Handling Muskies

Post by **wolfe** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 6:34 pm

Hawg W., RJ, Markus.............thanks to all for your info & input on handling 'lunges with care to better ensure successful releases. I think it's a topic worth educating ourselves on. Just wish I could put your advice to the test!

W.

Post by **Mr.J.** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 7:53 pm

Of the most vivid memory I have of catching my 2 muskie is holding them over the side of the canoe and gently doing the S curve and talking to them.

My partner in the canoe, same guy both times, thinks I was nuts, telling the fish to take it's time and to relax, he just doesn't understand how important to the whole catching experience a successfull release is on a big beauty.

Something about that tail splash that makes me smile.

Thanks for the excellent thread everybody. I'd fish with any of you any time.

Post by **wolfe** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 9:05 pm

Mr J

Glad I'm not the only (nutty?) one who talks to the fish while unhooking and releasing!

W.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 10:20 pm

great thread HW! Snag.. do not start muskie fishing! my whole garage is a tackle shop!

Post by RJ » Thu Jul 29, 2004 10:22 pm

Agreed CrazyHook!....I added one of my lure boxes the other night...and stopped at $700......I turned white.....god I hope Kim doesn't read this...

RJ

Post by **Markus** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 10:44 pm

wolfe wrote:Hawg W., RJ, Markus.............thanks to all for your info & input on handling 'lunges with care to better ensure successful releases. I think it's a topic worth educating ourselves on. Just wish I could put your advice to the test!

W.

Don't thank me! I've never touched a musky! Had one bite me off in north bay, my only encounter. Lots of pike though.

I can't wait to get into the muski action soon!

Post by **FLOATFISHIN** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 11:05 pm

What a great pile of info and thread aswell

!!!!I have also had the pleasure of batteling these monsters in my day(none this year yet

)

But that was hands down a great pile of info for people thinking or already chasin these shovel heads and proper release and handeling process.

K now who has a spare spot for poor ol FF so he can show you vets how its done

K I was serious there

T.L F.F

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jul 30, 2004 1:02 am

RJ.. I have 55 baits that are hanging in my garage that did not make box 1 or 2... I can put my little one through college with them one day

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jul 30, 2004 8:29 am

CH,

You didn't get the name crazyhook for your boxing skills, that's for sure.

Unless they've started to allow donkey punching in the ring that is.

As a joke the other day, I put my tackle box on the bathroom scale, and it weighed 55pds! Scary thing is, I actually contemplated starting a second box.

Muskie fishing is not a sport, it's a disease. Addictive personalities be warned.

HW

Post by **wolfe** » Fri Jul 30, 2004 9:11 am

HW, I think you're right about the "addiction", as watching my brother over the past several years he has gone off the muskie deep end and is happily drowning in muskie obsession and pursuit. It's nice to know I'll have a certifiable muskie junkie showing me the ropes when I finally free up the time to try it out! (He is on Nippissing this summer and about a week ago got his largest one yet. He was alone --of course! -- but a guy fishing nearby was nice enough to snap 2 quick pic's w/ bro's camera before the monster was set free. Don't know all the stats yet but I believe it was approx 46"

)

W.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jul 30, 2004 9:23 am

Wolfe,

The big ones ALWAYS come when you are alone. It's inevitable. I swear sometimes these damn fish do it just out of spite.

If he does a lot of fishing alone, I recommend mounting a camera to his boat with a remote. I know a few people who do that, and it works like a charm. That way, if you can't find someone nearby, you can still get a picture.

In either case, if possible, it's probably a good idea to fish with a partner when you are fishing for these beasts. If you got hooked badly, it's nice to have someone that can help you get loose, and get you to the ER right away. That, and it's always nice to have a netman nearby if in fact you hook that 50+" hog.

HW

Post by **67stang** » Fri Jul 30, 2004 9:34 am

Addiction it is, would have been cheaper to continue smoking. I am headin to buckhorn with the Wife & Kids for a family vacation. Started packing last night. I am only bringing 3 musky rods with me and spent an hour trying to consolidate 2 of my box's into one.

Post by **BASSSTALKER** » Fri Jul 30, 2004 10:45 am

I now have the itch

I even bought a Heavy rod yesterday from BPS

for the fall Muskie

Damb big fighting fish!

BASSSTALKER

Post by **DaveH** » Fri Jul 30, 2004 12:05 pm

I REALLY think this should be a sticky thread.

Too much good info on it, and too important.

Post by **Muskiemagnet** » Mon Aug 02, 2004 5:49 pm

Just thought I'd add my .02 cents.

I use a glove (only one hand) always for muskie, I don't use a net or cradle. I like to grab the fish by the tail with a firm grip while working my free hand under the gill plate. Once I have the fish gripped well under the jaw I'll deal with the hooks, once free of the hooks its up out of the water for a few shots then back in for a good recovery. I'll wait 10-15 minutes for a fish to swim away on its own power.