Questioning the Locals | Herby Radmann

WHO: Herby Radmann, 59
WHAT: “Soul Proprietor” of Bullfrog’s Eat My Fish Farm
LIVES: Downsville, just outside of Menomonie
IN THE CITY SINCE: 1978

Since 1994, Herby has been the “Soul Proprietor” of one the most unique businesses in the Chippewa Valley. Bullfrog Fish Farm is known for its keep-what-you-catch pond fishing, delicious shore lunches, and occasional live country/blues/folk music. In a time when everyone talks about eating local, this family farm goes overlooked because it deals in trout, not turnips. Perhaps more famous is this business’ rural friendliness, connection to the community, and Herby’s one-of-a-kind humor.

Why is it named bullfrog? Do you even have frogs?  Bullfrog Springs Community is where my family has lived since 1978. Its origin had to do with the “back to the land movement.” At that time I named our family business after the community: Bullfrog Business. This was a good name because it didn’t really mean anything, and I wasn’t sure what it would become. We worked to make a living however we could, and in ’79 we purchased land adjacent to Bullfrog Springs and earmarked it for a rural business someday. In 1987 I discovered a hidden water resource, which gave me visions of fish and the adventures of the Bullfrog Fish Farm. We are asked about the bullfrog name often. Sometimes it’s just easer to boast, “We used to raise bullfrogs, but they all croaked!”

What’s your favorite childhood memory of fishing?  I had a catholic buddy back then, who was given the task of catching enough fish for his family to eat every Friday. Even though I was a Lutheran back then, this became my responsibility, too! I am from a big family. I remember Ma frying up my catch and trying to keep up with all of us. We didn’t fillet anything back then, so we’d sit around the table with that loaf of Wonder bread, in case one of us was to choke on a bone, eating and picking through our fish and watching our centerpiece of bones grow!

What’s your most memorable catch?  Early one spring day, when I was way young, I was fishing for sunnys along a bed of weeds and off a dock when I hooked up with this huge six-pound bass. It was an absolute thrill! I rushed home, slipping and sliding across the dewy landscape, while toting my pride and joy. Then only be told my fish was “out of season” and that I could really be in big trouble.

So “Eat My Fish” has made it on t-shirts, stickers, and the farm logo. So what’s next? Tackle boxes, tote bags, billboards …The “Eat My Fish” slogan has been one of my best flukes ever! It rapidly became more popular than Bullfrog, yet the benefit to the farm was somewhat delayed. Lots of folks knew or heard of “Eat My Fish,” but had no idea what the hell it was. A rock band? A fishing club? Or maybe something perverse! For now you can find it on bumper stickers, t-shirts, can coolers, and hats. As to the future, input is always welcome … and sometimes taken!

So your Hobo Chefin’ involves taking freshly caught fish and making it into a sandwich. Do you think the Hobo Chef could make it on Iron Chef or in a Throwdown with Bobby Flay? First I’d like to say that our Hobo Menu/Shorelunches include more than trout sandwiches. Actually our most popular is our Trout Meals with Seasonal Sides. Other items are Buffalo Brats (for our non-fish eaters) and Sleazy Cheese Sandwiches (now served with or without sleaze). Starting in July we offer Exotic Crayfish and Sweet Corn. As for the Iron Chef or Throwdown, we do like fun, but we also like to keep the expectations low and the surprises big! The Hobo theme is rustic, affordable, and suits us. We got a lot of class, but it’s all low! Maybe Mr. Food because, “Ooh it’s so good!”

What sort of economic development would you like to see in our area? More “family” farms and smaller businesses!