“Some nice fish have been registered to start the 2012 Vilas County Musky Marathon” according to Janet Christianson of the Vilas County Tourism & Publicity Department.

The Vilas County Musky Marathon, which runs the entire musky season, is a fun way for anglers fishing Vilas County waters to register a released musky (it must be legal for the waters being fished) and be eligible for prizes, drawing prizes and plaques. Christianson reminds anglers there is no fee to register a musky and the Marathon runs through Nov. 30.

“Anglers are encouraged to register their musky as soon as possible as prizes are distributed throughout the Marathon to every 10th and 100th registrant in each category – Men’s, Women’s, Youth and Guide’s,” she said. “Plaques to the top three in each category are awarded at the end of the Marathon.”

Standings and pictures are updated weekly on the Vilas County Tourism & Publicity website at vilas.org.

“With the angler’s permission, submitted pictures are uploaded to the website to share with other anglers,” said Christianson, “and the Marathon registrants enjoy sharing their Vilas County memory with family and friends.”

Current Men’s Released Division leaders include Bruce Spangenberg of Williams Bay who registered his June 5 49 inch musky which liked his bucktail (Bruce’s SLS) lure. Alan Cratty of Eugene, Ore., has registered a 481/2 inch musky while fishing with a bucktail (Inhaler) lure on May 28. Jon Jantzen of St. Germain was fishing on June 3 with a hardhead (H2O) lure when he tangled with a 48 inch musky.

Youth Released Division registrants include Thomas Kolling of Phelps with a 44.5 inch musky he encountered on May 26 while fishing with a jointed grandma (Buchertail) lure. A 43 inch musky preferred the bucktail (Bill Sandy) lure used by Jakob Relien of Neenah on June 19. It was his first musky! David Morton of Verona registered a 40 inch musky caught on June 8 while fishing with a perchbait (Legend) lure.

In the Guide’s Released Division, Bob Jacobs of Eagle River has registered a 45.2 inch musky caught on June 9 and a 411/4 inch musky caught on May 26, both while fishing with a Super Stretchy (Mann’s) lure. A 40.25 inch musky found Fred Brogle’s bucktail (Bucker) lure tempting on June 11.

Sponsors for the 49th Annual Vilas County Musky Marathon include Area Chambers of Commerce; Bill Lewis Lures; Elmer Jensen Guide Service; Headwaters Chapter of Muskies, Inc.; Kari Lessner Tackle; Lax Taxidermy; Miller Beer of the Northwoods; Mills Fleet Farm; Musky Hunter Magazine; Sierra Stream & Mountain; Smith Bait Manufacturing Co.; South Bend Sporting Goods; and Vilas County Tourism & Publicity.

Registration forms available at Registration Stations located throughout the County; in Boulder Junction at Northern Highland Sports; in Conover at Lax Taxidermy and Northern Waters Angling & Archery; in Eagle River at Eagle Sports Center, Guides’ Choice Pro Shop and Wild Eagle Corner Store; in Land O’Lakes at Bent’s Camp Resort & Lodge and Sunrise Lodge; in Manitowish Waters at Townline Sports; in Phelps at Hillside Resort or Phelps Trustworthy Hardware; in Presque Isle at Up North Sport & Gift; in St. Germain at St. Germain Sport Marine; and in Sayner/Star Lake at Up North Traders.

Too see more pictures from the Vilas County Musky Marathon, visit our photo gallery here. To check out the current standings or for more information on the Vilas County Musky Marathonm or to obtain a registration form, visit the Vilas County Tourism website at vilas.org, or call Vilas County Tourism & Publicity at (715) 479-3649.