Northeast Wisconsin Sport Fishin' Show

By: John E. Durben

The Northeast Wisconsin Sport Fishin' Show was held in Green Bay, WI. on March 6 - 8 at Shopko Hall. Many of the regular vendors from previous years were set up at this event hoping to sell their products. There were a number of speakers providing seminars which included: Bob Mehsikomer, "Ranger Rick" Krueger, Tasmin Kaliska, Mike Mladenik, Lee Haasch, Andrea and Amy, and Jason Gaurke to name a few. As one who has attended or worked these Shows for a good number of years now, one could see that the current economy is taking its toll on these sporting events too. It appeared to me that the traffic was down some this year.

These two young ladies took a minute off from handing out free drink tickets for the Tilted Kilt in Green Bay so that I could snap this photo. It's the first time I've seen them here and I heard a lot of positive comments.

The Wisconsin DNR had their fish wagon set up as they normally do. In past years they collected fish from the Fox River by the Dam however they were unable to do that this year. I was told these fish came from the Hatchery in Wild Rose, WI.

The Green Bay Area Great Lakes Sport Fishermen (GBAGLSF) sponsors a Trout Fishing outing each year for Special Olympians in the surrounding Counties. The participants are bused to the National Guard Armory in Green Bay where they each catch a few nice Trout. GBAGLSF volunteers clean and bag up the fish and they are sent home with each individual ready for the frying pan. In addition to the fish, the Olympians are treated to a lunch and beverages also served by GBAGLSF volunteers. Pictured above is my wife Mona and I selling tickets at the Sport Show. Proceeds from the Raffle goes toward funding this worthy annual event.

GBAGLSF members Bob Gorecki and Robert Stark are pictured at the Show selling subscriptions for Great Lakes Angler Magazine. The Club was to receive a percentage of each subscription sold.

(Note: Click on photos to enlarge)

BOOK MEANDERINGS

by: L.A. Van Veghel

Even though I do plenty of reading on the computer, I prefer books. While they aren’t very interactive, except for page turning and some children’s books having pop-ups, they do keep me focused. On the computer, I might decide to check my emails, as I’ve just done for an hour, or I might opt to look up something regarding what I’m reading. The next bit of info can send me on a well-meaning but poorly focused Sunday thought drive over the highways and the byways of pothole-filled cyberspace. That often flashes a glaring red stop light in front of what I was reading. I stay on my detour.

You don’t have to have electrical outlet, batteries, or Wi-Fi for books. You don’t have to wait for booting up and signing in when you read a book, and you see the whole page, unlike on palm pilots or other tiny-screened eye strainers. Losing a book is also much less expensive and it doesn’t involve losing the stealing of your identity or the loss of valuable confidential work.

While I’m sitting at my desk waiting for my computer to virus scan some six digit figure collection of files for viruses that came from my recent foray into fishing websites in Russia that somehow got confused by the computer and it’s definition of what “fish” means and some disease ridden x-rated website popped onto my screen and spewed its filth ridden viruses into my previously virgin CPU, I’m writing this article.

Okay, now I just completed a secure cleaning of my computer. I have finished the rough draft of the first page for this article. The complete cleaning removed all kinds of stuff by doing its job seven times. Imagine our bosses letting us do something seven times until it was done right.

Okay, now I’m rebooting. Earlier today, I told a lady cousin of mine who is frustrated with setting up her new computer that rebooting does not mean kicking your computer again. I’ve never rebooted a book. I did throw one in a wastebasket years ago. I overloaded on a famous author.

While my computer is doing all of the stuff I’ve stated, it’s almost like not having a computer. I’m writing longhand.

More time passes, and finally…

Hooray! I’m now using the computer, and I’m having fun while miskeying ala big-time in Microsoft Word.

You know what? I just can’t get focused thanks to the hassle I’ve endured in just getting ready to write this book review article. Writing must cease. It’s time to read another book, and from that pleasurable experience, I hope to come up with a winning book review for you. I’m going to go fishing for a good fishing book. Now, where’s my bookworm. Live bait always helps.

Rick Clunn's Tip For Swimming Spoons

One of the most versatile baits in your tackle box is a swimming spoon. Reel it like you would a crankbait when fishing submerged grass and watch it dart and wobble making it irresistible.

When fishing surface weeds, let it sit on top of the grass and then just kind of skitter it a foot or so, let it rest and then repeat. Be ready for a smashing strike when you pause to let it rest.

Skitter it across the spaces and holes between lily pads. Also try bringing it across a pad and then slowly bring it over the edge allowing it to tumble down.

You can also hold your rod high and slowly crawl it over the top of pads or moss. All of these methods seem to drive bass crazy and there's nothing like a bass smashing your swimming spoon to raise you heartbeat.

Rick Clunn is the only 4-Time Bassmasters Classic® Champion

STANLEY JIGS BUILDS NEW WACKY HOOK

Huntington, Texas - Stanley Jigs introduces the new weedless T-Wacky Hook.The new weedless Teardrop Wacky hook (T-Wacky) has a weight forward design that allows the lure to fall naturally.

"It's a hybrid that fills the gap between a wacky hook and a shaky head. This hook does both, says Lonnie Stanley."The T-Wacky is extremely versatile and can be fished with a wide variety of plastics. Great for ultra-light finesse style fishing.

The T-Wacky will be available in 3 colors and 4 hook sizes in both 1/16 and 1/8 ounces.Go to http://www.fishstanley.com/wackyhook.htmlFor more information please contact:Lonnie Stanley 936 876-5713Or email us kenchaumont@fishstanley.com

Website: www.fishstanley.com Stanley Jigs has been building better baits for over 30 years and we build only what we know to be proven winners. We set the standard, you set the hook.

Choppy waters on a great lake

Forage, stocking among concerns

If change truly is the only constant, then proof is at our doorstep.

In the last century, Lake Michigan has seen its native fish stocks depleted, an onslaught of exotic species, and the rise and fall and tenuous rise again of a world-class trout and salmon fishery.

Now, with the forage base at a record low and a tentative plan by a lake-wide committee to increase lake trout stocking, many in the sportfishing community feel the multibillion dollar fishery is at a crossroads. [Full Story]

Source: JSOnline

2009 fishing licenses, walleye stamp now on sale

Minnesota’s 2009 fishing licenses and the state’s first-ever walleye stamp now are on sale.

Anglers who purchase a license in early March can fish for 14 months as the license does not expire until April 30, 2010.

The state’s new walleye stamp also is on sale. The stamp, though not necessary to catch and keep walleye, is an innovative new way for anglers to voluntarily donate funds for walleye stocking and related activities.

“If you didn’t buy a license last year, now is the time to get one,” said Steve Michaels, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) license center manager. “The 2009 license enables you to enjoy the last two months of the 2008 season plus all of 2009 season.”

The 2008 fishing licenses expire April 30, 2009.

Funds from the $5 walleye stamp validation will flow into a dedicated account for walleye stocking activities. For $2 more, the DNR will mail the actual stamp to you as a collector’s item.

“Minnesota artist Nick Reitzel painted a powerful image for the state’s first-ever walleye stamp,” Michaels said. “Purchasing the 2009 stamp is a way to own a piece of history, start a stamp collecting tradition and support Minnesota’s state fish.”

Minnesota fishing licenses are available at more than 1,800 vendors throughout the state, by phone at 1-888-665-4236 or online.

DNR seeks comment on thirteen area lake management plans

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking comments on individual fisheries lake [and stream] management plans for 13 lakes in Cass and Crow Wing counties. Fisheries managers use the plans to describe the past, present, and future conditions of the lake. The plans identify goals and objectives for the fish community and identify specific management activities planned for the lake in the next 5 to 10 years.

The management plans available for review at this time are for Gull, Margaret, Upper Gull, and Marion Lakes in Cass County; and Allen, Clearwater, Hubert, Mayo, Round, Sebie, Shirt, and Upper South Long Lakes and Section 6 Mine Pit Lake in Crow Wing County.

These draft plans are available for review and comment, at the Brainerd Area Fisheries Office at 1601 Minnesota Drive, Brainerd, MN, 5640, 218-828-2550. The comment period will be open through March 13, 2009.