OB Outdoors

02/14/2025

Been a while guys. That’s for sure. Long story short, I was tagged in a local FB group a week ago and saw some extremely nice comments. While I loved reading the comments, and really thank those who took the time to comment, in the short term, here’s one request I can do:

‘Twas the Night Before the Battle.

‘Twas the night before the battle, and all through the lakes;
Not a mouth was talking, as they planned to partake.

Their minds were stirring, thinking what they might win;
A trip? A boat? Or maybe nothing, but an empty tin.

The wheelers were gassed, and all tuned up with care;
For the big workout, they were about to bare.

The fish knew it was coming, and so they began to hide;
Especially, the sought after, ‘ole Mr. Marble Eye.

The locals knew it wouldn’t be easy, as so they said;
Because the schools of fish they had been on, will certainly be fed.

But like flies to the light, still they flocked;
While all the others sat around, and laughed, just mocked.

The day struck six, and the race began;
“Out to the spot,” they said, “Before all of the others can!”

The ice shelters were taunt, down onto the ice;
Except for one, which the wind thought was particularly nice.

With one big blow, it went a sailing from east to west;
Yet that fisherman rode it, while screaming, “I’m certainly not the best.”

He sure did jump out of that ‘ole ice shack;
But quickly forgot, of da five pounder, he had left in the back.

He cried, he yelled, whistled, then cheered;
As the wind had shown mercy, as the deadline quckly neared.

After running to the shack and collecting his take;
He quickly headed in, with a statement to make.

He walked into the tent, so big, so proud;
And acted like nothing had really happened when his name was called out loud.

The Battle on Bago, certainly doesn’t disappoint;
When some go home with a new boat, a truck, or possibly just a sore joint.

Just remember, you came with looking for some fun, some cheer;
I can guarantee you most, will be back for the fun all over again, next year.

Please be safe, this weekend out on the ice;
But if you and your buddies get a fish....... be as quiet as mice.

Tight Lines. Stay Dry.

-Kyle

Have an AWESOME and SAFE weekend!!!We’ll talk more soon 😊

01/01/2024

Been just over a year since I checked in last and what a year it has been. Finn rang the bell after taking his last chemo and had several surprise visitors to witness it. He was so excited he was just shaking!

Last week, he had some amazing blood tests and I’m happy to report that we are going to be starting out 2024 in real good shape. Soon, we will hopefully be able to get back into the real world and I’d love to start it with going to church… in person… then getting back out on the hard water!!!

I really hope you guys had an amazing Christmas and hope your new year starts as good as ours!

Tight Lines. Stay Dry.
- Kyle

12/28/2022

It has sure been awhile but I wanted to check in. First off, we hope you all had a very Merry Christmas… and hope you’ll have a very Happy New Years!

A little update in our world - Finn is an absolute fighter and an amazing little man, putting up with everything we and the doc’s throw at him. Dec has been awesome, while growing quite the personality, and being a great little brother. Mom has been a rockstar, holding everything together.

Finn has been handling his treatments like a champ, even with some recent “hiccups”. He’s now doing great. Today starts the ten month ticker for his last chemo dose!!!

We are still living in our little bubble, which has been hard, but there’s a growing light at the end of the tunnel. Can’t wait to get back into the real world, especially this thing they call fishing!

So again, Happy Holidays from us - Hope yours were, and are, amazing.

Tight Lines. Stay Dry.
- Kyle

05/03/2022

In the short time I knew him, I found out very quickly that Jim was a very caring man. Please consider purchasing one of these awesome hats for an awesome cause.

Battle On Bago is a proud supporter of Jim Kies Memorial Fund benefitting Winneconne Parks. Battle On Bago is donating custom printed J.Kies Memorial Legacy Hats with 100% of the proceeds going to Jim’s Memorial Fund.

Jim Kies loved all things Winneconne, every season of every year. He was very passionate about the waterways, fishing accessibility, and providing a safe, family friendly atmosphere in the village parks.

Please show your support by donating $40 to receive a J.Kies Legacy hat.

Limited quantities.

For more details & to Pre-Order your J.Kies Legacy hat, visit: www.battleonbago.org/jimkies

04/17/2022

02/19/2022

A huge THANK YOU to all of the first responders from various agencies and departments, especially the VOLUNTEERS, who answered the call and responded in the horrible conditions we had last night and into today. While I sure hope to never need your services, it’s very good to know you are there and ready in a moments notice. Hats off to you folks!!!

02/18/2022

Can’t let the tradition fade on the eve of Battle on Bago! Here you go:

T’WAS the night before the battle, and all through the lakes;
Not a mouth was moving as they all planned to partake.

Their minds were a stirring, thinking what they might win;
A trip? A boat? Or possibly nothing… like an empty tin.

The wheelers were gassed and all tuned up with care;
For the big workout they were all about to bare.

The fish knew it was coming, so they began to hide;
Especially the sought after ‘ole Mr. Marble Eye.

The locals knew it wouldn’t be easy, or so they said;
Because fish they had been on, were gone as they crawled into bed.

But like flies to the light, still they flocked;
While others sat around, laughed, joked, then mocked.

The day struck six, and the race began;
“Out to the spot,” they said, “Before the others can!”

The ice shelters were taunt, down onto the ice;
Except for one which the wind thought was especially nice.

With one big blow, it went a sailing from east to west;
He rode it, screaming, “I’m out. I am certainly not the best.”

He then jumped out of that ‘ole ice shack;
But quickly forgot, of da five pounder he had left in the back.

He cried, he yelled, whistled, then cheered;
As the wind had shown mercy as the deadline neared.

He walked into the tent, so big, so proud;
And acted like nothing had happened when his name was called out loud.

The Battle on Bago certainly does not disappoint;
As some go home with a new boat, a truck or maybe, just some sore joints.

Just remember, you came looking for some fun, some cheer;
And I can guarantee you most, will be back for the fun all over again, next year.

Please be safe, this weekend out on the ice;
But if you and your buddies get a fish… be as quiet as mice.

Good luck, and most of all, have a fun, safe and awesome weekend. Sure wish I was out there… Hope to see some fun pics 😊

Tight Lines. Stay Dry.
-Kyle

02/12/2022

Thank you for the messages and emails over the last month. I certainly do miss making the videos, much less being on the hard water… but family is #1 no matter what.

To give a little update in our world, Finn has been battling fevers and such for the last month, ironically after our beloved friend Boomer (our 15.5 year old Lab who you guys saw on my vids) crossed the rainbow bridge. He had a great life. The nurses at Children’s have been great and even made a painting of Boomer on our room’s door this past week. Not sure who loved it the most…

After eight emergency room visits and two admissions, including being discharged last night after a week and a half stay in the hospital, we are finally home. He’s been battling the CMV virus that most of us have already had… but with his weak immune system due to his cancer… it makes it really rough. Lots of nasty antivirals but he is slowly getting better!!!

While we made it home on the eve of the opener, much less the middle of my beloved hard water season, I won’t be hitting the ice for a while… Hopefully soon though!

Wish you all the best for the sturgeon spearing opener, and again, thanks for the messages. I will be back out making vids and such as soon as “we” can. Throw straight! Wish you all the best of luck and fun 😊

01/12/2022

An amazing man has turned the pages to the next chapter in his life. He laid many bricks in the foundation of the marina’s history that has helped it to become the best in our area - bar none. My family and I wish the Klein family and friends our deepest condolences during this time ❤️

It is with a heavy heart that we share that previous owner Larry Klein has passed away over night. He was at home surrounded by his family. He will now be reunited in heaven with his beautiful wife, LaDonna. Larry and his wife were owners of Wendt’s Marine from 1982 until 2007 when their son took over the business. He continued being an asset to the company until his retirement.

Most importantly he was a beloved father and grandfather to the employees of Wendts Marine. Currently 3 of his 5 children and multiple grandchildren work for the marina that was started by the family so long ago. His presence will be greatly missed by all.

At this time the marina will be closed the remainder of this week while arrangements are being made. If you need assistance please feel free to call and leave a message. We will be checking on this periodically. 920-688-2601

12/25/2021

Merry Christmas from us to you!!!

10/02/2021

We just got out of the hospital for Finn’s last hospital admission… He did absolutely awesome! Meanwhile, the Hayward Muskies Inc. tourney is under way. I was lucky enough to hold the cup for the last two years, thanks in huge part to Finn, but the honors are certainly being passed on this weekend. It kills me not being able to be out there this year, but heck or high water, I’ll be out there competing again next year… Finn at my side.

09/19/2021

It finally happened. Between all of the hospital stays, coupled into work and everything else, we finally made it out into the Lund! While this was the first walleye in a while, it sure was a special one. Looking forward to the early ice time period where we can get back into the swing of things and get some vids rolling again. Finn only has one “planned” hospital admission left (in about a week) and then he is in the period they call “maintenance”. Our little warrior is kicking cancer’s butt and doing great! Side note - If you’re looking for white bass, they are in Winneconne!