2009 Milwaukee vs. Quad County Chapter Challenge Recap
by Darrel Mack
The stars twinkled while dropping the trailer onto the ball. I was looking at a bluebird day, but it didn't matter, it was the long awaited opener. Anticipation was priming the adrenaline pumps in hopes of connecting with a Goliath. The annual ritual against Quad County was about to start in three hours and robin egg skies were not going to damper the spirits.
I arrived at Smokey's early to launch in order to get a parking space close to the "Q's". You see this yearly event ends on the first day with a "feast of the sausages" and they were neatly waiting to do their part in the back of my truck in the cooler. Other participants started to arrive with the same enthusiasm. The armada of boats found space along Smokey's piers. Members shared stories of "opener" pasts, sharpened secret baits, and poured another cup of coffee while waiting to shove off to their covert casting corners. I stayed back patiently waiting for my fishing partner to arrive. I began to get worried as the sun continued its upward path higher in the sky. Those that know me, know that I'm a cornucopia of high tek knowledge. So, I celled 12:50 AM on the dial, text the police departments and twittered the detox hospitals close to Miller Park with no avail. Chewbacca was no where to be found. Then finally he arrived. He was whistling the tune the "fishing hole" and greeted us with a "morning lads", but he was good on his word, on time and we were off.
Water temperatures varied throughout the lake areas. In all, it averaged 52 degrees. Prespawn? Spawning? Nobody knew except the query. As the morning progressed the wind picked up and became a chore. The noon lunch break at the Waterfront revealed one legal fish caught, some undersized and numerous follows. The conclusion after one day, two legals for us - zero for them.
Sunday morning was a repeat of Saturday's beautiful weather. The difference was a little warmer and a bit less breezy. Once again a lot of lookers and two more that were hungry were caught. At the end of it all we came out ahead after a two year dry hiatus. No matter what the outcome a fun time in the sun, good camaraderie, and a lot of laughing took the fore front before winning. I would like to thank John, Gordy, Rick and Ron at Smokey's for graciously letting us use his facility and all there help. Another big hand to Mr. Danko and Lynne Dembiec for their culinary cooking expertise on the "Q's" and the big sticks who brought the trophy back home where it belongs.
Milwaukee:
- Lynne Dembiec - 38½
- Darrel Mack - 36"
- Bobby Petzke - 35"
- Rick Wyrwas - 34"
Quad County:
- No legals to report
