BIG OL’ FISH AT THE BEAR’S DEN

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom

A 17.5-pound, 41-inch togue caught by Howard Altermatt of Willimantic two years ago in Sebec Lake will now be on display at the Bear’s Den in Dover-Foxcroft, joining a collection of hunting trophies at the establishment such as bear, deer and moose heads. In 2014 Altermatt netted his catch after a 70 minute battle, and in doing so he became the third generation of his family to boat a togue of 15 pounds or more from Sebec Lake.

His father caught a 16.5-pounder in 1956 and his son caught a fish weighing 15 pounds in 2008. Altermatt, 82, is also an author, having written the novel “Hard Core Justice”, available through http://howiealtermatt.com/.