We started with our April 7th meeting at Norwood Pines in Minocqua featuring Gus Mantey as our guest speaker.  Meeting was attended by about 35 members.  Gus gave a very informative talk . We also had a brief discussion on the proposed change to the musky season dates and why our board of directors decided to support the proposal to restore the two zone musky opening dates.

April 11th was our 2nd Annual Lure Swap.  We had 26 vendor tables with approximately 100 attendees.  Clayton Spiess did a great job filling in and presenting a seminar on seasonal musky tactics. This is becoming a popular event and we’re looking forward to making next year bigger and better.

Also on April 11 Landy Roepke represented our chapter at the Wisconsin Musky Clubs Alliance meeting in Stevens Point. The current DNR stocking reduction was the major area of concern and the Alliance is again taking steps to help fill in the stocking gap. We are very tuned in to the current situation and are keeping things monitored. If and when we are able to make a significant impact we will let you know.

The DNR spring Hearings were on the 13th with many of our members attending to voice their opinion on the changes to Musky opener.   Contact Pete Stoltman if you want more information.

Our next general meeting is May 4th at Knockers in Saint Germain.  Meet at 6 speaker, Andy Hendrickson, at 7.  Hendo’s Musky methodology is his topic.  They have asked that all orders, bar and food be done from your table.  This will make it easier for the wait staff.  This will be our last general meeting until the fall.

June will be another busy month.  Sunday, June 7th we will have a board meeting to discuss the Teach a Kid to Musky Fish outing on June 28th. This is the first year we are doing this event.  We are asking our members to sign up to be a guide/mentor to one of the kids.  Youth need to be 12 or older and will be accompanied by a parent or another adult.  Please let Jeff Kinnally know if you are interested in signing up or if you need more information.  jwkinnally@gmail.com.  The more mentors the more kids we will be able to accommodate.

June 14th is our first meeting on the water.  Please let Jim Cheshire know if you will be attending and if you want to participate in the big fish pot. Meeting place after fishing is the Hazelhurst Pub. This is a good excuse to get out and fish.  If you need a fishing partner, reach out and we will try to connect you with another member.  j.ches64@gmail.com.

We now have an online store to order merchandise.  Northwoods Muskies Inc. Chapter 61/Company Pride.  You can access the store via the website, www.Northwoodsmuskies.com.  Go to the members heading and then apparel in the drop down box.  Thanks to Scott Spieker for putting all of this together.

Well, another season is upon us so it’s time to enjoy the sport we love so much. Don’t forget to register your fish on the Muskies Inc. Llunge Log at Muskiesinc.org website. Not only does this keep track of your catches (and potential standings for awards) but it also helps researchers like the DNR to determine what lakes are getting the most pressure and statistically need more stocking. All of us on the Northwoods chapter board of directors wish you great success and a safe and productive time on the water.