58" caught on Leech or Cass

[RuKiddingMe]

I just read on the Star Tribune about a 58 incher caught in the Leech/Cass area. Does anyone have more information on this???

Matt

[Muskie-searcher]

I would love to see a picture of that beast!

[Brian Jones]

Muskie Killer Jim Schillinger caught it and it will soon be in his collection of Cass Lake muskies. Lord only knows how many skies he has killed in the last 40 years!

------------------
First Choice Guide Service
The Cass Lake Chain
no_spam.com
Phone: (612)730-no_spam

[Mightymuskie]

That is an awesome fish. If he actually KILLED it that is too bad.

[cluelessfisherman]

Yeah, I guess that guy has a reputation for keeping numerous fish every year!

I wish someone a little more deserving would have caught the fish.

Sorry for venting.

------------------
Clueless - -

[Biggestfish]

A nice replica of the fish would have gave someone else a shot at a this nice 58" ski. Too Bad !!! Last year out on Leech fishing for Muskies I landed a 41" Northern... CPR and it was off to be caught by someone else, who I hope did or will do the same as I.

I will be up to fish Leech next week I hope I can land a 58" Muskie!!!

------------------
Just Having Fun!
Love to Fish.

[Muskie-searcher]

I always thought that Cass lake had a mandatory release law for Muskies. In my opinion Muskies and all big fish for that matter should be released. The only exception being if the fish has a legitimate shot at being over 70 lbs and thus ending the world record debate and controversy. Even then I know I couldn't kill a fish that old and massive.

[Fish-n-Freak]

That is sad to hear! I wonder how many people released that girl over the years, and then this happens.

I know of a couple 57" fish RELEASED on Leech over the past 5 years, I had one of them.

Still don't have enough money for a replica, but someday I will probably have one made.

[Guest]

Last week I caught a nice 51" ski on 4lb test line when I was fishing for smallmouth on the Mississippi river.

[mtrue68]

Fishinhunt
I bet that was fun 51" on 4lb. That must be very close to a line wt record for muskie. I saw something at resort on Winni and that was a 45"? on 6lb.

[EBass]

That does suck that's it's dead. A picture is all that is really needed.

I CPR everything, except for a tasty waldo in the winter once in a while, even then I still feel bad. Plus cleaning fish sucks.

Did you let that 51" go from the sippi?

[Steve Foss]

Anybody know what the 58-incher weighed?

[Brian Jones]

44 pounds, very thin this time of year.

[honker23]

I can't believe that a muskie fisherman of 40 years would have any reason to keep that fish, that is pretty frustrating. I always thought the true muskie fisherman/guides were a great example of sportsman, practicing cpr, but I guess not in this case.
Still a monster fish though.

[Guest]

I'm with ya, big thumbs down for that guy.

[widetrack]

I agree it's too bad the guy has a reputation for killing fish, numerous from the way it sounds. That is tragic.

I've let 16 muskies go over 50inches, one being 54 & 40+ pounds. Had a replica made of that one... Wasn't quite the one I've been after...

What I think is sad also is the fact that a person gets trashed for keeping such a fish. It's a personal choice. Are we all turning into tree hugger types?

I had a fish on last year, had it to the boat several times... actually had my hands on it.. It was pushing 60"'s easy, and I was going to kill it. No doubt in my mind. It was 55lbs plus. I'm sure there would have been no end to the ridicule I would have received had I landed it, and kept it.

Personally I find that tragic as well.

[This message has been edited by widetrack (edited 08-01-2003).]

[cluelessfisherman]

I am not trashing anyone for keeping fish. I'm sure I would have had a hard time putting it back as I keep waiting for a wall worthy fish. But my decision will be made at that time when it happens as to what external variables are involved with the fish and it's condition, weather, how it was hooked, etc, etc... I question just how many of the big trophy fish that are released really make it to fight another day. Those are big old fish that just endured a lot of stress.

I think more of this posts negativity is addressed towards the person who caught it. From what I understand (and I could be wrong as I only know from here-say) is that this person in question likes to keep every trophy fish he lands - sometimes numerous fish in a year (keep in mind the limit is 1 fish) Perhaps no_spam would like to give everyone a little more information about the individual. But I can not as I only know bits and pieces. Plus this site is not here to bash people about their personal choices (however illegal it may be at times). So I will leave my post at that.

------------------
Clueless - -

[DoctorB]

The criticism is directed at this specific individual. He is a clown that comes to Minnesota each summer for most of July and supposidly keeps every trophy he catches out of Cass. If not every, the track record is there for numerous kept fish during his yearly stay. I guess he gives some of them away to his relatives and people from back home. Anecdoatally, there are many stories circulating about him catching and keeping two muskies over 50 the previous week and then this 58 on top of that. The limit on muskies is one. I don't know how you can possibly eat that much meat in one week. If a fish is at a taxidermist, then that is your possession fish. He is not at fault for keeping a fish. However, when many muskies are kept in a short period of time by one person, the law, in my mind, comes into question.

You can look back at the In-Fisherman Monster Fish Reports of previous years. I know he is in there for a kept muskie last year out of Cass and I don't have my previous issues at hand, but suspect he is listed there as well.

I'm sorry, but in my mind he is at the least skirting the law and at the most single handedly destroying what virtually every muskie fisherman has worked hard to create and maintain.

I am personally writing letters to Ron Payer, Director of Fisheries and the conservation officers and fisheries personal in the area, whom I'm sure are aware of his reputation to make sure they are aware of the situation and to encourage an effort to attempt to monitor his catch.

[honker23]

I know we are supposed to use this board to bash people. I do think it is legitimate to voice our opinions about ethical/legal issues as it may influence readers put in difficult situations. In my opinion once you have caught and kept one, why would you need to repeatedly keep others. Some of the giants can be 20+ years old, it's a shame that one person can take out a number of those fish that can be replaced in one year of stocking efforts. Just my opinion though.

[widetrack]

As I noted in my first sentence.... Tragic.
If true, I'd be the first one calling 1-800...

My point being however, it seems these days that anyone killing a truly big fish is ridiculed.

Personally, I find that disheartening.

Perhaps Mn. should follow Ontarios lead, and put 54+ length limits on Trophy potential waters.

Food for thought.

[This message has been edited by widetrack (edited 08-01-2003).]

[Fish-n-Freak]

Widetrack -- I think a big part of why people are getting on edge about keeping trophy fish, is based on the availability of the replicas. Why kill a fish, when you don't have to. If you have a fish that has a real chance at breaking the record, then I guess you have to keep.

This guy is trashing Cass Lake and breaking the law! If this was Joe Blow, who caught a 58" fish and killed it, there would be a bunch of us saying "nice fish" " great catch" "good job" and "wish you had released it"

I think the "that a boy" comments would be hear if someone else caught the fish.

My best release so far was 57 1/4" on Leech five years ago. She was a nice fat fish and it was great to see her swim away.

Good Luck to all -- Keep yourself a trophy if you want, but please think about the replica option.

Steve

[can it be luck?]

Question for the doctor. If a fish is at the taxidermist, it's still included as a possesion fish? When if ever does the fish becomed removed from your possesion limit? You got me thinking now.

[widetrack]

I get the point...

String him up if he's a law breaker.

I've released hundreds of muskies, no need to preach to the choir.

Replicas are ok... Just ok, in my opinion.

I just think its sad, that if the day does come where I land my fish of dreams, that I've hunted 1/2 my life for, I'll have to be ashamed about keeping it.

PS: to Steve

Congrats on that mighty fine fish you released, I would have respected your decision either way!

[This message has been edited by widetrack (edited 08-01-2003).]

[Brian Jones]

Jim keeps every muskie over 40" not 50".

Gary Summers the CO I have been working with on this has the Taxidermist # so we will see what happens.

[DoctorB]

Can it be-

I have never mounted a fish, so I'm not sure how it works, but I assume you get to keep the meat or something. When the meat is all gone or at the point the fish is taken out from the freezer to mount and meat thrown away is when I'd consider the fish to not count against your limit.

Widetrack -

I know how you feel. The only muskie I'd keep would be a state/world record. I'm sure people would freak on me, but look at all of the controversy surrounding recent big fish releases (and even some kept) and just how big they really are according to some of the foremost "experts" in the musky community.

Widetrack/Steve - nice fish!!