A new tournament trail for anglers has just been announced, but this time it’s not for bass, walleye, or crappie fishermen. No, this time it’s aimed at a particularly “sick” segment of the angling population, those of us afflicted with “Musky Fever”! (Those of you that have it, or have friends that are afflicted with “Musky Fever”, well, you know what I mean!) Larry Ramsell, noted musky angler, guide, writer, historian, and all-around musky activist is the President and Executive Director of the newly-formed Professional Musky Tournament Trail. Ramsell, along with partners Tim and Bob Widlacki, is attempting to succeed where others have failed. They are developing a series of tournaments across the Northern part of the country where  teams of  musky anglers have the potential to possibly earn a living pursuing the fish of their dreams and, gain national recognition.

The new circuit has already been endorsed by nationally renowned fisherman Al Lindner of In-Fisherman magazine. According to Ramsell, Lindner thinks that the time is now right  for a pro musky trail. The PMTT organizers have also had some good initial success at attracting sponsors, the lifeblood of any tournament organization. On board so far are the following: Musky America; Crash’s Landing-Cave Run Lake; Wisher Lures; Llungen Lures; Morehead, Kentucky Tourism Commission; Lake Kinkaid, State of Illinois; Moore’s Lures; Chautauqua County Fishing & Hunting Promotion Agency; LCO Casino, Lodge, & Convention Center; Cpt. Larry D. Jones; Musky Hunter’s Almanac; Drifter Tackle; and Cave Run Guide Service.

June 26 & 27             Chippewa Flowage, Wisconsin,
July 24 & 25              Lake St. Clair, Ontario
Sept 11 & 12             Chautauqua Lake, New York
Oct  9 & 10               Cave Run Lake, Morehead, Kentucky
Nov 6 & 7                 Lake KinKaid, Illinois     (No Fee Invitational)

Larry tells me that the July tournament location should be firmed up and posted on their website by the time you read this article. A challenging array of lakes even for the seasoned musky angler! The organizers are already planning 6 qualifying tournaments for 2000, plus the year-end Invitational.

The tournaments are 2 man team events, but an angler can fish them alone if he / she wishes to pay the full entry fee. Entry fees are $450.00 for each trny., but a discounted rate is available for teams signing up for all 4 events. The November Invitational requires no entry fee for qualifying teams. Prize money, based upon full fields of 150 teams per qualifying event, will be $20,000.00 for 1st place, with payouts thru 10th place. First place money for the November Invitational will be $35,000.00. Top team for the year will pay $7,500.00, there will be a big fish pay out at each event, and 50 inch muskies will receive a bonus.

Will a tournament circuit for muskies be good or bad for musky anglers and the musky fishery? Only time will tell for sure. But, knowing Larry Ramsell and his long-time commitment and involvement with Muskies, Inc., the premier musky conservation organization, I’m sure both will benefit in the long run. All one has to do is look at the advancements developed in angling techniques and equipment developed on other well-run tournament trails in the bass and walleye angling worlds. For further information on the PMTT, visit their website at www.promusky.com, or call 815-264-3228.

Jim receives promotional consideration from the following companies:

Champion Boats          St. Croix Rods
Mercury Motors          Ulrich Marine
Hamby’s Protector      Lowrance Electronics
Dual Pro Chargers

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