Author: Paul Anderson

The 4^th annual Ohio Minnow Fund Muskie Outing was held May 14^th and 15^th, 2016 at West Branch State Park.  There were 55 anglers registered and 25 fish reported as caught.  All monies raised will be used to support Ohio’s Muskie stocking program.

The event started on Friday evening as eager muskie anglers streamed into the campground with tents, campers, boats, and thoughts of big fish.  Everyone seemed aware that the weather forecast was for dire conditions, yet they still showed up.  Early Friday afternoon Kevin Proffit and Rich Daniels showed up and erected an enormous tent so that everyone could have a dry spot to call headquarters for the weekend (THANK YOU!).

As daylight broke on Saturday morning, we were greeted to donuts, fresh coffee, and some fantastic pancakes on the griddle by OHMC Secretary Tim Smith.  Meanwhile OHMC 1^st Vice-President Jeff Ferjutz and OHMC Treasurer John Ringenbach registered entrants.  The temperature had plummeted overnight and brisk wind along with torrential rain served notice that this event was not for the weak of heart.  Only the hardiest of muskie fishermen would brave these conditions as white capped waves snarled down the lake daring us to try to take one of her fish into our nets.

This was the first year that we aligned our traditional Division Day to be coincident with the minnow fund Event and we had 5 brave ODNR personnel show up in the downpour with hopes of hoisting a trophy fish.  By 8:00 we aimed for the lake with Bob Basic guiding for Curt Wagner, Tim Smith guiding for Jill Connor, Elmer Heyob guiding for Tim Parker, John Ringenbach guiding for Kevin Paige, and Paul Anderson guiding for Kevin Kayle.

At noon the guests and guides assembled for a grilled lunch that had been prepared by OHMC 2^nd Vice-President Rick Simpson, OHMC Trustee Mike Reed, and OHMC Trustee Chris Silverthorn (THANK YOU!).  Unfortunately, the fish did not cooperate and we were unable to get slime on any of our guests’ hands.  We were happy to have them and thanked them for their service in support of our muskie program.

The unsuccessful guides headed back out into the storm with a never-give-up attitude for more fishing with the rest of the crew.  Boats were tested, rain gear was tested, and anglers’ commitment was tested, yet onward we went.  The harshness of the conditions cannot be overstated as it felt worse than many days I have spent fishing in December.

By 7:00 the weary contestants assembled for a hot meal in a dry tent.  News of a few fish filtered about as we enjoyed Brauts, Dogs, and Burgers with all the fixins.  Warm beans, hot apple pie, and steaming corn-on-the-cob made the miserable conditions fade away if even temporarily.  The campground fell quiet shortly after dinner as most of us were ready for our warm sleeping bags.  Some fell prey to the harsh conditions and bailed for home, and for that, I cannot blame any of you in the slightest.

For those that braved the night, a snow-squall greeted us as dawn broke on Sunday morning.  The temperature was 35 degrees and the precipitation kept coming.  One thing did change on Sunday, and that was the bite.  For those brave souls that took to the water, the fish, perhaps out of empathy were biting.  We fished through the snow, sleet, rain, wind & waves and we caught fish.  Several nice fish including some huskies were landed as a clear trolling pattern emerged.

When the battle scared participants gathered for the final results, we saw a peek of blue sky for the first time in days.  The final tally had Joe Reynolds winning the Youth Big fish, Jeff Clark winning the $400 big fish pot, Jack Whyde in first place, Fred Lederer in second place, Josh Burns in Third place, Jeff Ferjutz in Fourth place, and Jeff Clark in fifth place.  I cannot thank you all enough for coming out and displaying your devotion to our sport and our stocking program.  Dry off, warm up, and get ready to enjoy better conditions as the season wears on.  Be safe in the knowledge that you will not encounter anything worse for the balance of this season.

All fish reported for the event:

Jack Whyde (24.75”, 35.75”, 33.00”, 40.00”, 20.00”, 31.50”; 36.25 Points): Fred Lederer (44.00”, 31.50”; 23.50 Points): Josh Burns (36.00”, 38.75”, 24.00”, 20.00”; 22.75 Points): Jeff Ferjutz (30.50”, 44.00”; 22.50 Points): Jeff Clark (44.75”; 18.75 Points): Dave Zastawny (44.50”; 18.50 Points): Matt Clark (40.00”; 14.00 Points): Mark Burns (30.50”; 13.50 Points): Jerry Rice (37.50”, 28.25”; 11.50 Points): Jack Moga (37.50”; 11.50 Points): Joe Reynolds (36.00”; 10.00 Points): Bob Basic (34.00”; 8.00 Points): Paul Anderson (33.00”; 7.00 Points): Nick Agnesi (32.00”; 6.00 Points).

 

55^th ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET

March 19^th, 2016

The 55^th Ohio Huskie Muskie Club Annual Awards Banquet was held on March 19, 2016 at McCalls Banquet Center in Canton, Ohio.  The attendance increased relative to recent years and all those in attendance were treated to good food, friends and laughter.  A total of 130 OHMC members and guests along with 5 vendors were in attendance.  Every person in attendance received a door prize consisting of one of three custom painted baits created by Greg Them of Xtreme Muskie Lures.

During the business meeting, members voted on the lake nominations for our 47^th  Annual Open Summer Contest in 2017.  The winner was Salt Fork Lake, with the event to be tentatively held on July 15^th and 16^th pending park approval.  Elections for officer positions were held during the business meeting.  The OHMC officers for 2015 are as follows; Paul Anderson, President; Jeff Ferjutz, 1^st Vice-President; Rick Simpson, 2^nd Vice-President; Tim Smith, Secretary; John Ringenbach, Treasurer.  Also, during our business meeting, the membership voted to modify the 10-or-more release award to lift the size requirement.  Now, any fish you catch regardless of size will count towards your release award, so long as the fish is turned in to the MAL.  This was done in attempt to increase the percentage of fish less than 30” turned in to the MAL.

Before the banquet meal started there was a pause for a moment of silence for all the club members whom had passed last year and for those individuals that are in the military and may be away from their families.  Next, we took a moment for a blessing of the meal by club member Mary Jill Brown.  The food was very good with a buffet that included Baked Chicken, Sausage and Peppers, McCalls Signature Potatoes, Green Beans, Rigatoni, a Garden Salad, Rolls, and Cake.  We all had a great time and lots of fun with the fish stories that were being told.

ODNR attendees were: Curt Wagner, Fisheries Biologist, District 3 (Akron); Phil Hillman, Fish Management Supervisor, District 3 (Akron); Mike Greenlee, Fish Management Supervisor, District 4 (Athens); Debra Walters, Fish Management Supervisor, District 5 (Xenia); Ed Lewis, Fisheries Biologist, District 2 (Findlay); Kevin Kayle, Acting Fish Hatchery Program Administrator, Central Office; Kevin Page, Fisheries Biologist, Inland Fisheries Research Unit (Hebron); Rich Carter, Executive Administrator Fish Management and Research Group; and Scott Hale, Acting Assistant Chief, Central Office.

Scott spoke about a recent muskie symposium that several ODNR representatives had attended and given presentations in Minnesota.  He also made several general remarks about the partnership of ODNR with OHMC and described how “We are YOU”, meaning the Staff are dedicated outdoorsman themselves.  Next, Kevin Kayle gave a presentation on Ohio’s muskie program

Special thanks go out to all the vendors that set up a booth at the banquet this year, and also all of the Ohio Huskie Muskie Club supporters who donated to the club.  Please patronize these companies as they make our events a success.

AWARD RESULTS FOR OHIO LAKES, MUSKIES CAUGHT

Ohio Huskie Muskie Club Inc. Annual Banquet Awards Winners, for club member’s recognition of outstanding catches and achievements in the 2015 season.

H.E. Pooch Curry Award   (Largest musky by length only) This year we had a tie for the award:  The winners were Mr. Chuck Harmon with a 51 inch muskie caught at West Branch and Mr. Dennis Mitchell with a 51 inch muskie caught at Piedmont.

The Matthew Smith Memorial Awards for Junior Members

Boys “Trophy Division” – Jordon Foose – 35.50”

Girls “Released Division” – Ashley McCartney – 39.00”

Boys “Released Division” – Fisher Himes – 47.00”

The Royalty Awards

Queen “Trophy Division” – Anna Fisher – 48.50”

Queen “Released Division” – Stephanie Neville – 47.50”

King “Released Division” – Dennis Mitchell – 51.00”

King “Released Division” – Chuck Harmon – 51.00”

Mr. Muskie Award – Fred Lederer

Woman of the Year Award – Stephanie Neville

Overall Tournament Champion – Chad Harmon

Dr. Dunmire Plaque Awards

There were (34) Dr. L. G. Dunmire Plaque Awards recognized by the club for those anglers whom caught at least three Huskie muskies measuring 42.00-inches in length or longer. Patrick Klingensmith (43), Chuck Harmon (34), Greg Bozick (33), David Baio (26), Kevin LaRoche (21), Beau Chumley (15), Bob Marshall (14), Chad Harmon (12), John Ringenbach (12), David Brown (10), George Weber (9), Ray Elkins (8), Robert McCloud (8), Robert Basic (7), Dennis Mitchell (7), Richard Reeves (7), Sam Reichenbach (7), Richard Welk (7), Charlotte Fuchs (5), Jason Chalmers (4), Sherman Champlin (4), Mary Jill Harshey (4), Lee Himes (4), Kathy Mitchell (4), John Savu (4), Bill Schultz Jr. (4), Mike Firth (3), Raymond Hinchcliff Sr. (3), Josh Marshall (3), Philip Ringenbach (3), Rick Simpson (3), Tim Smith (3), Linda Hannen (3), Tom Hannen (3)

10 Or More Release Awards 

There were (46) Plaques Awards recognized by the club for those anglers whom caught 10 or more muskies 30-inches in length or longer and released all of them.  Pat  Klingensmith (221), Chuck Harmon (174), Greg Bozick (129), David Baio (110), Kevin LaRoche (95), Bob Marshall (80), Beau Chumley (71), Bill Schultz, Jr. (64), Ray Elkins (57), John Ringenbach (47), George Weber (47), Chuck McKnight (45), Timothy Ritter (45), Robert Basic (38), Chad Harmon (35), David Brown (34), Josh Marshall (34), Sam Reichenbach (36), Jason Chalmers (26), Bill Brant (25), Charlotte Fuchs (25), Robert McCloud (25), Nicholas Smith (23), Lee Himes (20), Tim Smith (20), David Nabb    (19), Jason Basic    (15), Kathy Mitchell (15), Dennis Mitchell (15), Richard Reeves (15), Rick Simpson (15), Tony Crisp (14), Scott Hale  (14), Phillip Jarvis (14), Mike Firth (13), James Cook (13), Raymond Hinchcliff (13), Jerry Rice (13), Rich Welk (13), Dennis Braun (12), Elmer Heyob, Jr. (12), Thomas Johnson (12), Guy Bechter (11), Chuck Land, Sr. (11), Charles Neville (11), Sherman Champlin (10)

Raffles:

The Business Meeting 50/50 was won by Rich Daniels.  The Banquet 50/50 was won by Sally Parr.  The Lure board was won by Elmer Heyob.  The Rod and Reel was won by Paul Shepard.  The Blanket was won by Bob Basic.

The banquet is now history and it is now time to start some actual muskie fishing, Thank you to everyone that attended and to all of those people that helped make the event such a great success.

 

 

 

The 2015 OHMC Fall Outing was held on September 26^th and 27^th at Piedmont Lake. With the Super-Blood moon approaching, and the stable overcast weather, it had all the anglers excited as we began to gather on Friday evening. It is always a great time when our club assembles for an outing and as usual, there was laughter, stories, and smiles both early and often. The weather was ideal as we enjoyed moderate daytime temperatures near 68 degrees and cool evenings suitable for enjoying a nice campfire. The water temperatures were fairly steady at near 71 degrees and there was no rain during the event.

Registration was held on Saturday morning from 6:30 until 8:00 and the fish began to fill our nets soon thereafter. Some anglers had success trolling while yet others were able to get slimed with a casting technique. There was a feeling of inevitability about the bite, as almost everyone seemed even more optimistic than usual. As the day progressed, it was evident that the optimistic outlook was not out of line. Around 6:00 PM, most participants began showing up at the marina area in anticipation of the now famous steaks that our club enjoys during the events.

The owner of Cross Bone Baits, Jerry Rice, fired up the grill and once again put his masterful grilling skills to work with the assistance of Trustee Rick Simpson. We also had Trustees Tim Smith and Phil Ringenbach making fresh french-fries. Thanks to them and all of our trustees that came to the event and worked together so seamlessly; Robert and Stephanie Neville, Mike Reed, John Ringenbach, Fred Lederer, and Jeff Ferjutz. It is a great honor to work with such a wonderful group of dedicated individuals.

As has become customary, the steak dinner had many pleasant surprises. There was so much good food and deserts to eat, and for that I must thank the members that were thoughtful enough to bring the wonderful goodness that my taste buds enjoyed. After dinner we drew our winners for the raffles. The 50/50 was won by Fred Lederer, the rod and reel combination was won by Jeff Clark, and the Lure board was won by Richard Pfeister. In addition there were quite a few nice baits in the general raffle section and most members took home a prize.

By Sunday afternoon we all assembled for a tally of the final results. We had 38 anglers register for the event and 34 fish caught. The fishing was as good as advertised as Piedmont continues to shine every time we have an event there. It also helps when team Harmon shows up; As they did in this year’s summer contest the father and son team of Chuck and Chad Harmon once again put on a clinic. This time Chuck was able to secure a first place finish with 7 fish caught, while Chad enjoyed a second place finish with his 7 fish caught. They will be presented their trophies at our annual awards banquet in March of 2016. The Big fish for the event was a beautiful 45 incher caught by Matt Clark who was rewarded with a $165 prize for his angling success.

All fish reported are as follows: Chuck Harmon (35.00”, 32.00”, 30.00”, 33.5”, 41.00”, 39.00”, 37.50”)(66.00 Points); Chad Harmon (30.50”, 33.25”, 35.50”, 32.00”, 33.00”, 32.00”, 40.00”)(54.25 Points); Jerry Rice (35.00”, 39.25”, 37.00”)(33.25 Points); Paul Anderson (30.00”, 34.00”, 36.00”)(22.00 Points); Matt Clark (45.00”)(19.00 Points); Phil Ringenbach (44.25”)(18.25 Points); Fred Lederer (37.25”, 30.50”)(15.75 Points); Charles Neville (30.00”, 36.00”)(14.00 Points); Kevin Proffit (38.00”)(12.00 Points); John Ringenbach (38.00”)(12.00 Points); Philip Jarvis (36.50”)(10.50 Points); Rich Daniels (35.00”)(9.00 Points); Greg Starkey (32.00”)(6.00 Points); Chuck Land, Sr. (31.00”)(5.00 Points); George Kokournakis (31.00”)(5.00 Points).

Thank you to everyone that came out to fish and support the club. Without our membership, we don’t exist, and I truly appreciate everyone that shows up at these events. Good luck fishing for the remainder of 2015.

Our 2015 official club events are now completed and we had a great year. The fishing at West Branch for the Minnow Fund Event was good, Alum Creek treated us nicely for the Spring Outing, Leesville was nice to us for the Nite-Bite, and Piedmont shined on us for both the Summer and Fall outings. Our club does support the Hawg Hunt Hoedown at West Branch organized by Mr. Guy Bechter as an unofficial end of season get together. Please consider coming out to fish with us on November 14^th.

The 45^th annual OHMC Summer Contest was held on July 11^th and 12^th, 2015 at beautiful Piedmont Lake.  We had 55 anglers register and a total of 40 fish caught including 9 huskies.  The water temperatures ranged from 74 to 84 degrees while the air temperatures were from 60 to 84 degrees.  Most participants came in on Friday or earlier and did some pre-fishing.  Much of the talk on Friday evening was centered on what type of jigging would produce the winning combination.  Some felt that trolling would be the best strategy, while yet others remained steadfast in their belief that a casting approach would be best.

As the sun rose on a wonderful Saturday morning, the rain from the previous evening had vacated and we were left with bluebird skies to greet us.  Registration finished up by 8:00 and many persons headed over to the marina to partake in a buffet breakfast.  With full bellies, the boats left the docks and there were fish in some nets within minutes.  After completing the cleanup, I approached the dock where my boat was tied up and witnessed a club member fall in the water while attempting to tie up at the fuel dock.  Luckily, there was also a marina employee there and soon he and I had pulled the member to safety.  Having done my good deed for the day, I felt like perhaps a Karma fish might come my way.  Perhaps it will, but not on this trip.  I felt fortunate to be able to assist and I know if the tables had been turned that I would have been in safe hands.

We had a couple of new club members that do not have the proper motor on their watercraft to be able to fish Piedmont, but they were interested in attending the event.  I coordinated with other club members and found them some seats.  This type of kindness by our club members is one of the things that make me most proud to be associated with OHMC (“To promote good sportsmanship and brotherhood among men, women, and children.”).  Special thanks go out to the two club members that generously took out two of our newest club members for a day on the water, OHMC Treasurer John Ringenbach and OHMC Member Sam Reichenbach.  You both are truly kind gentlemen that I am fortunate to call friends.

The fishing reports on Saturday were mixed with most boats struggling for a pattern, while a couple of boats seemed to be on their game.  There was talk of clothes hangers and aliens, questions about the dates on the trophies, Beagles and Dachshunds everywhere you looked, and much laughter.  Jerry Rice of CrossBone Baits brought some inventory and there were quite a few other bait deals going on as well.  Jerry also serves as our club grill master and as has become customary, he came in early Saturday evening, fired up the grill, and proceeded to serve up some fantastic steaks for our cookout.  Members brought spring rolls, freshly cooked corn-on-the-cob, blueberry muffins, banana bread, cookies, cake, hot rigatoni, coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni salad, and several other goodies.  Yes, we ate well again!

After dinner, several boats, including myself, headed back into the darkness for a bit of night fishing.  Every boat that went out that evening caught fish.  The big fish for the event was caught during that time by club member Seth Ferrell.  His 48.50” behemoth netted him a cool $230 side pot.

As night turned to daylight, everyone was back on the water and the fishing seemed to improve compared to the previous day.  Quite a few members caught fish on Sunday, and the total number of fish reported demonstrates how great the fishing can be at Piedmont.  We all assembled on Sunday afternoon for the awards, door prizes, and raffles as well as to see just how many fish the Harmons’ had caught and what type of rod and reel Anna would win this time.

Our raffle winners were as follows;  Anna Land won the rod and reel; Rich Daniels won the Lure board, Paul Shepard won the 50/50 ($66), about 30 door prizes were handed out to attendees; and the Grand Prize was won by Marc Arena, owner of Red October Baits.

Our trophies were handed out to the event winners as follows:

First Place: Chad Harmon (30.50”, 31.00”, 32.00”, 33.50”, 35.25”, 37.00”, 43.00”)(60.25 Points)

 Second Place: Chuck Harmon (32.50”, 33.00”, 31.00”, 43.50”)(36.00 Points);

Third Place: Rich Welk (42.00”, 43.00”)(33.00 Points)

Anglers that reported fish are as follows:

Rick Simpson (35.50”, 45.75”)(29.25 Points); Phil Cummings (38.75”, 42.00”)(28.75 Points);  Fred Lederer (33.00”, 44.50”)(25.50 Points);  Loryn Wyeth (37.00”, 38.00”)(23.00 Points);  Seth Ferrell (48.50”)(22.50 Points);  Ray Elkins (35.50”, 37.25”)(20.75 Points);  Elmer McClure (31.50”, 40.00”)(19.50 Points);  Carolyn Lent (34.00”, 36.00”)(18.00 Points);  Jerry Rice (42.00”)(16.00 Points);  Syl Trunkett (39.00”)(13.00 Points);  Kevin LaRoche (38.50”)(12.50 Points);  Matt Clark (38.00”)(12.00 Points);  Troy Oliver (37.50”)(11.50 Points);  Paul Shepard (36.00”)(10.00 Points);  Jason Chamers (30.00”, 32.00”)(10.00 Points);  Tim Smith (34.50”)(8.50 Points);  Mike Sandridge (33.00”)(7.00 Points);  Kevin Proffit (32.00”)(6.00 Points);  Jenna Lederer (31.50”)(5.50 Points)

Thanks to all our trustees for everything you do to make these events go smoothly and thank you to everyone that came out to support our club.