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Posts: 38
| How many of you are members and in what ways has being a member benifited you? I only get out to fish a couple times a year and a membership may get me more involved with more muskie related activities when I cant get on the water. |
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Posts: 2893
Location: Yahara River Chain | I am a member of the Cap City Chapter since 1985. I have always been very active and it pays off for me big time. I have meet members from not only my chapter but other chapters around the US. It is also nice to see that our efforts in the late eighties and nineties are starting to show in our lake in the form of bigger fish. It also help the chapter when we have number to convince the WDNR and law makers that we would like higher size limits for an extended season. Some of my closest friends are ones that I have met through Muskies, Inc. and more directly Capital City Chapter. Best time and investment I ever made. |
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Posts: 1887
Location: syracuse indiana | i am on the board od directors for the chapter 49 ,, webster lake muskyclub and i can say it is a blast to be part of such a organization.. well worth it and you will meet so many muskyheads like yourself and you will learn so many thing.. dont hesitate and do it.. join a club and enjoy yourself...bill |
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Posts: 717
Location: Grand Rapids, MI | I'm a member of Chapter 47 Michigan Muskie Alliance. Being a member is awesome! You learn so much! Everyone is helpful in teaching you not only HOW to catch fish, but how to make sure they will swim another day. |
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Posts: 314
Location: Bristol, IN | A Rod,
Save your money and headaches. Just fish when you can. You do not need to join a club just to fish muskies. You can always go to sport shows and talk muskies. Membership does not have its advantages. |
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Location: Grand Rapids, MI | A Rod - 2/11/2009 6:01 PM How many of you are members and in what ways has being a member benifited you? I only get out to fish a couple times a year and a membership may get me more involved with more muskie related activities when I cant get on the water. This can depend a lot on where you are from but that fishery that you enjoy might be possible because of the effort your local Muskies, Inc. chapter has put forth (monetary, manpower, lobbying, stocking). If that is the case then I would have to say that you alread have the return but haven't yet made the investment. In other areas the health and protection of the fishery might rest solely on the Muskies, Inc. chapter and once again if you haven't been a member you are already reaping the return having never invested. I realize that "what's in it for me" is important but please don't forget that there might be more than meets the eye. Sometimes it isn't about the direct return like a magazine or what you get from the club aspects. I'm certain your local chapter would truly appreciate your support! |
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Posts: 4080
Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion | Being a MI. member does not benifite me............. My dues and donations help this club stock lakes, buy muskies,send GOOD people and ideas to the DNR. with hopes of preserveing and protecting our muskie lakes Nation wide.
The other perks is meeting great people that is very much like minded as myself,........ And forging Friendships that will never be broken....
Muskie Inc. /////// Is about People, and conserving a truly wonderful resource............. It isn't about Me. I wish I could be more involved.
God Bless Ya, Jerome |
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Posts: 3242
Location: Racine, Wi | I'm a member of the Milwaukee chapter and have been a speaker at other chapters and can say it's definitely worth being a member. I've met some great guys in our club, as well as other clubs. Some clubs are more involved than others (ours is in a rebuilding process and is on the upswing again), but they are all great clubs.
You basically get out of it what you put in. If you're looking to learn more about muskies, help with projects, meet new people, see the benefits of your dues and efforts, it's worth it. I've never thought about dropping my membership and this year I've somehow found time to help more than I have in the past. It's just something I can do to help give back for what's been provided for me. |
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Posts: 1184
Location: Iowa Great Lakes | I know here without the stocking efforts of the local MI chapter many years ago I would have to drive along ways to fish for muskies. I give back by paying my dues every year and also a board member chapter 29, Upper great Plains chapter. |
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Posts: 717
Location: Grand Rapids, MI | Well said, Will, Jerome, Joel, and Shaley. |
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Posts: 720
| A-Rod,
I going to respectfully, disagree with Mike on not joining MI. It does have huge advantages. Maybe the biggest one is the active role that local clubs take in the management, conservation of local water bodies. We at chapter 39 in northwest Illinios have been extremely proactive with IDNR. In a lot of different ways. From stocking, Fyke net purchases, to night glass for agents to help catch violators. I know that we are not special in this regard its happening all over the country. Certainly, where there is a MI chapter.
On a personal note I've met more quality people in this organization. I've made more friends and shared more quality expierences than one person should be allowed to have. I will say Joel is right you get what you put into it. I will agree with Mike in one respect. Don't put your money down. If you don't plan to throw yourself into it. Clubs need active, participating, and hard working members. MI has help out a ton of fisherman from every corner of this great sport. I joined to give a little back.
Dave VanDoorn |
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Posts: 2024
| As Dave alluded to: you only get what you put in. If you simply pay your membership dues each year you will get the magazine and that's about it. BUT, if you attend meetings, partake in club activities, etc. you will get much more from it and walk away with good friendships. I have not been able to attend my local (1 hours drive one-way) chapter's meetings in quite some time and so took my efforts to the magazine. That said, if you are looking to become more involved I'd say joining MI is a great step. There is ALWAYS something to do, you just have to ask! |
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Posts: 32955
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I've been a MI member for a very long time, and probably have been a member of 6 or 7 different clubs. I have benefited by attending meetings, fundraisers, and two ( yeah, both, I'm a relic) for real Muskie symposiums sponsored by MI. I belong to the Madison Chapter right now. Some great guys in the Mad town group, Milwaukee is stellar, the Twin Cities crew are great folks for the most part, and so it goes. Good groups for the most part. The SOB gents and ladies are a true hoot. |
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Posts: 378
Location: On the River | I am member of the headwaters chapter before that I was a member of the Green Bay Chapter before it.who orginally stocked spotted mukies in the Bay of Green Bay .Muskies Inc does alot of great things for the sport I have been a member since 1987 |
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Location: Right Here | As it’s already been said, it’s more about the long lasting benefits more than the instant gratification. I will have to say I’ve made a lot of friends through the years from being active in the Hoosier Muskie Hunters, Chapt. 42. Being active on the board has given experience that I can take with me forever too.
To give an example of what the power of numbers do that Will mentioned: Anybody that fishes Indiana’s great fisheries has Chapter 42 to thank as well. The IDNR was going to shut down all muskie stocking back in the mid nineties until the charter members of our club stepped to show the state that there was a viable interest in the sport. HMH stepped up and started stocking the Barbee and Tippy systems and helped the IDNR with anything we could. The IDNR has now been able to stock over 20 lakes across the state that would have never seen muskies if a group of people hadn’t of stepped up. If that’s not a demonstration of what an MI membership does, I don’t know what is.
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Posts: 619
Location: Verona, WI | I've been a MI member for about 5 years and get a lot out of it. I've gotten to attend great seminars, learned new fishing techniques and heard new waters, been to (and helped teach) at our musky school, and made a few new friends. A good experience all around. Plus with all of the stocking that is done by the club it gives you a sense of giving back to the sport you enjoy. Sure it's easier to just fish and not give back but where's the satisfaction in that?
Shane |
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Posts: 281
Location: ROckford IL | I have learned a ton since i joined muskies inc, they cut the learning curve for me big time, most of the people in muskies inc are musky nuts just like any other musky fisherman and are dedicated to preserving the resources we have and supporting catch a release. You will gain a ton of knowledge by becoming active in one of the chapters in muskies inc. |
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Posts: 1438
| Like was said before, you get out of it what you put into it. Unfortunately for me, I am 1:15 minimum to our Cap City meetings so I rarely get to attend. That being said, I still make sure I send in my annual dues. Just knowing that there is an organization out there working for the fishery and I makes the small investment well worth it. If you are lucky enough to be close to the meetings you'll benefit from membership even more. Occasionally I am able to make meetings and have been able to meet some great guys.
I, and I know others members here are as well, am also a member of Wisconsin Waterfowlers Association, Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever for the same reason. When you look at the amount of habitat and resources that is either lost, being lost or will be lost in the future coupled with the loss of participation that is happening I believe it's well worth it. If we as outdoors people want to keep our opportunities alive we've got to do something about it now. After the loss of habitat is already done, it's too late to say "I wish I would've..."
There are so many groups out there that are working for us as sportsmen. You just have to pick the ones that peak your interests and support them. Whitetails Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Muskies Inc., Pheasants Forever, Delta Waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited, Wisconsin Waterfowlers Association, etc....
Edited by theedz155 2/12/2009 8:33 AM
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Posts: 415
Location: madison wisconsin | I am a MI member and in my first year. I really like it and really wished I would have joined sooner. I have benefited a great deal. There are speakers at about every meeting to learn something new. I attended one that the topic was electronics, something that I am horrible with. After that meeting I would say that most of my problems were answered. That cut down alot of "down time" on the water monkeying around with stuff and more time fishing. Also, I have met some great people who are very helpful. I'm looking forward to getting to know more members and sharing stories and fishing time with them. |
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Posts: 126
| It's not that expensive and is worth what you pay. We have outings and meeting to discuss things that need to be done etc.... We just pushed for increased size limits in KY, and got it. Not much of an increase but it went from 30 to 36 inches. Everything helps.
It's just like anything else you can do... you only get out of it what you put into it. |
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Posts: 8863
| Aside from the friendships, the seminars, a place you can go to talk with like minded people, Membership in Muskies Inc for me is something I feel proud of. For the price of two (cheap) lures every year, I know that I am contributing to the future of muskie fishing in many important ways. The DNR doesn't have the budget to stock the numbers of fish we need to sustain the places we fish. That responsibility lies with US. Muskies Inc is a good way to do that. Think about the future of muskie fishing, the kids out there who otherwise would never be introduced to muskie fishing. Our Youth program is amazing. (FRV Chapter 39)
It's not about what I get for the $35. If I attend ONE seminar I get my $35 bucks worth. Hanging out drinking a beer watching Bucher play blues is worth more that $35. Catching a muskie that may very well have been stocked because of someone's $35 is worth more than $35. Then there's the outings, league night, the swap meets, the raffles...
If you're not getting your $35 worth? (You are and you just don't realize it) It's because you're not making any effort to even show up at meetings and participate. You don't even have to partipate. If you show up and sit there twice a year its worth $35. |
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Posts: 1060
Location: Palm Coast, FL | Without the Indiana Muskies Inc. organizations (Hoosier Muskie Hunters inparticular), there would be no Webster Lake muskies or Indiana muskies for that matter. For those who don't believe in joining or becoming part of an organization like this doesn't realize what they have done for the sport. It is so much more than just going fishing. It is the friendships you make, the youth outings making smiles on those kids faces, community events, tournaments and the list goes on. |
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Posts: 8863
| MuskyTaleMike - 2/11/2009 7:30 PM
[...] You do not need to join a club just to fish muskies. [...]
That's true. But I prefer to go out and CATCH muskies instead of just fishing them. Without the money, the support, and the manpower that Muskies Inc. provides to our fisheries, without the C&R ethic that Muskies Inc (and other clubs) teach to the muskie anglers of the world, muskie CATCHING wouldn't be near as good as it is today.
You fish in IL, right? Shabbona maybe? Fox Chain? Evergreen? How do you think those muskies got there, and who do you think paid for it?
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Posts: 1060
Location: Palm Coast, FL | esoxaddict - 2/12/2009 4:26 PM
You fish in IL, right? Shabbona maybe? Fox Chain? Evergreen? How do you think those muskies got there, and who do you think paid for it?
He actually lives in Indiana. Webster Lake...ever heard of it? I wonder who stocked it and the surrounding lakes?
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Posts: 244
Location: Mallard Island Lake Vermilion MN | Been a member on an off a long time.
Meet some great folks...some nutts like me to.
Good mix...knowitalls to simple listeers...whole great big bag of different fishers for sure.
Good club for beginner to hot shot as all monies earned or raised help everything muskie in one way or another depending on chapter an local.
Good stuff.
They benifit by meeting me to...BIG TIME.
I make everyones life different an I hope a bit better...if not well they aint fixable!
Good stuff muskies inc.
Good stuff.
Tommy |
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Posts: 2331
Location: SE, WI. | My wife and I have been members of Musky Inc since 1983. I joined because I wanted to learn as much about this animal as possible. 25 years later, and 2,500 + musky boated, I think is was well worth the measley $35 or $45 for Dues a year. Musky world would not be what it is today without M.I. The catch and release ethic has grown leaps and bounds. Plus the amount of stocking it has done is huge. Join Up!!! Support the cause! If your not a member YOU HAVE MISSED THE BOAT!!! The lifetime members are truley the heart and soul of M.I. and are extremely dedicated to the sport of musky fishing. 
Edited by jdsplasher 2/13/2009 10:35 PM
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Posts: 90
Location: ne53 | I joined MuskiesInc just to support the cause. At the time I really did not know what they were all about -- at first it was just a muskie club to me. After finding out that our state (Nebraska Chapter 53) would not even be stocking muskies without the support of MuskiesInc, it became much more important to me. We're a small chapter of less than 30 members accross the entire state. You will benefit from MuskiesInc as much as you want to get out of it or be envolved with it. I'm on my second year as a board member and am proud to be a sponser of our small chapter. The difference that we are making is small, but at least it is a difference and 15 years down the road some young future muskie hunter will be catching a fish of a lifetime... and know how to properly handle and release his fish. |
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Posts: 1308
Location: WI | I joined last spring and wished I would have joined sooner. I've met some good, knowledgable people in the local Chapter, been to a few good seminars and fished with the chapter president who guides on the local waters. For me it's been worth it, I just wish I didn't have to work on the evenings that they do their weekly outings on.
I'd say try it, if you don't like it then don't renew. If personalities are combative then try joining a different chapter or just limiting your involvement. I like to be in-the-know on what's going on locally and who's caught how big of a fish on Lake X, etc.
Edited by JKahler 2/13/2009 1:36 AM
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| I agree, try it out. If you like it stay. Don't let the, " if it wasn't for me, there would be no muskies for you" attitude get to you. There is plenty you can do to help the fishery without belonging to MI, it is just a personal choice.... |
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Posts: 596
Location: deephaven mn | it is just a personal choice, being a muskie inc. member means you will be counted as one who fishes for muskies by your
local DNR. Meaning the more recognized muskie fisherman there are the more stocking that needs to take place. Not only stocking but also emphisizes the need for muskie lakes. |
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Posts: 189
Location: West Bend, WI | JDSPLAHER- A scab? Really? |
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Posts: 73
Location: sw pa | ch 16 member dont have time to go to the meetings,but i feel the dues go to a bigger cause.....learning the right techniques to handle the fish and releasing it for other people to catch. stocking fish and raising money for bait to feed the fish. |
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| If you dont join MI consider joining the chapter by donating directly to them and their working programs and on the move projects all this is funded from the local chapters efforts and is needed and appreciated I dont think Ive ever heard of a single person being turned out the door at a dues check point LOL remember you dont have to join to support, but you may change your mind later. |
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| I belong to chapter 57 here in Washington and the benefits have been great. Our chapter got the game dept to raise the size limit from 36in to 50in . we are on the verge of a first class fishery |
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Posts: 135
Location: Irvine, KY | Im 21, fished my whole life but have only been fishing muskies for less than a year now and was fortunate enough to have the vp of our chapter (52 daniel boon, KY) find me on another forum and invite me to an outing last june.... I really had no idea what I was doing, didnt even have all the right equipment, and my boat was down to boot.
Great group of people, I took the back seat of another members boat that day, didnt catch one but learned a ton of stuff. I joined right away and the next outing the guy put me on my first fish! we usually have a tournament with tackle and gift cards for prizes once or twice a month and I look forward to those more than anything else.
I now have the guidence, knowledge and tools nessecary to do it on my own now, and I learn so much more each time I speak to these guys. and as mentioned earlier, the things that MI does for the sport is unparalled... for instance, just got our size limit raised 6 inches (also mentioned earlier).
Ill be a member for as long as I can fish. |
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| Hey Vince,
Who do you think started stocking ski's in IN. Bill Tackas, Mike Clark, Mark Zeak ring a bell??? |
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Muskie Inc Members?