Operation Muskie

[dpear]

Will try post interesting tidbits here as Op M 3 progresses.As those of you who stay here know,everything you need must be boated in so much of that work has already been done.And,by the way,THANKS to all donaters and contributors.
Yesterday we got the tents/shelters etc set up along with tables,cookers,etc.
The ladies-Laura,her staff,Betsy,Pam Best,Dianna Klein,et al got the cabins ready including stocking each with breakfasts,snacks etc.More gas was barged in.I had meetings with Frank,Jeff Weigand,Chris Greene and Jim Best about the Opening Ceremony here,the Warroad festivities,the convoy up,customs issues and on and on.I requested a follow up meeting today where i had paper/pencil handy so I can avoid the 'senility factor' and blowing the whole thing from the start when I 'MC' the Opening get together.I just hate it when organized guys get involved and insist on a solid plan that makes sense.
Today we organize all the gear-rods,reels,lures,individual coolers and so on,then decorate the camp(flags,flowers,etc)plus about a zillion other things Frank/Laura and others remember that I don't.See above as to my feelings about people who are organized.
FIRST though,its 5;05 and I don't want to miss sun up on a good spot!!!!
More later-and I hope to remember to tell a sad tale of pre sun up yesterday.
Stay tuned and good fishing!

[NETim]

Thanks for what you do Dick, even if you can't remember half of it.

Um... I must admit, I am never far from a "to-do" list myself. :)

[JBlanck]

I'm sure the event has been well organized and the guys will love it. The ladies' help always adds the finishing touches that fishermen forget. Good luck out there.

[dpear]

Great fishing now.Paul Klein 2 48.5s last nite among others.I went snooping for some guides today.Another biggie and 2 smaller ones so a couple spots for a couple boats.
Man these military guys on staff,Weigand and Green are wayyy to business like for me.Feel like I'm back in the service.They issued me a 'Battle Order' today to help with the senility issues.Think I'm kidding?Not.
All the goodies were broken down and divided up for Vets and guides.Rods,reels,line,lures,coolers,clothes,etc.S weet.
A partial list of donators I've seen goodies from today includes Suick,Northland Tackle,Musky Tackle Online,Glittertail,Ace Spinnerbaits,Dreamcatcher Bucktails,Rollie and Helens,Beast Teaser,Corey Meyer,Gene Suering,Red Ostober Baits,Don Winters,Lake Maid,Don Schwartz,Musky Mayhem.Pure Fishing, and some weirdo author of sorts named 'Dpear'with some BS treatise on fishing-oh well,each Vet will have toilet paper anyway.
THANKS again to all donators!!!!!!!
Pretty much ready.The Vets are in Warroad tonight,then breakfast courtesy of Marvin Windows,honor guard reception,motorcycle escort to the border,then the boat 'convoy' out here by all the guides-we plan on filming this arrival.Frankly I tear up thinking about it so will end with a final note.Hanging in the 'mess tent' is a battle flag a marine from last year gave me with the names on it of 4 guys from his unit that didn't return from Iraq in 2003.He said this was the 'peaceful' place he had been looking for to leave it at.An honor to have and be around.
Good fishing!

[dpear]

Well i have a few more minutes i guess.Waiting for Goldielocks(Maina)and the Johnsonville brat guy(Gillespie)to arrive.Our fearless leader is napping,why in the world would he or Laura be tired?Heck what are 20 hour days?week after week.
Forgot the sad tale of 2 mornings ago.I leave at 4.(sunrise about 5:50).arrive at my first stop and the 'Black Toppie' is loaded and ready to pop.Look at the pitch dark shoreline,look at my depthfinder and let toppie sail.I hear tree noises(not a leaf or two)and branch rustling.I slowly 'set the hook'.Yup I'm in trouble.High trouble.A lil background:'Black toppie'was given to me as a guide in Op M One.It caught a 52 and 48 there.It caught a 51 a week or so later with Bruce and Tyler Scott.Its caught about 25 muskies total including 6 over 50 total.all with only an occ tooth replacement or two.Its not pretty-more white and scarred than black now-but its mine and $$ could NOT buy it.Its still there with about 20 feet of line hanging below.With the right wind,my chain saw and a lil help it SHALL RETURN.Meanwhile many are out looking for it but nope,it SHALL be mine again.
One more thing then I'd better get back to the dock.When Klein got the 2 48.5s last nite he was being guided by Norm Wild.He didn't like Norms netting technique apparently so today Norm sports a bumpy looking net mark.Ouch!
For details,you'll have to ask them.

[NETim]

Well i have a few more minutes i guess.Waiting for Goldielocks(Maina)and the Johnsonville brat guy(Gillespie)to arrive.Our fearless leader is napping,why in the world would he or Laura be tired?Heck what are 20 hour days?week after week.
Forgot the sad tale of 2 mornings ago.I leave at 4.(sunrise about 5:50).arrive at my first stop and the 'Black Toppie' is loaded and ready to pop.Look at the pitch dark shoreline,look at my depthfinder and let toppie sail.I hear tree noises(not a leaf or two)and branch rustling.I slowly 'set the hook'.Yup I'm in trouble.High trouble.A lil background:'Black toppie'was given to me as a guide in Op M One.It caught a 52 and 48 there.It caught a 51 a week or so later with Bruce and Tyler Scott.Its caught about 25 muskies total including 6 over 50 total.all with only an occ tooth replacement or two.Its not pretty-more white and scarred than black now-but its mine and $$ could NOT buy it.Its still there with about 20 feet of line hanging below.With the right wind,my chain saw and a lil help it SHALL RETURN.Meanwhile many are out looking for it but nope,it SHALL be mine again.
One more thing then I'd better get back to the dock.When Klein got the 2 48.5s last nite he was being guided by Norm Wild.He didn't like Norms netting technique apparently so today Norm sports a bumpy looking net mark.Ouch!
For details,you'll have to ask them.

I'll have my people contact your people.

[dougj@wiktel.com]

Here's some more good news. On the way out I stopped in today at Young's Bay to remind Rick that OMIII starts tomorrow AM. Rick say that they would like to donate the parking and launching, which is a pretty nice piece of change and greatly appreciated.

Next time you are at Young's give Rick a big thanks!

Hope the weather and fishing holds for another four days!

Doug Johnson

[dpear]

Good news indeed Doug!
Here's a bit more,jeff Weigand an Op M One vet and a valuable helper ever since got a 52 tonight in a spot I had discussed with him today.He was with Norm and they got 2 other nice ones at the same spot.His first 50 and a very happy,emotional time.When I left the cabin a few minutes ago a few beers had appeared along with cigars.
We asked Gillespie if he'd film the convoy of boats coming into camp tomorrow and he readily agreed.Sounds like that will form the opening of his Show. Bedtime.

[dpear]

Here's a neat pic.The flag is the one mentioned earlier.Names of those not returning on it.
On the table are some of the gifts for each Vet.They'll be here soon!!!

[NETim]

What a great thing you guys are doing up there.

[dpear]

hi.Biggest fish today caught by guide Chad Cain at 51 inches.Biggest by a vet was 45.5.Quite a few fish under hot,calm conditions.More stories and pics tomorrow.

[dpear]

Hi all.well so much to tell,so little time right now to tell it-or show it.We have tons of stories and pics and I'll try get the ladies or Mike Winther to post a bunch of pics today-including Vet fish pics.
Here's a great story and pic.The pic is of 2 combat marines who had just received some of their goodies.Note the haircuts.
Last nite Gillespies camera man,Ryan,was shooting a brief segment for their Show where each Vet just intoduces himself-name,hometown,branch of service,etc.
I was helping round them up and when I asked the marine on the right to do it,he said 'yes sir' and then with a straight face removed his hat and asked me if his hair was OK.
Just about dropped me.Still chuckling.We indeed are hosting 20 of Americas finest.God bless them.

[lambeau]

Here are the highlight pics from Monday...a number of first muskies ever were caught, plus a couple of personal bests. everyone is having a world-class time so far, and the accomodations are top notch as always.

i'll try to do photo updates each morning around this time.

[lambeau]

couple more from Monday

the vets and guides got out on the water around 0800 this morning, the weather's nice today (Tuesday) with sunny skies and a nice breeze to help cool it down a bit.

[Troy Schoonover]

It sounds like everything is going great up there. Good work everybody!!!!


Who made those red, white and blue boutails???? Very cool!!!

[fishwizard]

Awesome deal!!! Congrats to all the Vets, and a big thanks with my utmost respect for your duty and the freedom you provide. Another big thanks to all those involved who make this event happen, you know who you are. I really hope to be able to come up and help out one year. It would be an honor.

Ryan

Now go out and get some muskies!

[Mr Musky]

A big thank you to everybody who has supported operation musky and made this happen I hope all the vets have a truly awesome week and have alot of fun with the guides!!! (somebody tell paul that casting at rocks is not suspended fishing and he should write about it) cant wait to see the gillespee show! Ryan put down that camera and get the damn frabill as John get's hooked up with another nice musky of 010.

Thanks to all truly an honor to see read these reports!! Hope all the vets have an awesome week as well as everybody else. Dick P. Dont lose that toppy again! Looking forward to the next book! Hope it includes some Op Musky!!

Mr Musky
Appleton WI.

[lambeau]

Tuesday's highlight pics...good numbers of fish being seen and caught, including a bunch of first muskies and biggest muskies. lots of smiles and laughing around the campfire with a cold beer as well.

[lambeau]

some more from Tuesday...today has a nice cloud cover and light breeze, should be great fishing and a good time once again.

[Figure8Phil]

Great Coverage Mike! Keep up the goodwork! Cool pic at the campfire. Sounds like everyone is have'n a blast! Thanks to all involved!

[dpear]

Well it finally happened!!!!!A VET got a 50!!!!!!:)
Details and pics of that and other 'first fish' and 'PBs' to follow.Mike is substitute guiding today so it may be tonight or early tomorrow for the info.
Thanks again to all supporters and contributors!!!!

[Pikebob]

Excellent! Congrats to the lucky angler! About time somebody takes a 50 instead of Dick! Just don't catch all of the fish, we need some ready to bite when we come up there next week! Good luck the rest of the week Vets, and others, see ya in a few days!

Bob Anderson

[Figure8Phil]

Very exciting news! Everybody wishes to see one of America's Best experience the thrill of catching the Ever Elusive 50! Did he ROCK THE BELL? Can't wait to hear who got it . . . story. Congratulations!!

[dpear]

Wow,horrible cold front yet these guys pulled off numbers and another 'biggie'-this one a 51.5.:)
Pics and info tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[lambeau]

here are the highlight pics from Wednesday...a bunch of nice fish caught including the previously mentioned "bell ringer" - she just had to have her picture taken in front of a certain Green & Gold logo!

great stories around the campfire again Wednesday night, and the fish fry was incredible, with no one left hungry that's for sure.

[lambeau]

it's hard to keep track of what day it is up here in heaven, but i'm pretty sure this is the Thursday update!

big winds and waves on Thursday, but the fish didn't seem to mind one bit and some nice ones got their pictures taken with some of America's finest...including another bell ringer!

[lambeau]

the "armada" of boats headed out this morning taking the vets back to the mainland and on their way home. lots of smile, hugs, and handshakes all around the docks this morning.

you hear lots of talk about "supporting the troops" these days. everyone who contributed to help support Operation Muskie actually DID something to put those words into action. with your help, and the freedoms the military ensures for us, Op Muskie has now provided fishing trips to 60 veterans. thank you - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

[dpear]

Mike,
Feel free to pat yourself on the back as well.Your contributions are huge and very much appreciated by us in Op M.The auction and other fundraising,the web work and then stepping in as a substitute guide for a day-and producing fish-are not forgotten.Thanks and well done!
On behalf of Frank and Laura and those of us in Op M I'd like to publicly acknowledge and thank all those who helped and contributed.
Special thanks to helpers on site including Pam and Christine Best,Dianna Klein,my better half Betsy,and Jake Larson.Ditto to Vonnie Johnson for her work as Treasurer.
Special thanks as well to all the guides who gave 100% in sometimes very difficult weather and conditions.Kudos to:Doug Johnson,Pete Maina,Norm Wild,Paul Klein,Ed Spoerl,Jim Best,Chuck Leach,Jim Murphy,Chad Cain,Tom Hanneman and Mike Winther.The Vets had a great time in large part because of your efforts.Well done.
Finally the organizational efforts and other contributions of Jeff Weigand and Chris Green were above and beyond and they made this the smoothest running Op M yet.
Thanks very much all of you.

[Todd Forcier]

This has been very rewarding to read the posts over the past 4 or 5 days. It’s good to see these Vets are getting something back for ALL they’ve done for us. I got goose bumps on the American Flag story told by Mr. Pearson.

America is “BLESSED” to the have the dedicated men and women in our armed forces. We are VERY proud of them all.

Frank, Laura, Dick, Doug, all the guides and ALL the rest who helped out with OM III, my family and I would like to say “thank you”!!!!!!!! ;)

[Frank Walsh]

Todd,


You better be looking in the mirror when you are saying this. You, and your Petenwell organization have been a big sponsor to OM, and we thank you!

[Muskie Junkie]

Nice work folks for a job well done. I have the deepest respect for all of you and the effort it took to pull off such an important event. I too enjoyed reading the daily updates and seeing all the smiles on the faces of everyone involved. You folks ROCK !!!!!! Our veterans deserve to be treated with the respect and appreciation that you people provided them this week. God bless everyone involved.

On a funny side note, I see Jake got to where the Johnsonville cooks outfit. I imagine he had to wrestle Frank for that prestigous honor.

Steve Ruhmann

[AFchris]

Glad to see another successful Operation Musky!

You all have truly created an amazing event to show your support and appreciation. Keep up the great work, god bless!

Air Force Chris

[dpear]

Yes Chris,very successful.Today we received some incredible feedback from the Vets and its a very good feeling.Clean up is completed-except perhaps for poor Laura who is still shuffling things from freezer to freezer and god knows what else to make everything work for their business AND Op M.She pulls off a logistical miracle every year and is hands down the hardest worker in every Op M event.Unsung hero really.When 'Full Bird Weigand' makes General,he ought to keep her in mind if he ever plans a campaign with serious logistical issues.
Post event we have had some meetings and I'm pleased to announce there will be an Op M Four next year.Very likely the last week in June.Frank and Laura had some concerns but I believe we have or will resolve them and will go forward.There will be some significant changes we'll announce as things move along.
I can announce a couple changes now.Vonnie Johnson is resigning as Treasurer and she will be missed.She's done a great job in a thankless but time consuming task.THANKS Vonnie!!!!Pam Best will be the new Treasurer.Welcome Pam!
Sadly Vonnies husband Doug is also withdrawing in some respects.He will no longer be guiding but will assume a WELL EARNED 'Honorary' status and be there to help us with promotion,fund raising,etc.One of the great persons and MUSKIE MEN of all time!!!THANKS Doug!!!!!
I was contemplating doing the same as Doug but at Franks urging have agreed to stay on(at least for a year)to help implement the changes.
We have verbal commitments from Weigand,Green and Mike W to 'stay on'since their services are invaluable.
We have several openings for guides and it appears I'll be in charge of exploring that and then talking to past guides as well about their future involvement.For sure we want to know that all guides are totally committed to their task,appreciate the privilege extended to them and want to continue on.
This will be a leaner,meaner,more business oriented org in the future with more things spelled out in detail-ie,who's to do this,that,etc.A few of us with good intentions started this but we never really anticipated the growth and complexity of putting something like this on annually and we've had some 'turmoil and chaos' as a result.We hope to make changes to avoid that in the future.
Once again thanks to all supporters and contributors!We hope to make Op M 2011 the best ever.

[dpear]

Here's an interesting thing that occurred this year in Op M.Jack Burns's wife provided 30 of jacks lures to the guides and Vets.Great lures which caught some fish-thanks again to Mary!
The lures came with a great pic of Jack(1948-2010)and included the following excerpt from his book 'A Season of Muskie Fishing':

" Muskie fishing is a disease.

As trite as that sounds,it is barely an exaggeration to describe hopelessly addicted muskie addicts as mentally(if not physically,socially,and spiritually)ill.

There are several ways to catch this disease.An accidental first catch.An explosive,heart stopping,boatside strike.A silent,majestic follow.

Many paths lead to this condition.It's easy to get into muskie fishing.It's easy to get addicted.There are paths in,but there is no exit.

If you are reading this,you are probably a muskie angler.If you are a muskie angler,its too late to warn you."


How cool and how right Jack.

[dpear]

Here's a pic I meant to attach to the last post.

[nwild]

I don't know if there were anymore caught on Jack's baits, but Kevin Philpot caught his first, a 42"er on one of Jack's spinnerbaits.

[esoxpirate]

Thank You....

Frank Walsh, Mr. Pearson, Jeff, Chris, Mike, all the guides, the wifes, and the Doc VP... Thank you for a great week... Fishing, Food, and friends, it was an amazing.

I can't thank you enough... myslef and 19 others will be changed forever because of all of you.


SSgt Falch
USAF

[dpear]

SSgt,
Thanks much,our privilege.We've heard from many of the Vets the last few days and thats very rewarding.We will 'carry on'.
Stay safe and God bless.

[Bucktail54455]

I want to thank everyone that was and is involved with Operation Muskie. This was my first year to be able to help out with the guiding. I can not imagine a more rewarding and honorable way to spend a few days of fishing. To be able to give something back to the people who serve and protect us so honorably is the least that I can do. I had the priviledge of taking eight brave men in my boat. Their stories and the friendships that developed during those fishing hours will be cherished and remembered for the rest of my life. There were 12 other men who I did not get the opportunity to fish with, and I offer up my most heart felt thank you to you for your service to our country as well.

Thank you,

Tom Hanaman