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Posts: 4520
Location: Chippewa Falls Wisconsin | Was it your best season or your worst and explain why?
For me I thought it was a good season. I got to learn lots of new water and spend time with friends in the boat. My daughter caught some fish and the smiles were priceless. I got to spend a week long trip fishing in Canada with the wife, something I had not done in 5 years. I got three really nice fish this year and got to enjoy the moment with friends. The waters up here are full of senic landscape and very few pleasure boaters. The eagles and loons are a bonus. I am very happy I moved my family out of the city. I cant wait until open water next year.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone! |
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Posts: 1769
Location: Algonquin, ILL | For me "BEST SEASON EVER", got my personal best 50+ and had a chance to fish with many of the folks on this board
Have a happy and safe holiday season
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Posts: 1310
Location: Washington, PA | Saw more fish than ever, saw BIGGER fish than ever, the catching part was the problem this year. |
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Posts: 1996
Location: Pelican Lake/Three Lakes Chain | I rate the 2003 season as one of my best ever. I met a bunch of great new muskie fishermen and women. I learned a few new waters really well, and caught some nice fish off of them. Enjoyed a successful first year in the Rhinelander Musky League that saw Sue Worrall and Donna Krueger each catch their first legals, and it happened during league.
Saw a buddy of mine, Donna's wife Andy, get reinfected by the muskie bug. My longtime fishing partner, Troyz, stuck his first 50--just wish it had been in my boat instead of in Treat's (nice job Troy and Treats), and another buddy, Saint1, battle with one of the biggest fish I've seen in WI. I personally caught a number of fish in my "pre-season" trip to Kentucky, and had an awesome trip to Canada, and as always, had a very enjoyable season in WI.
Once again the biggest complaint I have is that my "real" job keeps me off the water most of September and the first half of October. I lose alot of sleep at night thinking of the number of quality fish that I miss out on during those two months. I also failed again to break the 50" mark, but that will come. The biggest heartbreak of the year had to be when I had to retire my old reliable Blackbird Top Raider.
Can't wait for 2004!!!! |
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Posts: 376
Location: Lake Vermilion Tower, MN | Hi Guys,
I had my personal best in size and numbers this season. 28 fish for the season and a 52"er for my 1st ever 50"er.  |
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Location: Athens, Ohio | Best so far in catching muskies (finally!). Worst I can remember for local water conditions. Constant storms had rivers and lakes tore up around southern Ohio, good thing I got to go to Wisconsin and Ontario! The Sabaskong Bay trip was absolutely the tops. whencanwegoagain? m |
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Posts: 2361
| Mediocre spring, but went up to Cave Run with Doug J for the spring outing and had a 4 fish day, but not many people around when we tried to hook up with people from here. Below average trip to WI this summer, next year I am going to try to hook up with some of the board guys to fish a couple days, or maybe finally take a trip to Canada. Fall was extremely good!
Got to fish with a couple of guys off this board and enjoyed both days fishing out of someone else's boat. Hope to have them come down and fish out the back of my boat in the coming year. If anybody gets down this winter and wants to fish during the week e mail me. If water is good we might could find one or two. |
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Posts: 294
Location: Suspended | This year was my best with 3 of my biggest fish ever a 42 and 2-44's with 23 muskies total. Life is good and only getting better! |
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Posts: 466
Location: Pittsburgh, PA | my sophomore season was not that great. i only got out about a dozen times or so, but i saw more fish and put hooks into half as many as last year |
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Posts: 32958
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I had a great year. Sue got her first after several encounters, Keith got a couple very nice fish, the crappies and gills, pike and bass, AND the Muskies were willing. We took a few dandy muskies this year, including the Match Fishing 50. The really cool thing is all but one of the big fish my son, wife, and I caught were caught while we were fishing together. Sue is a great boat partner! Rhinelander Muskie League was more fun than I had imagined. Norm and his partner were great to team up with, and Sue and I are in for next year for sure. Slamr and I had a couple great days on the water. Kentucky was a blast, Sabaskong Bay a blast,and Wabigoon REALLY a blast! My friend Jack caught his first bucktail piggy, and I Frabilled more muskies this year than I have in several! SVL and Theedz were fun to fish with. I will never forget Steve perched atop the back cap about 5' above the wtaer in my boat, or Scott's fine conversation. You guys are on for next year, same time! Scott, just set the hook as ahrd as you did on the 34, and the 50 will cry uncle! Steve B abd Rob fished hard, ate well, and were totally ignored by the muskies. I owe you guys a pig, get back up here next year and collect. Kim and his wife were a blast to fish with. AND! Kim got the bloody Mary, too. All in all, a great year. |
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| I did well this season but I really couldn't get out much because of work. I am looking forward to next season. I have been at this for 25 years and it just gets better and better! |
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Posts: 2091
Location: Stevens Point, WI | I had a pretty good year considering I missed about 3 months with back problems and surgery, but I'm nearly 100% and will make up for it this next season. |
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Posts: 4266
| Even though I did lose the biggest fish of my life, I did get a 46 1/2 while fishing with my wife. That was special. She used to be my muskie-slinging partner, but she had neck fusion surgery a couple of years ago, so now she can't fish as much. Last month she found out that the fusion didn't take, so she has to have it done again. But on the other hand, my soon to be 8-year-old daughter discovered that she can launch a 2 ounce lure over the neighbors fence with a baitcaster without getting any bad backlashes....yet, so it looks like I'll be trying to get her in to her first fish next year.
I rate every season a 10, because I'm alive, I'm with people that I love and they love me, and I live in a country where we can do it!
Beav |
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Posts: 5874
| Best season ever, without a doubt. The pics below are the true reason this was my best yet.
I caught more and bigger fish, and put more fish in the boat. I had some great outings including Wissota, and Sabaskong Bay. I fished with great friends, including The Extreme One, Sanks, DaveJ, Shady, Mikie and John, GregM, Steve Worrall, Jason Smith, Mark H, KLY, Matt, WI Wade, Treats Daddy, DaveD, Steve H, and especially my kids. Thank you all for a memorable season!
Edited by Shep 12/16/2003 11:17 AM
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | I voted that the season was OK, but the more I think about it, it was better then that.
The Good:
Numbers were about the same as last year even though I only got out 1 weekend in June and had no boat until July. With a new kid I probably got out 1/2 the time as usual.
The average size was up to around 39"
Fished with a bunch of new people and 8 new lakes.
I had more follows and I saw/lost more 50" class fish this year then in the last 3 years combined.
1/2 my fish came on topwater WHHHHHOOOOOOOHHHHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
The bad: I lost EVERY fish I had on over 43"!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Posts: 1906
Location: Oconto Falls, WI | Best season yet! I started it out with a bang, and ended it the same way.
What made it great:
1. 48" tiger on opening weekend to top off a great opening weekend.
2. Boated more 40"+ fish this year than ever before.
3. First Canada trip! Thanks to TR, JLong, Oneida Esox, Mike Roberts, Piggy, and the rest of the gang for a memorable trip.
4. Broke the hymen on Shawano Lake!
5. Learned some new water that I will definately be on next year.
6. Gained confidence in some new lures/presentations.
7. Met a great new freind with Mepps - Chuck Nelson
Some low points:
1. Lost way too many fish, including some real nice ones.
2. Not enough time on the water (Is there ever enough?)
3. Spent my life savings on bulldawgs!
Can't wait till next year! |
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Posts: 389
Location: Presque Isle Wisconsin | Voted for good season,with great clients however. Interesting sidelights or highlights include. The discovery of another "Black Lagoon"
Clients catching and releasing several over that inch mark that seems so overly important now from 5 different bodies of water that are still underfished in Northern Wis or Western U.P.Puting over 100 Muskes in the boat while fishing Trophy waters virtually all the time.Still havnt had a bite off on the flouro carbon new quick strike rig but did have one abraded seriously enough to make me use 7 strand at times.Begining to realize that invasive species are going to infect and inhabit ALL fresh water lakes in the very near future.Biggest shock of the year was realizing that guys are spending $45,000 to buy and equip a muskie fishing boat.Relative to that shock was watching two friends in a beat up rowboat in late November take a 49 and 50 inch fish on consecutive days from two different lakes one on an artificial, one on a sucker. Boat cost $0.Just Priceless!!! Thanks to all the guys from Muskie First Website that chose to fish with me this year. It was a real pleasure |
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Posts: 18
Location: Amsterdam, Holland | voted OK season.
first year with my own boat lots of water to explore and things to find out. but i have the feeling it will go better next year after a bad start i made up with some nice fish and some new hotspots i found.
so my season was ok but have great hope for next year. |
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Posts: 87
Location: Wauwatosa, WI | it was only an ok year till I came up to the manitowish chain in early November. Five fat fish 49,46,45,43,41,36 in two days with freezing temps. rod and reel would freeze up, wind so cold I couldn't believe I was really fishing deep in the middle of the lakes, but with that kind of success how could I argue. for the year a good season. Best fall fishing ever(for me)
Bob Ryan |
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Posts: 484
Location: St. Louis, MO., Marco Is., FL, Nestor Falls, ON | Best ever! Maybe it was due to the low water on LOTW. I would like to think it was because I'm getting better in my elder years. Nah...it was the low water concentrating the fish on good spots and being able to find new spots due to the low water.
Edited by rpieske 12/16/2003 12:51 PM
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Posts: 93
Location: Waukesha, WI. | I think every season that I get on the water is good. I did get my best yet a nice 46" on one of the baits that I make ( this was the best part). I don't get out as much as I would like but next year I will start taking the kids. Can't wait to get them the first fish. CAN'T WAIT TILL MAY!!!! |
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Posts: 391
| Well,
without a doubt my best seson ever. Simply becuase I got to fish with some unbelieveable people. I missed more fish this year than I caught thinking back on it and did not beat my personal best, however I did get to actually see some of the biggest fish I have ever seen following and miss a few that would have topped my personal best as well. Thanks to everyone that shared a boat with me and letting me net your fish! Hey Dude nice hook set!!!! Greg you pansy, never thought I would go that fast on a sheild lake!!!!! Shep thanks for helping me catch my biggest ice cream pail yet and showing me some awesome water! Joel the brats were enfuego and I want a jaws boat with a string of 25 suckers for myself! MuskyFever, glad I am lucky besides fishing. Chad, you are an awesome carp guide. Shawn next time you tell me the lucky bait and I will borrow it. Thanks to everyone else for helping with baits, info, and tips.
hope next season is even better |
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Posts: 1023
Location: Lafayette, IN | Incredible year! Son boated his best pike while fishing with Ace on Vermilion. (great job, Ace) Daughter caught several 3# bass and the best and most pike she's ever caught. Brother-in-law boated his best pike and musky on Vermilion. Nephew caught a 9 1/2# bonus walleye in Indiana while bassin this fall. (his first ever) And, I had a blast with Dad catching my best musky ever! (It also was my first trolling musky) What a life we enjoy!.......
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Posts: 440
| I had my best season for size and numbers. Had 3 fish over 40" here in Iowa. Those are just side notes to the time on the water I got spend with people. As always it was great fishing with my dad at least once a week. Getting more time on the water with old friends like Shawn and Dean was fun.I have to say fishing with the new people, Kyle...SteveJ was great, anytime a person gets a different perspective on things you learn. And I have a lot to learn. That was Kyle's spot he caught the grass carp on, I don't guide for those things.....LOL!!!!! I will confess to catching a big ole grass carp myself this year. Big time pulling power. Love em. I am going to fish with a couple more new people next year. It is definitely worth the effort it takes to cordinate. |
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Posts: 1916
Location: Greenfield, WI | Without a doubt from a fishing perspective, this was my worst muskie fishing year ever! Between my sucessful (God Willing!) recovery from cancer, and my work schedule, I was in my Tuffy Esox Magnum only twice all year!
Hurry up 2004!!!!! |
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Posts: 1438
| It was a good season for me. Didn't see as many fish but boated way more than I ever have. I had a total of 10 (my goal was 20 before I got pissed and took a break mid summer) with 4 over 40 and beat my personal best twice. Caught my biggest ever on the last trip out the Thursday before deer hunting. 44 1/2" by myself. I also managed to get my wife out on the water. She had a follow although she never saw it. She didn't say she hated it so it's a start.
I spent a lot of time fishing better waters and it paid off. Had a blast with SVL and Worral and spent a lot of time fishing Eau Claire area with Jason and Curly - boated a few fish in the process.
Drawbacks, didn't spend nearly enough boat time with Sluggo. Although we only live 5 mins apart our schedules just didn't jive this year. Good thing the Korbel flows freely between our houses. Next year Mike, next year. Still haven't gotten my daughter her first legal.
Looking forward to next year. I am using each year as a stepping stone so I expect more/better tomorrows.
How long before the opener??
Scott
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Posts: 544
Location: Alsip, Il | Very tough! For the amount of time I thought I would do alot better. But, I have to thank Matt,Chuck and John for helping out with the late season fishing. I thought I would be able to crack Shelbyville with the amount time I fished it. That is one of my goals for next year is to crack that tough nut (at least for me). I still was able to boat 12 with 48 inches being the largest from Lake of the Woods, but had alot O fers, for my day outings and seem like I would only get one shot and that would be it for the day. God Bless, Al |
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Posts: 136
| The fishing itself was a definate rollercoaster ride. The spring was slow this year for numbers, but we made for it witha 20 fish, 10 legal weekend in April. We also got a nice 50" and 49 X 26" in the spring.
The early summer bite is by far my favorite. we caught a ton of fish, with 4 more over 50" with a pair of 52's being the best.
fall bite was ok, but no big fish or numbers. but, we did get fish on almost every trip.
I think overall, we boated like 150 fish over 30", and I caught 57 of them.
I also got to fish with some new people this year, and picked up a few new techniques, so I had a blast!!! |
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Posts: 114
Location: Eagle Grove, Iowa | I will vote it a good season. Ended up with 32 fish but lost more fish this past year than the last 5 put together one of them being a 50"+ fish that i still see in my sleep. But Did have a great time on the water with friends and family witch are memories that last forever.
Happy hoidays ,Tracy |
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Posts: 172
| the season was okay for me. didnt get as much time on the water as last season, which hurt the overall picture.
good:
1. did get a few nice ones still.
2. did get to fish some new waters with a close friend i don't get out with enough
3. did learn some new ways to catch 'um.
4. did introduce 5 friends to the sport
5. did show my guide friend a few tricks. heh-heh
6. did gain confidence in some new baits
7. did get an awesome new rig! incredible!
8. did pull some spinners around some new places and was pleasantly suprised.
9. taught everyone i fished with that i use some strange baits, and they do indeed work from time to time....sometimes. haha
10. did catch tons of other fish, and some nice ones. the ice-pike have been treating me nicely as of late.
11. some people did catch the "fish of a life-time" even though they werent 70+ ; )
bad:
1. did lose the biggest fish i had on this season.
2. did have a few 0'fers...
3. didn't beat last year's best fish (49.5), close but no cigar. haha
4. didnt get to fish late in the fall, boat was "winterized" while i was away. boy was i suprised.
5. broke WAY too much gear
6. suspended bite was slower than last year for me, got tough to find the nicer ones.
7. didnt fish the rivers enough. not nearly enough actually.
8. nobody got a 70+ but i have faith it will happen.
9. nobody got a 50+ MN fish (that i heard about anyway)
wow, thats plenty for now. i could go on all night.
hope 2004 is better for everyone (regardless of 2003!).
-MNmatt
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Posts: 305
Location: Illinois | I voted good. It's pretty cut and dried for me. I had 3 nice fish in the boat before August 43.46,47. I realize these aren't huge but in my terms those are great fish for me. After August my biggest was only 38 and I did not catch 1 fish in November. So the season started great and then went pffffffft. I need to make more adjustments in fall in terms of methods and especially lake(s). 13 total for me which is about average but with the 3 good fish my size turned out above average. Truthfully the end was a disapointment because it should have been my best season ever. |
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Posts: 244
Location: Mallard Island Lake Vermilion MN | Way cool year.
Spent over 120 days on the Island.
Sweet.
Outstanding number of fish over 44" for clients and me too.
Bunch of Future Monsters from 24" to 43" came in for a picture also.
Many very Large mid 40s Pike got into the act again this year as well.
Plus we ALL had a lot of FUN.
Put in some time with ACE for the Iron Range kids in July, then again late in the year for us.
Got to fish with a few old friends this year as well.
Made it a point to always be hunting up NEW areas and learning, then maybe trying to teach NEW tricks to whom ever would listen.
Realy had my Musky Mojo working most of the season.
We simply Rocked!
Thanks to everyone that stopped by to fish or just shoot the breeze with the Marauders, Bonnie and me.
Tom Wehler
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Posts: 240
| This was a great season for me inreagards to numbers per outing and total fish caught. The size of fish was a little down form last year though. Alot of these is due to the fact that I learned alot last year as well as this and applied my knowledge on the lake. Really looking forward to next year. I am sure I will learn more but should be interesting to see what I can do with the knowledge I have now.
Cory |
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Posts: 20281
Location: oswego, il | This was definitely my best year. 38 musky for me and 68 in the boat. My biggest was a 44" musky and I topped it saturday with a way fatter 44" pike. I hope to get out yet again this saturday.
My kids had a decent year, no musky but they did catch some nice smallmouth along with some pike and a couple walleyes. My grandfather got to fish again after many many years and he was able to get some pike, bass and walleye too.
My mom caught her only musky a personal best 36"er on my birthday.
My dad has had his best year too with 29 musky. |
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Posts: 3242
Location: Racine, Wi | This was by far the my best season. I put 18 legals in the boat for myself with 3 pretty nice fatties. The coolest part was that alot of my friends that shared the boat with me caught their first legals, and in some cases, their first muskies! Just to see how excited they get is the best part.
My fiance caught her first 2 legals with a 43" and 36"er. Unfortunately only the pic of the 36 turned out, but the cool thing was the 43"er was on her 30th birthday. Oops, probably shouldn't say her age. Oh well, I don't think she'll see this.
I got to fish with some real cool people from this board. Kly, we definitely need get on the "Jaws boat" and find out how they run that many suckers at one time without 1. getting tangled, and 2. catching a fish.
BigMo and I need to stick one next year. 0 for 2 times on the water, yet a few smallies found the muskie baits tempting. Had a great time meeting Mr. Extreem on the water, and was glad to get his rod back to him. Had a great time on the Fox Chain with the IL boys, and Tuffy and I will stick a good fish next year.
I could go on forever, but I'll cut it short. Sorrry if I missed anyone, but I definitely will hit the water with ya again next year!
Good lungen, and a safe New Year!!!!
Joel |
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Posts: 20
| Got my first 50" up at the NW Angle. I had a few others, but the 50 made my year. |
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Posts: 5230
| Season was not very good,not as many days on water as wanted especially in sept and oct.No trip to the U.P. also.Highlights were caught a fish in Kentucky,Illinois,Indiana,and Wisconsin.Had decent sucess at a lake less than an hour away.Caught 23 fish over 30 inches which I guess is ok for limited days .No fish over 40 inches that is bad.Maybe next year will be better.0723 Bill Ramsey
Edited by 0723 12/17/2003 4:29 PM
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Posts: 39
| The season was OK. I didn't catch big numbers just big fish. Started the year with a 27 1/2 inch walleye in January through the ice. In July caught a 37 inch Leech Lake Northern Pike (Thanks Murph!), then caught a 45 inch Muskie on Tonka (you can see the picture on the Muskies of 2003 video, it's the 11th picture). These were all personal bests. The most fun fish I caught this year was a 6 1/2 pound bass that I caught on Tonka with a Topraider during a bass tournament right next to one of the competitors. I was muskie fishing of course. The look on his face was priceless. |
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Posts: 4520
Location: Chippewa Falls Wisconsin | Wow! its really nice to see that the majority of the members on this site had a favorable year. Now its time to clean those reels and sharpen those hooks, some you guys have big job ahead to top your 2003 totals.
I still have my major goal to break to have a "stick measured" 50" in my arms, but I am in no big hurry. Its took me this long, whats a few more years. I caught 38 muskies this year with three good ones, 47",45 and 44" and that to me makes a good season and a better one to spend it with friends on the water. Its not about the catch to me, its enjoying the outdoors with friends and family that is important.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone! |
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Posts: 477
Location: Iowa | This was by far my best year to date. It was great getting out to fish with ChadG when our schedules worked out, it's been a long time since we did much fishing together, but it sure brings back a LOT of memories from our younger days. KLY, you can come and net fish for me anytime you want, I'll try to net one for you in the spring, when the big girls are showing themselves to us. As far as numbers go, I probably caught more muskies this season than I have in all of my other years combined. I finally broke the 40" mark, and 3 times to boot with the biggest a 43". I got my last one 12 days ago and haven't been out since due to the ice and I'm already losing my freaking mind. All in all it was a great year, and I hope for next year to be better and more enjoyable yet. |
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Posts: 2754
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | Not my best, had ~28 days planned to chase Muskies, but not my worst (1997->2002 was a drought). Due to my day job, actually got ~ 5 full days of fishing time. Beginning of the season was good- 39.5" & 41" fishing 2-days w/ Ranger in early May up in the Yooper!, Then 39.5" fish match fishing on Crow Lake, i.e., fishing against Ranger in late June. Given time/hours on the water I don't feel to bad! All fish were somehow related to Ranger- What's that about????? All fish were caught on Zam's. OH yeah- the vacation days I planned on using to chase Muskies- now I have to burn them or lose them, I'm on vacation until Jan 6- 2004 - How about some ice fishing? "All Water is Zalt Water" Al Warner http://www.zaltnad.com
Edited by ESOX Maniac 12/20/2003 10:14 AM
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Posts: 148
Location: DES MOINES, IOWA | Bob, nice fish.I thought your boy caught all of the big ones.I see weeds on that line.Stony? I,m glad to see you fish the weeds, so I won,t mind taking you fishing a day in the slop.I live in there at times, especially in June.Six months to go for Sabaskong.I,m already going thru severe withdrawl. |
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