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Indiana Walleye

The website for people who love walleye fishing

Directory  Press release

P. O. BOX 501371

INDIANAPOLIS, IN. 46250

Muskies…mysterious, elusive and unpredictable. The fish of legend, the king of fresh-water, the noblest gamefish of them all, the most voracious of the fresh water fish, the fish of 10,000 casts, and the freshwater tiger are some of the names for this coveted game fish. Each year, there are muskie sightings and releases, new stories shared and embellished, thus muskie tradition and mystique continues to grow. Muskies can be found in 32 states and three providences across North America.

Management of this magnificent gamefish has gained momentum with the assistance of Muskies, Inc. and its various chapters across the United States and Canada. Such accomplishments as creating the "Catch & Release" philosophy, establishment of hatcheries and rearing ponds, stocking muskie fingerlings, providing research grants and maintaining records of habit has been invaluable.

Nineteen years ago, Muskies, Inc. hosted the last International Muskie Symposium in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Thirty-seven scientific studies, two panel discussions and several fishing seminars were conducted. Much was shared, much was learned and key scientific and research data was used to build the foundation for this fragile resource. A book entitled "Managing Muskies, A Treatise on the Biology and Propagation of Muskellunge in North America," was published and soon became an educational and reference tool for biologists, researchers and individuals.

Much has happened since the last symposium. Preserving spawning habitat, muskie stocking success, muskie regulations, hooking mortality, environmental and chemical impact are just some of the ongoing issues. The time is now for DNR biologists and managers as well as muskie enthusiasts to get together and "Build for the Future." With this in mind, Muskies, Inc. will sponsor an International Muskie Symposium.

Provide an organized forum for biologists, industry leaders and muskie enthusiasts to share technical and on-the-water fishing insight, create shared stewardships, and develop mechanisms to disseminate knowledge that helps to guide muskie management and conservation efforts to ensure tackle busting muskie action today and tomorrow.

Objective:
"Building for the Future" will serve as the forum for sharing the latest research and scientific findings and examine industry, economic and tourism impacts, environmental challenges, angler insight and provide networking opportunities. Noted muskie biologists, researchers, industry leaders, nationally recognized muskie experts and muskie enthusiasts will participate. There will be general sessions, workshops, seminars, panel discussions and research presentations. Sharing "Best Practices" will also be incorporated into the program.

"Building for the Future" will be hosted by the Hoosier Muskie Hunters Chapter of Muskies, Inc. September 17-19, 2004. The event will take place at the Marten House Hotel and Lilly Conference Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Additional information can be obtained by contacting jimbagnoli@aol.com or by phoning (317) 844-0299.

Efforts will be made to publish and distribute all of the scientific and research materials shared at this event.

Call to Action:
"Building for the Future" will create a sense of urgency, a call to action and the need to take advantage of this information. The program will serve as the foundation to help build better communication and a working partnership between DNRs and anglers, elevate current state/province muskie management program and create new muskie waters across the United States and Canada. Information shared during the symposium will help better educate and inform muskie anglers as well as create more tackle busting muskie fishing experiences.

At a planning meeting for the 1984 International Muskie Symposium Meeting, Gil Hamm, founder of Muskies, Inc., commented, "these are the things we need to be associated with if we have any hope of good sport fishing in the future." This same philosophy applies today. The 2004 Muskie International Symposium, "Building for the Future," has the ability to build a five star muskellunge program across the United States and Canada.

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