The winner of the 43rd Annual Midwest Musky Classic, Brian Fons, poses with his 46 1/2” musky caught during the tournament. —Contributed Photo
The Phelps Chamber of Commerce recently announced Brian Fons of East Troy as the winner of the 43rd annual Midwest Musky Classic, held Oct. 6-8.
Fons caught a 46.5-inch muskie on Big Sand Lake on the first day of the three-day tournament hosted by the Phelps Chamber of Commerce.
The Midwest Musky Classic takes place on Big Sand Lake, Lac Vieux Desert, and North and South Twin lakes.
This year’s tournament drew 155 anglers from across the Midwest, and 20 first-time tournament participants.
“It was so exciting to see Brian win with this year’s biggest fish,” said Laura Boll, executive director of the Phelps Chamber of Commerce.
Fons also won the tournament in 2012, and in the 1990s.
“This shows the history so many anglers have with this tournament and why it is so special. Participants return year after year,” added Boll. “Groups of friends and multigeneration families that make it an annual reunion trip and have a great time fishing together and enjoying all that Phelps has to offer.”
There were 13 muskies caught during the tournament, with seven of the fish caught on Big Sand Lake, three on North Twin Lake and three on Lac Vieux Desert.
Fons won first place overall and the Friday Big Fish of the Day award with his tournament-winning fish caught Oct. 6. His total winnings were $1,975 and a replica of his winning fish, which will be presented at next year’s tournament.
This year’s second-place winner, taking home $,1000, was Don Van Groll, with a 45.75-inch fish caught on Lac Vieux Desert.
Third place and Sunday Big Fish of the Day winner was Sam Hounsell, who won $1,575 with a 45.75-inch fish caught on Big Sand Lake.
Saturday Big Fish of the Day winner was Clint Neshek, with a 38.75-inch fish caught on Big Sand Lake. Neshek had a record-breaking three catches during this year’s tournament.
Mike Yanke was recognized for his two catches in the tournament.
“The camaraderie and the spirit of the anglers is truly unmatched and it’s incredible to be a part of,” said Boll. “And of course, this event is great for Phelps’ businesses with the large majority of anglers coming from out of town.”
Next year’s Midwest Musky Classic is scheduled to be held Oct. 4-6, 2024.
For more information, visit phelpswi.us.
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