HAMMOND, Ind.—Perch America stocked 20,000 5 to 7-inch advanced growth walleye fingerlings Monday into Wolf Lake at Wolf Lake Memorial Park.
As a protocol for the pandemic, Kyle Werencki and Alec Sheedlo from Richmond Fisheries toted the plastic cans of walleye Monday for stocking in the Indiana side of Wolf Lake. That gave Perch America members and friends more time to chat at Wolf Lake Memorial Park.
In the camaraderie, Perch America’s stocking manager Bruce Caruso revealed that his secret set-up: an orange X-Rap Hot Head on 6-pound NanoFil line with a 6-pound AbrazX fluorocarbon leader.
“I use a 7-6 rod because I want to get it out as far as possible,” he said.
The Perch America walleye stocking is now at 22 of the last 23 years. Only 2017 was missed. It’s one of the coolest urban citizen’s efforts in the country.
Linnea Petercheff of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources assists on the permit. Dr. Jennifer Strasser with the Indiana Board of Animal Health clears testing. Hammond Parks Foundation has supported the stocking since the beginning. Hammond Port Authority is a long-time contributor. Other contributors include Lake County Fish and Game, Slez’s Bait Shop, Calumet Harbor Sport Fisherman Club, Tom Palmisano of Henry’s Sports and Bait, Whiting/Robertsdale Boat Club and individual donations at shows.
A net full of walleye about to be released as part of the ongoing stocking program at Wolf Lake.
Dale Bowman
