Battle on 'Bago back and bigger than ever

[Go Big Red!]

Battle on 'Bago back and bigger than ever

By Rob Ebert • of The Northwestern • February 25, 2011

This weekend’s Battle on ‘Bago fishing tournament promises to be the biggest on record, organizers say.

Last year’s event brought in 900 fishermen, and this year, between 1,500 and 2,000 fishermen are expected to participate on Saturday.

Organizers say the reason for the increased numbers are the $75,000 worth of prizes given away, the positive word-of-mouth, and the fact that celebrities like Packers linebacker Clay Matthews, emcee John Gillespie and senator Ron Johnson will be in attendance.

“Our retention rate on our fishermen is averaging about 90 percent, we’ve never had any major complaints,” organizer Glenn Curran said. “Many people go out and get three or four more buddies. We’ve cranked up on advertising and Clay Matthews will bring extra people.”

The fishing will take place Saturday from 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and the cost is $30 for each fish registered. Prizes include everything from cash to a guided Elk hunt in Wyoming to autographed Clay Matthews footballs. Prizes are set up randomly, so the biggest prize is actually for finishing in 270th place this year. That wins you a $4,000 hunt.

“It gives recreational fishermen a giant prize,” Curran said. “It’s not a format for the top fishermen to win it every year. People seem to like it.”

Matthews will be fishing in the tournament and will be available to greet fans from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., although he’s not scheduled to sit down and sign autographs.

There is one major change from tournament’s in the past. Because of poor ice condition, organizers are encouraging people to not bring their vehicles onto the ice. They are also welcomed to fish any lake in Wisconsin of their choice, they just have to make sure to be in line by 1:30 p.m. to weigh in their catch.

“There are some places that aren’t safe for vehicle travel, so all inland lakes are open in Wisconsin,” organizer Art Dumke said. “They just need to be line by 1:30 with their fish.”

Prior to Saturday’s fishing, there will be the second annual fish fry tonight near Millers Bay in Menominee Park.

“We have Copper Box playing, and the thing with the fish fry was that it was really good,” Dumke said.

The only twist this year is that “the largest fish fry on ice” has been moved off the lake to the blacktop.

“It’s the largest fish fry on blacktop,” Dumke said.