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Posts: 208
| Just curious how many people who visit this board and are musky fisherman are members of Muskies Inc? I'm not sure if this pole is allowed but i feel its important if permitted. I personally feel strongly in supporting groups who contribute to the growth of our sport. If we don't who will?
Thanks! |
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Posts: 1295
Location: WI | I am. |
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Posts: 203
Location: Alexandria, Minnesota | I totally agree with you NOFEAR, especailly here in Minnesota we would not have probably over 1/2 of number of the great fisheries we have today if it was not for the hard work of Muskies Inc in our state... I would totally stress if you have not joined your local chapter yet, I would call and join today!!! |
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Posts: 150
Location: Central Minnesota | I agree with both the earlier posts. I feel every dedicated musky angler should become a member. A basic membership for a year is about the price of one musky lure. No excuses. |
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Posts: 629
Location: S.W. WI | I am |
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Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | I am.
I would also like to see another pole of average age for Muskies Inc members. Talking with a few this year at shows I found out the average age is getting older and older. Not a good sign IMO and we all need to do more about getting younger anglers signed up (for any musky clubs). I think a lot of manufacturers could do some really positive things at shows and four various kids events to encourage musky anglers to bring their kids and entire families out for the sport. Doug, with the Milwaukee Musky Expo, had a great kids day this year on Sunday and gave out free combo rod/reels. The turn out was great for kids!
JMO,
James |
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Posts: 347
Location: eagle river,wis | I am Muskies Inc |
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Posts: 673
Location: Twin Cities, MN | I have been a member for a number of years. I do not have the time to attend meetings, but think it is a good organization and therefore pay my dues each year to support them.
The MN show has had a kid's booth for as long as I can remember to try and get young kid's interested in muskie fishing. They can make their own bucktail's and other lures to take home for free. |
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Location: 31 | Pal - 3/17/2012 7:52 AM I have been a member for a number of years. I do not have the time to attend meetings, but think it is a good organization and therefore pay my dues each year to support them. x2 Since the early 80s, Gil was my sponsor.
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Posts: 462
Location: Syracuse, Indiana | Proudly so. |
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| I decided not to re-up this year and here's why: the continuation of the magazine which has been a money drain for eons and the ridiculous sponsorship of Keyes Outdoors. Good people overall but I grew tired of the knowledge that a large portion of my membership dues went to national which is clearly making poor choices with the funds that I and others were giving. |
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Posts: 149
| I know there are always going to be some that will not join Muskies Inc. for whatever there reasons, personal or business related. I have thought to myself, how can I not join when I am enjoying and using the resources that they have supplied us with? I do not know the numbers, but think of the lakes that are currently popular and great fisheries that wouldn't have been if it weren't for Muskies Inc. Also, the cost to join is pennies considering the amount we spend on everything else. What is the membership cost, like $25 without a magazine or $35 with the magazine? That is the cost of an average lure that you will probably buy and never use!
If you are not a member, I would ask that you strongly think about joining. And by the way, I have been a proud member since the mid 80's.
Brent |
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Posts: 255
| agree |
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| I stopped when I found out the percentage of dues that go to the magazine. It's insane. I don't care about the magazine, so I give directly to my club's annual stocking fund instead. |
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| get rid of the magazine and spend money on the fisheries instead and I will join again...the magazine has nothing I want to read, send out a quarterly letter that keeps everyone up to date with the fishing contest and then start a tournament trail like BASS does and raise money for the organization. |
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Posts: 540
Location: Leech Lake, Walker MN | Bought my membership from the founder him self Mr.Gil Hamm
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Those of you who don't want the magazine can join for $25 and not get it.
While I certainly don't read every article or think every issue is a must read I have over the last 13 years enjoyed and learned a lot from the magazine. I'm sure some of you would have no desire to read musky hunter or EA when they were still around too.
I may not agree with a lot of the policies that have come from the International board over the last few years, but the accomplishments of the chapters in MN to me are worth spending the membership fee no matter what it gets used for.
I'm sure many members feel the same way in WI or other places.
I'm proud of my chapter and what we have done over the years. I won't drop out of MI because of what goes on at the International level when I can see all that we do at the club level.
John Skarie
RVP FM chapter |
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Posts: 150
Location: Central Minnesota | In this digital age they could probably get rid of the hard copy magazine and just have an online version, that would save some money. However I am old school and like paper copies. |
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Posts: 121
Location: Plymouth IA | I will be checking out the local chapter next month here in Iowa and i figure i will join. |
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Posts: 8821
| I don't like that my membership fee largely goes to International, but the money our club raises on a monthly basis through donations, raffles, Spring and Fall tournamants, and our annual fundraiser is put to very good use. Kids fishing derby, youth outings, a breast Cancer awareness tournament, and of course stocking of muskies in many of our local and regional waters... I could refuse to join because of the whopping $35 membership fee, but over the course of any given year, we, and any others like us give at least $500 to the club which goes to conservation, and to getting kids involved in fishing. Those two things are the future of muskie fishing. We all talk nabout leaving our waters and our fisheries better than when we found them. MI is a great avenue to do just that, IMO. |
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| Have been a member for 29.5 years |
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Posts: 173
Location: Probably Minnesota that time... | I went a few years without membership when my kids were young, but wish I would have maintained throughout. I believe if you frequent this or other muskie boards, and care about our fishery, you should be a member.
-Chris |
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Posts: 101
| I am. MuskyStalker got me to become a member and glad I did.
Regardless of the where the membership dues go to the National organization they do provide support for insurance, tax filings, all the stuff an organization requires even at the local level. If goes want to change how the membership fees get spent then speak up and become active. If the majority wants the funds spent a certain way again become active in a chapter and voices wh=ill be heard.
The MN Muskie fishing will not continue unless all the fisherman out there that aren't members either become one or become active politically to counter all the other groups out there that don't care, or want to divistate the population. |
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Posts: 1916
Location: Greenfield, WI | Since 1984. |
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Posts: 962
| I've been a member since 1993. Muskies Inc. is the reason why the Madison Chain has as many fish as it does
Jeff Hanson
madisonmuskyguide.com
Edited by Jeff Hanson 3/17/2012 5:43 PM
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Posts: 223
Location: Victoria,MN | I was a member a few years back and for whatever reason I didn't re-up until a year ago.
I have never been to a meeting (shame on me) and
I feel now a simple membership is about the most inexpensive way to give back to a organization that does so so much to help stock, teach & promote muskie fishing
Edited by T-Bone 3/17/2012 6:09 PM
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Posts: 706
Location: Richland Center, WI. | I am a member of Chapter 8, Capital City Muskies Inc.
Ken |
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Posts: 897
| I was about to send in my check then accidentally caught the beginning of Keyes this morning...no way I would give him a penny. I will find other ways to contribute locally. |
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Posts: 518
Location: Cave Run Lake KY. | Without Muskies Inc. most of us whould be looking for our first 50"er to get mounted. Marv. |
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Posts: 25
| You hit it right on the head! For the cost of one lure you can join MUSKIE'S and help insure and promote and carry on the heritage of musky fishing that was passed down to us. That's besides the informative magazine, the data rich Lunge Log, all the club outings, tournaments, seminars, knowledge and general fun & BS that comes along with being a member of a MUSKIE'S Inc chapter. http://www.muskiesinc.org/
Kevin Pischke
www.layinalineguideservice.com |
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Posts: 20245
Location: oswego, il | I am a proud member of chapter 39. Thanks to Slamr and Joe Mellott for talking me into going to a meeting on this site's very chat room many years ago. I am on the board and I have found it very rewarding knowing that I am part of a club that is making a difference in musky fishing and people's lives. I have also made some great friendships through the club and participating in some of our youth events like One Hope United is worth it alone. Those kids can't wait for us to come back and take them fishing again.
In a national organazation it is easy to find something you like and do not like. Your not going to get everyone to agree on everything. For me there is plenty to like and on the chapter level is what it is all about to me. In my opionion, don't let one thing you do not like take away from the other good things that you do like.
Some people just don't have the time, families and careers can make quit busy for alot of people. Even if you cannot make the meetings or be a part of club events you can still contribute to a club's success. Just about every club has a banquet or a fundraiser. For most chapters this is the single biggest event for them to rasie money. Many of us know someone who owns a business or has something they can donate to an area club fundrasing banquet to help that chapter raise money for the good things they do. It does not even have to be fishing related, it could literally be anything. I make this challenge to all the members and future members out there. Try to make that connection. You will be amazed at what can grow from it. |
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| For those that don't like that every penny of the membership goes to International, please don't overlook your local chapter. The chapters are the ones making contributions to your local fishery and they cannot do it without you.
I personally am unhappy about International giving Keye's so much of a very small annual budget. They have historically spent way too much money and time focusing on trying to attract new membership to back fill for high attrition instead of dealing with the issues that cause the attrition. They are like the Sony executives who fought the coming of the iPod/MP3 because they were too heavily invested in the media that they couldn't let go of. This analogy applies to the continued production at higher costs of the paper magazine in an age where the generation they desperately need to attract lives in an on-line world. Replacing that dinosaur of a magazine and website with something different and new (read not just another web site) would be a great step in the right direction. They need to think about what gives the next generation value? How about a smart phone app for the Lunge Log? How about MI solunar tables combined with peak hunting/fishing times smartphone app? How about a monthly email newsletter summarizing all the projects the chapters are making in the region to improve fishing, habitat, etc. When they start thinking like this, blowing up the old, building new and dealing with why people don't rejoin, we will have a fresh and strong MI that we need to galvanize us on common goals for the fishery. |
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| Member for four years, Chapter 2 |
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Posts: 1184
Location: Iowa Great Lakes | Without International there wouldn't be local chapters.... Proud member and active board member of Chapter 29.... |
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Posts: 2894
Location: Yahara River Chain | I attend my 1st Capital City Muskies, Inc meeting in January 1985. Featured speaker was Steve Quandt of Tuffy Boats and he talked about Lake of the Woods. How I remember it well.
Like Jeff Hanson says, if not for guys like co-founders Gil Nimm, Steve Budnik, and the Late Bill Wood (the most dedicated muskie angler I knew) we would be lucky to have a few muskies in the Madison Chain. Its chapters like ours that keeps the DNR committed to this fishery. They see how much time and effort we put towards these lakes and they are right there with us. It makes their job easier and we benefit greatly from the improved fishery.
Anglers that refuse to send money to the national? Fine, check out your local chapter web site and attend their fund raiser(s) and spend money. I guarantee that your funds will make the local fishery grow. If you say no to Muskies, Inc and don't support your local chapter, then don't complain when you no more DNR muskie stocking in your lakes, or other habitat improvements. The local club can't do squat without the funding. |
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Posts: 255
Location: MadCity Wisconsin | Ive been a member since 1998. The Lunge Log data base alone is worth $35 a year to me. When I fish a new lake I always check the Lunge Log for dates, times, depths, methods and baits used to catch fish.
Black Band and Waldo, just FYI, the number of magazines issued was cut to 6 per year to save and reallocate money. Mike Keyes stepped up and made an offer to provide national coverage for M.I. Something that was and is sorely needed.
The Chapter 8 Club in Madison, Wis. has spent over $30,000 on stocked Muskie fingerlings and PIT Tags in the past 5 years. Wis. DNR would only provide half that amount in 10 years of stocking our lakes due to budget shortfalls. We were glad to step up and help our local lakes. This is what Muskies Inc. is all about. |
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Posts: 1360
Location: Lake "y" cause lake"x" got over fished | I am, just joined very recently |
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| I just looked into the registration page... do I really need a sponsor, or can you skip that part of the application
Geno |
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| It can be skipped I believe. I never had a sponsor when I joined 5 years ago. |
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Posts: 321
| I was a member in the mid-90's, wasn't for me. H |
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Posts: 2894
Location: Yahara River Chain | As the membership chairman for the Cap City Chapter I can tell you that the sponsor line is used mostly when a membership drive contest is taking place and a reward is given to someone that either is drawn or achieved a goal.
It can be skipped |
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Posts: 1887
Location: syracuse indiana | i am muskies inc..... chapter 49 been so for 8 years now and on the B.O.D. for 6 of them , i have held many positions at once and i do way to much at time for the club , but its all for the fish. i do whatever it takes to to keep these fish being continued tom be stocked and released when caught. all i can say that its in my blood....bill |
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Posts: 147
Location: Chesterton, Indiana | I am a member! |
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Posts: 2361
| Life member, I think for 29 years, but I would have to see if I can still find my membership card to tell how long.
Unfortunately I am not living in a musky hotspot, and driving a couple hours to a meeting is not gonna happen.
I hate to hear some of the people dissing it. MI is the ONLY organization that actively promotes all things musky.
I occassionally hear people attribute support of musky fishing to entities that are actually consumers of musky fishing dollars. At best they have a dual interest, and guess which interest is more motivating? Remember this, and have some perspective before you start going on with some of the more asinine criticisms of what, is in reality, a non profit, total return to the resource, type organization. Truly the only unified voice we have as musky fisherman. And though some fisherman don't seem to get this, Muskies Inc is about the resource, not endorsing records, or becoming a stage for some yahoo to promote his own musky fishing abilities.
I notice some fellows get confused about what goes where in the musky world. Well, if some of your dollars, or time, or both, go to help maintain a healthy Musies Inc., then I would say you have a pretty good idea of what goes where.
edit, commas added...or we could leave the sentences run across the pages.
Edited by firstsixfeet 3/18/2012 8:17 PM
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Posts: 223
Location: Victoria,MN | Great post FSF! |
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | Homer - 3/18/2012 4:08 PM
I was a member in the mid-90's, wasn't for me. H
I was then too and quit. Then I joined in the early 2000's and quit. Good thing I'm not one to give up on a good idea... |
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| You can opt for a "no magazine" membership each year for a lower cost.
And then you can go in the member's-only portion of the website and view electronic copies of the magazine. They have April 2005 - January 2012 available right now in the .pdf format. It's not completely up-to-date, but within 1 issue so it's close.
http://www.muskiesinc.org/
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Posts: 618
Location: Michigan | I definitely am a member as I absolutely believe in giving back to the sport I love. It kind of irritates me when I talk to other musky fishermen on local lakes and they know about local chapter of muskies inc, but don't join it. I love musky fishing and want to see the continual growth of the sport and I know my money/time is going towards that. |
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Posts: 32921
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | MI is not the only group that promotes, assists, and maintains Muskie angling opportunities out there, but is certainly the largest and best organized, because of the very strong network of hard charging individual Clubs. I've been a member pretty much since the organization was formed, and have belonged to several clubs. All the Clubs work very hard locally to see to it our muskie angling opportunities grow into the future.
That said, some things the International has done I disagreed with pretty strongly, and I voiced my opinion accordingly. I have some friends who sometimes disagreed more than I, became involved and got elected to the necessary positions so they could make a difference.
It ain't perfect, but it is what the individual MI clubs and the individual members of each one of those clubs makes it.
Some MI members disagree with courses of action the International has taken past and present, and they should be able to say their piece and vote with their membership money if they feel strongly enough. Happens. Treats even quit a couple times.
A few get most of the work done. They... and the rest of the members and the community at large invited to fund raisers... pay for it all, most cases. All courses of action are laudable, and none without issues.
MI is run by people, and there...you have it. Anyone who is a member and disagrees with what's happening needs to get involved and make the changes they are able. Anyone not involved can say 'it ain't for me' and has every right to. Any criticism past that don't wash. |
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Location: Green Bay, WI | Well said Steve...
The opportunities that exist for a person to get involved with muskies across the entire range, are tremendous within the MI organization. Anyone who says that they weren't given the opportunity to work at the foundation of the sport, isn't really trying in today's MI organization. I don't know what it was like 10 years ago, but for the last 5-6 years that I have been involved, there are WAY more opportunities that I had time for.
One thing that I've seen happen in the past few years, is that MI is truly getting back to supporting true "research" within the sport. This is the way it once was, and it will hopefully only continue to get more true over the next decade.
TB |
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| Steve Reinstra - 3/18/2012 3:27 PM
Black Band and Waldo, just FYI, the number of magazines issued was cut to 6 per year to save and reallocate money.
Hi Steve,
Thats good to hear. What's the current percentage of donations that go to the magazine? Dont see that listed on the MI site, is it a 503c?
I've given hundreds to the ccmi stocking raffle over the past 10 years, would be interested in joining MI again if more of the budget goes to improving fisheries. |
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | sworrall - 3/18/2012 7:00 PM
MI is run by people, and there...you have it. Anyone who is a member and disagrees with what's happening needs to get involved and make the changes they are able. Anyone not involved can say 'it ain't for me' and has every right to. Any criticism past that don't wash.
Really, it's run by VOLUNTEERS (read people who don't get paid). This assures that only certain things will ever get done, but it also assure that any person reading this can also VOLUNTEER to affect change.
Dick Pearson challenged me to stop whining about the things I didn't like and use my talents to make things better. Some may argue, but I think that worked out pretty well...
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Posts: 160
Location: Carney, Mi (in da UP eh!) | Member since 1985 and my wife has been a member since 1999, will be a member for life |
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Posts: 408
Location: Omaha, Nebraska | I have been with Chapter 53 since 2007.
I will say it is hard for smaller chapters since little to none of the membership dues are returned to the local chapter. As previous posters have said even if you don't support international show up to the local fundraisers and donate generously. As all money should stay with that club. At our annual fundraiser it is approximately 50% members and 50% non-members who attend.
Edited by DEMolishedyou 3/19/2012 11:25 AM
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Posts: 1038
| I'm the membership director for the Milwaukee Chapter. Newly appointed. I was unhappy with my chapter and wanted to help make it better. So, my wife and I went to a business meeting and decided to help as opposed to cancel our membership.
I'm hoping that our chapter can continue to grow and that new people, or new members will share some ideas on how we can become a better club.
Either way, you have choices. You can choose to complain about sponsorship choices or anything else, or you can volunteer and try to make things better.
Here's to hoping that Milwaukee muskie fishermen will consider joining the club and give us their input.
Edited by vegas492 3/19/2012 12:49 PM
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Posts: 20245
Location: oswego, il | Some great posts. The one cool thing is you can volunteer and hone in on one thing you may find most important, even if there are other areas that do not interest or you may disagree with. Most clubs could certainly use the extra help as many board members donate time from their lives on a daily basis and wear many hats within their chapter.
I know it can be frustrating to see so many musky fisherman who are not members. Whether it be working the booth at the musky show or just looking at the pics in the back of a magazine and see people who live around your chapter and don't belong. I think it would be a great idea for every club to have a person aggressively maintain a facebook page and try and reach as many people as you can. Just keep spreading the word. |
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Posts: 408
Location: Omaha, Nebraska | I probably should note I am on the side of assisting the club. I am both the treasurer and webmaster.
Also I help maintain our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/muskiesinc
The main problem our club has experienced is after 1 to 2 years of service to the club the members all seem to become burned out and sadly disappear. |
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Posts: 720
| A member since 04' chapter 39. Guys like ToddM and many many others make my chapter a real voice here in the northeast part of the state. I can't even begin to imagine the state of musky fishing in this country without MI. on any level. Yes its got its share of bugs that will always need to be worked out. But as a whole its done a fine job. |
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Posts: 183
Location: Grand Forks ND | The reason I joined this year was because of the sponsorship of Keyes Outdoors. Me and my buddies had been talking about joining the past couple years, but seeing a commercial every Saturday spurred me into action. I got out the computer and joined while I was watching muskies. |
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Posts: 19
| I was a member and now I am a member of the Muskellunge Club of WI. |
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Posts: 16632
Location: The desert | Ducks Unlimited gets my moola. |
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Posts: 101
| Anyone that has issue sending your money to the National and wants to support the local Chapters can always make a local donation, or attend a banquet or a local meeting and buy raffle tickets etc. Almost all the local Chapters ran by volunteers (usually the same people every year) raise the majority of thier budgets from the annual banquet. This supports speakers and all other activities for the members and the benefit of the local muskie fishery.
Drives me crazy the number of guys that fish the sport, but won't give back out there. Hats off to the guides, the manufacturers, the retail outlets small to big that even though they struggle they give back lots to the sport and those trying to maintain and improve the fisheries. Thank You to each and every one of you. |
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Posts: 2894
Location: Yahara River Chain | Pointerpride102 - 3/19/2012 3:20 PM
Ducks Unlimited gets my moola.
We definitely need the bait PP1.02  |
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Posts: 16632
Location: The desert | muskie! nut - 3/19/2012 3:12 PM
Pointerpride102 - 3/19/2012 3:20 PM
Ducks Unlimited gets my moola.
We definitely need the bait PP1.02 : )
Nothing really against MI. I just don't have enough money to go around. I figured I work for fish so they get enough of my time.
Hopefully none on here are SFW members. If you are, you may want to look into what they actually stand for. |
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Posts: 32921
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Don't have to be a member to give back through your local Muskies Inc club.
Advertisers listed on the MI site:
http://www.muskiesinc.org/indy_files/sponsors.html
Mission Statement from the MI website:
http://www.muskiesinc.org/indy_files/about.html
Click on the link right of 'Our Purpose'. Read that first. Then read the Mission statement. Then 'Our Organization'.
The Capital City Chapter Muskie School just completed is a great example of doing all of these things well, while raising money to help the local fishery. That's what the Clubs do, pretty much. Get to a meeting, keep an open mind, and enjoy talking muskies for an hour or so.
Individuals like Treats and JS and many others here do much more, eclipsing the 'duty' they have as MI Officers.
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Posts: 720
| Steve is absolutely correct. There are a lot of ways to help out. Taking part in a local chapters tournament or banquet doesn't require a membership. You can help out by taking part in a local lake clean up or participating on any of kids fishing derbies. The list goes on and on. Not speaking for Steve here but I love his point. At least this is what I get from some of his comments. You don't need a membership card to be a responsible musky angler. Just need to be involved in something, anything that betters our local fishery and/or communitee. Not going all Rah Rah on this. Its just a great point that Steve has made. Don't think that a membership to a club is the only way to contribute or to a be good steward of the sport we all enjoy and appreciate.
Edited by Hunter4 3/19/2012 5:56 PM
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Posts: 208
| Views for this post= 3230
Muskie Inc Members= 206
% of Members= 6.4 %
I have to assume that most people viewing are musky fisherman. To me that's concerning!
It's up to us to keep this sport growing. |
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Posts: 256
Location: Janesville | I am. Life member |
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Posts: 347
Location: eagle river,wis | Figures not correct.i voted once,but viewed this forum over 20 times to see comments.the numbers have to be members versus nonmembers,and the percentages.
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Posts: 717
Location: Grand Rapids, MI | MuskieMruz - 3/19/2012 4:54 PM
Anyone that has issue sending your money to the National and wants to support the local Chapters can always make a local donation, or attend a banquet or a local meeting and buy raffle tickets etc. Almost all the local Chapters ran by volunteers (usually the same people every year) raise the majority of thier budgets from the annual banquet. This supports speakers and all other activities for the members and the benefit of the local muskie fishery.
Drives me crazy the number of guys that fish the sport, but won't give back out there. Hats off to the guides, the manufacturers, the retail outlets small to big that even though they struggle they give back lots to the sport and those trying to maintain and improve the fisheries. Thank You to each and every one of you.
This is it right here. Couldn't have said it better myself. I've been a member for 5 years. The first 2 was just doing the fun thing, hanging out with members, outings, etc. Then, I took a little responsibility and started running the online auction, then helping put together meetings. Then, I bacame a board member, and this year, I've become V.P. I helped co-chair our annual fundraising banquet which was over 5 months of planning and over 1500 emails. (Glad that's over for now!!)
But yes, there are many people who fish muskies who I talk to on the water that have never done anything to give back. When asked if they've ever thought about joining, their response is usually something like "Why should I? The muskies will be in this lake whether I join or not". They don't understand that if everyone thought this way, there wouldn't be any members, and no one fighting to keep size limits up. Or, in our case, no muskie program at all. Our muskie program almost got dropped a few times until our club Ch.47 stepped up to the plate with the needed funds to keep it running. Buying food, fixing the rearing ponds, volunteering our time/gas/money/vehicles to collect fingerlings, stock trucks, buy fingerlings from fish farms, paying grad students to do studies on habitats, movements, etc. Man, the list goes on and on. And other anglers have the audacity to call us "Muskie Humpers" or telling us to mind our own business if someone has speared a fish. Well, guess what -- it IS our business! The fish stocked in our lakes are a result of lost hours at work, missed hours with the family, money out of our own wallets. So do I take muskie fishing,preservation,restoration, and education seriously & personally? You bet I do! |
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| fastcast2 - 3/19/2012 8:35 PM
Figures not correct.i voted once,but viewed this forum over 20 times to see comments.the numbers have to be members versus nonmembers,and the percentages.
I feel better,
Thank you! |
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Location: oswego, il | For those that just said it's not for me to I would ne curious to know why. M.I. is always looking for ways to improve and for feedback as are the individual clubs. I know it is one of the things our membership director, an older Italian guy in a pinstripe suit, tries to find out. He always puts a n expense in for whole salmon and sacrete, he just seems to know just how to keep or retention high. |
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Location: Blaine, MN | Had contemplated signing up for a while now, just never dove in... Finally made the commitment today, North Metro MI is the one I chose... looking forward to being a member, first adult beverage is on me, WAIT, how big is this particular chapter? I better hold off on the drink promises until my wife gives me my "musky allowance"! |
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Location: Tower, Lake Vermilion | I don't believe some of the reasons people give for not joining?! Who cares about the international, the real work is done at the chapter level. Without MI there wouldn't be an MMPA either and we'd really be in trouble. There are groups out there doing whatever they can to see that no more Muskies are ever stocked in Minnesota. Believe it or not all you young people, there was a time when 50 inch fish were just a dream for most anglers. Now most of you just expect to catch a 50 every once and a while. That is a direct result of MI working with the DNR and donating time and money to the fishery as you know it now. If you fish for Muskies you should be a member, wether you go to the meetings or not. The important thing is that we have the numbers. Polititions won't help us if we don't have and members to back it all up. It's the same with the DNR, if we can't show them how many people are really out there chasing Muskies they can't justify spending the money on stocking new lakes and maintaining the lakes we already have. So please put aside all those petty reasons for not joining and do the smart thing for all of us and the fish we love to catch.
"Ace" |
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| Other ways to help and you can take part in activities without joining. I would never re-join, but did help a chapter with guide for a day, working at hatchery, shocking fish that went over the spillway on a lake out east. Have done educated many people on how to handle the fish and taken people out and introduced them into muskie fishing. I have donated money, called and emailed representatives on behalf of the muskie community. I do quite a bit without having to be part of MI. Many people do a lot. MI is not for me, the idea that people who are in MI think nobody else does anything is part of the problem. H |
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Location: syracuse indiana | ToddM - 3/20/2012 9:44 AM
For those that just said it's not for me to I would ne curious to know why. M.I. is always looking for ways to improve and for feedback as are the individual clubs. I know it is one of the things our membership director, an older Italian guy in a pinstripe suit, tries to find out. He always puts a n expense in for whole salmon and sacrete, he just seems to know just how to keep or retention high.
good one todd, and i have fished with him too. he is one heck of a guy and i fully enjoyed 2 days on the boat with him.....bill |
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| ToddM - 3/20/2012 8:44 AM
For those that just said it's not for me to I would ne curious to know why.
too busy. plus, if I were going to do some volunteer work to improve the world it would be to help sick kids.
Edited by curdmudgeon 3/20/2012 7:54 PM
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| curdmudgeon - 3/20/2012 7:53 PM
ToddM - 3/20/2012 8:44 AM
For those that just said it's not for me to I would ne curious to know why.
too busy. plus, if I were going to do some volunteer work to improve the world it would be to help sick kids.
Not trying to improve the whole world. Just our little part of it.
Member since 92ish? Former chapter board member. I let it lapse last year, as I'm going to enjoy a couple years of watching the daughter play HS and Tournament softball. I'll rejoin when she's off to college, I suspect. Still support the old chapter when I can through their fund raisers.
Think MI should get rid of the magazine. As long as they keep dumping money in the rag, it is not a total return to the resource organization, as was stated above. |
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Location: oswego, il | curdmudgeon, as I stated in an earlier post alot of people have busy lives with work and families that does not allow them the time to devote to putting both feet into an organazation like M.I. That is totally understandable. When I was married I certainly would have had no time for any of it. As I also stated in an earlier post any contribution is worth the effort. It may be procuring one item for a fundrasing banquet and it does not even have to be fishing related. Many of us can make that one phone call, e-mail to someone we know that could give up a gift cetificate, a donation of an item that could be used to raise funds. It does not require jumping in with both feet. |
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Location: Plymouth IA | curdmudgeon
I understand being too busy. Hope that someday life will allow you to help sick kids. The kid in the wheelchair with me is my oldest. Lack of oxygen at birth caused a list of health problems to long for this post and me to reevaluate my being to busy. She is my fishing buddy even though the Cerebral Palsy is so bad i have to help her crank the reel. A great way to help sick kids with long term disability is spending time fishing with them.
Plan on joining Muskies Inc at the April 10th meeting
Edited by misterperch 3/22/2012 11:13 AM
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| What a great discussion. I have especially liked the talk about taking kids fishing. MUSKIE Magazine will highlight Youth activities in our upcoming May/June 2012 issue. In the past we have also highlighted the efforts of some of our chapters to make fishing possible for kids with special needs, disabled Vets, and many others.
I'm a proud 35 year member of Muskies Inc. For the past 5 years I have also been Editor of MUSKIE, our non-profit magazine. In 2012 the real cost of the magazine to our members will be about $1.10 per issue per member, or less than $7.00 per member for the entire year. Magazine costs would be higher if not for the support of our many advertisers and the fact that a high percentage of our articles are donated by some fine authors.
To me, one of the coolest changes in the magazine over the past 5 years is the increase in timely reports from our Chapters across North America and the increase in project updates from many Fisheries Biologists involved with muskies. I hope more muskie anglers consider joining Muskies Inc. Heck, the annual membership cost is about equal to the price of just 2 or 3 muskie baits! Either way, I wish each of you a great 2012 season. Finally, after the thrill of catching your next muskie, please do your best to carefully release it to fight another day; the future of our muskie resource will literally be in your hands!
Kevin Richards, MUSKIE Editor
http://www.muskiesinc.org/indy_files/mimag.html |
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| I have been a member for 3 years. Even though I agree that the international part of Muskies inc. has it's flaws the chapter I am apart of locally does so many good things. Who wouldn't want to be apart of that. Plus I get to go drink beer with buddies, listen to very good speakers and win my self some gear every now and then. |
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| I am a member at Chapter 16. I do like there web site, I like being able to enter your fish in the lunge log, plus I am always doing lunge log inquiries to see what is being caught around all the chapters. |
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Posts: 321
| Still curious, is membership increasing or decreasing? Thanks. H |
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| The Fargo Moorhead Chapter membership is at it's highest level ever.
I can't comment on the org as a whole.
JS |
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| Milwaukee Chapter is at around 200 members. Pretty much hangs out there. |
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Location: NW WI | I have never been a member and don't belong now. Can't say that I won't ever but I honestly don't know what the mission and purpose of the national organization is, and I don't know how the "national" MI differs from the local MI chapters....if there is any difference. Also, what local chapters I checked into had very few events during the year. I do buy more than my share of raffle tix to support MI.
If the MHM and MI magazines somehow combined, I'm almost 100% sure I would join.
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| This is a great topic. I Joined the Twin Cities chapter around 1990 at a sportshow. Saw the booth and got my wallet out. Looked like a good cause. Went on to help start the North Metro Chapter in 1992, and served many posts for them. After working a few sportshows, I realized it was not as easy to sign up a new member as I was. Anyone who fishes for muskies owes MI a huge debt of gratitude. Don't over think it. It's a no-brainer to join. Every other reason not to, is just an excuse. Thank you Muskies Incorporated for all you do!
Erik Jacobson |
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Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | Homer - 3/28/2012 11:09 AM
Still curious, is membership increasing or decreasing? Thanks. H
It's been pretty stagnant. |
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Location: Lino Lakes, MN | Eric,
I remember back when the North Metro chapter Started.
Eric Jacobson, Jim Shannon, Caro and Manley Thorson, Steve Sorgenfrei, Roger Andresion ? and who else. There were 7 of us.
It took many years to get up to the 200 member level and we have fluctuated back and forth from aproximatley 400 to the 200 member level ( I may be way off on these numbers).
Our chapter is trying to rebuild its membership- I think the economy is a huge reason that the membership goes up and down.
Over the years many of the same speakers were seen over and over again (I could always pick up a few tips).
Many of the board members and contributers to the chapters projects were the same 10 - 15 people. It is always hard to get new blood in the leadership parts of the chapters.
The chapter has recently had some new and energetic blood added to the membership as well as the board. We also have a new and energetic president- Thank You Mr Murz
Our chapter has
1)meetings every 3rd Tuesday of the month Sept- April with speakers
2)A summer muskie league - fishes 8 nights thru the summer - includes bonus points for attending league nights and points for fishing with new members and old as well on 5 metro lakes.
3) we have had the June Jam tournament in NW WI for many years.
4)We have a chapter picnic in June - Just show up everything is provided
5) we have several outings yearly that include a camping outing on Lake Vermilion and a shared outing on Lake of the Woods ( Red Wing Lodge - Saboskong Bay).
6) We have chapter banquet every year as well
7) we give a Lax Taxidermy replica to the largest muskie released by a club member each year.
We are looking for more ideas every month.
If people want to get involved with things that the chapter has ongoing there are plenty of oppourtunities.
No matter what we do membeship will have its ups and downs. 20 year members are few and far between.
Good Luck everyone
I hope to see you at a meeting soon
Steve Sorgenfrei
Edited by Sorgy 3/29/2012 9:18 AM
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Location: Lake "y" cause lake"x" got over fished | Though I am a new member as for only a few weeks. I can't argue that MI has done more for the Musky fisheries then any other organization in the country, and if It was not for them I don't think that any of us would be having the same success. Thank you MI for keeping my obsession in the front of my mind.
That being said. I am going to try and help with my local chapter as much as I can. I want to work just as hard as they did so I can earn the privilege to fish for these monsters instead of just thinking it is my right to do so, and refusing to care about how they got there or why. fishing is a privilege. I have learned a lot so far from some of the guys in my chapter. though it is an up hill battle, I believe in my heart and in my mind that if we all work together we can change the amount of people willing to put in the effort and the work to continue to help our fisheries. Every major organization has its issues and if it was not an up hill battle there would be nothing for us to fight for. Though I enjoy the "easy button" in some cases. I would rather bust my butt to change the things I feel need to, keep the things that are working and have fun doing it all at the same time. I enjoy a good "challunge"... What kind of a world would we live in today if everyone was just handed everything they ever wanted. We as humans have to earn the right to be here in this world, it separates the good from the bad and the strong from the weak. I can't think of a better cause to stand for, to teach my kids and learn a thing or two myself.
Looking forward to working with all of you in this wonderful world we all like to call "lake x"
Edited by FAT-SKI 3/29/2012 9:34 AM
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| Guest - 3/28/2012 2:22 PM
The Fargo Moorhead Chapter membership is at it's highest level ever.
I can't comment on the org as a whole.
JS
How many would that be, John?
I believe Milwaukee Chapter was at 350-400 about 10 years ago. Not sure when the decline started, but I do know that the April Fund Raising Banquet was a huge success, and that was the only time you saw a lot(most) of the members. Monthly meetings usually had about 50-75 attending.
As for why some people don't join, or leave, or bounce back and forth? Because of statements like you "owe" MI. "There is no reason not to join", "It doesn't matter if you think we should not publish the magazine", and "we'd lose editorial control if we joined with MHM".
Muskie anglers don't "owe" anything to MI. Has MI done great things for the sport we love? Yes. Do we thank the founders, and the ideas they helped make reality? Yes. But don't tell us we "owe" MI, or we are somehow lesser Muskie anglers.
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We have around 200 members.
I guess I don't recall anyone saying that others "owe" MI. I do think without any doubt ,that anyone who fishes in MN and catches a muskie should realize that those opportunities are largely there because of what MI has done MN. The DNR would not and could not have made MN what it is without MI.
As far as your opinion on not having editorial control, not sure why that is controversial. I can't think of one other conservation org that wouldn't want that with it's publications.
JS |
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| Shep, you're absolutely right, nobody "owes" MI anything. It's out of the goodness of all the volunteers hearts that makes MI tick.
So allow me to re-phrase: Anyone who fishes for muskies should realize the reason alot of fisheries are so good, is due in part to the efforts of Muskies Inc. And as much as I appreciate you thanking them, I just think a membership would be the ultimate thank you. Whether people agree or disagree with some of the things they do. The bottom line is MI is good for muskie fishing.
By being a member, I'm giving back to the organization that makes the sport, that my family and I enjoy, that much better. And, it's good muskie karma :<)
Erik Jacobson |
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Posts: 24
| FAT-SKI,
YOU ARE THE MAN!
It's guys like you that will continue to make MI great.
Hat's off to you.
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| I am Muskies Inc |
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Posts: 24
| Steve,
Guy Frank was integral to the whole thing too, along with some good advice from George Wahl about taking over Little Jacks as the meeting place after the Twin Cities chapter decided to move their meetings South. I'm pretty sure that's how we came up with the name "North Metro" Chapter too. Jim Shannon has been on that board ever since. The only original board member for 20 years. Good job Jim! Hopefully see you at the NMC banquet tomorrow. Coon Rapids VFW 4:30 social, 6:00 fish dinner.
Erik |
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Muskies Inc Members?