Thanks to NWC Contributors

Fluctuating weather and water temps on Mohawksin made fishing unusually difficult, and I was fortunate to weigh in even a single bass the first day and place fifth. We were on bass all weekend, but getting them to bite (or in the boat) was extremely tough. Despite that, the days we spent exploring, learning, and fishing the lake were a wonderful vacation and a good way to cap off a great summer.

At the awards dinner at the Hubers, Steve Huber presented me with a book donated by Joan Belongia of Brown Street Books in Rhinelander, _The Heart of a Champion_ by Frank Deford. I was delighted! What a wonderful way to recognize the attributes of winners and honor athletes who have exemplified them over the past eight decades. I'm putting this book on the coffee table in our reception area to encourage us to have the heart of champions.

I also received some excellent soft plastic lures, compliments of Driftwood Lures, a much-needed Yo-Zuri crankbait (did Jack Dalzell arrange that?), Stren fishing line, a few packs of Berkley Yum worms, some innovative jig heads, and a Zoom shad kit and camo cartridge box. Secret Weapon Lures donated Firetiger Perch spinnerbaits and Midnight Snack buzzrbaits. Other items given out at the awards dinner were from Moe Conway (Zoom kits, Shimano reel, Lure Magic spray, camouflaged folding camp chairs, Gerber knife sharpener, Shrade knife, multi tools.... probably more) Ronnie Garrison (tackle box), Jim Laumann (Gander Mtn. gift certificate), and embroidered jacket by the shop that does Outdoors Frontiers logo-wear... A lot of folks pitched in products and prizes to make this a fun event. I know I missed some... I hope Steve will post a complete list to give credit to all those folks.

Recognizing local sponsors and contributions personally makes soliciting donations in future years easier and more productive as well. Their donations are usually appropriate and are always appreciated, fostering a very positive impression of the entire community. This morning I mailed a thank-you note to Brown Street Books. I understand that this is not the first time they showed support for this event; previously one of our number -- was it Ronnie? -- received books they donated. I think they were mystery novels set in Rhinelander and involving fishing.

I especially want to recognize Steve and Janet Huber, whose schedules were turned upside down last week as they played host to this annual event. The items they collected and arrangements they made took considerable time and effort, I'm sure, and Janet put on a feast Saturday night that was easily the culinary highlight of the week. If you've not tried "bear bourguignon," you're really missing a rare treat. It was delicious! Of course, Janet also served up platters of grilled brats and buckets of beer -- the national foods of Wisconsin, evidently -- to an appreciated crowd of hungry anglers. Thanks, Janet and Steve.

Joe

I'd like to give a great big THANK YOU to the people and businesses that supported this year's Northwoods Classic with prizes and donations.

Jim Laumann - $25 Gander Mountain Gift Certificate

Fritz Nordengren - Water Bottles

Moe Conway - Folding Knife, Knife Sharpener, Zoom Fluke Kits, Folding Camp Chairs, Fishing Line, Cooler

Ronnie Garrison - Cooler, Tackle Box, Bass Pro Shops Watch

Secret Weapon Lures - http://www.secretweaponlures.com - Spinnerbaits and Buzzbaits

Driftwood Lures - http://www.driftwoodlures.com - Assorted Soft Plastic Lures

Gander Mountain, Wausau Store #126 - http://www.gandermountain.com - Yo-Zuri crankbaits, Line, Gulp Soft Plastic Lures

Mel's Trading Post - 105 S. Brown St. Rhinelander, WI 54501 1-800-236-MELS - Okuma Avenger spinning reel

Shoeder's Marine - http://www.shoedersmarine.com - Rod Holder and Boat Cleaning Brush

Auto Value - 535 Lincoln St. Rhinelander, WI 54501 715-365-6404 - Ratchet Straps

TTI Company - http://www.truturnhooks.com - Blakemore Reel Magic

Hodag Honda - 1355 Chippewa, Rhinelander, WI 54501 715-365-3820 - Honda Baseball caps

Auto Zone - 1510 Lincoln St., Rhinelander, WI 54501 715-369-8822 - Emergency Air Compressor/Jumpstarter

Fin Tech Tackle Company - http://www.fin-techco.com - Title Shot Jigs

Reflections Taxidermy - 715-477-1050 - Replica mount of Big Bass

Northstand Distributions - http://www.northstanddistributions.com - Camo Carry Cases

Heckel's Marine - http://www.heckels.com - Pull Tube and Gallon of Outboard Oil

Boat Sport Marina - http://www.boatsport.com - First Aid Kits

Lakeland Tru Value - 3011 Lincoln St. Rhinelander, WI 54501 715-369-3011 - Cordless Spotlight

CarQuest - 1830 N. Stevens St., Rhinelander, WI 54501 715-362-5488 - Multi Tools

In-Stitches - 33 W. Davenport St., Rhinelander, WI 54501 715-369-7600 - Embroidered Jacket

Brown Street Books - 25 S. Brown St., Rhinelander, WI 54501 715-362-5111 - The Heart of a Champion book

Aquatic Arts Bait & Tackle - http://www.fishinproshop.com - Rod and Reel Combo

Please, if you won one of the sponsor's prize donations, drop them a line of thanks, or if possible, stop in and thank them personally. Without their generosity, we wouldn't have the nice gifts that we do every year.

Thank you to all that support The Northwoods Classic and thank you to all that attended this year. I hope that next year will be even bigger and better!

Ronnie Garrison brought up a case of JJ's Magic -- a garlic-scented dip and dye. Most of us tried one or two of the 4-bottle sets that JJ Polak sent up to each of us. The potent brew came in clear, blue, chartreuse, and orange... perfect accent colors. I used the chartreuse to touch up the tails of my Driftwood Lures Flippin' Shads. It was easy and quick to apply.... dried quickly enough to set the lure down immediately without staining the boat gunnels or carpet. The color is permanent, and the scent (and presumably taste) lasted an incredibly long time.

Smallmouth bass seemed to like it, too. One northern pike was heard to exclaim,as I lifted it to extract the hook, "Mama-mia, tha'sa spicy shad. Lo amo, Giuseppe.... Molto squisito!"

Joe

Some days I swear I've got "Early Onset Alzheimers."