What is a Trophy Northern in Minnesota?

[Hockey Guy]

This is a tough question for Northern. Typically I consider a trophy fish anything that is within 60%-75% of the state record. So a Walleye in the 12-13 lbs range would warrant a replica on my wall. With a Northern it’s a different story. The state record is 45 pounds 12 ounces caught in 1929. That means I would have to catch something in the 28-30 pound range. I don’t see that happening anytime soon. Fish like that just aren’t around anymore.

I heard from a very reliable source that a 32 lbs Northern was caught in a commercial fishing net on the Mississippi last year. I guarantee you that would be on my wall!

Right now I would make a replica of anything over 21 lbs because that is the biggest one anyone in my family has caught in MN.

[troutmaster]

Well i caught a 41" on lake mill lacs, and that was a trophy in my opinion. he sure does look big up there on my wall, i must say

[pikepounder]

I don't think you can really put a certain length or weight on what a trophy northern is in Minnesota. It all depends on the lake. Some are capable of producing pike over 25 pounds and in others there might not be one over 12 or 15. We should try to realize that a 15 pound pike on some small lakes in southern minnesota is actually a greater trophy than a 20 lber on URL, LOW, or Canada. Once we realize this we can appreciate every fish more and have more fun. Every year I try to take this into account after I come back from fishing in Canada. The fish in southern Minnesota might not be as big, but that doesn't make them any less of a trophy.

[fisher972002]

When I was 16, we ran into a large collection of large northern's on the boundary waters... We landed a few 39 inchers and a 40 incher... I lost mine which was about 38 inches probably 18 lbs or so.. I used to think that was a trophy.. So a year later we ran into them again and I boated a 17 lb 36.5 incher which is on my wall..

I was just excited to boat him because of the disappointment the year before.. But I thought that was a trophy, but that was 10 years ago, now we ususally catch several of those during our vaca week up there..

THe bigges I caught and have as a trophy pike was caught in 2001 she is 42" long and is a pig weighing in at 28 lBS.. Very fat...

Northern are funny, you can havea 38 incher that weighs 20 lbs, or it can be skinny and long and be38 inches and only weigh 14 lbs... Lots of variation..

But I would say anything in the low 20's and 41+ is trophy in my book!!!

[cjac]

Check out this pike from the Crane-Kabetogama forum!!

That's a monster!!

Kab Pike post

[shmick__shmacky]

If the pike in the pic above where it says it is 50.5" on that HSOforum is the fish, that isnt a 50.5" pike. I would give that fish 41" at the most. Just my opionon on that!

[Ralph Wiggum]

Oh, look, here come the naysayers Not the greatest photo, but if they say 50.5", I'll believe it.

[hanson]

Here's the photo so there is no confusion.

That fish is an absolute horse! I believe it is every inch of 50 inches.

[MuskieMojoTackle]

Quote:

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Here's the photo so there is no confusion.

That fish is an absolute horse! I believe it is every inch of 50 inches.

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Not to be a downer, but unless that guy is about 8 feet tall that is absolutely not a 50" fish. Just callin' it how I see it.

[Spork]

Quote:

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Not to be a downer, but unless that guy is about 8 feet tall that is absolutely not a 50" fish. Just callin' it how I see it.

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I was thinking the same thing. That looks to be around 40".

[Ralph Wiggum]

Quote:

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Oh, look, here come the naysayers

Not the greatest photo, but if they say 50.5", I'll believe it.

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[Random guy]

Ok guys, known factors to judge off of.

Fish-42"

Dude-6'0"

Fish is held tail out towards camera.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Man, that's one ugly dude!

[MuskieMojoTackle]

Here's another one with known factors...

Fish: 50" on the nose

Me: 6'3" and 300 lbs

I'm not trying to rain on the guy's parade. He should be proud...that is one beautiful fish, but a 50 it ain't. A typo perhaps? 40.5"? I'd buy that.

The HSOforum where it was originally posted also reported only an 18" girth. That is one solid fish...if the length were indeed 50+ the girth is definitely more than 18.

Just like to call 'em what they are.

[TomWehler]

Dude!!!

Think TATTOO to cover that dome!

Now that is BALD!

I gots lot O Extra hair, want some?

Extra ink to or maybe just air brush one on from time to time.

Be safe the weekend.

Wonderful Tom Wehler

[MuskieMojoTackle]

Quote:

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Dude!!!

Think TATTOO to cover that dome!

Now that is BALD!

I gots lot O Extra hair, want some?

Extra ink to or maybe just air brush one on from time to time.

Be safe the weekend.

Wonderful Tom Wehler

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Tats are for other places on the body. I like the dome nice and smooth the way it is.

Have a good weekend Tommy. I got some baits I gotta get you some time. You get mail on the island?

[cjac]

Hey Luke,

Got the Mojo sweatshirts and Tshirts I ordered, they look sweet!! Picked up a couple new Weagles too, 8 more days and they'll be getting wet, and hopefully bit!

Chris

[MuskieMojoTackle]

Quote:

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Hey Luke,

Got the Mojo sweatshirts and Tshirts I ordered, they look sweet!! Picked up a couple new Weagles too, 8 more days and they'll be getting wet, and hopefully bit!

Chris

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Cool man. Wear it with pride.

Good luck with the baits. I hope they put a big one in the net for you.

You know where to find me if you have any questions.

Luke

[Toby]

That definetely is a big fish. But is it really 50.5 inches? That length and girth would make it 36+ pounds. Here is a picture of a 46 incher. It looks to me a little bigger than the kabetogama pig. The size of the head on the 50.5 inches is definetely smaller. To me the Kabetogama looks 44-45 inches. But i don't know, maybe my eyes are lying.

[carlcmc]

here is the image of that pike caught in the netherlands