Introductions of Forum members

[T-Bone]

Hi my name is Troy-- also known as T-Bone.

Since joining this forum I have wondered where many of you are from and what type of fishing you are interested in?
I am originally from Northeastern SD (just outside Milbank), and now live in the Western part of the State, (near Spearfish).
I grew up fishing many of the small lakes out that way as a result. Lakes like Round lake, School Lake, Bullhead, Summit Lake, South Shore......etc.
In 1978 my parents purchased a resort on an Island up in Northwestern Ontario Canada...... So at the age of 11 I began to spend my summers fishing ALL DAY, EVERY DAY. The name of the Lake is Eagle Lake, and it is one of the best lakes in North America for Musky fishing. The walleye fishing isn't to shabby either, with 10-12 pounders being very common.

So at the age of 17 I began guiding fishermen in the summer and moose and bear hunters in the fall. I would have to say it was a dream job for me. Over the next 14 years me, and my clients, caught many muskies between 40 and 52 inches, and more walleyes than I care to count between 7 and 13 pounds.

I would say that while walleye fishing is my favorite type of fishing, Musky fishing is in a class all by itself and something that everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime, there's just something about a 50 inch fish hitting 5 feet from the boat. I would also say that to do it right you have to take a trip to Canada.....nothing else compares.


In 1996 my wife and I had our first child and as a result decided to move back to South Dakota to raise our family.
I still enjoy fishing very much, and now that my children are older, they enjoy it as well.
Looking forward to hearing from you all.

T-Bone
 

[icefishin]

Hey T-Bone, just curious is the eagle lake you are talking about the one by vermillion bay in ontario? I have fished there and can say the fishing is unbelievable. At the end of the week the first year i was up there my arms were actually sore from catching so many big walleyes and pike...never got a muskie but i think i had one break my line.

I am from Brookings, SD and love both summer and ice fishin but ice fishing perch is my favorite.

[T-Bone]

Yes, thats the same lake. Vermilion Bay  is located near the middle section of the lake, the majority my fishing was done from Vermilion Bay east all the way down to Nivens Bay. I would say that I am familiar with, (and guided on) about 1/2 of the Lake. But as you know-- having fished there-- that is plenty of water to fish on.

DO you have plans to return ever? I usually make it up for a week or 2 every summer.

T-Bone

[icefishin]

Actually hoping to head up there for a week this summer thinkin around the second week of june. Thats usually when we go up there anyway.

[Kodabart]

I'm a Madison native and have also fished Eagle Lake a couple times.  I have a family member from Iowa who owns a cabin up there.  Best walleye fishing I've ever had up there and can't wait to go back.

[pbc]

Are you from Strandburg?  I recall a couple moving from there to an island on Eagle Lake.  I also fished all those same lakes along with a lot of Alice, Big Stone, and Poinsett.

[T-Bone]

Yes I am from Strandburg and it was probably my parents that you had heard about... they owned the resort for about 25 years and just sold it recently.

Sounds like we may have to get a trip lined up for Eagle Lake again in the future-- with all the people who have been there before. And maybe some who haven't.
 

[T-Bone]

Do we have anyone from out Spearfish way or nearby?

[T-Bone]

For any of you guys who are interested-- this is a Musky that I caught up on Eagle the last trip I took up there.

[gooter]

have a cabin in the Englewood area just south of Lead.  Have done a lot of fly fishing in the canyon, deerfield, and custer area.  Sioux Falls now, but fish the Watertown area around Bitter, Roy, Enemy, Clear, you name it.  Plan to get on the river this summer for the first time.  Thompson, Whitewood, and Dry for hard water, but not too enthused with the snow cover and temps last couple weeks.