Muskie Magazine Chapter News and Views Sept/Oct 2014

August 31st, the last day of the month. To me, this day brings with it
the end, as well as the beginning, of so many things, rivaled only by the
last day in December. Some are good, some are bad. It brings an end to
summer vacation and the last of three day holiday weekends. Gone are
those annoying “Back to School” commercials and finally, thank
goodness, an end to Preseason Football. I mean, somebody please tell me
the reason for four preseason football games. It brings the beginning of
a new school year, a new (real) NFL season, shorter days and crisper
nights. As much as we don’t like to see summer coming to an end, us
muskie guys/gals embrace the cooler weather and lower water temps.
Best of all, it brings the beginning of the second part of our 2014
campaign, the fall trophy muskie pursuit.
The first part of the 2014 fishing year has been pretty good, relatively
speaking. The 9th Annual Terry Anderson Ironman Tournament went
rather well. Four muskies were caught as 15 members vied for 1st place.
Adam Wallace bested Bill Kopp and John Dobry by catching a 23rd hour
muskie that hit the tape at 42.75 inches. It was Adam’s second fish of the
contest, the other measured 43 inches. Bill came in second with the
largest of the four at 43.75 inches. John finished third landing a 37 inch.
Thanks for all who participated and special thanks to Renee Dolsen for
rounding up all the goodies for the dinner afterwards.
Our 2014 league nights have been going well with the final meet of the
year, scheduled for September 20th. As most of you know, we changed
the format for the 2014 season, going to a once a month meet, versus a
once a week schedule. I personally like the schedule, fishing early and
finishing up at noon leaves the rest of the day for other activities. One
month, I think it was the June outing on Barbee, we all got together and
had a little tailgate/weenie roast after fishing. Camaraderie is a big part of
any club and I think it’s great when we can get together and talk a little
muskie fishing. Remember, the first liar doesn’t stand a chance. Portion
of the proceeds from leagues throughout the year goes to a party
scheduled for after fishing on the September 20th. Check our website or
Facebook for any changes or updated information on the time of the party.
It seems a lot more fish are being caught this year than in the past,
although not all members are being prompt at logging their catches with
the Lunge Log. So, take a little time out of your busy schedule and log
those catches.
September 27th is the date for our fall Guide for a Day Outing (GFAD).
Please help the club to promote this event as all the proceeds go into our
muskie restocking program. Based on the results of our Spring GFAD,
this event should be a well-attended one. Anyone interested in booking a
trip this year can call our President Bill Bennett at (574) 457-3879. The
fee is $100 per person or $60 per child for a full guided day on the water,
including lunch. Last Spring’s GFAD produced many fish with a couple
over 49 inches.
The fourth annual “WLMC Turkey Brawl” is scheduled for November
22nd with fishing on any lake beginning at 8 am until 4 pm. This event is
open to all members and friends of members of WLMC. Fried turkeys as
well as other fare will be served at Curt and Lisa Lindsey’s house
afterwards. Please bring a dish as well as the drink of your choice. A “Big
Fish” pot with 100 percent payout is optional at $10 per person payable
after 6:30 a.m. at Renee and Chae’s house.
I would like to welcome seven new members to our chapter beginning
with the addition of family members, Sue Caldwell, Kendra Kemp
Lindsey and Trevor Tampir Lindsey. The family membership option
offered by MI is an affordable way to have the whole family join you in
your love of muskie fishing. I also like to welcome new members Jacob
Neubauer, Justin Hysong, Andy Renolds, and Scott Reust. I am looking
forward to meeting you all at one of our next events.
Don’t stop Believer in’, Jim Welsh