Birdie catches big fishy

Ken Johnston

While the “semi-pros” were out trying to win the Morson Bass International on the weekend, one angler watched in the wings, waiting for his eventual chance to show them his skills, and perhaps luck!
Bluebird Stickings, age 6, of Morson, has been living with Mr. and Mrs. Brian Major as a foster child since he was four months old. Birdy, as the family calls him, has been fishing up a storm the past couple of years.
Last Monday, just as the sun was setting he and dad were out muskie fishing. “I put a Top Raider lure on for him so he wouldn’t get tangled up in the weeds,” said Brian. Birdie had been complaining that he had not caught one. Well little did he know, but he was in for a real humdinger to cap the day off.
Casting about halfway between the boat and shore on the north end of Dawson Island, Birdee’s lure travelled along the surface of the water making a clicking noise. All of a sudden Birdie yelled, “Dad! I got one!”
Since he was fishing with a walleye rod instead of a stiffer muskie rod, Dad held onto the rod while Birdie reeled. “When it was about half way to the boat I saw the ripples on the top of the water and knew he had a big one,” said Brian.
Once they got it in the boat they measured it. It was 45 inches long, three inches longer than Birdie is tall!
Needless to say both Birdie and Dad were ecstatic. “He really enjoys fishing and is often waiting for me when I get home from work with rod in hand.”
Brian said Birdie has a 10 lb. lake trout and a 28 inch walleye to his credit.
At six years old, he could be destined to be a future tournament champion if he keeps catching the big ones!