The Fisherman's Prayer

God grant that I may fish until my dying day;

And when at last I come to rest, I'll then humbly pray;

When in His landing net I lie in final sleep;

That in His Mercy I'll be judged as good enough to keep!

Many sympathies to the entire Kiel family.  Jim was the definition of good sportsmanship.  Watching him fish through August was something I will not forget, it was a lesson to us all to keep fighting! 

Rick Grates, MTT angler.

It is an understattment to say we lost a good one here. Jim and his family have been part of the Lake Mille Lacs fishing scene for over 60 years.

In the early years, from at least  the early '60's through the early '90s, the Keil name was known for big northerns on cane poles at the big lake. No one family has spent more time chasing big  gators on Lake Mille Lacs. Jim's dad, mother and family were true pioneers on the gator front here. Mom Keil and a boat load of 24 ft. cane pole toting Keils would be seen from day break until dark on the calm side of the lake all of July, August and September --everyday--for many years!

 

And no one was a better trapper of fox and coyotes than Jim Keil. For years, he covered 100's of square miles daily tending to his fox traps in late fall and winter.

 

But most of all, he was a good guy and the best dad and friend one could have. Early on, before most knew, he told me he had the cancer. We were both in our boats waiting to load them at Liberty Beach. We both balled like babies, boats pulled together, as we talked of all the good times chasing northerns 40 plus years earlier. He vowed that day to fish every minute he could until the end. To say the least....he accomplished his goal.

 

What a loss for many...but at the same time, many of us feel very lucky to have known such a great guy.

Thanks for the memories Jim.......I for one will miss you dearly!

I remember as a kid living in Milaca we would go to Vineland Bay and stay at Newlakeside inn resort and troll for big northerns with cane poles and there would always be Jim. Jim hollered at me one time when I could not lift the cane pole, He said son throw the pole and follow it around untill the fish gets tired and pick it up and try again. Does anyone realize that Jim probably started as what we call today trolling with planer boards only Jim did it with cane poles. I have not seen Jim in years but my sympathy goes out to the family, Jim was a wonderful guy, you will be missed.