Mille Lacs safety tip for Malmo sailors

sweber327 · Post by **sweber327** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 12:28 pm

Hi all – I have been a long time reader of this forum, but just recently registered. I live on the south end of Mille Lacs, and often sail out of Malmo. Some time ago our local postman approached me, he also guides for Muskie’s on Mille Lacs, and expressed concern for surfers and kiters that venture to close to his boat when he is trolling off of Malmo in about 6 to 10 feet of water (not to deep or far out). Be aware if you sail in the early to late afternoon and see a slow moving launch-style pontoon boat moving slowly, it’s him; trailing 6 lines on outriggers anywhere from 50 to 75 yards aft, with lures that would rival ANY size kite board, each with 3 sets of treble hooks the size of your fist (big fist). He can’t turn to maneuver around you, and even if he stops it would be impossible to bring in all his lines. He isn’t being critical and has often commented (as well as his guests) on how incredible it is to see the kites flying high. He is only concerned about your safety.
And finally, does anyone know the phone number to the new shop up in Brainerd? Our local Marine repair (Lyback’s Marine 320-676-3611) has asked me several times but I can’t find it anywhere. Quite a few folks have stopped by looking for lessons; both kiting and windsurfing.

SCOTT RIDOUT · Post by **SCOTT RIDOUT** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 1:00 pm

Hey, thanks a million for the heads up on the fishing boat, I think last week or maybe the week before we got word of the Muskee fisherman and that he had long trolling lines out the back, we had passed the word out to the people that were at Malmo that day. We kiters or even windsurfers, that I cannot speak for, should not be sailing or kiting more than 150' close to any boat anyway especially kiters, things just happen to fast sometimes for anyone to react, for instance if someone was kiting around the muskee fisherman and fell and the kite were to drag you past the boat to the aft, that would not be a very good situation. I guess what I am trying to say is all the kiters who like the attention and sometimes ride kind of close to boats for some photo op's probably should not be doing so, just to dangerous no matter how good you might think you are, so lets everyone be safe out there and use your best judgement and just try and keep a safe distance.

Kite on brothers and sisters!!

Tighe · Post by **Tighe** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 3:59 pm

Thanks for the tip. I posted something on that awhile back as well. Terry Dunklee who has a cabin near Wakun, mentioned it to me as well.

I think we all need to respect everyone's day on the lake. Swimmers, boaters, etc. have as much right to be anywhere on any lake as we do. Sharing the lake is the only way.

The shop in Brainerd is Boardsports. I don't think they have a certified instruction program anymore but they may be able to help you out. Their number is 1.866.502.8200.

Please also refer them to the Lakawa School of Kiteboarding (top right link from this page). We teach around the state and can get them going through our PASA certified Instruction program.

ride on