The Official Publication of the Fresh WaterFishing Hallof Fame

VOL. 35NO. 4Fall 2011

Inside:

From theDirector's Deskby EmmettBrown, page 2

2012 HonoreesAre Announced,page 4

Hall Jim BeamBottles, page 8

Cool Water, HotBass Fishing byBabe Winkelman,page 9

Ol' Tackle Talk byChris Slusar,page 10

Arctic Char

John Cleveland left, guide right • Arctic CharC&R • Div. #1 – Rod/Reel

17 lb. line class • 36 InchesTree River, N.W.T., Canada • 7/24/2011

Founded 1960Incorporated Not For Profit 1970

P.O. Box 690, 10360 Hall of Fame DriveHayward, WI 54843

Phone 715/634-4440http://www.Freshwater-Fishing.org

e-mail: fishhall@cheqnet.net

Printed February 15, May 15, August 15, November 15

Programs and Activities

• Recognition of World Fresh WaterSportfishing Records

• Record Book Published Annually• Recognition for Achievement of

Excellence in Sportfishing• Educational Museum of Sportfishing

Artifacts

Museum open April 15 through October 317 days a week, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

(no admittance after 3:30 p.m.)Administration Office open year ‘round

5 days a week, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (exceptChristmas-New Year interim weeks)

Executive Board of Directors

Bill Gautsche . . . . . . . . . . . . PresidentHarold Tiffany . . . . . . . . . .Vice PresidentTed Dzialo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SecretaryTom Turngren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TreasurerScott Allen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DirectorBill Beckwith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DirectorJohn Dettloff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DirectorDave Perkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DirectorDon Robinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DirectorJim Scheer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DirectorWendy Williamson . . . . . . . . . . . . DirectorBen Wold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director

Professional and Volunteer Staff

Emmett Brown . . . . . . . Executive DirectorKathy Polich . . . . . . . . . Business ManagerDarlene Overman . . . . . . . . . . . . SecretaryMyrna Huber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ClerkEmmett Brown . . . . . . . . . . . Splash EditorTim Gavigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WebmasterTim Lesmeister. . . . . . . . Media CoordinatorClaudette Kersten . . . . . . . . . . . . Volunteer

The Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame is anon-profit educational organization

dedicated to conservation andsportfishing and to the maintenance of ahall of fame where the history of fishingand angling achievements are displayed.

A 501(c)(3) organization© Copyright 2011 Fresh Water

Fishing Hall of Fame, Inc.2

From the

Director’s Deskby Emmett Brown

October 22, 2011

It was 26 degrees this morning on my way tothe duck blind! I always greet late October with mixed feelings. The openwater fishing season is very definitely on the wane up here in thenorthwoods. Alas even our web-footed adversaries will only be aroundfor just a few more short weeks. They are, afterall, migratory! That said,the next few weeks will bring the absolutely very best open waterfishing and waterfowling of the year. Again, mixed feelings.

Mixed feelings as well, because very shortly our museum operations willend for the year. On November 1st to be precise. We had a good yearfrom a visitor standpoint. No records were set, but our crowds wereenthusiastic and steady. This year will rank in the top five seasons froman attendance perspective. Given our lukewarm economy, I will take it.Thank you to all who took time out from your very busy schedules tovisit us this year. It is very much appreciated.

Our Awards Committee met last August and selected a very fine crop ofhonorees for 2012. I will be forever grateful for all the dedication andexpert input this committee puts forth. I can't thank them often enough.Thank you one and all! Our awards recognition program is certainly oneof our cornerstone missions and I am extremely proud of it. Pleasereview the fruits that their hard work produced beginning on page 4.

I read somewhere that the upper Midwest is the land of getting ready.Meaning, of course, we are always getting ready for the next season. Lifeup here seems to be an endless cycle of winterizing, cleaning-up,breaking out the summer clothes and winterizing all over again. Seemscrazy I know, but this ever-changing cycle does tend to keep lethargy atbay. To top it all off, the National Weather Service has predicted a"brutal" winter for us this year. We'll see. I'll report on the accuracy oftheir prognostication in three months.

Until then.

Warmest regards,

Emmett A. Brown, Jr.Executive Director

Hall Awards Presented

Awards Committee member Mike Dombeck (right) presents the Kennebec Valley (Maine) Chapter ofTrout Unlimited (2011 Organizational Award) to Bill Oleszczuk. Bill is on the Trout Unlimited NationalLeadership Council representing the Maine Council of Trout Unlimited. Their award was presented atthe awards banquet at the Trout Unlimited national meeting in Bend, Oregon on September 16. About300 people from around the country were in attendance. Thank you Mike and a heartycongratulations is in order to the Kennebec Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

The Kansas City Royals honored Kenny Kieser onAugust 3rd for his induction into Fresh Water FishingHall of Fame and for his work over the past 30 years inregard to the promotion of fishing with mentally andphysically challenged kids and young adults. Kennywas chosen from over 13,000 nominations. This awardis presented only once at every home game.

Congratulations Kenny!

Hall Legendary

Communicator

Kieser Honored

by the Kansas

City Royals

Courtesy of the Plano Molding Co.

TIPS YOU CAN USE!

3

Better Pictures,

Please

I have always suspected this, but I havefinally come to the conclusion that mostfisherpersons are among the worsephotographers in the world. I know I amoverstating this, but come on guys, howabout some better pictures please?

Don't get me wrong, I love your fuzzy, poorlycropped and oddly angled photos, but it isbecoming increasingly difficult to find goodquality pictures for use in our annualcalendar and The Splash magazine.

Here's a few tips for better outdoorphotography:

• Be sure to always have the sun at your (theperson with the camera) back, even whenthe sun is low in the sky or obscured bythe sun.

• Always (and I mean always) use a flash -even on sunny days.

• Tilt those hats back or take them off.Shadows on faces are hard to correct.

• Always take a minimum of three pictures.One is bound to turn out nicely.

• Finally, be sure not to have too muchforeground or sky/background in theframe. In other words, center the fish (thesubject) in the picture.

If you follow these few simple suggestions,you just may find yourself gracing the coverof the next The Splash or on our calendar.

Thank you.-Editor

4

n August 15th and 16th, 2011 ourAwards Committee met inHayward, Wisconsin.

The committee consists of a very talentedand devoted cross section of our fresh watersportfishing leaders. They are: Bill Gautsche– Chairman (Wisconsin); Wendy Williamson –Co-Chairman (Wisconsin); Larry Colombo(Alabama); Clem Dippel (Wisconsin); MikeDombeck (Wisconsin); James Gammon(Indiana); Elmer Guerri (Indiana); Bruce Holt(Washington); Tim Lesmeister (Minnesota);Gil Radonski (North Carolina); Vin Sparano(New Jersey); Burt Steinberg (Missouri);Gregg Wollner (Minnesota) and Forrest Wood(Arkansas).

Many candidates were considered, but only afew were selected for this prestigious honor.The results are as follows:

Elected for 2012 EnshrinementConsidered are persons who have made alasting National or World impact to thebenefit of fresh water sportfishing.

Steve Baumann – MinnesotaSteve was born in southwestern Minnesotaon a 240-acre farm community near WalnutGrove. Steve chose the path of electricalengineering. While in college, he beganworking for a manufacturer that builtelectronic components for the VexilarCompany.

At that time, Vexilar was manufacturing high-end charter-boat sonars and low-endconsumer models. Paper graphs were justcoming into use. Following the paper graphwas the CRT display. The one Vexilar builtwas designed with the angler in mind.

In 1981, Steve researched LCD displays andrealized this medium could be utilized for asonar screen. Working with Vexilar engi -neers, they built the first LCD sonars for theweekend angler. The sportfishing world wasset on fire with the Vexilar 480 LCD sonar.No longer would anglers have to interpret thesignal of a flashing light on a circular axis.Now they could just look at a picture.

In 1989, Steve began to notice that iceanglers were discovering the Dave Genzmethod of mobile ice angling and were utiliz -ing the flasher style sonar in their pursuit.With a background in sonar elec tron ics,Steve began to look at what was needed tosatisfy ice anglers and their sonar require -ments.

In 1995, Vexilar introduced a unit whichallowed anglers to fish side-by-side with newor old units without interference. The VexilarFL-8 (and its successive models) has becomeiconic in the ice fishing industry. So much so,that the name Vexilar is often usedinterchangeably with all ice fishing sonarunits.

Steve has been a pioneer in the sportfishingindustry designing and advancing cutting-edge products that never existed in themarketplace until his vision made them areality. Steve has always maintained thehighest benchmark in customer service andloyalty.

Thaddeus “Ted” Dzialo – WisconsinTed joined the staff of the Fresh WaterFishing Hall of Fame in Hayward, Wisconsinin March of 1986. Soon thereafter, Tedbecame the Hall’s Deputy Director andMuseum Manager. In August 1987 Tedbecame the Executive Director of thishistoric institution.

Ted was instrumental in “fleshing out” theHall’s museum artifacts in its burgeoningmuseum operation. Of course, Ted had help,but he oversaw this tremendous undertakingof identifying, restoring, cataloging and thedisplaying of about 100,000 sportfishingartifacts in the museum complex. Ted’sparticular expertise was in the uniquedisplaying of over 1,000 vintage outboardmotors. The Hall’s museum has the largestand most complete display of fresh watersportfishing’s heritage and history in theworld.

Ted has been instrumental in the promotionof fresh water sportfishing for a very longtime. From March of 1988 until April of 2006Ted was the editor of the Hall’s quarterlymagazine, “The Splash.” Ted used this vehicleto champion many of fresh watersportfishing’s issues and challenges.

Ted retired from the Hall in April of 2006, butremains an integral part of the organizationas a member and officer of its ExecutiveBoard of Directors.

James D. Range – Washington D.C.Jim was one of our nation’s most prominentchampions of natural resource conservation.He was known in Washington and throughoutthe United States as a skilled policystrategist with an extraordinary bipartisannetwork of friends and contacts. Along withhis political adeptness, Jim possessed an

oratorical gift and was known as someonewho always spoke from his heart withpassionate conviction. A life-longoutdoorsman, Jim was instrumental in theconservation and continued protection ofmany different corners of the Americanlandscape. Jim was a passionate advocate forthe country’s fish and wildlife and theirhabitat. Perhaps best known as a long-timeadvisor to former Senate Majority LeaderHoward Baker, Jim also was knownpersonally to countless people as a belovedconfidant, friend and mentor.

At the time of his death, Jim worked assenior policy advisor in the law firm of Baker,Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitzand served as Chairman of the Board of theTheodore Roosevelt ConservationPartnership, an organization he co-founded in2002. Jim was instrumental in the foundingof the Bipartisan Policy Center and worked asan advisor to that organization.

Jim was chief counsel to Senator Bakerduring the period between 1980 and 1984when the senator served as Majority Leader.From 1973 to 1980, Jim served as majoritycounsel to the U.S. Senate’s Committee onthe Environment and Public Works. Jim wascouncil to the National Commission on WaterQuality in 1972.

“Jim Range was a dedicated, loyal andtrusted member of my staff who helped tofashion some of this country’s most vitalenvironmental legislation,” Senator Bakersaid, “Of all his efforts to promotecomprehensive oversight concerning cleanair and clean water, Jim was especiallyhelpful with a project that was a particularimportance to me. He was an essential partof the team that was able to come up with aunique approach that allowed the creation ofthe Big South Fork National River andRecreation Area located in Tennessee andKentucky. Were it not for Jim Range and afew others, this idea would have never beenpossible. Jim and I continue workingtogether, outside of our formal position ingovernment, to try to influence responsiblecare for our country’s all important naturalresources in a bipartisan spirit. I will missJim’s counsel, but more importantly, I willmiss him.”

Jim learned his love of the outdoors in themountains of Tennessee. He was an EagleScout, acting as an aquatics instructor atCamp Tom Howard, attending NationalCamping School and working at Philmont

The Hall Announces Its Honorees for 2012

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Scout Ranch. He attended Science Hill HighSchool. Jim attained his undergraduatedegree at Tulane University, an M.S. infisheries biology from Tennessee Tech andobtained a J. D. from the University of Miami,School of Law.

Inducted for 2011 Legendary AnglerConsidered are persons who have had at leastregional lasting impact benefiting fresh watersportfishing.

Duane A. and John G. Peterson – MinnesotaDuane and John were raised in Bemidji,Minnesota, on the banks of the MississippiRiver. From the day they caught their firstperch on Lake Bemidji, they were hooked onfishing forever. Duane and John have beenunconditionally committed to sharing theirfishing compassion and skill with others.They have been recruiters, educators andfishing pioneers beginning in the 1970’s andinto the 21st century. Their enthusiasticpassion for fishing have been contagious in amanner that has improved and enhanced thelives of many.

In 1983, Duane and John started theNorthland Fishing Tackle Company.Northland is one of the premier brands in thesportfishing tackle industry. Northland hasgrown to employ over 150 full time workersin Bemidji and Ranier, Minnesota. Northland’sproducts are shrouded by innovation and arealways trend setting in nature.

Duane and John are highly committed toselective harvest and catch & release fishing,as well as the preservation of water quality.They have been lifetime leaders in helpingteach our youth the values of sportfishingand exposing them to our great naturalresources.

James Saric – IllinoisJim has stood out for years as anaccomplished angler, teacher, innovator andleader in the advancement of fresh waterfishing. As a tournament fisherman Jim haswon 7 major musky tournaments, the MWC(Midwest Walleye Classic) on the Illinois Riverin 1989 and placed second at the prestigiousSturgeon Bay Bass Open in 1998.

Since becoming owner and publisher ofMusky Hunter Magazine in 1997, Jim hasdevoted much of his time promoting andeducating the public on musky fishing. Jimcertainly has the credentials to do so. Jimhas boated more than 1800 muskies!

Included in that number are 110 muskies 50inches or larger, with his biggest being a 53pound released fish!

Jim’s highly acclaimed “Musky Hunter”television show has won 4 Telly Awards. TheTelly’s are to cable television as the Emmy’sare to broadcast television.

Jim’s first cutting edge articles appeared inFishing Facts magazine in 1984. He soonbecame a field editor for Fishing Facts, aswell as a regular contributor to In-Fishermanand the North American Fisherman.

Jim has promoted fresh water fishing in justabout every way possible. In addition, he hasdemonstrated skills and developedtechniques that few other anglers havematched. Jim is a tremendous ambassadorfor fresh water sportfishing and particularlyfor musky fishing.

Inducted for 2012 Legendary ArtistConsidered are persons whose creationsintroduce, encourage or inspire the enjoymentof fresh water fishing on a local, regional ornational level.

Mark A. Susinno – Washington, D.C.Working as a fabricator of bullet-proof doorsin 1985, Mark won the 1986 Maryland TroutStamp contest and decided to concentrateon art professionally. Since then, Mark hasspecialized in painting underwater depictionsof fresh and salt water game fish. Along theway, Mark has added twenty more fishingstamps to his list of credits. They include the1991 First-of-State PennsylvaniaTrout/Salmon Stamp and the 2005 First-of-State Texas Fresh Water Stamp.

Mark states, “I’m a fisherman and that factaffects how I approach making paintings ofgame fish. I enjoy suggesting the sense oflight and space of the shallow-water aquaticenvironment, but also feel the need topresent the fish themselves such that theyare recognizable to the average fisherman,who is most familiar with how a fish lookswhen it is out of water. When painting fish(either in oils or acrylics), my main focus ison creating an interesting abstractarrangement of shapes, colors, textures andpatterns, which I hope will also convey amore or less convincing impression of anunderwater scene.”

Inducted for 2012 Legendary CommunicatorConsidered are persons who have developeda unique communication means or avenue,

which was instrumental in introducing fishingto the public or in maintaining publicinterests or awareness.

Dan Galusha – Illinois Through his work via seminars, theorganization of special events, the Internet,newspapers, magazines, television and radioDan has educated and informed anglers forover 30 years. While most of his work hasbeen in the Midwest, Dan’s considerablebody of work has been national in scope aswell.

Dan’s promotional efforts have helped withcontinued trout stocking programs in the BullShoals, Arkansas and Davenport, Iowa areas.During a special program for troubled kids ina Davenport school, Dan was asked to takesome of the kid’s fishing as a special rewardat the end of the season. When he handed astocked tackle box to one of the kids, he wasasked, “Is this really mine to keep?” Danresponded, “Yes, but promise to use it forfishing and get more involved in the sport.”

Dan has been the recipient of several mediaawards. Most notably, Dan won the 2008AGLOW first place award in their fishingcategory. Another of Dan’s significantachievements has been the production of theaward winning, “The World of Virgil Ward,”which is a documentary for PBS about thelife of one of fishing’s most famous legends. As Dan always says in closing his column andshows, “Until next time, get out on the waterand enjoy a great day of fishing.” Dan’sclosing line is emblematic of his enduringefforts to promote fresh water sportfishing.

George Kramer – CaliforniaSince George’s first freelance article in 1973(a hopeful piece on a 7-time heart attackvictim, expanding his local lure business) hehas been telling stories, encouraging anglers,helping youth groups and promotingsportfishing in the West. Often using himselfas the foil, George’s columns in WesternOutdoor News and Fishing & Hunting Newsare some of the most-read features in thosepublications. Those forums, as well as othersin both print and on the Internet, haveallowed George to deliver key angling adviceand the encouragement of ethical behaviorfor many years.

George’s 1990 coffee table book, “BassFishing, An American Tradition,” is oftenquoted, for its grasp of the heartfelt, minglingin the tales of a lifetime of fishing. In 2001,

The Hall Announces Its Honorees for 2012

6

their expertise and professionalism, a statusof credibility and immortality judged so bytheir customers and/or their peers.

Duane Horstman – WisconsinDuane moved to the Boulder Junction,Wisconsin area in 1973 and, with his family,built a successful resort and guide business.Duane was a pioneer in the area of deepwater vertical presentation. Duane willinglypassed on his knowledge, techniques anddiscoveries to clients, fellow guides and hismany friends.

When Duane began guiding, most muskieswere killed, but as he often said, “We didn’tknow any better.” He embraced catch andrelease and promoted and taught careful fishhandling. Duane was also an early proponentof “quick strike” rigs when using live suckersfor muskies.

Duane was well respected by his fellowguides.

Duane was a teacher, a pioneer intechniques, a friend to his many loyal clientsand a man who deeply respected and caredfor the resources which provided hislivelihood. Duane gave back much more thanhe took.

Gary McFadden – Alaska Gary was born and raised in Leelede, Idaho,but has made his home in Alaska for the past36 years. Gary’s full-time guiding careerbegan 23 years ago with a call from GeorgeHeim of Alaska River Adventures. Georgeheard about Gary and set up an on-the waterinterview. They went fishing and Garydemonstrated his fishing prowess by handilyout-fishing George. Gary was immediatelyhired! At that time Alaska River Adventuresonly had rafts, but Gary had his own boat – a16-foot Whopper drift boat with three seats.Gary is known far and wide as one of thebest guides and anglers on the Kenai andKasilof Rivers. Gary even has an islandnamed after him on the Kenai.

Easily recognizable in his bushy beard andwearing a hat that is 36 years old, Garyepitomizes the perception of the AlaskanGuide. While he looks like he might tear youup if you don’t follow his orders, his gentlefriendly demeanor and his innate ability toinstruct all levels of anglers, leaves a lastingimpression that this is one individual whowas born to guide.

There are many guides in Alaska that are

great at what they do. Then there are thelegends. Gary McFadden, without a doubt,falls into that latter category.

Russell “Smity” Smith – WisconsinAs a young adult Russ spent just about everyweekend he could in northern Wisconsin. Thelocal fishing shops started paying attentionas they noted his catches and the storiesabout the fish he caught on his handsomelures. The lures sold well and a new businesswas sprouted – The Smity Bait! Very fewmusky tackle boxes in the northwoods ofWisconsin are absent a “Smity.”

Russ has spent his entire adult life dedicatedto the promotion and teaching ofsportfishing. Russ is a fixture in and aroundthe lakes and rivers of Minocqua innortheastern Wisconsin. He is one of thearea’s most sought after guides.

Russ’ favorite fish is the muskellunge, but heis equally adept at luring walleye, bass andpanfish in to the boat for his clients. Russ istruly a guide for all seasons and all species.

William Wright – WisconsinBill was a professional guide for most of hisadult life, having moved to the Hayward,Wisconsin area in 1921. Bill plied his trademostly on the famed Chippewa Flowage,often times in search of the elusive musky.Bill was one of the first three original officersof Guide Service, Inc. This association raisedthe level of professionalism for guides innorthern Wisconsin to unprecedentedheights.

Bill was a gentleman, a good and patientteacher and a highly knowledgeablefisherman and outdoorsman. To spend a daywith him as a customer was an invariableinstructive and valuable pleasure. Bill was“old school” almost always serving a shorelunch for his clients. He considered a shorelunch as an integral part of the northwoodsexperience.

Bill was well respected not only by his peers,but by his numerous and frequent clients. Billaveraged 150 days on the water for most ofhis career. That feat, in of itself, is legendary!

Inducted for 2012Organizational/Governmental Award

Considered are organizations or governmentalentities, which have demonstrated and/orperformed a valuable service or act to benefitfresh water sportfishing within its jurisdiction

The Hall Announces Its Honorees for 2012

combining with noted angler Don Iovino,George helped write, “Finesse Bass Fishing &The Sonar Connection.” Never one to shun acause he felt deserving, George was the firstto address the issue of the media’s role incovering the World Championship of bassfishing. He declared that the on-the-watermedia observers should observe, not fish, sothey (media members) could not affect theoutcome of the competition. George alsochallenged his own state’s regulations on theovert wearing of a fishing license.

In the mid-1990’s, George also unveiled hisown California Top 40 Bass Anglers List, aswell as inspiring a California Top FreshwaterAnglers list for Western Outdoors Magazine.His Top 40 continues to appear each springand serves as a special means to recognizeor introduce competent, ethical bass anglerswho reside in the Golden State.

Keith Sutton – Arkansas Few writers have contributed more to fishingthan Keith. Keith is often called “Catfish”because of his numerous catfishing stories.Keith is, indeed, the “Dean of Catfish.”Keith’s articles have graced a who’s who ofoutdoor magazines and newspapers over thepast 30 plus years.

Keith is the former executive director of theFuture Fishermen of America. Keith isconstantly trying to improve and expand howwe teach kids to use fishing gear and notdrugs. While many other writers havefocused more on “glamour” species such asbass and trout, Keith has made it hispersonal goal to promote fishing for lesserknown yet fun-to-catch fish.

Keith’s book, “Fishing for Catfish,” wasselected in 2000 as the Best Outdoor Bookby the Outdoor Writers Association ofAmerica. Doug Stange, executive editor of In-Fisherman magazine wrote, “While otherbooks about catfishing have been written,none are so comprehensive in their coverageand so impressive in their illustration of thistopic of concern to 10 million catfish anglers.This marks history…”

Keith is extremely proud (and rightfully so) ofhis proclamation that, “I am proud to say mylifelong efforts in this regard have broughtabout significant positive changes, not onlyin the catfishing arena, but in fishing as awhole.”

Inducted for 2012 Legendary GuideConsidered are persons who have gained by

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or the boundaries of its organization whetherlocal, regional or national.

American Sportfishing Association (ASA)The American Sportfishing Association is thesportfishing industry’s trade association,committed to looking out for the interests ofthe entire sportfishing community. The ASAgives the industry a unified voice speakingout when emerging laws and policies couldsignificantly affect sportfishing business orsportfishing itself. The ASA invests in long-term ventures to ensure the industry willremain strong and prosperous as well assafeguarding and promoting the enduringeconomic and conservations values of sport -fishing in America. The ASA also representsthe interests of America’s 60 million anglerswho generate over $45 billion in retail saleswith a $125 billion impact on the nation’seconomy creating employment for over onemillion people.

The predecessor to the ASA was theAmerican Fishing Tackle Manufacturer’sAssociation (AFTMA) which was inducted(Organizational) in to the Fresh Water FishingHall of Fame in 1988.

TRCP (Theodore Roosevelt ConservationPartnership) & Native Trout Adventures

The TRCP and their sportsmen partnerstravel throughout the American West insearch of native trout that are dependent onsound public land management. Yellowstonecutthroats, Rio Grande cutthroats, red bandrainbows – a range of species which rely onthe pristine waters and top-quality habitatprovided by responsibly managed land andwaters. All drive the TRCP in their mission toguarantee every American a quality place tohunt and fish – now and in the future.

T.R.’s Vision: In 1912 Theodore Rooseveltsaid, “There can be no greater issue thanthat of conservation in this country.” While inthe political arena, he succeeded in makingconservation a top tier national issue. T.R.had the foresight to address these issues stillso significant to sportsmen today, under -stand ing that if we want to ensure criticalhabitat, special hunting grounds and secretfishing holes will be around for futuregenerations, we must plan carefully today.

TCRP Mission: In order to guarantee allAmericans quality places to hunt and fish, westrengthen laws, policies and practicesaffecting fish and wildlife conservation byleading partnerships that influence decisionmakers.

The Hall Announces Its Honorees for 2012

Inducted for 2012Special Recognition Award

Recognizes individuals, groups ororganizations for their programs benefitingfresh water angling which are not clearlycovered by the other recognition categories.

Charles Coutant – TennesseeAfter receiving his PhD in biology in 1965,Charles started his research on ColumbiaRiver biology on the U. S. Atomic EnergyCommission’s Hanford Nuclear Reservation,Washington. His particular researchemphasis was on high temperature effects ofHanford reactor discharges on salmon andtrout.

In 1971, after moving to Oak Ridge NationalLaboratory, Tennessee Charles was asked bythe National Academy of Sciences tosummarize the temperature requirements offresh water aquatic life and developtemperature criteria for successfulpopulations.

In 1989, Charles was asked to serve as amember of a scientific advisory bodyoverseeing expenditures for salmonrestoration in the Columbia River basin thatwere mandated by the Northwest Power Actof 1980.

Charles was the president of the AmericanFisheries Society from 1996 through 1997.

Carlos Fetterolf – Michigan Armed with degrees from the University ofConnecticut and Michigan State University,Carlos evaluated success on Tennesseereservoirs for management and tourismpurposes.

Carlos negotiated successfully with theCorps of Engineers to stabilize water levelsduring bass spawning in storage reservoirsand to increase minimum flows to benefittailwater trout. In the 1960’s, Carlosdeveloped biological evidence of unlawfulpollution which resulted in correctiveactions. This made possible the excellenturban fisheries downstream of Detroit,Kalamazoo and other communities.

Carlos represented Michigan in regard toseveral interstate/federal issues. Inretirement, Carlos remains active in fisherymatters and currently chairs a TroutUnlimited effort to establish trout streamsfollowing dam removal.

His presidencies of the American FisheriesSociety, the International Association for

Great Lakes Research and the NorthAmerican Benthological Society haveprovided the pulpits for spreading hismantras: “Shared Responsibility for SharedResources” and “Poor Habitat/Poor Fishing-----Good Habitat/Good Fishing.”

Roy Heidinger – Illinois Roy (PhD) is Professor Emeritus and formerDirector of the Fisheries and IllinoisAquaculture Center at Southern IllinoisUniversity in Carbondale, Illinois.

Roy is world-recognized for hiscontributions to the field of fisheries andaquaculture during a career which hasspanned over 40 years. Roy published muchof the seminal work on largemouth bassbiology and management that is citedwidely today by professionals. Much ofRoy’s groundbreaking work on assessingthe age of fish is now commonly used infisheries agencies and educationalinstitutions worldwide.

Roy has trained many fisheriesprofessionals, many of whom are now keyplayers in the world of fisheriesmanagement. Roy has served on numerouspositions within fisheries organizations,most notably being a major contributor tothe leadership of the American FisheriesSociety.

Roy has produced well over 100publications on fisheries science, mostlyfocusing on fresh water fisheriesmanagement.

Roy retired from SIU in 2000, but remainsactive in research and consulting. As anyone who knows Roy can attest, healso is an avid and accomplished fishermanand fishes almost every day that he can.Roy is a source of considerable knowledgeabout fishing and has an innate knowledgeabout any aspect of fishing imaginable.

For more information aboutour Awards Recognition

Program, please visitour website at

www.freshwater-fishing.organd click on

Enshrinement/Induction.

8

In 1987, Beam produced one last decanter forus. It was a "bisque" walleye and sold for onehundred dollars. It had a one-time run of onehundred units.

As the saying goes, "All good things mustcome to an end." Our Beam decantersproved to be one of our most successful fundraising efforts and today command a goodprice on the secondary market - when youcan find one.

We still have them for sale in our gift shop ona very limited basis. If you are looking forany, please contact us and we will do whatwe can to fill your request.

Hall Jim Beam Bottles

erhaps one of the most frequentlyasked questions we receive fromour visitors at our location in

Hayward, Wisconsin is, "What are all thosefish decanters you have on the shelves inyour gift shop?" That's a great question andwe are always quite willing to oblige.

During the early 1970's we were in need ofsubstantial funding, if we were going to beable to break ground on our museum site inHayward, Wisconsin. Enter the James B.Beam Corporation of Chicago, Illinois. Overthe course of the next seventeen years,Beam produced twelve decanters for us. Theroyalties from the sale of these bottlesprovided much of the necessary funding notonly for our main entrance building (once ourmuseum) in 1974, but also our iconic BigMusky in 1978 and our current museumcomplex in 1982.

These bottles were, in fact, our first majorfund raiser. They were sold in threenumbered sets (A, B and C) of one throughone hundred and were sold for one hundreddollars each. They sold exclusively at theHall. Additionally, there were forty-eighthundred unnumbered bottles of eachdecanter that were sold through variousother outlets such as liquor stores, taverns,resorts, etc. These decanters are often timesreferred to as "tavern runs" by collectors.They sold for ten dollars in 1971 and sold foras much as fifty dollars in 1983, when theoriginal series ended.

P

Below is the complete list of the decantersand the year they were first issued:

1971 - Stand-Up Musky1973 - Largemouth Bass1974 - Bluegill1975 - Rainbow Trout1976 - Coho Salmon1977 - Walleye1978 - Northern Pike1979 - Black Crappie1980 - Yellow Perch1981 - Channel Catfish1983 - Hall Replica Musky1987 - Bisque Walleye

A Day of Fishing with Al Lindner

On September 23rd Legendary Angler and Hall Enshrinee Al Lindnerspent a day on the water with Hall member John Hill of Jefferson,Wisconsin. This came about because John won the 2011 exclusivedrawing for all Hall members who upgraded their memberships toeither the Gold or Platinum levels. Both Al and John report that asplendid time was had by all.

Now about the fishing. John wanted to go musky fishing so Al selectedLake Shamineau near his home in Brainerd, Minnesota. Numerousnorthern pike and largemouth bass were caught, but as musky fishingoften goes, no muskies were boated. Not that they didn't havenumerous opportunities, however. Apparently, both Al and John eachhad a "good one" on and off. Additionally, three other muskiesfollowed-up to boatside. As we all know, that is the lot of a muskyfisherman.

Al has graciously agreed to do it again for 2012. Thank you Al! Al Lindner (left) and John Hill contemplate their day of fishing on LakeShamineau.

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Cool water, hot bass fishing! By Legendary Angler Babe Winkelman

effect. When you swim the bait on a steadyretrieve, the lure slithers with a tail-strokeaction that looks just like the real thing.When you twitch it, the broad tail and hingedbody impart a kind of underwater “walk-the-dog” action that’s dynamite. You can doanything with this soft plastic that you cando with a worm: Texas rig, Carolina rig, drop-shot, jigworm (shaky worm), etc. For slowpresentations, the weighted worm hookworks really well and creates a nice, slowdescent for fall bass fishing.

The presentation I’ll select on this briskautumn morning will be subtle. It’s postturnover, so the water temperatures havestabilized. The water is extremely clear,which is another byproduct of the turnover.As I mentioned, the lush summer weeds havewithered to the last holdouts of dyinggrowth. This is great news to the bassfishermen, because those fish still want torelate to the remaining cover. Since weedsare at a premium, the bass will congregateon the most attractive cover available. Iremember a few years back taking three 6-pound largemouth on three consecutivecasts from a 3-stem cluster of lily pads. Don’tknow about you, but I dig that kind ofconcentrated action!

So, it’s time to fish. I’m on the tip of thepoint, like I said. My first cast sails wellbeyond a patch of brown pads. Perfect. Itwitch-swim the Magic Shad to a couple offeet shy of the cover and then let it fall –knowing the nose-heavy worm hook will glidethe bait down and toward the roots of thepads. It doesn’t make it that far when my line

“jumps” and begins going sideways. Sincethe Magic Shad is heavily impregnated withgarlic, I’m confident that the bass will holdon long enough for a good…

HOOKSET! There she is! Coming upimmediately for one of those slow-motion,head-shaking jumps that only big largemouthbass can muster. I love it when they do that.

I proceed to pick the point apart withsurgical precision and pluck every activebass from the spot. It takes patience andadherence to a game plan. It takes boatcontrol, to make sure the boat is perfectlypositioned for each ambush point withoutbeing too close to spook the bass in clearwater. It takes focus, since finesse fishingwith soft plastics means watching your lineand being in-tune to the lightest bites.

But when the smoke clears, 22 bass havebeen boated and released from one spot onthe lake. Whew! And it’s not even noon yet.

The next structure I target is a long, skinnyrock reef with sharp drop-offs to deep water.This is classic structure, especially after theturnover because it is a magnet for baitfish.The sun has warmed the water sincemorning, so I know I can be more aggressiveon this spot. Time for the big tandemspinnerbait, beginning with white. I add astinger hook and a red Lindy Thumpin’ Grub.The grub increases the visual profile of thebait and adds a splash of color, while thestinger hook gives me an insurance policy forshort-strikes.

I position the boat parallel to the line of thestructure, so I can make casts that cutdiagonally across the reef. This effectivelyputs my bait beyond the shallowest portionof the structure and allows me to swim it upfrom deep water; over the top; and let it falldown the break at the end of the retrieve.With this method, I can intercept fish movingup or down from the top of the reef whilekeeping the bait in the primary strike zone(right up on top) for a good spell on eachcast.

My approach pays off. Big bass are scatteredall over these rocks and taking thespinnerbait with such gusto that I remove thestinger hook. My arms are getting tired.Hallelujah.

Good Fishing!

t’s sunrise on a Minnesota lake. Inback bays, waterfowlers unleash theirbarrages on mallards, widgeon and

Canada geese. The teal and most of thewoodies have already high-tailed it forwarmer climes to the south, and the bigflights of divers are still bottled up in Canada.

I’m on the lake too, although not wrapped incamo and concealed in the rushes. Nope, I’mon open water, off the tip of a submergedpoint that was teeming with bright greencabbage just a few weeks back. Now, sparsepatches are all that remain, along with somespindly lily pad stems wafting in the gentlewaves.

Taking a moment to look around, I revel inwhat I see: Nothing. No jet skis, no pleasureboats, no water skiers, nothing. Most of thedocks have been pulled in preparation forwinter ice. Except for the gunners, I have thewhole lake to myself. Life couldn’t be anybetter.

Reaching into the rod locker of my Crestliner,I draw three rods. One has a big, tandem,willow-blade spinnerbait -- perfect for bulgingat a slow pace just below the surface. I’ll firethat weapon after the morning sun has had achance to raise the water temperature a fewdegrees. The second rod, another baitcaster,has a shallow-diving crankbait – an ideal“search bait” for covering a lot of water if Ineed to. The third stick is a 7-foot spinningrod with 8-pound mono and a weighted wormhook. But a worm is not what I’ll use.Instead, I’ll “match the hatch” with new softplastic I recently discovered and have fallenin love with. It’s called a Live Magic Shadfrom Lake Fork Tackle. Into the tackle box Igo and come out with a big 5.5-inch model inpearl white.

Why big? Because the cooling water hasslowed down the bass’ metabolism. Itdoesn’t mean they’re not eating. They are.But they’re more interested in inhaling a big,slow-moving meal than chasing quick littlebaitfish. It’s like diving right into the 24-ounce Porterhouse steak instead of wastingyour time on appetizers.

Why pearl white? Because I know these basslove to eat ciscos, and the white Live MagicShad is a dead-ringer for a high-protein cisco.This is especially true in the way the luremoves. Its body has a series of segmentsmolded into its form that create a hinge

I

Can You ID?

Chris Slusar

Heddon 3 hook minnow- This number 100 minnow inrainbow popped up at a show earlier this year. It is a twobelly weight model and has unmarked props, which dates itto around 1910. Although an early piece, the conditionleaves a little to be desired and is valued at $20-$40.

Heddon S.O.S.- These “Swim On Side” lures date from thelate 1920’s to mid 1930’s. The upper piece is a musky sizednumber 370 and is colored white with silver flitter. Thelower piece is a number 140 in perch. Both pieces havesome flaking and are in good to very good condition. Thesmaller SOS is valued at $25-$40 and larger is valued at$35-$60.

Heddon No. 10 Minnow- This unusual little piece wasprovided by Augie Wilks. It dates to around 1920 and isknown as the Light Casting Minnow. Color is difficult todetermine given aging and what appears to be some overpainting. In its original form it would have had a dressedrear hook. Considering condition, this piece would bevalued at $20-$40.

Tandem Spinner- Richard Weippert sent in this old timer forvaluation. A neat metal bait dating to around 1896, thispiece was made by the P&S Ball Bearing Bait Co. ofWhitehall, New York. This classic metal spinner isfrequently marked with a patent date. This piece is valuedat $20-$30.

This assortment was made by the South Bend BaitCompany of South Bend, Indiana. The upper piece is amodel #963 Surf Oreno in red head, white body. The thinbody indicates it was made early in the life of this popularlure, probably between 1916-1920. The lower left lure is amodel #973 Bass Oreno in red head, white body. Withglass eyes, this piece was likely made between the late1920’s to early 1930’s. The lower right lure is a model#972 Babe Oreno in a tough red body, black head colorcombination, which dates this guy to between 1921-1936.The two red and white pieces are found commonly in poorcondition and are valued at $5-$10. The tougher BabeOreno is not in great shape but the color is unusual, so isvalued at $10-$20.

Creek Chub No. 800 Giant Jointed Pikie- Wow, what abehemoth! At 14 inches long, this is the largest of theCreek Chub offerings. This big guy has seen better days butits perch color is still intact. Originally marketed in 1957,this later model holds tack eyes and probably dates to theearly 1970’s. In fishable condition, this piece is valued at$15-$25.

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ell, my early summer hasbeen packed with activity,including lots of time on the

water. Fishing has been great! During alate June fishing trip that included a visitto the HOF, I was able to boat my largestmusky to date, a 48 inch fish. Even better,my son was on-board to enjoy the wholeexperience.

Aside of the outdoor fun, I’ve beenactively chasing, identifying andappraising fishing tackle.

As I’ve been short on the “Can you ID”section of recent articles, I thought I’ddedicate some space to severalassessments.

Please do forward your questions orrequests for identification toslusar@wi.rr.com. Alternatively, send yourqueries to Chris Slusar in care of theFresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame.

Until next time, enjoy an old lure!

W

Courtesy of the Plano Molding Co.

TIPS YOU CAN USE!

World Angling Records Granted

Steve KnappWhite Bass, Div.#1 – Rod/Reel,10 lb. line class,16 inches,Mississippi River,Wisconsin, USA,7/3/2011

4th QUARTER - 2011 UPDATENOTE: World angling records are updated quarterly and the ultimate synthesis ispublished annually in book form each April, distributed free to members, media,manufacturers and world fisheries as a public service.

NOTICE TO REPRINT©COPYRIGHT 2011 FRESH WATER FISHING HALL OF FAME. Ex cerpts or whole may be reprinted withoutwritten permission as public information only, but not for commercial profit purpose. The source of thisinformation must be credited to the Fishing Hall of Fame in a type size readably noticeable or as thecontents of the companion text.

“Kept” World Records List

DIVISION #2 – FLY FISHINGLine Lbs./

Fish Class Ozs. Angler Where Caught DateSALMON/ 17 lb. 4-3 Alan Little Main 7/8/2011Atlantic, Tippet Madden Restigouche River,(Sea-Run) New Brunswick, CANADA

SALMON/ 30 lb. 16-0 Bill Sheboygan River, 9/21/2011Chinook, Tippet Flader Wisconsin, USA(Inland)

TROUT/ 15 lb. 2-9 Alan Cascapedia River, 6/28/2011Brook Tippet Madden Quebec, CANADA

“C&R” World Records List

DIVISION #1 –ROD/REELLine

Fish Class Length Angler Where Caught DateBASS/ 10 lb. 16” Steve Mississippi River, 7/3/2011White Knapp Wisconsin, USA

CHAR/ 17 lb. 36” John Tree River, 7/24/2011Arctic lb. Cleveland N.W.T., CANADA

DIVISION #2 – FLY FISHINGLine

Fish Class Length Angler Where Caught DateCHAR/ 12 lb. 36” John Tree River, 7/25/2011Arctic Tippet Cleveland N.W.T., CANADA

PIKE/ 50 lb. 42” Dan Rainy River, 8/25/2011Northern Tippet McGuire Minnesota, USA

SALMON/ 4 lb. 24” Alan Jacquet River, 9/1/2011Atlantic, Tippet Madden New Brunswick, Canada(Sea-Run)

6 lb. 32” Alan Jacquet River, 9/1/2011Tippet Madden New Brunswick, Canada

SALMON/ 30 lb. 39” Bill Sheboygan River, 10/5/2011Chinook Tippet Flader Wisconsin, USA(Inland)

DIVISION #1– ROD/REEL - FOREIGNLine

Fish Class Length Angler Where Caught DateCATFISH/ All 31” Leonard J. Rufiji River, 7/16/2011Sharptooth Tackle Kouba Tanzania, Africa

(only)

KIPAPA All 12” Leonard J. Lake Tanganyika, 7/17/2011Tackle Kouba Tanzania, Africa(only)

KUHAY All 26” Leonard J. Lake Tanganyika, 7/16/2011Tackle Kouba Tanzania, Africa(only)

KUNGULA All 12” Leonard J. Lake Tanganika, 7/17/2011Tackle Kouba Tanzania, Africa(only)

NDUBU All 11” Leonard J. Lake Tanganika, 7/16/2011Tackle Kouba Tanzania, Africa(only)

Dan McGuire NorthernPike, Div. #2 – Fly Fishing,50 lb. tippet, 42 inches,Rainy River, Minnesota,USA, 8/25/2011

John Cleveland Left, guide right.Arctic Char, Div. #1 – Rod/Reel,17 lb. line class, 36 inches, TreeRiver, N.W.T., Canada, 7/24/2011

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