May 15, 2009 - TOP STORIES
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Dealers report new boat sales down
Pawlenty catches pike in Minn. fishing opener
Kabetogama Lake announced as site of 2010 Governor’s Opener
Minnesota DNR steps up zebra mussels vigilance
Minnesota waters, fish ready for walleye season
Dealers report new boat sales down
Some see early signs of rising tide for boats
Thom Dammrich, president of the NMMA, said he expects a boom in boating and fishing this summer, citing improving economic signs and consumer confidence.
By Steve Karnowski, Associated Press Writer
HAM LAKE, Minn. (AP) – The economy was a big part of why Soua Xiong held off buying a new fishing boat for the past couple years. Hoping the worst was over, he was ready to do more than look when he walked into the Rapid Sport Marine showroom.
“It’s a good time to buy. It’s time for a change and I think things are changing,’’ Xiong said after signing the papers on a shiny new $22,000 Lund fishing boat to chase walleyes in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Boat dealers and manufacturers are counting on people like Xiong, 35, an oil refinery worker from Cottage Grove.
As Americans get ready to go fishing this summer, the U.S. recreational boat industry is struggling to stay afloat. Sales of new boats were down 30 percent last year and could fall another 20 percent this year, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Boat makers have shut down or mothballed many factories and laid off thousands of workers. But as summer approaches, some dealers and others in the industry are upbeat, citing low gas prices, plentiful bargains, low interest rates and an uptick in showroom traffic.
The optimism isn’t universal.
“Anybody that is in the business of making and selling boats right now is struggling,’’ said Edward Aaron, an analyst with RBC Capital Markets who follows Brunswick Corp., the country’s No. 1 boat builder. “The downturn that we’ve seen in this industry is not even comparable to anything we’ve seen in the past.’’
Still, Thom Dammrich, president of the NMMA, said he expects a boom in boating and fishing this summer, citing improving economic signs and consumer confidence. And he noted that national average gasoline prices, which soared to the high $3 range for most of last summer, are back down to the low $2 range.
Dammrich estimated new boat sales in 2008 were around $9.5 billion, a little over 200,000 boats. Dollar sales of used boats were about the same, but at roughly 600,000 units. And the association estimates that employment at boat and engine manufacturers is down 50 percent industrywide.
Irwin Jacobs, chairman and chief executive of Minneapolis-based Genmar Holdings Inc., the country’s No. 2 boat manufacturer with 14 brands, is one of the cautious optimists. While Jacobs had no hard data to back it up, he said he felt things were looking up.
“For the first time in several months I have a sense, call it what you will, that we’ve seen the bottom of these horrible times, at least in our industry. ... We’re actually seeing some lift out there, better than it has been in some time.’’
Privately held Genmar has laid off over 2,000 employees and has about 1,800 left. Jacobs wouldn’t give current sales figures, but said sales before the slump had been about $1.1 billion to $1.2 billion a year. While sales of Ranger and other Genmar freshwater fishing boat lines are down only 27 to 28 percent, he said, other Genmar brands are off 50 to 55 percent.
Jacobs said he expects Genmar to be the industry’s major beneficiary of competitors going bust because of its extensive dealer network and deep lineup of new models.
Brunswick – whose 17 boat brands include Bayliner, Crestliner, Lund and Hatteras, and also makes Mercury motors – is not expressing a lot of optimism.
The Lake Forest, Ill.-based company has closed or mothballed half the 28 factories it was running in 2007. Total employment in its marine operations is down nearly 50 percent since the beginning of 2008. Sales in its boat segment were down 64 percent in the first quarter of 2009 from the same period a year earlier, while marine engine segment sales were down 45 percent.
That’s after the company’s boat sales fell 25 percent in 2008, and engine sales fell 17 percent.
Dunstan McCoy, Brunswick’s chairman and chief executive, said in the company’s earnings announcement Thursday that the company isn’t planning for any meaningful recovery this year.
In fact, McCoy told analysts, he’s not planning for the boat market to return to its relatively high 2005 levels “within my working career.’’
Phil Keeter, president of the Marine Retailers Association of America, said there’s still a glut of inventory in the supply chain and in dealer showrooms. He said he’s seeing a little improvement in the Midwest and some other regions, primarily in sales of cheaper boats, but he suspects it’s partly the usual springtime rush.
“We’ve seen more traffic in the dealerships in the last month than we have seen for a long time. That doesn’t mean they’re buying, but we are seeing more traffic,’’ Keeter said.
Luke Kujawa, president of Crystal-Pierz Marine, is coming off a year of painful decisions. His Twin Cities-based chain opened some stores but closed others for a net reduction from nine to seven, and cut staff. But he’s betting these moves will pay off.
“We’ve done everything we can do to survive and maybe thrive in this market,’’ Kujawa said.
Back at Rapid Sport Marine, Jake Jacobson, general manager of Rapid Marine Group, which has stores in Ham Lake, Shakopee and St. Cloud, said he’s optimistic because of all the people like Xiong who’ve dropped in on his showrooms this spring.
Manufacturers are offering factory rebates, prices have been cut to clear out inventories and loans with 6.9 percent interest rates and low monthly payments over 10- to 12-year terms are available for people with good credit, Jacobson said.
“We’re positive. We’re upbeat. We’re selling boats every day,’’ Jacobson said.
Pawlenty catches pike in Minn. fishing opener
WHITE BEAR LAKE, Minn. (AP) – A pre-dawn start paid off for Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who has reeled in a 15-inch Northern during the Minnesota fishing opener.
Pawlenty spokesman Alex Carey said the governor was on White Bear Lake at 3:30 a.m. Saturday and caught the 1.5 pound fish around 7:30 a.m.
Pawlenty and first lady Mary Pawlenty caught at least four fish as of late Saturday morning.
Lieutenant Gov. Carol Molnau also joined the governor at his annual opening day fishing event.
Pawlenty has a string of catching at least one fish at each Governor's Fishing Opener.
It's the first time in the 61-year history of the Governor's Fishing Opener that the event has been held on a metro lake.
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Kabetogama Lake announced as site of 2010 Governor’s Opener
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Pawlenty announced that Kabetogama Lake will be the site of 2010 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener. The 62nd annual kickoff of the fishing season will be held May 14 and 15, 2010. Governor Pawlenty made the announcement at this year’s event at White Bear Lake.
Kabetogama Lake is located in Northeast Minnesota and is one of four lakes that make up Voyageurs National Park. Situated on the U.S.-Canadian border, Kabetogama Lake has miles of pristine undeveloped shoreline and 25,000 acres of water.
“Kabetogama Lake is a choice location for the Opener with its great fishing and rich history of voyageurs and fur traders”, said John Edman, director of Explore Minnesota Tourism, the state agency that coordinates the event. “The Lake Kabetogama and Ash River Trail area provides a traditional family-owned resort community experience and showcases one of the gems of Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park.”
The event was last held in this area in 1982 with Governor Al Quie.
The Governor’s Fishing Opener has been a tradition in Minnesota since 1948. The event was designed to promote the development of Minnesota’s recreation industry. It also provides the host community with an opportunity to highlight local fishing and other recreational activities and attractions.
More information can be found at: www.mngovernorsopener.com or www.exploreminnesota.com.
Minnesota DNR steps up zebra mussels vigilance
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Fishing season is now open and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is stepping up its vigilance of zebra mussels.
Last month, DNR officials discovered zebra mussels in Prior Lake, making it the ninth inland lake in the state to be infested.
The state is increasing its enforcement budget by five times. Last year, $150,000 was designated to battle the invasive species. Now it's $750,000.
Nine enforcement officers, 80 inspectors, and 148 conservation officers will be on Minnesota lakes.
DNR Lt. Scott Carlson says they just want to be sure people aren't transporting the zebra mussels to other waters.
Fisherman caught not washing their boat or bringing zebra mussels into a lake get fined $500.
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Minnesota waters, fish ready for walleye season
DNR News
North, east, west or south – no matter which way you cast, you’re bound to hook something in Minnesota’s lakes and rivers.
While there’s plenty of good sized fish to be caught. Minnesota has a wide variety of other quality angling opportunities mixed in among its many other attractions.
Minnesota offers a lot of lakes and a lot of fish but remember – late-season snow and cold temperatures may mean the ice won’t be out on some lakes in the far north. Before heading out, call ahead to make sure lakes and boat accesses are open.
Fishing tips from around the state:
Northeastern Minnesota
• Rainy Lake: One of the most majestic, pristine, lake country areas in North America. Walleye catch rates should remain high for 2009, with plenty of large fish protected by the slot limit available for anglers and large numbers of smaller fish growing into harvestable size. There also are great opportunities to land black crappies and some trophy-sized northern pike.
• Lake Kabetogama: Expect a lot of walleye in the 12- to 14-inch range. The slot limit in place should provide some opportunity to land larger walleye. Northern, some of trophy size, also are a good bet. And don’t forget sauger – a cousin to the walleye. Many should be in the 12- to 17-inch range.
• Lake Vermillion: A lot of fish and a lot of water at this 40,000 acre lake just north of Tower that stretches 40 miles across the heart of Minnesota’s arrowhead region. With 365 islands and 1,200 miles of shoreline, there’s plenty of room for fish – and anglers – to spread out.
• Lake Winnibigoshish: Plenty of pan-sized walleye should be available in Minnesota’s fifth-largest lake. Enjoy the scenery, too, because 95 percent of this lake’s 67 miles of shoreline are undeveloped. Don’t be afraid to troll for a few northern – they’re abundant and some larger fish are there. Yellow perch have increased in numbers in recent years, creating another good choice for early season anglers. Kids (and lots of adults) enjoy catching crappies and bluegills. You’ll find them on Cut Foot and Little Cut Foot lakes.
• North Shore: There’s still ice on many lakes so open-water fishing might be a stretch and accesses may be in rough shape. Lakes farther west of Lake Superior tend to open faster than inland lakes closer to the big lake. If your lake is open, remember that you’ll have better early-season luck in warmer, shallower water.
• Duluth: Don’t be afraid to fish during the day and enjoy Duluth at night. Walleye of harvestable size are making a comeback but may be a bit hard to catch in the St. Louis River, Island Reservoir and Boulder Reservoir. Northern pike, black crappie and channel catfish all offer good choices for early-season anglers.
North-central Minnesota
• Mille Lacs Lake: At 132,500 acres, Minnesota’s second-largest lake offers 132,500 acres to find walleye, northern pike, perch and tullibee. Water levels are expected to be up this spring and the walleye bite, thanks to some up and coming larger fish, should provide some good action.
• Big Sandy Lake: The very dark water of Big Sandy, north of McGregor, warms rather quickly compared to the area’s other clear water lakes. It makes Big Sandy one of the best bets for early-season walleye anglers.
• Gull Lake: Early morning and evening is the time to go after walleye and northern pike on Gull. Mix in a light to moderate chop and mostly overcast conditions and you’re shore lunch will be a success. Northern pike are abundant, and there’s a good opportunity to land a 30-plus incher.
• North Long, Pelican, and Whitefish lakes: Each has abundant walleye populations with several size classes available for anglers. Northern pike are present in good numbers with small to average size. No special regulations are in effect on any of these lakes.
• Goodrich, Rogers, Sylvan and Gilbert lakes: If you’re worried about sitting in the boat all day waiting for that walleye bite, try these lakes for some excellent bluegill and crappie action. Don’t be scared away by the five-fish limit on bluegill and crappie. Fish in the 8-9 inch range are common.
• Leech Lake: Anglers found tremendous success on this lake in 2008 and more of the same is expected in 2009. There’s a four-fish limit and an 18-26 inch slot limit in place but the walleye bite frequently and many of them exceed 18 inches. Northern pike are abundant and perch up to 13 inches are common. Anglers who ask a few questions also will find good-sized crappie and bluegill.
• Island, Eagle and Potato lakes: These Park Rapids area lakes, interconnected by the Fish Hook River, may be the best bet for opening day anglers. The lakes are shallower than the larger area lakes and the river often creates an earlier ice-out. Small- and medium-size boats can move easily between all three lakes. Each lake has good numbers of walleye, northern, black crappie and bluegill, offering anglers multiple fishing options.
Northwestern Minnesota
• Lake Of The Woods: The lake’s tradition of trophy-sized walleye is expected to continue in 2009. Walleye abundance has dropped, but fish ranging from 13- to 19-inches should remain fairly prevalent as anglers venture out. Anglers will find that the period from ice-out until the water starts to warm is an excellent time to target trophy northern pike.
• Rainy River: Each spring, fish migrate from Lake of the Woods to the Rainy River to spawn in late April. A lot of those fish are still in the river when the walleye season opens in May. This can lead to some great fishing for anglers. And although many anglers flock to Lake of the Woods for the annual walleye opener, not many people typically fish the Rainy River. The rainy can offer some protection from the cold winds that can occur during the early part of the walleye season. Remember that the Rainy River harbors trophy-sized northern pike, too.
• Upper Red Lake: The walleye are back on Red Lake. Walleye catch rates should be excellent. If anglers are having difficulty finding keeper-sized fish, they likely are fishing in a post-spawn staging area and should try another area. The crappie fishery has waned considerably from 3 to 4 years ago but anglers can still find large crappies more than 13 inches long. The Red also offers great potential for trophy-sized northern pike. The bite might be slow but the big ones are there.
• Clearwater Lake: Located about 25 miles northwest of Bemidji, Clearwater Lake should provide quality walleye angling opportunities. During the 2007 survey, walleye were most abundant in the 11-14 inch size range. Those fish should be the ideal size going into the opener. Clearwater also maintains a good northern pike fishery, with one third of the northern pike sampled at more than 24 inches and some exceeding 30 inches. Poke around a bit, and you’ll also find good bluegill and crappie spots.
• Lake Bemidji/Irvine: The same walleye population moves freely between these two lakes, which are connected by the Mississippi River. Many of the walleye that run up the Mississippi and Schoolcraft rivers to spawn often concentrate in Lake Irvine. There they recover and feed before moving back downstream into Lake Bemidji. Irvine also offers refuge from cold and windy early-season conditions on Lake Bemidji.
• Cass Lake: Cass is a good choice for early-season walleye fishing. The walleye population is healthy and comprised of good numbers of fish, many of them in the 12- to 15-inch range and some at 20-plus inches. Northern are present in average numbers with some trophy-sized fish available. The lake’s keeper-sized perch, with plenty in the 8- to 12-inch range, are perfect for shore lunch.
• Detroit Lakes Area: Water levels are generally high due to heavy fall precipitation during autumn. Most walleye spawning should be completed prior to the May 9 opener. Anglers should remember that the later walleye spawning occurs, the more likely that male walleyes will linger near spawning areas on opening day and the less likely that females will eagerly bite hooks.
• Fergus Falls Area: Anglers should expect the best walleye fishing in shallower prairie lakes and in or near inlets to major lakes. Expect to find good fishing for smaller males, as the larger females may have not recovered from the late spring.
Western Minnesota
• Glenwood Area: Walleye abundance is increasing in larger lakes. Northern pike numbers are returning to more acceptable levels following the wet 1990s, resulting in what should be fewer but larger pike. Bluegill populations in lakes with suitable habitat, clean water and healthy plant communities are offering anglers more opportunities to land 7-inch and larger fish. The best bets for walleye on opening weekend just might be Barrett and Pomme de Terre lakes in Grant County and Perkins and South Pomme de Terre lakes in Stevens County.
• Big Stone Lake: Big Stone, near Ortonville, is the headwaters of the Minnesota River and a multi-species lake with excellent walleye, yellow perch and bluegill fishing. Walleye anglers can expect to catch fish that average 16 inches and 1.6 pounds, but walleye up to 27 inches also lurk in the lake. Perch fishing on Big Stone is about as good as it gets in Minnesota, with fish up to 13 inches common. Bluegill angling also is above par, with fish eight inches and longer finding their way onto angler’s lines. Anglers also will find largemouth bass, northern pike and white bass.
• Lake Traverse: This 11,528-acre lake bordering Minnesota and South Dakota near Browns Valley holds several species for anglers to target. Bluegill, channel catfish and white bass swim these waters and the current walleye population is higher than it has been since the mid-1990s. The majority of walleye are in the 12- to 13-inch range but there is also a healthy population of 17- to 22-inch fish. Anglers looking for quality bluegill fishing won’t be disappointed as bluegills in the 8- to 12-inch range are abundant.
• Green Lake: This 5,407-acre lake in Kandiyohi County has a complex bottom structure, good water quality and excellent fishing for a variety of species. Large rocks, shallow and deep reefs, sandy flats and sharp breaks in this lake can keep anglers guessing where their favorite fish might be. Walleye is the primary management species with a current average of about 15 inches and 1.5 pounds. While northern pike numbers tend to be low, average size is large at 25 inches and 3.6 pounds.
Southern Minnesota
• Lake Okabena: This Worthington lake offers an “urban” setting in prairie farm country. The lake’s diverse fish community provides many angling opportunities, particularly from the many shoreline park areas. Walleye, most weighing in at about one pound, are common. Yellow perch are very abundant with many longer than eight inches. Other species often caught by anglers include largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie and white crappie.
• St. James Lake: Watonwan County’s St. James Lake stands as a shining example of what can be done in a cooperative effort among various partners to restore water clarity and angling at a lake that was stuck in a turbid state with few fishing opportunities. Walleyes now average about 1.8 pounds. Largemouth bass and bluegills abound. Northern pike average 24 inches in length and black crappies are coming back nicely. City piers and parks offer great fishing spots.
• Washington and Stella lakes: Anglers get two-for-one when they visit these Meeker County lakes. Water levels are high enough this spring for anglers to motor or wade a boat through a road culvert and have access to both lakes, each quite different from the other. Lake Washington is a 2,639-acre lake with a maximum depth of 17 feet. Stella is a 553-acre lake with a maximum depth of 75 feet. Both lakes offer excellent smallmouth bass and walleye fishing.
Metro Area
• Forest Lake: Last year a lake sturgeon measuring more than 50 inches was caught on Forest Lake. This is just one of many surprises the 2,251-acre lake with three distinct basins has to offer. Walleye are in average abundance for this lake class, but the average fish sampled is 19.22 inches and weighs more than 2.5 pounds. Northern pike and largemouth bass are abundant, with a good portion of the populations of quality size.
• Mississippi River, St. Anthony Main Area via Lower Trail: Don’t let the urban vibe put you off – a nice hike via wooden walkways and dirt trails leads you to greenery and a great view of downtown Minneapolis. This area also offers the multi-species of the Mississippi River in a section without special regulations. This area is a good place to fly-fish. Smallmouth bass and northern pike are the likeliest gamefish you’ll catch, but the Mississippi also can yield channel catfish, walleye and multiple species of panfish .
• Wirth Lake: This is a small, often overlooked lake despite it being part of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s Grand Rounds system. Wirth Lake’s fishing pier and boat ramp are among Theodore Wirth Park’s multiple recreational amenities. The lake is occasionally stocked with walleye. It not only has the typical bass-pike-panfish-bullhead species mix but boasts species such as gizzard shad, which are more often associated with large rivers.
• Centennial Lakes: Fishing is just one of the many things to try at this activity magnet. The city of Edina, local businesses and developers have created an area to live, work, do business, shop, dine and recreate. The series of small, connected lakes are managed as part of DNR’s Fishing in the Neighborhood (FiN) program, and they get stocked with bluegill and largemouth bass yearly.
• Clear Lake: Washington County’s Clear Lake is consistently one of the better choices in the east metro area for walleye fishing, especially early in the year. Clear Lake has a history of producing excellent walleye. Northern pike are found in lower numbers but are nice-sized. Anglers fishing for large predators have the chance for another pike, the “tiger” muskellunge. Tigers have been stocked in Clear Lake since 1985 so catching a trophy fish is possible. Shore fishing for panfish on the access road along west shore is a popular activity.
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