Bob Frank
People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish
People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin’s Love Affair with an Ancient Fish a tale of the cultural and scientific history of an iconic Wisconsin fish, the lake sturgeon. Throughout the process of writing the book, the authors interviewed community activists, sturgeon spearing enthusiasts, spear and decoy craftsmen, and scientific researchers associated with the Lake Winnebago sturgeon population. Because of the cultural, social, economic, and scientific knowledge captured in these interviews, the UW-Madison Wisconsin Water Library preserved the audio files as a collection of oral histories. This collection, People of the Sturgeon, encapsulates perspectives on lake sturgeon as they are reflected in the book.
The People of the Sturgeon collection includes interviews with outdoorsmen, scientists, and craftsmen associated with the Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin, lake sturgeon population.
Collection compiled by the UW-Madison Wisconsin Water Library. Audio courtesy of the Oshkosh Public Museum. Recordings were collected as part of the research for People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish published by Wisconsin Historical Society Press, Madison, WI.
National Capital Contracting
Dick Koerner interviewed Bob Frank for the People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish project. Bob Frank, born in 1932 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, has been a resident of Neenah, Wisconsin, and an avid participant in the sturgeon spearing tradition for over fifty-five years. In this interview, Frank shares insights into the evolution of sturgeon spearing, reflecting on the changes in regulations and techniques over the decades. He recalls starting with makeshift spears and long days on the ice, contrasting it with the more regulated and equipment-advanced practices of today. Frank expresses support for the various rule changes aimed at protecting the sturgeon population, particularly noting the importance of regulations given the lengthy time it takes for female sturgeon to reach maturity. Frank recounts personal anecdotes, including memorable moments such as a harrowing rescue during a snowstorm where he and his brother saved a fellow fisherman who had fallen into an ice hole. He also highlights the camaraderie and social aspects of sturgeon spearing, emphasizing how the sport brings the community together. Throughout the interview, Frank underscores his passion for the sport and his appreciation for the improvements in spearing methods and equipment. He also shares his culinary preferences, favoring pan-fried or deep-fried sturgeon and occasionally enjoying caviar from his catches.
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