Lynn and Larry Benedict
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
Larry Benedict, born in Oshkosh in 1932, has been involved in sturgeon spearing for over 55 years, having learned the sport from his father. He has consistently participated in sturgeon spearing, only missing one year due to heart surgery. Larry's wife, Lynn Benedict, born in Chicago in 1936, became interested in sturgeon spearing through her husband and has been an active participant, having speared around 20 sturgeons. Over the years, the couple has shared experiences of sturgeon spearing, including memorable catches and challenges faced while out on the ice.
Scope and Content Note
Lynn and Larry Benedict are interviewed by Dick Koerner about their experiences with sturgeon spearing on Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin. They discuss changes in spearing over the years, some of their most exciting experiences related to sturgeon spearing, and how the weather on the lake impacts fishing. Larry and Lynn provide a comprehensive overview of their experiences and insights related to sturgeon spearing. The discussion encompasses a wide range of topics pertinent to the sport, including the physical and environmental challenges encountered, such as shanties being compromised by lake conditions and the necessity of monitoring for red worms. The Benedicts also share their preferences and strategies, including their favored hours for spearing, the use of specific coaxer colors, and techniques for preparing sturgeon for consumption. They delve into the logistical aspects of sturgeon spearing, such as the decision-making process involved in moving spots and the impact of ice shoves and cracks on the spearing experience. Throughout the conversation, Larry and Lynn Benedict share their observations regarding the evolution of sturgeon spearing regulations and the importance of sturgeon conservation efforts. They touch on the unique allure of sturgeon spearing, describing it as a silent world that offers a distinct form of enjoyment.
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