Bob Ellis Rowtrolling Classic Takes Fishing Back To the Basics
6-14-2013
We’re on the road today in Boulder Junction to honor my uncle in Wisconsin most unique musky tournament. The 2013 Bob Ellis Rowtrolling Classic is tomorrow, Saturday June 15th. If you’re not in yet and want to join us, the starting location and after- fishing dinner is at the Skyview Resort in Presque Isle, Wisconsin.
The tournament is row trolling only, with no entry fee, no prize money and catch and release only. This is all to remember what a great man Bob was; he could take greatest pleasure out of his greatest passions by keeping it simple.
You will find a chance to view new and classic row trollers at the Classic, plaques for the winners, great stories before and after, great food and a fabulous bunch of people. Many knew Bob personally and will share their memories.
Kevin Wallenfang and crew (of course I’m missing people and I apologize) do a great job of coordinating and promoting the Classic. On behalf of the family I thank them. Below are some excerpts stolen from the website, www.row-troller.com, which serves as the official site for the Classic. Travel to the site to get a good idea on who this member of the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame really was.
Musky guide and TV host, Joe Bucher referred to Ellis as the "master of suspended muskies." The legendary Ellis would catch muskies in deep, open water, never using a motor, instead preferring to row his fiberglass skiff across the lakes with a sonar unit and a couple of rods trailing his lures.
Ellis was born in 1918 in Wisconsin Rapids. He went to college at UW-Madison where he was a member of the boxing team, and he served in World War II as a bomber pilot from 1942-45. In 1951, Ellis moved to Island Lake near Manitowish Waters with his wife, building a resort there for the summer months and running a floor covering service in Port Washington during the winter.
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| Bob's UW-Madison Boxing Team photo | Bob Ellis: 1945 Air Corps. Bob was assigned to a Bomber but was never called into action |
You’ll find much more on the website. See you at the Classic this year or next.
As always, we have posted lots of new material on the On Wisconsin Outdoors website over the week. You’ll find most of it under “Outdoor News”, Inland Fishing” “Firearms” and “Explore Wisconsin”. Send us your stories and photos and we will post it.
Thanks for connecting with On Wisconsin Outdoors. Shoot straight.
Dick Ellis