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.

Read More About the Release Contest Rules

Rules for the Release Contest are simple:

  1. You have 30 days to register the fish on the Lunge Log from the day of catch and release.
  2. Muskies must have a 30-inch minimum.
  3. 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 January 7, 2025

Men's Masters

Name # of Fish Total Points Largest Fish
Mike Brister
65
943
49.50″
Stu Wiegner
14
212
50.50″

Men's

Name # of Fish Total Points Largest Fish
Lyle Lesetmoe
10
158
52.00″
Brian Lesetmoe
8
132
49.00″
Chris Thury
5
99
51.00″
David McDougall
3
43
45.50″
Rob Yuretich
2
23
39.75″
Matt Beulke
1
19
45.00″

Women's

Name # of Fish Total Points Largest Fish
Susan Wiegner
2
31
48.50″

Junior's

Name # of Fish Total Points Largest Fish

Lunker of the Month

Month Name Size of Fish
June
Lyle Lesetmoe
52.00″
July
Chris Thury
50.00″
August
Brian Lesetmoe
49.00″
September
Mike Brister
47.00″
October
November
Chris Thury
51.00″

Become a Muskies, Inc Member Today!