KIDS FISHING CLINIC MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 26, 2018

Brenda Rosin      Schaff called the meeting to order at approximately 7:30 PM.   

Everyone present introduced themselves and their club affiliations.

Attendance:  Brenda Rosin Schaff, Ron Gray, Klye Olsen,  Duane Marcell, Brandon Witt, Ryan Flohr, Dave & Karen Schmitt, Steve Spielbauer, Dan & Diane Floryance, Jim Gilles, Jean Tackes, Jill Levy, Rick Frye, Rick Kirkley, Mary Lee Hatland, Don & Judy Kirby, Cliff Schulz, Wayne Avery, Cornell  Stroik, Dave Mueller, Kiven Groff, Barb Stevenson

Brenda opened the meeting by thanking everyone for there attendance. Because Klye Olson of the DNR had to leave to go back to work she had Klye described what his job consists of on a typical day. Kyle gave a detailed description of what his day is like.        

Brenda  then asked Dave Mueller to give us an up-date on the Hunger Task Force Hatchery and his stocking of the ponds. Dave talked about the various fish the hatchery has, their growth rates, talked about the pump problems they have had to over come. Dave also talked about the stocking of the ponds, species stocked, numbers stocked and dates of he stocking.

Brenda addressed the clinics and the weather conditions we had for the clinics. She noted she still has not heard from all the parks with the final numbers. She will send out final numbers when all the clubs get there numbers in. She noted that she and Ron had received e-mails stating that we should have cancelled the clinics due to the weather conditions. As everyone knows it is our policy to run the clinics no matter what the weather conditions are because a larger part of the teaching is conducted in doors. At this point in the meeting an open discussion took place. Points discussed were the logistics of the following. Present fishing regulations for kids only fishing, limitations in time frame and equipment of stocking, park reservations, commitments of volunteers for additional dates, providing the kids a season to fish without adult competition, scheduling around the Easter holiday, life of the stocked trout in the ponds as water warms. During this discussion the subject of illegal adult fishing came up.  After discussion the best thing to due is call the DNR hot line. After all discussion a vote was taken on continuing our policy of not cancelling due to weather conditions.  

Brenda talked briefly about the donations we received and the thank you letters that need to be sent out. She also addressed the schedule for next year. Ron commented that we could start working on next years flyer today by having the members in attendance commit to next years clinic dates which were announced as Feb. 9th and Apr 13^th 2019. Badger Fisherman’s League stated they could not continue with the clinic’s due to a lack of help and the Wisconsin Fishing Club stated they are dropping out of the ice fishing clinics due to poor attendance at their park. Wern Valley indicated they will no longer support the clinics due to a lack of volunteers. Ron said he will then move forward with notifying the clubs not in attendance at this meeting for their commitments to next years clinics so the flyers can be finalized. He will also need to talk with the Waukesha County Parks to see which parks will be available next year. During discussion it was noted that the registration forms used needed some space adjustments for entry information. Brenda said she will  make adjustments for next year.

During discussions Brenda noted that American Legion Post 537 gave the Kids Fishing Clinics a very generous donation. Ideas discussed for using this donation were fish tanks for displaying fish and fishing tackle that could be purchased for kids prizes at the clinics. Discussion also noted that donation barrels could be placed at the clinic sites for donations to the Hunger Task Force who supports the clinics at their many distribution sites.

Brenda introduced  Cornell Stroik treasurer of the Wisconsin Council of Sport Fishing Organizations (WCSFO). Cornell gave a talk about how and why the WCSFO was formed and their interface between the sport fishing clubs and the department of natural resources. He indicated the WCSFO is a 501C3 organization and finances the printing of the kids fishing hand books. He indicated that most of the kids fishing clinic clubs presently belong to the organization. The president of the WCSFO has retired from his position due to health reasons. Cornell has asked that the organization look into training someone for his position. Ron Gray is taking over the position as secretary from Brenda due to her health reasons. This leaves the offices of President and Vice President open and the need for someone to train for treasurer. The WCSFO holds two 2 scheduled meetings a year one in March and October on the third Saturday of the month. The WCSFO has a seat on the DNR fishery advisory board.

Brenda asked if anyone was interested in these positions and would like to run in an election for them. Two members were and a request was made by another if we could hold off on an election so their club members could be notified. Brenda stated we will hold an election meeting on Thursday May 24^th . The location will be the Milwaukee Casting & Sportsmens Club at 18200 W. Cleveland Ave. New Berlin, WI at 7:00 PM. Please note: That you or your club must be a member of the WCSFO to be considered for these positions.

Respectfully:

Ron Gray,  Secretary

WCSFO SPRING MEETING MINUTES – MARCH 21, 2015

Location - Gander Mountain 6939 South 27th Street Franklin, WI

The meeting was called to order by President John Durben at 10:08 A.M.

Present: John Durben of WCSFO, GBA/GLSF, Cornell Stroik of WCSFO, Bass Nation/Bass Federation, Brenda Rosin-Schaff of WSCFO, Badger Fisherman’s League/KFC, Ron Gray of Milwaukee Casting Club/KFC, Duane Marcell of Okauchee Fishing Club/KFC, Gordy Merz of WWF Dist. 9, Badger Fisherman's League, Steve Hewett of WDNR

Minutes from the previous meeting were read by the Secretary – Brenda Rosin-Schaff who noted an error in the Kids Fishing Clinic date of 4/12/15 and should read 4/11/15. A motion was made to correct and approve the report as published. Passed with no discussion.

CLICK HERE to review entire Minutes Document with attachments

Minutes from 2014 Fall Meeting (October 18)

Attached are the minutes from our 2014 WCSFO Fall Meeting.

CLICK HERE to review them

FALL MEETING MINUTES – OCTOBER 19, 2013

Walleyes for Tomorrow - Fond Du Lac, WI

The meeting was called to order by President John Durben at 10:05 AM.

Present: Cornell Stroik, Jim Schommer, Gordy Merz, Brenda Rosin-Schaff, George Meyer, Ron Bruch.

Treasurer - Cornell Stroik read the financial report as was published for the meeting. The report showed as of 09/31/13 we had $7,774.50 in the checking account and $3,065.26 C.A.S.T. savings account, for a total of $10,839.76 Cornell stated that we had a good response from clubs contributing to the printing expenses of the kids fishing booklets, which should be approximately $2400.00 for 20,000 copies. Those present acknowledged that American Litho was kind in their invoicing and should be recognized in future booklets by including their logo. A thank you note will follow. A motion was made, seconded and approved to accept the report as published.

C.A.S.T. – no movement

Wisconsin Wildlife Federation - George Meyer, Executive Director & Gordy Merz District 9 Director and Chair of Inland Fisheries

Both gentlemen discussed the board meeting which was held a week prior.

· North Lake Access - DNR position is that we are in a “Cooling Off Period”. THIS DOES NOT END THE LAWSUIT. The project has a long history dating about 20 years and has been the most expensive project discussed with the DNR & a lake association. Currently, the access site location will be off Hwy 83 by the post office, next to the inflow. Many feel this site is limited in size, unsafe in winter, has difficult turning radius for parking and will need to be constantly dredged. CLUBS ARE ENCOURAGED TO KEEP THE PRESSURE ON THE DNR TO GO BACK TO THE NORTHWEST SIDE. The WWF has demanded a meeting with Secretary Kathy Stepp.

· Tournament Fishing – DNR can’t change culling. It’s a statutory issue. Recommendation is to stay with previous resolution. We were reminded & encouraged to buy items at sporting goods stores because the money comes back to our state.

· Assembly Bill #352 (AB352) as amended by #1 Fish Penning–There was a hearing held which only applied to the Great Lakes. Currently there is a long permit process. There is support to go to a general permit if certain conditions are met to streamline the process. This is not to be confused with commercial use. And comes from Door County/Great Lakes mindset for salmon, but applies to walleyes & other species. So far they don’t have perimeters as to size of fish, lake, quantity, etc. There will be a public hearing in the future and look at where it is, will it be limited to certain months, to promote fishing, look at disease issues, etc. WWF supports as amended. WCSFO went on record as being in support of AB 352 as amended by Assembly Amendment 1 as well.

· VHS Update – It’s a cool water disease, so we will be dealing with this a long time vs. warmer water lakes.

· Assembly Bill #380 (AB380) & Senate Bill 329 Sturgeon Transfer Point – Bipartisan support which limits the number of persons to take sturgeon. Must issue according to preference (game species & bear use this system, it’s not unusual). Examples given were #1 – you’re in the hospital during the time frame you are given or #2 current law is Nov. 1^st holder may transfer license to minor with a transfer fee, it would change to Oct. 1^st. Don’t use a lottery on Winnebago but on the upper lakes.

· Catch & Release Bass Fishing – became part of the budget bill/no hearing.

· Cross Bow Bill – WWF supports (not bow hunters). Passed the Assembly/Amended/Passed Assembly. The bill will more than likely pass regardless of age or ability for the next fall archery season.

· Ground Water – Discussion on how it feeds lakes, rivers, wetlands, trout streams, as we have some drying up. Only applies to new wells. The dairy, manufacturing, veggie & potato growers are trying to get high capacity well law. There is a bill with loopholes to issue permits by parcels. The WWF opposes the current bill but has an alternative to strengthen the law with Bill # . A motion was made, seconded and passed.

How can our members help? Attend the Spring Hearings, especially non-tournament clubs. The social clubs need to become more actively involved. We were also cautioned and encouraged to look into the background or organizations as they relate to conservation and political issues.

DNR Fisheries Report - Ron Bruch, DNR Fisheries Management filled in for Mike Staggs.

He reported on the following topics:

· Walleye Initiative/Extended Growth - There is a major effort being made to raise larger fish & stock them in as many statewide waters as possible. To date they have stocked 400,000 extended growth walleyes in 100 lakes and are writing rules for administering $1 million in grants for tribal and the private sector to grow Extended Growth(E.G.) walleyes. The rules will include who is eligible, how the grants will be awarded within the next 6 months and requirements such as a required minimum of 3 years raising them, how many days to convert current 7- 8 inch walleye to E.G., which lakes will get the E.G. (Restoration Waters, which are in the north and are good natural reproduction ex: Chippewa Flowage & Maintenance Waters). E.G. survive 20% their 1^st year verses fingerling which have a 1 out of 100 survival rate and there is no data for fry survival rates. The DNR is focusing on infrastructure of building new & repairing old hatcheries/ponds. They expect to raise 800,000 by Dec. Ron Bruch is responsible for outreach to let people know about the initiative. He wants to know what they/we can do better to promote fishing. They are starting with the stocking project but taking the opportunity to update the public on the Walleye Management Program.

· Ron also briefly mentioned the Warm Water Habitat, Fish Sticks Project, trying to keep the bag limit @3 Walleye statewide.

· Fisheries Advisory Council - He is working with the Wisconsin Conservation Congress and DNR Fisheries Management Team as well as various statewide fishing groups to create the Council, which will be a statewide group. He will be making contacts in December and the first meeting will be held in late January. They will focus on key issues and angler education. They will be redirected to create consistent direct contact with kids and their families, not just for a day of fishing. The focus will be on a social experience in an effort to help with retention & recruitment. A round-table meeting has been scheduled by WDNR Secretary Kathy Stepp on Monday, October 21 in Madison to discuss the Wisconsin Walleye Initiative and the creation and duties of the Fisheries Advisory Council. Ron Burch; WDNR, George Meyer; WWF, and John Durben; WCSFO, will be attending.

· Regulatory- Paired down the list, re-classify waters to recommend changes.

Kids Fishing Clinics - Brenda Rosin-Schaff

Reported that the next clinic meeting date will Dec. 12^th at 7p.m. at McCarty Park 8214 West Cleveland Ave. West Allis, WI. The ice fishing clinics will be held on Feb. 8, 2014 and the spring clinics on April 12, 2014 from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. All WCSFO members are encouraged to volunteer at any of the parks. In addition, if your club has access to discounted merchandise or an excess of something we could give to the children, please contact Brenda Rosin- Schaff at 414-467-6658 or Ron Gray at 414-321-0869 and they will help coordinate with the appropriate hosting fishing club.

Old Business:

Kids fishing hand books – An enormous amount of time went into updating the kids fishing booklets by President, John Durben. Thanks to collaborated efforts by him, Ted Lind & Ron Gray for their hard work and dedication to getting it done quickly. The books have been printed and are available for distribution.

New Business:

· Angler Education Certification – All clubs are encouraged to have their members certified through the DNR for helping at kids fishing clinics. Last March, the Badger Fisherman’s League hosted and invited all clubs to a certification course with Theresa Stabo of the DNR. The event was very successful and they are again offering to host it at the Knights of Columbus 1800 South 92^nd Street West Allis, Wi. The tentative date is set for Monday March 17^, 2014. If you are interested in participating, contact Brenda Rosin-Schaff 414-467-6658 or Gordy Merz 262-617-3924

Club News:

· Congratulations to the newest chapter of Walleyes For Tomorrow in Pewaukee on the success of their 1^st fundraiser held in October on Pewaukee Lake. Watch for two future fundraisers they have I the works and try to support them.

Meeting Adjourned at Approximately 1:15 PM

The next WCSFO meeting is scheduled for March 15, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. at Gander Mountain 6939 South 27^th Street Franklin, WI

Respectfully Submitted: Brenda Rosin-Schaff, Secretary

WDNR Note: 84% of Walleyes currently taken in Wisconsin are from natural reproduction.

Click Here – for pdf version of minutes

SPRING MEETING MINUTES - MARCH 16, 2013

held at: GANDER MOUNTIAN, FRANKLIN, WI

The meeting was called to order by President John Durben at 10:05 AM. There were four members present, Mike Staggs of the DNR and two guests.

The notes as taken of our last meeting by Mona Durben were published and approved as the official minutes, as there was no secretary to take minutes at this meeting.

Treasurer Cornell Stroik read the financial report as was published for the meeting. The report showed that we had $5,742.80 in the checking account and $3,064.36 C.A.S.T. savings account. A motion was made, seconded and approved to accept the report as published.

The issue of finding a Secretary for the organization was addressed. Ron Gray noted that he had talked with Brenda Rosin Schaff of the Badger Fisherman's League about taking the position. He noted she had some questions but he felt she may be interested. She will be taking the chair position of the Kids Fishing clinics upon Wayne Avery’s retirement which has a direct tie to the WCSFO. She was unable to attend the meeting today because of a previous family commitment. He stated if she did not take the position he would find someone that will and the organization should move forward with that in mind.

Cornell Stroik reported on Wisconsin Bass Nation, Wisconsin Bass Federation and tournament fishing.

Mike Staggs gave the DNR Fisheries report. He reported on the following and supplied hand outs with some of the topics.

• The Wisconsin Fishing Report – Now sorted by spices, Fishing Regulations same as last year. Changes only every other year.
• Planning for Pan fish – A survey of what the angler would like from pan fishing. Results could affect size limits, bag limits, season limits.
• Working Relationship between Wisconsin Conservation Congress & DNR Fisheries Management Create a Fisheries Advisory Council. President Durben (representing WCSFO) was invited to a Round Table Meeting in Madison recently; however had scheduling problems on that day. Additional meetings will be scheduled in the future.
• Spring Hearings & Fisheries Questions – Simplifying Regulations, April 8th all counties. Several Hearing Questions were discussed: Question #3 — Rough Fish Spearing Seasons, Question #4 — Apply Northern Bass management Zone catch and release season to smallmouth bass only and Question #6 — Allow trolling statewide. Wisconsin is the only state that does not allow statewide motor trolling.
• Hatchery Study – Results of the study and executive summary of how changes will be implemented.
• Driftless Area Streams – A master plan on how to manage 35,000 acres of stream shoreline properties.

Wisconsin Wildlife Federation – No report

Kids Fishing Clinics – Ron Gray reported that we now have fishing clinics in the following Counties. Milwaukee 11 Parks, Racine 1 Park, Sheboygan 1 Park, Washington 1 Park and Waukesha 3 Parks and we have 19 clubs participating. The next clinic meeting date will be March 21st with the spring clinics taking place on April 13th. He also report on the ice fishing clinics which took place on February 9th.

Lake Access: North Lake access site — construction is planned for this spring based on the last information from the DNR.

Old Business:

1. Kids fishing hand books - It was reported that the supply has been used and we will need a new printing for next year. It was noted that some of the club logo info needs to be updated. Ron Gray will work with Ted Lind to get the information necessary for updating the books/logos for this printing. He will also try to get more donations and club participation through the clinic meetings for future printings.

2. Club Dues – After discussion a motion was made seconded and passed that the dues structure for membership in the WCSFO remain the same as last year and that invoices be sent out to the clubs.

New Business:

Club News — No Club news reported

Meeting Adjourned at Approximately 12:30 PM

Next meeting scheduled for October 19, 2013

Respectfully Submitted: Ron Gray – Acting Secretary

Click Here (for PDF version)

WCSFO MEETING MINUTES–March 19, 2011

Spring Meeting

President John Durben opened our full moon meeting at just after 9 a.m. at Gander Mountain in Franklin, WI. The attendance of member clubs was poor. Clubs must send their representatives if they want to discuss things with the DNR through the Council. WCSFO remains the anglers’ voice to the DNR.

Secretary & media director Larry Van Veghel read the minutes, and they were unanimously passed.

Treasurer Cornell Stroik said we have $5073.62 in our treasury and the C.A.S.T. account has $3061.18. His report was unanimously approved as read.

Mike Staggs, DNR Fisheries Bureau of Fisheries Management boss, gave a fine talk on what the DNR is doing.

Staggs gave a brief rundown on the Spring Hearings fishing questions, and he said there were not many major questions. The 40” minimum musky limit and the reduction in walleye bag limits with an 18” minimum keeper size in southeast Wisconsin were among them. (Note, male muskies and northern pike often die at about 34 inches per fisheries biologists Staggs, Randy Schumacher and Doug Welch, per my discussions with them. Welch is the senior fisheries biologist in southeast Wisconsin.)

Per Mike, Wisconsin is #2 to Florida when it comes to the number of out-of-state fishing license sales.

Mike Arrowood, chairperson of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, gave us plenty of information on what WWF is doing. He said the Green School Network gets school kids into the outdoors to do math and other courses. These students do much better than if they just stayed in the class rooms. Basically, the program works. The students count tree types, etc. This program gets students into the outdoors where they develop an appreciation for nature.

WCSFO treasurer Cornell Stroik is also our bass and C.A.S.T. representative. He also represents the Bass Federation. He said Joel Clayfish is pushing toward having the legislature look into the tournament situation.

October 15, 2011 is our fall meeting at the Walleyes For Tomorrow headquarters in Fond du Lac. All Wisconsin and visiting anglers are invited, and member clubs should send their representatives. We want to hear from you.

 

Respectively submitted,

L.A. Van Veghel

WCSFO Secretary & Media Director

WCSFO MEETING MINUTES from October 16, 2010

WCSFO website

October 16, 2010

President John Durben began our meeting at 9:18 a.m.  Long time ex-President Ted Lind was not in attendance.

Secretary and media director, Larry Van Veghel, of the Wisconsin Fishing Club Ltd., read the minutes from our statewide spring meeting.  The minutes were approved as read.

New Treasurer Cornell Stroik ably read the Treasurer’s report. He said we have $5384.82 in our checking account, and we have $3,061.00 even in our savings account.  The Treasurer’s report was approved as read.  President Durben submitted a few bills including that for our post office box.

We discussed our continual meeting topic of attracting more members. We have representative vacancies for Muskies, Panfish, Inland Trout and other species, per our spring meeting. Our mailing and dues lists will be updated.  Dues forms for 2010 will go out at the beginning of the year.  Clubs remaining behind are more than urged to “catch up.”

Per George Meyer, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation (WWF), the musky season still starts in June up north. The legislators must react to change this.

The no phosphorous in fertilizer bill was passed.

The Invasive Aquatic Plants and Species Bill is being enforced by wardens, especially when it is blatantly disobeyed. Boat washers were suggested, as they work quite well, but they are too expensive to have at all state launches.

The Department of Agriculture is still looking into a ban on Mercury usage, per Meyer.

With launch expert Lind not in attendance, Meyer covered the boat launching news. We voted to support having a launch in Rawley’s Bay in Door County. Although having numerous rock piles, per WCSFO secretary Van Veghel’s having fished here, there is a safety need for having a launch as there is a long distance between Lake Michigan launches. Van Veghel said that this has long been the back-up, safety site launch for the Washington Island ferries that cross the dangerous Devil’s Door between the Door County Peninsula tip and Washington Island’s Detroit Harbor.

Meyers said the North Lake launch continues to be hung up in court by the North Lake Association personnel.

The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation is pushing for removing wolves from the Federal endangered species list in our state. We have over 762 wolves. The DNR did not stock any of these wolves. These omnivores crossed the borders of Minnesota and Upper Michigan and have reproduced. Van Veghel stated this is because we have deer with CWD, and wolves prey on sick or weak deer. A majority of members’ present advisory voted to support this removal, even though we are a fishery and fish habitat organization.

Per Treasurer Cornell Stroik, who represents the bass anglers of Wisconsin, it was Gerry McGinnis who bought B.A.S.S. away from ESPN. McGinnis is an avid angler who had a long running family TV fishing show.

The Bass Federation, TBF, is reorganizing with “good” officers. TBF is a WCSFO member organization. Stroik also gave us an update on C.A.S.T., our offshoot tournament education organization.

Under “Old Business,” Meyers offered to work with Stroik on this project. Meyers asked if we should have a meeting. WCSFO members are urged to email their comments on this to President Durben, plus Meyers and Stroik. Secretary Van Veghel, due to having the impatience brought on by having cancer, requested that something finally be done on this, as C.A.S.T. has been bringing this up for years. After many years of service, Warren Zaren has retired from C.A.S.T., and only Stroik continues working toward getting things accomplished.

Meyers will send a draft to Mike Staggs asking to put oxygen requirements into the tournament permit request. He also added that he will state that permit requests require mandatory training before issuance to insure that tournaments are correctly and safely run.

Look for a DNR Advisory Board Question in the 2011 Spring Hearings asking if all lakes in southeast Wisconsin should have a 3 walleye 18 inch bag limit. At this time, there is absolutely no biological reason for this regulation.

Mike Staggs, Director Bureau of Fisheries Management, WDNR, unable to attend in spring was not able to attend this fall due to end-of-the-year state budget restraints.

Our March 29, 2011 statewide spring meeting is scheduled for Gander Mountain in Franklin, WI where attendees normally get a discount.  This is the third Saturday of the month. Mark your calendars.

For representation, member clubs MUST send their delegates.  New member clubs are always welcome as are new individual and business members.

Respectively submitted,

L.A. Van Veghel

WCSFO Secretary & Media Director

Wisconsin Fishing Club, Ltd. - May 24, 2010 Minutes

President Cliff opened our meeting by welcoming our guests and then introducing our officers.

Whitebass were active at Orihula. Walleyes on Winneconne for Editor Chuck, plus an 18” smallmouth.

Pine Lake, in Waukesha County, gave up a 16½” largemouth bass. Crappies have not yet spawning. 8-10” crappies and bluegills were taken on Monona. The crappies were bigger. The Olbrich Park launch costs $8.00 now, and it has no attendant or place to throw trash. This was our outing location. Secretary Larry caught some largemouth on a Lightnin’ Shad crankbait, and his friend caught a couple of pike on a Mepps inline spinner. Vice-President George had bass action and Kids Clinic Coordinator Wayne found pike.

VP George took a nice 36” northern from Crescent Lake. He also fished Boom Lake, a backwater of the Wisconsin River, for crappies. Star Lake served some northerns, walleyes and perch. On the east side of Wind Lake, panfish are hitting between the reeds and shore.
A rainbow and a coho were landed in Port Washington.

Secretary Larry read the minutes, and they were approved as read. Treasurer Dan said we have $916.70 in our account. Dan’s treasury report was unanimously approved.

Smaller hats are not yet in. See VP George for the latest rosters.

We will not have a meeting on June 14th, as the special Door County outing is scheduled at that time. Our next meeting is on Jun 28, and it features honorary member and popular WFC speaker Jim Lagonowski who will discuss “Bass Fishing on Big Muskego Lake.” Jim has many years experience on this lake both as a sport angler and a guide.

An extra day has been added to the Door County outing. For those who want to start a day early, the fee is $88.00. A pre-meeting for those attending the outing will be held on June 1 at Yester Years at 6 p.m.

After our raffle, 10 year Pro Bass angler Justin Newkirk, a freelance writer for MidWest Outdoors and for Fishing Facts magazines, and a person who does TV spots for MidWest Outdoors was our speaker.

Newkirk uses weedless jigs for walleye below Winneconne on the east side by the breakwall. He also casts Pointer SP crankbaits for walleyes.

Another Newkirk favorite is a drop-shot rig with a snap-on cylinder sinker and a nose-hooked Gulp Minnow. Cast to reefs and rockbars.

For springtime largemouth bass, he fishes in channels by tossing jigs and pigs, Texas rigged twin tail curly tail rigs. Use 50# braided line when fishing in heavy cover. Cast as weedless frog over matted grass. The Bomber Square A dives 4 feet and Mann’s Minus 1 dives one foot, and it is tested by the manufacturers. For a leader, use 10# line. Crawfish and bluegill patterns work great in channels.

Newkirk next covered smallmouth bass on Winnebago. He said the fishing just keeps getting better. Fish the west side and start with a crankbait. If the water is stirred up, use a Rattle Trap to attract strikes via sound.

When using a tube jig in rocky areas on Lake Michigan. Make sure to hope the jig hops along the bottom as this action imitates a Gobi.

http://www.wisconsinfishinclub.com/

Respectively submitted,
Larry Van Veghel
WFC and WCSFO Secretary and Media Director

WCSFO MEETING MINUTES March 20, 2010

President John Durben, Green Bay Area Great Lakes Sport Fishermen, began our meeting at 10:18 a.m.

Secretary and media director Larry Van Veghel, Wisconsin Fishing Club Ltd., read the minutes from our statewide fall meeting. The minutes were approved as read.

Treasurer Cornell Stroik, Wisconsin, The BASS Federation, gave us an excellent breakdown on our treasury transactions. We have $4,782.82 in our checking account and $3,059.76 in our savings account. His report was approved as read.

Director Bureau of Fisheries Management, WDNR, Mike Staggs, told us we have 1.4 million licensed anglers in Wisconsin. We are second in the nation to Florida.

Staggs said there is an intensive fish survey on Lake Puckaway starting this spring. A commercial fisherman’s carp contract was terminated due to killing 2,000 walleyes. Per a DNR estimate, this is 8 to 10% of the walleye population. Due to this crime, the DNR has revised rough fish removal contract procedures, and they are reviewing 2010 proposed contracts.

Our WDNR is helping Illinois with their Asian carp problem. Per Staggs, Asian carp DNA has been found in Waukegan. To urge involvement, Wisconsin’s Attorney General Van Hollen wrote to all Governors and to President Obama regarding the necessity of closing off this river from Lake Michigan. In his letter, he referred to these non-native carp as “large bodied planktivorous invasive fish.”

Staggs stated that the silver carp is the #1 food fish in the world. The #1 food crayfish is the red swamp crayfish, and it has been found in two Wisconsin ponds, one in Germantown and another in Kenosha County. This crayfish is native to Louisiana, and it is larger than the rusty crayfish. It has blue pinchers with red protuberances. The Germantown pond was eradicated on Nov. 12, 2009 and the Kenosha pond will be eradicated ion a few weeks.

VHS has entered Lake Superior. DNA was found by Michigan DNR and Cornell University scientists.

The DNR’s tough 2010 choices are:
• Warm water habitat improvements (-42%),
• Special Studies (-45%),
• Publications (-24%),
• Fewer regulation proposals,
• No trout stamp contests or actual stamps,
• Public outreach activities (-50%),
• Fish kills & unplanned surveys (-75%),
• Surveys/services in counties without biologists &
• Stocking reductions.

Good work to be done in 2010 by the DNR includes:

• All inland walleye, muskellunge, and wild trout stocking,
• All Lake Michigan Chinook and most due this year stockings &
• The Wild Rose Hatchery cool water species (Part 2) is ready to go. No tax money was used to build this hatchery.

Mike Staggs went over the major fish questions on the Spring Rules Hearings. No major changes are being questioned.

Regarding our electronic Newsline, President Durben said to send notices, news and events information to him for posting. As an option, you can also send info to Secretary Van Veghel, should you wish to have it entered on the event calendar or edited before being entered online Newsline by our president/webmaster.

Next, George Meyer, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation (WWF), said they are working toward getting phosphorous removed from household cleaning chemicals. Phosphorous as an effective fertilizer causes rampant aquatic plant growth.

Mike Arrowwood is the new fisheries person for WWF. He’s on the Walleyes Unlimited U.S.A. board.

Regarding AB 4, it repealed past legislation establishing an early musky season and a ban on barbless hooks for bass.

Per Meyer, the Class A Little Plover River has gone virtually dry in a five mile stretch and Long Lake, in Waushara County, plus Bloody Run Creek have gone dry in summer when irrigation wells are turned on. These pumps do 70 GPM and up.

Some “special interest” groups are erringly bypassing the Wisconsin Conservation Congress and are going directly to the legislature. Meyer said these groups should go through the “Congress” and the Spring Hearings to get proper feedback and a good cross sectional representation. In these cases, it involved turkey and bear hunting seasons, but it could also occur to future fishing seasons.

Meyer commented on money being regulated to use general purpose dollars to the DNR to regulate commercial fishing. Right now, sport fishing money is doing this.

WCSFO members present unanimously voted to support the SB 620 groundwater bill and unanimously to support funding the Wisconsin Commercial Fishery proposal.

The North Lake launch, which was supposed to start being installed this spring, is still having opposition.

Cornell Stroik said tournaments and regulations have not recently been discussed by either of the major statewide bass organizations, as they’ve had elections where new officers were elected. Stroik is also our C.A.S.T. representative. C.A.S.T. educates tournament people about how to ethically run fishing tournaments in Wisconsin.

Our upcoming April 10th 26th annual Kids Fishing Klinics are set for 10 Milwaukee, four Waukesha, one Washington and one Racine County park ponds. Thank you to all volunteers for you contributions.

We ended by being in favor of continuing to produce our “in demand” 48 page Kids Fishing book.
Our annual, statewide fall meeting is scheduled for the third Saturday in October 2010 at the Walleyes for Tomorrow Headquarters in Fond du Lac.

Our meeting ended at 2:20 p.m.

For representation, member clubs must send their delegates. New member clubs, individual members and business members are always welcome.

Respectively submitted,
L.A. Van Veghel

WCSFO MEETING MINUTES (October 17, 2009)

Vice-president John Durben began our meeting at 9:20 a.m. President Ted Lind had to step down due to not being able to devote enough time to WCSFO since his wife is ill. Also retiring is our Treasurer and Historian Chuck Plotz. Thank you to both Walleyes Unlimited USA gentlemen for your many years of fine service in WCSFO, in helping to improve fishing in our state, and in working toward providing better fish habitat.

Secretary and media director, Larry Van Veghel, of the Wisconsin Fishing Club Ltd., read the minutes from our statewide spring meeting. The minutes were approved as read.

Ted Lind will remain as a WCSFO member, and he read the Treasurer’s report as Chuck Plotz was unable to attend. Lind said we have $5343.05 in our checking account, and we have $3,059.13 in our savings account. The money from our offshoot organization C.A.S.T. has been added to our accounts. The Treasurer’s report was approved as read.

Elections were held, since this is the meeting normally scheduled for elections. Here are the results:

President: John E. Durben, Green Bay Area Great Lakes Sport Fishermen (GBAGLSF); Vice President: Jim Schommer, Walleyes For Tomorrow (W.F.T.); Secretary: Lawrence A. Van Veghel, Wisconsin Fishing Club, Ltd. (WFT) &Treasurer: Cornell Stroik, Wisconsin, The BASS Federation (WTBF).

We discussed the change in officers and the transference of material. Committee Chairs remain the same. John Durben is the Webmaster. L.A. Van Veghel (Larry) continues as the Media Director, and Wayne Avery is the Kids Fishing Coordinator. Bass are represented by Cornell Stroik, and Walleyes are represented by Jim Schommer. John Durben represents the Great Lakes species. We currently have vacancies for Muskies, Panfish, Inland Trout and other species.

Ted Lind stated that we must get more people to show up. Our mailing and dues lists will be updated. Dues forms for 2010 will go out at the beginning of the year. Clubs that are behind in paying are urged to “catch up.”

We talked about doing sport shows like we did in the past. It was decided that this didn’t seem to help WCSFO membership grow, although member clubs volunteering their time to man our booth did have some membership growth.

Lind said the new Friess Lake access in open. Sheboygan has extended ramps 20’ due to low Lake Michigan water. The DNR got a favorable ruling from the judge regarding getting a public launch on North Lake, in Waukesha County. For now, the launch building is scheduled to start in spring of 2010. The lake association has been against the DNR’s launch choice even though it is much better regarding launch depth and the lack of it filling in with silt.

Per George Meyer, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation (WWF), there is now a ban on phosphorous being in fertilizers. Phosphorous can only be in fertilizers used in emergencies.

WWF is pushing to reduce dish washing detergents that contain water polluting phosphorous, and they are continuing to push for a ban on using Mercury, a heavy metal, in components.

Meyer said that a new slow, no wake law is in effect within 100 feet of shore. Personal watercraft must maintain slow, no wakes within 200 feet of shore.

Mike Staggs, Director Bureau of Fisheries Management, WDNR, was unable to attend.

From new Treasurer Cornell Stroik, our Bass specie rep., the Wisconsin Bass Federation clubs have not and are not actively pushing for culling in their tournaments this year. Also representing C.A.S.T., he said that C.A.S.T. should continue working toward the education of people holding tournaments.

Meyer added that “…WCSFO work together with WWF and other interested groups to get together possibly in September or October of 2010 for learning how to run a fishing tournament.” This was discussed and unanimously passed.

Our 2010 statewide spring meeting will again be held at Gander Mountain in Franklin, WI. The date for the meeting is on March 20, and this is the third Saturday.

For representation, member clubs must send their delegates. New member clubs are always welcome as are new individual and business members.

Respectively submitted,
L.A. Van Veghel
WCSFO Secretary & Media Director

WCSFO MEETING MINUTES - March 21, 2009

(Franklin, WI) After we networked, WCSFO president, Ted Lind, of Walleyes Unlimited, USA, began our meeting at 9:55 a.m. The weather was good, and attendance should’ve been higher. Clubs are again reminded to send their representatives or presidents for our fall meeting.

Secretary and media director, Larry Van Veghel, of the Wisconsin Fishing Club Ltd., read the minutes from our fall statewide meeting. The minutes were approved as read.

Our treasurer, Chuck Plotz, of Walleyes Unlimited, said we have $3,058.23 in our savings account and $4,923.05 in our checking account. The treasurer’s report was approved as read.

Ted Lind will switch computer service providers, as his current provider is locking up his computer.

Mike Staggs, Director Bureau of Fisheries Management, WDNR, gave us a rundown of the DNR fish questions scheduled for the April Spring Hearings. He covered the major statewide questions. There are numerous local questions.

A background check is proposed to help eliminate unsavory characters from becoming fishing instructors.

Remote controlled devices used in fishing were discussed. The DNR wants these items to be tethered. These devices currently fall into the prohibited jug fishing category.

The DNR wants to insure that smelt do not spread throughout our Northern Wisconsin waters. Smelt eat walleye eggs, and walleye populations drastically drop.

The largemouth and smallmouth bass minimum size limits and managing of the species separately appear on the Spring Hearing questionnaire.

Per Staggs, VHS has not spread at a fast rate, and that is good. VHS often shows the most fatalities after 3 years.

Tournament permits were next discussed by Staggs. A calendar listing permitted tournaments is now on the WDNR’s Fishing Tournaments – Calendar of Events website page. People can use this handy calendar to see what dates are open or filled on the particular body of water of interest.

Staggs handed out some DNR pamphlets. One was the “Minnows As Bait” pamphlet, and another was the pamphlet showing where the DNR spends its money.

In the future, some special DNR studies and projects may have to be cut or put off due to the poor economy. The DNR hopes to keep 95% of their programs in operation, and this is better than what is being done by most other state agencies.

Per George Meyer of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, 24 DNR service centers will close. Staggs said more emphasis is being put on “800” phone numbers manned by live people.

Recreational Boating and Fishing Federation, RBFF, is working with our DNR to get people who stopped fishing back into fishing.

Walleye stocking in the Milwaukee River is on hold due to the VHS issue. The DNR is hoping to soon have an egg disinfection system in operation for walleye eggs.

The Lake Michigan salmon stocking should be up to normal soon. Lake Superior will get fewer Seeforellen strain German brown trout.

Sturgeon stocking in the Milwaukee River will continue.

The DNR is pushing for less stocking of lake trout in Lake Michigan. The Dept. of Fish and Wildlife is stepping up their lake trout stocking, but due to disease problems in their hatcheries, they might not be able to stock an increased number of lakers.

Per George Meyer, there has been a restructuring of our state government committees on wildlife. Representative Spencer Black now chairs the Assembly Environmental Committee, while Representative Anne Hraychuck heads the Assembly Fish and Wildlife Committee. In the senate, the Environmental Committee is chaired by Senator Mark Miller, and the Senate Natural Resource Committee has Senator Jim Holperin as its chairperson.

WCSFO and the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation are among many groups pushing for a DNR Board appointed Secretary of the DNR. Currently, this job is filled by an appointment from the Governor.
To contact him, Ted Lind said to use phone #414-466-8284.

Lind said that 117 acre and 48 feet deep Friess Lake, in Washington County, is getting construction bids for a new DNR launch. On the Wisconsin/Illinois border, Elizabeth Lake will have its new launch done during spring. Project approvals are a little bit slow. The North Lake launch, in Waukesha County, is still being opposed by some locals. It is hoped that construction occurs sometime this summer or fall. On Okauchee, in the same county, the house will soon be removed so that the launch parking area can be expanded. The Delavan launch, in Walworth County, renovation is slow. The DNR is putting six fishing piers in on state land. Harrington, Whitewater and Bong are to receive these piers.

Vice president and webmaster John Durben, of the Great Lakes Sport Fishermen Green Bay Area Chapter will update our blog to include the form for business sponsors. Membership includes a business card size listing for the business sponsor members. Membership fee is just $50.00/year.

Our meeting ended at 1:20 p.m. Our fall statewide meeting will be held at the Walleyes For Tomorrow headquarters in Fond du Lac on October 17, 2009. This is the third Saturday of the month. Our 2010 statewide spring meeting will again be held at Gander Mountain in Franklin, WI. The date for the meeting is on March 20, and this is the third Saturday.

For representation, member clubs must send their delegates. New member clubs are always welcome as are new individual and business members.

Respectively submitted,
L.A. Van Veghel
WCSFO secretary and media director

WCSFO Photos by John E. Durben (Click on Photos to enlarge) Top: WCSFO Treasurer Chuck Plotz left, WCSFO President Ted Lind, right.  Second photo: WDNR Fish Manager Mike Staggs, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation Representative George Meyer and WCSFO Secretary and Media Director L.A. Van Veghel.

WCSFO MEETING MINUTES

October 18, 2008

WCSFO president, Ted Lind, of Walleyes Unlimited, USA, began our meeting at 9:38 a.m. While attendance was light, those in attendance covered a wide portion of our state and represented the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, various clubs and fish species. For representation, clubs are reminded to send their representatives or presidents for the upcoming annual statewide spring meeting.

Secretary & media director, Larry Van Veghel, of the Wisconsin Fishing Club Ltd., read the minutes from our statewide spring meeting. The minutes were approved as read.

Our treasurer, Chuck Plotz, of Walleyes Unlimited USA, was in the hospital, and we wish him a speedy recovery. Ted Lind said we have $3055.93 in our saving account. This is up slightly from spring. We have $4613.05 in our checking account, and this is down almost $800.00 from the spring meeting total.

We will print more “Kids Fishing Klinics” publications in 2009. Both the DNR and The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation are helping to get these pro fishing booklets to the youth of Wisconsin.

Ted Lind has dumped the old WCSFO computer components. Many of the items are obsolete.

We discussed getting member clubs to keep up their WCSFO contact information. Clubs must make sure we know the addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of their presidents, treasurers, and representatives. Clubs that are not members are asked to join as are fishing related businesses and individual members.

Cornell Stroik, of the Wisconsin BASS Federation, and Jim Peterson, of the Madison Fishing Expo, had numerous questions regarding tournament permits. George Meyer, of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation stated that the listing of social security numbers is an invasion of privacy.

Having consistent Mississippi River permit regulations for Minnesota and Wisconsin is being worked on, as are the Wisconsin/Iowa regulations. It is hoped that all three states will soon be the same.

Wardens now enforce regulations on tournament anglers the same way as with all other anglers, said Mike Staggs, Director Bureau of Fisheries Management, WDNR.

Tournament numbers on waters, VHS control, and education of tournament organizers regarding what to do with any dead fish was brought up. Organizers must inform their people that they cannot take home more fish than allowed in the daily possession limits.

Round gobies and yellow perch, said Staggs, have VHS in the Milwaukee area, per studies conducted this year. In 2007, German brown trout, smallmouth bass, and lake whitefish became the first listed species.

Wild Rose Hatchery, http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/wildrose/, has Phase 1 completed. This is for the reproduction of trout and salmon. The rest of this portion of the hatchery will up “up-and-going” this year. The Phase 2 Great Lakes spotted musky, sturgeon, pike and walleye, state-of-the-art area will open for production in 2010. (See below for more information on this hatchery.)

Larry Van Veghel asked Staggs if the west of Ixonia carp barrier keeping Rock River carp out of the Oconomowoc River was breached during this year’s high water levels, and Staggs said it was. Van Veghel had observed at least 1,000 carp being kept back by the barrier earlier this year. Staggs offered a high water high note in that he said the high water flows helped the trout streams by cleaning them and positioning the newly installed rocks to create ideal aquifers for trout.

Jim Schommer, of Walleyes For Tomorrow, asked about the portable fish hatcheries and their permitting. Many were on hiatus due to the VHS situation. It is not the DNR that permits these structures; it is the Department of Agriculture. Staggs expects them to be permitted soon.

Our next topic was getting new anglers into our fine sport. The DNR is looking for many ways to do this. Van Veghel brought up what the late WCSFO president Mike Ross had suggested years ago. Ross had pushed for the WDNR having rental fishing boats at state park launches and on major launch sites. It would generate money for the DNR, plus new anglers could afford to buy licenses and go fishing on the water instead of only from limited access shore sites.

George Meyer brought in a WWF proposal to increase the hunting, fishing & trapping licenses by $0.50 and allowing conservation groups to apply for monetary grants for new or increased knowledge hands-on-skills for training youth in hunting, fishing and trapping. These would be in addition to what is already being done. We voted unanimously to support this proposal.

We also voted unanimously to support the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation’s motion for supplementary funds for the Wisconsin Fish and Wildlife Account. This means matching funds would come from groups other than anglers, hunters and trappers and who are also beneficiaries of fish and wildlife management in Wisconsin.

John Durben, of the Green Bay Area Great Lakes Sport Fishermen, brought up violations by commercial fishermen. Staggs said one boat was given a $25,000.00 fine.

Ted Lind is always working to get more access onto our waterways, and he said the North Lake, in Waukesha County, launch is still being held up. The WDNR has the land, but the people who are suing keep switching lawyers so that the case can be retried.

Okauchee Lake, in Waukesha County, will go from 17- to 35- parking places at a cost of $600.00.00. The contract with the Golden Mast will continue for 5 more years with plans for expansion. To the northwest of Okauchee, in the same county, on Ashippun Lake they have received a county grant for the concrete ramp and boarding pier.

On the Wisconsin/Illinois border and in Kenosha County, the Twin Lakes, (Elizabeth & Marie) are getting a grant for renovation and for adding 20 parking places. Walworth County’s popular Delavan Lake will get expanded piers and upgrading, but so far, nothing is being done about the high launch fee of $10.25. Out-of-state anglers pay more.

We held our election of officers. All current officers were unanimously reelected.

Club memberships are a minimum of $30.00 with an option of paying $1.00/member up to a maximum of $500.00. Most clubs pay $30.00/year.

Our next must-attend meeting is at 9 a.m. on March 21, 2009 (Third Saturday) at Gander Mountain in Franklin, WI. We hope to have store merchandise discounts for all who attend.

We adjourned at 12:55 p.m.

Respectively submitted
By
L.A. Van Veghel
WCSFO secretary & media director
WCSFO’s 24th Year

WCSFO MEETING MINUTES (March 22, 2008)

WCSFO president, Ted Lind, of Walleyes Unlimited, USA, began our meeting at 10 a.m. Attendance was light due to a major snowstorm the day before. Clubs are again reminded to send their representatives or presidents in fall.

We introduced ourselves and stated whom we represented. Secretary media director, Larry Van Veghel, of the Wisconsin Fishing Club Ltd., read the minutes from the fall statewide meeting. The minutes were approved as read.

Our treasurer, Chuck Plotz, of Walleyes Unlimited, said we have $3,050.96 in our savings and $5,486.05 in our checking accounts.

From our checking account total, we paid for the printing of the “Kids Fishing Klinics” publication. $1748.08 was submitted to Lind by Plotz to cover postage, printing, etc. We voted to reimburse Lind.

We also voted to allow Ted Lind to dump all of the old WCSFO computer components. Many are obsolete.

Mike Staggs, Director Bureau of Fisheries Management, WDNR, handed out the Bureau of Fisheries Management Report, the new Fishing Regulations booklet, the new Trout Fishing Regulations booklet, Sportfishing in America ­­­– from the American Sportfishing Association, ASA –, a PowerPoint handout on VHS, plus the amendments to the VHS rules.

The WDNR will attempt to extend the emergency VHS rules until the permanent rules take effect. The amendments should help bait dealers who have lost business due to anglers buying less minnow. These anglers don’t want to dump excess minnows when leaving bodies of water.

Mike Arrowood, of Walleyes For Tomorrow, had several questions regarding raising walleyes to stock fingerlings into the Milwaukee River below the Campbellsport dam.

Mike Staggs covered the Lake Michigan stocking for 2008. Ted Lind asked Staggs why the DNR hasn’t done more educating of tournament promoters. Staggs said there will be more effort put forth to accomplish this goal.

The WDNR purchased a bar and restaurant on Lake Elizabeth, in Kenosha County, to assure anglers’ access.

Lind said Washington County’s Friess Lake access is being built.

We adjourned at 1 p.m.

Our 2008 Statewide Fall Meeting will be held on October 18, 2008, (third Saturday) from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Walleyes For Tomorrow headquarters in Fond du Lac. For representation, member clubs must send their delegates. New member clubs are always welcome as are new individual and business members.

Respectively submitted by:
L.A. Van Veghel - WCSFO Secretary & Media Director