Tony Rizzo, Guide and Resort Owner
Tony Rizzo purchased Krakow's Cottages and ran it as the Silver Musky resort until he sold it early in the 21st Century. He became a very successful musky guide, and most of the clients of the resort were there for the fishing, whether or not using Tony as a guide.
Tony authored a number of books about musky fishing, and created a line of musky fishing tackle called Rizzo Tails. The books are listed in the comprehensive section of the bibliography.
From an article about Tony in the Vilas County News Review: "A muskie guide for more than 40 years and the author of seven books on the subject, Rizzo has put 3,084 legal muskies in his boat over the decades." Source
Tony died in September 2018. This is his obituary from the Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home webpage: Tony Rizzo, Sr., age 83, a 62-year resident of Star Lake, WI, passed away on Tuesday September 18, 2018 at the Friendly Village Nursing Home in Rhinelander, WI. Tony was born on August 13, 1935 in Chicago, IL to Salvatore and Josephine Rizzo. Tony owned and operated the Silver Musky resort in Star Lake. He was a musky guide in the area for over 60 years for thousands of people. During his career as a guide he boated over 4000 muskies and caught many Line Class Record fish. Tony was inducted into the Fishing Hall of Fame. He wrote 8 books and hundreds of articles for fishing/outdoor magazines. He invented many lures and created new fishing techniques as well. He was preceded in death by his wife: Delmalee Rizzo in 2013; his parents: Salvatore and Josephine Rizzo; and his brother: Vito Rizzo. Tony is survived by his son: Tony (Katy) Rizzo of Minocqua, WI; 4 grandchildren and special friend: Rosemary Renhack of Conover, WI. Graveside services were already held.
**** indicates no known author.