The Ultimate Marauder Award
(UMA)
Free Spool Frank takes UMA in 2003 with this 49 3/4" beauty. His catch was large enough to earn him the 6th place spot in the Vilas County Musky Marathon. What goes through someone's mind during an event like this? Here's your answer in "Reflections of an UMA Winner"
Journeys to the Northwoods consisting of three or more Marauders qualify as a Marauder trip. However, the only time throughout the year that Marauders can win the prestigious Ultimate Marauder Award is during the Annual hunt.
The Ultimate Marauder Award is a trophy, presented to the Marauder fortunate enough to catch the largest legal muskellenge, during the annual hunt. The coveted UMA is presented at the final dinner of the trip, and the recipient receives an UMA certificate, and the honor of a brass nameplate, the size of their prize muskelleunge, and the year engraved on the trophy. Previous trophy winners include Tek Neek Tom, Jerkbait John, Pullbait Peter, Marabou Mike, Stalker Steve, and Koontail Kevin. Check out Free Spool Frank's UMA Winner - a 39" musky from the Cisco Chain, caught on September 19, 2000.
The UMA recipient proudly displays the trophy in their home for one year, until the next annual hunt. During that year, the recipient is responsible for the safe keeping of the statuesque prize.
Ojibwa Jim is the designer, creator, and originator of the UMA trophy and certificate logo, and purchased the trophy with the help of charter member, Tek Neek Tom.