THE RELEASE

JANUARY 2016
Website:
www.stcloudmuskies.com
Established in 1982
MEETING DATE: JANUARY 19, 2016 7:30 pm
WAITE PARK AMERICAN LEGION
SPEAKER: Mike Ruff, Ryan Hoffman and Nate Rose

BUCKTAIL AND LEADER BUILDING

Make a leader $3.00
Bucktail components available at club cost (approximately $10)

Time on the Water . . . . . . . By Bruce A. Kitowski, President

I would like to wish everyone very Happy New Year. At this time of year a lot of people make
resolutions for themselves and/or their families. Well here is one resolution I would like everyone to try to
complete this next year. Mark your calendars for the nights of our membership meetings and try to make just
one more than you would have normally made. We would love to have you come and participate. I hope to see
many new faces this year!
We had the chapters elections for the Board of Directors at our December meeting. The Board pretty
much stayed the same with just a couple of changes. First I would personally like to thank all the board
members that served last year for their dedication and passion that they gave to our chapter. Nothing gets done
unless these people take the time out of their busy lives and push hard to get the necessary jobs done. I cannot
express my gratitude to what they deserve. Please take the time when you meet the folks that make Chapter #37
function and thank them for the hard work they do. On that note we will be losing 3 board members. Ron
Fenske- who has been around like forever and has held about every position this chapter has had, Tom Ardolfwebmaster, which has put us in a very good position to greet the future head on and Ron Sanders partner
development. The only position that we will be filling is the webmaster position. I am asking that if anyone
has a little knowledge of the internet or Facebook please contact me. This position will not be hard or very time
consuming, we just need someone to overlook these things and we will make sure to transition you in very
slowly. Please read the entire newsletter and enjoy the winter!
Bruce

PROGRAM DIRECTOR REPORT . . . . . . By Aaron Meyer

We only have a couple more days to provide input on the proposals to stock several new muskie waters. Input is
being taken through Sunday January 3rd. If you haven't already done so, get your input in NOW! There's no
more time to put it off. The amount of effort we put into this input process is what will determine whether or not
we get these new muskie fisheries!
There are two ways to provide input. Please use both methods:
First, go to the DNR's website at www.dnr.state.me.us Type "muskie input" into the search bar.
The top link that pops up will take you to the page to provide input on these proposals.
Be aware that input is being taken separately for each of the 6 proposed lakes. So you need to click on the
"comment" box for each one of them separately. It will ask you a couple questions about your feelings on the
proposed lake.
PLEASE EXPRESS SUPPORT FOR ALL 6 PROPOSALS! Don't forget to comment on all six.
When you comment on Lake Lizzie, I suggest you state that of the 3 proposed lakes in Ottertail County you
support Lizzie the most. Lizzie would produce the best opportunities of the three.
After that, please send emails of support to each of the four DNR Fisheries offices involved in this process.
Again, the input is being taken separately for each of the proposals, so contact all four of the following offices:
Big Marine Lake: TJ Debates
metroeast.fisheries@state.mn.us

Gull Lake: Marc Bacigalupi

brainerd.fisheries@state.mn.us

Fairmont Chain: Ryan Doorenbos

windom.fisheries@state.mn.us

Ottertail County lakes- Franklin, Lizzie, and Loon:

Jim Wolters
fergusfalls.fisheries@state.mn.us

Thank you! Everyone please provide your support for these proposals ASAP! The decisions for these proposals
will come directly from your input!!
Aaron

MN Muskie and Pike Alliance Co-Chair

YOUTH CHAIRMAN. . . . . . . By Eric Kohn

As we close the year out and look forward to 2016 I want to send out a sincere thanks to all of you who helped
out and volunteered to make 2015 another great year for our chapter. Thank you to all of you spending
your time with other to help to promote your passion of fishing. Every month I heard stories of new members
catching fish with the guidance of others from the chapter. There is no better way to keep the sport alive than to
introduce a newbie to some esox slime. In the upcoming year there will be many opportunities to share your
passion. Reflect on the positives from last year and make it a commitment to introduce a newbie or kid to
fishing this year.

Regional Rep: . . . . . . . By Ron Fenske:

Happy New Year, musky hunters. I just wanted to share some information on a new and interesting book I
received at Christmas. "25 can't -miss musky patterns" by the editors and writers of Musky Hunter magazine. I
just started reading it and have been impressed for the most part by the information and the way they have
presented it. So, if you are looking for a quick winter musky fix, this 200 page, spring to fall, twenty-five musky
patterns book should prove interesting and just might help you discover some secrets
Ron Fenske

OUTINGS CHAIRMAN . . . 2016 Club Outing on Big Mantrap . . . . By Ryan Hoffman

DATE CHANGED TO SEPTEMBER 22-25
The dates for the Big Mantrap outing have been moved back one week to September 22-25. Hopefully this
isn't too much of an inconvenience if you had planned to go and already planned around the previous dates.
If you read about it in the previous newsletter we plan to stay at Norway Hills Resort. Check them out
here: https://www.norwayhills.com the pricing they quoted me is a 20% reduced rate from their summer rates
shown on the website. If we were able to fill an 8 person fully furnished cabin the price would be $158 plus
tax per person for 4 days/3 nights with dockside electrical and trailer parking included. Ultimately the
individual pricing really depends on how many people go and if we can fill up the cabin(s) or not. They have
4, 6, or 8 person cabins available so if you would like to book your own cabin to stay with friends or family at
the same time that option is available too.
There is also tent camping available at the Mantrap Lake Campground and Day Use Area adjacent to the main
launch for those who may choose to camp. From the DNR website "The campsites are considered "primitive",
designed to furnish only the basic needs of the camper. The campsites consist of a cleared area, fire ring, and
table. Vault toilets, garbage cans, and drinking water are available. All sites are on a first come, first-served
basis". Cost is $14 per night and is required via registration envelopes available at the campground.
I would like to reserve the resort cabins as soon as possible to ensure the cabins are available for us. If you
plan to attend this outing, please let me know ASAP. As of now we have one group of 4 reserving their own
cabin and another 6 people who are going! A 20% deposit is required to book the cabin(s) so it's time to get
serious and commit to this great SCMI outing! I would like to be able to reserve the cabin(s) by the end of
January. If we get 8 people for a cabin the deposit will be $40 each. I will send an email right before the
January meeting to let you know how much the actual deposit will be once I get confirmations from people so
you know how much money to bring to the meeting for your deposit. Please call, text, or email if you are
interested in this outing or have any questions. rhoffmanisu@gmail.com; 320-492-7369
The lake of the month presentation in April will be on Big Mantrap and will be given by an SCMI member that
has done very well out there and plans to join us on the outing!

Blackberry Ridge Golf Club, located in Sartell, Minnesota,

is an 18-hole Championship Golf Course, Event Center and Casual Dining located just minutes north of Saint Cloud,
Minnesota. Blackberry Ridge offers a serene wooded setting for your golfing and event experience. Blackberry Ridge
Golf Club is known as the finest & most beautiful golf course & venue in the St. Cloud Area and Central Minnesota.

PARTNER DEVELOPMENT . . . . . By Ron Sanders

MARK THE DATE - TUESDAY NIGHT FEBRUARY 2
(Not our usual Meeting night, but this event replaces our FEBRUARY MEETING)
HELD AT BLACKBERRY EVENT CENTER
5:30 - Meet N Greet Social Time to personally meet Laura, get an autograph, picture and socialize
prior to Seminar. For this Pre-event we are asking a $10 Donation to further our Youth Activities.
7:00 - Catching Family Values Seminar featuring Laura Schara (NO COST FOR THIS SEMINAR)
On February 2, 2016, we will host our Annual Guest Seminar at Blackberry Ridge Event Center in
Sartell. This year the event features Laura Schara of Minnesota Bound, Due North Outdoors, Destination
Polaris, and North American Fisherman on NBC. Laura shares her experiences of growing up under the
guidance of her father, Ron Schara, as well as her own experiences in the Outdoors. Ron Schara is a
Member of the Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame and is a nationally acclaimed Outdoor TV Producer.
The annual event is driven by adding to and developing new Programs for Youth and Families. Funds
earned from the event will go, without administration fees, into these programs. We expect people from all
over the State to join us. The Catching Family Values Laura Schara Guest Seminar is an event dedicated
to the growth and nurturing of the next generation of Muskie Fisherpersons.
This event focuses entirely on our mission to add and develop programs for Youth and Families. It is a
fact that if a child hunts, fishes and enjoys the outdoors with Mom, Dad or other adult, this experience will
be a lifelong endeavor. On the other hand, without exposure, the child may not have the opportunity to
enjoy the great outdoors. This is especially true for financially struggling families where cost is an issue.
We enthusiastically invite entire families, women and children to further explore the Outdoors, along with
Womens Fishing Clubs, Fishing Clubs of all Species, and anyone interested in joining us in learning about
the world we love.
If you have any questions. Please contact Ron Sanders at 612-386-1100. Email ronssm@aol.com
Ron Sanders
1516 Nuthatch Avenue
Sartell, Minnesota 56377

http://www.rapala.com

SPINAL REHAB

November Speaker - Jeff Doty

We were treated to a very interesting and
compelling presentation about the MN
Fishing Museum + Hall of Fame in Little
Falls by Jeff Doty. A very dedicated
group of volunteers are moving forward
to preserve the history of our sport and
fishing of all species. For a mere $5 you
can tour an impressive museum, so please
take the time to do it -- soon!

NEWSLETTER EDITORS
Ken and Norine Schmitt
1208 8th Street South
Waite Park, MN 56387
E-Mail to KENOR@JUNO.COM
WEB E-MAIL: info@stcloudmuskies.com

Here's a story that you're going to like.....

Ryan Hoffman arranged an SCMI outing
and took one of our new chapter
members, Justin Sharer with him on on
his boat. Everyone had put $10 into a
"largest fish" pot. Well, newcomer Justin
boats a 51" on a Cannonball by
LakeXLures. Justin declines his half of
the pot, and SCMI Outings Chair Ryan
goes to work with those $$ (other half
went to SCMI) and assembles an
incredible collage of pics and shots from
his GoPro.
...now isn't that cool??!!!!

Here are the stars of the story: Ryan

Hoffman, Eric Poissant and Justin Sharer.
Teamwork and a demonstration by guys
that simply demonstrate the finest of a
great group of musky hunters in SCMI!!!

CONTEST REPORT. . . . By Nate Rose

Well the 2015 season is a wrap, not many fish were caught since Nov 23 and nothing HUGE so the
contest standings didnt change drastically. Id like to congratulate everyone who boated a fish this season and
especially those who boated 50 fish!!
Thanks for participating in the contest everyone and I hope you had a great season. Have a great winter
as you reflect back on the 2015 season.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT. . . . . .By Nate Rose

In December we didnt have any new members or any drops. Up for renewal weve got Phil Bauerly.
The easiest way to renew your membership is online. The website (muskiesinc.org) should prompt you for
renewal once your membership expires.
Spread the word and encourage anyone interested in muskie fishing/management to join our chapter, it
would be great to see our chapter grow.
Contest Standing December 31, 2015
CURRENT STANDINGS
Division
MensMasters

Name
Bryan J Thompson

# of Fish
9

Points
150

Largest
44.00

Average
42

Mens

Alex Lauer
Eric W Poissant
Nathan Rose
Thomas Ardolf
Troy A. Schmitz
Bruce A Kitowski
Justin Sharer
Tom Agnew
Ken Schmitt
Chris Paye
Chad Berger
Eric Kohn
Mike Brister

25
16
8
4
4
4
3
2
2
2
1
1
1

483
273
134
79
69
49
38
31
27
24
20
16
13

53.50
51.00
48.50
47.00
49.50
51.00
51.00
45.00
40.00
40.00
46.00
42.00
38.50

45
43
43
46
43
38
39
42
40
38
46
42
38.5

LUNKER OF THE MONTH

Month
June
July
August
September
October
November

Member Name
Thomas Ardolf
Eric W Poissant
Eric W Poissant
Alex Lauer
Bruce A Kitowski
Justin Sharer
Alex Lauer
Alex Lauer

Length
47.00
47.00
51.00
48.00
51.00
51.00
53.00
53.50

Lake
Mille Lacs
Alex
Sugar
Leech
Rainy Lake
Lobster
Big Mantrap
Bemidji

Corey Nazer 715-456-5531

www.NazeBaits.com

Proudly Supporting St. Cloud Chapter-Muskies Inc!

St. Clouds Only Best Price Dealer

3019 West Division Street
St. Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 251-4943
Visit us on the web:
www.stcloudauto.com

St. Cloud Muskies Inc.

1208 8th Street South
Waite Park MN 56387