MINOCQUA–The Amherst fishing club finished in the middle of the pack at its first ever team ice fishing tournament, but more significantly, registered the two biggest fish– a pair of Northern Pike measuring at least 35 inches each.

Thirteen teams from throughout the state participated in the 2023 Lakeland Invitational, Minocqua, held Sat., Jan 21. As a team, Amherst placed fifth overall in the pike division; sixth overall in the perch division; and seventh overall in mixed bag. The Falcons registered a total of 11 fish: eight perch (varying in size from 6 to 7.5 inches); one bluegill (8 inches); and the two biggest Northern Pike (35 inches and 35.25 inches). The team also caught at least seven walleye that were not included in the tournament totals (due to conservation efforts).

Logan Glodowski, 15, registered a pike measuring 35.25 inches during the final minutes of the tournament, shortly after teammate Jacob “Gibby” Gibbs, 18, took the lake lead with a pike measuring 35 inches. Some controversy surrounded Glodowski’s fish due to its unusual coloration, but judges quickly determined it to be a rare silver pike as opposed to a musky, which would not have counted.

“Catching that fish was an unexpected blessing in disguise because of the slow start to the day,” said Glodowski, who promptly returned his prize catch back to the wild after completing its measurement. “It was a great way to wrap up our first ever tournament outing. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.”

“Considering it was the first tournament these boys have ever experienced, and considering we had to travel more than two hours to get there, the fact that we finished in the middle of the pack was notable,” said William Van Lannen, who assists head coach Jason Pickering. “Most impressive was the fact that team Amherst registered the two biggest fish of the tournament – if that isn’t victory then I don’t know what victory looks like!”

A number of companies joined forces to get the fishing club up and running, providing the necessary gear and resources to ensure its long-term success. “Without these sponsors, this club wouldn’t be at all possible. These sponsors will be fueling the next generation of young anglers here in Amherst. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude,” said Gibbs, student president.

Sponsors include the Tomorrow River Valley Conservation Club ($2,500); HT Enterprises (equipment valued at over $1,000); OK Hardware ($500); Magic Products ($200 plus various equipment pieces); Taps and Tackle ($450 product donation); Ardisam (6 Eskimo pop-up shelters valued at $400); and Brian Richards ($300). More students will have the opportunity to experience the outdoors and fellowship with their buddies as a result of these significant community-wide contributions.

– Wisconsin State Chapter NWFT Grand Slam Raffle tickets are currently available from Amherst club members. Tickets are $10 each or six for $50. The state drawing will be held on Sat., June 10. Proceeds will be used to purchase additional fishing equipment as needed.