The national organization, Muskies, Inc., is an active, service-oriented, non-profit organization for men, women and children with the single focus of improving the sport of Muskie fishing everywhere the fish are found. Founded in 1966 by Gil Hamm, the original group of thirteen avid Muskie fisherman concentrated on continual improvement of the Muskie resource through rearing and stocking efforts and sound conservation practices.

State departments of natural resources have realized the value of stocking Muskies. Thirty-seven of the lower forty-eight states currently have active Muskie stocking programs.

Muskies, Inc. has expanded to over 7,500 members and 53 independent local chapters throughout the country. Muskies, Inc. has become a national voice of the protection of the Muskie species.

Muskies, Inc. is widely recognized as the first organized group of sports anglers to espouse the "Catch and Release" practice now embraced by many conservation minded groups throughout North America. Today the National Organization focuses on three critical areas: Youth, Fisheries, and Research.

About NW TIGER PAC, Chapter #57 of Muskies Inc.!

Our Chapter was started in May, 2007. Because we are the first and so far only Chapter in Washington State, the volunteers who stepped forward and were willing to do all the time-consuming duties of starting up a non-profit were crucial to our success. They have done a tremendous job of educating the populace about two phrases many have never heard before: Muskies Inc. and Tiger Muskies! We are privileged to have some of the best people involved in this Chapter and a special thanks to all those who help with this great organization in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Our membership is active, dedicated, fun-loving and all about family. The elusive Muskie keeps our egos in check, so the Tournaments are more about fun and camaraderie than competition. Every one of our members is important and we look forward to welcoming more in the coming years. Our meetings are open; you don't have to be a member to attend. We are dedicated anglers and we encourage the art of catch and release Muskie fishing. Through education, conservation, stocking, and release efforts we hope to continue to enhance the Northwest Tiger Muskie program. One of our primary goals is to educate the public and fellow anglers about these large, elusive fish. We also recognize the importance of taking our youth fishing, for many species, in order to continue the stewardship of the great outdoors.

Safety is a priority to Muskies, Inc. Starting in 2008 Required Boaters Safety Education Cards are being phased in in Washington State. The State Parks Department has a FAQ about the cards including how to get one. The cards are valid in Canada and all States that require them. We encourage our members to get a card.

Don Wittenberger is our IFPAG Commission Liaison. He is our contact person for regulations changes and Warm Water Program news concerning the Tiger Muskie Program. Don has been fishing for Tiger Muskie for many years and was a spokesman for the fishery long before the thought of a Chapter was even was discussed. He posts detailed lake and lure reports which are very informative.

And of course all this started back in 1988 when Jack Tipping, (now retired from the WDFW) planted the first Tiger Muskies in the state at Mayfield Lake near Mossyrock. It was not an easy process and initially there were many road blocks. We are all indebted to him for his perseverance and success, and proud to have him as a member.

Steve Jackson the WDFW Warmwater Program Manager, supports the Tiger Muskie Program and is an excellent angler himself. As part of his job he has produced a Public Relations Video detailing the Tiger Muskie program and the importance of catch and release for the success of the stocking program. We will be working closely with him in the future to help support the program.

Bruce Bolding, WDFW Warmwater Biologist, has been very instrumental in launching the Chapter. It was with his guidance that many of these lone anglers were introduced to each other and the rest, as they say, is history!

At the helm of our communication effort is Kevin Alexander, who not only designed and maintains our amazing new web site and acts as Web Master, but who generously gives of his time and expertise to our non-profit. Now we just need to get a fishing pole in his hands!

Our new friend and Graphic Designer, Tom Rybarczyk out of Chicago, created our famous NW TIGER PAC logo. It gets almost as much attention as our beautiful Muskies!

Many others have been involved in getting this chapter started and keeping it going.