Lake of the Woods

We have had wonderful adventures on famous Lake of the Woods in Canada. After initial problems with our flight from Europe we have reached Minneapolis on 3 September, delayed one day. Next morning, together with our friends from Salmo USA we went on the long journey to Canada. After whole day drive and passing the Canadian border in Fort Frances, in the evening we have finally reached the banks of the legendary Lake of the Woods. Jet we had to travel half an hour by the boat filled with our gear to Pipestone Point Resort and finally we have reached our destination! Our camping was situated on Pipestone peninsula unreachable from the mainland, cutting into the northeast part of the lake for many miles. So-called famous „Canadian wilderness” has become our home for the next two weeks. Every day we have been meeting wild animals, which conscious of their safety were behaving like animals in the zoological garden. Deer, moose, beaver, plenty of birds including two species of eagle, otter and a black bear which has scared one of our friends - these were our supporters.

The lake itself, with the surface of over 150 sq. km is just incredible! The landscape reminds a bit Swedish skerries. A coastline is unbelievably long, abundant in long, beautiful bays, rocky reefs and narrow peninsulas covered mostly with evergreen trees. Lake of the Woods is famous of its 14 thousands of islands and navigation between them is not that simple. I have scanned only a small part of the lake's map, which despite of its size (A1 paper format) covers only about 2% of the lake's surface! And everywhere around - the wilderness.

Lake of the Woods abounds in fish of practically all Canadian species. However, our main goal was muskie - legendary, mysterious, unpredictable, loved and hated by millions of anglers not only from America - Esox Masquinongy or in the language of American Indians - Muskellunge.

This was unique expedition not only because of the meeting place. It was sponsored by Salmo USA with the main goal to present Salmo lures to a unique group of invited guests - the most important players of the fishing tackle market in the North America. Therefore there were journalists as well as representatives of the biggest chains of stores with sport and angling goods. Our friends from Salmo USA with their huge boats have played a role of guides for our guests.

Here is a roll:

GUIDES:

SPECIAL GUESTS:

JOURNALISTS:

BUYERS:

A few important guests were forced to cancel their arrival in the very last moment due to family reasons. Nevertheless we were honored and proud that we were able to fish together with such famous anglers! Everyone has been provided with high quality tackle from Okuma (rods and reels) and Beckman (landing nets). We have had also a unique sponsor - Vexilar, a company that does not really need more promotion in the North America, a leader in producing electronic equipment for anglers. Observing readouts on Vexilar sonar screens as well as unknown in Europe flashers was often competitive to fishing! We should also mention nice and friendly atmosphere created by the host of Pipestone Point Resort, Peter Haugan (www.pipestonepointresort.com) together with his staff. Thanks a lot Peter! We already feel invited for the next year! Our guests have had also opportunity to stock their tackle boxes up with unlimited amount of Salmo lures, for muskie, pike and walleye, of course free of charge. I must admit that they gladly took this opportunity to test both older and the newest models from our offer.

We have caught plenty of fish. Enough to say that catching of few dozens of walleyes on trolling with Salmo Hornet 4 lure needed for so called shore lunch for everyone (30-50 fish) was taking two - three hours of time of two anglers. However, everyone was looking for a trophy muskie. Every evening, while sitting in unusual bar with a stream flowing through it (!) and sipping beer we have listened to stories of encounters and lost fights with monster muskies. Before the end of our stay we have counted caught fish - there were around 30 muskies caught. Everyone has had a big fish on hook, however not everyone was lucky enough to land a legend and make a memorable picture. It happened that I have the most of luck - I have caught 6 muskies. None of my fish was a real trophy size though. Three of them were small ones, between 60 and 90 cm and three others middle size - 90 - 110 cm. The biggest fish were caught by Tom Zenanko, Al Maas, Terry Groetkin (all on Skinner 15) and Kelly Cirks (Bullhead 6SDR and 0,20 mm line!) - all measured (45”) 115 cm. As I already said, everyday someone has had an encounter with a fish over 50 inches in length (127 cm) and a couple of our guest have lost their fights with their personal record. Overall, we hope, everyone was satisfied with fishing. The most important for us was that nearly all fish have been caught on Salmo lures! The only exception was probably Jim Moynagh (professional bass angler), who couldn't stand any longer and used skitter jig to catch another irresolute fish.
While fishing for muskie we have caught a lot of other fish too. Tom, Al. And myself have caught nice walleyes. Tom have caught a beautiful northern pike of 8 kg while trolling for walleye with Hornet 4SDR. Generally a lot of pike have been caught but these were generally small ones (50 - 80 cm). We have also caught some basses.

As I have already mentioned there was a lot of encounters with large fish. Skinner, both 15 and 20 cm has turned out to be an absolute hit. Only a few anglers were using the bigger one, as it requires a lot of strong will and force to fish with. However, everyone who used this lure for more than an hour did not regret that decision. It was a wonderful field test of this unique lure. We have immediately drawn conclusions from this test and I dare to say that after making two minor changes (slight change of lure's balance and bigger treble hooks) we currently have the best twitchbait in the World!

The largest number of encounters with trophy fish while using Skinner 20 had Gary Iskierka (obviously of Polish descent). I had a pleasure to fish with him and with Ben Johnson from Cabela's from Gary’s boat on our last day. We have initially caught some smaller fish (including my pike 95 cm and muskie 94 cm - of course on Skinner 20RT), and finally we have decided to check far end of Moore Bay. Couple days earlier just in this bay a huge as for this lake (over 10 kg) pike nearly killed itself by hitting the boat while chasing my Skinner 20 RSH. Gary was fishing on his favorite Skinner 20 RT, while I have decided to have some rest and I have used a smaller, 15 cm Skinner. Ben was casting with Warrior Crank, as a matter of fact the lure number two of this trip. Already at the beginning of the bay covered with submerged vegetation Gary have seen large muskie (over 120 cm) following his Salmo "red devil" lure to the boat. A few more recurrences and searches along the edge of the field of weeds and finally fish strikes - however it hasn't even caught on hook. We have moved further hoping to meet "my" pike. We have caught a few smaller ones and finally in the end of the bay all stories about huge muskies in this area have come into reality. A huge, gray-green monster with red tail, big as a half of our boat emerged from nowhere (as muskies use to do) and started to follow Gary's Skinner slowly along the boat. Gary has tried to use Al Maas's, our Master of Muskies, trick. When you see nice fish following a lure to the boat and you have only a short length of the line to retrieve, stop retrieving, and move your boat backwards with your engine's full speed and try to escape from fish! It happens that muskie following the lure moving in such way finally hits it after.... half hundred meters! This time unfortunately we haven't had more than three meters of water surface free of vegetation and the fish itself didn't seem to be stupid one! This fish for sure have fooled a lot of anglers in a past! Our monster has disappeared as inexpertly as it has appeared (normal muskie behavior) leaving us with our mouths wide opened. How big it could have been? It doesn't make too much sense to measure the fish which hasn't been caught I can say that Gary have estimated its length for over 57 inches (145 cm) and Ben said that it must have been the biggest freshwater fish he has ever seen in his life! You might say not a big deal however you should know that muskies of that size have usually extremely wide back. And that was one of those. It seemed that its back was half a meter wide! And the biggest problem was that on the next day we were to leave Pipestone Point Resort without a chance to try again to lure this monster from Lake of the Woods!

Mille Lacks - one day of hunting for the World record muskie

Hot news from fellow anglers from Minnesota, namely from famous Mille Lacks lake have forced us to make a slight change in our plans. Straight from Canada we headed for Brainerd located by this lake, through Fort Frances and Grand Rapids. On route we have visited two the biggest pike and muskie tackle stores in the World - Pastikas (www.pastikas.com) and Rollie&Hellens Musky Shop (www.muskyshop.com). I don't need to explain what kind of impression make thousands of huge lures gathered in one place on relatively small surface. In both stores we have learned how our lures are assessed, what they lack and what is currently the most popular in terms of muskie lures. It has been very interesting and valuable experience. Also we have admired again the replica of the official muskie World record caught by Louis Spray in October 1949 in Chippewa Flowage, Wisconsin. The fish was 63,5 inch (161 cm) long and weighted close to 70 Lbs (32 kg). It is really amazing - even when you only imagine yourself such fish on your hook creates unforgettable experience.

I have great memories from Mille Lacks Lake since I have caught there my personal record muskie last year - 124 cm http://salm o.24.pl/modules.php?name=Sections&sop=viewarticle&artid=112. Besides, two years ago I have managed to catch there a good, as for Minnesota, pike - 105 cm http://salmo .24.pl/modules.php?name=Sections&sop=viewarticle&artid=71 . This time unfortunately the weather conditions are bad. There is strong wind and waves on this lake can reach two meters of height in a couple of minutes! We plan to check a dozen of places recommended by very experienced local guide Correy Studer (currently member of Salmo USA). Correy says that recently muskies on Mille Lacks stared to bite quite well - two nice fish were caught (130 and 137 cm). So we start fishing in a good mood fighting wind and waves. I fish with Tom and Rado and Kelly with Correy. Unfortunately muskies are not cooperative. When we meet at lunch Kelly says he caught pike on Warrior, a pike that was probably a record of Minnesota! The fish 45 inches (114,5 cm) long was caught in a shallow, weedy bay known also from huge muskies. Obviously we head towards this bay with Tom. Soon a huge pike around 10 kg follows Skinner 15 nearly to the boat. Later I have two delicate strikes - after each I see huge whirlpool on water surface. Unfortunately that's it since we have to hit the road to Wisconsin.

Oh well – maybe next year the World record will be broken here? Muskie experts predict that Mille Lacks it is where it will happen and probably quite soon!

Salmo Hodag Muskie Challenge

Early morning we head towards Wisconsin border to participate in 17th edition of Hodag Muskie Challenge - one of the biggest muskie tournaments in the Northern America. Since this year, apart from the authorities of the city of Rhinelander, the main sponsor of this event is Salmo USA.

Let me start however with a few words on Hodag. Hodag is a famous creature first time seen in 1986 in the forests of the northern Wisconsin. Currently Hodag is a mascot of the city of Rhinelander, very gracefully used as a local tourist attraction. For lovers of mysteries and zoology here is a link to the website where you can find more info on this creature: http://www.rhinelanderchamber.com/hi story.htm

In order to honor this local monster Salmo has created muskie lure of the same name - Salmo Hodag.

Tournament is taking place on a couple of lakes around Rhinelander already since 1987 and is a huge local fair. The entire local community is absorbed in this event, we were able to see that everywhere. The event is perfectly organized - credits go to the local authorities and especially to Jody Hanson from the local Chamber of Commerce and Dick Broshier – tournament manager.

This year 198 boats with 2 anglers crew participated in this event. The rules were simple. Teams were fishing in five sectors in the vicinity of Rhinelander:

All three Salmo teams were fishing in sector 1, which turned out to be the best.

Only muskies over 34 inches (86,5 cm) were counted, caught fish had to be delivered to the jury in the best condition possible. After registering the catch fish have been released and if they haven't showed up at the water surface for 15 minutes the team has scored. I need to add here that transporting a fish in good condition even for a long distance is not a problem - each boat has large live well with a pump delivering fresh water to the well and strong 150 – 225 KM engines allow to reach the jury even from far distances in a couple of minutes.

The prize for a winning team was as always 20.000 USD in cash! There were also cash prizes for the next places. First time a pool of prizes has included checks for fishes caught on Salmo lures

We were very proud to see over 400 heads with Salmo caps on at the opening of this event! Moreover all participants had an opportunity to buy Salmo lures even the ones from the newest offer in Rollie&Hellens. Despite of the fact that all competitors surely had their favorite lures of all sort with them a lot of Slider, Skinner, Jack and Maas Marauders have found a new owners. I hope the presentation I have given to all participants have also helped a bit. I have told them a few words on our history, plans for the future as well as about our offer for 2005, with a special focus on pike and muskie lures. The presentation contained a slide show with pictures of fish caught on Salmo lures in Europe and in US (including the ones made during this trip) and it aroused a lot of interest.

We have been quartered in Micky’s Sunset Bay Resort at Boom Lake. During two days of training we have been gathering information from local anglers and we have been trying to fish in various parts of the lake. There was a lot of pike but small ones - 1- 2 kg. We have also caught some muskies, including the biggest ones caught by Bertus Rozemeijer (43” – 110 cm) and myself (37” - 94 cm). Both on Skinner 20. There were also some encounters with bigger ones. A lot of other anglers have also told us about such encounters. For this reason three Salmo teams were entering the tournament in quite a good mood. Rado was fishing with John Skau from La Crosse, Bertus with Kelly Cirks and I with Tom Zenanko.

Unfortunately as it often happens during competitions the fish were lazy. During the first day 39 fish were caught. I have had two strikes of fish each over one meter, both on Skinner 20. Unfortunately it seemed that both missed the lure. We were hoping that the next day will be better, unfortunately it was just the opposite. On our lake only four fish have been caught! By the way, two out of four were caught by members of Salmo teams - Kelly Cirks and John Skau (both on Skinner 15). I have caught one muskie but much below the length limit - it measured maybe 60 cm - of course on Skinner 20!

The winners of tournament were finally Lee Bastian and Scott Hansen, both from Rhinelander. They have caught both of their muskies - 44" and 39" - on Lake George in a typical style for this species. On the first day they have found a few nice fish close to location of the jury. Despite of their experience they were however unable to catch any since fish were only following their lures to the boat. On the second day they have decided to try to lure them once again. They have moved just couple dozens of meters from the jury located on the bank even without using their main engine, only the electric one. First muskie has showed up already in 15 minutes after the competition started. After registering the fish they have came back to the same spot and five minutes later they have caught the second one! Both have been caught on spinnerbait.

 

Final classification was as follows:

There were also three checks for fish caught on Salmo lures. The biggest fish was caught by Greg Van Zeeland who was using Slider 10S RT bought a day before. The fish had 38 inches (96,5 cm). Greg came to me asking for my signature on the lucky lure and it was great pleasure for me to fulfill his request. I hope next year we will pass a couple of dozens of such checks!

I would like to emphasize excellent organization of this event. It is not that easy to bring under control all logistics for such a large number of participants. However everything was just perfect, thanks to lasting many months preparations, hard work and dedication of people from Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce. Many thanks once again and see you next year Dear Friends!

Rebeca Lake

On the day of our departure we have managed to fish for two hours in a small Rebeca Lake near Minneapolis. The beginning was excellent - we have spotted a few large fish in dense weeds and we thought that luring them is only a matter of time. Soon Tom has hooked a huge fish on floating Slider 12 RGS. A view was magnificent! Huge like a bucket jaws have emerged from a whirlpool and splashes of water between weeds. Tom was trying to move the fish from the weeds using his strong equipment, there was no other way to fight it. The fish was really huge, I would say around 15 kg! Setting the hook was strong but turned out to be not strong enough. The fight has ended after a couple of seconds. Nevertheless this view itself was worth flying overseas!

Soon after Bertus has reported catching 43-inch muskie on Maas Marauder. We have made a few pictures of this fish just after its landing. Less than 5 minutes have passed and Terry has caught a fish of the same length on the same lure! Soon after next muskie followed Bertus's lure to the boat. Unfortunately in the same time Tom has received very sad news. His mother died in the hospital in Minneapolis, we knew that he was worrying about her and her health calling her every day. We have returned to the marina in heavy rain and in very bad mood.

Summary

So, that's the end of our expedition. As always very valuable, both in term of gathering new experiences, adventures as well as making new friends. I especially value our everyday conversations about lures with experienced American anglers. We have had such field test of our lures that majority of lure producers can only dream of!

Here I would like to thank two people without whom this trip would have never been possible. First person is Steve Baumann – owner of Salmo USA, keen walleye and bass angler, the person unique in all respect receiving wide recognition and respect in the American fishing tackle business. Second person I have mentioned already a few times - it is Tom Zenanko. The youngest USA Hall of Fame Angler, an author of many books, excellent angler and great buddy on the boat. Tom was the one who has prepared this trip for us. Great thanks Tom!

Peter Piskorski