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There's big fish to be caught here
One of the pastimes that can be enjoyed by natives of northern Iowa and visitors alike is fishing. And now there's special incentive for residents and visitors of Mitchell County to grab their poles and take a trip to the river--Barenz' big fish contest.
Now in its seventh year, the contest is open to anglers for any fish caught in Mitchell County. This year's contest runs through Dec. 1. The contest is sponsored by Barenz Rod Shop, owned by Duane Barenz of Osage at 3619 River Road.
There are four categories covered in the contest: big northerns, walleyes, smallmouth bass and catfish. The biggest fish in each category wins a $25 gift certificate. This prize is payable Dec. 1. The fish must be weighed on a scale in Barenz' shop, to insure fairness.
Barenz said that he started the contest several years ago so people could get an idea of just what size fish are in the river.
"I really was curious to see just what was in the river myself," Barenz said. "This contest seemed like a good way to find out.
"We didn't realize before just how many large fish there are in the river."
2000's winners were:
--Smallmouth bass: Jim Gerdes of Osage caught and weighed-in a three-pound, nine-inch smallmouth bass, measuring 19.5-inches, caught Sept. 30.
--Catfish: Michael Huffman hooked a seven-pound, 12-ounce catfish.
--Walleye: Jeff Brock brought in a big walleye weighing nine pounds and 14 ounces. It was the biggest fish in all four classes to be weighed in the contest during the year.
--Northern: Ray Hanson of Osage, a repeat winner in the contest, reeled in a northern pike weighing nine pounds, 10 ounces in March. This is the fourth time Hanson has won the big fish contest, having now earned honors in all four categories.
Barenz said he didn't want this contest to be a quick, two-day affair. He said the longer time-frame gives everyone a chance to catch something sizeable for the contest.
So far the entries this year have been comparable to last year, with the exception of catfish, which are weighing much smaller than last year's winner. The successive cold-fronts that have hit the area have made fishing more difficult and could be part of the problem, Barenz said.
Each year the river is stocked, during alternate years, with either walleyes or big northerns. This year both species were stocked in the river by the DNR.
Barenz said that the river provides a good opportunity for fishing.
"It really helps that the river isn't polluted, like so many others," Barenz said. "We also have a perfect location for stocking.
"I've seen four walleyes of at least 11 pounds, which is quite impressive. I'm very surprised at the amount of fish we really have."
Barenz Rod Shop is one mile west of Osage on Highway 9. In addition to a complete line of sporting goods, custom made rods are available.
Story created Jan 21, 2005 - 12:55:29 CST.
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