NAIFC

Boom Lake Crappie Love

Rhinelander, WI - The city of Rhinelander, WI is internationally known as the “Home of the Hodag”.  Now, the mythical beast will get even more attention as the city is officially, “The Ice Fishing Capital of the World”.

The declaration, awarded this week to the city was filed by Mike Michalak on behalf of his company NorthPro Video, LLC.  Michalak is also a consultant with the North American Ice Fishing Circuit (NAIFC).  “The organization has held two national championships here the last couple years in addition to several qualifying events”, Michalak said.  “They were also the main thrust in getting the World Championships to Rhinelander in March, the first time it’s ever been held in America.”

Michalak, along with Brian Gaber, the director of operations for the World event, began talking about the designation as the tournament was wrapping up.  Gaber said, “Something like this doesn’t come along everyday and we now have the clout to back up the statement.”  Michalak added, “It also doesn’t hurt to have one of the highest concentrations of freshwater lakes on the planet within a 10 mile radius of the city.”  His ties to fishing in general run deep as producer and host of the popular television show, The 60-Second Angler.  Michalak secured the designation by petitioning the Secretary of State’s office in Madison.  The document now bears Doug LaFollette’s signature.

“Oh, Boy!”  That was the reaction of Mayor Dick Johns when he was informed.  “This is more than expected but certainly deserved.  This community really pulled together and I’m proud of that”.

While largely ceremonial, the declaration gives Rhinelander bragging rights to a sport that’s enjoyed by many across the snow belt and obviously around the world.  Michalak said, “People are still talking about the downtown parade and if we’re able to host the World Championship again.  We have a couple years to wait the way these events are run but you can bet we’ll be in the hunt”.