Giving Back to the Fishery

by Kevin Patton

During this time of budget deficits, state park closings, and economic downturn, there are groups of Illinois fishermen who are giving back to our fishery.

The Illinois Muskie Tournament Trail is one group that is setting a good example by demonstrating the axiom that "actions speak louder than words."

Members of the IMTT and Illinois Department of Natural Resources Fisheries personnel met at Evergreen Lake March 31 for some presentations after fish collections by IDNR biologists.

The IMTT donated 10 digital cameras to IDNR biologists so they can better document and report the progress and findings of their work. Last fall the group partnered with the Lake Shelbyville Muskie Club to purchase a small boat and motor to be used by IDNR personnel for river and stream research and fish stocking in Illinois.

Previous IMTT donations include several digital scales to weigh fish; funds for shoreline vegetation plantings to enhance fish habitat at Lakes Paradise and Shelbyville; a spillway barrier net for Otter Lake; $900 for hatchery trap nets; and $2,000 towards the Green Gene Project.

IMTT donations totaled an impressive $10,000 for the year 2008, with the majority going to the muskie fishery.

The IMTT began during the fall of 2001 with the slogan "Dollars for the Fishery, not for the Fishermen."

IMTT founder and current Secretary Bob Kerans said, "Our intent was to use entry fees from the tournaments for the improvement of the fishery. If cash prizes were to be awarded, they were to come from outside donations."

During the nine years of its existence, the IMTT has used entry fee monies to help purchase equipment, aid in research, fund stocking programs, and aid other projects intended to improve muskie fishing in Illinois and the state's fisheries in general.

The IMTT is a member of the Illinois Muskie Alliance, a coalition of Illinois muskie fishing clubs, and participates in IMA programs in an effort to foster a "muskie fishing fraternity" in Illinois.

"We've found this camaraderie and sharing of information and mutual interests to be significant in promoting muskie fishing in Illinois," says Kerans.

Their attitude about giving back to the fishery is a refreshing deviation from the sometimes cutthroat and greedy nature of some tournament fishermen.

Kerans added, "We really believe that a lot can be accomplished if we don't care who gets the credit."

The Illinois Muskie Tournament Trail web site is located at: www.illmuskie.com

Bob Kerans can be emailed at: robert_kerans_559@comcast.net

The Shelbyville Muskie Club web site can be seen at: www.shelbyvillemuskie.com