Courtesy of Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce

Heading into its 34th year, registration for the 2015 Fishing Hot Spots Hodag Musky Challenge is open! Anglers from around Wisconsin and the Midwest will cast their lines for the chance to take home part of a multi-thousand dollar cash purse and the title of 2015 Fishing Hot Spots Hodag Musky Challenge Champion. This catch-and-release tournament takes place Sept. 25-27 and awards points for the size of muskies caught across five different lake groups in the Rhinelander area.

New for 2015, the tournament will move to a judge boat scoring format 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.

“I’m really excited with the new scoring format and with our new title sponsor,” said Dana DeMet, executive director of the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce. “I think the new points system will mean even more anglers are in the running for the championship and that we’ll see a really competitive, but really fun, tournament.”

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

Teams are composed of two anglers per boat at a cost of $250 per team. Registration is open through Sept. 25, and can be found online at www.ExploreRhinelander.com or by contacting the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce.

Event sponsors include Fishing Hot Spots, Shoeder’s RV & Marine, and the Musky Shop.