He was fishing with a light spinning rod, light line and a fluorocarbon leader. The lure featured pearl tinsel tied on a 1 /8-ounce jig. Haataja caught the record fish on a hand-made hair jig. “And even small boats can get in the harbor and have outstanding action.” “You can catch these fish from shore a good part of the year,” Haataja said. Haataja said one of the best parts of the Milwaukee-area brown trout fishery is its availability. That fish weighed 41.5 pounds and is recognized as the world record by both the IGFA and the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame. ![]() The All Tackle (by weight) record for the species was caught by Roger Hellen of Franksville off Racine in July 2010. Haataja’s catch-and-release record further substantiates the reputation of the Wisconsin waters of southern Lake Michigan as a world-class brown trout fishing destination. Haataja’s application was confirmed Tuesday as the IGFA world record for brown trout in the All Tackle Length division. That fish, too, had been caught in the Milwaukee harbor. He has filmed several shows to highlight the brown trout fishing in the Milwaukee harbor.Īnd he was aware of the new IGFA catch-and-release division, as well as the standing record, a 28-inch (71 cm) fish entered by James Schmid of Fort Collins, Colo. Haataja is owner of Big Fish Guide Service of West Allis and co-host of “Big Fish 365,” a fishing show that airs on Fox Sports Wisconsin. The fish “must be measured by anglers at the site of capture and released so that it swims away on their own and in good condition,” according to IGFA literature. Anglers are required to photograph the fish on a special IGFA tape measure. The division was started two years ago by the organization as a catch-and-release category. In the following days, though, Haataja filed an application for the fish in the All Tackle Length division of the International Game Fish Association. A bigger one could have come on the next cast.” “That was the biggest brown of the season for me,” Haataja said. Haataja and Wisowaty allowed time for a high-five. The fish swam away strongly, Haataja said. Then he held it for one more photo and placed the fish back in the water. ![]() Haataja estimates the fish weighed 30 pounds. The fish was 97 centimeters long (38 inches). He laid the fish next to a tape measure supplied by the International Game Fish Association and snapped several photos. “Easily bigger than anything I had caught that season.”Īfter several minutes of to-and-fro, the brown trout was at boatside Wisowaty netted it and hoisted it into the boat. When Haataja made another cast and hooked another big fish, he wasn’t surprised.īut when the fish rose to the surface, normality ceased. Two fish, according to Haataja’s estimates, were over 20 pounds. Haataja and fellow angler Adam Wisowaty of Kenosha had caught and released more than two dozen brown trout from late morning to early afternoon. “There’s no other place that offers this kind of access to these kind of fish.” “There’s a reason we call it a world class fishery,” said Haataja, 40. 16, 2011 had a familiar look and feel.Īs he does about 50 times a year, the fishing guide and television show host launched his boat at McKinley Marina and motored a short distance into the Milwaukee harbor.Īnd like most late fall and winter days, the fishing – especially for brown trout – was excellent. ![]() ![]() Eric Haataja holds a 38-inch brown trout caught in the Milwaukee harbor.įor Eric Haataja of West Allis, Dec.
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