL 61265 ..................................309-797-180312.....Headwaters, PO Box 652, Eagle River, WI 54521...........................................715-477-291313.....Hayward Lakes, PO Box 609, Hayward, WI 54843 .........................................715-634-454314.....South of the Border, 28926 W. Big Hollow Rd, McHenry, IL 60050.................815-385-902615.....Star of the North, 29957 La Plant Rd., Grand Rapids, MN 55744...................218-326-495816.....Three Rivers, 119 Bus Lane, Renfrew, PA15136.............................................724-789-786617.....Quad County, PO Box 185, Plano, IL 60545....................................................815-695-149418.....Hopedale, 15 Township Rd 125, Dillonvale, OH 43917 ...................................740-769-726919.....Akron-Canton Muskie Maniacs, 10957 Northwood Ave NE, Bolivar OH 44612.330-874-277320.....Between the Lakes, PO Box 61, Sheboygan, WI 53085-0061 ........................920-564-322621.....North Metro, PO Box 41216, Plymouth, MN 55441 .........................................952-469-215522.....New Jersey, http://www.mi22.com/ ..................................................................................TBD23.....Cleveland, 5611 Alber, Parma, OH 44129........................................................440-221-576024.....Brainerd Lakes, 9143 Lone Pine Road, Brainerd, MN 56401..........................218-821-366926.....Central Wisconsin, PO Box 263, Medford, WI 54451 ......................................715-748-263027.....Central Illinois, 1191 Sandra Lane, Monticello, IL 61856 .................................309-264-373028.....Shawnee Muskie Hunters, PO Box 602, DeKalb, IL 60115 .............................815-756-323129.....Upper Great Plains, 1788 Hwy 4, Estherville, IA 51334...................................712-362-250130.....God’s Country, PO Box 1461, LaCrosse, WI 54601 ........................................608-786-406231.....Penn-Ohio, 309 Spring St, Jamestown, PA 16134...........................................724-932-581532.....Flatlanders, 5776 Vesper Drive, South Beloit, IL 61080 ..................................815-389-462233.....Lake Superior, 2031 Hwy. 33 S., Cloquet, MN 55720......................................218-879-271235.....Milwaukee, PO Box 28842, Greenfield, WI 53220...........................................262-442-626037.....St. Cloud, 312 18th Avenue N., Sartell, MN 56377 ..........................................320-656-116038.....Vikingland, 2909 Wicken Lane NW, Alexandria, MN 56308.............................320-846-797539.....Fox River Valley, 1253 Cobblers Crossing, Elgin, IL 60123.............................847-741-977141.....Central Ohio, 603 Bennettwoods Ct., Cincinnati, OH 45320 ...........................513-231-196142.....Hoosier Muskie Hunters, PO Box 501371, Indianapolis, IN 46250 .................317-577-805044.....Colorado, 3739 Sawgrass Trail, Castle Rock, CO 80109 ................................303-668-408945.....Kentucky, 212 Linden Ave., Southgate, KY 41071...........................................859-441-166646.....Bemidji/Cass Lake, 11551 Misty Meadows Rd, Bemidji, MN 56601................218-759-009847.....Michigan Muskie Alliance, PO Box 512, Caledonia, MI 49316 ........................616-447-168848.....Arrowhead, PO Box 82, Virginia, MN 55792....................................................218-482-521749.....Webster Lake Musky Club, PO Box 670, No. Webster, IN 46555 ...................574-834-166950.....Penn-Jersey, 372 Kingwood Rd., King of Prussia, PA 19406 ..........................610-962-063252.....Daniel Boone, 813 US 62, Maysville, KY 41056..............................................606-759-761053.....Huskerland Muskie Hunters, PO Box 394, Valentine, NE 69201.....................402-376-274354.....Southern Crossroads, 1524 Country Club Rd, Albert Lea MN 56007 .............507-373-181855.....Mid Iowa Muskies, 2940 SW Meadow Ridge, Ankeny IA 50023 .....................515-289-158357.....NW TigerPac, 10517 SE 214th Place, Kent, WA 98031 ..................................253-850-5889

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May 5th was our annual Muskie Mayhem onPomme de Terre. Weeklong rains clearing onFriday evening, allowing a beautiful sunrise towelcome our 23 new, two-year members. Twentyvolunteer guides showed off the lake—it wasfour+ feet above pool—as well as the tactics andgear used in muskie fishing. With air temps rac-ing into the mid-eighties, and water temps eitherside of seventy degrees, gray-white clouds werepushed about in 10-20 mph winds like waves onthe open stretches of lake.

Three muskies were landed, others lost boat-side, and several more seen, despite post-frontalconditions. New member Jim Jones landed thelargest muskie, his first, a 40-inch fish from MartinFlats while trolling a Depth Raider. Jim wasawarded the helmet to sign and wear, and aRapala rod. Bill Hill was his guide. ChapterSecretary Fred Wehrli placed second with a 35”fish. Awarded an Ambassador reel, Fred donat-ed the reel to the fire-fund, to help replace a fel-low member’s loss during a house fire. RVPEarle Hammond landed a 32” muskie to roundout the scoring. James Weatherly, guided by theRVP, lost a 40” inch fish and nearly boated anoth-er. Hey, Earle, you might want to use the pontoonboat more often, and sell that other rig. A 50/50raffle was won, the new member donating theprize to the habitat fund. Other raffles and prizesinclude hats, and a tackle box including lures andface shield.

Dinner was stupendous!! A thank-you goesout to Denis Ledgerwood for purchasing andgrilling exceptional fillets. (Don’t try photograph-ing Denis when he’s sprinkling secret seasoningson the steaks.) Thank-you Jenny Reisch for get-ting the steaks to the lake. Our most sincerethank-you goes to the dinner committee. Ladies,as usual, superb effort and meal!! Thank-you,Mary Hammond, Audrey Neely, Laura and MariaKingsbury, and new member Tena Blevins for theextra set of hands: without your efforts we mightstarve. You truly are our Chapter’s unsungheroes. Last, but not least, to all volunteer guidesand new members, thank you. You make MuskieMayhem possible.

The First Wisconsin Chapter will be holdingtheir 31st annual fall fishing tournament onSeptember 14, 15, 16, 2007 on multiple waters ofChippewa and Rusk counties in Wisconsin. Fordetails please contact our chapter’s website athttp://firstwi.muskiesinc.org. This site includescomplete details, entry form, contacts, etc.

This is a very unique event. Annual participantsis about 300, annual muskie captures about 90 to100. Entry fee is just $35. Every person thatcatches a muskie will receive a prize. 1st placewinner gets to go to the prize table first, then 2nd,3rd, 4th etc. right on down to the last muskie catch-er. This is a release only event using the Muskies,Inc. scoring system. There are 16 different bodiesof water in the tournament so crowded lakes arenot a problem. This year Lake Eau Claire and

Rice Lake are new bodies of water available. It is2-1/2 days, Friday, Saturday and 1/2 day Sunday.Headquarters is East Bay Restaurant & Dam Baron beautiful Lake Holcombe.

Our chapter will be involved with the “FishingHas No Boundaries” event to be held on LakeHolcombe on August 18 and 19. Len Rubeschreports that we cannot get minnows from out ofstate because of VHS. We have reports from theDNR that they will not produce fish from all statehatcheries. It appears we will not be raisingmuskies in our chapter pond. Our chapter had abrat stand at Gordy’s grocery store for the firsttime. It was very successful, we netted over $700in 2-1/2 days. Chapter membership is holdingsteady at 218 members.

The Dairyland Flowage project has hit a snag.The DNR is concerned about mercury exposurefrom dredging so no permits have been issuedyet. This project was to start in late August orSeptember. First Wisconsin donated $5000 tothis effort. Our chapter will have the WisconsinMusky Clubs Alliance boat raffle again this yearat the Northern Wisconsin State Fair in ChippewaFalls from July 11 to 15. Plans are in process tohave a booth at the Northern Wisconsin DeerClassic and Outdoor Show again this winter. It isset for Jan 25-27, 2008. Plans for our chapterannual awards banquet are tentative for the 3rd

week of January.Reporter Jim Bunch

The muskie season opened in SouthernWisconsin on May 5th and several club membershad opening day success. The largest onecaught, at least known to this writer, was a 43incher by Rollie Squires on Twin Valley Lake nearDogdeville WI. The Madison chain also yieldedseveral nice fish on opening day with GeoffCrandall, Steve Reinstra, and Don Andersonhaving a successful day. Our May 14th meetingwas held at the Park Ponderosa in McFarland.Justin Gaiche was our featured speaker who is afishing guide from the Appleton Wisconsin area.His presentation was on river fishing for Muskies,especially the northern part of the WisconsinRiver. Justin told us the major consideration inriver fishing for Muskies was the river current.With use of a map, Justin took the gatheringthrough a meandering river with several currentdirection changes. Different from lake fishing formuskies, one has to hunt for the spots likely tohold a fish. Justin described how to separategood areas (eddies, rocks, downed trees, bridgepillars, etc) from those that may look good but notlikely to hold a muskie. All in attendance agreedthat river fishing for muskies is indeed a chal-lenge. The second chapter outing of the yearwas held on the Madison chain in mid-May.Thirty-seven club members participated in theMonona Outing that was organized by Don andLiz Hollatz. After a day of fishing which wasquite slow, the members were treated to a dinnerat the Green Lantern in McFarland. Awards,hand carved wooden jackpots by Don Hollatz,were presented to first (39.5” - Brad Nelson), sec-ond (34” - Dan Okray) and third (northern pike –Bill Wood). Members of the Capital City Muskiechapter wish muskie fisherman everywhere avery successful and safe 2007 fishing season.

Reporting: Gary Hoffman

Mid April thru mid May is usually one of thebest times for muskies in our neck of the woods.For unknown reasons, however, this year theaction has been sporadic. Several fished ourLeesville Outing on April 21 and 22 but nomuskies were caught and only a couple wereraised. Additionally, four veteran members spentthe three days prior to the outing at Leesville andfailed to boat a fish.

Things were better at the Odie Cutlip MemorialTeam Tournament on May 5 and 6 at StonewallJackson Lake but still only two fish were caught.Leonard Robinson fishing the Walkersville end ofthe lake with his partner Neil Smith boated a 44?” and a 30”. The 44 ?” fell victim to an AmmaBama jerkbait by Bill Looney. Most fishing thisevent saw fish and some had close encountersbut could not connect. A distracted Kyle Kelley, aJr. Member, lost a mid forty which took his baitunexpectedly. Kevin Woolard had a fifty inchclass muskie hit a big swimbait at boatside butdidn’t get hooked. Thanks to Darlene Kelley whoserved as Tournament Chairperson.

Although the fishing has been generally slowthere have been some successes. In one dayMike Moschell landed a 46” casting Salt ForkLake and lost three others. Ken and SheliaMcCord boated eight Stonewall Jackson muskiesincluding a 48” and 49” during the first week ofMay. This was their first time out in 2007. Theywere able to fish very little in 2006 but hopefullythis year will be different. It is great to see themback on the water.

Just a reminder that Fish Registration Formsnow need to be mailed to Gary Fields, 823Windsor Drive, Mineral Wells, WV 26150. Weappreciate the many years of good work asChapter Contest Chairman by Hall of Famemember Jim Feaster and hope that he is enjoy-ing his well earned break from this assignment.

John Kaltenecker, Secretary

Our Spring general membership meetings ofthe Headwaters chapter was well attended.Recent activities include Headwaters Chapterhosting a meeting with our local Wisconsin DNRfish biologist from surrounding counties. Thepresentation of last years survey data and futureprograms for the upcoming year. This was a veryinformative presentation regarding our local areafisheries.the following consists of our march andmay meeting highlights.

At our March meeting the Headwaterschapter nominated Joe Koschnik for a directorsposition. We look forward to Joes input at futuremeetings. Congratulations, Joe! Regarding elec-tions, Fred Brogle was voted in as our new RVP.Congratulations Fred!

We would also like to thank Art Anderson for allhis past contributions as RVP.

Our 27th annual Spring Classic MuskyTournament chaired by Jeff and Patti Miller, andJim and Carol Heffner was held on June 9th and10th 2007. This is a premier tournament andresults will be furnished in our next report.

West Virginia1270 Federal Road

Little Hocking, OH 45742740-667-3571

http://westvirginiamuskiesinc.orgMeets: No definite schedule-call

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HeadwatersP.O. Box 652

Eagle River, WI 54521715-477-2913 – Paul Hansenwww.headwatersmuskies.com

Meets 1st Wednesday 7:00 PM

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Pomme de TerreP.O. Box 5

Hermitage, MO 65668417-745-2381 – Carl Markswww.missourimuskies.org

Meets: Various days-Call for schedule

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First WisconsinP.O. Box 122, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

[email protected]@muskiesinc.org

Meetings 1st Monday, 5:30 PM, Rod and Gun Club,Lake Wissota.

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Capital CityP.O. Box 8862, Madison, WI 53708608-669-5046 – Gerard Hellenbrand

www.capitalcitymuskiesinc.orgMeets: 2nd Monday 7:00 PM Park PonderosaMcFarland, WI

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Current information can be found on our web sitewww.headwatersmuskies.com as well as lastyears tournament winners.

This summer Anderson will be hosting boatsafety classes in Eagle River at the Eagle RiverYMCA as well as Kids fishday days held atHeckels Marina thru out this summer

At our May meeting we had two new membersCurt Priefer and Gerard Jackson.As always newmembers are always welcome and we look for-ward to your input for the betterment of ourclub.in closing this is like a countdown period asthere is still over two weeks to our opening day ofmusky fishing here in the North woods.

Our next regular meeting will be held on June6th at 7 PM at the Eagle River Inn. New membersare always welcome.

Regards, Glenn Matula, Secretary

The guest speaker at our April meeting wasSteve Genson. Steve guides in the Hayward areaand also on some of Minnesotas big fish waters.He also makes regular appearances on theKeyes Outdoor TV shows. Steve’s presentationat our meeting was on Lake Mille Lacs. Mille Lacshas a well deserved as a lake that not only hasbig fish but lots of them. Steve filmed a show onthe lake with Greg Thomas where they boated 20fish in two days up to 48 inches! Steve explainedthe three primary patterns that Muskies use, sandflats, rock bars and weeds and where to be when.We want to thank Steve for donating his time. Ifyou’d like to fish with him his number is 715-558-3709.

In July we will not have a regular meeting butinstead have a picnic on Sunday July 22. Fishduring the day if you’d like and then meet at 5p.m. at the Lake Hayward picnic area. The clubwill provide beer and brats. Feel free to bringyour spouse or friends, especially someone whomay be interested in our club.

The first Sunday of August will be our annualkids fishing day, the 5th, this year. We can usual-ly use more guides and kids so contact us if youcan help or know some youngsters who’d like tojoin us. We meet at The Wisconsin Beer HuntersRestaurant at 9 a.m. and fish until noon when wehave a barbque and prizes for the kids.

Our 30TH Annual Fall Tournament is complete-ly organized and ready to go. October 5, 6, and 7are the dates this year. Power Sports of Haywardis our major sponsor again, helping us get theLund 17 foot Explorer on a Shore Lander trailerwith a Mecury motor. Power Sports is 11 mileseast of Hayward on Highway 77 east, please con-sider them if you’re looking for a boat, ATV orsnowmobile. To obtain additional tournamentinformation call Hayward Bait and Tackle at 715-634-2921.

Send your fish registrations for our memberscontest to Bob Timme, 12677 N Neumaier Road,Hayward WI 54843.

Good Fishing, Mike Persson

The Muskie Maniacs hosted the AnnualChapter Challenge at Salt Fork Lake on May 19th

and 20th. Club member Gordon Selden caughtthe winning fish last year with a 52” fish to haveus host the Challenge this year.

The weather was perfect for the weekend andthe fish also cooperated. There were 15 legal fishcaught during the Challenge along with many sublegal fish.

Matt Dean from the Cleveland Chapter 23 wonthe Challenge with a 45” fish. Way to go Matt!He also won the big fish pool to fill his pocketswith some cash.

We had 45 muskie hunters that fished theChallenge and we had a cookout on Saturdayafternoon. Master chef Guy Bechter cooked up afeast for everyone and we also had leftovers totake back to the campground for all to share. Wehad a great weekend of fellowship and hope wecan get more Chapters to join us next year.

Our next tournament will be June 9th and 10th

at Leesville Lake. The bite is happening right nowat Leesville with club members turning in theircatches and hope the bite is still on for thetournament. We are going to have a cookout onSaturday and hope for good weather for theweekend and that the fish will cooperate.

Here is a list of our upcoming events that we arehaving: July 28 -29th - Milton Lake Tourney,August 11th - PM Bite at Leesville, September22nd - Memorial Outing

Kevin Proffitt

The highlight of the Spring season has beenthe fish rescued jointly conducted by the Chapterand NJDFW. Chuck Graf took a few after darkvisits to the spillway and with his flashlightnoticed the glare of dozens and dozens of eyes.Craig and crew responded along with Carl Graf,Greg Calt, John Russo, Tom Amels, SteveScornavacca, Kevin Johnson, Kurt Gould andothers. 21 Muskies to 48” were returned toGreenwood along with 50 Walleyes. Prior res-cues have yielded up to 500 Walleyes plus bigMuskies. Great job to all involved. Lastreminder- June Tournament is on the 23rd, withMonksville and Greenwood eligible. Picnic after-wards . See mi22.com for details or contact anyclub officer.. Next monthly meeting is onSeptember 25th, 8 pm Lake ArrowheadClubhouse. Fishing has been slow this Springbut Kevin Johnson was treated to his personalbest, a four footer, congrats Kevin. Carl Graf hasa 16’ boat for sale, contact Chuck for details.Enjoy the season.

Submitted by Gordon Campbellhttp://students.uwsp.edu/jjaco985/index.html

The Awards Banquet was well attended and agood time was had by all especially Jeff andMarty. The Wisconsin Rapids members JasonSchillinger,Don Kempen,Matt Brinkman and JoeSiegler accounted for 112 of the 148 released

muskies. Perhaps we should have some meet-ings and/or outings in the Rapids to get a fewpointers.

It is a good Muskie hatch at the Kalepp FishFarm this year according to Lloyd Kalepp’s moth-er. Lloyd has been to busy finding food for thoseyoung piscivorus. The club has received $1000dollars from the Taylor County Sportsman’sAssociation for stocking muskies in Spirit Lake.We have ordered 100 fingerlings from KaleppsFish Farm destined for Spirit Lake but the DNRfisheries biologist has ordered muskies as well.Any suggestions for an alternative stocking lakepreferably in Taylor County if in fact the DNRdoes stock muskies in Spirit Lake.

I would like to thank the following for theBanquet raffle donations, St Croix Rods, MedfordFarm & Home, Weathershield, Shell Easy Stop,Shane’s Outfitters, Ruser R-Store, Holiday Gas,Sportsman’s Repair shop, Waters Edge B.P.,Medford County Market, Time Federal SavingsBank, Gregg Peterson Tackle, Checkers, LiskeMarine, Lundy Electronics, Happy Joe’s Pizza, K-Mart,Quick Trip, Kentucky Fried Chicken, andMcDonalds.

Outing dates: June 7 - Spirit Lake, July 12 - RibLake, August 2 - Lake Alexander.

We are looking for team members for the GilHamm June 13,14,15 on the Holcombe Flowage.Please contact me at 715 457-2192.

Gerald Bucholtz

On June 9, 2007 we held our second Kid’sFishing Day Event @ Murphysboro Lake. Ninetykids dressed in yellow or green t-shirts providedby the chapter, attended with their parents/guardians. We had wonderful weather. The kidscaught over 400 fish in 90 minutes offishing…mostly bluegill, consumed 180 hotdogs/200 bags of chips/300 drinks, and painted awooden lure to take home. (The Luhr-JensenWooden Lure Kits were purchased thru MattJensen at Rapala.) Mark Yehling from theILDNR provided the rods, reels and some hand-outs, and gave an excellent fishing and safetypresentation to start the day. Angie Kuehl fromJackson Co. 4-H coordinated the signup of thekids from the local area. Fifteen of our membersattended with 10 friends and volunteers to helpmake this a great event. Be sure to look at thewebsite to view our picture collogue from thisevent. www.shawneemuskiehunter.org We hadlocal support with cash donations from Wal-MartFoundation, Murphysboro Tourism, and JacksonCo. 4-H. Merchandise donations came from theBass Pro Shop in St. Charles, MO, Top of the HillBait Shop, Shakespeare, Eagle Claw, PureFishing, and ILDNR. We all had a great time andlook forward to next year…same place, on June7, 2008. Hope you can make it! We’re lookingto increase the event to 150 kids next year.Upcoming Events:

July 14 Shelbyville Bellow Dam Fish Outing,meeting & Lunch @ 12:00 P.M.

July 25, from 6:30 to 10 pm, lure demonstra-tion at the Danbury sub-division pool in Ballwin,MO. This is a joint meeting with the Pommechapter. Dennis Ledgerwood made the arrange-ments for the night. We will be demonstrating var-ious muskie lures. Brats, chips and non-alcoholic

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Hayward LakesP.O. Box 609

Hayward, WI 54843715-634-4543

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Akron-Canton10957 Northwood Ave. NE

Bolivar, OH 44612Gordon Selden - 330-874-2773http://[email protected]

Meets 3rd Monday 7:00 PM, Belgrade Gardens,3476 Massillon Road, Akron, OH.

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New Jerseyhttp://www.mi22.com/22

Central WisconsinP.O. Box 263

Medford, WI 54451715-748-2630 – Jim Jacobs

[email protected]

Meets 1st Thursday, 7:00 PM, Happy Joe’s,Medford, WI

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ShawneeP.O. Box 602

DeKalb, IL 60115815-756-3231 – Gary Dew

(815) 529-1159

Meets: varies-call for schedule.

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beverages will be provided. Dane Garrett is ourcoordinator for this event. (314) 941-2196.

Muskie Gal! Shannon [email protected]

On May 17th board members Tim and DianneRoberts, Carl Waddell, Skip Frakes, MarkMithchell, Virg Harrison, Leo Kofoot, Dale Witt,Scott Larson, Randy Meyer, Rod Blau, andmyself were all in attendance for our annualmonthly meeting at the American Legion inMilford. Planning for upcoming events like theSpirit Lake Outing and Muskie League were dis-cussed. Results from the June outing will beupdated in next months chapter news.The IowaGreat Lakes muskie season got started on May21st. Water temps were in the mid 60’s andwater clarity has been excellent on all the lakes.We held our first league night on May 23rd onEast Okoboji. We had nine people turn outdespite some rainy weather all day.

However mother nature smiled during the fish-ing hours and it turned out to be a beautiful night.No muskies were caught but three fish were seenincluding one fish that was hooked and lost. Afew aggressive pike along with nice weather stillmade it a good night on the water. It feels greatto back on the lakes looking for the next fish!Thenext league night will be held on July 11th onWest Okoboji at Triggs boat ramp. Followingthat we will be back on Big Spirit on July 25th atTemplar Park boat ramp.

For August we will be on West Okoboji on the8th and 22nd to finish off the league season.Remember, league night fishing starts at 6:15pm and will run until sundown.

Everyone is invited to come and fish. All youneed to do is sign in with Rod Blau or myself from5:30-6 at the boat ramp we are fishing at thatevening. Entry fee for league night is $7. Youvisit the UGP chapter websitehttp://muskieclub.com to see all the upcomingevents.

Sincerely, Pete Hildreth Chapter Editor,

[email protected]

Hello All,Welcome to the middle of Summer! We hope

everyone has been able to get a trip or two in.Get out and enjoy the weather with your familyand friends.

July starts month number two of three in our“Summer fishing League.” After this month weonly have Sunday August 12th. One more Fivea.m. start! Good luck to all, see you on the water.

We know everyone is busy with the usualSummer fun. Along with that we ask you toremember to purchase your tickets for our elec-tronics “Mega Raffle.” While you are havingBBQ’s and picnics that would be a great time tosell a few tickets to your friends. After all if youaren’t fortunate enough to win the T.V. than youcan always go to that lucky friend who won it and

watch at their place! All proceeds from this rafflego to our Youth, Fisheries and Stocking program.Help us to build a fishing future for your children.Our goal is to have each member sell $100.00worth of tickets. The member who sells the mosttickets will win a $300.00 Gift Certificate fromRollie & Helen’s Muskie Shop. Prizes are: ThirdPlace, A 30 GB iPod (Retail $ 240.00) SecondPlace, A Nintendo Wii (Retail $ 400.00) and inFirst Place the one we are all crossing our fingersfor, a 42-1/2 Daewood Plasma TV (Retail$2000.00) We are selling tickets for $5.00 eachor a book of five for $20.00. We will be sellingthem right up until the time of the drawing at ourSeptember 12th. Meeting. You DO NOT have tobe present to win.

Next month in August is our annual BartlettKid’s Fishing Derby on the 18th. Located atBeaver Pond on Stearns Road just East of Rt. 59in Bartlett. Participant registration starts at 8:00a.m. Fishing takes place between 9:00 and 11:00a.m. Following fishing is a prize raffle andawards.

We can always use volunteers for this event. Ifyou can donate a few hours of your time to sharethe fun of fishing with these kids please contactour Youths Director, Mike Zaborowski at 630-458-1861 or [email protected].

Looking forward a bit to Fall our upcoming tripsare: DePere/Fox River/Green bay, October 12thto 14th. North Webster Indiana, November 16th.to 18th. All details and updates are on the web-site.

Also this Fall on October 27th. is the secondhalf of our “Challunge on the Chain” TournamentSeries. It is NEVER too early to get signed up forthis. If you have fished with us before you know itis a great day on the water followed by a tasty hotmeal, beverages and tables full of awesome raf-fle prizes. If you have not fished it consider givingit a try. With cash payouts to tenth place you havea good chance to “Get Paid to Fish!”

Our regular club meeting dates are the secondWednesday of the month at the Poplar CreekCountry Club. We will be back in Septemberwhen our featured speaker will be Todd Forcieron Wisconsin Petenwell Flowage Muskies. InOctober will be our own Russ Schaller on the FoxChain of Lakes. The accommodations at PoplarCreek are the best. They offer members a buffetstyle dinner starting at six p.m. before the 7:30p.m. meeting. The week before the meeting theweb site will have the buffet menu and cost. Seeyou there.

Until Later, Return ‘em to the water Healthyand Remember Our Troops.

JT

After our guide for a day. We could not havedasked for a more beautiful day. Great food andguest’s , and we got some fish to cooperate andit turned out to be a awsome day.

Here are some of the upcomming outings that thewebster lake muskie club has on schedule:JUNE 2—1st cash tournament on Webster LakeJUNE 15 & 16—Terry Anderson 2nd Annual Iron

Man – 7pm to 7pmSEPT. 8—2nd cash tounament on the Barbee

ChainSEPT. 29—Guide For A DayOCT. 6—3rd cash tournament on Webster Lake

The club welcomes everyone to our outingsand tournaments. For more information you canemail me at [email protected] Chae Dolson at [email protected] orcheck out the clubs website at www.webster-lakemuskyclub.org we look forward to seeeveryone there and hope everyone has a greatand safe season.. see you on the water andremember to hammer your hooksets and let’emgo and let’em grow.....

Bill Bennett

On May 24, 2007 in Federal Way, Washington,just south of Seattle, the first organizational meet-ing of Muskies Inc. west of Colorado cametogether. The turnout was exciting and the meet-ing went great! We had around 35 and half ofthose (17) signed up that night. We donated over$100 worth of lures in a “membership raffle” (freeif you signed up that night) and we gave 3 setsaway plus a Muskies Inc. hat, so total value eachwas $35.00; the cost of an individual member-ship. Made some guys pretty happy, but NOTME... some of those baits I don’t have and theywere mighty tempting. LOL.

Special thanks to Patricia Strutz of www.ablon-dandherboat.com for the lures selections. Andkudos to Mark Wells and Todd Reis for runningthe raffle table.

We had two guest speakers from theWashington Department of Fish and Wildlife(think DNR). Bruce Bolding, Warm water biologistand the WDFW Warm water Program Manager,Steve Jackson, spoke about the up and comingplans for the Washington Tiger Muskie. We alsoviewed the excellent Muskie Inc. video “How toRelease Muskies Properly” We had it changed toa DVD and sent the original back to RonGroeschl for the next Chapter to use. Membersenjoyed it not only from a teaching perspective,but a historical document as well.

We had “next generation” muskies anglers,too; one man brought his 5 sons. There were 6women in the room, all but one spouses, andthey all fished for muskies.

There were a lot of very successful muskieanglers from the south Seattle area and the westside of the State. But the most amazing merithas to go to Scott Hughes and wife Sadie, whowon the $25 gift certificate from Sportsmen’sWarehouse for traveling the longest way for themeeting: From Spokane: That is 302 miles, 5hours, one way, on a Thursday night!

There were nametags for everybody, with afierce muskie on it as well as their favorite lake,(if known) just to help break the ice. People chat-ted up each other and made fishing tales come tothe surface fast. Great group of anglers and it’sgoing to be fun exchanging ideas and trips! Keepin mind that only one or two had met before. Itwas wonderful to finally meet other muskie fansand put names with faces.

The Northwest Chapter #57 is up and out ofthe nest and starting to fly. Our next meeting willbe June 21st, Thursday, same place & time,7PM, Federal Way Denny’s.....2132 S 320th Way,across from the SeaTac Mall north side of 320th.We will be gathering Board Members andChairmen positions.

Best Regards, Perry Peterson (Janice Kuper)


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39Fox River Valley

1253 Cobblers Crossing, Elgin, IL 601230847-741-9771 – Rich Gallagher

www.frvmuskie.com

Meets: 2nd Wed (Exc June/July) Poplar Creek CountryClub, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates, IL.

Upper Great Plains1788 Hwy 4

Estherville, IA 51334712-362-2501

Meets 3rd Thursday , Legion Club, 1709 OkobojiAve., Milford, IA.

29

Webster LakeP.O. Box 670

No. Webster, IN 46555574-834-1669

49

NW TigerPac10517 SE 214th Place

Kent, WA 98031Perry Peterson, Pres.

(253) 850-5889

57


Sunglasses are not only a fisherman’s friend, but an integral partof our tool chest. In addition to reducing glare to help locateunderwater structure, they also provide much needed protec-

tion. However, in the world of sunglasses, there are many different

levels of quality. Choosing a pair solely by how they look on you orby the lowest price is not your best bet. There are four basic things toremember when purchasing your next pair of sunglasses for fishing:

* 100% UV/100% Polarized * built to last, durable * snug, comfortable fit * a lifetime warranty.

Ultraviolet Light (UV)UVA is of particular concern to eyecare professionals because it

can easily damage the retina of the human eye. UVB is of the greatestconcern because it is involved in the production of cataracts.Correctly designed polarized lenses block out ultraviolet light througha process called absorption. Quality sunglasses block out 100% ofthese dangerous rays. Look for glasses, such as those manufactured byCosta Del Mar, that integrate the UV protection directly into thelenses. Inexpensive brands will just add a coating of protection. Thiscoating will wear off through everyday use and cleaning, leaving youreyes exposed to these harmful rays.

A number of studies have shown the relationship between sun-light exposure and the development of cataracts. Lesser quality sun-glasses will claim to block UV rays through the use of dark lenses. Inreality, this makes the situation worse as dark lenses cause the pupil todilate, allowing more of the dangerous UVA radiation to reach theeye.

UV rays damage your retina and may increase your chances ofdeveloping macular degeneration. The macula is in the center of theretina and is responsible for straight-ahead vision. Macular degenera-tion accounts for approximately 12% of blindness in the UnitedStates.

Ultraviolet light passes through cloud cover even on overcastdays. Make sure to choose sunglasses with UV protection directlyembedded into the lenses.

PolarizationThe primary function of a polarized lens is to eliminate reflected

glare. Glare reduction is key to all fishermen, but especially to thoseof us chasing a fish that has a tendency to examine and follow a lure.Ripples, waves, and glare make it nearly impossible to see this fish orany subsurface structure.

The term polarized comes from what happens to light waveswhen they bounce off a horizontal surface. Their magnetic waves lineup horizontally; thus the term polarized. A polarized lens blocks thishorizontally polarized light (glare) from entering your eye (seeDiagram 1). A polarized film, molded between polarized lenses,allows only vertical light (“ambient”) to pass through. Ambient lightdoes not produce glare.

Glare causes eyestrain and discomfort. Simple tinted or plasticlenses by themselves can not solve the problem of glare. Glare can

cause temporary blindness (think back on the blinding effect of a flashbulb) and leads to headaches and nausea. Many problems with nightvision are caused by the lingering effects of exposure to glare duringthe daylight hours. Exposure to sunlight produces a cumulative effecton our ability to see at night. To maintain optimal night vision, wearsunglasses which block 100% UVA, UVB, and UVC yet allowenough visible light in to enhance visual acuity.

Built to last, durable /Snug, comfortable fit.Durability is in the details. Look for corrosion-resistant, stainless

steel spring hinges. Wire core or co-injected temples should adjust forthe perfect fit. And, silicone (or similar material) nose pads provideexcellent gripping ability—even when you perspire.

Fishing eye ware should be so comfortable that you forget youhave it on, however, remember that you also want it “snug.” You’ll beracing around at 45 mph and don’t want your glasses flying off intothe water. Step one is to find a frame style that rests well on your noseand behind your ears. There should be no sunlight coming in fromthe top of the frame or from the sides.From there, you can pick outyour frame color and a lens. Resin (plastic) lenses offer these advan-tages over glass lenses:

*less expensive *greater impact resistance *lighter

However, plastic lenses offer less scratch resistance, are more suscepti-ble to chemicals, and can be distorted by heat. Look for plastic lensesrated to 8.5 scratch resistance (glass is rated to 9).

Glass lenses provide more optical clarity, are more scratch resist-ant, and less susceptible to chemicals than plastic lenses. However,they are generally much heavier. Certain manufacturers offer light-weight glass lenses. Costa Del Mar’s glass lenses are actually 20%lighter than the average polarized lens. They also add other featuressuch as glare absorbing anti-reflective coatings applied to the back sur-face of the lens.

Why is comfort so important? You want to wear these glasses allday long—and well into the evening. The minute you take them off,you are inviting an accident to happen. Case in point: while fishing inCanada this past year we received an alarming call over the marineradio. Two guys, who had fished together for years, had asituation…Fellow #1 had taken off his sunglasses and his partner pro-ceeded to mis-cast. A bucktail (treble hook and all) was now solidlystuck in his eye. At the very least, this put a damper on the day’s fish-ing. We raced across the Lake of the Woods, then drove a couple

See More, Catch More!by Patricia Strutz


Diagram 1 (Courtesy of Costa del Mar)

hours to the nearest hospital. We were very lucky. An eye specialistwas available who performed surgery immediately. Thankfully, therewas no loss of vision…but, there just as easily could have been. It is sovery important to wear eye protection at all times. 90% of all eye injuries(over 100,000 annually) could have been prevented. Choose a pair ofsunglasses that are so comfortable, you forget they are on!

Lens ColorLens colors definitely affect the way you see the world. Here’s a

basic guideline to consider:Gray: Provides natural contrast and minimizes color distortion, evenat low light levels. Designed for long hours in direct sun. Amber/Brown: Offers a brighter field of vision and excellent colorcontrast. Perfect for fishing in shallow waters on both overcast andsunny days.Rose/Copper: Heightens visual acuity and color enhancement.Delivers the brightest field of vision in overcast or low light condi-tions.Yellow/Amber: Designed for early morning or late afternoon usewhen low lighting conditions require greater light transmission andcolor contrast. Excellent for sight fishing.Blue mirrors: (blue mirror coating applied to a gray based lens) Goodfor bright sun conditions.Green mirrors: (green mirror coating applied to an amber basedlens). Exceptional for freshwater fishing in variable light conditions.

Here’s a Few to Consider…My personal favorite, Costa Del Mar, is considered by many to

be the industry’s benchmark of performance. Their lens technologyand quality components help deliver the best-performing frames onthe water. Worn by professional anglers Jose Wejebe (the Spanish Fly)and Cindy Garrison, these glasses deliver extraordinary definition andclarity.

Many models are available in prescription lenses, even in bifocals(Costa C-Mates). They also proffer a variety of accessories—fromneoprene rubber keeper cords to visor clips and hermit cloths…they’llhelp keep your investment safe and handy.

Lastly, they offer four sunglass styles that have interchangeablelenses. Try on the Fluid, Tropic Star, Reef Raider or Release styles forthe utmost in versatility and performance. Each sunglass is availablewith 3 polarized lens sets for different light conditions –www.costadelmar.com (386) 677.3700.

H30 also offers three polarized, polycarbonate lenses on all theiranglers packages. Dark gray, amber, and twilight yellow removablelenses ensure that you’ll have the proper protection for all lighting con-ditions. Another neat feature, H30 offers prescription inserts. Mountthe inserts to the back side of certain models’ frames, then bring thisassembled unit to your optical professional. They will measure theplacement of your prescription and cut and mount the lenses into theprescription inserts. This way, you’ll have full, wrap-around coveragefor light filtering and still have the ability to change lens colors to fitweather conditions. www.H30polarized.com (800) 750.7060.

Durable Kaenon sunglasses are prescription adaptable utilizingtheir SR-91 prescription lenses. This quality eye wear accommodatesdifferent facial features and is designed for both men and women.They offer two lens shape options:

* Regular lenses fit smaller faces or high check bone structures. * Larger lenses (approximately 2 millimeters wider and deeper)

fit larger faces to provide protection from the elements.Many touring B.A.S.S. pros choose these glasses. www.kaenon.com(949) 574.7918.

How important is eye protection for kids? Very! In fact, mostpeople receive 80% of their lifetime exposure to the sun by 18 yearsof age. Excessive exposure to sunlight during early childhood is harm-ful to the eyes. The lens in a child’s eye is not as fully developed. Itwill not block as much UV as the adult eye. Cataracts are the result ofgradually accumulating damage-especially when one is young. Therisk for retinal damage is also greatest in children under 10 years old.Parents, protect your children against the harmful effects of the sun—teach them to wear sunglasses, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00p.m., when ultraviolet exposure is the most dangerous.

Ocean Waves takes pediatric eye care very seriously. They haveframes available to fit small faces. Yes, children have a tendency tolose things…Ocean Waves also offers a variety of gripper cords tokeep the sunglasses safely attached to fast, moving bodies!www.oceanwaves.com (800) 495.9283.

Do you like to jam to Nickelback or Frank Sinatra while youfish? Oakley has brought sunglasses into the new millennium…Theirsport designed THUMP PRO’s are not only sweat resistant (perspira-tion actually increases the grip) but also offer digital music. A digitalaudio engine is fully integrated into the frame. It is a cordless design,with adjustable speakers. The 1 GB version has the ability to store upto 240 songs and plays up to 6 hours on a single charge. So, rock on!www.oakley.com (800) 431.1439.

See more, catch more? Well, I don’t know if that’s true or not.But, one thing is for certain: protecting your eyesight ensures you’ll beable to enjoy a lifetime of great scenery…baby loons, brilliant sunsets,and big muskies! v

*Authors Note: While researching this article, there was one thing I wasunable to find… “floaties.” Does anyone know if there are any sunglassescords that are floatable? Thus, if you do drop your glasses in the water,they’ll float? Any information is welcomed, please email me: [email protected]

Patricia Strutzwww.ablondandherboat.com

(715) 891.1173**

SEE MORE, CATCH MORE! (Continued from page 29)

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

COLDWELL BANKER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10ESOX RODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15FITTANTE REPLICAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33LAX REPRODUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17LEECH LAKE BOARD OF TOURISM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15MUSKIES, INC. BROCHURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33PASTIKA’S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12RED WING LODGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20ROLLIE & HELEN’S MUSKY SHOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10ST. CROIX RODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iiSUICK LURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24TAYLOR COUNTY TOURIST COMMISSION . . . . . . . . 23TITLETOWN-“BEST OF THE BEST” TOURNEY . . . . . . 18TUFFY BOATS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34TWIN CITIES-“SCHNEIDER MEMORIAL” TOURNEY . . 13YAKIMA BAIT COMPANY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33YOUNG'S WILDERNESS CAMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21


“We had better drive up to LonesomeLodge to celebrate you catching your firstMuskie.” I said to Rog.

“Yes, we should, but would they beoffended that I caught my first Muskie downSouth?” Rog asked.

“I hardly think so….but now if it was aNew World Record ….that would be a differ-ent story.”

“Could a New World Record come froma Southern Reservoir?”

“I don’t know; what I do know is thatthey grow faster down South but don’t live aslong.”

“I heard or read that somewhere.”We decided to drive up to Lonesome

Lodge for a couple of days, maybe even dosome Muskie Hunting.

We arrived at noon and were greeted byHarold, “Well, Gentleman, this is a pleasantsurprise. You’re just in time for lunch.They’re all in the dining room at the biground table; go in and I’ll get you rooms fora couple of days. Number 7 for you, Mr.Jenkins and number….Hmmmmm…we’llgive you the SPECIAL, Mr. Hunter.Hey…maybe we ought to be calling youMister Muskie Hunter since you’re not aGreenhorn anymore!”

“Wha…?! How’d he know…did youtell Keg?…Kodie?” Asked Rog.

“No…”We got seated at the big round table by

James who welcomed us saying, “I hear yougot plenty figure 8 practice in Bob, whileRog, the new Mr. Muskie Hunter scoredwith his first Muskie!”

“You sure they ain’t filming ‘GreenAcres’ with a new twist?” Rog asked.

“I don’t think so….just remember thatthis place is enchanted.”

“That it is.”“Well, if it isn’t the Great Mr. M.

Hunter,” Rod said.“I’ve only caught one an…”“But now you are one of us,”

Cal said, “Bring another pot of thatSafari Blend Decaff please Bill, wewant to hear Rogs’ story.”

“Coming right up Gentleman and, MsKodie.” Bill said.

“But you guys have caught many andmany big ones; I’m sure you’ve been throughand heard one like mine a thousand times.”Rog said.

“We want to hear it from the horse’smouth.” Said Louie, “Did you get Muskie

Fever?”“Not if that guide got the name right!”

Rog answered.“Tell us in yer own vords, ve vant ta ‘ere

it fer da first time here at Lonesome Lodge.”Said Albert, “’N vhut lure vere ya usin’.”

Bill brought the fresh pot of coffee,poured us all a cup, took our lunch ordersand Rog began to speak: “Well…it was themorning of the second day, I was casting atriple blade spinnerbait….I looked down andsaw this Muskie…..”

“Yes?” Encouraged Kodie.“PM*ZZGM!!#!”“ That’s how it will happen.” Louie said.“What will happen?” Everyone asked.“Just what he said.” Answered Louie.“But he said, “PM*ZZGM!!#!” Keg

said. Everyone agreed.“Yes, your right.” Louie again answered.“Whaddeya mean, ‘Yes, you’re right’.

What did he actually say?” Asked Cal.“Darn, darn, darn….I see you people

need just a little more experience. What hesaid was….”and Louie related Rog’s story.

“Did I get it right, Rog?” Louie asked.“GM*#!!!ZH*”“Thank you, I thought I did.”Rog sipped some coffee, then said,

“Well, how’d I do in telling my story?”“Fantastic!” said Cal.“HEAR! HEAR!” We all shouted.Lunch was served. Rog and I said we’d

like to give it a try late afternoon.“Better go soon as rains are coming in at

about sundown.” Keg announced.“I got da 16 footer vid da Fleetvin ready

‘N vaitin’. I’ll take youse guys out ‘N do darovin’.” Albert offered.

“We’ll take you up on that offer, Albert;just let us get out tackle and we’ll head out..”I said.

“Try casting the shoreline other side ofCharlie’s Point. We’ve hooked some niceones of the Clear Pattern there.” Said Otis.

“We’ll motor right over there and give ita try…Thank you!” I said.

“Yah….Tanks!”We got going and

motored past Charlies’ Pointand Albert cut the motor.

Rog was using a spinnerbait. I showedhim and Albert my lure. I said that I hadsanded the sides flat on a Gray Wisher Jr andpainted them silver.

“Looks good!” Said Rog.Albert was giving me a squinte eyed look

as he glanced at the lure.“Albert” I said, “Think of this as a minia-

ture ‘DAT LURE’”.There was a slight pause….then….“Yah….By Yiminey, I vas tinking da

same ting. A minne…minner….minna…’ow ‘bout Little Dat Lure?”

“Sounds good to me!”We both began casting the shoreline as

Albert did the rowing.A beautiful sight is seeing a Muskie hit a

top water lure. The boil, swirl and sharp hit!I jerked back twice to assure a good set.

“Yew gotta goud von!” Albert said as hemaneuvered the boat. Rog reeled in and gotthe net. Twice, this Muskiie went under theboat but Albert quickly got the boat’s posi-tion changed. I got the Muskie headed forthe net that Rog had just put in the water.This fish was in the net and in the boat in aflash. Albert got it unhooked and Rog tooka quick photo. Not a biggie, but 32 inches ofa fighting Clear Pattern Muskie! Albertreleased him but he turned on his side.

“Voops! Better rewiwed him.” Albertsaid as he rowed to the Muskie. I was closestso I grabbed his tail, turned him upright andmoved him back and forth a few times, thenlet go. Albert held the oars out of the water.We drifted slowly away from this muskie. Hestayed upright, moved a little, then disap-peared to the deep.

“Dat von’s OK now.” Said Albert, “Yewdid a goud yob a rewiwing ‘em.”

“Thank you, Albert.” I said, “That’s theway I like to see them swim off.”

“How come you didn’t get‘Muskie Fever’ Bob?” Asked

Rog.“Ahhh….I’ve had

it—and I’ll get itagain!” I answered.

“When will that be?”“On my first one over 40 inches!!” v

Meanwhile, Back atLonesome Lodge...


+Proper Muskie

Holding Techniquesfor MUSKIE Magazine Photos includ-

ing Covers, Article Support, PhotoContest Entries

& Member Photos

"Beauty" Joey Wyszynski as photographedby husband Ryan with a perfect 49.5 up in

the Bemidji area. Great catch and camera work.

"Bucket Brigade"- John Amels, son of Chapter 22's Tom Amelsferrying soon to be stocked Muskies from hatchery truck to

awaiting boats. Nice job, John.

"Snack Time" -Mike Moschell with one of several goodfish from last year. This 45 grabbed a Muskie Treat then the battle was on.

"Success"- new member Jeff Batt with a 37.5 caught first time out.He caught this one on the Fox chain while casting a Shad Rapfishing with the South of the Border Chapter # 14. Welcome!

"Blue Grass"- Jaime Friedman & Dad Louheaded from New York City to Kentucky for

the Cabin Fever Challunge. Jaime putpoints on the board & received a plaque

from Tony Grant seen here while Dad won afully stocked tackle box. Congrats, Jaime.

"Attention..."- Craig Lemon orchestratingfish rescue carried out by Chapter 22 &NJDFW. 21 Muskies up to 48" & over 50

Walleyes saved from spillway. Photo by Tom Amels.

"Urban Muskie" Rick Hefner trolled this Lake Minona 44with the Madison, WI skyline as a backdrop.

Great catch and unique setting.

"Big Tiger"- Earl Blume of Chicagoland submitted this hybridwith a death grip on a live Sucker. A fisherman for over 50

years, it thrilled Earl and was amongst his biggest. Congrats!

"Another" – Dave Ledman & familyhad a great season up in Minnesota.

Big fish came their way.


"Like Father Like Son"- Justin Ledman witha Vermilion 47.5 as photographed by fatherDave. The family has made several photo

submissions and this one is sure to bememorable. Good job, Justin.

pletely re-engineered the blank, coaxing more strength ... july final.pdf july 2007.....muskie 1...

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