MN-FISH Board Elects New Officers, Adds Two Positions Kerkvliet, Neustrom & Leaf Join Executive Team
Baxter, MN— At its September board meeting, MN-FISH Foundation made several strategic moves to strengthen the organization.
The foundation board held officer elections. Reelected were Ron Schara, President; Steve Pennaz, Secretary; and Dave Osborne, Treasurer. Kevin Kerkvliet was elected as vice president replacing John Peterson who stepped down after serving in that role since the organization was founded in 2018. Kerkvliet has worked in the marine industry for decades and is a passionate angler.
MN-FISH board also voted to add two new at-large positions to its executive board and filled them with Gary Leaf and Tom Neustrom.
Leaf, well-known to capitol and DNR insiders, has spent decades successfully lobbying on behalf of anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Neustrom, who guided Governor Walz at the last Governor’s Fishing Opener, has served on several state advisory committees over the years and was instrumental in helping fix the critical live bait shortage affecting state anglers.
Both Leaf and Neustrom are founding members of MN-FISH.
MN-FISH also created a new Advisory Board, consisting of non-voting members who will offer board input on key areas affecting Minnesota anglers and related businesses in the coming years. Priority areas of focus to state include youth programs, grant writing, tourism, and fish management.
Those interested in joining the Advisory board should contact MN-FISH executive director Mark Holsten by email: info@MN-FISH.com.
MN-FISH Board Says Thank You to Three Who Served
MN-FISH recognized three board members who are stepping down after their volunteer service to the organization:
- Kristen Merwin, former president of Women Anglers of Minnesota, oversaw MN-FISH’s “World’s Greatest” Fishing Auctions the past three years.
- Jimmy Bell—President of Student Angler’s Association who helped direct MN-FISH’s youth efforts.
- Rob Drieslein—owner of Outdoor News. He helped direct MN-FISH’s communication efforts.
“The board would like to thank Kristen, Jimmy and Rob for their dedicated service to Minnesota anglers,” said President Ron Schara. “Each served critical roles within the organization and helped us improve Minnesota fishing for all anglers.”
The MN-FISH Foundation and Coalition holds nonprofit status, recognized by the IRS under section 501(c)3 and 501(c)4.
Fall Walleye Madness
Walking out on my deck in the fall is a moment of enthusiasm for fall walleye fishing. The leaves are changing on the Maple trees in my yard and the smoke from burning leaves tells me this is the time of year that I wait for. As the water begins to cool it is now time to get everything ready for “Fall Walleye Madness”.
Walleyes in many of the lakes up north have a tendency to occupy shallow waters in search of food. They can be ravenous at times and produce memorable days on the water. The larger sand bottom lakes many times produce the best shallow bite.
For the several previous months Slip Bobber and a leech, or pulling spinners has been very productive, but now it’s time to get the arsenal of jigs on the deck of your boat and start exploring the shallows with pitching and jigging particular points, inside turns, rock piles and break lines close to shore. With electric motors such as the Minnkota Ulterra Quest I can stay in one spot and surgically pound an area and move left or right quickly to change the boat position as the fish move.
Casting a jig and minnow or plastic to these locations can let me know within minutes if I’m spot on. When it comes to minnows I prefer Rainbow Chubs, larger Fatheads, 2-4 inch sucker minnows as my bait of choice. Plastics can be an attempt to replicate a minnow or other forage. I like plastics that are flexible and have tail action.
Situate your boat anywhere from 10 to 25 yds from the designated target you want to throw jigs to as not to spook fish. After you catch a few fish move down the break and repeat the process. It’s a great fall pattern that has held up for years.
Water temperatures can be key to locations as well. As the water cools there can be several migrations of walleyes during the day. On extremely clear lakes the bite can be best at sunset into the dark of night.
Fall Walleye Madness is about to take place and don’t put your boat away just yet. Some of the best fishing of the season is upon us and walleyes are becoming very active as we speak. It also is one of the best times of the year to catch a trophy fish.
Tom Neustrom
