Indian Summer

Glad to hear you guys have formed a chapter up there. I have talked to a friend or two who are considering transferring membership from Three Rivers to your chapter. Mainly the ones who have an interest in fishing Chautauqua. I haven't been an M.I. member for oh... years. (can't remember) I thought I'd take a minute and share some of the struggles you are sure to encouner when trying to make improvements to your home state through MI. Mainly money. I see that you have an interest in changing some regulations/size limits. That is a realistic goal and the idea that being a part of a larger organization to gain respect of your DCNR is smart thinking. But when it comes to stocking that's a different story. Raising or buying muskies, ideally fingerlings, is expensive. I'm sure they guys who communicate with the Prendergast hatchery will tell you that. The point is that MI will gain you some political clout if you hammer away at it... but you'll have to raise money on your own if you need it. It was a blast forming what turned out to be the biggest chapter in MI with more releases than any other. Our ladies were crushing the women's division and our juniors were making us proud. But it was frustrating at times when we had over 250 members and were mailing them nearly 10K a year.... but could barely afford to mail out a newsletter..... and the fine folks out west were cutting back magazine issues and talks of bankruptcy were swirling around. MI still has big money/tax issues FYI. So use your club to unify muskie fishermen as well as attract new ones so you can afford to make real progress where you feel you need to. Don't expect anything from International and you won't be disappointed. Know that only your hard work & your money will help your local waters. Put someone in charge of fundraising and give it hell. I'm a huge fan of Chautauqua and if it looks like you put a 1st class chapter together I may just be motivated to rejoin MI. Best of luck to you!!! I'll be watching.