I Think The Muskies Hate Me.

[MOPanfisher]

Maybe its not they hate maybe its my Rapala Shad Raps. Last night my personal "White Whale" showed up yet again, but this time at least he was a good one and I got him to the boat twice, OK that was before he really realized he was hooked. Had just caught a shorty walleye and 2 casts later had something with some definite weight and size, you could feel him moving his tail back and forth, of course I am thinking big walleye, partner grabbed the net and assumed the stance, and up rolls a big muskie, over 36" anyway maybe low 40's. Well crap, the muskies and I have a relationship where they seem to believe my only purpose is to provide them with Rapala Shad Raps to hang on their trophy walls. He made a nice broadside turn, and I turned him back, my partner showed him the net, and he made a short run, and I turned him back again, thinking well you aren't the fighter you are claimed to be, I even may have shouted at him, "You aren't getting my rapala this time you (&^#%^T", about that time he seemed to notice that he was hooked and I noticed that I couldn't see any of my #7 Shad Rap it was ALL inside his mouth, this time he turned and punched the accelerator like a race car, drag squealed and line parted, whether on a tooth or gill plate I don't know. I should probably learn to be humble around Muskies and not yell curses at them, but dang it, I really wanted my lure back. And honestly if I had gotten him into the boat, (which was questionable as our net is big enough for a heck of a walleye, it wouldn't have gotten all of him inside), I would have been able to answer the question I get asked all the time, are they fit to eat? I would have tried it and if it was nasty, the rest would gone to a fish fry at work!

[kwall]

Don't take this the wrong way -- please turn the muskies back , only lake I know of that has any this far south --- take lots of pictures , they are very territorial so there is a good chance you can enjoy the fight agin

[5bites]

I sooooo want to catch a good Muskie! I caught one shaped like a pencil one time. Maybe 15" long.

[KCRIVERRAT]

Simply put, muskies hate everybody. Never fished for 'em on Pomme. But seen some floaters which sucks.

[Rick Baker]

I've still yet to catch a musky. You'd figure I crappie fish enough with minnows that I will get one eventually? Anyway, seen a nice one caught in camp once and let me tell you it tasted awesome!

[Ranger520vx]

I landed my first one about a month ago was around37 in. we took a picture and released it. Caught it on a baby brush hog while bass fishing.

[BassDaddy]

Don't take this the wrong way -- please turn the muskies back , only lake I know of that has any this far south --- take lots of pictures , they are very territorial so there is a good chance you can enjoy the fight agin

Fellows lake is further south and has musky.

[Muskie Bob]

" I would have tried it and if it was nasty, the rest would gone to a fish fry at work!"............lol, you must think a lot about those you work with. What nasty fish do you normally share with them?

Actually, I heard gar is suppose to be good to eat. I think I read an article in the Conversation magazine about it.

I kept the first muskie I caught in the early 70's. I've never kept another one. I never wanted to eat another one. However, my ex-wife fried it. So, I don't know if it was just her cooking. Ha. Of course, back in those days I probably kept most of the fish I caught.

It is very disappointing to see someone is interested in catching a muskie just to eat. The Missouri Conservation Department has reasons for "catch and release", as well as, tips on releasing muskies.

http://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/fishing-how-tos/muskie-fishing

I'm sure you can find a nasty fish to contribute to your fish fry at work.

[Krazo]

I say eat it if your so inclined. MDC allows a daily limit of 1 & possession 2 and besides that, sounds like most everyone else who catches, releases . This time of year it may be best to catch & keep because muskies caught and released often die due to the high water temperatures.

[Muskie Bob]

Muskies die more often to poor handling rather than heat. Many muskie fishermen stop fishing for them when water temperature reaches 80 degrees. I'm not sure who decided the 80 degree was the time to stop fishing for muskies. I've caught muskies in July and August when water temperatures are greater than 80 degrees and felt the muskies survived for another day. However, I normally don't fish for them when the weather gets fairly hot.

On the other hand, I used to see a guy who trolled in the summer time and caught his fair share of muskies only to see many of his catches floating not far from where he released his catch. The guy must not have had any idea how to properly handle and release muskies, as others would catch muskies and release them without any difficulties. I feel poor handling and releasing causes more muskies to die rather than the heat.

Anyway, this time of the year it is best to catch and release. The water temperature is far from being what others consider too hot (80). I hope others will agree it is best to catch and release all of the year.

Please read tips on releasing...

http://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/fishing-how-tos/muskie-fishing

Of course, each person has the right to decide what to do with a fish as long as it is within the regulations. However, I personally believe any fish with a 1 day limit wasn't set for consumption, but rather for trophy or mounting. I find it difficult to believe others would promote keeping any fish with such a low daily limit. There are too many other fish than are easier to catch to eat. Besides, the smaller fish are usually better to eat anyway. I know I would rather eat smaller northern pike rather than one that is 36" and up.

Let's promote catch and release for muskies all of the time. And, emphasize the importance of proper handling and releasing. Afterall, didn't you enjoy catching one of the most exciting fish to catch? Why not look forward to catching that muskie again?