Dogger Sighting

Last night, I spotted my first bowfin of the year but circumstances were such that I wasn't in a position to fish for it before I spooked it.

I would say it was 23" or 24", so it wasn't a big one.

Minnesota Fishing Challenge will have award for the biggest bowfin.

The 2010 Minnesota Fishing Challenge is taking shape. Set for Gull Lake north of Brainerd on Saturday, June 5, the multi-species tournament headed by Al Lindner, is open for all ages and all skill levels. It is also a fund-raiser for one of Al's favorite causes -- Minnesota Teen Challenge -- one of the very best alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs in the state.

Two-person teams enter all divisions with their $100 entry fee, and may register fish in the pike, walleye, bass, panfish or mixed-bag categories. Prizes of MinnKota trolling motors, Frabill ice fishing shelters, guide trips by the best, rods and reels used by the top pro anglers, fishing tackle leaders and TV hosts in the country, and much more are up for grabs. There are also awards for carp, dogfish, eelpout, sucker and bullhead.

The key behind this tournament is FUN, while raising funds for Teen Challenge. After the $100 entry fee, teams will have until the tournament to raise 100-percent tax deductible donations to Teen Challenge in the amount of $500 (for the team). This was a relatively simple chore last year as each team averaged about $1,000.

There is still time to enter. To do so, register online at mntc.org/fishingchallenge or complete an entry. Call Jim Kalkofen at 651-356-5676 or Melissa Varriano at 612-238-6184. With the early spring followed by a lengthy cold snap, many anglers have waited to make a commitment. With the nice warm-up this weekend, think about the Fishing Challenge, and enter this week.

Missed Opportunity???

Tonight I think I missed a good one. Was throwing a Berkley Frenzy Popper in some weeds (OK not the smartest thing to do) when I had a large fish charge and annhilate the lure but it didn't hook up. It was either a pike or dogfish because bass generally don't strike like this fish did.

Club News

The Minnesota Bowfin Club is now officially a Chapter with the Bowfin Anglers Group. The Bowfin Anglers Group is the premier Internet Website for bowfin fishing. I encourage all Minnesota Bowfin Club members to check out their website and sign up to become a member there as well.

Takahiro Omori Dogfish Story

That was one expensive bowfin encounter

Minnesota Bowfin State Record

Hey Hey Ho Ho the Bowfin Record was broken in 2008. The previous record was 10lbs 15ozs. The record now is 11-4 and was caught out of the St. Criox River in Washington County on October 7th.

You can read an article on the catch here(PDF)...

MBC Grand Championship Tournament Update

As of the end of April 2010 we have no bowfin submitted. I am guessing things will pick up in May, especially with this warm Spring we have been having.

My boat will be ready soon, so those dogfish better look out.