FML Outdoors.com

2009 Main Event

First Place: 1 Ib. 7 oz., Matt Quam, – Black Bay
Second Place: 1 Ib. 2 oz, Peter Dunlap, – Laffette Bay
Third Place: 1 Ib. 1 oz., Brian Daherty, – Grays Bay

Junior Division

First Place: 1 Ib., Dan Rezabek,
Second Place: 14 oz., Karly Smith
Third Place: 13 oz., Lauren Lembke

A Fishing Tradition Not Lost

It was a great day to be fishing, as nearly 500 fishing lines got wet. Though, the weather wasn’t quite as warm as yesterday — 80’s to now 55˚degrees, that didn’t stop die-hard anglers from motoring out to their favorite crappie holes.

Up until Friday, April 17, it wasn’t clear whether the 42nd Annual Gander Mountain Crappie Contest was ever going to happen. The word-was-out that Gander Mountain, one of the largest outdoor fishing & hunting retailers, had pulled out of out of this years sponsorship.

Passing of the Torch

Once it was clear that Gander Mountain was not returning, the committed team at Lord Fletcher’s stepped forward to continue this years event. Now, 42 consecutive years, this annual event has proven to be a tradition for many families. I myself. won the junior division back in 1980. I was ten at the time and still remember that day!

“It’s like the opener before opener!”, referring to Minnesota’s walleye fishing season, said one eager fishermen.

It’s a Winner!

The winner’s position changed quickly, as fishermen and their boats raced back to meet the two o’clock deadline. “A few boats received tickets!” noted one fisherman, as he held a crappie in one hand and waved the ticket in the other. Apparently, the local Sheriff’s Water Patrol was ready and well positioned near the “Minimum Wake” hot zones. Something to remember for next year!

At first, we thought Peter Donlap had the contest won with his 1-pound, 1-once Black Crappie. Then someone said they saw a bigger fish caught and it was on it’s way! Sure enough, All eyes were on the red cooler, as Matt Quam of Chaska, Minnesota walked up and pulled out a 1-pound, 7-ounce crappie!

With only 10-minutes to spare, hopeful fishermen tried their luck as the official weight master registered fish.

A True Hot Spot!

Congratulations to Matt Quam! Matt wins this years contest and walks away with over $500 of fishing equipment. It turns out…Matt’s brother Steve Quam of Watertown, won the contest back in 2004! At that time, the winning fish was a 1-pound, 15-ounce crappie and the prize was a 14-foot Lund boat, motor and trailer!

In the Junior division, Dan Rezabek of Plymouth sweeps the contests with a 1-pound crappie! Congratulations Dan! We’ll see you next year!