2013 Contest Announcement!

Since the world didn't end today, we decided to select the species for 2013. We also decided on some rule changes. The Big Fish of the Year board of directors has unanimously passed a rule change which now features a bonus fish. It will be the same a year long contest where the longest measured fish wins. Additionally, a second fish has been selected to be the "Bonus Fish." The idea is to have the same regular contest with winner of the primary fish to take a majority of the prize. To broaden things out the bonus fish will be a different and more specific species. The bonus fish winner will win their $20 entry fee back.

Qualified Big Fish of the Year

• Bass
• Walleye
• Crappie
• Muskellunge - removed due to prior year selection

Qualified Bonus Fish

• Walleye
• Crappie
• Northern Pike
• Muskellunge
• Largemouth Bass - removed due to main fish selection
• Smallmouth Bass - removed due to main fish selection

In a historic moment board member Chad Griggs selected the greatest compliment of species possible. BASS was selected as the primary fish. For the bonus fish, MUSKELLUNGE was selected. The word for the year is, PENS.

The rule changes have been updated and can be found on the right side of the page.

Picture above is Steve in 2012 who almost caught a bass and musky at the same time. Obviously, some kind of bonus would have to be considered if this occurs in 2013

2012 Champion! Jon Stutelberg

For second year in a row, Jon Stutelberg is the Big Fish of the Year champion. Jon caught this 40" Musky on Lake Minnetonka for Walleye. The fish was caught just days into the season and was unbeaten for the rest of the year. Although there were some other fish caught, just like Top Gun, there are no points for second place.

2012 Results

40" Musky, Jon - WINNER
37" Musky, Chad
28" Northern Pike, Brad
27" Musky, Chad
26.75 Northern Pike, Matt
19" Northern Pike, Jon

Chad's 37

Game on boys! It's been a while since there was activity on here, but at 0800 this morning I landed a 37" Hopefully this wont be the last of it. It's prime time for Muskies right now and hopefully I'll be able to get out enough to catch that 41" that I need!

Steve's Musky Encounter

Steve and Jon were fishing on Minnetonka on Wednesday June 13th when Steve hooked into one that immediately started ripping line. After a fight the fish was gone.. or was it? There was still a fish on the line and Steve brought in this Bass with a fresh Musky wound. They estimated the Musky to be in the 41-44" range. Steve said he didn't feel two separate strikes. Apparently as soon as the Bass hit the lure, the Musky hit the Bass.

Chad, 27" Musky

This 27" Musky was caught yesterday on Minnetonka. I didn't get a photo with it on the ruler because it was out of the water long enough and wasn't going to come close to the lead. But it will hopefully get me started!

Bar Raised! Jon with 40" Musky!

Jon raises the bar with this 40" Musky caught on Minnetonka.The fish was caught on a jig and minnow. The blood looks a bit ominous but Jon said the fish swam away with a couple of strong kicks of the tail. 

Matt on the Board 26.75"

Matt gets on the board with this 26.75" Northern caught on Mille Lacs yesterday.

Brad with 28"

Brad is the new leader with this 28" Northern caught at Lake "Carlsonia" It is difficult to read the measurements from the photo, but through creative techniques, we believe the fish to be a true 28!

Jon on the board with 19"

Jon caught this through the ice earlier this year. Looks to be just over 19" Remember to get a photograph of the whole fish. You can also get a close up of the length as a second shot.

2012 Contest has Begun!

2012 Big Fish of the Year contest has begun! The fish selected for this year is Northern Pike/Muskellunge. The longest recorded fish of the season will win. The word of the year is "Jello." See "Rules" on the right for a complete list of this year's rules.


I will keep this website updated with the current big fish and the photograph to go with it.

2011 Winner 28" Walleye

In 2011 Jon won with a 28" Walleye caught in July on Lake Minnetonka. The word of the year for 2011 was "Robin"