Anglers competed in muskie chal’lunge last week out of Morson

Duke O’Malley
Illinois Southtown Economist
Sports Writer

The 29th Annual Muskie’s Inc. Tournament (Chapter Chal’lunge’) was held August 4th, 5th, & 6th at Red Wing Lodge in Morson.
There were a total of 22 teams with 101 anglers competing for this years title of King of the Muskie. Back in 1977, the Fargo Moorhead Chapter started a tournament among Muskie Clubs throughout the United States. Today, chapters from Missouri, Colorado, Ohio, Illinois and other states participated in the Chapter Chal’Lunge’ of 2004.
The only prize awarded is an old minnow bucket donated by Steve Statland of Chicago. It is mounted on a wooden platform and golden plated in colour. Today even youngsters compete for the gold minnow bucket with their respective teams. Junior anglers from Chicago, Missouri and two brothers from Wisconsin helped their teams. In fact, Blake Friederich at age 14 caught 2 Muskie’s. A 42 1/2 incher and a 37 incher. Both were released unharmed.
This Muskie’s Inc tournament donated $550.00 to The Ministry of Natural Resources. Assessment unit from Kenora received this donation on behalf of the MNR. This money will help with their research in fish habitat and telemetry studies.
This years winning team, Fargo Moorhead scored 239 points. First Wisconsin scored 238 points and third place was won by the South Side Muskie Hawks Team 2 with 150 points. Big fish for the tournament were 54 1/2 inches and 53 inches.
Fargo Moorhead Team members were Brett Waldera, Brad Waldera, Brian Grote, Matt Aaser, Shawn Early and Mitch Dougherty.
First Wisconsin team members were Dan Husby, Jim Coffen, Thomas Smetana, Dick Stecter and Leonard Rubesch.
South Side Muskie Hawks team member were: Rick Nornburg, Sue Mazur, Brian Major, Chuck Till, Char Piotrowski and John Phillips.
The weather all three days had night time temperatures in the 40’s and daytime temperatures in the 70’s. It was slightly overcast with waves of less than one foot. There was a slight alga bloom on the lake. Conditions were great and everyone went home a winner and was very happy.