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Posts: 2515
Location: Waukesha & Land O Lakes, WI | Thought I'd start a list to give credit to the good people of this sport that in most cases get lost or don't get the "thank you's" they deserve. Mostly because they don't do it for "thank you's" or the notoriety. Please add who you think deserves an "atta boy".
John Laimon from Smokey's on Pewaukee Lake. This guy is all over the place...Sponsoring tournys and trails, has the Musky Shop and is doing the Cutting Edge Saturdays on Sports Talk 1250. John has become a good friend and somebody I look up to. Thanks for everything you do Mr L.
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Posts: 8848
| I don't thank people enough, mostly because I don't want to seem like an a** kisser. Nothing I hate worse than an a** kisser.
That said, there's a few guys out there who are just stand up guys, that nobody talks about...
Chuck Nelson -- thanks, man -- my reels thank you. My wallet does too.
This guy knows his stuff, and he's not afraid to share it instead of saying "send me your reel I'll fix it".
Brad Ruh -- Answers every e mail, every question, often the same day, and when you order something you can be confident that you will have it on your doorstep faster than if he got in the car and delivered it himself. All you need to say is "got any more of those _______" and BAM, a few days later you're looking at them.
LOL, now maybe that's because he knows I'm putting his kids through college, LOL! 
There's a lot of people in the musky world who don't keep their word, lie, can't be trusted, and generally just suck, and its easy to say bad things about them... I try not to do that, and I certainly wouldn't do it here, but nobody mentions the good guys.
Awesome topic!
Edited by esoxaddict 5/24/2006 4:57 PM
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Posts: 1060
Location: Palm Coast, FL | I would be more than happy to mention Perry Smith. He passed away a few years ago toward the end of his last term as President of Muskies, Inc. He always made time for everyone no matter what. He also started to get some major changes started within MI. A true friend to all! |
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Posts: 223
Location: minneapolis | There are so many guys I would like to add to this list-
But if I can only pick one- it has to be the most generous and unselfish muskie man I have ever met-
Steve Jonesi
This guy does anything and everything to help anyone with an interest in this sport. Young, old, experienced or novice- I swear the word "no" is not part of Steve's vocabulary.
Thanks Man! |
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Location: Des Moines IA | I agree with Esox, but, Man where to start .....
Slamr, He takes my broke a$$ out fishin all the time, he even teaches me how to use my own baits correctly, not to mention all the tireless work that he puts into Muskiefirst!!!!!
Worrall, He had Jeremy and I up last year @ the hideout, without ever meeting us, gave us lake maps, marked with spots where he caught big fish, and told us what baits he throws ...... and his work on Muskiefirst has made it possible for me to shorten the learning curve big time !!!!
Tuffy1, This guy always hooks me up with the latest info on SE Wis lakes, and I've never even hired him as a guide......
Steve Jonesi, Once again, hooked me up with advice on baits at thornes, all the info I could ever need on a special little lake back home, all without ever meeting the guy!!!! Not to mention the swap meet deal of a lifetime on HR's this winter ....
Just amazing what kind of people you find on this board .....
Edited by MuskieMike 5/24/2006 5:51 PM
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Posts: 355
Location: Wausau, Wisconsin | Phil Schweik and John Sparbel are the best friends a person could ask for. PERIOD. Anyone who doesn't get to know these two are missing the definition of character. There are no two nicer people. Not bad anglers either. Mark Gostisha deserves an atta boy, Ed and Dave from DeLong, Brad Ruh, Steve Suick, Mr. Worrall (he needs his credit!), Kevin Figgins and all of my clients, EVER. It is there amazing attitude, friendliness and positive outlook that drives me to continue working hard to give back to what gives so much to me.
Edited by 8inchcrank 5/24/2006 6:36 PM
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| I'll second the Perry Smith vote.
I remember him coming to one of the Fargo-Moorhead Chapter's Muskies Inc. meetings and also talking to him at Red Wing Lodge on LOTW.
One thing he said has stuck with me for the past three or four years. He was asked at our meeting, "How many fish do you catch on a figure 8". He replied that his figures wouldn't really be accurate, as unless the fish was a 47" or larger, he didn't try to get it to strike. I can only dream of catching so many fish, that a 47", which is actually my personal best, would not give you that big of a thrill anymore. He was a great guy, and is surely missed by many. Al Skaar would have been another good choice for me. About everyone that met him it seems, walked away saying "That's the nicest guy". I sat and listened to people talk at Al's funeral, and when I pass on, if they say the same about me as was said about Al.......that would be alright.
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Posts: 20269
Location: oswego, il | Steve Worrall , without him none of us would be here. Most every fish I have caught has been due to information I have recieved from people I have met on this site. Every cast I made last year was with somebody from this site or I met becuase of it.
My FRV teammates because they have collectively made the best muskies inc club there is. Gallagher, Berg, Muskyboy, Hunter4, Fishstalker, Mehabeeb, Stroedle, Ziebka, Rue, Tristilla, Fishingwaters, Miller, Bottiglieri, Muskypuke and Mike Gregg. No slackers, these guys kick ass and take names.  |
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Posts: 284
Location: Fishing the weeds | My choices are: Gregg Thomas and, Luke Ronnestrand. These gentlemen have gone beyond the call of duty everytime I've fished with them. I'd also like to give an atta boy to Craig Lemon and all the other dedicated people of the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife/Warmwater Fisheries. Without their tireless efforts we would not have the amazing Muskie fishery that we enjoy here. Thank's Guy's! Pat |
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Posts: 336
Location: Lino Lakes, MN | I will go with some of the people already listed here.
John Laimon- He is always there and has helped me quite a bit while learning the ins and outs of the tackle business. I can walk into his shop and feel like Im walking into my own house with the hospitality that he shows. He does a lot of things for so many people and its never to get his name out there...he does it because he is one of the genuine nice guys out there today.
Joel(tuffy1)- He has opened a seat in his boat for me more times that I can count. He has showed me a lot of things that have made me a much better fisherman over the past couple of years and every single time I am in the boat or out with him I have an absolute blast. There is no such thing as a dumb question with him....I have asked him everything under the sun and gotten straight answers when most people would have thought I was nuts for asking. He is willing to give out info and spots to just about anyone that asks.
Steve Jonesi- Met Steve up on LOTW for the Muskiefirst outing 2 years ago. He has become a true friend that is always willing to lend advice not only about fishing, but life in general. I have been able to call him with any problems and he is willing to listen and give a helping hand whenever possible. I agree with EsoxLady that the word "no" is not in the mans vocabulary.
There are so many other people out there that I would like to say thanks to. Ive gotten so many e-mails and PMs from guys and gals wishing me well that its almost overwhelming. My non fishing friends and family are amazed by how close knit the members of these boards are and how many close friends I have made while chasing these stupid fish around. One day I hope to pass on all of the favors that have been passed onto me since I became a part of this community. |
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Posts: 2024
| Perry Smith, most definately. I met Perry several years ago, when we first came to LOTW. I emailed him and he said to come over to the Blue Boat (not sure if that's the name), his houseboat. Probably stayed for an hour. He gave me spots to try, shared patterns that were working, and talked with my dad at length about his career in education. He also talked with us about our club and addressed our concerns regarding membership. I still remember that day like it was yesterday. The lemonade, Dick Pearson's book open and laying on the little coffee table, the legal pad full of his muskie notes. I stopped by each year we were up there, until he passed. I think of him everytime I hit one of the spots he gave us. Truely a generous man.
Gregg Thomas. There's a lot I can say about Gregg, but I will share one experience. Two years ago my dad had his hip replaced. He recovered quickly and was soon out fishing a few months later. We decided that it would be fun to fish Mille Lacs one day as we were coming back from our annual trip to LOTW. Our LOTW trip ended July 3rd, so we were fishing Mille Lacs 7/4. Gregg hadn't been up there too long, so the plan was to move around until we found fish. We started on the north end and wound up on the south end by mid afternoon. Then the wind kicked up; 3 and 4' rollers. Gregg expertly maneuvered the boat through the waves (it was a long way from the south end back to the north end which would have less wind). Still, the pounding proved too much for my dad's hip. He was in real pain and Gregg, without hesitation, drove the boat straight to the ramp. He felt terrible and kept apologizing. I was bummed because I thought the day was over, but Gregg offered to take me out and keep fishing. We fished until 10:30 that night, missing a couple fish on topwater. Cruising in we watched the fireworks show (multiples from different towns around Mille Lacs). Gregg could have called the day when he dropped my dad off, but he chose otherwise. Gregg could have easily ignored my dad and kept going north, but again, he chose otherwise.
I'd also like to thank Thad Hinshaw for taking me under his wing. If you read this Thad, thanks alot old man.
Steve Jonesi, met him a couple times, never fished with him, but he continues to impress me.
All the muskie clubs that have donated money to buying and stocking fish, or improving habitat, should definatley be recognized. |
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Posts: 1299
Location: Hayward, Wisconsin | I have met literally hundreds over the past 40 years + many whom have gone to the trophy lake in the sky.
The three standouts that immediately come to mind are Gil Hamm, Al Skaar and Owen Chelf.
Never have I met a man like Gil Hamm that put 150% into everything he did. Without him there would be no Muskie's, Inc. He was a great personal friend too, that would bend over backwards to help you out and get things done. His wife Midge was a great compliment to him. Miss him like my dad.
Al Skaar gave so much of himself (and $$$) to Muskie's, Inc. over the years, it is beyond calculation. Al was ALWAY there for MI and was a great personal friend and publisher.
Owen Chelf, one of the founders of the Kentucky Silver Muskie Club, was the quientisential "Kentucky Gentleman." We met in Wisconsin and shared muskie boats in many North American waters over the years. His wife Rachael alway made me feel at home when I visited them.
There are many others out there that have and do give of themselves, but these three stand out and made my life better! It is always a sad day when great muskie folks like these pass on, but from the looks of this thread, there are many more out there that have replaced them. Great folks all, muskie folks!
Muskie regards,
Larry Ramsell
Edited by Larry Ramsell 5/25/2006 7:09 AM
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Posts: 1916
Location: Greenfield, WI | I would agree with John Laimon. He gets actively involved in all sorts of issues on our behalf that most of us don't have the time or motivation to do ourselves. He travels all over kingdom come with his bait shop operation. Sure he maybe making a dollar everyonce in a while but he won't become a millionaire anytime soon selling baits.
I would also whole heartedly agree with Mr. Worrall. I've know him since the 80's. Even though I was young and dumb in muskie fishing, Steve always had time for me. My how I've changed! Now I'm old and dumb in muskie fishing!
It is extremely difficult to acknowledge all the good guys in the sport. You can go up and down the aisle of any sport show and see dozens of them. You can go into most any sport shop an see a good guy behind the counter. You go to most any Muskies Inc. Chapter meeting, and you find "stringers" of good guys.
Good guys are all over, but John and Steve sure stand out.
Edited by Steve Van Lieshout 5/25/2006 7:13 AM
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Posts: 654
Location: MPLS, MN | Al Linder, Pete Maina, Dick Pearson |
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| Bob strand
without his foresight and maverick dare,,we would not have the incredible Minnesota muskie fisherie here now. |
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Posts: 1769
Location: Algonquin, ILL | Just about everybody on this board
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Posts: 32949
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | To add a couple to the list:
Howie Meyer. A true gentleman, and a muskie magnet. Dave Dorazio, one of the best 'sense of humors' in the business. Crash Mullins, a true Southern gent. Beav and SVL, just because they are good people. There's so many up-and-comers the future looks pretty bright, too.
Paul Hartman. Great guy, and cares an awful lot about the fishery.
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| First on my list would be Jim Chinnock and his wife Hawg Wobbler Carol who convinced me years ago to join Muskies Inc. and give something back to the resource.
Second would be Bruce Tasker (Chippewa Flowage Guide) who taught me to keep a positive attitude and fish hard or not at all.
Third would be my younger brother who I tought everthing I know about fishing. He has now surpassed me and is teaching me new tricks.
Fred J |
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| All gratitude to my brother Grant. The most giving person I am aware personally. He bought a fish camp on the Manitou 10 years and has opened it up to everyone. This guy gave his car keys to a 05'nissan 300zx with 35 miles on it , fresh off the lot , to our 17 year old nephew and my 13 year old to take to a car show last year. Another one of God's great people who have been blessed alot and not horded it up one bit. He payed part of my college tuition as well as paying tuition for several other kids who were not even family. He bought one family a car. He never even looks at these muskies boards so he won't see this but when I saw the thread I felt like I should post. He never says "no" to anyone in need . So brother GRANT go ahead and cuss up a storm if you have too --Our God forgives -- Without you there would be no ManitouDan Dan Stevenson Plus he taught me how to fish. |
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Posts: 327
| I'd have to start with my Dad , he raised me to enjoy fishing , hunting , and the great outdoors . I wouldn't trade the way I grew up for anything in the world and I hope my kids can say the same someday !!
I have to thank MuskieMike for starting my new addiction !! He's primarily the reason I started to be a 1 species person , his purchase of " The Turd " ( that's what he calls his boat since we now fish out of my Tuffy ) got us out on the water and he stuck a fish the first time we went out , that was it I was hooked !! We both have learned alot about this muskie fishing together and most of our knowledge came from most of you !! So thanks to all of you for everything you guys do .. From giving tips , support of others when they or their families are down , and willingness to help with whatever situation comes up on the board !!
Of course a huge thanks to everyone at Muskie first for putting so much time and effort for the best web-site around !!! You guys ROCK !! Can't wait to meet some of you at the Rhinelander outing !! |
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| this is in no order and i hope i don't leave anyone out..
Gare-anywhere anytime he's the man
ACE and Tommy on the Big V. very cool!!!!!
Jim Korducki from Ducktail-----excellent baits and fisherman
Tony Grant - fun as heck to fish with and the "Tiger Master"
Hawgseekers Family-Joel,Josh,Ron and Mom----just absolutely fantastic people...
Foss Tackle - Nice people, cool maribou baits-do the boo!!!!!!!
all these people are my friends. im lucky!!!!!!!!
steve heiting from musky hunter-what a tremendous ball of musky knowledge....
and to the boys i fish with here in Laona,-pig,dan,fonze and lontime partner polack john...
and last but not least all the great people i met in the headwaters muskies inc. club....thanks
dannyboy
dannyboys guide service
musky crazy
laona, wi 715-674-2061 |
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| Chuck Altamore.
Bob Mesikomer.
Steve Rustenburg.
Jason Long.
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| Everyone who let's me fish with them (Kevin, Bill, Derek, Jimmy, Jeremy, Joel, John, Dave, Bob, and Troy Z), and especially Dave VanDoorn for letting me use his Lund sometimes. Also thank you to all of the great guides I know who have taken me out with them over the years. In addition my friends at MuskieFool who let me test freaky new lures.
All the great people who are part of our local Fox River Valley Muskies Inc. club
Everyone online who shares information and doesn't act like a tool |
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Posts: 462
Location: Syracuse, Indiana | I nominate every dad who takes their kid fishing! |
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Posts: 638
Location: Bloomington, MN | I started out my passion for these fish on Pelican Lake, WI well over 35 years ago. My Grandparents (Chicago folk-not FIB's) started to go to Pelican in the late 20's, and they finally established themselves at Bodenhagen's Bayside Resort. Clarence Bodenhagen was your typical resort owner/muskie god of his days. He strictly used red bucktails with white porkrind, (the only color available those days) and caught hundreds on muskies up to 47 lbs. He and Frank Suick were "rivals". He actually had a bucket filled with rocks with him when he fished, and he would chuck rocks at Frank if they had an encounter on the water. My father remembers that some resort guests were kicked out of the resort for actually having a Suick attached to their rods in his rental boat. Was Clarence a truely good guy to the sport of of Muskie fishing? He was without a shadow of a doubt! He offered people help and reveled with joy in their success. The days of jealously and aggarance are nothing new to this sport. The most alluring aspect of the sport of Muskie fishing are the stories!! This is what attracts and inspires the new-comers to the sport to become incredibly successful muskie fishermen in a very short period of time. |
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Posts: 389
Location: Presque Isle Wisconsin | Truely good people I have met in this sport include Larry Ramsell for everything he has done for the sport that will never benefit Him in his lifetime.Chuck Altamore for being a man and standing up for what he believes without apology.The Late Parnell White,the best musky fishermen I ever met who taught me that musky fishing, when its done right ,allows you to discover something good in yourself and other people.Steve Worrall>If I didnt respect him I would have never have joined this site and met some wonderful people. |
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Location: The Yahara Chain | The following people all stepped up to help out a family in need and showed this guy that there are a lot of people with good hearts in the musky community:
MuskieFirst
Steve Jonesi
Mike Hulbert
Joel Michel
Andrew Golden
Brad Nelson
Cory Painter
Jon Solberg
Lee Tauchen
Mike Koepp
Dave Smith
Kent Sorenson
John Johannes
Troy Zuelzke
Muskie Mojo (Steve Jonesi and Luke Breyer)
Live Action lures (Craig Eversoll)
B.S.Willy (Brad Schultz)
Timberwolve glide baits (Shane West)
John Eversoll
Sennet Tackle Co.(Ty Sennet)
Musky Nut Tackle Co. (Steve Cady)
Shawn Kellet
Killing Time Tackle Co. (Brad Nickelson)
Hawg Seekers Tackle (Josh Stelter)
Grim Reaper Lures (Doug and Bonnie Grisso)
Lindy-Little Joe (Ted Takasaki)
Stan Durst, custom painter.
Miljat musky print (Steve Miljat and Troy Spilde)
Musky Trolling book and CD (Mike Baratta)
Packer tickets (Kevin Dunn)
TM Tails (Todd Minor)
Zalt Lures (Al Warner)
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Location: Contrarian Island | I think most "musky people" really are good people..call me nieve but I do...
Some that stand out ...
I will second Howie Meyer....he has gone out of his way to pass on some of the knowledge he has gained over the years to me and I'm sure many others...Howie you should really write a book with all the stories you have!!
Jon Solberg, talk about a guy who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it! Goes out of his way for his friends...and strangers!
My Indi crew..John Bette, Tom and Mike Hulbert...very good bunch of guys... get to know them before making assumptions is my advice...
those were just a few that came to the top of my mind but really just about everyone I have ever met or fished with I would say is a good person...
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Posts: 186
Location: Kaukauna, Wisconsin | I would have to say John Laimon again, we bought his boat and he is just a super guy, Brad Schultz- helping with his globe, Joel Wick- his super lures and for answering all of my questions and everyone else mentioned and anyone I forgot. |
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Posts: 20269
Location: oswego, il | Besides the people I mentioned before I have to give a shout out to those who have shared their boat with me. Kevin, Archerynut36, Running Hot, Jomusky, Slamr, Muskyboy and his borrowed ride, Tomcat and Matt. I would not be fishing too much if it were not for these guys. |
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| Steve Cady
Steve Jonesi
Matt Thompson
Shawn Kellett
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| Oh ...I can't believe I forgot Derek "Duck" Johnson.
One of the best guys you'll ever meet.
He coaches Cady's basketball team for Pete's sake!
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| Jack Cobb--
This guy has helped so many of the WV baitmakers it is unreal. He is a fine guy and I hold him in the highest regard.Not every baitmaker will share info like Jack will. He has helped me tremendously to the point that I could never repay him. And he never forgets a joke. He is a riot to hang around with.
Mark Smith |
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| Having worked at a state fish hatchery for the past 18 years there are alot of behind the scenes people that make many of these fisheries what they are today. To all the hard working fisheries technicians and workers that grind out the hours cleaning fish tanks only to watch many of these little things die and eat each other. I say Awesome, You are the people that make the difference!!!
New Jersey had no state run muskie program ten or so years ago and today we have 7 or 8 lakes with trophy potentail muskies in them with 5 or 6 more upcoming. We currently stock over 10,000 ten-inch fingerlings every fall. Many states have no natural reproduction so these stockings are very important.
I personally would like to say thank you to Rip Colesante, retired chief of NY hatcheries and Mike Mason, current chief of hatcheries in Iowa for always having an answer for me when we were stuggling with production. It only goes to figure that a fish at the top of the food chain would be the most difficult to raise. I am writing this message in between brine shrimp feedings at midnight so we can have a fall muskie stocking. Just another one of the joys of being a hatchery superintendent.
Thanks for the support of Chapter 22 of Muskies Inc for always being there for us when we need them whether it be financially or manpower. |
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Posts: 656
Location: Forest Lake, Mn. | Where does one even begin to answer a question like this without forgetting someone?
I'd like to mention also, Mr. Perry Smith. You're missed Perry.
Also, Diane Mindar and Gary Drew from Ill. who both spent their time and $$ trailering a Ranger boat around the country in an effort to raise funds for a family man with brain cancer.
All those who 3 years ago worked so hard and donated so much for the T.C. chapter fundraiser for Smokey Swenson. I can't begin to remember all the names of people who helped make that a success, so I won't mention names as I don't want to leave anyone out. But those people who helped out and those who donated know who they are. Thank You We raised over $15,000 for Smokey. Just an awesome job. Smokey is missed too.
All those involved with the fundraiser for Jeff Woodruff a few years back.
All those involved with all the other fundraisers over the years, I can't remember all of them and again I don't want to leave anyone out, but again they know who they are.
Mr. Frank Schneider Jr. He gave so much of his time to improve and protect the fisheries in MN. Frank you're missed too. Thank You
And finally to all those on this and the other boards, and at our Muskie Inc chapters, that gave their support to me and my wife Mary during her battle with brain cancer 2 years ago. I can't say Thank You enough. Again, I can't begin to list all the people who helped Mary and I during the toughest time of our life. Names and faces come through but I don't want to overlook anyone, so again those of you who were there for us know who you are. Speaking personally, I miss Mary the most. The best wife, and fishing partner a man could ask for. I love you.
Thanks to Gander Mt. Guide for starting this post, so we can take time to remember and say Thank You to all the good people in this sport who've done so much for so many.
Edited by fishpoop 6/4/2006 7:06 PM
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Posts: 1185
Location: Wishin I Was Fishin' | I've been a hard core musky finatic for over 15 years now and can't saw I've met very many that wouldn't make my list.
I can't put into words how much I value all the musky fishing friendships I have been blessed with.
Something funny about how good of peeps most musky peeps are.
I will have to say the 2 that are on at the top of my list are Chuck Nelson and Roger Watters. |
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Posts: 203
Location: Germantown, WI | My list (at least the one's that I have met and talked with) includes: Howie Meyer, Larry Jones, Tom Dietz, Mike Koepp and Joe Michel. Way to go guys. Thanks for helping to educate us and making the sport better.
Tom Ramsey
member Milwaukee Chapter Muskies Inc. |
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Musky Fishing's Truely Good People