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*I write for a variety of publications and am always looking for interesting places, outdoor events, fishing techniques (for just about any species!), unique characters, or conservation related items to feature in an article. If you have ideas...throw them at me!
Who I've written for: *The Next Bite/Esox Angler *MUSKIE magazine *Outdoor Life *FurFish&Game *Florida Game & Fish *Great Lakes Angler, *Elks Magazine *Silent Sports *Food & Wine *Family Fish & Game *Boats and Notes *Women in the Outdoors *Family Motor Coach *Saltwater News *AAA Going Places *Badger Sportsman *Northern Woodlands *Turkey Call *Bassin' *Destination Fish *Simply Fishing *Women's Outdoor News *Sport Literate *Lake-Link *Traveling Sportsman *Outdoor America *The Sportsman *Waterfront News *Paddler *Outside *Women Anglers *Florida Travel and Life *Wisconsin Sportsman Digest *American Woman Road & Travel *Her Sports *Musky Hunter *Wisconsin Outdoor News *Pilot Getaways *Stratos *In-Fisherman *Sports Unlimited *Turkey Country *Country Woman *Reminisce *The Snowy Egret *Travel and Leisure*Horizons
 Wishing you all the wonders of winter... (Thanks to my friend Dean Hidde for sharing this beautiful photo)
And, for those of you who'd rather trade white snow for bluewater, I wish you all the wonders of winter, too! Here I am fighting a big sailfish; very fun. As you see on the right, we landed her..."airing our laundry"--a saltwater tradition...hanging flags when you catch billfish...these are upside down sailfish because they were released. www. sportfishingpalmbeach.com; www.fightingladysportfishing.com Sailfish caught using Kites--contact me if you are interested in reading the story when published!

 "The water is so low it doesn't reach the shore" (photo by Juris Ozols) I recently penned an article about the low water levels found throughout the upper Midwest. The piece covers the factors causing the decline, how it affects fisheries & wildlife, and caring for newly exposed shoreline. These topics are applicable whether you live in the Midwest or other regions--everyone deals with low lake levels at one time or another. If interested in reading the feature, shoot me an email.
 Cool stuff for sale! Check out the Retail Page on my website....fishing items and miscellany are added each week....Unfortunately, the store is 95% closed during the wintertime. On-line books are still available for download, but, items (such as tee shirts and lures) aren't available until springtime.
Here's Debbie Mann, releasing her first musky while donning a Women on the Water tee shirt and cap. Boyfriend Robert Petzke remarks, "We always have a great time fishing together...whether we catch fish or not!"
We hope you enjoy our photo log! We will be adding recent catches throughout the season. If you have an outdoor photo to share, please email me.
Here's my "fish-of-a-lifetime"! A 54.5" x 30"...Unbelievable fish!! Caught & released on LOTW.

 Here's a nice Northwoods tiger musky caught row trolling... They call me Fish Hugger...please handle all fish with care! Horizontal holds (or water releases) are much healthier for the fish than a vertical hold is.
 
A couple of great examples of fish holds... * Kevin Richards, editor of MUSKIE magazine, smiles for the camera as he supports a musky in a horizontal hold. ** Diane and I handle a big walleye with care.  NO Bananas in the boat!!! Have you heard about that superstition? Here I am (on left) tossing out the evil fruit--a fellow contestant at the Bob Ellis Classic row trolling tourney had tried to stash it in my storage area. Luckily I found it before I launched and ended up catching a musky (on right). If you'd like to read the story behind the superstition, shoot me an email.

Want to learn how to use pump handles to catch suspended salmon or bottom hugging lake trout? Email me to find out where this article will be published. www.contenderfishing.com (left) John Gillespie Jr & I caught these fish with Capt. Rick Bellin of Databytes (right)

One of those MAGIC musky days... We were in Canada...hadn't seen a fish all day...then, within 90 minutes we boated 8 of them!! All were between 40"-45"...all were on the same long edge... We were joking that we were "fishing the bachelor pad and should find the nursing home where the big, old girls were."
Oh, Canada...where even Mary Penny & I can catch walleyes!! (www.clearwaterlodge.net ) There's a bunch of us gals getting together to fish in Canada this summer--on Eagle Lake, at South Shore Lodge. Contact me if you are interested in joining us, www.southshorelodge.com

Want to land big redfish? I fished with four Florida west coast captains; all shared different techniques. Contact me for the link to the story. Captain Merrily: www.coastalfishingadventures.com Captain Leiza: www.gilchristclub.com Captain Jon: www.myspace.com/shadowcastcharters Captain Rachel: www.captainrachel.com
Couples that fish together stay together! Come join us for our Couples Chasing Muskies Trip...next trip in Minnesota, Oct 6-10, 2010
  Jim (my better half) and I LOVE fishing together in my Crestliner Fishhawk. I know...dorky hat, right? But I married him for his sparkling personality, not his fashion sense!
 How's this for an action shot? Team "Killer Tiller" (from our Couples Trip) lands a nice musky together. Way to go, Amy!
 Team "Walleyes are Baitfish" (Matt & Bernadette) nailed Cast # 9, 890 for Kim. Cast # 9,999 for Cindy. this big fish together in the very first hour of our "Couples Chasing Muskies" trip!

Last year I reported on how Tony proposed to Dawn while they were fishing. Well, as of this past June they are now Mr. & Mrs. Enger. They were married "in the mouth of the musky" at Hayward's Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. Congratulations to both of them for their catch of a lifetime!

The Kraemer's The Boettcher's proudly display Paul, "If I get lucky and catch my first musky I'll wear Christine's big pike my wife's silly hat!"
 The Ellis-Johnson duo row trolling together at the Bob Ellis Classic. Team "Ahr, Driving Me Nuts" enjoying their new ride!! Photo courtesy Juris Ozols
 A big bull dolphin fish (aka mahi mahi or dorado) One of the most beautiful saltwater fish!
 Phase separation, clogged filters, disintegrating fuel lines and gas tanks...want to read about ethanol related marine motor problems? Shoot me an email and I'll let you know where my article is published. Photo courtesy Tom Fischer of TF Marine; www.WeGotBoats.com
   Bowfishing for carp...huge gator gar...even alligators! I showcase this fun, conservation minded...and MESSY sport in a recent article. Interested in learning more? Shoot me an email and I'll send you the link to the story! Photos courtesy showcased guides: www.extremebowfishing.com (Texas) www.floridabowfishing.com www.amsbowfishing.com
     Merging your two favorite pastimes: Flying and Fishing!! I am in the process of writing a 3-piece series for an aviation travel publication. Fly-In Fishing: Part I discusses how to choose the best outfitter for your fishing and lodging preferences. Contact me if you'd like to read the article. Photos courtesy showcased resorts: www.lingersguideservice.com (Quality & quantity trout fishing on the famous White River of Arkansas) www.northstarresort.ca & www.northhavenresort.ca (Luxury accommodations in Manitoba; fish for walleye, pike, lake trout, and sea-run brook trout.)  Women in the Woods! I joined these gals in northern Florida for a wild boar hunt. Very fun! The article was published in a Florida outdoors magazine; want to read it? Shoot me an email and I'll give you the details. www.womenintheoutdoors.com

Brian, when you catch your first big musky...try to SMILE :-)
 The Next Blond and Her Boat??? We celebrate every fish! My grand-niece, Isabella, is very interested in fishing! Mandy Gealow shows us how to hold Photo by Jennifer Talbert: professional photographer, proud mom, a slimy (ewh!!!) northern pike. and, my niece.

  Looking for a relaxing, fun-filled vacation for the whole family? Check out Eau Claire, Wisconsin; www.visiteauclaire.com I just recently penned an article on this Midwest town for a travel magazine...if you are interested in reading it, give me a shout. Top row: Farmers Market, Leinenkugel's Brewery (free tours and samples!), EC Crush--visit Carson Park for many sports and activities Bottom: Guide and canoe maker Bill Plantan, Charles Peterson phantom paintings at Chippewa Valley Museum, Fanny Hill Dinner Theater, Dolce Milano signature suite at Metropolis Hotel. www.riverridgecanoe.com; www.fannyhill.com; www.metropolishotel.com
 Even a blind squirrel finds a nut now and then (I'm the worlds worst walleye fisherman!)
 This guy (on left) really helped me catch more walleyes! "Bink" (Darrell Binkley) guides on deep Lake Norfork in Mountain Home, Arkansas. He showed me a technique that is extremely effective--I tried in on Northwoods lakes and it worked, too! Want to read the article? Gimme a holler. www.binksguideservice.com
WOW! Women on the Water!
 Barbi caught this dandy walleye using a 3/8 oz. jig Hayward Huntresses Marianne & Cindy CPR'd and a clear mister twister with gold flakes this nice musky on one of Cindy's handcrafted lures!
!  Last Cast Lady Lynanne with her first musky "Big Pike Pacanowski" Somebody should have been filming this fish being caught... let's just say it was "bloopers worthy!"
 The Musky Divas decided to fish for Northern Pike Tisma proudly displays a fine Northwoods smallie
 Donna & Linda worked together to catch this beautifully marked musky Marie caught enough bluegills to feed Ole and Lena!
 A Blond & Her Boat group fishing trips are complete Northwoods experiences Maggie caught this nice musky casting a Swim'n Joe along a steep breakline.
 Want to learn boating skills such as trailering, launching and loading? Enroll in one of the WOW trips. Details on A Blond & Her Boat Fishing Trips page. Here, Deb drives it on like a pro

Linda learns the fine art of poaching...hee hee! Congrats on the big fish, Linda!
   Julie is always blessed with nice weather Deb & Ann haul in this nice bucketmouth together Heidi is fast becoming a great fisherwoman and nice fish!
Fly Fishing guide Wendy Williamson hand her hands full trying to teach me to cast a fly (joined by our friend Katie) I showcased the fishing town of Hayward, Wisconsin, for a spring issue of Pilot Getaways. www.haywardflyfishingcompany.com Photo Credit: Gini McCain
 Toni showed us how to "double up" on muskies
Karen's big bass had grand aspirations...swallowing a big jerkbait. A bright silver bomber ("Old Chromey") was the hot bait for Mary Penny & I as we trolled up plenty of pike.

Donna and I show of some of fine Wisconsin bass.
 Marianne at the helm! A new experience for Chris, way to go!
 Ready for some early season hunting? This is my friend, Alyssa, and her nephew (with his first turkey). Congrats! I just signed with a new hunting publication to add women in the woods content. Look for more details in the future...
  Nicole Kuhn with a nice blacktip shark; Noel Faust with a big redfish. Both these fish were caught surf fishing. Here I am on a cold day in January (hey, I had to wear long pants in Florida, that's cold!!) bringing in bluefish and whiting. Want to learn how? Shoot me an email and I'll tell you where the article is published. Also, if you are in Florida, check out this group: www.surfishingflorida.com
  Merging your two favorite pastimes: Flying and Fishing!! I am in the process of writing a 3-piece series for an aviation travel publication. Fly-In Fishing: Part II discusses customs, regulations, and safety issues traveling from the U.S. proper through Canada and into Alaska. Contact me if you'd like to read the article. Photos courtesy showcased resorts and Gini McCain: www.talaheimlodge.com (remote Alaska lodge that offers helicopter fly-outs to nearly inaccessible fishing spots) www.alaskafishcharters.com (73' "Sea Mist" yacht; fish your way from Sitka to Juneau for halibut and salmon; take a break to watch whales. )
 My buddy Aaron and his fathr hauled in my all time favorite "eating" fish--tuna!
 Pheasants Forever organizes some fantastic youth activities and events. Want to read about some of them? I showcase outdoor organizations for a families in the outdoors publication, contact me if interested... www.pheasantsforever.org Photos shared by Cheryl Riley
 Easily the most "fisheable" canoe I've ever been in! Musky fishing in River Ridge canoes will be showcased in one of my upcoming articles, email me if you are interested in reading it. Owner Bill Plantan and I caught 3 muskies that day, including this dandy that took a Mepps bucktail. www.riverridgecustomcanoes.com
 Most of you know that one of my very favorite freshwater fish to chase is a musky...I am a firm advocate in involving youth in the sport. I belong to Muskies, Inc.; a conservation organization dedicated to this king of freshwater fish. I will be showcasing this group in the magazine Family Fish & Game. Here, two young MI members proudly display their catches: Milwaukee Muskies Inc/Cops n Bobbers program Shawn McDermott (shared by his dad, Mark) of the Chicago MI chapter. *Kids that are introduced to fishing are the adults that continue the tradition a few years later!
 Confused about super braids? I just wrote an article that discusses it's performance, color fastness, moisture absorption, spooling tips, etc. If interested in reading, give me a shout.
   
   One of my favorite Midwest cities? Fargo, North Dakota!! You, betcha! There is SO much to do here; www.fargomoorhead.org Try your hand at catching big catfish on the Red River; www.braddurick.com (great area to kayak or canoe, too!) Check out a film and the pipe organ at the vintage Fargo Theatre; www.fargotheatre.org (photo courtesy Doug Anderson) Take a horse drawn carriage ride through downtown or the countryside; www.dakotacarriagecompany.com Aviation enthusiasts will love the Air Museum; www.fargoairmuseum.org Catch a game of semi-pro baseball; www.fmredhawks.com (photo courtesy Red Hawks) Learn about a 76' foot Viking ship replica built here and chartered to Norway; www.Hjemkomst-center.com (John Borge photo) Stay at the Hotel Donaldson (cool art work throughout and an awesome jacuzzi and bar overlooking the city): www.hoteldonaldson.com Walk the downtown and enjoy a fantastic architectural tour, enjoy GREAT Thai food at Leila Thai or succulent chicken at Doolittle's... Want to read the article in a travel destination magazine? Contact me for the details!
   
Harbingers of Spring! Get ready for ferns popping out, crappies biting (Dad Chris & Andy Weier), hike along boardwalks to enjoy wildflowers, and loons return! Thanks to my friend Juris Ozols for the great loon photo
Row Trolling Photos (more on the website page dedicated to the technique) *Want to learn about row trolling? Which boat to buy? How to rig it up? Check out my e-book (on-line book) available on the retail page of my website. f
My good buddy Buckshot Anderson has guided out of a rowboat for 58 years! At age 78, Carl row trolled up his first musky! We CPR'd this beauty Buckshot shares his stories in many of the books he has authored. on a Depthraider. Congrats, Carl!
 Kirby from Nebraska's first musky Jake caught and released this 40" musky, his very first, after only one hour of rowing. "There's nothing to this musky fishing!"
Three trolling runs...three muskies for Jeff! A big, hefty beauty for Kevin Wallenfang
 Juris Ozol's fine photography captures the essence of the Bob Ellis Classic A warm day in November
 Girls just wanna have fun... George Jacques with an early summer musky
 Patrick Durkin and daughter Leah use his row boat to Thom Mathie's nephew smiles and strains!! Nice fish, Jake! access little ponds chock full of tasty bluegills.
  Ben Ruffing row trolls up his first musky! Congrats! Fish #4 of the day: Jordan hauls in another one in a blinding snowstorm

this if my favorite way to fish during the late season Michael R. is hooked on row trolling, too! My favorite trolling reel? A Shimano Tekota
 My friend Rich's gorgeous Whitehall Spirit. The CADILLAC of row trollers...One day...
 Bob Ellis Classic 4 champs Darrin Bornemann & Leon Duffrin caught and released Sal Granata, Jr. A chip of the old block! two muskies that day. Keep scrolling down for more BEC photos.
  One of my very favorite spots...7 Mile Lake...Nicolet National Forest...Vilas County, WI...my favorite way to get there? See below!!  My cherry 1976 Ford Bronco Sport
A big girl fell pray to the Mepps Marabou
 The Outdoor Women's Group Are you visiting Vilas/Oneida counties (Wisconsin)? If you are female and want to go hiking, biking, canoeing, etc. join the OWG for a fun day on the water or in the woods. Contact me for details.

I adhere to total catch and release in my boat and advocate graphite replicas for "trophy fish." Give someone else a chance to catch their fish-of-a-lifetime! I highly recommend Lax Reproductions of Conover, WI.
 Photo courtesy Tim Abler
The Bob Ellis Classic: Row Trolling Outing An annual event : visit row trolling page for details
 In honor of legendary row troller Bob Ellis.
 Bob Farling & Dave Schnell.
 Admiring Douglas Wicker's Rangeley Row Troller
 Brother Stan and many of Bob's relatives join in the festivities.
 What an incredible day! Rowers Scott Hassett and Hank Hempe.
 Patricia fishing with Bob's nephew, Dick Ellis
 The Bob Ellis Classic 3: Diehard Edition...wind, snow, ice... For more photos, please visit the row trolling page. Thanks to my friend, Juris Ozols, for all his fine photography...
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