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| Operation Muskie II is getting ready to kick off next week from Walsh's Baystore Camp in the NW Angle of Lake of the Woods.
20 military veterans will be enjoying this free trip for 3 1/2 days of lodging, food, and fully guided muskie fishing!
it couldn't have happened without the support of many contributions and donations from people around the country - so thank you one and all! this is a wonderful way to "give back" to the vets who put themselves on the line so that we can enjoy our everyday freedoms.
MuskieFirst will have a full report (and hopefully lots of fish pictures) next week after the event is complete...watch here!
Operation Muskie can always use more of your support.
find out how you can help:
http://www.operationmuskie.org/
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| an article written by Pat Durkin about Operation Muskie is scheduled to be featured in a number of newspapers across Wisconsin this week. i know he interviewed my brother Dave on the phone, and spoke to some of the other vets from Wisconsin as well.
i submitted some photos from '08, as well as information about the fund-raising efforts for the '09 trip and reminded him to include the Op Muskie website which he said is included.
check it out:
Green Bay Press Gazette:
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20090528/GPG0702/905280...
Wisconsin State Journal:
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/sports/outdoors/452766
http://www.thenorthwestern.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009905280...
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Posts: 906
Location: Warroad, Mn | Things are looking good for OMII.
Thanks to all.
Doug Johnson
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Posts: 131
| What an awesome cause. Never too late to thank a Veteran. I'm sure you guys will have a great time again this year! |
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Location: Yahara River Chain | I have seen it in two papers, the WI State Journal and the WI Outdoors News. Lamboo's pic is in both of them, but its still a good article.  I have them both if you want them Lamboo. |
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Posts: 357
Location: Long Prairie, Minnesota | 11 days and counting down until the vets are once again going to descend upon Bay Store Camp and LOTW's!! As was the case last year, the participating vets are pumped about coming up and fishing with some great guides. Talking wtih Doug J and Dick P, they have been seeing some pretty nice fish while out bass fishing the past week. Hopefully 11 days of warm weather, will turn the big girls on for our vets and they can all come away with the muskie experience of a lifetime! |
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Posts: 171
Location: indiana | i was lucky enough to win a guide trip through the auctions held this last winter. i wanted to let everyone involved with operation muskie know how the trip went. a friend of mine and i fished with jason king, who donated the trip, yesterday here in indiana. we had a great time with jason and caught some fish too. we ended up with four fish up to 39.5 inches. we saw a few more than those caught and had action all day long. i hope all the folks getting to fish up north this year thanks to operation muskie extend their thanks back to all the guides and tackle manufacturers that made it such a success in some form or another. jason was super all day long and would recommend him to anyone coming to the indiana area to look him up for some superb musky action. he has got them dialed in at all times of the year. thanks again jason and operation muskie. todd williams |
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Posts: 103
Location: Land O' Lakes WI | This is a great event and tribute for the servicemen that make sacrifices for the USA.
I had opportunities to work with most of these fishing celeb's in the past. Looking at the list of classy guys involved, Pearson, Johnson, Maina et al you can only expect classy outcome.
One small editorial gliche in Durkins article. He states that 10 guides donated time but only listed 7 guides in the article. The other three guides should get recognition for their effort as well. Anyone know who the other three guides were on the '08 event?
It will be another good trip for the veterans. A fitting time to be held close to Independence Day!
Mark Gostisha
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Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | Can't wait to see the pictures!
James |
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| One small editorial gliche in Durkins article. He states that 10 guides donated time but only listed 7 guides in the article.
http://www.operationmuskie.org/Home_Page.php
Walsh's Bay Store is the host once again in 2009.
http://baystorecamp.com/
the 2008 guides were:
Paul Klein
Jack Burns
Steve Jonesi
Ray Nowak
Ed Spoerl
Dick Pearson
Doug Johnson http://www.4muskiesonly.com
Pete Maina http://www.thenextbite.com
Chad Cain http://www.chadcain.com
Norm Wild http://www.wildmusky.com
the 2009 guides are:
Jim Murphy http://www.jimmurphyguide.com
Paul Klein
Jack Burns
Ray Nowak
Jim Best
Ed Spoerl
Doug Johnson
Pete Maina
Chad Cain
Norm Wild
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Posts: 1030
Location: APPLETON, WI | What a great way to say thanks... |
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Wish I could have been there! |
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Posts: 1516
| Good Luck and Happy Fishing. It's nice to see some thanks given to the Vets from this era. It was shameful what heppened after Vietnam. |
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Posts: 32
Location: antigo wisconsin | good luck to all the vets, represent well guys and enjoy yourselves, youve earned it!
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Posts: 999
| Best of luck to the Vets, I truly hope you guys have a blast! The Angle is the most beautiful place to fish in the world!! You deserve it!
Mr Musky |
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| Saturday and Sunday were intended as "pre-fishing" days for the guides to locate and pattern fish in preparation for the veterans arrival on Monday.
Mother Nature seemed to have other plans and intervened with a massive cold front bringing rain, cold, and big winds...winds that have created wave conditions that are making things too dangerous to fish: the open basins have legit 4-5' waves with the occasional monster mixed in for fun. during the run out from the Angle to Oak Island, most boats are reporting spearing waves.
but we're putting the time to good use setting up the camp, sorting gear donations for the vets and swapping stories.
the weather is supposed to moderate somewhat overnight, good timing for the arrival of the vets at 12noon tomorrow (Monday).
AND...the first fish of the week went into the bag this morning. Brett Miller was guided by Jim Murphy. the pattern seems to be black and silver bucktails off the dock... 
http://www.operationmuskie.org
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 09-06-28 Op Muskie 002.JPG (121KB - 198 downloads)
09-06-28 Op Muskie 001.JPG (143KB - 189 downloads)
09-06-28 Op Muskie 004.JPG (115KB - 182 downloads)
09-06-28 Op Muskie 007.JPG (162KB - 182 downloads)
09-06-28 Op Muskie 010.JPG (168KB - 184 downloads)
09-06-28 Op Muskie 011.JPG (161KB - 179 downloads)
09-06-28 Op Muskie 013.JPG (120KB - 186 downloads)
09-06-28 Op Muskie 014.JPG (179KB - 187 downloads)
09-06-28 Op Muskie 016.JPG (182KB - 204 downloads)
09-06-28 Op Muskie 018.JPG (224KB - 183 downloads)
09-06-28 Op Muskie 021.JPG (117KB - 187 downloads)
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| things calmed down enough to get out for awhile late afternoon today.
Paul Klein managed a 42.5" muskie just outside of a spawning bay. everyone is back except for Dick Pearson and Frank Walsh...
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09-06-28 Op Muskie 024.JPG (204KB - 176 downloads)
09-06-28 Op Muskie 025.JPG (169KB - 205 downloads)
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Posts: 281
Location: ROckford IL | Did Brad Stoder make it up there ok ? |
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| Good luck to everyone! I'm sure the guides will do another great job making the week one to remember for the guys. Have fun and stick a pig!
Jeff |
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Posts: 802
| atta boy kleiner- now go get 'em boys! |
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Posts: 1906
Location: Oconto Falls, WI | Ugh! What an ugley mug! Don't you have a picture of a different guide with a fish! 
Hope the Vets have a great time! |
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| the vets arrived today (Monday) and started Operation Muskie with breakfast in Warroad hosted by Marvin Windows. they were appropriately greeted with a color guard from area VFW and American Legion posts, and then escorted to the border by an honor guard on motorcycles.
the guides and vets met up at the Angle and road out together to Baystore Camp where the kick ceremony included an amazing selection of muskie fishing gear for the vets and some thank-you gifts for the hosts and guides. lots of smiles and warm handshakes all around.
then...hit the water!
the weather cooperated and the fish were moderately active for the first evening. a couple of muskies were boated, including vets nabbing 33" and 38" fish, plus a 39" by a guide, and a 42.5" by one of the hosts. lots and lots of nice pike and smallmouth were also hitting, plus a number of hits and lost fish. every boat had action.
dinner was a feast, followed by some beers around the campfire and the swapping of fishing and war stories. lots of smiles and warm camaraderie all around.
aside from MuskieFirst's coverage of the event, there is also a reported from Mills' Fleet Farm's fishing and hunting magazine, filming for The Next Bite television show, and John Gillespie filming for Waters and Woods television show (airing this Saturday!).
enjoy the pics...
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09-06-29 Op Muskie 2 Doug 080.JPG (142KB - 186 downloads)
09-06-29 Op Muskie 2 Doug 110.JPG (138KB - 198 downloads)
09-06-29 Op Muskie 2 Doug 133.JPG (113KB - 190 downloads)
09-06-29 Op Muskie 2 Doug 169.JPG (124KB - 197 downloads)
09-06-29 Op Muskie 2 Doug 240.JPG (100KB - 186 downloads)
09-06-29 Op Muskie 2 Norm 032.JPG (86KB - 192 downloads)
09-06-29 Op Muskie 2 Norm 034.JPG (86KB - 186 downloads)
09-06-29 Op Muskie 2 Doug 247.JPG (121KB - 193 downloads)
09-06-29 Op Muskie 2 Paul 027.JPG (118KB - 186 downloads)
09-06-29 Op Muskie 2 Doug 252.JPG (117KB - 194 downloads)
09-06-29 Op Muskie 2 Doug 276.JPG (171KB - 231 downloads)
09-06-29 Op Muskie 2 Doug 281.JPG (204KB - 189 downloads)
09-06-29 Op Muskie 2 Doug 283.JPG (141KB - 194 downloads)
09-06-29 Op Muskie 2 Doug 301.JPG (155KB - 192 downloads)
09-06-29 Op Muskie 2 Doug 334.JPG (100KB - 194 downloads)
09-06-29 Op Muskie 2 Paul 029.JPG (110KB - 193 downloads)
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Posts: 1764
Location: Ogden, Ut | Nice report; glad the fish are moving.
I got chills when I read about and then saw the picture of the Honor Guard - that is a nice touch. Thanks to all who put this together but most of all thanks to the vets. This cannot in any way repay them for their service but hopefully it gives them a touch of the gratitude that we're collectively feeling. My boat always has a spot for them if their travels take them this direction.
S. |
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| Day 2 brought a bundle of optimism, and the fish did not disappoint!
the weather also calmed down finally tonight and tomorrow is scheduled to have sun and smooth sailing.
Johnsonville brats around the campfire tonight courtesy of Waters and Woods, plus a bundle of Lakemaid beer for everyone.
John Kreisel is on top of the world with a 49" muskie and a 41" pike out of Doug Johnson's boat. that's not too bad for your 1st fish ever! John is one of the vets this year who was injured in Iraq, losing both of his legs.
Chad Milne caught a 44" trolling with Jack Burns.
Chris Piha caught a 40" casting with Pete Maina.
the father-son duo of John and Mitch Kersting scored 33" and 37" with Jim Best.
Matt Town bagged 33" and 37" while trolling with Doug Johnson.
Mike Mannz caught a 44" casting with Chad Cain.
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John Kriesel 49.jpg (74KB - 177 downloads)
Chad Milne 44.jpg (104KB - 167 downloads)
Chris Piha 40.jpg (182KB - 169 downloads)
Jim Best 33.jpg (145KB - 174 downloads)
Jim Best 37.jpg (167KB - 171 downloads)
John Kriesel 41 pike.jpg (74KB - 167 downloads)
Matt Town 37.jpg (82KB - 160 downloads)
Mike Mannz 44.jpg (106KB - 163 downloads)
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| tonight's dinner of brats, potatoes, and corn was boiled inside cream cans that came to us all the way from Zens Dairy in Arizona. the Zens were very generous bidders during the Operation Muskie, and it was a real neat meal tonight courtesy both of their auction involvement and their cream cans!
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Zens.jpg (51KB - 147 downloads)
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| John Kreisel catching those fish is what this event is all about. It brought a tear to my eye. What a great event!!!! |
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Posts: 1287
Location: WI | Looks like a great time! Our MI chapter (33) is doing a veterans outing in August, I hope I can put my 'client' on some fish! |
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Posts: 96
| I'm so glad the weather changed for the better...those Vets deserve the best! I know my bro had the time of his life last year. He still talks about fishing with Dick and Doug ALL THE TIME! Truely a once in a lifetime opportunity! |
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| Wednesday brought sunny pleasant weather, but the post-frontal bluebird skies had the muskies in a funk. it was a rare event during the day for any of the 10 guide boats to even spot a fish, and none were caught. a nice 39.5" pike did make it in the bag in Norm Wild's boat for Chris Piha; and some other smaller pike showed up as well. the best decision was probably made by the guys who decided to fish for smallies, boating over 40 of them!
but oh, did i mention it was finally warm and sunny? lots of sunburned smiles at dinner this evening.
the Walsh's put on a fish-fry extraordinaire tonight with walleye, potatoes, and beans. this recharged everyone before heading out for the evening.
with a bit of cloud cover and a light breeze, the fish were much more active: with every boat moving fish, including reports of a few true giants...and a number of "biggest fish i've ever seen" stories were happening around the campfire. for all that activity, the lips were still tight, with one muskie finding it's way into Norm Wild's boat by Chris Piha and one finding itself the temporary guest of Dick Pearson.
spirits are high going into the last day tomorrow, and the intra-service rivalry jokes are rolling tonight. everyone's looking forward to one more go tomorrow!
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09-07-01 Op Muskie 2 Chris 011.JPG (155KB - 152 downloads)
09-07-01 Op Muskie 2 Chris 031.JPG (145KB - 148 downloads)
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| Lambeau,
GREAT JOB posting the days activities!! It's like being there while the action is happening!
Sounds like the Vets are have'n a good time and hopefully the Lunge will cooperate a little better on this last day of the event. "COME ON MUSKIES....EAT A LITTLE BIT"!!
Thanks from all of us to ALL of the people that make Operation Muskie happen, and THANK YOU VETS for your service to our Country!!!!!
God Bless and take care! |
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Posts: 129
Location: North Metro - Twin Cities | What an awesome way to thank our veterans! Great job organizers, sponsors and guides and thank you vets for your service to our country!!!!!! |
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| the last day of an event like this one is always a mix of emotion: sadness that the trip is ending, but a real appreciation of what was experienced at the same time. Chris Piha's comment spoke for many when he said, "this has been the best week of my life!"
Thursday's fishing was hot and cold, depending on what boat you were in! Pete Maina and his pair of vets scored 3 in the morning, and Ed Spoerl's boat was visited by 5 muskies, including 2 45 inchers!
a surprise announcement today was that Joe Fittante donated a replica of the largest fish caught during the week. John Kriesel will have a repro of his gorgeous 49"er courtesy of Fittante Replicas!
for the last night the campfire was a busy place full of true relaxation for 20 of the most deserving veterans you could ever want to meet. a number of these vets saw combat up close and personal, and some spoke about how long it took to start to feel "right" once they got back home, if at all. one of Operation Muskie's goals is to help that happen for these guys, and if only for a week: mission accomplished!
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09-07-02 Op Muskie 2 Mike 033b.jpg (173KB - 172 downloads)
09-07-02 Op Muskie 2 Trent 101.JPG (38KB - 160 downloads)
09-07-02 Op Muskie 2 Trent 114.JPG (49KB - 193 downloads)
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09-07-02 Op Muskie 2 Randy 2 010.JPG (106KB - 165 downloads)
09-07-02 Op Muskie 2 Paul 013.JPG (103KB - 165 downloads)
09-07-02 Op Muskie 2 Mike 055.JPG (252KB - 168 downloads)
09-07-03 Op Muskie 2 Mike W 029b.jpg (128KB - 180 downloads)
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| additional coverage of Operation Muskie 2 can be found:
John Gillespie's Waters and Woods
http://www.thenextbite.com/tv/john_gillespie
television show, July 11-12
Milwaukee: WVTV Channel 18 - Sundays @ 10:30AM
Chicago: COMCAST SPORTS - Saturdays @ 9:00 AM (Beginning Oct. 2, 2004)
Chicago: TRIAX CABLE - three times per week (check local listings)
Minnesota: FOX SPORTS NET - Saturdays @ 9:00 AM
Grand Forks Herald / Northland Outdoors
articles by Brad Dokken this Sunday, July 5th.
http://www.northlandoutdoors.com/index_articles.cfm?id=125204&prope...
http://www.northlandoutdoors.com/index_articles.cfm?id=125205&prope...
http://www.grandforksherald.com/
Pete Maina's The Next Bite
http://www.thenextbite.com/tnb_tv
television show, January 2010
Mills' Fleet Farm "Field N' Forest" Outdoor Journal
article by Doug Peerbolt, spring 2010
http://www.fleetfarm.com/mff/company/newsletter.jsp
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| Operation Muskie 3 is tentatively scheduled for August 2010.
fundraising is already underway to help make sure that another group of our nation's best get a first-class thank you from the muskie fishing community.
YOUR support made it happen this year. thank you!
if you'd like to find ways to help for next year, visit the Op Muskie website:
http://www.operationmuskie.org/
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Posts: 3518
Location: north central wisconsin | Way to go guys!! I am so proud to see another event like this, pulled off in honor of our veterans. Great to see the fish turn on for the last day as well. Equally satisfying to see Ed do so well last year in my absence, and kick some butt again this year putting his vets on some great fish. That guy flat eats, drinks, breathes LOTW Muskies. OM is so lucky to have him and all of the great guides for the week!
Cannot wait for the 2010 OM activities to get rolling, as I sure hope I can make that event to honor our brothers.
Lastly, thank you Mike for the great coverage. It has been a pleasurable week, seeing the smiles on our troops' faces, while staying with Frank Walsh at his Baystore camp, the finest of hosts.
Edited by Reef Hawg 7/4/2009 8:44 AM
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Posts: 39
Location: IL | Anyone here what the final Muskie count was for the event? |
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| there wasn't a formal tally kept, and there was a strong emphasis on keeping things non-competitive. i think it was probably in the neighborhood of 20-25 muskies over 3 1/2 days of fishing. everybody got something, be it muskie, pike, or bass... |
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Posts: 468
Location: Not where I wanna be! | Fantastic Post & Updates!
Glad to hear it went so well! |
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Posts: 134
Location: (South of the 218) | My family just returned home from a week trip to Warroad to see the grandparents. I was away from M1st for the week but pleasantly surprised to see the Warroad Pioneer's coverage of the Color Guard and breakfast at The Patch. And then to see the Grand Forks Herald run the pix and story of the of the 41" Northern and the 49" Muskie caught by a deserving veteran, really warmed my heart on the 4th weekend.
Being from Warroad, I was proud of my hometown sending those guys off the right way. Being a Veteran myself, I was proud of the guys that got to get together under favorable circumstances and share campfires. And being a Muskie1ster - makes me proud to be a part of another brotherhood that's capable of doing great things.
Thank you to all involved in the unimaginable logistics.
Thank you to all who served.
out
Kirby
Count me in for 2010 - p.s. - walleyes were biting on the south end of the lake! |
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Posts: 1769
Location: Algonquin, ILL | GREAT JOB GUYS !!!!!!!!!!!
I'm Hoping my son can make it in 2010, he is due home from Afghanistan next month after a 1 year tour of duty.
It sure will be good to be his net man once again
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Posts: 906
Location: Warroad, Mn | Been away from my computer for a few days, so I'm a little slow in responding.
As Mike reported it was a great event again. To meet and fish with the folks who help keep this country free was a great experience.
I'd like to thank all the folks at MuskieFirst who so generously donated their time and expertise to the very successful on-line auction which greatly contribited to the funding of the event. To all the folks who donated various items and guide trips we and the Vets thank you very much. We couldn't have done this without your support.
I feel that this is a very worthy cause, (I'm an old Marine), and it's one of the high lites of my guiding career to take a Vet fishing. Hope to do it again next year.
Thank you all very much!
Doug Johnson
Edited by dougj 7/8/2009 5:15 PM
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