Seventy-three anglers enjoyed the first-ever Lake Chippewa Flowage Musky hunt last Thursday through Saturday.
They caught and released seven legal muskies up to 45 inches and won dozens of prizes.
The event was co-sponsored by the Chippewa Flowage Resort Association and the LCO Casino, Lodge and Convention Center.
We had people come to us looking for a fun tournament, and that's what we tried to create here said master of ceremonies Cheryl Treland.
Participant David Zielke from Eau Claire won the grand drawing prize of a 14-foot Northwood boat and trailer and 25-hp Evinrude outboard motor valued at more than $5,000, which was donated by the LCO Casino.
Jay Weigan of Hawyard/Sun Prairie took first and third places in the tournament, winning a Model 2000 9.9-hp Mercury outboard as first prize.
Both Weigan's 27 1/2-inch fish and his 45 1/2-inch fish hit Suick baits in windy, rainy conditions on Thursday. He credited Dennis Aaron of Deer Run Resort for taking me to his secret spots.
Lowell Ambler, Earlville, IL, took second place with a 38 ¾-inch fish. Charles Foy, round Lake Park, IL, took fourth place with a 37-inch fish. Jeff Soppeland, Cadott, took fifth place with a 36-inch fish, and Bob Wallenius, Dolton, took sixth with a 35-inch fish. Timothy Stevens, Eau Claire, won the seventh place prize with a 34 ¼-inch fish.
Eight vacation packages were awarded, along with a Remington 12-gauge shotgun, several musky rod and reel combos and GPS locators.
`Treland expressed her appreciation to the LCO Casino, OBC Midwest Marine/Link Recreational and to tournament workers Dianne Wilke, Barb Czarnecki, Ruth and Denny Aaron, Marl and Jack Reeder, Randy Armsbury, John Dettloff, Ken Guerra, Drake Williams
and George Sysis, and to all who donated prizes.
Guides who donated lures were Joe Jasek (Joe's Bucktails), Fred Hirsch (Ghosttail), Ray Blank (Devastator), Dave Dorazio (Eddy Baits), and Drake Williams (Wiltail Baits), and Wayne Gutsch (Tallywacker).
