CAMP RIPLEY-Kicking off its fourth year, the Camp Ripley Fishing League (unofficial) seeks to continue to build camaraderie among colleagues taking part in one of Minnesota's most well-known recreations.
"It all started as a good idea between like-minded employees here on Camp Ripley, and blossomed from there," said Erik Arne, co-organizer and sergeant major with the Minnesota National Guard.
The league is multi-species (walleye, northern, bass, muskie), and runs from the end of May into early September. Fishing pairs buddy-up every other week for eight events on a variety of different lakes.
"A different lake is fished each event, and the worst two weeks scores for each 2-person team are not counted," added Arne.
One of the highlights of last season took place when team SSS & Kruse scored big bonus points with a 46-inch muskie caught July 26 on Lake Alexander. There was some jockeying throughout the season for the top tier with team Brett and Dave taking second place over Czeck-Holewa following a last minute catch. This surprise move knocked Czech-Holewa down a bit, but moved the fourth, fifth, and sixth places all up one. Although storm clouds rolled in, it was a great night of fishing for the league.
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Another nice night for fishing took place on North Long Lake in late June with 30 bass, 15 pike, and six walleye caught between the 13 teams that participated. The largest bass was 19-inch caught by Jeremie; the largest walleye measured 21 inches and was caught by Matt; and Benny continues to be the pike talker-his fish came in at 36.5 inches.
"We have a lot of fun," added Arne. "The Camp Ripley Fishing League is for fishermen who enjoy fishing, some competitive spirit, and the great waters of Central Minnesota."
The Camp Ripley Fishing League 2016 season came to an end Aug. 31 at Mille Lacs Lake. Some nice fish were caught, too, including the season's largest bass, at 21.5 inches, caught by Marty Skoglund. Marty and Zach rolled their bass into the season champs at 125 points. Taking second place was Skoglund Team No. 2 (Justin and Jeremy). Third place was a tie this year (no tie breaker) with 111 points, Team Brett and Dave and team Ekholm and Miller.
Team entry is $100 per team with a 100 percent payout for weekly and season winners. Lakes for the season will be decided at the meeting. It is open to employees (military and civilian), military, retirees and family members are welcome!
An informational meeting will be at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, at the Main Gate Bar and Grill. Contact Arne at erik.r.arne.mil@mail.mil for more information.
