| river runt - 7/19/2012 8:11 PM
Very subjective question with many variables depending where you grew up, many of the fisherman named so far are rightfully recieving recongintion/respect and likely became the fisherman they are today due to the lessons and legends of the past. Today many fisherman have the advantage of aggressive fish management strategies and technological advances with electronics and equipment which our pioneers could only dream about. Many fisherman today are reflective of the pace of our society and measure musky success by the size of boat we drive, equipment we own and the numbers we catch, all to often failing to slow down and enjoy the gift of God has given us which is the great northwoods and the good people who enjoy the sport for the experience. Unfortunately today we criticize anglers who hold a fish out of the water to long, keep a fish and enjoy it on the grill and judge others for values and tradition they may never understand or experienced.
Next week we will set camp on a island and motor to the Little Red Bar, hopefully ring the bell, and immiediately be surrounded by the history left by legends and still being created by the generations who will carry on the sport. The atmosphere which can not be replicated at a show or on the internet provides the fisherman a perspective of where the sport once was and how big it has become. Growing up a young lad I was surrounded by several "old salts" who frequented the bars on the Flowage and Pelican Lake and absored lessons I will hold dear forever, not just lessons for fishing but life in general, for me my biggest influences for musky fishing include my Grandfather and Pelican Lake Pal Ortiz and my father who took me along. They introduced me, in story some in person and spirit to the following.
Louie Spray- "if your casting a bait all day long and you dont get nothin you may get sour at everybody and the world and yourself. So change baits often and it will stir up your enthusiasm and keep you from going to shore and making coffee" and "what makes a champion musky fisherman? Well, its like Joe Louus used to say, its mostly luck and of course what makes anybody catch alot of any kind of fish is being out there fishing".
Frenchy LaMay -"musky fishing is probably as different as any kind of fishing that you could get into. Its hard work and you never stop learning. You can go long periods of time without action-even if youve been at it for quite a while-and there can be many days of frustration. I had a bad start, but once one throws a pail of water in your face, it gets to you, It really does.
John Dettloff- controversial, loved and hated, for those who have not met John reserve judgement, a man who intriques me with his passion, knowledge and quirkiness. "its better to know alot about a few spots, than it is to know a little about alot of spots"
Tony Rizzo- "when fishing always look for exceptions to the rules, with muskies there are always exceptions to the rules and thats why at anytime it can happen" "success comes from learning something everytime you are on the water"
Suick Family
In summary it really boils down to are our personal experiences which influenced us and that influence spreads to others around them. I remember my grandfather talking great about Lou Gehrig, when I was a boy it was Ken Griffey Jr. and today my boys talk about Ryan Braun. Legends will change as do the generations I just hope understand the history and take time to pay tribute to our forefathers.
It is a nice write up, but when people lie for their own gain, it tarnishes the ability to enjoy their bar. It makes it hard to embrace the tradition we grew up motivated by. As a kid who grew up enamored by the Chip, I am pretty put off by the whole community. It is sad how it turned out. BR |
