pruett417

Bill, I appreciate it, and it's good to see that other anglers are also interested in protecting this fishery, not only this fishery but also Pomme de Terrre, the same problem happens there. There are some things in progress that will hopefully get the word out to a greater number of anglers. I do believe that there are some anglers that target these fish, not due to disrespect, but due to the lack of information out there. In other words, the last line of your post, "Education, education, education" rings very true!

We have reached that time of year when the water temp has reach the low to mid 80's and with the "dog days" of summer upon us its important to pass the word and educate others that the mortality rate of caught musky. This post isn't meant to offend anglers that intend harvest legal fish, this is meant to plead to the catch and release anglers that are still pursuing these fish. The bottom line is that the likelihood of reviving a played out (no matter how quickly landed) fish is slim to none. Even fish that were thought to be revived successfully, more than likely be belly up in a matter of time. It's that time of year that as ethical catch and release anglers, we leave the musky gear at home. The thing to consider is the oxygen level in hot water. I'm not a biologist, but research has shown that oxygen levels decrease as the temperature rises. When we catch a muskie, they need time to recover. This usually occurs boat side and on the surface, which is the hottest water in the lake, with the least amount of oxygen. During a battle, muskies build up lactic acid in their bodies, and if the conditions don't allow them to appropriately recover it ends in death. The hardest fact to consider in this equation is that it doesn't always occur immediately. Studies have shown that muskies caught in hot water have been released only to die days later. A sad fate for a fish that we cherish. After visiting with the folks at the marina yesterday I learned that we are losing far to many fish, and it's time we all do our part to preserve and protect this resource. I assume that there are some that have grown tired of my soapbox here, but maybe putting out the information one more time will result in a positive impact on this fishery.

Gar sounds fun to me, you guys have some monsters!

Yeah I have ive casted it on a Redington 9' 10wt Predator, and the "Musky Hammer" my Beulah Bluewater 10/11.....casts like a dream ;-) wink wink lol. No actually it casts pretty much like most of our big articulated stuff. Its definitely not like presenting a #14 adams to a rising trout, its doin work.....

Its not fun unless your fly casts like a 14" wet wool sock lol

The triple articulated version of this fly is primarily a musky/pike thing of course northern smalljaws will chomp flies bigger than this. As far as hook placement a lot of our new patterns are being tied on big aarticulated shanks, split ring connections, and single rear hooks, and hookup ratios have been just as good.....this fly is actually small compared to most of our stuff and most of us have an arsenal of 10 and 11 weight rods to get the job done.... I can tell you that hook placement on the Junior version of this fly has been taken into considerat as far as hookup success and the health of the fish.....pics should be coming soon To be continued...........

Thought you might enjoy this......My new musky popper straight out of the mad scientist lab, the "Pop-Ness Monster..... The triple articulated popper from hell, 2 articulated shanks, foam popper head, the middle is a foam cylinder, Clear Cure Goo Expando Tube, jig skirts, Clear Cure Goo Tack-Free and Hydro, all followed up with a 4/0 Partridge Pike hook..... Working on several variations including a double articulated version, the "Junior", for bass, etc. If anyone is interested in more details, or to purchase send me a pm.

I would certainly hope this is being researched to find out the cause of this "kill", the fact that there has been reports of a "fungus" visible on these fish is concerning to say the least. I would hope MDC is going well beyond just chalking it up to a "condensed spawn", the fact that other species are also being found dead tells me that there is a grave possibility that something else may be at fault. Yes, I'm worried about the Musky

While it is completely within one's own personal rights to harvest Musky, I think it's important to spread the word about these fish, these fish are a resource that's worth protecting and preserving, I posted this in reply to another topic..... As for the Musky, if you do happen to have the pleasure of tangling with one of the toothy critters that inhabit Fellows Lake, please do your part to ensure the fish is released healthy, quick fight, few pictures, and make sure the fish is fully revived for the release. This time of year it's not as big as an issue, cooler water temps, but as we get later into the Spring and then on to the Summer these bruisers are very susceptible to injury and/or death after being caught, during long fights these fish will build up fatal levels of lactic acid. Keep your fingers out of the gills, of course the gill plate will probably remind you of that, support the fish as horizontal as possible, not saying that you wouldn't do this, but as more and more people are getting interested in the Musky game, it's important to share as much as we can to ensure we all do our part to help these fish thrive in our local waters. Musky are rare fish. Catching on of these fish is special in itself, and the larger the Musky is the greater the enjoyment. Unfortunately, the rarity of this fish, that makes it such a rewarding catch also places an ethical obligation on all Musky fishermen to practice catch and release. Musky are a rare and slow growing fish. Most Musky in the 45 inch plus range are certainly over 10 years old and many can be approaching 20 years of age. It is important to remember that anytime you get a Musky in the boat to treat it with care. Even more important are the big Musky, any fish over 30 pounds is usually 15 years of age or older. Whenever one of these great fish is mishandled or over stressed it will not recover after the release. It will take years to replace that fish in our waters. First and foremost, keep the musky in the water as much as possible. Every second that musky is out of the water makes it that much more difficult on it its release. If you can, practice wet releases – catching, unhooking, photo and release all without taking the musky out of the net that is still in the water. If you do grip the musky, do so by supporting the fish under it’s stomach, right behind the gills. Do not squeeze it too hard and do not to use the gills or certainly not the eye sockets when holding a musky. The key is to support it’s weight. Larger fish may require additional support with your knee or lap. Additionally, if you remove the fish from the water for measurement or a photo, try to keep the musky as horizontal as possible. Keeping the musky vertical puts a stress on their body that they are not accustomed to or built for. Try not to “hug” the fish or get let it rub against you if at all possible. This causes the musky to lose its valuable “slime” and makes it more susceptible to disease. When you release a musky, do not worry about moving it back and forth in the water. Either hold it by the tail and let it breath on its own, or move it slightly forward and slowly back to create some movement through its gills. Wait for the tail to kick before letting loose if possible. Keys to success lie within the products designed specifically for catching, handling and releasing these fish. Barbless hooks, nets and cradles, and hook removal tools will help preserve and protect. The longer we keep a fish hooked up - the more enjoyable to catch!?1? For these fish this can be the kiss of death. As the fish fights longer and longer, their lactic acid levels begin to build in their muscle tissue. The longer that fight lasts, the higher the level of lactic acid. Once that level of lactic acid reaches a certain point, the fish will never recover. The fish will often released looking healthy, however, an hour or two later - they are floating inverted on the top of the water. This is even more important on hot days or when fishing warm water lakes. The warmer the water, the less oxygen readily available to the Musky. The best tool for their recovery is to get oxygen rich water flowing over their gills fast. For this reason many anglers try to keep the Musky in the net throughout the release. Just sayin.....I'll put my soapbox away now lol.

As for the Musky, if you do happen to have the pleasure of tangling with one of the toothy critters that inhabit Fellows Lake, please do your part to ensure the fish is released healthy, quick fight, few pictures, and make sure the fish is fully revived for the release. This time of year it's not as big as an issue, cooler water temps, but as we get later into the Spring and then on to the Summer these bruisers are very susceptible to injury and/or death after being caught, during long fights these fish will build up fatal levels of lactic acid. Keep your fingers out of the gills, of course the gill plate will probably remind you of that, support the fish as horizontal as possible, not saying that you wouldn't do this, but as more and more people are getting interested in the Musky game, it's important to share as much as we can to ensure we all do our part to help these fish thrive in our local waters. Musky are rare fish. Catching on of these fish is special in itself, and the larger the Musky is the greater the enjoyment. Unfortunately, the rarity of this fish, that makes it such a rewarding catch also places an ethical obligation on all Musky fishermen to practice catch and release. Musky are a rare and slow growing fish. Most Musky in the 45 inch plus range are certainly over 10 years old and many can be approaching 20 years of age. It is important to remember that anytime you get a Musky in the boat to treat it with care. Even more important are the big Musky, any fish over 30 pounds is usually 15 years of age or older. Whenever one of these great fish is mishandled or over stressed it will not recover after the release. It will take years to replace that fish in our waters. First and foremost, keep the musky in the water as much as possible. Every second that musky is out of the water makes it that much more difficult on it its release. If you can, practice wet releases – catching, unhooking, photo and release all without taking the musky out of the net that is still in the water. If you do grip the musky, do so by supporting the fish under it’s stomach, right behind the gills. Do not squeeze it too hard and do not to use the gills or certainly not the eye sockets when holding a musky. The key is to support it’s weight. Larger fish may require additional support with your knee or lap. Additionally, if you remove the fish from the water for measurement or a photo, try to keep the musky as horizontal as possible. Keeping the musky vertical puts a stress on their body that they are not accustomed to or built for. Try not to “hug” the fish or get let it rub against you if at all possible. This causes the musky to lose its valuable “slime” and makes it more susceptible to disease. When you release a musky, do not worry about moving it back and forth in the water. Either hold it by the tail and let it breath on its own, or move it slightly forward and slowly back to create some movement through its gills. Wait for the tail to kick before letting loose if possible. Keys to success lie within the products designed specifically for catching, handling and releasing these fish. Barbless hooks, nets and cradles, and hook removal tools will help preserve and protect. The longer we keep a fish hooked up - the more enjoyable to catch!?1? For these fish this can be the kiss of death. As the fish fights longer and longer, their lactic acid levels begin to build in their muscle tissue. The longer that fight lasts, the higher the level of lactic acid. Once that level of lactic acid reaches a certain point, the fish will never recover. The fish will often released looking healthy, however, an hour or two later - they are floating inverted on the top of the water. This is even more important on hot days or when fishing warm water lakes. The warmer the water, the less oxygen readily available to the Musky. The best tool for their recovery is to get oxygen rich water flowing over their gills fast. For this reason many anglers try to keep the Musky in the net throughout the release. Just sayin.....I'll put my soapbox away now lol.

Spring is upon us Gentlemen, it's looking like the break in temperatures is right around the corner. So expect updates to this thread soon. This winter has been spent tying, tying, and then doing some more tying. We have been out, but luck has been hard to come by! We have geared up to the hilt, we are armed and dangerous to hit this thing head-on this Spring. If you know of anyone interested in predator flies, send them my way! Here are a few of the offerings that have come off the vise recently...... Double Beuford Double Trouble

Luckycraft, I'm stoked to hear that you had a good experience with the Jim and the gang at Plateau. Spread the word, not only are the owners some of the best in the business, they know no stranger. They don't care if you are a 20 veteran of the game or gearing up for your first experience. It's good to see such positive feedback about a local shop that we all are lucky to have. The events that Plateau is hosting are just getting better and better, from grand openings to Musky Country Outfitters owner Brad Bohen stopping in for a night of tying and conversation, not to mention the day to day comraderie and friendly atmosphere. I've said it before, but it just can't be said enough. Let's all do are part to keep this shop going.

Wayne it throws itself LOL But believe it or not, these flies are extremely neutral, designed to be fished on sinking lines. Gonna be tying quite a few singles for this Spring, when the fish are looking for smaller prey. But can guarantee that the others will be on hand, because no matter what, the theory of big flies = big fish still reigns true.

Hey Wrench, we changed geography and moved our adventures south for the last little while, learned some things, cussed a few things, froze a few things off (at least it felt like it), geared up, tied a bunch....this thing is ever evolving. These warm winter days are calling our names, expect some reports coming soon, we're off to rip some lips. Just a sample of some the new stuff, pm me for details if any of you might be interested in some these patterns. All quality materials, from the hooks down to the heads. Singles, doubles, and now triples using articulated shanks....dirty, dirty moves.

Cove 1 does in fact have the "No Boat" buoys half way back in the cove, don't know why, was completely oblivious to it until one day and we noticed it. They are identical to the no wake buoys, just the words are different. That was back in October when I noticed it, can't see them changing them back and forth.

Pulled them out of the woodwork with this one, maybe everyone will get fed up with the hoards of irresponsible, arrogant, spot hogging, water skiing, sailing........etc., leaves more room for me

Patagonia watermaster waders are awesome.............check Ebay you can get a pair very reasonable. I've had Simms and I've had Patagonia, no complaints on either. Durability is the key, both are a quality product that holds up to tons of abuse. If you are someone that is out and about fishing all the time, consider spending as much as you possibly can, I'm not trying to sound like an elitest here, but quality equals more quality time on the water.

Muskies at Fellows Lake??? On flies??? I don't believe that for one second, the only way to catch those things is with a 1/124 oz hot pink marabou jig tied on to 80lb Berkley Fireline............

Stopped in today and talked for way to long about "all things fishing". This shop is doing it right, great atmosphere and great product, and these guys are interested in not only the 20 year veteran of the game but also interested in inviting new people into the sport. Tons of material, which I know I am not used to around here, I'm used to waiting on internet orders. If they don't have it, they will get it for you. Stop in and say "Hello", spend a few dollars and let's keep these guys going. We all know that having a good fly shop in the area is a valuable commodity!

Wrench, I think it depends on who you talk to. It's obvious that the BIG Fall bite is winding down, but with that being said this is when (water temp) you can sure enough catch really BIG fish. The fish aren't gonna be spending a lot of time shallow, but depending on weather trends I still think we can catch them in the act if we play our cards right. I plan on miking this thing for as long as I possibly can, and with the different opinions, that just tells me it's time to stay out there and form our own opinions.

It's been a little while since I've posted an update, still at it, not as much as we would like........job and college is cramping my style. We have been fighting mother nature, every chance we get we seem to not be able to get good conditions. I've determined that weather doesn't effect the gear guys as much as us, but we are still chugging along.

Oh the enthusiasm is still there, lack of sleep is to blame........it seems as with all addictions you have your good days and bad days, and your ups and downs. It's quite a draining but cool thing to keep chucking those flies for 8+ hours a day. I can admit that it's mentally taxing above all, you have to be on your game every single cast, no one wants to be caught day dreaming by a big mean fish. I'm not giving up, in fact I think I'm more determined that ever........just a little stir crazy and delirious from it all, LOL!

Pushed A LOT of water, made what seemed like thousands of casts, could only get out on Saturday this weekend and with the bluebird skies didn't expect much, and didn't get much in return. And judging by the lake traffic it was tough all over, boats were running all day and I don't think I seen one fish caught. Finally in the afternoon we got a slight breeze to chop up the surface a bit, but it wasn't enough. Sure wish I could be out there this afternoon, seems we have been always missing it by a day or so. The proverbial fat lady has not began to sing, the water temps are holding strong and I think we should have several more weeks of good fishing, now if mother nature and the fat lady could get on the same page we will be in business. Was able to be treated to this sight early Saturday morning. Unfortunately it turned into this.

Back at it this weekend, the weather isn't to promising but we are bright eyed and bushy tailed. I think we are getting into that special time of the year, when the good fish are strapping on their feed bags. I really feel like we are going to connect this time around and get one of these fish in the boat. Trying out several new patterns that are gonna push a whole lot of water.

We keep telling ourselves that, even on the water, lol. It's just a matter of time.