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analyzer

04/21/2012 11:26AM

Welcome to the inaugural 2012 BWCA.com fishing contest!!!

This is a BWCA/Quetico, open-water, fishing contest only, ending sometime in November. For now, it's just for BRAGGING RIGHTS, unless, someone wants to anti up a hat or shirt or something. There is no entry fee!

This is how it's going to work. Take a picture of your entry permit, to show proof that you were there and when. I don't need or want specific lake information.

During your trip, take a picture of your best Walleye, Bass, Pike, and Laker on a tape measure. If you are with someone, I would love to see a pic of you holding the fish as well. But I encourage catch and release, especially bigger fish, so don't keep em out of the water too long.

This is an individual contest. Not everyone has access to water with all 4 species, so we'll take your best of 3 of these 4 categories, and add them up. Length only, no girth. (NEAREST 1/8th, no 1/16ths please).

Smallmouth Bass x 3
Walleye x 2
Lake Trout x 2
Northern Pike x 1.5

(The contest is designed such that a 20 inch bass, 30 inch walleye/laker and 40 inch pike, all count the same)

any 3 of 4, added together.

For example. You catch a 20.5 inch smallie, a 27.5 inch walleye. A 36 1/2 inch Pike, and a 25 inch Laker.

Smallie x 3 = 61.5
Walleye x 2 = 55
Laker x 2 = 50
Pike x 1.5 = 54 3/4

Take your best 3, 61.5 + 55 + 54 3/4 = 171 1/4 Total for the contest.

Here is an example of how I'd like to see pics:

Please post a tiebreaker fish. Whatever fish would give you your 4th best score. So you will be posting a pic of your entry permit, and a fish from 3 different categories, and then a 4th fish as a tiebreaker. Post the length of each fish, then show the math, and your total.

With a fish flopping around, and the wind blowing, you won't always be able to get a good picture. Just do your best. This will largely be on your honor as far as the exact measurement goes. Measure from the front of the bottom lip to the rear most portion of the bottom of the tail.

I'd really like to see some additional information for educational purposes. Time of day, weather conditions, bait, presentation, and whether it was bdub or Quetico. If Quetico kicks everyone's butt, we may have to split the contest next year.

I think it will be interesting to see the pics, and read a little about your catch. Don't hesitate to throw in a little story. Like how you already had a walleye and a bass, but had to go target a big pike to finish your entry off.

Some of you make multiple trips to the bdub/quetico. Please keep your entries all from the same trip, to sort of level the field. For those that live on the edge of the bdub, and go in daily, keep your entries, all from the same week. I realize lakers grow a little bit bigger than walleye. But they're not easy to find or catch, so more power to you, if you can take advantage of that.

I understand the early season folks will have an advantage, but this is just for fun, so don't get your undies in a bunch.

Some of you have expressed interest in setting up teams. That's fine. I'm keeping this as an individual contest, but if you want to have a team contest, go for it. I'd recommend setting up your teams before the opener.

Lets make this a success : )~

don't forget your camera....and tape measure. Those little sewing ones roll up nice and don't weigh much.

Again:

please include a pic of your entry permit, and list the following with each fish picture:

1. Length
2. BWCA or Quetico
3. Date
4. Time of day
5. Bait
6. Depth/Presentation (Leech/slipbobber/plain hook, 6' in 12fow)
7. Weather Conditions (Cloudy, calm)
8. Story if you like.

At the bottom of the post, then do the math:

20 smb x 3 = 60
27 Laker x 2= 54
36 pike x 1.5 =54

Total = 168

One fish from each of 3 separate categories, and a tiebreaker fish from any category.

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wannabeoutthere

04/21/2012 12:09PM

Great idea count me in!

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friman001

04/21/2012 01:38PM

this sounds fun

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bumabu

04/21/2012 04:41PM

Judging by your pictures above, it klooks like you are setting yerself up to win a contest! nice Smallie!

Who I am precedes what I do, not the other way around.

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griswold

04/21/2012 05:52PM

GREAT idea! It's on boys and girls!

Generally speaking, a howling wilderness does not howl: it is the imagination of the traveler that does the howling.~Thoreau

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analyzer

04/21/2012 05:58PM

quote bumabu: "Judging by your pictures above, it klooks like you are setting yerself up to win a contest! nice Smallie!"

Perhaps, but I have almost 1200 hours on that lake, and have never caught one like that. My pb is 21. 19's and 20's are fairly common, but a 22 1/2 like that one, not so much.

I have never caught a walleye over 6lbs. I doubt I will be winning this contest any time soon.

If I had to guess, it's going to take something in the 170's to win. If I had to guess, mine will be about like this:

SMB 19.5 x 3 = 58.5
Walleye 24.5 x 2 = 49
Pike 31 x 1.5 = 46.5
Laker (I've never caught one, but I may pursue one on sag this year, just for fun).

So that would give me 154 if my math is correct. Hardly winning numbers I'm afraid. Now if I can find a 28 inch walleye, and a 37 inch pike perhaps.

If I caught all my pb's on the same trip:

21 x 3 = 63
25 x 2 = 50
38 x 1.5 = 57

Even then I'm just sitting at 170. Which might keep me in the conversation for a little while, but would ultimately get beat. Someone will pair a 30 inch walleye, with a 19 inch bass, and a big pike or laker. If bass pro hits sag. He'll put up a number. I'm guessing someone from Quetico side takes it down though. They'll probably go find a 30 inch walleye, and 32 inch laker to go with a 40 inch pike. That would be a nice trip, and a 184. If someone finds a giant 46 inch pike, that'll give them a big advantage.

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Sierra1

04/21/2012 08:38PM

Where do we post our entries to? Are we going to have a seperate forum for entries then just use it each year? In case I missed it how long should the contest last? This sound like fun!

Watch out for that rock!!!........ Oooo.... That's going to leave a mark...

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analyzer

04/21/2012 10:15PM

quote Sierra1: "Where do we post our entries to? Are we going to have a seperate forum for entries then just use it each year? In case I missed it how long should the contest last? This sound like fun!"

Entries will be posted in this thread.

We'll start a 2013 contest thread next year.

Contest is for open water 2012 Bdub and Quetico only.

This is an individual contest. So when I go with my wife, we'll each keep track of our own, and post them separately.

There isn't any way to police that, but there's no entry fee, and no prize money, so on your honor should be sufficient. It's just for fun and bragging rights, so no one should get too uptight about it.

I think it will help motivate me to get up early, or make a night fishing trip. Perhaps even to go out and target a big pike. I rarely go after them, but in this case i will. I'm even going to make a day trip back to sag, to see if I can catch and elusive Lake Trout. I've never caught one, so it will be win win for me.

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carmike

04/21/2012 10:18PM

Great idea. I never find the size of fish that y'all find in the BWCA (that bass is absolutely BEAUTIFUL, by the way), so I'll lose. But it'll be fun to watch. :)

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Sierra1

04/22/2012 12:35AM

Just to clarify; do all of the entries have to be from the same trip? What if I go and don't catch a Northern on a particular trip but catch a good one on the next trip? Can I count that? Am I over thinking this?

Watch out for that rock!!!........ Oooo.... That's going to leave a mark...

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kcmofisher

04/22/2012 12:39AM

Count me in, my trip is not until June 21st but will love to watch the thread until I get up there. Good Fishing to all. What am I saying, Anytime Fishing is a good time!!

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TeamTuna06

04/22/2012 06:50AM

Looking forward to it!! Great idea.

"If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of fishing poles." -Doug Larson

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Savage Voyageur

04/22/2012 07:57AM

Great Idea Garret, thanks for doing this.

"So many lakes, so little time."

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analyzer

04/22/2012 10:01AM

quote Sierra1: "Just to clarify; do all of the entries have to be from the same trip? What if I go and don't catch a Northern on a particular trip but catch a good one on the next trip? Can I count that? Am I over thinking this?"

They must all be from the SAME trip, and caught by the same person. Obviously you could cheat. But if your entry permit shows June 1, and we see fall colors in the background, that might be a give away. LOL. Keep it to one trip please.

I'm trying to keep the competition somewhat level. There are many who make multiple trips, and many who make just one trip. The multi-trippers already have an advantage, but it would give them an even bigger advantage if I allowed someone to take single fish from multiple trips.

Lets try to keep it to one trip. I realize for some of you who live near the bdub, you are going to make lots of day trips, but I'm going to ask you to keep it to the same week. You may only go 2 days in one week, but you have an advantage in going a couple dozen times over the season, and know the bodies of water very well. Those who live near, are going to have the advantage, of being able to drive to certain lakes to target certain species. So be it. This is just for fun. And I want to see the pics.

I am challenging folks to go target species they might normally pass on. Pike are going to be a challenge for me. The lake I normally fish, has produced some pike over 10lbs, but they are few and far between. Most trips to that lake, no one catches one over 4lbs. I'll definitely have to drag a big stick bait across sag, on the way in, and way out.

Geo has given me some Laker advice, so I hope to make one trip out to sag, and give it a whirl. I don't care if it's 1 lb. It will be fun to pull one in.

I am having more difficulty each year, leaving the warmth of my sleeping bag, to venture out at day break. Perhaps this contest will give me the little extra motivation I need.

Ya know sierra, when you catch that big pike later in the season, your challenge will then be to go find a nice smallie and walleye to go with it. That's what will make the contest fun: the challenge to see if you can catch a nice fish, in at least 3 categories, in the same trip.

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analyzer

04/22/2012 10:31AM

We have these little online "patches" off to the left, next to our name, like trees,bear paws etc. Perhaps the mods, could come up with a "patch" to recognize the contest winner.

I really don't want too much of a prize. That will just cause arguments. I want to keep this clean and fun.

It could be rather educational too, if folks are willing to divulge a little information about the specifics of their catch. Again, I'm not talking about lake names, but rather bait presentation, time of day, weather conditions, blah blah blah.

If we start seeing that every 10lb walleye entry in July was after Midnight, that might be some good information. Those willing to lug in live bait will probably have more success with big walleyes, but not necessarily. It will be interesting to see what lures folks catch their big walleye's on.

Information like that, will make this contest much more interesting, so please include it with your pics. I will be reminding some of you to add that information if you forget.

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missmolly

04/22/2012 11:39AM

I'd love to play, but I fish north of Quetico. Sigh. I doubt that I'd win anyway. I don't catch big walleyes like you guys do, but I'd wouldn't do too badly because I usually catch a couple 40ish pike and plenty of 19ish bass.

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mcsweem

04/22/2012 01:13PM

I got a buddy who's an artist and I have a lot of his works I could put one up for a prize. Maybe something like this

what do you think?

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Jackfish

Moderator

04/22/2012 01:32PM

What a great idea! I'm in.

It's only a spot on the map... until you go there.

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blutofish1

04/22/2012 01:56PM

Hope the big ones are biting on Basswood in June.

blutofish

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analyzer

04/22/2012 02:20PM

quote mcsweem: "I got a buddy who's an artist and I have a lot of his works I could put one up for a prize. Maybe something like this

what do you think?"

Those are cool. We could make it a traveling trophy. It's mailed to the winner when the contest ends, and that person holds it for one year. Then mails it to the next winner.

I'd still like a little bwca.com online emblem next to the winners name. Like the bear paw, only some sort of fish symbol. Is that possible, Jackfish?

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analyzer

04/22/2012 02:29PM

quote missmolly: "I'd love to play, but I fish north of Quetico. Sigh. I doubt that I'd win anyway. I don't catch big walleyes like you guys do, but I'd wouldn't do too badly because I usually catch a couple 40ish pike and plenty of 19ish bass. "
That makes me sad, Missmolly. I suppose you are a woodland caribou girl. I'm tempted to expand the inclusion, but will refrain. I've seen the walleyes that come from the red river in canada, and lake ontario, and the rainy river, etc etc, as well as the lakers from Lake Michigan.

If I start including the entire state of MN, and all parts of canada, it will take away from the contest imo. Then what, I catch a Pike on URL, a Walleye from the Rainy river, and a small mouth from Millelacs and call that my entry? I really want to keep this to bdub and Quetico. I considered just bdub, but am interested to see the comparison.

I'm sorry missmolly, I guess you'll just have to make a trip to the boundary waters. You are welcome to play along, and submit an entry from elsewhere, we'd love to see the pictures, they just won't be eligible to win. Sorry.

Reminder to all, please include a pic of your entry permit, and list the following with each fish picture:

1. Length
2. BWCA or Quetico
3. Date
4. Time of day
5. Bait
6. Depth/Presentation (Leech/slipbobber/plain hook, 6' in 12fow)
7. Weather Conditions (Cloudy, calm)
8. Story if you like.

At the bottom of the post, then do the math:

20 smb x 3 = 60
27 Laker x 2= 54
36 pike x 1.5 =54

Total = 168

I don't want any arguments on length. Do your best to get an accurate measurement and picture, without putting too much stress on the fish, and we'll take your word for it.

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Basspro69

04/22/2012 02:50PM

I cant participate because I will be doing trout only for my bwca trip and later in the year I will be fishing bordering bdub waters in a boat. I really look forward to seeing how you guys and gals do though, take lots of pictures .

" I want to know Gods thoughts , The rest are details " Albert Einstein.

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analyzer

04/22/2012 03:00PM

quote Basspro69: "I cant participate because I will be doing trout only for my bwca trip and later in the year I will be fishing bordering bdub waters in a boat. I really look forward to seeing how you guys and gals do though, take lots of pictures . "
That sucks, I think I was looking forward to your entry most.

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missmolly

04/22/2012 05:22PM

quote analyzer: "quote missmolly: "I'd love to play, but I fish north of Quetico. Sigh. I doubt that I'd win anyway. I don't catch big walleyes like you guys do, but I'd wouldn't do too badly because I usually catch a couple 40ish pike and plenty of 19ish bass. "
That makes me sad, Missmolly. I suppose you are a woodland caribou girl. I'm tempted to expand the inclusion, but will refrain. I've seen the walleyes that come from the red river in canada, and lake ontario, and the rainy river, etc etc, as well as the lakers from Lake Michigan.

If I start including the entire state of MN, and all parts of canada, it will take away from the contest imo. Then what, I catch a Pike on URL, a Walleye from the Rainy river, and a small mouth from Millelacs and call that my entry? I really want to keep this to bdub and Quetico. I considered just bdub, but am interested to see the comparison.

I'm sorry missmolly, I guess you'll just have to make a trip to the boundary waters. You are welcome to play along, and submit an entry from elsewhere, we'd love to see the pictures, they just won't be eligible to win. Sorry.

Reminder to all, please include a pic of your entry permit, and list the following with each fish picture:

1. Length
2. BWCA or Quetico
3. Date
4. Time of day
5. Bait
6. Depth/Presentation (Leech/slipbobber/plain hook, 6' in 12fow)
7. Weather Conditions (Cloudy, calm)
8. Story if you like.

At the bottom of the post, then do the math:

20 smb x 3 = 60
27 Laker x 2= 54
36 pike x 1.5 =54

Total = 168

I don't want any arguments on length. Do your best to get an accurate measurement and picture, without putting too much stress on the fish, and we'll take your word for it."
No biggie. I'll get to look at the pics and see the numbers and enjoy that! Not Woodland Caribou. I explore Crown Land that isn't parks, but I'm doing Woodland Caribou in 2013 to try a park.

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outdooraddict

04/22/2012 06:36PM

I'm in! Gonna get my butt kicked but ill give it a shot.

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Greenman

04/22/2012 07:03PM

Great idea. Should be a lot of fun to keep track of this thread. Not going to be in the Q or B-dub this year but if I can get a qualifier from either of my other 2 fishing trips, I'll be sure to post it just for schmits and grins.

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analyzer

04/22/2012 07:48PM

quote Greenman: "Great idea. Should be a lot of fun to keep track of this thread. Not going to be in the Q or B-dub this year but if I can get a qualifier from either of my other 2 fishing trips, I'll be sure to post it just for schmits and grins."
For schmits and grins. That's the idea. Molly can do the same with her artic circle stuff. I don't have a problem picking through those that are Bdub/Q, and those that are not. We want to have fun with this.

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analyzer

04/22/2012 07:51PM

quote outdooraddict: "I'm in! Gonna get my butt kicked but ill give it a shot."
Me too.

I want to see folks pics, even if they don't beat the current high score.

Last year i'd have had a 20 inch bass (60), a 24 inch walleye (48), and maybe a 4lb pike (?42ish?) So that's just a 150. But I'll post whatever I come up with. It'll be fun to try to beat my wife, and son. I would've lost to both of them last time.

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realandrea

04/22/2012 08:24PM

I'm going to blow you guys out of the water! Lol, that is of course if I can find the lake. =D

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Hawkeye2010

04/22/2012 09:11PM

I'm in!

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missmolly

04/22/2012 09:18PM

quote analyzer: "quote Greenman: "Great idea. Should be a lot of fun to keep track of this thread. Not going to be in the Q or B-dub this year but if I can get a qualifier from either of my other 2 fishing trips, I'll be sure to post it just for schmits and grins."
For schmits and grins. That's the idea. Molly can do the same with her artic circle stuff. I don't have a problem picking through those that are Bdub/Q, and those that are not. We want to have fun with this.

"

You've got a good heart, analyzer. However, I don't fish the Arctic Circle. There are no bass there. Arctic fishes the Arctic Circle and I admire him for that.

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Frenchy19

04/22/2012 09:43PM

I am in, and I am a very good loser!

"He hits from both sides of the plate. He’s amphibious." Yogi Berra

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Sierra1

04/23/2012 11:19AM

quote analyzer: "quote Sierra1: "Just to clarify; do all of the entries have to be from the same trip? What if I go and don't catch a Northern on a particular trip but catch a good one on the next trip? Can I count that? Am I over thinking this?"

They must all be from the SAME trip, and caught by the same person. Obviously you could cheat. But if your entry permit shows June 1, and we see fall colors in the background, that might be a give away. LOL. Keep it to one trip please.

I'm trying to keep the competition somewhat level. There are many who make multiple trips, and many who make just one trip. The multi-trippers already have an advantage, but it would give them an even bigger advantage if I allowed someone to take single fish from multiple trips.

Lets try to keep it to one trip. I realize for some of you who live near the bdub, you are going to make lots of day trips, but I'm going to ask you to keep it to the same week. You may only go 2 days in one week, but you have an advantage in going a couple dozen times over the season, and know the bodies of water very well. Those who live near, are going to have the advantage, of being able to drive to certain lakes to target certain species. So be it. This is just for fun. And I want to see the pics.

I am challenging folks to go target species they might normally pass on. Pike are going to be a challenge for me. The lake I normally fish, has produced some pike over 10lbs, but they are few and far between. Most trips to that lake, no one catches one over 4lbs. I'll definitely have to drag a big stick bait across sag, on the way in, and way out.

Geo has given me some Laker advice, so I hope to make one trip out to sag, and give it a whirl. I don't care if it's 1 lb. It will be fun to pull one in.

I am having more difficulty each year, leaving the warmth of my sleeping bag, to venture out at day break. Perhaps this contest will give me the little extra motivation I need.

Ya know sierra, when you catch that big pike later in the season, your challenge will then be to go find a nice smallie and walleye to go with it. That's what will make the contest fun: the challenge to see if you can catch a nice fish, in at least 3 categories, in the same trip.
"

Thanks for clearing up my questions. I think this is a great idea. Well done analyzer!!!

Watch out for that rock!!!........ Oooo.... That's going to leave a mark...

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analyzer

05/01/2012 10:53PM

11 days to go. I guess. I'd have to check da regs to see if smallies open the same as der walleye up nort.

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BWfishingfanatic12

05/02/2012 09:28PM

dang I hardly ever fish for Northerns because I don't like them but I guess I'll have to now. lol and I've never targeted lake trout either. But i guess theres a first time for everything. Great idea though this will be fun to see!

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analyzer

05/02/2012 10:32PM

quote BWfishingfanatic12: "dang I hardly ever fish for Northerns because I don't like them but I guess I'll have to now. lol and I've never targeted lake trout either. But i guess theres a first time for everything. Great idea though this will be fun to see!"

Well, you don't have to catch both, but to have a shot, you'll have to catch one of those two.

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schweady

05/03/2012 08:10AM

I'm in. Thanks, analyzer, for organizing. Now, just hoping I remember to bring a tape and take some pics. Also, I hope everyone has fun with this without too much of the nit-picking that always seems to come up in the midst of these things.

"You can observe a lot by watching." -- Yogi Berra

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chipaddler

05/03/2012 10:20AM

This is a really great idea and I am in. Mods - Possible to get this pinned to the top?

"Not all those who wander are lost" - Tolkien

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housty9

05/03/2012 12:40PM

How about a crappie instead of a trout, i don't fish for trout, contest sounds like fun im in.

our we there yet

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schweady

05/03/2012 01:40PM

quote housty9: "How about a crappie instead of a trout, i don't fish for trout, contest some like fun im in."
Length x4 or x5?? (12 or 15 in. crappie = 60 pts...)

"You can observe a lot by watching." -- Yogi Berra

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The Great Outdoors

05/03/2012 02:24PM

The contest sounds like a good idea! I may have missed something, but what's wrong with total lengths of the fish just being added together, rather than multiplying them??

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nofish

05/03/2012 03:34PM

quote The Great Outdoors: "The contest sounds like a good idea! I may have missed something, but what's wrong with total lengths of the fish just being added together, rather than multiplying them??"

Because that would make a 30 inch walleye and a 30 inch northern equal when in reality a 30 inch walleye is a once in a lifetime fish where as a 30 inch northern is a decent fish but certainly no trophy.

If you multiply the lengths by the different factors it makes all species equal.

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analyzer

05/03/2012 11:11PM

quote schweady: " Also, I hope everyone has fun with this without too much of the nit-picking that always seems to come up in the midst of these things.
"

+1

It is definitely a concern. I guess that is partly why there is no entry fee and no prize. Keep it fun.

Although, I still think it would be nice to get some sort of online "badge" next to/below the winners log-in name/profile thingy.

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analyzer

05/03/2012 11:14PM

quote housty9: "How about a crappie instead of a trout, i don't fish for trout, contest sounds like fun im in."

Are there crappies in the bwca/Quetico? I've never caught one up there.

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analyzer

05/03/2012 11:15PM

quote nofish: "quote The Great Outdoors: "The contest sounds like a good idea! I may have missed something, but what's wrong with total lengths of the fish just being added together, rather than multiplying them??"

Because that would make a 30 inch walleye and a 30 inch northern equal when in reality a 30 inch walleye is a once in a lifetime fish where as a 30 inch northern is a decent fish but certainly no trophy.

If you multiply the lengths by the different factors it makes all species equal."

The idea was to make a 20 inch bass, 30 inch walleye, and 40 inch pike equivalent. Although, a 20 inch bass might be slightly easier to catch than the other two.

My reasons included some of the following:

1) Some lakes do not produce all of these species. I didn't want it to be solely about catching the biggest pike.

2) Some times of the year are better for some species than others. Clearly the early season is better for long walleyes (weight isn't in this contest, because not everyone wants to pack a scale. Otherwise, a fat walleye might be easier to find in October). Nevertheless, by weighting them evenly with the multiplier, the early season folks might catch a big walleye, but the later folks might be able to make up for it with a quality bass or pike.

I had enough folks clammer about Lakers last fall when I initially brought up this idea, that I thought I should include them. Lakers might be the one wild card, as they grow longer than walleyes, but use the same multiplier.

I still haven't really gotten the feedback I was looking for on lakers. I'm not a laker guy, so I was just guessing they run 20-30 inches, with an occasional 32 or 33 incher. Do you guys regularly catch them in the 35 plus range? Ever?

If you fished just for lakers for a week, what would you expect your top end to be?

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analyzer

05/04/2012 12:21AM

TGO, arguments could certainly be made to make it straight inches. It's definitely easier, however, I really don't want this to strictly be a search for the "Red October" 42" pike.

I think most of us would be lucky to top out at 34" or so with our pike. Someone who finds the magical weedbed in the quetico, might hit a homerun with a 42 inch pike. That person would have an 8" advantage, which would be almost impossible to make up with inches of bass and walleye.

I don't want this to be about hitting a monster solo shot. I'm hoping it will challenge us to go find another inch in whatever species we're weak in.

Here, let me illustrate my point:

Under the straight inch program, fisherman A hits a home run with a 44 inch pike, but catches a marginal 18" bass, and a run of the mill 5lb walleye at 24". he has 86 inches total.

Fisherman B, catches what would be considered a trophy, or close to it by most of us, in a 38 inch pike, a 20 inch bass, and a nice 8lb 28 inch walleye, all certainly above 1 standard deviation in each category, if not 2. He also has 86 inches.

Which fisherman do you think did a better job? A or B? yes, that 44 inch pike, is a fish of a life time, that he got lucky with, but he didn't do anything special with the other two categories.

Personally, I think Fisherman B was a better contestant. But that's just my opinion.

Under the Multiplier system we currently have set up,

A has 66 + 54 + 48 = 168

B has 57 + 60 + 56 = 174

B gets rewarded for having higher quality fish in multiple categories.

...and that is what I'm looking for, and hoping folks will appreciate.

I know there are lots of folks on here, who don't particularly like small mouth bass, but now upping your fish from an 18 to a 19.5, gains you 4.5 inches. You'd have to catch 3 more inches of pike to do the same thing.

You're clearly going to have to max three species. Go out of your comfort zone, and find that trophy in a species you might not normally target.

I don't spend 5 minutes TRYING to catch pike, or Lakers, but I will this trip...mission accomplished...and frankly

IT WILL BE FUN!!

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schweady

05/04/2012 07:30AM

quote analyzer: "quote housty9: "How about a crappie instead of a trout, i don't fish for trout, contest sounds like fun im in."

Are there crappies in the bwca/Quetico? I've never caught one up there."
I've caught some really nice ones on... ooh, almost gave it away... some really nice ones on a couple of trips I've taken. :)

"You can observe a lot by watching." -- Yogi Berra

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schweady

05/04/2012 07:34AM

quote analyzer: "I had enough folks clammer about Lakers last fall when I initially brought up this idea, that I thought I should include them. Lakers might be the one wild card, as they grow longer than walleyes, but use the same multiplier.

I still haven't really gotten the feedback I was looking for on lakers. I'm not a laker guy, so I was just guessing they run 20-30 inches, with an occasional 32 or 33 incher. Do you guys regularly catch them in the 35 plus range? Ever?

If you fished just for lakers for a week, what would you expect your top end to be?"
I've never fished for nor caught a lake trout before and that probably won't change this year either, but this is the kind of preparation going into this 'contest' that folks appreciate. (Definitely living up to your name, analyzer.)

"You can observe a lot by watching." -- Yogi Berra

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housty9

05/04/2012 07:57AM

quote analyzer: "quote housty9: "How about a crappie instead of a trout, i don't fish for trout, contest sounds like fun im in."

Are there crappies in the bwca/Quetico? I've never caught one up there."We caught some in the kish river 2 years ago and that where will be this year in 8 days and counting.

our we there yet

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analyzer

05/04/2012 09:14PM

I guess I need to see a show of hands on crappies. If I included them, it would be 4x. Then 3 of 5 categories. I'm a little intrigued. I don't know how many lakes have them, and whether there is enough distribution to give a fair percentage of contestants a shot at them. Are they in the Quetico?

A 15 inch crappie is about equivalent to a 20 inch bass I suppose. But it's not unheard of to catch one 17, which would give you 68. You'd have to be at 22 5/8's ish, to get to 68 with a bass, 34 with a walleye, and 45 1/2 ish to get there with a pike. I've never known anyone to catch a 34 inch walleye, although there is a thread about a 35 right now on rainy.

I'll have to chew on that one for a couple days.

Give me some feedback on crappies guys. Are they few and far between in the bdub, or is there a fairly good distribution?

I've caught a largemouth on Ashdick, but I'm not including Largemouth in the contest.

My initial thought is to decline on the crappies, but if there is enough interest, opener for the other species isn't for a week yet. We still have time to change things up a tad bit. It's still about having fun, and if you're fishing crappies, it would give you an extra reason to be excited when you find that 16" two-lber.

I just don't know enough to make a fair ruling. I mean, when I fished URL, 14's were extremely common. That's a 56, you'd have to catch a 28 walleye to match, and that's not nearly as easy, in that scenerio. But you could make the same case for 28" walleyes on Rainy I suppose.

I need more info.

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mcsweem

05/05/2012 05:07AM

If you did crappie couldn't you x3.5. So a 16" crappie would be 56 compared to a 20" sm @ 60". A 17"er would be 59.5. That's pretty close. Either way by me I won't be getting into the crappie this year. I talked with my buddy and he said he'd make a piece of artwork for a prize, some kind of fish. I don't know what species but they're all pretty nice.

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karola

05/05/2012 07:34AM

I would like to see crappie included, I rarely go for bass or lakers.

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missmolly

05/05/2012 08:05AM

I would like to see snakeheads, gobies, and Asian carp and I'm willing to stock them in BWCA so that we can catch them.

BTW, I'm just kidding. I'm in a goofy mood this morning.

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Greenman

05/05/2012 08:05AM

Include crappie, then why not Bluegills? Perch? Rough fish (Carp)? Keep it like it is. IMHO

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kcmofisher

05/05/2012 08:18AM

I would most certainly keep it as. I have caught several very good large mouth but have to yet caught or seen a crappie caught.

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analyzer

05/05/2012 09:06AM

quote karola: "I would like to see crappie included, I rarely go for bass or lakers."

I don't target Pike or Lakers either, but that's part of the reason why I am setting up the contest in the current format. I want to challenge contestants to fish outside-of-the-box. We all have our favorite species. But we're going to have to work the other ones to score well.

I'm certain this contest will take me out of my comfort zone. I have been too lazy to get up early, or to go out night fishing. I'm pretty certain both of those will change. I will have that little bit of motivation to get me out of my warm sleeping bag (besides nature calling, lol).

However, for selfish reasons, I have also set up this contest, so I can see pics of what others are catching in the bdub. I'd like to see your monster crappies too.

I understand Greenmans point, where do we draw the line? Basspro would probably like to have brookies and rainbows added. Why aren't you troutpro? Missmolly wants us to include the artic circle. LOL.

But we need to keep one main point in mind. This contest is FREE. There is no prize money. IT IS FOR FUN. It's something to add a little interest to our fishing, and perhaps give you and your bow partner something to talk about, and playfully pit against one another. If some folks are going to be in a area where they can catch some crappies. Why not make it a little more interesting for them, so that they are just a tad more excited when they pull out that 15 incher? There's 4 of them fishing for crappies, and they have something to talk about/challenge each other as well. I don't necessarily think it's a bad thing. They're not going to get contest rich off a 3.5 x crappie, and will still need to add two other relative trophies to win the dance.

A 14 inch crappie at 3.5, is about the same as a 5lb walleye, and a 16 is the same as a 8lb walleye. I've never caught a true 2lb crappie, and I fished URL for years. Lots of 15's though.

Will you be upset, if you sit on a 20 inch smallie, a 30 inch walleye, and 37 inch pike for a total of 175 1/2, and get edged by a 20 inch smallie, a 30 inch walleye, and a 16 inch crappie, at 176? Isn't that 16 inch, 2lb crappie every bit as much a trophy as that 37 inch 14lb pike? Moreso perhaps?

I'm going to chew on this more this weekend. I'd like more feedback.

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analyzer

05/05/2012 10:24AM

@McSweem, the artwork your buddy does, is awesome. It would make a nice prize.

Maybe we could get artistic anglers to give a discount to the winner so they can have a replica done.

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housty9

05/05/2012 10:27AM

Should just have a rating for any fish other then rough fish, then it wouldn't matter what lake your on and every body would have a chance, plus more pictures to look at and more fun for everybody, just my 2 cents. Can,t wait 6 more days till were driving up

our we there yet

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analyzer

05/05/2012 10:36AM

quote housty9: "Should just have a rating for any fish other then rough fish, then it wouldn't matter what lake your on and every body would have a chance, plus more pictures to look at and more fun for everybody, just my 2 cents. Can,t wait 6 more days till were driving up "

I thought about that. But I don't have enough knowledge about brook trout. rainbow trout, etc. Do you make muskie .75 or .70? The more we compare apples to apples, the more fair the contest is.

I didn't really want to go straight inches, because frankly, if you're sitting on 84 and need to add an inch somewhere, you're never going to target bass. You have a chance to add 5 or 6 inches catching a bigger pike, but you're not going to improve a smb by 5 or 6 inches. I felt a scale would force folks to target other species besides a big pike.

It's quite possible having Lakers @ 2 x, is going to tip the scales in their favor. But I don't know enough about them, and I didn't get the feedback I was looking for on Lakers. If I have to expand this to several species, I'm going to start getting into weird fractions.

I was under the impression that just about everyone had access to smb, walleyes and pike, and that should be our base. I can't really require more than 3 different species, as many areas only hold those 3. If I allow several species, with the best 3, you might have a leader with none of the base 3. Then their top 3 might be a crappie, brookie, and perch. I don't really want to diminish the importance of the base 3.

I'm really torn on this crappie thing. While I want folks to have fun, and the contest would make it more fun for those who are catching crappies, I don't want to dilute the contest parameters either.

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analyzer

05/05/2012 11:25AM

My son brought up a good point. I asked him which fisherman should win the contest:

Fisherman A:

SMB: 20 x 3 = 60
Walleye 30 x 2 = 60
Pike 37 x 1.5 = 55 1/2

total 175 1/2

Fisherman B:

SMB 20 x 3 = 60
Walleye 30 x 2 = 60
Crappie 16 x 3.5 = 56

Total 176

He responded that while it is probably more rare to catch a 16 inch crappie, than a 14lb pike, the act of actually boating the fish, once it is on the line, is far tougher with Fisherman A. And in general, once you have the fish hooked, it's going to be tougher to get a 4lb smallie, 10lb walleye, or 14lb pike, in the boat, than it is to get that crappie in the boat.

I'm still chewing on this. I really don't want this to become a diluted mess of a dozen species. But want it to be more than just your standard Walleye fishing contest as well. There is a line somewhere in between.

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missmolly

05/05/2012 01:50PM

Yes, the Arctic should be included, which is why I'll be entering a Beluga and the multiplier is 0.08.

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Greenman

05/05/2012 02:14PM

Without getting too involved or confusing, what about an "other" category. Or perhaps the catching of a species that's not a W,N,SM, or LT, it could be a "wild card" category?

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realandrea

05/05/2012 05:53PM

Or a species other than the main qualifying types could be used as a tie breaker?

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analyzer

05/05/2012 06:18PM

quote Greenman: "Without getting too involved or confusing, what about an "other" category. Or perhaps the catching of a species that's not a W,N,SM, or LT, it could be a "wild card" category? "

With all due respect, that does make it "involved and confusing".

We have 3 of 4 right now, there's already a wild card. I'd prefer to keep it as it is.

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sunnybear09

05/05/2012 07:47PM

Analyzer, I think the contest structure is just perfect as it is. You have targeted the "big four" of the BW/Q, and added just the right incentive to pull some out of their rut of only targeting one or two species over and over. This will be a broadening experience and incentive and will demonstrate a versatility of skill, kind of like an all-around-angler award. I know I will try to get a fish in 3 categories, and even if they have no chance of winning (and they won't!) I will want to enter anyway, just for the overall fun of it. And it includes a primordial, historic reason for being in this great ecosystem too--the link to survival and challenge. It says a lot about why we go to the BW anyway, it's not just paddling. And maybe, since the participation requirement is high, since we are all reporting like a trip report, there should be a fishing contest icon for all who go to the trouble to participate, with maybe the winner getting a golden icon. And since Kanoes doesn't fish anymore, some of us tongue-tied johnny come latelies can catch up! If the statistics prove that one species or the other has an uneven multiplier, you can adjust next year. Looking forward to the challenge! Sunnybear

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Basspro69

05/05/2012 08:19PM

quote missmolly: "Yes, the Arctic should be included, which is why I'll be entering a Beluga and the multiplier is 0.08."LOL

" I want to know Gods thoughts , The rest are details " Albert Einstein.

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karola

05/05/2012 08:46PM

After more thought I think it will be good for me, and others, to target species we typically don't chase. So instead of going on a trip targeting crappies maybe I'll shoot for a lake trout lake.

I know there aren't many of us who ice fish the bwca, will the contest go through the end of the year ( I do most of my bwca fishing in the winter)? Or were you thinking of ending it in the fall sometime?

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analyzer

05/05/2012 08:47PM

quote sunnybear09: "Analyzer, I think the contest structure is just perfect as it is. You have targeted the "big four" of the BW/Q, and added just the right incentive to pull some out of their rut of only targeting one or two species over and over. This will be a broadening experience and incentive and will demonstrate a versatility of skill, kind of like an all-around-angler award. I know I will try to get a fish in 3 categories, and even if they have no chance of winning (and they won't!) I will want to enter anyway, just for the overall fun of it. And it includes a primordial, historic reason for being in this great ecosystem too--the link to survival and challenge. It says a lot about why we go to the BW anyway, it's not just paddling. And maybe, since the participation requirement is high, since we are all reporting like a trip report, there should be a fishing contest icon for all who go to the trouble to participate, with maybe the winner getting a golden icon. And since Kanoes doesn't fish anymore, some of us tongue-tied johnny come latelies can catch up! If the statistics prove that one species or the other has an uneven multiplier, you can adjust next year. Looking forward to the challenge! Sunnybear"

+1

Well said. I might add that the icon could have a year on it: '12.

Your writing brings up a good point. I would like participants to post their pics and scores, regardless of whether it improves on the best score or not.

I have decided I am leaving the contest as is. We can tweak next year if we want, and will have all winter to discuss it.

I am basically a self appointed director of this contest, this year, but that can change too. Like the name that lake game, we could pass the torch to the winner, or appoint a committee that votes on changes, etc. I guess we'll see how many people actually participate, and whether it is a popular idea going forward.

"Primordial"... nice one.

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analyzer

05/05/2012 09:01PM

quote missmolly: "Yes, the Arctic should be included, which is why I'll be entering a Beluga and the multiplier is 0.08."

Get that measurement to the nearest 1/8th please, and don't pinch the tail.

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analyzer

05/05/2012 09:07PM

quote karola: "After more thought I think it will be good for me, and others, to target species we typically don't chase. So instead of going on a trip targeting crappies maybe I'll shoot for a lake trout lake.

I know there aren't many of us who ice fish the bwca, will the contest go through the end of the year ( I do most of my bwca fishing in the winter)? Or were you thinking of ending it in the fall sometime?"

This is an open water contest. It will end when the lakes freeze over. If there is enough interest, you may want to run a separate ice fishing contest.

I will be interested to see the changes in reports as the season progresses. Someone going late October might post some nice walleyes and lakers. I have often thought about deer hunting in the bdub, and getting a little fishing in, but have been afraid of getting frozen in.

Karola, thank you for being a good sport about the crappies. I really struggled with the decision today, but am keeping it to the current structure.

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missmolly

05/05/2012 09:11PM

quote analyzer: "quote missmolly: "Yes, the Arctic should be included, which is why I'll be entering a Beluga and the multiplier is 0.08."

Get that measurement to the nearest 1/8th please, and don't pinch the tail. "

Heh-heh-heh!

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analyzer

05/05/2012 09:20PM

They won't be included, but Housty9 and Karola, if you guys catch a nice crappie, will you post the pic anyway please. I am very curious to see what you pull. Good luck on your trip Housty9. May the weather stabilize a bit before then. It looks decent next weekend, right now.

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karola

05/05/2012 09:24PM

I actually went on a solo three weekends ago, didn't take a picture with tape measure but they were all 11-12.5 inches. Very fun!

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analyzer

05/05/2012 09:25PM

quote analyzer: "They won't be included, but Housty9 and Karola, if you guys catch a nice crappie, will you post the pic anyway please. I am very curious to see what you pull. Good luck on your trip Housty9. May the weather stabilize a bit before then. It looks decent next weekend, right now."

In fact, I would like to see everyone's largest, non-big4 fish caught in the bdub/Quetico. If we decide to make changes, the information will be valuable. I see Housty9 has a pretty nice Largemouth on his profile pic, that appears to be from up north somewhere.

Contestants, please remember to include a pic of your entry permit, and list the following with each fish picture:

1. Length (nearest 1/8th, no 1/16ths please)
2. BWCA or Quetico
3. Date
4. Time of day
5. Bait
6. Depth/Presentation (Leech/slipbobber/plain hook, 6' in 12fow)
7. Weather Conditions (Cloudy, calm)
8. Story if you like.

Giving out specific lake information, especially if it is a small vulnerable lake, may upset other members, so you may want to keep that information out of the post. I know some of you can figure stuff out from the pictures, but that doesn't show up in a search engine.

Please keep it fun, I don't want to read a bunch of bickering over the length of someones fish.

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analyzer

05/05/2012 09:40PM

quote karola: "I actually went on a solo three weekends ago, didn't take a picture with tape measure but they were all 11-12.5 inches. Very fun!

Nice. Looks like you caught quite a few. That was in the bdub?

Sag doesn't seem to hold panfish. I recall one little backwater bay just west of American point that held a couple sunnies, but nothing to write home about. I can't remember the last perch I caught up there, if ever.

I've seen a dead whitefish, but I'm not sure how you would go about targeting them.

If I had to guess in advance, I would say someone from a Quetico trip will win this. Considering I've never caught a walleye over 6lbs, I don't give myself much chance, but we cross sag on the way in, and way out, and there are certainly winners in there.

It should be fun to pit our scores against each other within our group.

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karola

05/06/2012 03:17AM

quote analyzer: "quote karola: "I actually went on a solo three weekends ago, didn't take a picture with tape measure but they were all 11-12.5 inches. Very fun!

Nice. Looks like you caught quite a few. That was in the bdub?

Sag doesn't seem to hold panfish. I recall one little backwater bay just west of American point that held a couple sunnies, but nothing to write home about. I can't remember the last perch I caught up there, if ever.

I've seen a dead whitefish, but I'm not sure how you would go about targeting them.

If I had to guess in advance, I would say someone from a Quetico trip will win this. Considering I've never caught a walleye over 6lbs, I don't give myself much chance, but we cross sag on the way in, and way out, and there are certainly winners in there.

It should be fun to pit our scores against each other within our group."

Yes this was bwca, EP 16. I found them in about 10ft of water jigging off bottom with crappie minnows. Unfortunately I won't get back up there likely until September, unless I squeeze in a couple day trips, hopefully I will have some pictures to share then!

Good luck out there fishing everybody, I am looking forward to your pictures and stories.

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Greenman

05/06/2012 10:50AM

This should be fun! Thanks to Analyzer (The Fishing Comish) for coming up with this great idea. Tight lines to all.

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missmolly

05/06/2012 11:38AM

quote Greenman: "This should be fun! Thanks to Analyzer (The Fishing Comish) for coming up with this great idea. Tight lines to all."

Yep, the Fish Commish is due praise!

Now back to being goofy: I was on Basswood this morning and caught this crappie. If only crappies counted I'd win the contest on this single fish!

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analyzer

05/06/2012 11:38AM

quote missmolly: "Yes, the Arctic should be included, which is why I'll be entering a Beluga and the multiplier is 0.08."

Apparently the Male Beluga Whale averages 13-16'. With a multiplier of .28, a Beluga on the high end of the average scale (16), would give you a score of 53.75, or very similar to the high end of an average walleye (27"). To score well, you're going to have to bring in an 18' BW, which will net you just slightly over a 60 score. It should be noted that historically, there have been Belugas up to 22', which would give you a very nice edge if you can find one.

Remember what they say about average...

Put your head in the oven

Your feet in a block of ice

then, on average,

you are comfortable : )~

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analyzer

05/06/2012 11:43AM

quote missmolly: "quote Greenman: "This should be fun! Thanks to Analyzer (The Fishing Comish) for coming up with this great idea. Tight lines to all."

Yep, the Fish Commish is due praise!

Now back to being goofy: I was on Basswood this morning and caught this crappie. If only crappies counted I'd win the contest on this single fish! "

Yeah, but you didn't get a picture of it on a tape measure. DQ'd.

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analyzer

05/06/2012 11:45AM

I thought some more about that crappie thing. There are two things I'm not particularly fond of. A) Crappies are not widely distributed in the bdub and Quetico, at least to my knowledge. B) They tend to be very seasonal, in that, it is far easier to find and catch them in the early season. Yes, that is true of Lakers and Walleyes, to an extent, but they can still be caught all summer. It's pretty tough to find crappies in July and August. Let alone in the bdub.

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MIpaddler

05/06/2012 11:55AM

I just want to clear up one thing. Everyone only gets one entry per trip correct? That way we don't get people who get to go on several trips over a year grouping all their best fish. Or is it only one entry per person and you have to choose your best trip? I think this is somewhat poorly phrased, but I hope the point comes across.

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analyzer

05/06/2012 11:59AM

For those of you making multiple trips. YES, you can put in an entry in May, and another one in July, and yet another one in October. But you start your score/entry from scratch each trip. I don't want a Walleye from your May trip, a Smallie from your July trip, and a Lake Trout from your October trip. It gives you enough of an advantage that you're making multiple trips. Keep all three categories from one trip. But by all means, try to get a better score on your next trip. But start from scratch.

If you put in a 158 on your May trip, start from scratch on your July trip, and get a 163, you can put in the new improved score. Hell, even if you score 154 on your July trip, I'd still like to see those pics.

If people put in the requested information with their pics:

1. Length
2. BWCA or Quetico
3. Date
4. Time of day
5. Bait
6. Depth/Presentation (Leech/slipbobber/plain hook, 6' in 12fow)
7. Weather Conditions (Cloudy, calm)
8. Story if you like.

Not only will it make it more interesting, I can tally some of that data over the winter, and it may give us some valuable information to improve our fishing success going forward. With Date and Time of day, I might even be able to look up some historical weather data, and give us barometric pressure trends. (If I get really bored).

I think it will be very interesting to see some of the demographics.

Thank you.

I have mentioned it before, and I'll mention it again. Those of you who live on the edge of the bdub, who are making dozens of daily journies into the promise land, keep your entry all from one week. Water temps, weather conditions, spawning cycles, bug hatches, etc, all change quite a bit over a months time, and would give you too much of an advantage if I allow you entries drug out over thirty days. Most of us will be confined to a week or so. I'm not going to complain if you catch fish and enter them from back to back weekends. That's still only 4 days of fishing, and within a week or so. But I don't want to see an entry put together from mid may, and end of june trips. Keep them separate. I think that's fair.

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analyzer

05/06/2012 12:29PM

I highly encourage folks to put in their entries, regardless of whether they beat the current high score. It will be real interesting if we get a bunch of 160's in May/June, and everyone is topping out at 145 in late July/August. If folks shy away from putting in their entries, we won't have that information.

It should be neat to see too, like how the water depths and time of day change as the season progresses. Guys might be catching Lakers surface fishing in May, and 60' in August.

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missmolly

05/06/2012 12:30PM

quote analyzer: "quote missmolly: "Yes, the Arctic should be included, which is why I'll be entering a Beluga and the multiplier is 0.08."

Apparently the Male Beluga Whale averages 13-16'. With a multiplier of .28, a Beluga on the high end of the average scale (16), would give you a score of 53.75, or very similar to the high end of an average walleye (27"). To score well, you're going to have to bring in an 18' BW, which will net you just slightly over a 60 score. It should be noted that historically, there have been Belugas up to 22', which would give you a very nice edge if you can find one.

Remember what they say about average...

Put your head in the oven

Your feet in a block of ice

then, on average,

you are comfortable : )~"

Funny guy!

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outdooraddict

05/06/2012 12:38PM

quote analyzer: "I highly encourage folks to put in their entries, regardless of whether they beat the current high score. It will be real interesting if we get a bunch of 160's in May/June, and everyone is topping out at 145 in late July/August. If folks shy away from putting in their entries, we won't have that information.

It should be neat to see too, like how the water depths and time of day change as the season progresses. Guys might be catching Lakers surface fishing in May, and 60' in August."

I'll try to.remember a pen and tablet for info. Would be cool to have a lot of info out there for the people that would like it.

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analyzer

05/06/2012 10:26PM

quote outdooraddict: "quote analyzer: "I highly encourage folks to put in their entries, regardless of whether they beat the current high score. It will be real interesting if we get a bunch of 160's in May/June, and everyone is topping out at 145 in late July/August. If folks shy away from putting in their entries, we won't have that information.

It should be neat to see too, like how the water depths and time of day change as the season progresses. Guys might be catching Lakers surface fishing in May, and 60' in August."

I'll try to.remember a pen and tablet for info. Would be cool to have a lot of info out there for the people that would like it."

Your camera probably has date and time on it, or a function to make it available. So you'd really just have to remember what you caught it on, the presentation, depth, weather conditions etc. Thanks for taking an active interest.

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housty9

05/07/2012 12:43PM

I can live with the rules the way they are, hope every body has fun, 4 days and counting, good luck every body fishing, traveling and be safe.

our we there yet

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schweady

05/07/2012 02:54PM

Good call, analyzer, on the crappie thing. Good luck, all.

Now, if you would all join me in the Slot Fisherman's Pledge:
"Close her mouth, pinch her tail,
Stretch her out, or go to jail."

"You can observe a lot by watching." -- Yogi Berra

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realandrea

05/11/2012 04:49PM

Last day to talk smack?? May the best angler win!! I look forward to winning! Ha ha ha!

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analyzer

05/11/2012 10:20PM

I've got no chance, but it will be fun to keep track within our group.

Don't forget your pics of your entry permit.

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analyzer

05/11/2012 10:22PM

The real question is, will anyone from the bdub beat team Quetico?

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Spookmeister

05/12/2012 07:09PM

Great contest idea! My guess is it will take upper 170's or even 180 to win it. I checked last year's numbers and would have had a 173.75 score with a 20.75 bass, a 28 walleye and a 37 pike. Granted, that would have been my best score over a 15-year period of annual trips. But I bet someone will add an inch to each of those fish and hit the 180 mark.

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analyzer

05/12/2012 10:40PM

quote Spookmeister: "Great contest idea! My guess is it will take upper 170's or even 180 to win it. I checked last year's numbers and would have had a 173.75 score with a 20.75 bass, a 28 walleye and a 37 pike. Granted, that would have been my best score over a 15-year period of annual trips. But I bet someone will add an inch to each of those fish and hit the 180 mark."

That would be very similar to my best score, I had the one year in 1988, I caught about a 4 1/2 lb smallie, a 6lb walleye, and a 14lb northern. That was around 170 ish. I doubt I could top that. It might take going out at night and finding a really big walleye, and bringing some muskie size baits and looking for a 40 inch pike. I have a hard time seeing someone hitting 180. Mid 170's is my prediction.

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analyzer

05/13/2012 09:17AM

If I top 160, I'll be doing good. Something like a 19 or 20 inch bass, mid 20's walleye, and low 30's pike. I'm guessing I'll finish in the high 150's. Except that I'm going to bring a couple oversize baits, and paddle around at high noon, and see if I can find big ol' snaggle tooth.

This would work...

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analyzer

05/13/2012 09:27AM

quote Spookmeister: "Great contest idea! My guess is it will take upper 170's or even 180 to win it. I checked last year's numbers and would have had a 173.75 score with a 20.75 bass, a 28 walleye and a 37 pike. Granted, that would have been my best score over a 15-year period of annual trips. But I bet someone will add an inch to each of those fish and hit the 180 mark."

That's a great trip. Nice number. I doubt many folks top that bass score by an inch, and it's not easy to find a 8lb walleye, or 14lb pike, let alone all 3 in one trip. Do it again, and you'll be in the hunt. Probably top 3 depending on how many entries we get.

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oldtown

05/14/2012 09:43PM

How about a walleye such as the one I caught on the Mississippi River this weekend 31 inches and 11lbs!

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TeamTuna06

05/14/2012 10:13PM

That's an awesome fish oldtown! The deer in the background even stopped for a look!

"If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of fishing poles." -Doug Larson

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Hawbakers

05/16/2012 08:49PM

Ok I'm ready! let ya know late june

"Far more interesting than the chase itself is the observation, the study of the life histories of the strange and wonderful creatures of the wilderness." President Theodore Roosevelt

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housty9

05/17/2012 04:02PM

I'll have to wait for fall trip to try an enter, caught lots of fish but none big enough to enter, wife and friends caught all the bigger ones. Now i have something to motivate me for my fall trip, Oct. 1st can't come fast enough.

our we there yet

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analyzer

05/17/2012 05:00PM

Dang, Housty, you could have been the first. Regardless of size, it would have been nice to have an example. Enter your wife. Either way, I'm not quite ready for hunting season yet. If it's all right with you, Oct 1st can wait.

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Basspro69

05/17/2012 07:43PM

quote analyzer: "If I top 160, I'll be doing good. Something like a 19 or 20 inch bass, mid 20's walleye, and low 30's pike. I'm guessing I'll finish in the high 150's. Except that I'm going to bring a couple oversize baits, and paddle around at high noon, and see if I can find big ol' snaggle tooth.

This would work..." My God thats a huge fish .

" I want to know Gods thoughts , The rest are details " Albert Einstein.

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missmolly

05/17/2012 07:55PM

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housty9

05/17/2012 08:17PM

quote missmolly: "quote analyzer: "If I top 160, I'll be doing good. Something like a 19 or 20 inch bass, mid 20's walleye, and low 30's pike. I'm guessing I'll finish in the high 150's. Except that I'm going to bring a couple oversize baits, and paddle around at high noon, and see if I can find big ol' snaggle tooth.

This would work..."

What a fish! Do you know the story behind it?" He ate his Wheaties to hold that fish, would be heading to shore fast if i caught that in a canoe.

our we there yet

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analyzer

05/17/2012 10:48PM

I have no idea missmolly. I pulled it off the internet. I'd have to guess it's from europe, but not certain. Canada perhaps. Looks to be 60 lbs.

I once read an article about the top 100 pike ever caught. Most of them were caught from the same lake in Europe, during about a 2 week span. They were in the 60-70lb range. As I recall, they had a ban on pike for ages, then decided the monster pike were stunting the trout population, so they opened the season on them for 2 weeks. The fisherman cleaned the monster pike out of the lake, setting many world records.

Of course, environmentalists get it wrong almost as often as they get it right. With no big predators in the lake any more, the smaller pike, exploded in numbers, and nearly wiped out the trout population. Go figure.

I suppose its not unlike the little oopsy they pulled on leech lake with the cormorants.

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analyzer

05/17/2012 11:03PM

The IGFA recognizes some 55lb pike as the current world record. But I see there are some articles about pike running up to 67lbs. I'm not sure what magazine that article was in, I can't seem to find it on the internet. Who knows what the source was. All I know, is I've seen those pike picks floating around of a 56lb potential record breaker, and the one with the 10lber in it's mouth. It's pretty damn impressive, if not downright scary. I've seen the Quetico 46 incher around here, and a similar one caught on URL, and they are absolutely huge. My brother caught one on URL that was 43 1/2 inches. I couldn't believe how big it was. It took my breath away. And it was probably just over 20lbs. I can't imagine one more than twice that big.

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missmolly

05/18/2012 06:36AM

quote analyzer: "I have no idea missmolly. I pulled it off the internet. I'd have to guess it's from europe, but not certain. Canada perhaps. Looks to be 60 lbs.

I once read an article about the top 100 pike ever caught. Most of them were caught from the same lake in Europe, during about a 2 week span. They were in the 60-70lb range. As I recall, they had a ban on pike for ages, then decided the monster pike were stunting the trout population, so they opened the season on them for 2 weeks. The fisherman cleaned the monster pike out of the lake, setting many world records.

Of course, environmentalists get it wrong almost as often as they get it right. With no big predators in the lake any more, the smaller pike, exploded in numbers, and nearly wiped out the trout population. Go figure.

I suppose its not unlike the little oopsy they pulled on leech lake with the cormorants."

Thanks for the fascinating info!

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mcsweem

05/29/2012 09:49AM

Are we going to use this link for the fish contest or are you going to start a new thread

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analyzer

05/29/2012 04:41PM

This thread thank you. I will be posting an entry or two next week. I should limit the contest to members. So I'll have to have the wife and son join if they want to post an entry.

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groupleader42

05/30/2012 09:38AM

My first trip is coming up in a week. No lakers around but definitely can find the other three! Nice contest by the way!!

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analyzer

05/31/2012 04:57PM

Thanks groupleader. I'll be dragging a taildancer across sag on Saturday.: )

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analyzer

06/15/2012 11:05PM

I had hoped to post an example of a contest entry, but I didn't catch a fish over 2 1/2 lbs, and my wife, who caught a nice 19 1/4 inch smallie, did not catch a walleye. So, unfortunately I can't really post a full entry, but here's a taste I suppose:

19 1/4 smallie (I have determined, with a fish flopping around, to the nearest 1/8th is difficult. 1/4 is close enough)

BWCA, 6/3/12, on a black and silver huskie jerk, 10 am ish, bright sunny day, with little wind, flipped close to a rock face in 6 feet of water. She feels like she sprained her wrist fighting it with the little crappie rod, and was sore the rest of the trip. She said that mini-mamma was a better fight than her big mama a few years back.

21 inch walleye, bwca, 6/4 830 pm ish, 6 fow, on a floating rapala, clear sky, and no wind.

No pike photo (but this isn't a mixed couples tournament anyway)

The smallie would score 57 3/4, and the walleye would score 42. It was not a very good year for the radcliffs. But the weather was nice, so I can't complain.

I was hoping this contest would take off, but perhaps folks are finding it's too difficult to measure and photo a flopping fish. I'm going to score a 150 next year.

Unofficially Quetico Mike scored approximately 172 1/2 with the following:

41 pike x 1.5= 61.5
21 smb x 3 = 63
24 Eye x 2 = 48

However he did not get the appropriate photos so he is not eligible to win the contest. But an excellent score non-the-less.

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blutofish1

06/17/2012 06:29PM

Here's my biggest fish. Caught alot of 15 to 17" walleye but only one worth submitting.Caught in frog bay on basswood at about 7 pm on 6/14/12. 25" long on 6lb. test trilene.Light action rod and reel.Very fun on light tackle in 13 ft.of water. Released to catch again.Caught on a leech with clear skies and a slight north wind.

blutofish

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NorthwoodsHeaven

06/22/2012 01:47PM

Analyzer
Just want to confirm what everyone else already has. This is a fantastic idea. Also I whole heartedly agree with your decision to keep crappie out. You've got the big four in the BWCA. Its like the big 5 in Africa. Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo. You cant just add a small gazelle to it...
Maybe the lack of entries thusfar has to do with difficulty of getting good photos on a tape measure? Possibly institute a best conservative estimate honor system, with any photo you can muster to prove general size?
we all seem like honest paddlers...

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analyzer

06/22/2012 11:01PM

quote NorthwoodsHeaven: "Analyzer
Just want to confirm what everyone else already has. This is a fantastic idea. Also I whole heartedly agree with your decision to keep crappie out. You've got the big four in the BWCA. Its like the big 5 in Africa. Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo. You cant just add a small gazelle to it...
Maybe the lack of entries thusfar has to do with difficulty of getting good photos on a tape measure? Possibly institute a best conservative estimate honor system, with any photo you can muster to prove general size?
we all seem like honest paddlers..."

I had some difficulty securing good pics, and I have an aircraft carrier for a canoe. It must be quite a bit more difficult in a narrow kevlar.

I have to admit I'm a little disappointed by the lack of entries. I suspect some of us thought it might be easier than it is. I definitely thought I would put in a 150 or so, and couldn't catch any fish over 2 1/2 lbs. It makes me wonder if folks have shied away, simply because they didn't come up with much of a score. or perhaps, like queticomike, they just don't care about winning a contest.

There may also be some, that don't want to draw any attention to a hot lake. They'd rather release a state record fish with no recognition, than risk bringing half the state to the lake.

Who knows. I was hoping to add alittle fun to folks bdub trips. I certainly fished a little harder because of the contest. Although I still didn't go out in the middle of the night.

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Wallidave

06/23/2012 01:51AM

Prior to our trip I was looking forward to providing my entry after getting back from our trip. It all seemed pretty easy...catch fish, photograph with tape and release. It proved a lot more harder then I thought...I had too much gear in back with me making it difficult to get the right shot, fish flopping, wind blowing us around, fighting the rain and getting the right shot off I lost interest quickly. After the first few attempts I felt I was putting too much undo stress on the fish and gave up. I still measure the bigger fish by holding the tape next to fish while holding the fish but can't get a good photo. Good idea though...

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analyzer

06/23/2012 08:40PM

Well, if all of those big fish from WalliDave's report are his, then he would have:

29.5 Walleye x 2 = 59
20.5 Smallie x 3 = 61.5
37 Pike x 1.5 = 55.5

176 total.

That's just a little better than Queticomike @

24 Walleye x 2 = 48
21 Smallie x 3 = 63
41 Pike x 1.5 = 61.5

172.5

The Q is kicking butt over the bdub right now.

Nice fish. Very impressive total Dave, unless one or two of those are your sons.

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Wallidave

06/23/2012 08:50PM

quote analyzer: "Well, if all of those big fish from WalliDave's report are his, then he would have:

29.5 Walleye x 2 = 59
20.5 Smallie x 3 = 61.5
37 Pike x 1.5 = 55.5

176 total.

That's just a little better than Queticomike @

24 Walleye x 2 = 48
21 Smallie x 3 = 63
41 Pike x 1.5 = 61.5

172.5

The Q is kicking butt over the bdub right now.

Nice fish. Very impressive total Dave, unless one or two of those are your sons.
"

Yep those are mine I mentioned with the sizes....My son did catch the biggest pike at 1 inch bigger right before the big storm...and also the biggest smallie a hair bigger then mine. He also had 3 nice fish in twenty minutes on day 1 before I could wet a line and out totaled me that day:) His biggest walleye was 24. Oh yeah, he also caught two other species a rock bass and snagged a perch.

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housty9

08/07/2012 01:06PM

Are there any entries yet, need to know how hard i have to fish in October.

our we there yet

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housty9

08/07/2012 01:06PM

Are there any entries yet, need to know how hard i have to fish in October.

our we there yet

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Ingvald

08/07/2012 03:50PM

If there is a youth division my 14 yo son got this on Phoebe last week:

18" walleye (charlie worm)= 36
16" bass (charlie worm)= 48
33" pike (custom spinner)= 49.5

Total = 133.5

Honesty is my only excuse.

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housty9

08/08/2012 08:09AM

quote Ingvald: "If there is a youth division my 14 yo son got this on Phoebe last week:

18" walleye (charlie worm)= 36
16" bass (charlie worm)= 48
33" pike (custom spinner)= 49.5

Total = 133.5" Looks like he had fun, we need more entries, let go fisherman.

our we there yet

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Goby

08/08/2012 11:52AM

15 more days I'll be starting to compete :)

Tight Lines

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housty9

08/08/2012 01:31PM

quote Goby: "15 more days I'll be starting to compete :)" Let us know how you did, and have lots of fun and lots of big fish.

our we there yet

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housty9

08/08/2012 01:35PM

And wheres all the fishermen or women.

our we there yet

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Wallidave

08/08/2012 02:20PM

Here's the photos of the biggest ones from my other post.

29.5" walleye

20.5" smallmouth

37" Pike

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housty9

08/09/2012 08:07AM

Nice walleye wallidave might have a hard time beating that one.

our we there yet

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Kawishiwashy

08/20/2012 11:37AM

Just got back from an Ensign to Snowbank loop with my wife, 10 year old and 8 year old boys. We went through a pound of leeches in 4 days and my wife and 10 year old don't fish!! The following is an entry for my 8 year old:

20.5" Smallie
19" Walleye
28" Northern

For a 141.5 Total. I'll submit pic's tomorrow.

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housty9

08/20/2012 01:36PM

quote Kawishiwashy: "Just got back from an Ensign to Snowbank loop with my wife, 10 year old and 8 year old boys. We went through a pound of leeches in 4 days and my wife and 10 year old don't fish!! The following is an entry for my 8 year old:

20.5" Smallie
19" Walleye
28" Northern

For a 141.5 Total. I'll submit pic's tomorrow." Looks like your son had some fun.

our we there yet

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Chilly

08/20/2012 08:46PM

We only had 1 day to fish on our Spring trip but Josh and I caught a:

42" Northern = 63
19.5" LMB = 58.5
16" SMB = 48

170.5 total, not bad for a days work. I caught the jackfish and Josh caught the nice large and small mouth bass tho.

"Now days these kids take out everything: radar, sonar, electric toothbrushs" Quint

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Basspro69

08/20/2012 09:13PM

How long does this contest go, I couldnt really join in July because I wasnt fishing in a canoe, but I have a chance for a fall trip, is it just limited to Pike walleye and smallies .

" I want to know Gods thoughts , The rest are details " Albert Einstein.

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housty9

08/21/2012 08:02AM

I think lakers to, from the top post

our we there yet

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Basspro69

08/21/2012 03:17PM

quote housty9: "I think lakers to, from the top post" Thanks

" I want to know Gods thoughts , The rest are details " Albert Einstein.

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24kGold

08/21/2012 10:06PM

Just got back from from Saganagons a couple of weeks ago. Great trip...numbers weren't large but the fish we caught were. We caught lots of 20 inch smallies.

21.25" Smallie
25" Walleye
28" Northern

"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." Red Green

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housty9

08/22/2012 07:59AM

quote 24kGold: "Just got back from from Saganagons a couple of weeks ago. Great trip...numbers weren't large but the fish we caught were. We caught lots of 20 inch smallies.

21.25" Smallie
25" Walleye
28" Northern

" Very nice bass, hope i get in to some of them in October.

our we there yet

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Kawishiwashy

08/23/2012 10:01AM

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fitgers1

08/23/2012 10:54AM

I'm out. Two trips so far this summer and I have caught nothing but small walleyes, smallies and northerns. Throw some panfish in with that mix as well.
Nothing was large enough to enter the sizes in this contest. There were some nice 'eyes the first trip and nice smallies the second but no winners.
Going back this fall so maybe I'll catch the world record walleye then.

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” Ralph Waldo Emerson...and...“Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading".

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schweady

08/23/2012 12:27PM

Same here - 2 trips, lots of nice eaters but no contest-worthy catches. A nice, fat 18.5 inch walleye won the top prize last week. And that northern had a 6.5 inch bluegill that it had apparently inhaled whole just before hitting my Rap.

"You can observe a lot by watching." -- Yogi Berra

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housty9

08/23/2012 01:03PM

Hopefully the big ones will bite in October.

our we there yet

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fishonfishoff

08/26/2012 07:53PM

We will be entering the contest in 6 1/2 days. Can't wait!!!!

"JUST TRY IT!"

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naturboy12

08/27/2012 09:32AM

Well I ran the numbers just for fun, and because of one unexpected big catch, I did better than expected:

40.5" pike = 60.75
18" walleye= 36
19" smallmouth= 57

Total= 153.75

Pics below- I was solo when I caught the smallie, the pike as well. With the pike, I wanted to get it in the water as quick as I could after rowing it to shore. That is a 27" pike above it in the picture for size reference.

Proud member of the B.I.G. L.I.A.R.S since 2008

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analyzer

08/27/2012 11:28PM

quote Basspro69: "How long does this contest go, I couldnt really join in July because I wasnt fishing in a canoe, but I have a chance for a fall trip, is it just limited to Pike walleye and smallies ."

Until Hard Ice.

It's nice to see some entries coming in.

I really need to go on a trip to Q with walleye dave.

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analyzer

08/27/2012 11:29PM

quote Basspro69: "How long does this contest go, I couldnt really join in July because I wasnt fishing in a canoe, but I have a chance for a fall trip, is it just limited to Pike walleye and smallies ."

Oh, and there are 4 categories:

SMB x 3
Walleye x 2
Lakers x 2
Pike x 1.5

Your largest in each category, count 3 of the 4. (one score gets thrown out).

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analyzer

08/27/2012 11:33PM

quote Kawishiwashy: "quote Kawishiwashy: "Just got back from an Ensign to Snowbank loop with my wife, 10 year old and 8 year old boys. We went through a pound of leeches in 4 days and my wife and 10 year old don't fish!! The following is an entry for my 8 year old:

20.5" Smallie
19" Walleye
28" Northern

For a 141.5 Total. I'll submit pic's tomorrow."

Here are the pics of the fish... "

Nice Bass. That's a beast. Nice smile too : )~ That's worth the price of admission.

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analyzer

08/27/2012 11:39PM

quote Chilly: "We only had 1 day to fish on our Spring trip but Josh and I caught a:

42" Northern = 63
19.5" LMB = 58.5
16" SMB = 48

170.5 total, not bad for a days work. I caught the jackfish and Josh caught the nice large and small mouth bass tho.

"

fYI, that's 169.5. For those who are questioning this, no, we aren't counting LMB's, and yes, an individual has to catch all 3, not two people in combination, but chilly is aware of all that. He's just mentioning a remarkable day of fishing.

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realandrea

08/28/2012 07:37PM

13" Smallie= 39
14" Pike= 21
25" Laker= 50

110 Total. Well maybe there is a trophy for last place...

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analyzer

08/28/2012 10:39PM

quote realandrea: "

13" Smallie= 39
14" Pike= 21
25" Laker= 50

110 Total. Well maybe there is a trophy for last place..."

At least you caught 3 species. i don't think mine was much better. I caught 3 dozen fish this year, and not one over 2 lbs. I doubt I was over 120. But I'd trade my 120 for you 110, if I could catch a laker. I've never had the pleasure.

I'm strongly considering my first Q trip next year. I don't know the first thing about the regs/RABC's etc. But it would be fun to go see Argo and Burt and some of the other places I've read about.... and catch my first laker.

I think I'm going to stow away in walleyeDave's gear bag.

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housty9

08/29/2012 07:55AM

One of these trips I'm going to try the lakers, I'd like to try Thomas Wife's uncle has caught some nice ones there.

our we there yet

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Wallidave

08/30/2012 03:19PM

quote analyzer: "quote realandrea: "

I think I'm going to stow away in walleyeDave's gear bag."

lol...you could probably fit in there to...I caught my first two Lakers between Hook Island and Cache Point as I farted around trolling mindlessly over the abyss on our way to the ranger station.

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fishonfishoff

08/31/2012 02:07PM

Look out!! Leaving in 11 hours.16 hour drive to Tuscarora. Will be hammering the fish all week. Actually just hoping we can catch some lakers or brook trout. Maybe we will stray from our base area and get into the other three fish in the contest. Couldn't sleep the last three nights due to the anticipation.

"JUST TRY IT!"

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housty9

08/31/2012 02:38PM

quote fishonfishoff: "Look out!! Leaving in 11 hours.16 hour drive to Tuscarora. Will be hammering the fish all week. Actually just hoping we can catch some lakers or brook trout. Maybe we will stray from our base area and get into the other three fish in the contest. Couldn't sleep the last three nights due to the anticipation." Good luck and save some for me.

our we there yet

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wolfpack21

10/29/2012 07:11PM

This is unofficial, (due to the loss of my trip pictures, although I do still have video of all the pike) but I thought I'd add it for the story.

41.75" Pike on an HJ12 husky jerk
27" Walleye on a deep down husky jerk
18.75" Smalley on a blue/silver rattletrap.

=172.86.

I was with 3 other guys in late June. We paddled for 14 hours on the first day. Too excited to begin fishing I guess, we somehow put in at the wrong site, thought we could take a shortcut and portage a swamp area that looked small on the map but took 3 hours, the last half of which was miserable thigh high swamp mud and mosquitoes. To our credit we had planned a long first day paddle, and we didn't miss our entry point by much, but the poor shortcut decision made things a bit harder. We'll never again let Peter be the map guy.

We began fishing the second day. Lots of smaller fish, but I got the nice smallmouth and the 27" walleye, and Dan pulled a 30" walleye out of the same bay about 30 minutes after mine. The next day we went searching for pike. The four of us fished until 1pm with no luck. Not even one fish. Between 1pm and 5pm we caught 4 pike from 22-26. It was 85 and sunny all day, we were baking out there, and with only 4 fish to our party of 4, (with two of our guys skunked-not even any bass!) we almost decided on heading back to camp. Luckily, one of the guys with no fish to his name talked us into sticking it out for the evening. We beached the canoes, fried up a little shore lunch/dinner, relaxed for a bit, then got back out on the water.

Within 30 minutes I hooked onto a nice pike. We used both canoes to land her, and she came in at 40.5". Biggest pike I've ever caught! We took a while to get some water through her gills and send her swimming, and then on my VERY NEXT CAST after catching and reviving the gator pike, I hooked onto another. It ended up being 41.75" and that was the NEW biggest pike I've ever caught!!! I know what you are thinking and no, we were positive that it was not the same fish. Aside from the difference in length, the second pike was quite a bit fatter, and no hook marks could be found.

After watching my 2nd fish swim down deep, I passed the magic lure to my buddy Peter sitting in the stern who hadn't had a fish on all day. Lo and behold, 20 minutes later, he hooks into another big northern, it stayed down for a long time, but we got it in the boat and it measured a bit over 40"!!! It was also the biggest pike he had ever caught. For a recap, that's a 41.75", a 40.5" and a 40" pike in one canoe, within one hour, each on video. As we were reviving the third pike, all the while I'm saying "I've never seen anything like this in my life," my friend Kevin in the canoe next to us hooks into a pike that ended up measuring 35". All were released, but the problem with only catching those big fish is that you've got nothing for dinner! We were left with red beans and rice.

We had a couple more bite-offs/line breaks but no more fish that evening. I've seen the bite turn on with smaller fish but I've never experienced anything like that. Guess we were in the right place at the right time. I'm only 25, but I'll be surprised if I ever see anything like that again. BWCA/Quetico is an awesome place.

Tight lines friends.

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Basspro69

10/30/2012 03:01PM

Thats what you call a great day. Sometimes big fish travel in loose packs and are drawn to certain areas because of food or reproducing, it sounds like you were definitely in the right place and right time and made some great memories .

" I want to know Gods thoughts , The rest are details " Albert Einstein.

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analyzer

10/31/2012 09:44PM

Amazing story wolfpack. Those are tremendous fish, and a life time trophy by almost any standard. Days like those are what keeps me going out.

I once witnessed a day like that by my brother. We used to go up to Upper Red Lake the last week of may or first week of June, during the great Crappie Boom. It was also a great Pike boom too. Johnny Petrowski of URL, calls them Red Octobers. My brother Jeff, never took much interest in the crappies; he was always casting something about that size, for the pike, and on one occasion, it paid off in spades. I think he caught 14 pike that day, give or take, seems like one for each inch. 35,36,37,38,39. As I recall there were 5 over 10lbs, with the biggest somewhere in the 15-16lb range. Another later trip he caught one that was 42 1/2, and somewhere around 20lbs, but while it was huge, it didn't really compare in excitement, to the rapid succession, beast after beast on that previous trip. We actually had two 8lb'ers in the net at the same time. That was pretty cool.

Your experience reminds me of that day, and brings a smile to my face. My brother is a tad strange when it comes to fish, and I'll never forget him giving those 10-15lb fish a bear hug on his sweater as I snapped one picture after another. Both impressive, and Yukky, all at the same time.

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analyzer

10/31/2012 09:55PM

Ps. 172.86 puts you in some rare company. I've come to realize I'll probably never see a number like that.

I don't know that I'll crown an "OFFICIAL" champion this year. Most didn't follow the directions per se, as it has proven challenging to get good pictures with a tape measure, in a canoe, with a flopping fish, and still get her back in the water in good shape.

Unofficially, that puts you right between Walleye Dave (176), and Quetico Mike(172.5). Fantastic numbers, and great story. Thanks.

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