2020 Team of the Year - by Nick Mueller

I call it "Getting Lucky"

Reflecting on this years season, I realize how lucky I am.  Lucky to have such great friends.  One long time friend Leif who invited me to join MN Made 5 years ago and has been the best fishing partner a guy could ask for.  Some who I have met through MN Made that I consider some of my best friends now.  A dad that always took me fishing as a kid and taught me how to fish.  A mom that always believed in me and encouraged me to be great.  A wife who semi-understands my obsession and allows me to pursue it.  A steady job to pay for it.  A free country and good health.

Sometimes luck is on your side and we had it this year.  On Chisago the gills weren't were I practiced them.  Just happened to move down the shore in desperation before leaving and out of 1 hole caught a limit of giant sunfish and hybrids.  That's luck!  Doesn't usually work that way.  Could have easily left without finding them.  Swear, a single 1 foot circle of fish literally.  On Clearwater I was lucky to have Shawn who stuck our last crappie and filled our bag at the end when they were on complete lock jaw.  On Green, I made the wrong call to fish crappies in the morning, wasted time.  Got to our gill spot in just the nick of time.  Within 20 minutes they shut down.  Thankfully we had our 7.  20 minutes later and we would have finished in bottom of the standings.  Finally, on Mazaska.  After a tired day of scouting, I finally found the 10" gills people had been talking about.  It was damn near dark.  Almost ran out of time.  I knew most would crappie fish in the morning, but didn't know if the gills would bite mid-day so we gambled and went there first.  Didn't bite like the night before, but we got them.  But by the time we got to the crappies the window had shut.  Only caught 1 crappie in all the spots found during practice.  Again luck strikes as we are drilling our brains out in areas we never practiced in hopes to find anything and happen to come across the best move of the day.

We sweat like everyone else.  There is no secret.  I don't care what anyone says, you have to get lucky to win in this league.  There are too may equally skilled anglers to get it done without it.  Sometimes luck is on your side and nothing can stop it.  Other times you're left hoping for more.

I am so thankful for MN Made, words cannot express.  These times and friendships will never be forgotten.  I love you guys!


Nick Mueller