slim muskies

[lucy1205]

I have caught many muskies out of French over the past few years and was just wondering why some of them are healthier than others? Some seem to be quite healthy, esp, the ones in the mid forties but many are quite slim. maybe its the lakes southern location or the sheer numbers of large fish adding to much competition. Maybe its the overall pressure and handelling of the fish or lack of food. I just don"t know and was seeking some other insight into this matter.

[VMS]

I would say forage... The lake is not all that deep, and it will not support colder water species as well like suckers etc which are excellent forage for muskies. It may be some genetics as well, but that is just a thought...no proof of it, so it would be at best an assumption.

Steve

Steve

[french_lake_kid]

56 feet, I think its the 2nd deepest in the area. I've caught probly 15 or 20 this year, and was very worried about this 2. I got the DNR # and was going to call them but never did, wich I now regret. I have a few pics of some very very skinny fish, another thing was, I would site-fish them and as soon as I set the hook, they would just quit. Kinda worried me, still thinking about calling the DNR

[lucy1205]

Thanks, I kind of had the same thoughts. I caught a 44 out of there and it probably only weighed 10 or 12 pounds if i had to Guess. The lake is still fun and is productive. I used to fret about all the pressure down there until I realized I was only adding to the overall problem so know I just join the crowds there. calling the DNR is not a bad idea even though they probably already know.

[AWH]

Is this a new trend of skinny fish in that lake? Back in the mid 90s I fished there and saw a number of pictures of fish that were all very well built fish.

Aaron

[beatuplund]

Lets see some of these skinny 'skees! Any pics? Might be a forage base issue (low) related to muskie population (high), not sure.

[french_lake_kid]

I'll see if I can get any pics. Only have 1 pic of a small fish, my stepbrothers first skie, I would say mid 30's only 3 or 4 pounds he lives in Kasson but I'll see what I can do

[lucy1205]

I did not get a pic of that 44 but I have many pictures of muskies from that lake. Like I say some were good sized but many were skeezy. I use disposable cameras as Im sworn to them. Im not good with technology anyway so I do not know how to post pics or own a digital camera. In fact, it took be about 8 months to finally get on this site and I just got accepted about 3 days ago. Yeah I missed some good conversations but what can Ya do.