More than 500 anglers registered
for 25th anniversary Musky Open

The Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center, along with Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin Inc., will host the 25th annual National Championship Musky Open on 72 area lakes Aug. 20-22.

“More than 1,000 anglers participated in this event in 2009 and we are looking forward to that many again this year,” said chamber events coordinator Kim Emerson.

The National Championship Musky Open, headquartered at the Vilas County Fairgrounds, is a catch-and-release tournament that provides a contest for all ages and skill levels. Anglers can fish one of seven lake families in the tournament.

In 2009, the event had 62 youth anglers and 61 husband-and-wife teams. Last year’s anglers registered 141 legal muskies, with 49 inches being the largest fish caught and released.

“Presently, more than 500 anglers are preregistered and we are looking forward to another 500 anglers by tournament time,” said Emerson.

If any angler wishes to enter this tournament, registration information can be received by registering online at muskyopen.com or by calling the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center at (715) 479-8575 or 1-(800) 359-6315 until Aug. 1.

After Aug. 1, registrations will be taken at the Vilas County Fairgrounds (tournament headquarters) starting Thursday evening, Aug. 19. The cost is $50 if preregistered by Aug. 1, or $55 if registering at the tournament. Registration includes a tournament hat and T-shirt, and a chance to win a new 2010 Ranger Boat.

“Remember, everyone who enters the tournament gets a chance to win the $20,000-plus Mercury-powered Ranger boat with a RangerTrail trailer, whether you catch a muskie or not,” said Emerson.

For further information, contact the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce or visit the Web site at eagleriver.org.