New sponsor, rule changes announced in conjunction with open of registration for long-running event

The Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce and Fishing Hot Spots are thrilled to announce an extended partnership with the signing of a multi-year agreement naming Fishing Hot Spots as Title Sponsor of the Hodag Musky Challenge. The announcement comes in conjunction with other changes to the tournament that will keep it one of the premier fishing tournaments in the Northwoods and in the state of Wisconsin.

“The connection between Fishing Hot Spots and the Hodag Musky Challenge is a perfect fit,” says Steve Swierczynski, President of Fishing Hot Spots. “Fishing Hot Spots started here in Rhinelander as the go-to resource to find the best fishing spots for all sport fishermen. We’re proud to now officially become part of Rhinelander’s longest-running and most historic fishing tournament.”

Heading into its 34th year, the Fishing Hot Spots Hodag Musky Challenge will also move to a scoring format that utilizes judge boats on the water rather than lakeside fish registration stations.

“This rule change means that fish 34 inches and larger will now be eligible for points rather than only fish 40 inches and larger as in years past” says Dana DeMet, Executive Director of the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce. “I am very excited for the added quality and intensity of competition that this change will bring for anglers competing in the Fishing Hot Spots Hodag Musky Challenge.”

Registration open

Registration for the 2015 edition of the Fishing Hot Spots Hodag Musky Challenge is now officially open and available online at www.ExploreRhinelander.com or by contacting the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Muskies are on many anglers’ minds now as Memorial Day weekend marks the opening of the musky season here in the Northwoods,” says DeMet. “As a new musky season opens, I encourage fishermen to register early for the Challenge as lake groups could fill quickly in 2015.”

Last year, almost 160 fishermen competed for close to $14,000 in cash payouts for the top teams in the Hodag Musky Challenge.

About Fishing Hot Spots

Founded in 1975 in Rhinelander, WI, Fishing Hot Spots, Inc. is the nation’s premier publisher of fishing maps for inland lakes, rivers and coastal waterways available in print, digitally for GPS units, online and through mobile apps. More than a map, Fishing Hot Spots products feature extensive and in-depth fishing information not available anywhere else. Fishing Hot Spots products are found in thousands of bait & tackles and major outdoor retailers nationwide, as well as online at www.fishinghotspots.com.
Fishing Hot Spots also co-founded Madison, WI based Fishidy, a map-based social network specifically geared to the needs of anglers everywhere. Valuable fishing tips and information is only a few clicks away as anglers connect with one another through the Fishidy social network on the web and on both iOS and Android mobile devices.