Northern Illinois Conservation Club 2010 Ice Fish Derby Winners

Muskie no legal caught

Northern Pike ______Large   36 7/8                            Nathan Zeien    Antioch

____________________Small   25                               Eric Beeter  McHenry

Walleye__________Large 16 5/8                                 Jeff Parsons      Oregon

__________________Small  none caught

Bass (Large/Small Mouth)___Large 19 1/8               Greg Cowll     Fox Lake

________________________Small  14 3/8                  Steve Schmidt  McHenry

Catfish___________Large   25 1/8                              Chris Zeien   Antioch

__________________Small   19 ¼                              Bruce Frentz   Lake Villa

Crappie____________Large   14                                Shawn Schuld   Antioch

__________________Small     5 ¾                             Ray Fett    Chicago

Striped/Bass________Large   11 5/8                         Jeff Parsons     Oregon

__________________Small           5 1/8                     Kelly Forst      Waukegan

Perch____________Large    12 ¼                             Jeff Parsons     Oregon

__________________Small             3                         Mart Artos       Fox Lake

Bull Head ..NONE

Bluegill/ Sunfish/ Rock Bass

________________________Large   9 1/8                        Jeff Parsons     Oregon

________________________Small           3 ½                  Brad Irving      Antioch

Overall Large Fish ……………………………………………36 7/8 Northern Pike by Nathan Zeien

http://www.illinoisboatshow.com/

Welcome to the Northern Illinois Boat Show . Your number one show for great new and used boat sales, parts & accessories at discount prices. Don’t miss your chance to get great dealer pricing.

WIN A NEW BOAT, TRAILER AND A NEW CHEVY SILVERADO 2500!  Value $50,000 Courtesy of Ray Chevrolet in Fox Lake. GRAND PRIZE: Brand New Boat, Trailer & a NEW Chevy Silverado – Value $50,000! FIRST PRIZE: Brand New Lund Rowboat A 12 -Value $1,800

At the Lake County Fairgrounds, IL FREE ADMISSION for Children under 12 • FREE PARKING Lake County Fairgrounds: 1060 E. Peterson Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030 At the Corner of Peterson Rd and Midlothian Rd Map (Click to go to Google Maps & Get Directions) Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday March 4th March 5th March 6th March 7th 12pm-9pm 12pm-9pm 10am-9pm 10am-5pm Adults: $6 Children: FREE Seniors: $4 Veterans: $4 FREE Parking

The Great Lakes are under threat from an Asian carp invasion that could wipe out fishing stocks, and with it, the lakes’ billion dollar fishery.There is concern that if carp make it into Lake Michigan, they will gobble up the plankton that native fish feed on. and could show up in local lakes surrounding the great lakes as well

these fish can, and will jump out of the water when they feel the vibrations of a motor boat
this can be very dangerous to boaters ,could you imagine being hit by a four foot carp while your traveling 25 to 4o mph .this could kill the recreational boating along the great lakes.

In December 2009, DNA testing found evidence that Asian carp were within a few miles of Lake Michigan, yet the locks which provide the carp with a direct path into Lake Michigan remain open.
Stop Asian Carp !  we all have to get together and make sure our Government shuts down  water ways that will allow the destructive Asian carp into lake Michigan , If this happens it will destroy the fishing and boating industries to all the surrounding states of the great lakes please help out by signing this petition  that will get sent to our federal government ! we have to stop the Asian carp invasion

The Asian carp was found some 40 miles from Lake Michigan, which was the closest to the Great Lakes the species has been found

Silver carp and the Asian Bighead, which can grow to 5 feet and weigh more than 100 pounds (45 kg), have come to dominate sections of the Mississippi River and its tributaries.

Authorities fear that if the carp swim up to the Great Lakes, the largest fresh-water resource in the world, they could create an “ecological disaster” by consuming the bottom of the food chain and ruining the lakes’ $7 billion fishery.

Please sign this Petition

also  the Ice Shanty Contest
There are 3 categories of the Ice Shanty Contest:

Best Presentation
Most Creative
Most Unusual

The winner of each category will receive $100. Winners will be announced at Headquarters on Sunday, February 14th prior to the Auction (approximately 2:30 pm).

Contest Rules:

1.   Registration will open at 7:00 am on Saturday morning February 13th at the Announcer’s trailer at Headquarters on Channel Lake.
2.   All entries must be registered by 11:00 am on Saturday.
3.   All entries must be homemade.
4.   Your entry number must be displayed on the outside of your shanty.
5.   Judging will begin at noon on Saturday, February 13th and will continue through the afternoon.

http://foxlakefishing.com/forum/index.php?topic=821.0

It’s that time of year again. When you wake up in the morning and have to scrape your windows before you drive to work in the dark and you are lucky to see daylight when you get home from work. But there is one good thing about this time of year. It is going to start forming ice. After the ice starts it is time to break out the ice fishing gear.

Before any ice fishing season you should go through all your equipment and test it at home before venturing out on any lake. This will save you many headaches and cold fingers out on the lake.

First of all I check my ice fishing clothes and wash them before the season starts. I make sure my long underwear is in good condition as well as all my outer wear. Make sure to patch any holes or replace it before the season because there is nothing like a nice December wind blowing through you outerwear right onto your clothes to put a chill into you. Make sure you have a fishing towel. I prefer to use a golf type towel so I can hang it up in my ice shack so the heater keeps it nice and warm and dries it faster. This is actually a necessity on the ice so you can dry your hand after handling fish or minnows. This will keep your hands a whole lot warmer. Invest in some quality socks. My favorite socks are Black mountains from The Gene Edwards Company. They are fairly expensive but well worth the money. They stay up on your leg even after walking great distances and wick the sweat away from you while retaining the heating qualities. Good quality outwear is a must as well. Try to get something with at least a waterproof lower because of the constant kneeling in the snow and water near the holes. Boots and gloves are very critical too. I prefer Rocky and La Crosse boots. I have owned both and they are both warm and comfortable. Also pick up a pair of ice cleats especially for early ice when there isn’t any snow yet.

After you get your clothes ready and make sure everything is in working order including the zippers and any tie downs it is time for the fishing equipment.

I check all the assemblies of my rod and reel combos. Make sure the reel is securely attached to the rod. Then change all the line on the reels. I use Berkley’s Micro Ice line. Make sure the reels are lubed and ready for the season so you don’t get unwanted squeaks or reel hitches on the ice. The frozen air will accentuate the problems.

Tip-ups should have their braided line changed at least every other year. Use one that won’t freeze up or kink.Then tie some new monofilament leaders. I prefer a 2-4 foot leader. I also make my own steel leaders for northern fishing as well using braided wire. Make extra leaders up ahead of time so you don’t have to tie on hooks out on the ice and you can just unclip it and put a new one on. Make sure to use a good swivel for you tip-ups as well. Check the grease in the tip-ups to save it from freezing up on the ice too. Also check the condition of the flags. If the flags are torn or loose on the shaft replace them.

Now that your rods and tip-ups are ready to go it is time for the ice shack. If you have a portable shack set it up in the garage or your yards and make sure the sled is in good condition and patch any holes or trouble spots. Check the canvas thoroughly. Patch any holes in the canvas and spray it down with a water repellant spray to make sure that water doesn’t leak in as much as possible. Check all the pivot points and tubing as well.

On a permanent shack you will want to check the runners and make sure they are solid and not rotting or cracked. Check the walls and make sure they are not damaged as well as the windows. Check the floor to make sure there are no weak spots or rotten boards. Replace all broken or week parts of the shack.

Ice augers are one of the most important items in ice fishing. There are several types to choose from. I usually use a spud bar early in the year but mainly to check ice conditions every few feet. Ice can for very unevenly and safety is first priority. I like to use a hand Lazer auger early in the year or when fishing in large groups of pan fisherman because some are offended by power augers even though I don’t personally feel they affect the fish even in shallow water. I have drilled hundreds of holes in as shallow as 3 feet and seen fish under my hole right after drilling with my Jiffy power auger.  I do use a power auger most of the year because I drill many holes per day to find and follow fish as they move. The main thing to check on the augers and spud bar is to make sure they are sharp. Any blades should be replaced or sharpened before the season start. Power augers should have new gas put in them and a new spark plug and then test to make sure it is running properly. If it is not running properly take it to a small engine repair shop for a tune-up to insure a year of good use. It is a lot better to know your auger will work before you drag it out on the ice and it doesn’t run. I always carry an extra spark plug with me too as they tend to foul out occasionally.

Once your augers are ready it is time for the rest of your ice fishing gear. Make sure to have your tackle ready to go. Untangle all you tackle and sharpen hooks or replace them with new ones. Also on new jigs punch the eyes out before putting them in you tackle box to save time and possible cold fingers having to do it on the ice.

Next up is your heater. Check all the connections and test your heater. Make sure the heater is in good working order. If it flames up get it serviced so it will run properly.

Another useful tool on the ice is a lanyard. I put a jaw spreader, depth finder, clippers, jig eye cleaner, and forceps on them for easy use. Other useful tools a 5 gallon bucket for your fish which I line with a garbage bag so I can remove the fish easily after fishing and it doesn’t make a mess out of my bucket. Grocery bags work well for this. Check the condition of your bait bucket for leaks or cracks. Make sure your minnow scoop is in good order as well. They are very cheap to replace. I prefer the floating nets so I don’t have to stick my hands as far into the water.

If you have a Vexilar or Aqua View make sure to charge the batteries and test them before taking them out to the lake.

After you have everything ready to go and head out for the lake be extremely careful to be sure that the ice is safe. I don’t like to go onto ice thinner than 3 inches. Make sure to test the ice every few feet to insure safe travel especially if you are the first one out.

Remember think safety first, be considerate to others out on the ice, don’t leave any trash out on the ice even if it isn’t yours, and if you check all your equipment first you will have a safe successful season.

writteb by Dale Helgeson from outdoor experience

The podcast are available here:
Part 1: http://versuscountry.podomatic.com/entry/2009-09-14T12_56_52-07_00

Part 2: http://versuscountry.podomatic.com/entry/2009-09-14T13_01_02-07_00

Here are four new whitetail lineups on Versus Country !

CHECK THEM OUT !

Winchester Whitetail Revolution

Join us as we explore the excitement of America’s favorite big game animal, the Whitetail Deer. From an unbelievable monster north of the border to trophy buck deep in the heart of Texas, we follow four of America’s most notable outdoor writers in hot pursuit of some of the largest deer you will ever see. Come along as we spend time with Larry Weishun, Mark Kayser, Ron Spomer and Mike Hanback. These whitetail experts will share some of their secrets for more accurate tracking to rattling in the monster of your dreams. Tune in each and every week for a testosterone-filled episode as we cross America and Canada in search of the one that didn’t get away. Too, Mike Hanback’s “Big Buck Zone’ showcases some of the largest deer taken in recent history.

The Bucks of Tecomate

Everyone’s favorite blue-collar comedian and deer hunter, Jeff Foxworthy, joins show host and renowned whitetail hunter and author David Morris in the The Bucks of Tecomate. This show showcases big whitetails and reveals what it takes to hunt them.

The Best and Worst of Tred Barta

The Best & Worst of Tred Barta is a testosterone filled out of the box in your face reality blue water fishing and hunting TV series hosted by the irascible Tred Barta. Love him or hate him, Tred delivers an outdoor experience that takes your breath away! From the peaks of Colorado to subterranean canyons 100 miles offshore, Tred’s hunting and fishing exploits depict what really happens in the great outdoors.

Winchester World of Whitetail with Larry Weishuhn

Larry Weishuhn, otherwise known as “Mr. Whitetail”, showcases his life of hard-core whitetail hunting at the top locations across the country. This adventure-hunting-reality series is prime for whitetail fanatics. Weishuhn tells all, including his rituals, strategies and tactics for taking big bucks. Viewers will also tag along and be ‘on-location’ across the country as Larry lectures, meets people at deer check stations, consults with ranch owners on how to manage for more and bigger deer, and tests the latest new products for hunting monster whitetails.

FOX LAKE FISHING HUNTING FORUM

http://foxlakefishing.com/forum/index.php?board=12.0

R-eel Fish Story

Two weeks ago a group of four men, Steve Hoyland, Jr., with friends Bruce, Ken and Erik, set off on an overnight fishing trip. They left at noon on a Tuesday, and went about 120 miles out into the Gulf.

They were having a great night of fishing, catching big snapper, grouper, ling and kings. About 3 a.m., two of them went down below to catch some sleep. The two remaining on the deck were catching fish and drinking beer, enjoying the warm tropical night air.

All at once, Bruce got a big run on his line. This thing went all around the boat and took more than twenty minutes to bring up to the surface. When they got it up to the surface, they could not tell what it was. It looked prehistoric.

Steve, Jr. put a gaff in it and the two men dragged it aboard the 33 foot boat. As soon as the big creature hit the deck, it went crazy, attacking them. It was an eel over 6 feet long weighing close to 100 pounds. It had a mouth full of sharp teeth and was extremely pissed off.

The eel was later estimated to be sixty years old. Bruce said it came at him and Steve, Jr. like an anaconda, rearing its head up and striking at them like a rattlesnake. It was highly agitated and quite energetic.

In the midst of thrashing around, the creature fell down below onto the floor between the two sleeping men, Erik and Ken. When they heard the thud and turned on the light, the eel raised its head right above Ken’s face. Erik rolled over and grabbed his 9 mm pistol. Steve, Jr. started yelling, “Don’t shot the gun in the boat! We’re 120 miles from land!” Next thing you know, all four fishermen were on the deck and the gigantic eel had sole possession of the bottom of the boat.

The four needed to work up a plan of action, so they drank beer while considering a strategy. It was determined that Steve, Jr. would distract the eel because he had drank the most alcohol and believed he was bulletproof. He opened up the sliding door down below to see what the “monster” was doing. As the door opened, the eel came up the two steps biting at anything along the way. The four brave men then ran to the wheel house like women and slammed the door shut. They never did identify which one of them screamed like a girl.

Inside the wheelhouse, they started calming down and decided they would drink a couple more beers. Then they hatched a new battle plan. Steve, Jr. went out on the deck to get the beast’s attention. The eel attacked and Steve, Jr. climbed up on top of the captain’s chair. Ken threw a blanket on top of the giant eel while Erik and Bruce beat the hell out of it with a steel gaff and a large ice chest lid. After the creature was finally subdued, they put it into a large ice chest and closed the lid on it.

The four brave sailors all got themselves a beer and were laughing at the situation when the lid of the ice chest was suddenly knocked off and the eel sprang out onto the deck and resumed his attack. Bruce stated that the eel was clearly out for vengeance. The four men each picked up something and the fight was on. After beating the creature with gaffs, ice chest lids and fire extinguishers again, they once more subdued the massive carnivore and put it back into the ice chest. This time, they tied the lid down and put another ice chest on top of that one.

Eighteen hours later they returned to the dock and started unloading the boat. None of them was anxious to open the lid to the ice chest, in fact, they did “rock, paper, scissors” to determine who would pop the lid!

Above is the picture of Bruce Gordy with the eel that he caught and bravely fought in that epic and desperate battle for control on the high seas. (Steve Hoyland, Sr.)

Fond du Lac resident Wayne Schumacher was accepting congratulations as he related how he downed the elusive buck around 6:45 p.m.

“It’s so hard to believe,” Schumacher said, noting he’s hunted with bow and gun for more than 30 years. “I had known people had seen it in the area but I had no idea (it was nearby).”

The 30-point deer has an inside antler spread of 20½ inches. Its field-dressed weight was about 225 pounds. Estimates are that the deer is at least 4½ to 5 years old.

Schumacher said he was in a tree stand looking at partially wooded flat terrain when the deer appeared.

“In 30 seconds, it was over,” he said, noting the shot covered about 15 yards.

The deer ran off 60 to 70 yards, and Schumacher’s hunting partner, his brother, Pete, was first to reach the animal.

The deer was shot at an angle behind the rib cage, and the arrow went through one of the front legs.

Schumacher said he and his brother dragged the deer and struggled to get it onto the tailgate of a truck. They stopped at Wayne’s home in Fond du Lac to take some pictures. They then took the deer to Pete’s home east of Fond du Lac to get it into a large cooler.

The brothers and a group of family and friends toasted with beer and homemade wine as they celebrated what is being called the “deer of a lifetime.”

He went to work Monday morning at his job with the construction and maintenance division with the city of Fond du Lac. He said he worked four hours Monday. He asked his boss if he could have the afternoon off.

Though he had up to three days to do it, Schumacher said he wanted to get the deer that is known by some as “Lucky Buck,” registered.

He also admitted his mind wasn’t on his job, which Monday involved mixing concrete.

here is the results of the 3rd  annual Fox Lake Fishing Tournament

walleye
1st place               Patrick  Muldowny         Fox Lake                25 “               $250
2nd place             Patrick  Muldowny         Fox Lake               15 3/8 “            $120
3rd place              Patrick  Muldowny         Fox Lake               14 3/4 “            $50

Bass
1st place               Jon Fitzpatrick                 Ingleside        15 7/8 “        $250
2nd place             Don Pilarczyk jr                  Mchenry         15 “           $120
3rd place              Taylor Cummings             Lakemoor         14 1/2 “        $50

Catfish
1st place              Paul VanHeirseele             Ingleside           21 1/2 “        $250
2nd  place           Robert Madlear                                           20 1/2 “        $120
3rd place             Mike McCollum                 SilverLake          20 “              $50

Pan fish
top ten by weight
1st place             Harold Henkel             Ingleside                 4.15  lbs/oz         $250
2nd place            Jerry Henkel               Ingleside                 3.14  lbs/oz         $120
3rd place            Tony Mrkvicka              Lake Zurich            3.9    lbs/oz         $50

for more pics please click below

http://foxlakefishing.com/forum/index.php?action=mgallery;sa=album;id=10;start=0

supports

Fishing Has No Boundaries®, Inc. (FHNB) is a non-profit 501-C3 organization whose goal is to open up the great outdoors for people with disabilities through the world of fishing. FHNB has grown into a National Organization with 23 chapters in 11 states, enabling thousands of individuals with disabilities to participate fully in this spirit lifting, morale booster, trouble free recreational activity.  opening up new dreams for persons with disabilities that might not otherwise experience what you or I might just take for granted.

Chapter Event Date: September 12 & 13, 2009 This FHNB chapter started in 1992. The dedicated volunteers of this chapter hold their annual event at C. Haling and Sons on Grass Lake of the Fox Chain of Lakes. A flotilla of boats, food, and fun await the participants of this long-standing event as well as a group of dedicated volunteers, fishing guides and friends.

If you would like to help out in this event,  by helping with set up, or use of your  pontoon boat  etc, or know someone that can benefit from this event please contact

Paul Jones   paul@foxlakefishing.com

Contact Chapter Chair:
Joe Serrano
157 Hillcrest Avenue
Wood Dale, IL 60191
847-671-6919

rcanova47@aol.com

www.cfhnb.org