Catch and Release Submissions

[Tony Scime]

I've attached an excel file and an edited PDF listing the NMA 2022 submissions as of today:

2022 NMA Catch and Release.pdf

2022 NMA Catch and Release.xlsx

A total of 30 catches have been submitted. This is likely the lowest number of submissions as of this date on record. Last year at this time there were 44 submissions. I'm not sure if the low number was due to a lack of angler effort, a lack of reporting, or a lack of fish. It might be a combination of all three.

Curiously, 24 of the 30 submissions were made by just 4 anglers. So there seems to be fish to be caught, although not in big numbers.

I want to say a few things about Andy Lacko. Andy's a humble guy and not one to "toot his own horn", so I'll have to do it. Andy's one of the best muskie fisherman I've had the opportunity to know. Undoubtably one of the best to ever fish on the upper Niagara.  On August 24 Andy had what I consider a "Hall of Fame" day, especially considering the low number of muskies currently being caught. He caught 4 muskies. Not only did he catch 4 fish, but 2 of them were trophies - a 48 and a 49.5 inch giant! Then he went out the next day and caught a 47. 

Congratulations, Andy! I know the effort you put in and you've earned your success!

Finally, we'll be having our monthly release raffle at our September meeting. Winner receives a $50 Cabela's gift card. Members who have caught and submitted a muskie since the last meeting (August 2) are eligible. Currently only three members made such submissions and are eligible for the drawing: Andy Lacko, Benjamin LaDuca, and me. if you want to be in the drawing, you must submit any catches you've made since the last meeting no later than tomorrow night's meeting.

Winners so far have been Mike Rowan (July) and me (August).

Let me know if you have any questions.