Rhinelander man catches biggest fish at National Championship Musky Open

The Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center along with the Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin are proud to bring you the results of the 28th Annual National Championship Musky Open.

Each year The Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center and the Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin host the largest amateur musky tournament in the United States on seven lake families in the Eagle River, WI area. This tournament is a total catch and release tournament open to l ages eight and older and is designed for great family fun.

The largest fish caught in the tournament was 49 inches by Dave Stewart of Rhinelander, WI. He caught this fish on Lake Family 2 on Long Lake (Three Lakes side of the Eagle River Chain of lakes). His catch and release happened on Friday morning, Aug. 16 on a Phantom lure. As the largest fish of the tournament, a replica fish will be created by Fittante Taxidermy of Antigo, WI. This replica will be presented to Dave at next year’s tournament.

The winner of the 28th annual National Championship Musky Open went to Michelle Peplinski of bear Creek, WI with a catch of 4 muskies – 36.5″, 37″, 37″ and 40″ for a total of 150.5 inches. All 4 fish were caught on Lake Family 1 – The Eagle River Chain Area.

The winner of the Youth Division was Bill Nelson of Appleton, WI with fish measuring 42.5″ and 40: totaling 82.5 inches.

The winners of the Guardian/Youth Division was Matthew Nelson and Bill Nelson with two fish – 42.5″ and 40″ for a total of 82.5″ inches.

The winners of the Husband/Wife Team was Steve and Becky Klesmith of Wisconsin Rapids, WI with four fish -39.25″, 38″, 36″ and a 35.25″ for a total of 148.5 inches.

This year’s 2013 Ranger tournament boat winner was Aaron Lang of Marshfield, WI.