Half way through the season anglers have registered some great fish in the 2012 Vilas County Musky Marathon.

The Vilas County Musky Marathon, which runs the entire musky season, is a fun way for anglers of all ages and abilities 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. Janet Christianson of the Vilas County Tourism & Publicity reminds anglers there is no fee to register a musky in the Marathon which runs through Nov. 30.

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

“As fall may be considered ‘big fish time’, we certainly look forward to the registration of these Northwoods monsters and to posting the photos of these happy anglers.” Christianson continued. “With the angler’s permission, submitted pictures are uploaded to the website to share with other anglers and the Marathon registrants enjoy sharing their Vilas County memory with family and friends.” Pictures and the current standings are updated weekly on the Vilas County Tourism & Publicity website at vilas.org.

Current leaders in the Men’s Released Division leaders include Henry Gerfen of Manitowish Waters with his mid-June 511/2-inch musky while fishing with a Mepps bucktail. John Krueger of Neenah registered a 491/2-inch musky which he caught while fishing with a Bucher topwater lure in mid-July. Both Bruce Spangenberg of Williams Bay and Christopher Stein of Plainfield, Ill. registered 49-inch fish. Spangenberg’s June 5 musky liked his bucktail (Bruce’s SLS) lure, while Stein’s early August musky preferred a Buchertail bucktail. Lori Scherf of Waukesha registered her 471/4-inch early July musky in the Women’s Released Division. She was using a Mepps Giant Killer.

Youth Released Division registrants include Cal Hammen of Little Chute and Lance Kapla of Pulaski, who have both registered 47 inch muskies. Hammen was fishing in mid-June and using a Bucher Swimming Joe lure while Kapla’s late July musky went for a Smitty lure. Tim Priefer of Eagle River was fishing in mid-July when a 451/2-inch musky preferred his Bucher Top Raider lure. Both Tom Priefer of Eagle River and Madison Relien of Neenah registered mid-July muskies of 45 inches-Priefer’s musky preferred a Mepps bucktail while Relien’s liked a Legend crankbait.

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 401/4-inch musky found Fred Brogle’s bucktail (Bucker) lure tempting on June 11.

Sponsors for the 49th Annual Vilas County Musky Marathon includ: 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; Conover at Lax Taxidermy and Northern Waters Angling & Archery; Eagle River at Eagle Sports Center, Guides’ Choice Pro Shop and Wild Eagle Corner Store; Land O’Lakes at Bent’s Camp Resort & Lodge and Sunrise Lodge; Manitowish Waters at Townline Sports; Phelps at Hillside Resort or Phelps Trustworthy Hardware; Presque Isle at Up North Sport & Gift; St. Germain at St. Germain Sport Marine; Sayner/Star Lake at Up North Traders.

To check out the current standings, for more information on the Vilas County Musky Marathon 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.

For more photos of the Vilas County Musky Marathon, visit our StarJournalNOW photo gallery right here.