LAKE GOGEBIC ICE FISHING TOURNAMENT 2017
Lake Gogebic Iceman Tournament Promotes Catch N Release
The Lake Gogebic “Iceman” tournament took place Jan 28-29 on Lake Gogebic. More than 150 anglers tested their skills on Lake Gogebic in an attempt to bring in the biggest fish. Anglers from the local community were joined by participants from Ironwood to Iron River, Baraga, Lanse, Green Bay and Marquette.
Bringing in 1st place with a 29.5”, 10.6 8 lb. Walleye was 14 year old Hunter Kraft from Baraga. “It was one of the most beautiful fish I’ve ever seen”, stated Jim Eismueller of the Walleye Lodge. What was even more beautiful was the fact that as soon as she was weighed and measured, Hunter was eager to get that fish released back to the lake. “We immediately cleared out one of our bait tanks and put the Walleye in the tank while Hunter and his dad got their sled ready to take her back.” “One of the most touching sights I’ve ever witnessed was watching Hunter holding the cooler that carried his fish while his dad drove the sled back out to their hole for a successful release”, said Eismueller. That young man is a such a fine testament to this sport. While that was a highlight of the tournament, there were also several other great catches that weekend. Wakefield resident Bruce Perttula brought in a 26”, 6.148 lb. Walleye and 16 year old Ryon Alloway of Crandon, WI received 3rd place with his 26 ¼” 6.1 lb. Walleye.
The 1st Place perch was awarded to Austin Scott who landed himself a 14.5” Perch. 2nd Place went to Nate Bouvette from Marenesco and 3rd Place Perch went to Ron Egeler. The largest Northern went to Shawn Clement of Marenesco with his monster 35 ¼” Northern.
The Youth Division, sponsored by Lawrence Hash and Prophaze Electric, was an equally active group. First Place Walleye went to Hunter VanZile of Mole Lake, Wisconsin, 2nd Place Walleye went to Miah Newport and 3rd Place Walleye went to Malia Newport of Minocqua. First place Perch went to Kayden Erickson and 2nd Place Perch went to Max Smith.
The tournament party took place at Fishtales where guests were treated to a pulled pork buffet cooked up by Jim Eismueller of the Walleye Lodge and Chef Jed of Fishtales. There were lots of great prizes given away – many of which were donated by local area businesses! It was a great event and a great time was had by all. The Walleye Lodge would like to thank the owners and staff at Fishtales as well as all the local businesses that supported this event. Special thanks go out to Maggie Brown, Mary Hintze, Lisa Robinson Nordine and Melissa LaGrange!
We are proud to host this event to create some great fishing memories and friendships that will last a lifetime and we’ve already started making plans for our “Father’s Day Weekend Bass” catch and release Bass tournament to take place over Father’s Day weekend! For more information – log on to www.walleyelodge.com.
