The Official Publication of the Fresh WaterFishing Hallof Fame

VOL. 36NO. 2Spring 2012

Inside:

From theDirector's Desk byEmmett Brown, page 2

Spring Crappiesby Ted Takasaki,page 5

Catfishing by DanGapen, Sr., page 6

Location,Location, Locationby Bill Siemantel,page 7

Father and SonFishing byKenneth Kieser,page 8

Are the FishBiting? by Leon“Buckshot”Anderson, page 9

Family Fun at theFishing Hall of Fame!

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e-mail: fishhall@cheqnet.net

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• Recognition of World Fresh WaterSportfishing Records

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Excellence in Sportfishing• Educational Museum of Sportfishing

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

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

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Executive Board of Directors

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

Professional and Volunteer Staff

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

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Fishing Hall of Fame, Inc.

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From the

Director’s Deskby Emmett Brown

April 25, 2012

It's official now, we did not have the “brutal” winter that was forecastedby the National Weather Service last fall. In fact, our 2011/2012northwoods winter was the mildest on record. Most of our lakes havebeen ice free since March 25th. This is another record of sorts. All thisbeing said, Mother Nature has a way of either catching up or slowingthings down. Bottom line, it still gets hot in the summer, the leaves fallin autumn and it gets cold in the winter.

I am very excited about this year's raffle as it is something we havenever done before. How would you like to drive a 2012 Toyota Tacoma4x4 pick-up truck for one year for just $10 or $20? Please go to ourwebsite and get your chances today at www.freshwater-fishing.org. Justclick on the 2012 Mega Raffle icon and follow the prompts.Unfortunately, the State of Wisconsin will no longer allow usto send raffle tickets through the mail, so our website will be the onlysource of sales for many of you. Of course, we will always have ticketsavailable at our location in Hayward, Wisconsin throughout the season. Ialso have a very special request to make to all of our special membersand supporters. In the past, we have always sent two (2) packets oftickets to you. Many of you have always bought both booklets or cards.If your budget still allows it, I hope you will continue to do so on-line aswell. Thank you for your support.

The doors to our museum opened ten (10) days ago and visitor traffichas been good. Our grass is green and the perennials in our gardens arealready starting to sprout. In fact, we have already had to cut the grasstwice. Spring is indeed here! Time for everyone to get out fishing andbreak a few records. You may not break a record, but you will have thetime of your life trying.

See you on the water.

Regards,

Emmett A. Brown, Jr.Executive Director

Hall Awards Are Presented

Retired Hall executive director Ted Dzialo (center) is presented his Enshrinement plaquefor 2012 on October 31, 2011 at the Hall's 4th Quarter executive board meeting inHayward, Wisconsin. On behalf of the Award Committee, Mike Dombeck (right) presentedthe award to Ted. On Ted's left is the current exective director Emmett Brown.Congratulations Ted!

Hall Legendary Angler Bill Siemantel (left) of the Big BassZone presents George Kramer with his LegendaryCommincator induction plaque for 2012 at the Fred HallLong Beach, California Sport Show on March 8, 2012.Thank you Bill and a much deserved honor for George.

Past Hall honorees gather around Enshrinee Steve Baumann and Legendary Anglers Duaneand John Peterson for 2012 on March 31, 2012 at the Northwest Sport Show inMinneapolis, Minnesota. Back row (left to right): Larry Bollig; Marv Koep; Jim Kalkofen; RonSchara; Randy Amenrud; Ted Takasaki and Dave Genz. Middle row (left to right); MarkFisher and Keith Kavajecz. Front row (left to right): Dick "The Griz" Gryzwinski; Ted Capra;Duane Peterson, Steve Baumann; John Peterson and Gary Roach. Congratulations to all. Ahuge thanks to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and especially toJennifer Thompson.

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Emmett Brown (right) accepts a $200 donation from TomChristianson. Annually, Tom contributes a portion of hisfishing guide fees to the Hall. It is very much appreciated.Thank you, Tom!

Hall executive director Emmett Brown (center) inductsLegendary Anglers Duane Peterson (left) and JohnPeterson of the Northland Fishing Tackle Company at theNorthwest Sport Show in Minneapolis, Minnesota onMarch 31st.

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Hall Awards Are Presented

Frank Moore, Fresh Water Fishing Hall ofFame Enshrinee, prominent outdoorsman, flyfisher and G.Loomis Pro-staffer for overtwenty years was awarded “Chevalier” in theLegion of Honor, Frances highest militaryaward, in a brief ceremony in front of over300 guests in Roseburg, Oregon onWednesday, November 9, 2011. Moore wasone of the GI’s that landed on, fought andsurvived the invasion of Normandy. Hefought in the Battle of the Bulge and manyother famous conflicts.

In a letter from Francois Delattre, arepresentative for the French Government,Moore all was explained. It read… “I ampleased to inform you that by decree ofPresident Sarkozy on September 16, 2011, youhave been appointed a "Chevalier" of theLegion of Honor.

This award testifies to President Sarkozy'shigh esteem for your merits andaccomplishments. In particular, it is a sign ofFrance's infinite gratitude and appreciation foryour personal and precious contribution tothe United States' decisive role in theliberation of our country during World War II.

The Legion of Honor was created by Napoleonin 1802 to acknowledge services rendered toFrance by persons of great merit. The Frenchpeople will never forget your courage andyour devotion to the great cause of freedom.

It is a great pleasure for me to convey to youour sincere and warm congratulations.

In order to determine the means of bestowingthe insignia upon you, please contact ourGeneral Consulate in San Francisco. Naturally,I remain at your disposal in this regard.”

Moore, 87, lives on the upper reaches of theNorth Umpqua River with his wife of over 60years, Jeannie. He opened up the worldfamous Steamboat Inn back in 1957…hosting many famous people includingpresidents, actors and other famous flyfishers.

Frank has always been a dedicated freshwater fly fisherman of high ethical standards.He has been the leader in maintaining theNorth Umpqua as a pristine fly fisherman’sdream. They say you are known by yourfriends. Frank has always been surroundedby many famous fishermen and women whoare proud to call him friend.

He has achieved a number of honorsincluding, the 1970 National WildlifeFederation Conservationist of the Year awardfrom the Sears & Roebuck Foundation for his

work on the protection of steelhead andsalmon streams. He was instrumental in themaking and distribution of the film “PassCreek,” which changed the way logging wascarried out along streams in Oregon. He wasnamed Federation of Fly FishersConservationist of the year 2003.

In 2006, he and wife Jeannie were namedCitizens of the Year in Glide, Oregon, for theirwork in preserving North Umpqua River.Frank is one of two Honorary Members of the

Wild Steelhead Coalition. He was on theOregon State Fish and Game Commissionmember for many years and served on theOregon State Water Board member for 4years.

All of us here at G.Loomis owe Frank a debtof gratitude for his undying support andloyalty over the years. He is truly a memberof our team and our family. We are all veryproud of him and even prouder to call himFriend!! –Bruce Holt, G.Loomis

We’ll Miss You!

Longtime Hall Awards Committee member and supporter BurtSteinburg "embraced a more merciful life on Friday, February 24,2012 after a long battle with kidney disease."

Burt had been a fixture in the sporting goods industry since theearly 1950's. Burt served in many working and honorary postionswithin the industry he loved so well. Burt truly will be missed!

Did You Know?

Did you know that most corporations and companies have a program whereby they will matchthe donations their employees make to charitable organizations? Often times they match, on aone hundred percent basis, these donations. Usually, the employee is able to designate whichcharitable organization these matching funds go. Please go to your Human Resourcesdepartment today and inquire about this program and designate the Fresh Water Fishing Hallof Fame. All you will need is the Hall's FEIN, which we will supply upon request. If youremployer does not have a program in place, ask them why not? The Hall is a 501(c)3 non-profitorganization. Thank you for considering this option.

Frank Moore on left.

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hen north woods guide, GregBohn, fishes for crappies in thespringtime, all he needs is aboat equipped with a

Humminbird sonar/temperature gauge and aThill slip bobber.

“Water temperature is the key. It’s the drivingforce of where crappies are going to be thatday,” said Bohn. “They don’t care aboutfood… nothing but warm water.”

That fact holds true whether it’s a reservoiror a natural lake, he said. A difference in adegree or two is all it takes to hold crappiesby the bushel or none at all.

As for slip bobbers, Bohn has been known asMr. Slip Bobber for perfecting one of themost used and least understood methods tocatch a wide variety of fish, includingcrappies and walleyes. He authored (withScott Richardson) the book “Mastering theArt of Slip Bobbering: The Deadliest Methodfor Walleye!” which is in its fifth printing.

Bohn knows from experience there may beno crappies on a main-lake point, but motorback into an adjacent bay as far as you caninto shallow water and there they’ll be. Youmight be able to even see them with a goodpair of sunglasses. The difference from one

spot to the other is that shallow, protectedwater warms faster. Add a breeze blowingwarm surface water into the bay and theeffect is even more phenomenal. They mightnot bite when the surface is calm, but let thewind rough it up and action can becomefurious, he said.

This pattern holds true from the time waterreaches about 45 degrees until it hits the 60-degree mark, he said. Maybe instinct tellsthem to search out the warmth to lay theireggs. They aren’t talking. But be confident,warmer water is the place to start.

Standing timber in the water accelerates theprocess. Water may be colder than you’dexpect but the sun warms this wood whichwarms the water surrounding it. Bohn lovesto check out stump fields in the back of baysat this time of year.

He also stumbled on another fact. Whilefishing the shallow water surrounding astump field, he saw crappies on the screenright below him in slightly deeper water 6 to7 feet down. Slip bobbers next to the boatstarted catching them, too. The lesson – notall of the fish are at the same stage in thereproduction cycle all at one time. Some areshallow, and some are holding deeperwaiting for their right time.

“Crappies can show up in the mostunexpected places,” he said. “It was really anawakening and I learned something that day.I was having action in the shallows and bythe boat. They were more aggressive by thestumps where the water was warmer. Theywere defending and protecting their nests.

But the really big ones were in the deeperwater.”

No stumps? No problem. Look for shallow,protected water with wood of any kind. Brushpiles. Blow downs. Any wood above water towarm can transfer heat beneath the surface.The result will be the same -crappies fordinner. In reservoirs, the best bays will beclosest to the points that reach to the mainchannel. They won’t go from one end of thelake or reservoir to the other in search ofwarm water, but they’ll find the warm waterin the area of the lake they’re in. The heat iswhat they want.

Bohn has devised a perfect slip bobber rigthat is sensitive to the lightest of bites whileallowing an angler to target exactly the depththey want without hassle.

Bohn’s design starts with a bobber stopmade out of thread to avoid line damage. Thetags of the knot are carefully tightened andtrimmed to 1 inch. The bead is made of redglass so it slides easily and can be seen froma distance. The bobber can be eitherweighted or unweighted, which dependsupon whether he’s casting into wind or not. Abarrel swivel is added to the line, then amonofilament leader. A rubber core sinkermidway on the leader is added to balance therig. Don’t twist the rubber to secure theweight. Just slide the line behind the core.That way, it will slide and free itself if it getshung up in the wood.

Lindy Fishing Tackle has assembled Bohn’scomponents into the Thill Pro Series Floatsor Rigs that have everything you needincluding a tiny flicker blade. It flashes in thesun as the crappie-sized minnow hookedbehind the dorsal fin swims beneath thebobber or as the wind creates wave action.Always make sure to use fresh bait.

Stick with a small minnow early in theseason. Try small plastic baits, like the LindyDancin’ Crappie Tube Jig (designed by BillDance) as water warms into the mid to upper50s. If state law allows, set out the slipbobbers and use another rod with a Dancin’Crappie Spin Jig to cast the area and covermore water.

If action stops, give the spot a rest and gofind another. Return later for more fish. Youmay have a milk run of several spots by theend of the day. Move from one spot to thenext.

Crappies in the livewell – there’s no betterway to warm up to spring than that.

Dancin’ for More Crappies By Legendary Angler Ted Takasaki and Scott Richardson

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Hall of Famer Ted Takasaki with a dandyspringtime crappie caught using the systemdescribed in this article. Mr. Slip Bobber, GregBohn, outlines what you need to know to findand catch crappies as they seek warmer waterin the spring.

Ted Takasaki

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Red Balls and Cats By Legendary Angler Dan Gapen, Sr.

he spring sun felt warm but floatingice and snow banks continued to bea part of the Mississippi River.Water temperature would register

48 degrees on my wall thermometer once Ithrust it under the surface.

As we approached the big river, Iremembered a statement made earlier in thefall.

“Dan, I’m telling you those Red Balls attractall fish when you place one on the rear trebleof a crankbait,” came a startling statementfrom Richard Burton of Chicago, Illinois.

It was ‘Bobber’ Anne who gently launched the15 foot jonboat down the icy cement boatramp on the Mississippi River. The two of ushad come to attempt to film underwatervideo of walleye and bass striking a Flub Dubcrankbait. The footage was necessary for aTV show we were finishing up.

“Anne, let’s both use the same orange-colored lure but I want to put a Red Ball onmine to attempt to prove or disprove Richie’sclaim that anise-scented Red Balls™ willproduce more strikes on a crank than onewithout a scenting device. Richard sworethese small red-scented eggs were seeing 2to 4 times better results on his crankbaitwhen used for walleye and bass.

It was nice to hear, but I had my doubts.We’d never tested the Red Balls in such away. Our testing had only been done onwinter jigs for perch, bluegill and walleye. Onthese species the field-testing had proven agreat success.

With chunks of ice floating down the riverand snow on the banks still visible in theshady areas we began our troll. Five minutesinto the troll my MarCum monitor showed afish following, then striking my Flub Dub.

Setting the hook I made the comment, “Anne,this fish looked like a catfish.” But thatcouldn’t be, water temperature is only 48

a change in plans. Anne would fit hercrankbait with the Red Ball anise-scentedegg and I’d remove mine.

Yup, you guessed it! Anne took the next fourfish, all catfish. Not only did we prove thisnew scenting device work but it did so undertough conditions on a species we’d nottargeted. The question which arose that daywas, “would the anise egg work on bass,walleye and other gamefish when used on acrankbait? This was proved a success laterduring seven months of testing. Theconservative conclusion was that ourscenting device improved catch 2 to 4 timeswhen placed on any crank bait used for mostgamefish species.

Questions remain to be proven out this year.Is it the anise scent of the Red Ball thattriggers the strike or is it the red color ormaybe the round egg shape that makes itwork? All fish species feed on eggs at sometime in their lifetime.

I’m sure, if it does continue to work as wellas we’ve proved it these past two years we’llsee our Red Ball copied by others.

About The Author: Dan Gapen, Sr. hasmanaged a small tackle manufacturingcompany in Minnesota under his family’sname, is the author of 26 books, numerousarticles in countless magazines and papers aswell as being part of a family who haspioneered the early days of our fishing world.His father, Don Gapen, created the worldfamous Muddler Fly. The Gapen Company hasbeen here for 75 years. He is also a memberof the Fishing Hall of Fame!

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The Ol’ Man catches a nice-sized catfish on aFlub Dub with a Red Ball scenter attached to it.Red Ball scenter on a Flub Dub crankbait.

degrees and cats don’t feed in suchtemperatures unless the food targeted isdormant on the bottom. At the moment I wastrolling a minnow-like stick plug with asparkling holograph spinner on it.

But, on the rear treble I’d had our newscenting device, The Red Ball™.

With the rolling fight of a channel catfish myfirst fish came to net--a 4-1/2 pound catfish.This couldn’t be, the water was too cold!

Anne challenged me to do it again and I didwith a 1-1/2 pound channel cat ten minuteslater. Then two more within the next 15minutes, one about the size of the first oneand one about 3 pounds.

At this point Anne’s unscented Flub Dubhadn’t produced a single strike. Maybe therewas something to Richie’s suggestion.

“Dan, maybe it’s the side of the boat you’retrolling on. Let’s switch,” commented myfishing partner. I complied for the sake ofresearch and harmony in the boat.

So far no bass and no walleye--our targetedspecies.

Three more for me on the other side of theboat prompted the comment, “Fish hog,” and

Dan Gapen, Sr.

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Breaking Down Location, Location, Location By Legendary Angler Bill Siemantel

2. Second Location- This is the time you useyour eyeballs or turn on your new LowranceHDS 10 and find the TMB (top, middle, orbottom) of the water column where the fish areholding. I know this is simple right? Well I stillsee a lot of guys out there that miss this one.This is also the time to understand themechanics of the tools you are comfortablewith and their capabilities of working throughdifferent zones of the water columns.

3. Third Location- Here is the final key that willunlock the door you have been pounding on foryears and this is the critical piece of the puzzlethat is totally missed by so many angler's. Thefinal location is the place you make your stand.Yeah, that's right, it is the position you placeyourself at and the angle that you will retrieveyour tool (lure) that will cross paths with thefish and create the funnel into a commitmentzone. No matter if you are standing on theshore, maneuvering on the trolling motor,sticking your Power-Poles in the mud, winddrifting the inside edge of a grass flat, oranchored up in 50' of water, "Your Location" isalways the key to putting the LLL into perfectharmony and finding yourself plugged rightinto the heart of the Big Bass Zone.

If you follow what I've explained so far aboutthe LLL, then read on as we pull it all togethernext. There are four actors in each fishingscene and each of the four has its own LLL.

Player 1: This is always the quarry you are after(bass, trout, striper, catfish)a. What piece of structure/cover are they on?b. Where are they in the water; TMB (top,

middle, bottom)?c. Where is their funnel (their dinner plate)?

Player 2: This is the natural prey we would findwithin the water system (crawdads, shad, trout,blueback herring, bluegills, sculpins, frogs,etc.).a. What piece of structure/cover are they

around ?b. Where are their TMB?c. Side note on this one, we are not looking at

f you were ever in the market to buy anew home one of the first things out ofthe real estate agents mouth would be"location, location, location". The words

rang clear to me within the last two years afterbuying another home big enough for all the toysI have collected in the past 35 years. Now Ihave talked to quite a few real estate agents inmy time and they will try to explain to you whatthe LLL means. Are you close to freewayaccess, close to school if you have kids, time ittakes to get to work, good neighbors, awayfrom busy streets or free ways and so on. So Iwould gather "location is important because itis the greatest deter mining factor in value forthat individuals needs". Now that being said,does the LLL have any type of impact to findingand catch ing fish? Is there a format or templatethat one can use to find their path into theworld of the Big Bass Zone using the LLL? Yesthere is and I have put together a step by stepsystem with the basic break down of the LLLand I have been using this system all the wayback to the days I walked the shores of Castaiclake as a kid.

Now before I start to break down the LLL I amgoing to have to take a shot at a number of TVpersonalities, Elite Series Pros, columnists andweekend anglers. Yep, you guys don't get iteither. As a kid I would watch, listen and readall of your explanations of the LLL and the moreI did, the more I felt that there was somethingmissing. I know that when all of you say, "youmust find the location, location, location and itwill be the key to your success on the water”OK, is that it? Well that hasn't told me a damnthing and saying things like the LLL may soundcool to you, it confuses the hell out of me. So ifyou are going to try to paint a picture withwords, take the time and understand what youare saying and fill it will as much color aspossible. Nuff said there.

OK, here it comes and the real meaning is sosimple, yet so misunderstood or totally missedby most anglers.

1. First Location- This is the starting point ofthe structure/cover element in any body ofwater. Points, humps, ridges, creek channelsand flats; these are the 5 basic areas to start.Wood, rocks, grass, trees and brush are thecover elements you would add to thesestructure areas. Each area may change duringseasonal times of years, but this is the firststep. I know you may be asking about otherstructure/cover elements like bowls, bays,washes (structure), mud lines, docks, baitfish(cover) but this is the basic format to find “Key”structure/cover and with time on the wateryour areas will expand.

Icatching this forage, “they are the prey”.Can our location influence the prey’smovement? Using your trolling motor topush shad out of a cove, using your bigmotor over grass flat to stir up trout orbluegills or maybe dragging your Power-Poles along shallow flats with rock and mudto active crawdads and sculpin movement.

Player 3: This is your artificial prey (tools/lures) understanding what each of your toolscan do at all water levels is just as important asfinding the fish. Learn your tools, don't be one!a. What is the best tool for the structure/cover

you are going to fish around?b. Can the tool you choose work the proper

depth within the TMB?c. As your tool comes into the funnel (angle)

can it do directional changes or finish outthe cast without getting stuck? One toolmay work better depending on where youare trying to have the bass commit to yourbait.

Player 4: Now here is where you put it alltogether and the LLL system takes over. Nowour LLL lays out a little different but it is thesystem you must follow. a. Where are you going to fish? Lake, stream,

river, ocean, pond?b. Our platform to pursue the fish, boat, shore,

float tube, kayak, rowboat, etc.Mobility, critical part of the final location to beable to place ourselves for the money shot.

Things can get pretty explosive when all fourplayers LLL are understood, identified andaligned to your advantage. You may even useyour location to shift or push the location of thenatural prey out more towards the final locationof the predators and trigger a feeding frenzythat wouldn't have happened otherwise. Onceyou understand the dynamics of doing that, youcan do it all day long. Remember that the wordswe speak should have meaning and give usdirection to a common goal and that is to catchmore fish.

That's enough food for thought for this time.Hopefully location, location, location meansmuch more to you from now on than it didbefore you turned to this page. I'm BillSiemantel and we're “Keeping it in the BBZ”.

Bill Siemantel’s Accomplishments: 2009 Fresh WaterFishing Hall of Fame, Co-author Big Bass Zone (BBZ- thebook), Bassmaster tournament winner, lure designer andInventor, fishing educator and trophy hunter.

Bill Siemantel is sponsored by: Basscat Boats, Motorguide,Spro/Gamakatsu, Lamiglas Rods, Maxima Fishing Line,Shimano Fishing Reels, Robo Worms, Team Davies DropShot, Team Liftoff, Pro’s Soft Bait Glue, Peregrine 250,WileyX eyewear, Lowrance, www.wired2fish.com,theBBZ.com.

Bill Siemantel

8

Fathers and Sons on the White River By Legendary Communicator Kenneth L. Kieser

But kids get bored when fish bites are slow,then a million questions start like: “Dad, whycan’t I catch a trout now?” and “When’slunch?” and “How much longer are we goingto fish?” and “Are there weasels in the river,can we catch one?”

Gaston’s White River guides pay attention tomoments like this and are very talented infinding fish through constantly changingconditions, but more importantly, they arepatient with young or beginning fishermen.So when the bite is slow, they motor to otherfishing areas and use different techniques.New hope returns to young minds, evenwhen the trout are biting slowly.

“I just like to go down there and catch trout,”said Zane Wheeler. “I like spending time withdad too. I always catch more fish than him.But he never gets mad.”

Zane and Hunter have made this trip withtheir dad’s four years straight. Both knowhow it feels to be Michael on his first trip andwere surprised or perhaps annoyed when hecaught a trout as big as theirs, his first troutever. I watched both Taylor and Wheelershow a look of pride when their kidscompared fish just before a fine troutshoreline lunch.

“I caught my trout by myself,” Michael said.“Dad was there but he didn’t help much. Hejust showed me how to do it.”

Wheeler and Taylor both learned theimportance of these golden years with theirsons on the White River and many otherfishing spots. Their fathers planted the seeds

The author and his little brother, Rodney, show off apair of rainbow trout about 50 years ago. Photo byLaDonne Kieser Hunter, Zane and Michael show off their big trout. Their fathers were the proudest that day! Photo by

Lawrence Taylor.

aters flowing down the WhiteRiver of Arkansas markpassages of time. Fathers andsons have fished and hunted

these waters for centuries. Trips to this riverstarted as a means of survival in food andclothing. Today returns are measured inrecreation and good meals, but fathers andsons still return.

Glen Wheeler and Lawrence Taylor treasurethese moments with their sons on this primestretch of Arkansas river. Watching ZaneWheeler (9), Hunter Taylor (8) and MichaelTaylor (5) hook and reel in trout makes thedrive and expense seem unimportant and thebest of times.

Both men fished with their fathers and loveto remember golden days when responsibilitymeant making good grades and mowing theyard. Dad’s kind looks of approval or perhapsa soft laugh while reeling in a good fish wassilently received by the boys and mentallystored for later days, even though neitheryoung man realized the importance ofsharing time with their dads. But now theirdad’s are gone and both men would give ayear’s wages to see that kind look ofapproval or hear that soft laugh once again.

Zane, Michael and Hunter all have one goal inmind on every visit, to catch the biggesttrout. They love their annual visit to Gaston’sTrout Lodge and talk about it throughout theyear to friends and family. But they love thisfish-camp experience and make sure theirdads bring them back to the long, green John

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boats used at Gaston’s, similar to the oldwooden versions guides used on the river indays before the dams when the White Riverwas still pristine.

The water was warmer then and guides likethe late Jim Owens, former mayor of Branson,Missouri took parties downriver. Damseventually sent water from the lake bottomthrough chutes, making White River water icecold and perfect for trout. But the boys don’tcare about that. They just want to catch thebiggest fish and impress their dads.

Wheeler and Taylor exercise remarkablepatience while making sure their sons havethe best chances of catching trout. Aconstant vigil is required to make sure baitsare correct and casts are uneventful, or inother words, insuring no hooks are later dugout of scalps.

Ken Kieser

“I look forward to coming here every yearwith dad,” Hunter said. “I love out fishing himtoo.”

Zane, Hunter and Michael will remember thelooks on their father’s faces when a fish wascaught or they baited their first hook, and

Fathers and Sons on the White River (continued from page 8)

later they will realize that all was because ofa father’s love for his sons. This legacy willcontinue through many centuries by fathersto their sons and daughters for memories tobe stored in their mind’s special place andsome just call it fishing.

of fishing in both men and now they arecontinuing this tradition. Someday theseyoung men will return to the river with theirkids and will longingly talk about thosegolden days when their dads took themfishing.

Is the blue heron wading the shoreline?Are the flies bitting?

Do you see eagles soaring or perched insilent vigil on a lakeside tree?

Can you hear “bird sounds” emanating fromthe forest or is it quiet as an empty church?Active birds and animals indicate they areout and about looking for a meal and their

Are the Fish Biting? By Legendary Guide Leon "Buckshot" Anderson

underwater counterparts will also be on theprowl!

Other indicators of wildlife on the feed mightbe chimpmunks and squirrels chirpping, deercoming to the lakeshore to nibble onvegetation and having a drink.

I’ve often seen a maurding mink darting inand out of shoreline cover when a seriousfish bite is in progress.

Even croaking frogs are indicators of feeding activity.

And last but not least, use your eyes andears to zero in on fish feeding on the surface,which naturally pinpoints a fish or school offeeding fish.

Nope, catching fish isn’t all luck and old MaNature can often help turn a so-so day into amemorable outing!

Keep Castin’!

We are very excited about this year'sraffle as it is something we have neverdone before.

How would you like to drive a 2012Toyota Tacoma 4 x 4 pick-up truck forone year for just $10 or $20? Pleasego to our website and get yourchances today at www.freshwater-fishing.org. Just click on the 2012Mega Raffle icon and follow theprompts.

Unfortunately, the State of Wisconsinwill no longer allow us to send raffletickets through the mail, so ourwebsite will be the only source ofsales for many of our readers. Ofcourse, we will always have ticketsavailable at our location inHayward, Wisconsin throughoutthe season.

Thank you for your support.

et Ma Nature help answer thequestion!

Many, many years ago, while “talkingfishing” with legendary taxidermist andlocally recognized five star trout angler, NealLong, of Sayner, Wisconsin, he made acomment that really grabbed my attention.Neal mentioned “If the bugs don’t biteneither do the trout.”

What Neal suggested was only the tip of theiceberg, so to speak, when it comes torecognizing subtle and some not so subtlehints from Ma Nature that can tip off anglerswildlife has or is putting on the feed bag.

Way back in the late 1940s, or was it theearly ‘50s, John Alden Knight published hiscontroversial “solunar tables” that predictedwhen fish were supposed to bite the best. I,like many, was a skeptic.

In 1974 I was introduced to anotherpublication that promised to increase anglersbags with a “new and improved”set ofsolunar tables. The Fish & Game Forecasterby Datasport.inc. has been my friend andconstant companion ever since!

The theory behind the “feeding tables”suggests most all species of wildlife areattuned to natural stimuations that causethem to all feed at about the same time. Thisof course is a very broad statement that canbe altered by various local weatherconditions that may “goof up” the predictedfeeding times. But I’m convinced when stableweather patterns are present the graphs dowork!

When out on the water pay close attention towhat the local wildlife is doing. Birds makegood indicators whether or not a feedingperiod is in progress.

Is the resident loon diving and feeding orsimply riding the waves with its head tuckedunder its wing?

Are tree sparrows daring and diving afterinsects or is the sky devoid of activity.

L

2012 Mega Raffle

Buckshot Anderson

DRAWING TO BE HELD NOVEMBER 1, 2012 AT 11:00 A.M. AT THE FISHING HALL OF FAME.THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

PRIZE MUST BE CLAIMED AND/OR PICKED UP AT THE HALL BY FEB. 1, 2013.WINNER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR APPLICABLE TAXES AND INSURANCE

FRESH WATER FISHING HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM2012 MEGA RAFFLE

Sponsored byDrive This Truckfor 1 Year for $10

One Year Lease on a2012 Toyota Tacoma4 Door Pick-Up Truck.

$5.00 eachor 3/$10.00

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9

Buckshot's latest walk down memory laneis sure to rivet the armchair anglers andhunters through the most diehard fishersand hunters alike. Leon's “Traveling TrailsLess Traveled” is largely set in thenorthwoods of the St. Germain area ofWisconsin, but his stories and anecdotescould easily be applied to anywhere inNorth America. Less the snow, of course!

Buckshot's stories are not just abouthunting and fishing. They are about theheralding of a new spring, collectingbullfrogs and pollywogs, old swimmingholes and forts, the autumnal usheringout of a season and the joys of theChristmas season.

My favorite passage in the book is a quoteoften extolled to Leon from his Uncle Roy“Andy” Anderson, “The trouble with fall isit don't last long enough!” Isn't that thecase with all of our seasons?

Leon's book (2012 Hahn Printing, EagleRiver, Wisconsin) can be obtained bycontacting the author atbuckshot@nnex.net.

–Editor

Do you like to fish for walleyes? Betteryet, do you just like to fish? If youanswered yes to either one of thesequestions, then you are looking for TomChristianson's, “The WalleyeMaxxSystem.” Tom has put together a clearand concise approach to walleye fishing ina no holds barred approach that rangesfrom jigging, to slip-bobbering to casting.A system that covers the spring warm-up,to the summer heat through the fall cooldown. If you take just one of Tom's tips tothe water with you this year, you will be abetter fisherperson for it.

Tom's system, “developed from a lifetimeof walleye fishing,” is written in astraightforward manner that is asinformative as it is interesting. “TheWalleyemaxx System” (2011 HahnPrinting, Eagle River, Wisconsin) isavailable by contacting Tom at eitherwww.walleyemaxx.com or 1.715.617.0894.I highly recommend it!

–Editor

Book Reviews

Congratulations to Hall member JamesArdizzone of South Barrington, Illinois. Jim isspending a day on the water with Al thisspring or summer! All Jim had to do wassimply upgrade his membership to the Hall to

the $45 or $55 dollar level. That was a fewextra bucks well spent. Al has graciouslyagreed to do it for 2013, so it could be younext year. Congratulations Jim and thank youAl!

Winner of the Day of Fishing with

Al Lindner is Announced!

Taylor Streit's 2nd edtion of “InstinctiveFly Fishing” is a must have for the noviceand well seasoned fly fishing angler alike.One of the aspects of fishing Taylor veryadroitly discusses is the distinctionbetween the fisherperson who fishesclose to home and the angler who has totravel to his or her favorite lake or stream.His point being that the close to homeangler is generally blessed with advantageof not having to go to exhaustive lengthsto find fish. Whereas the traveling anglerbetter have a plan B, as Mother Naturecan be very fickle. Taylor says it bestwhen he states, “Don’t embrace rigidnotions. I’m going to fish the Big Muddy inJune, dagnabbit. The Big Muddy might betoo clear in June. Always have a Plan Bready.”

Taylor's 2nd edition masterpiece is adeliteful mix of stories and very usefultips and information, as well as seasonalinformation about the high country fishingof New Mexico and Colorado. This book isavailable by contacting Taylor at:www.streitflyfishing.com,guides@streitflyfishing.com,www.taosflyshop.com. 1.575.751.1312 or1.575.741.0202 (cell).

–Editor

See you at the

Hall this Summer!

Bring the whole

family!

10

World Angling Records Granted

TROUT/Rainbow. Bruce Polojko. Div.#4 – Ice Fishing, Pole/Line. Heaviest(only). 26 lb. 11 oz. Horseshoe BayLake Huron, Ontario, Canada.2/14/2012

WALLEYE. JimManwell. Div. #4 – IceFishing, Pole/Line.Longest (only). 34”.Last Mountain Lake,Saskatchewan, Canada12/22/2011

BURBOT. All-Tackle(only). Div. #4 - IceFishing, Pole/Line36”. BrandonHainstock. TobinLake, Saskatchewan,Canada. 12/10/2011

TROUT/Rainbow, Inland.Div. #2 – Fly Fishing. 4 lb.tippet. 38”. MatthewAllport. Oak OrchardCreek, New York, USA.11/12/2011

DORADO. Leonard J.Kouba (left in photo).Div. #1 – Rod/Reel –Foreign. All-Tackle(only). 44”. UruguayRiver, Argentina, SouthAmerica. 2/24/2012

2nd QUARTER - 2012 UPDATENOTE: World angling records are updated quarterly and the ultimate synthesisis published annually in book form each April, distributed free to members,media, manufacturers and world fisheries as a public service.

NOTICE TO REPRINT©COPYRIGHT 2012 FRESH WATER FISHING HALL OF FAME. Ex cerpts or whole may be reprinted withoutwritten permission as public information only, but not for commercial profit purpose. The source of thisinformation must be credited to the Fishing Hall of Fame in a type size readably noticeable or as thecontents of the companion text.

“Kept” World Records List

DIVISION #4 – ICE FISHING, POLE LINELine Lbs./

Fish Class Ozs. Angler Where Caught DateTrout/Rainbow Heaviest 26-11 Bruce Horseshoe Bay, 2/14/2012(Inland) (only) Polojko Lake Huron, Ontario, Canada

TROUT/Tiger 10 lb. 15-0 Kirk Herrin Roses Lake, 4/11/2012(Hybrid) Washington

DIVISION #2 – FLY FISHING - FOREIGNLine Lbs./

Fish Class Ozs. Angler Where Caught DateSNAKEHEAD/ 20 lb. 10-2 Leonard J. Lake Ratchaburi, 11/12/2011Giant Tippet Kouba Thailand, ASIA

“C&R” World Records List

DIVISION #2 – FLY FISHINGLine

Fish Class Length Angler Where Caught DateBASS/ 14 lb. 17” Steve Nickajack Headwaters, 4/6/2012Spotted or Kentucky Norris Tennessee, USA

16 lb. 18” Steve Nickajack Headwaters, 3/30/2012Norris Tennessee, USA

17 lb. 17” Steve Nickajack Headwaters, 4/1/2012Norris Tennessee, USA

TROUT/Rainbow, 4 lb. 38” Matthew Oak Orchard Creek, 11/12/2011Inland Tippet Allport New York, USA

12 lb. 38” Robert Oak Orchard Creek, 11/12/2011Tippet Warne New York, USA

DIVISION #4 – ICE FISHING, POLE LINELine

Fish Class Length Angler Where Caught DateBURBOT All-Tackle 36” Brandon Tobin Lake, 12/10/2011

(only) Hainstock Saskatchewan, Canada

PERCH/ Longest 12” Jim Rainbow Flowage, 1/27/2012Yellow (only) Cruice Wisconsin, USA

WALLEYE Longest 34” Jim Last Mountain Lake, 12/22/2011(only) Manwell Saskatchewan, Canada

DIVISION #1 – ROD/REEL - FOREIGNLine

Fish Class Length Angler Where Caught DateCATFISH/ All- 33” Leonard J. Uruguay River, 2/26/2012Pintado Tackle Kouba Argentina, South America

(only)

CATFISH/ All- 46” Leonard J. Bung Sam Lan Lake, 11/13/2011Striped Tackle Kouba Thailand, ASIA

50 lb. 46” Leonard J. Bung Sam Lan Lake, 11/13/2011Kouba Thailand, ASIA

DORADO All- 44” Leonard J. Uruguay River, 2/24/2012Tackle Kouba Argentina, South America(only)

DIVISION #2 – FLY FISHING - FOREIGNLine

Fish Class Length Angler Where Caught DateBARRAMUNDI 20 lb. 33” Leonard J. Bang Pakong Lake, 11/14/2011

Tippet Kouba Thailand, ASIA

BLACK All- 23” Leonard J. K. P. Lake, 11/4/2011SHARKMINNOW Tackle Kouba Thailand, ASIA

(only)

CARP/ 12 lb. 34” Leonard J. K. P. Lake, 11/6/2011Siamese Giant Tippet Kouba Thailand, ASIA

20 lb. 36” Leonard J. K. P. Lake, 11/4/2011Tippet Kouba Thailand, ASIA

30 lb. 34” Leonard J. K. P. Lake, 11/5/2011Tippet Kouba Thailand, ASIA

CATFISH/Asian All- 41” Leonard J. Lake Ratchaburi, 11/8/2011Pla Kot Kang Tackle Kouba Thailand, ASIA

20 lb. 41” Leonard J. Lake Ratchaburi, 11/8/2011Tippet Kouba Thailand, ASIA

CATFISH/Redtail All- 47” Leonard J. Lake Ratchaburi, 11/11/2011Tackle Kouba Thailand, ASIA

12 lb. 41” Leonard J. Lake Ratchaburi, 11/9/2011Tippet Kouba Thailand, ASIA

20 lb. 47” Leonard J. Lake Ratchaburi 11/11/2011Tippet Kouba Thailand, ASIA

30 lb. 42” Leonard J. Lake Ratchaburi, 11/8/2011Tippet Kouba Thailand, ASIA

CATFISH/ 15 lb. 32” Leonard J. K. P. Lake, 11/3/2011Striped Tippet Kouba Thailand, ASIA

FEATHERBACK All- 19” Leonard J. Bang Na Lake, 11/15/2011Tackle Kouba Thailand, ASIA(only)

GAR/Alligator 20 lb. 40” Leonard J. Lake Ratchaburi, 11/10/2011Tippet Kouba Thailand, ASIA

GIANT All- 32” Leonard J. Lake Ratchaburi, 11/11/2011SNAKEHEAD Tackle Kouba Thailand, ASIA

(only)

GOLDFIN All- 12” Leonard J. K. P. Lake, 11/3/2011TINFOIL BARB Tackle Kouba Thailand, ASIA

(only)

PACU/Morocoto 12 lb. 22” Leonard J. Bang Na Lake, 11/15/2011Tippet Kouba Thailand, ASIA

15 lb. 21” Leonard J. Bang Na Lake, 11/15/2011Tippet Kouba Thailand, ASIA

20 lb. 25” Leonard J. Lake Ratchaburi, 11/11/2011Tippet Kouba Thailand, ASIA

ROHU 12 lb. 21” Leonard J. K. P. Lake, 11/4/2011Tippet Kouba Thailand, ASIA

SORUBIM/ All- 43” Leonard J. Lake Ratchaburi, 11/8/2011Asian Spotted Tackle Kouba Thailand, ASIA

20 lb. 43” Leonard J. Lake Ratchaburi, 11/8/2011Tippet Kouba Thailand, ASIA

11

A NON-PROFIT MUSEUM-EDUCATION ORGANIZATIONCustodian of Historical Sport Fishing Artifacts, Enshriner of Persons for Outstanding Achievementand Accomplishment, Official Qualifier and Recorder of World Fresh Water Sportfishing Records,Librarian, Educator and Clearing House for Contemporary and Historical Fishing Facts

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