A Muskie Story!

[cliffy]

This past weekend I went back “home” to visit my parents. I was able to talk my father into going fishing with me at Beers lake in Maplewood State Park (Ottertail County MN). I just started fishing for the mighty muskie this past summer. I have spent tons of money and time but so far have only been able to catch one small muskie. My father on the other hand, does not fish for muskies but does like to come along for the fresh air and the view.

We were on the lake for only an hour and I already had two “follows”. My heart was pumping as I was waiting for my first big fish. My father was sitting in the back of the boat casting a weedless worm for some bass action. He seemed somewhat interested in what I was doing and would often ask questions concerning my gear/lures. He thinks I am crazy for spend all my money on this sport.

A couple hours past and my father catches a little pike…about 18 inches. I noticed the pike had what appeared to be a bite mark on its side. I pointed out this to my father and told him that it could be a muskie bite. My father makes a couple of more casts into the weeds and then I hear, “god da## it, not another one.” I turn around and see my father’s 20.00 fishing pole bent in half. It does not take long before we realize that this is no small pike. He fought with it for about 15 minutes before it jumped out of the water..and we both almost fell out of the boat. It was a huge muskie! It took him about 25 minutes to get the fish up to the boat. We had no net or camera..forgot both at home.. I decided to bring him in by grabbing him in the gill. I shoved my hand into the gill, and it slid right up into his mouth. Obviously, the fish did not care for my hand in its mouth, he shook his head back and forth but I was able to pull him into the boat. He measured 43 inches and weighted about 20lbs. We both felt sick for not having a camera along. Therefore, we simply thanked him for the fun and put him back into the lake. It was at that time I realized I had a nasty cut on my finger from shoving my hand in his gill/mouth. A quick trip to the ER and five stitches later, we were home. My father gave me a hard time about my muskie gear, seeing that he caught this fish on 12lbs mono and a plastic worm.

The only proof I have of this story is my hospital bill. Was it worth it? The answer is yes, the joy and excitement I saw on my father’s face was priceless. A memory that I will cherish for a lifetime. It does not get much better than that.

[klbowe]

Congratulations !

Sounds like you made some lasting memories this weekend .

I have been kicking around buying a pair of leather gloves and a bolt cutter B4 my upcoming trip and after hearing your story I will .

I have had some close encounters with loose Northerns in the boat and can only imagine the pain of having a treble hook in your hand with a angry Muskie attached to the same lure .

Hope your battle scars heal soon !

[EBass]

Nice story! Just last week a 5lb pike messed up my finger the same way. no stiches though. But I'm sure it'll scar.

Congrats to you dad!! Dem are mean fish eh?

[delmuts]

the bolt cutter is a good idea! instead of leather gloves i would invest in a pair of kevlar gloves. cut proof and you can get them wet. ( not punchure resistant though!) del

[FLB]

Beers is a cool lake. My neighbor C&R'd a 48" there in October of '99. I convinced him to take my net prior to leaving...he was obviously thankful to have it along. My biggest there has been (a measly) 42". Come late September/Early October, there isn't a prettier place on this earth than Beers Lake. Congratulations to your Father.
FLB

[cliffy]

Yes, this is a very nice lake. I grew up only a few miles away, on Lake Lida, and had no idea about this place. I can wait to get out there in the fall with all the trees turning colors. They say muskies are the fish of 10,000 casts...so this lake owes me at least two fish so far...

[fisherdog19]

A good glove to pick up would be one of those orange lindy gloves. Very durable hard rubber coating on them that will keep your hands safe. Bolt cutters are a must, if a muskie gets a treble deep in its throat taking it out will probably kill him, much better to cut the hook and put a nother one on. Congrats on your fathers first muskie.

Fisherdog

[cliffy]

A bolt cutter sounds like a very good idea. I would hate to kill one of these monsters. Does anyone have any other suggestion on "must have" muskie equipment?

[southerner]

Regarding "must have" gear for muskie fishing I'd also add a pair of hook-outs and a large spring-loaded jaw spreader. Assuming the fish isn't hooked too deeply or in the gills (where you should cut the hooks off), these tools really can save you time getting the hooks out if the fish is clamped down on the lure.

Something else... it should be noted that although Kevlar gloves are cut resistant, they are not at all puncture resistant. I liken the teeth of Esox more to a sharp nail than a blade. It's more of a concern for me having my fingers punctured by a sharp tooth and the subsequent ripping associated with the violent head shakes of a big fish. To afford a greater degree of safety when handling muskies I use a leather glove in under the gill plate and a wet "fish handling" glove to support the body without rubbing off the slime.

Oh yeah... Don't forget the camera. :-)