December 1999
Vol. 4, No. 4

Goodbye Friend

The Christmas season was not a joyous time this year. Max Streichert, a good friend to many in the area died Monday the 27th. Max was a husband, father, Escanaba Public Safety Officer, hunter, fisherman, and for years worked with children in baseball, football and wrestling. He fished with Ralph Muccilli of Menomine Falls WI on the MWC Circuit, and earned a spot in the World Walleye Championship next year. Two and a half weeks before his death, his friends in law enforcement organized a special benefit dinner in his honor. The large hall was packed, with people waiting in long lines in the rain to get in, to show their affection and respect for this special man. Max died at home, at the age of 48, of cancer. His family has asked that memorials be directed to the Delta County Cancer Alliance. A special account has been opened at Escanaba's Northern Michigan Bank for donations to help the family.


In a note to Max's wife Ann and others, Connie tells the story of how Max walked into the store one day looking for a sponsor, and made a couple more friends.

We had the pleasure of meeting Max, whoops, sorry, experiencing Max. One did not meet this guy you experienced a friendship in the making, from the very beginning. WOW, what a different experience from the norm.

We own a fishing resort and bait & tackle shop. Max and his friend Ralph approached us and did the normal "Would you like to sponsor us?" OK. We're thinking, here are a couple of Joes looking for a hand out. Let's see what they want or have to offer. Low and behold they had a lot. Here's what they gave us: A friendship that cannot be replaced, and a network of friends that love them and we grew to love too. What the heck was going on, this stuff doesn't happen. We're supposed to distrust and hate our neighbors nowadays. Oh heck, this is called friendship! It happened despite us.

Then we had fun. Started to do stuff together. Not all at once, but slowly. Everybody started to like it. Heck, this is life and it's fun. Sharing and caring about people. Max and Naomi started this kids fishing thing. Son of a gun, Max took that ball and ran with it so far and fast that we couldn't catch him. What a wonderful thing. From now on the annual "Kids First Fishing Fest" will be the "Max Streichert Kids First Fishing Fest." This meant a lot to the guy. He specifically told us so.

We hope we have expressed our feelings about this guy. Not a lot of detail, but you know you don't have to when we all feel the same way. In simple words and not a lot of fluff· this guy cared a lot, loved a lot, meant a lot to many people and didn't ask for a lot back. It came from within. Once again, WOW! What a great guy.

Connie Brooks and Naomi Johnson

Look What's New at the Store
In our last newsletter we said we were lucky enough to obtain some "discontinued" lures from the new owners of the Storm lure company, and would be making them available at the store. Our first shipment of lures is expected in the next couple of weeks! We're taking orders for the following lures, by phone, mail, e-mail (at [email protected]), and in person at the store, and we'll ship anywhere. Quantity discounts are available, of course. We'll have the following Storm Prism Suspending Thunderstick lures:

AJ180 - Black Back AJ185 - Purple Back (very hot color!)
AJ181 - Blue Back/OB AJ188 - Chartreuse/ Blue Back/OB
AJ182 - Chartreuse AJ190 - Silver/Black Back/OB

You'll also find an ever-growing display of Marble Knives at the store. With the Marble Arms' factory just a couple blocks away from our store, we're gaining a reputation as a good place to shop for Marble products. A month or so ago the factory completed work on some vintage original Sportsman #62's, with leather, stag and tigerwood handles, using part sets made decades ago and never assembled. Connie and Naomi bought the entire production run, and then put the word out about what they had. Hundreds of knives sold in just a couple weeks. The last of these vintage 62's will be built for Connie & Naomi in late February, and will be great collectors items as they are excellent examples of early Marble's knives. You won't want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance. Give Naomi a call for more information on this very special knife.

Ice Fishing Good for Perch
This newsletter is not as "fishing focused" as usual, so we promise that the next issue will be Fish, Fish and more Fish! The ice-fishing season began in mid-December, and as of this writing things are looking good! Naomi says she's heard fishermen say they've had the best perch season thru the ice in years! The ice is good enough for walking, but not thick enough for vehicles, so we're waiting for the inevitable long cold snap to really get things in shape. The winterized cabins have been full most weekends, so give us a call if you'd like to come up and try your luck. Looking ahead to warmer weather, we expect the water levels to stay down in 2000, maybe even lower than 1999, so anglers will have to search for new spots to find their favorite fish. The fish will still be there· they'll just be in different spots!

Sporting Clays Offered in the Area
Have you tried Sporting Clays yet? You should! Connie and Naomi have become regulars at the Orchard Hills Sporting Clays range just west of Escanaba, in Bark River. It's a great sport, Connie says adding, "everyone we bring out there can't wait to go back!" They offer instructions for men, women and children, and loaner guns are available. Like small game hunting, Sporting Clays presents many types of shooting situations under various conditions. A challenge to all types of shooters, the course runs thru beautiful wooded trails, offering a way to enjoy the outdoors and participate in a fun shooting sport. Call Mike or Lesley Stewart at Orchard Hills at 906-466-2975 for all the details. And then, when you're packing for your fishing vacation at the resort this summer, pack your shotgun too. Then start thinking about the fun you'll have at Orchard Hills.

Woody's Corner
The old girl is not as frisky as she once was. Her daily arthritis pill must be put inside a piece of liver sausage, and given to her each evening. She starts siting and staring at the refrigerator about 5, and if she doesn't quickly get her pill, she whines and then starts barking, if she's not promptly waited on.

She's been going outside a bit on the sunny days. Recently she tried crossing the ice-covered parking lot but got only half way when she slipped and just sat there and yelped until Naomi came to pick her up. Our training continues...


The Old Recipe Box
Dijon Perch Fillets

* 8 Perch fillets
* 4 tablespoons butter, melted
* 2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
* 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
* 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
* 6 tbsp. breadcrumbs
* Chopped fresh parsley
* Lemon wedges

Preheat the oven to 450¡F. Butter a 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Arrange the fish fillets in the prepared dish. Season with salt and pepper. Blend the butter, Dijon mustard, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Spread the butter mixture over each fillet, dividing equally and covering them completely. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the fillets. Bake the fish until just cooked through, about 7 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley, and garnish with lemon wedges.

Crushed potato chips, pretzels or a favorite snack cracker could be substituted for the breadcrumbs.

Makes 4 servings.


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