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Video: Raising money by reeling in musky on Lake Vermilion

Aug 21, 2020 06:13AM ● By Editor

Watch the WDIO-TV Report here

Al Louis is making money for non-profits by reeling in giant musky on Lake Vermilion.  Photo: WDIO-TV

From WDIO-TV - August 20, 2020

Making money off of muskies! That's what's happening on Lake Vermilion this year, thanks to the skills of Al Louis and his friend, A.J. Judnick.

Louis, who is from LaCrosse, loves to fish. Especially muskies, which he's caught 50 of them in the past 7 years.

He got to thinking, "How can I use my hobby to do some good, and raise some money?" With some brainstorming with his fellow Rotarians in La Crosse, he came up with a plan to raise money per fish. They brought in over $4000 in two weeks last year.

Fast forward to now, the 2020 Musky Challenge is now underway. He's still raising money for five groups in La Crosse. "We're at $30,000 already."

But he's also getting help from the Iron Range Rotary Club, to raise money for them. He's an honorary member up here.

"Because of COVID, all of these groups have lost the events they used to hold. If I can play and fish, what can I do to change lives. Making a difference, that's what it's all about," Louis added.

Money brought in will go to the Quad Cities Food Shelf and the Salvation Army in Virginia.

He and A.J. are going out twice a week. They've already brought in six giant musky. Louis will wear certain outfits or hats or logos, if you pony up the cash. You pay by the fish or by the pound. He's not picky. 

"I've got a guy in Wayzata who is doing $2.50 per pound. He's up to $600 already. I'm up for anything you guys send my way. I wore a Cubs jersey, for a double amount. I hate the Cubs," he shared.

Many of you know that the fish are finicky. "They are a 1 in 10,000 cast fish. But if you know where they are, your odds are better."

He's mastered many of the skills. And he gets real up close and personal, with each one. "We unhook it, measure it, pick out the name, give it a kiss, and send it back!"

Louis said the challenge runs through August 30th. They've already brought in over $1000 in 7 days for the Iron Range Rotary.

If you want to donate online, click here: https://app.donorview.com/GZwX9

Even though it says LaCrosse, they'll be able to keep your Range donation local by tracking your zip code.

Or you can mail a check to: 
Iron Range Rotary
PO Box 1074
Virginia, MN 55792
Questions? [email protected]


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