Release Contest
Release Contest Info & Rules
The “catch and release” philosophy was brought to Muskies Inc. in 1968 by Gil Hamm, the founder of Muskies Inc. By 1994, the release record of M.I. membership was 99.37%! With the lunge log an angler can enter and record the details of each fish they catch – creating their very own muskie diary! The Muskies Inc Lunge Log now includes records of over 350,000 fish caught by its members!
The Bemidji/Cass Lake chapter Release Contest is a fun way to see who caught/released the most and/or biggest muskies of the season.
Rules for the Release Contest are simple:
- You have 30 days to register the fish on the Lunge Log from the day of catch and release.
- Muskies must have a 30-inch minimum.
- That’s it!
**Please note that the Replica Contest has its own rules. View the Chapter #46 REPLICA RULES here.
Point calculation is as follows: four points for the first 30 inches, and one point per inch thereafter. (half inch = half point, quarter inch = quarter point) Measurements will be rounded down to nearest quarter of an inch.
**Just a reminder that we do have a hybrid/tiger musky award. The same rule applies that the fish must be 30 inches to count. If you do catch one and would like to enter it please email me to let me know. [ brian.lesetmoe@gmail.com ]
There are five divisions:
- Men’s masters
- Women’s masters
- Men’s
- Women’s
- Junior’s (must be under the age of 18)
(Masters divisions are for individuals that have entered over 250 fish in the Lunge log)
Please contact the release contest chairman – Brian Lesetmoe, if you are having trouble or need assistance entering your fish… 218-556-8792 or brian.lesetmoe@gmail.com
Current Release Contest Standings
Muskies must have a 30-inch minimum. Point Calculation: 4 points for the first 30 inches, one point per inch/one-half point per half-inch thereafter. Measurements will be rounded down to the nearest half-inch.
Questions? Contact Brian Lesetmoe – 218-556-8792 [ brian.lesetmoe@gmail.com ]
Updated November 9, 2025
Men's Masters Division
| Name | # of Fish | Total Points | Largest Fish |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Mike Brister |
45 |
593 |
46.00″ |
|
Stu Wiegner |
3 |
43 |
45.50″ |
Men's Division
| Name | # of Fish | Total Points | Largest Fish |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ethan Rogers |
20 |
236 |
45.00″ |
|
Lyle Lesetmoe |
9 |
123 |
44.00″ |
|
Brian Lesetmoe |
5 |
85 |
47.50″ |
|
Chris Thury |
3 |
49 |
44.00″ |
|
Matt Beulke |
2 |
29 |
42.00″ |
Women's Division
| Name | # of Fish | Total Points | Largest Fish |
|---|---|---|---|
|
– |
– |
– |
– |
Junior's Division
| Name | # of Fish | Total Points | Largest Fish |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Evan Willborg |
1 |
15 |
41.00″ |
2025 Lunker of the Month
| Month | Name | Size of Fish |
|---|---|---|
|
June |
– |
– |
|
July |
Mike Brister |
46.00″ |
|
August |
Brian Lesetmoe |
47.50″ |
|
September |
Mike Brister |
45.50″ |
|
October |
Brian Lesetmoe |
44.25″ |
|
November |
Brian Lesetmoe |
41.00″ |