st cloud Who are we, St Cloud area

[Rick G]

Well, now that the new Fishing Minnesota is up and running smooth, I figured maybe some of us could introduce ourselves. I would like to hear from the newer members, the regulars and the guys we haven't heard from in a while You don't have to go all indepth or anything, just a simple hi my name is..... or you can tell as much as you would like to share. Thank you to all who reply

 

My name is Rick, 40 yrs old,  I grew up here in good old St. Cloud. I live on the South side of town with my girlfriend Andrea (whom I spend countless hours fishing with), three cats and my somewhat loyal hound DakotaMost wold say Andrea is the better angler, I think she was taught well and learned fast I like watching the Twins, some fishing and hunting shows and classic movies And shows. Favorite actor is The Duke, favorite artists are Neil Diamond and Bob Segar. Love spending time in the woods, at the river, and just  being outside in general.  Durring the odd times I find an unplanned moment, I like looking for agates, crossrocks, raspberries and all kinds of edibles. Life is pretty darn good most of the time  I have been working as an installer of ice rink cooling systems and mechanical insulation for the past few yrs. My job has alowed me to see a good part of this great nation  

I fish just about every chance I get, I think of the Mississippi as my home water, Horseshoe chain a close second. I remember even as a small child, this need and passion to catch that next fish. Am I addicted? Lol, yes I am!!! That's what brought me to this great site! Information and the abbility to connect with fellow fisherman is what I like best about Fm. So many great folks I have met throuh Fm, even a few I figure will be life long friends

 

[eyeguy 54]

Nice idea Rick G!

Royce here. From Sauk Rapids.  Mrs and I transplanted here from ND in the spring of 1990. Bought a house in April 1991 in Sauk Rapids and of course fell in love with the sippi right away.  I grew up in Lisbon on the Sheyenne River in ND and fished the river with mom and dad as a youngster and never stopped while I lived there. Started fishing lakes in MN seriously after I got out of the Army in December of 1975. Walleyes were the main target for many years but after moving to MN the bronzeback took over about 20 years ago or so. Got involved in a smally club with some great fishermen from central MN and learned a lot about catch and release.  I have always loved ice fishing also.  The body is not able to keep up with my passions after 2 back surgeries so slowing down has been tough but has to be done. grrrrrrr!  lol. I also love archery and have hunted whitetails since my first kill in 1968.  Shot 3D around the state for quite a while and really enjoyed that and miss doing it.  Downhill skiing was my favorite outdoor sport but it is in the past now. My equipment sits in my mancave hoping it will be used again some day.    Photography is my passion now days and I really enjoy taking pics. Just a hobby but fun to do.  Married 35 years this August, 2 great kids and 3 grandkids so far. With all the struggles in life I really feel blessed  by God who created everything that is cuz the good far outweighs the bad.  

[IceHawk]

My name is Chris 48 years old. Grew up in Cold spring met the love of my life 25 years ago. Got married bought a house moved to Richmond and started a family. Been living in Richmond for 20 years and am raising two beautifull  daughters Alyssa 16 and Kendra 14. Currently we have a yellow lab , Zoe 5 years old house pet part of the family and a pheasant hunting machine. Always owned a hunting dog since I was 12 .Been working road construction for 26 years as a heavy equipment operator and lead man. I'm a avid outdoorsman. Some of my passions are fishing, hunting and trapping. I hunt deer in 3 states with a firearm  and bowhunt and muzzle loader  strictly mn. I own 40 acres in Pine river so my fall time is spent a lot up there in a stand.  Other hunting interests are waterfowl,especially spring snows, others coyote hunting with hounds,and my favorite pheasant. I ocassionaly get a urge to run a trapline . So once in a while ill set a trapline to bring back memories as I did it a lot in my youth.

Fishing is one of my greatest passions. Started fishing rivers as a kid hip boots and duck boats were the tools of the trade in my youth. Bought my first boat at 16 and it was game on. I would say my passion is trophy panfish.  I search for them all over especially the NW tiers of the state open and hard water.  The miles I put on a vehicle in a season will show the passion I have for these species especially the true trophys. My other interest is Walleyes. and I go after them just as hard! The Horseshoe chain is definitely my specialty been on it religiously fishing for 36 years and know it like the back of my hand.  The people that know me know that Im a Diehard Ice angler. Its nothing to burn up 4-6 gallons of gas  a season in my auger always looking for a hot bite.

Been on FM for a long time 13 years and love it, Met some great people through this site

 

 

[noska]

My name is Matt Noska, I grew up in Minneapolis.  Every weekend staring in the early 80s, my grandparents would pick me up from school on Fridays and drive me up to their lake home on Pearl Lake.  I promised myself that someday I would follow in their footsteps.  Still to this day I ice fish pearl more than any lake, and I honestly have never had a terrible day ice fishing that lake. 

In 1993, I started college at SCSU, and took a part time job at Best Buy.  In 1998, I graduated with two degrees, and took a full-time position with Best Buy.  I then started fishing the areas local lakes like crazy Rice, Koronis, Pearl, Grand, Big Fish, Big,  The Chain, Mille Lacs, Alexander, Goodner, etc.  

I then got promoted and started commuting to the cities working various positions with the company.  Six years ago, I was offered the General Manager spot at Best Buy in St Cloud, and I jumped at the opportunity to not commute any longer.   Best buy has allowed me travel all across the US, become close with many business leaders in our community, and two years ago, I trained our new CEO.  So if you need some electronics I'm probably your guy. 

A year and a half ago, I decided to live that childhood dream and bought a house with my girlfriend Shauna on the horseshoe chain.  I am obsessed with walleye fishing all of my friends call me "the walleye hunter" I would consider myself an expert on Mille Lacs, Rice, and Pearl...I read the board everyday in hopes to learn the chain better.  I'll be honest, it's a tough study.  I think because it is a river system, and I have little experience fishing rivers, it's just a new, challenging experience.  Maybe I need to make friends with Chris.  Lol

My other passion is football.  I played in high school and at SCSU.  I am in too many fantasy football leagues to count, and I listen to nfl radio or fantasy sports radio instead of music.  I am a huge Vikings fan which usually leads to major disappointments.   I am also a former dog breeder, I bred bulldogs for 10 years.  It was just too much work and decided to quit breeding high drive bulldogs and bought a basset hound.  

If any members want to hit the chain together let me know. 

 

[derbier122x]

I am Matt. I've been married for 5 years now and "crib midget" #3 is due on the 27th of June.  We bought a house in '06 in St. Cloud.  Now that our oldest is getting close to school aged, we decided to buy a house in Sauk Rapids to upgrade the school district.  I work overnights at Pan O Gold (country hearth) as a lead break swinger on the bun line.  Not glamorous, but pays the bills and leaves a bit on the side.  I am in the process of trying to learn this stretch of the river and some lakes around here. I consider myself to be a novice fisherman on both open and hard water. My wife won't let me get a boat, so I just hit the shorelines for now. If you want to fill a seat in the boat or just want company shore fishing, hit me up.

Edited June 7, 2015 by derbier122x
spelling

[Coleman]

I'm Cole. I'm 33 right now, about to be 34 in a few weeks. I just got engaged last December and we live in Sartell. 

I've been fishing the Horseshoe Chain for almost 28 years. My parents used to bring their camper to Island view resort when Walt used to own it. Now his daughter and son in law own it. In 1987 my parents bought a place still on horseshoe, but now on the peninsula. But recently, I've been fishing Mississippi almost every day when I'm home more often in later summer and into fall, since I live so close to the Mississippi. I'm still learning the river and finding new spots almost daily and it's been a blast. I really look forward to fishing above the SCSU dam this summer. 

I graduated from SCSU in 05 with a degree in aviation ops and a earth science minor. Went onto get my dispatching license shortly after. Went through the whole rigamaroe, and decided sitting in front of a pc all day just wasn't going to work. Talked to a few friends and got hooked up with my current employer. So now I work for a large fishing tackle company doing marketing and sales. Since fishing was always a passion, and throughout college I did sales, I figured it would work well. Seven years later I'm still doing it. It's a ton of travel as I'm in a new city almost weekly. It's fun, to get to see new places and new faces weekly, but also tough being away for so long. But it also feeds my addiction, and allows me to play around with fishing tackle. And allows to access to some amazing fishing around the country. 

 

My other passion is hockey. But I also love most other major sports, baseball football and basketball. Other then fishing I like to mess around with cars and bikes. I'm in the process of restoring a 75 Honda CL360. Should be done this winter.  Just sold my car a month ago that I used as a road course car, but was also kinda street legal. Plan to replace it next summer after the wedding with something else to modify. I also enjoy brewing beer. And tinkering around with new recipes. 

So, if you see a blue Crestliner Tiller trolling around that's most likely me. Would love to chat with some of you guys. 

 

Edited June 8, 2015 by Coleman

[Horseshoe_Don]

  Hi I'm Don.   I grew up in Paynesville and then spent 25 years in the south twin cities metro.  I am 47 and own a year round home on Shoe that I rebuilt and bought in 2009.  I moved there permanently in 2014.   

   My wife and I have been married for 8 years and she might fish more than I do during the summer months.   She did start ice fishing after I built the new portable stationary house last year. 

  I never fished the chain growing up.  I fished Koronis and Rice during my younger years.  I grew up spearing but thanks to my marcum toys I gave that up(still have all the equipment though).

I spent my early years managing restaurants then owned several companies.   I decided to slow down now and decided to work at the post office and enjoy life.

 

[huskybass]

Hey guys,

My name is Zack and I am a recent SCSU graduate.  I am originally from Maple Grove, however I spent most of my weekend around the Brainerd Lakes Area, more specifically, Pelican Lake.  I am a diehard angler, but new to the forum.  However, I have been reading all your posts for a couple years now (eyeguy, Rick, etc.). 

Recently, I have moved to Clearwater to get away from the cities.  I love it.  This winter I must have spent 30 days on Pearl Lake alone.  It was close to town, and produced every time.  Walleye, smallmouth, and bull gills keep me fishing.  I am a co-founder of the Husky Bass Fishing Team at SCSU and had the opportunity to fish competitively at the collegiate level. 

If you ever need to fill a seat in the boat, you let me know.  Otherwise, I'm sure I'll see you on the ice come November. 

 

[monstermoose78]

Good Morning,

My name is Nick and I am 36. I am attending SCSU and will be graduating this December. I have been married for 6 years now. As a kid I lived in the north metro fishing the Mississippi and other streams for what ever would bite. My grandpa was ahead of his time for ice fishing. He was ice trolling way before that term came to be and he used light line and tiny jigs. He was run and gunning for Bluegills and crappies with me by his side. He explained why we were fishing where we were and what kind of structure we wanted to fish. 

My parents moved the family up to Princeton when I was 14 years old. My parents found a great piece of property that a farm pond, woods, and field. This was great because I could open up the back door and hunt and fish.  Once I graduated high school I went to college at Vermilion Community College in Ely. It was a great place to go college if you love the outdoors. 

My favorite fish to fish for are Bluegills hands down, but I do not discriminate against other fish if they are biting. I enjoy hunting for deer, turkeys, and grouse. Once I get done with college I will get into spearing.

[eyeguy 54]

welcome to the site huskybass! 

[IceHawk]

Huskybass Welcome to the site!

[Rick G]

Welcome to the site Huskybass! Looking forward to hearing more reports from you

[smallie_hawgin]

Name is Eric... By my moniker, you can tell one of my passions.. Smallies. Although, I am truly a multi-species angler, I fish for Largemouth too... LOL Seriously, like catching just about any kind of fish. I am actually fisheries biologist and have been since the early 90's. Been in MN since 1998. I grew up on the east coast, got my undergrad from Colorado State, Masters from TX A&M. Worked in Colorado for a few years and TX for five, been working with the state of MN for 17 years. Have a son (now 18) who loves fishing, bowhunting and hockey just about as much as I do. 

I became a river/stream rat when I was doing some work in Colorado and have pursued this passion at the recreational level as well as professional. Truly love MN and intend to eventually have a decent piece of land I can bowhunt on somewhere just north of St. Cloud. If you see a River-pro boat on the river or local lake, adorned with a partial wrap with smallies on it... Feel free to wave me down and say hi!  

[Stick in Mud]

Carl here.  I grew up a few houses away from Royce/Eyeguy, though I didn't know it at the time. After college, I gained some weight, did some travelling, had many failures with women, and went to grad school.  I moved back home (well, not with my parents) and rented a dank basement in one of those really nice houses on Riverside Drive as you head north through Sartell.  The place sucked, but it was on the river and $250/month, so I was happy. Thousands of eel pout later--and the proud wearer of the crown--I figured I'd accomplished just about anything that can be accomplished on the Mississippi River.

I actually got a little burned out fishing the river, so I've switched to fishing walleyes and (largemouth) bass almost exclusively now.  I am without a doubt the worst panfisherman I know.  Mille Lacs has become my home-away-from-home, but I fish locally a time or two a week. When not fishing, I'm usually reading books, walking in the woods, experimenting with deadly mushrooms, avoiding the gym, paddling in the BWCA/Quetico, or sitting in a bar trying to figure out how to make it through life without getting a real job.  So far, so good.  

[derbier122x]

What bar do you frequent, pb? I may have run into you a time or two. I've been known to hold a few Bar stools down while enjoying some of that barley pop.

[DougP]

I am 45 and moved here 8 yrs ago. We live in Sauk Rapids.  married with 3 children (2 boys and a girl).  I coach football at SCSU and don't get out to fish as much as I or the boys would like.  we love fishing the mississippi and sauk rivers.  I grew up in the middle of nowhere in Northern North Dakota.  Fished a lot of lakes around our home near the turtle mountains and usually we made trips to Sakakawea and devils lake which were always fun. Appreciate all you guys who post on here often.  it definitely helps.  

[eyeguy 54]

Welcome to SR and FM!   ND is a great place to be from.  

[Stick in Mud]

Well, I have a reputation to maintain, Derbier, so only the best for me....which means it's usually the local VFW. 

[derbier122x]

Sorry stick, just noticed my auto correct kick in quite goofy on that last post of mine.

[Genofish]

Hello my name is Gene, turning 50 this October. I grew up in the St. Cloud area, married then remarried and moved to Avon for 10 years, now back in St.Cloud the last 5. We have 5 children, all in the area which is nice. We spend most of the summer up at Lake Shamineau, so most of my fishing here is done in the winter. I started to fish around 6 and spent my teens on the Sauk, mighty Sip and area lakes. Mostly fish bass, crappies and walleye. I have been going to the NW Angle in June & Sept, the past 7 years, It a great area for multi species, a must trip if you can.

I have been a Vacuum Thin Film Process engineer the past 26 years, (how Oakley sunglasses are made) my job takes me around the great USA, have seen allot of great things and made some good friends.

I have been a member of HSO for past 10+ years, don't post as much as I used to as it seems I have less time to hit the PC. There are allot of great people on this forum and have had the privilege to meet a few of theme.

Welcome to the new members!

[LeviathanMN]

HI I'm Ryan. I am 27 with 2 children and basically a wife(no legal papers needed). My boy would do anything to fish daily and my daughter has her moments of wanting to fish. I grew up in Sauk Rapids and we bought a house here 5 years ago. I only have around 4 to 5 years of fishing under my belt, but did much as a kid with my pops. I would rather fish for Bass or Northern, but will not judge if panfish are biting. I grew up catch and release and have continued this. We recently bought an older boat just to get us off shore. No complaints as I can now explore more lakes.

My other main hobby is woodworking. I don't consider myself no professional, but I have made many useful things around my house. I am a big sports fan. Football, Basketball, and Baseball are all I need to complete each year round.

Still newer to these forums, but I certainly enjoy reading up on any tips or catches everyone is having.

[frogtosser]

Hey guys my name is Greg, I turn the big 40 this fall and live in Sartell, I moved here in 99  from sw MN.  I am a smallie addict as well but largemouth are also fun.  I have a wife and 2 kids of which my son is obsessed with fishing and I know he wishes I didn't have to work so I could take him more.  I fish a few bass tournaments locally and have done well on occasion.  I have a german shorthair and a crazy addiction to bowhunting.  Last year was my first year hunting out west for elk and mule deer, after shooting a 180 inch mule deer I can't get back to the mountains fast enough.  I also have a habit of smoking, about any kind of meat I can get my hands on that is, you haven't lived until you've had smoked pork belly.  

I have a skeeter bass boat and I will say it's one of the coolest things I have ever owned, I mainly keep it at my camper in the Spicer area so I fish Green lake a lot, but before that I cut my teeth fishing Pearl lake as well when I move here.  I also just got on a outdoors field staff and will be filming my hunts for them this fall, so we will see if I can get on tv of some sort.

[derbier122x]

An update to mine- it is 1:20 am and sitting in the birthing center with my wife who's water broke an hour ago. Next time I post on here, I will probably have my third child.

[derbier122x]

The newest member of my family is here. Sabrina Ann was born at 10:40am on Sunday at 9lb 3oz and 20in long.

[Rick G]

The newest member of my family is here. Sabrina Ann was born at 10:40am on Sunday at 9lb 3oz and 20in long.

Congratts on the new member of the family Matt

[derbier122x]

Thanks rick! 

[mrpike1973]

Hi all, My name is Brent I have been married just shy of 21 years. Sadly no kids. I am A laser technician fixing lasers and setting them up. I started fishing in 1999 I had never fished before. I was asked to teach a niece how too. I tried it and one thing lead to another.  I just wish HSO was around then. Boy the questions I had and still do.

I'm from Darwin fish mostly the Meeker co. lakes but love Sylvia in Wright co too. Long time ago we stayed on the chain for a little vacation. Started getting catfish when we were there. I mostly liked pike but i figured make lemonade out of lemons. We just went with it and my wife just loves it. We have not been as successful this year but still trying. My sweetie and I go about 1 time a week on Sundays.

I keep a fishing journal. I was out 65 times on the ice last year and 75 times on the boat this season so far. I consider myself a good fisherman not an expert but I do good. 2 years ago I met Rick G at the winter cat get together and others on here. I can only say how helpful this group of guys and gals are.

I mostly target bass, pike, catfish and sunnies. I got a new boat last year a SmokerCraft 14 footer simple but that's what I wanted. I do believe I'm done with the break in period. HEE HEE. Nice to meet you all.

[Garett Svir]

Hello All, my name is Garett Svir and I have a fishing problem;) I feel at home here at HSO because I believe a lot of you also suffer from the same affliction. I originally grew up in Two Harbors MN but moved here to attend St. Cloud State University in 2000. I met my wife here and had a baby boy, Finley David, on Christmas Day this past year. I work as a tackle sales rep and own and operate Slab Seeker Guide Service specializing in North Shore steelhead fishing and trophy central Minnesota panfish but also guide walleyes, bass and rainbow trout.

I was fortunate enough to grow up less than a mile from one of the largest steelhead runs on Lake Superior. I became totally engulfed with these fish from a young age. Understanding parents would drop me off at the river daily so I could hone and perfect my craft. By age 14, I would receive calls at home and people would stop into my dads restaurant on the North Shore looking to get steelhead fishing reports from me. This is when I realized my true passion of helping others become successful anglers and feel the same today as I did back then. My dad was a walleye hunter and in-between steelhead runs him and I would spend our days pitching jigs and working rigs for walleyes.

Upon moving to St. Cloud my first purchase was a 14' Landeau car topper boat with a 5 hp Evinrude from the 70's ( the kind you had to turn backwards to put into reverse). I remember my wife and I getting some strange looks at the access of Green Lake near Spicer when we would unload this from the back of my pick-up and carry it down to the access. We fished every waking moment and eventually a small crack that was patched with JB Weld caused us to sink while night trolling one evening. After what I refer to as a short romantic moonlight swim back to the dock we were back in the market for another vessel. Aside from some equipment upgrades not much has changed since the early days and both my wife's and my passion for fishing remains the same. I cannot wait to spend some days in the boat with my son.

I spent a lot of time lurking on the Fishing Minnesota Forum in college and got a ton of great information from many great anglers. Many of which are still here today like Ice Hawk, Matt Johnson ect, the list is long. I didn't have the guts to post until some time much later. When I finally did I was surprised at what a friendly community of anglers this group was. I have now become a specialist here and work hard trying to pay it forward and provide great reports and information. I have met many great friends here and will definitely continue to for many years to come.

Edited June 26, 2015 by Garett Svir

[Stick in Mud]

Glad to know I'm not the only one who's ended up in the water a time or two during a fishing trip.  I figure someone's not a *real* fisherman unless he's had a moonlight swim or two--romantic or otherwise.  

[JayDeHay]

Hi all! Name's Justin. I'm a fairly recent transplant to St Cloud from just-north-of-the-sticks Sebeka. Been with my wife Kayla for 5 years, and had my 4th daughter this January. My girls are 8, 4, 2, and 6 months.

I work as a Designer at Northern Metal Products here in St Cloud. I get to play with some of the "big boy toys" after hours, so I'm always looking for ideas to try. We work with wire, sheet metal, and tubing.

Spent last year fishing the banks of the Mississippi mostly, but also a few docks and lake shores. Picked up a canoe this spring that broadened my ability a bit, then last week I scored a sweet deal on a 16' Starcraft with a 25hp Evinrude, so I'm looking forward to giving it a good workout!

Haven't really figured out what my favorite fish is to catch. I have a buddy that's big in to bass, so I do that a lot, but I'm working on my walleye presentations too. You'll see me posting in the Fishing Reports whenever I get the chance to get out on the water.

Tight lines!