Fishing Forum

I read on the toothyanglers.com site that:

Johnsons Reservoir
OR Late June
Pineview Reservoir
will be a sponsored event by your club.

I understand that catch and release is recommended, but by regulation one can do that they want with fish they catch.

Obviously, all Tiger Musky will be released, because that is the regulation.

A cash event tends to bring out all types of anglers. I have major concerns that a number of the participants may not have proper equipment or knowledge for handling 50"+ fish.

Bad handling can kill tigers, and it would be shameful if inadvertent tiger musky deaths happened due to this cash event.

I would argue that all participants must have a very large landing net- able to land a 50"+ musky, a very long needle nose pliers with a 12"+ reach, heavy duty wire cutters, jaw spreaders, and leather gloves. If one does not have the proper equipment, the toothyanglers should not allow them to participate in the event. Period.

This upcoming event is a great venue to teach your participants on how to handle tiger muskies, and proper tools are a necessity.


I have included info on: How to Handle a Tiger by Tom Pettengill DWR Sport Fishing Coordinator.


How to Handle a Tiger
Tiger Muskie have sharp teeth. Because they are large and powerful, they can be difficult to handle. Tom Pettengill, DWR Sport Fishing Coordinator, gives this advice:
Bring the fish to the side of the boat as quickly as possible so it doesn't become too exhausted. This is especially important during warm weather. For most anglers, the easiest way to land a muskie is with a good-sized landing net. Do not bring the fish into the boat. A fish flopping around in the bottom of a boat can be seriously injured.
For smaller muskie, those 30 inches or less in length, anglers should grab the fish by the tail and turn it sideways. This will disorient the fish, making it easier to unhook. Grip the fish over the top of the gill plates, remembering not to squeeze too hard, and remove the hook.
Tiger muskie more than 30 inches in length should be given time to calm down. Then, grip the fish firmly by the gill cover. Anglers may wish to wear a leather or rubber glove, but shouldn't rely on a thin, surgical glove.
The next step is to slide your fingers inside the gill cover, with your thumb on the outside. Move your hand forward, getting a firm hold of the gill plate. Do not grab the fish's gills, as they can be easily torn, causing a fatal injury.
Keep the fish in the water while unhooking. Use long-nosed pliers to remove the hooks. If the hooks are in a spot that will cause serious injury, such as the gills or in tough bony tissue, it's better to cut the hook off using heavy-duty wire cutters. If the fish is deeply hooked, use jaw spreaders to hold the mouth open while you unhook it.
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I definitely agree with you FW. I have always disagreed with any musky tournaments at Pineview. If all contestants were well trained on tiger musky catch and release techniques prior to participating, then I wouldn't feel so negative about a tournament of that type. But that is ideal and just a pipe dream.
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As I recall the UDWR ask them to have the tournament at Johnsons as the pressure on the tigers at Pineview MIGHT put too much of a strain on the fishery.

I don't know where the final location will be, but I know the directors will do everything humanly possible to protect the tigers from suffering undue mortality. Dead fish isn't good for their club nor is it good for either of these fisheries.

The information you provided is excellent and perhaps the founders of the club and the directors of the tournament will make it available to all participants. Who knows, perhaps some of the state warm water fisheries guys will show up to give insight, advise and to observe.

Every thing you wrote is on the money but your tone is a little strong especially when you cannot see into the future to evaluate what the directors might or might not do. They might be six steps ahead of you as far as protecting the fishery. Their objective is to improve the ESOX fishery in Utah. Tournaments are just one way that anglers who love these great fish can get together and raise money for conservation, share and disseminate information about fishing and the the species available in the state and in general promote comradrieship within the members. Their goals are noble as I am sure your's are, but lets not start a pissin' contest until all the information is published.
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From one Wisconsin brother to another....AMEN!

Handling of tiger muskies out here is sub par at best. Yes some know what they are doing but many do not. To no fault of their own, they just have not been shown the correct way. I would also add, no boga grips, no vertical holds and do not have the fish out of water more than 30 seconds. I've snapped 5 to 10 pictures in that amount of time, no need for the fish to be out any longer. Also, PLEASE use a wire leader or 130 lb plus fluoro musky leader. Tiger can easily bite through a braid or light mono. Many have not experienced bite off's simply because many of the fish aren't big enough. A bait stuck in a muskies jaw could lead to it's death.
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We are currently deciding about this particular tournament for these same reasons. We do this for all fish not just tigers but tigers especially seeing as right now what we have is all we have.

This point could have been brought to me instead of on the board like this. We do plan on doing seminars on handling and such for less experienced anglers also. And thats regardless of if we are going after tigers or pike. One in the same when it comes to handling/releasing.

We do appreciate your opinion though. Thanks.
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not a good idea to have a muskie tourney, I think the fish and game would be smarter. sorry my bad the fish and game smart.well thats a new one . Sorry im not a fan of the poor excuse we call the divviissionn of wildlife. I have been fishing for tiger muskies since they got big enough to smash bass tackle and have caught my share of big ones and I am here to tell you there are not that many in pv leave them alone we dont need buba and his buddy using a k mart stringer to tie one to the side of the boat .. there is enough of that allready. I thought that the proc says that all tigers at pv must be let go.. did i read that wrong must have if there is a muskie killfest comming up maybe we should have the fish and game manage carp then there wont be anymore of them either.. man what a joke.
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Seriously guys you all need to calm down. I am taking the Pineview off the board as of right now. I see everyone point of view on it but come on do we really need this brought up on the board like this?

I and my club realize more than most people that we only have so many tigers. Heck in Utah we only have so many of any Esox, and walleye. We dont need a discussion on this subject.
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[size 2]I wouldn't put much stock into what "zman" has to say. He clearly has all the biological answers that the DWR doesn't, yet I wonder as to where he got his education. I doubt his resume could hold a candle to even the technicians working for the Division.[/size]
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[size 2]There are plenty of tigers in Pineview. I've had 20+ fish days, kind of days where you quit counting because you lose track. I've been moving fish already this year each time out, and it's still pretty early in the season for these guys. To say that there "aren't many tigers left in Pineview" is an absolute joke, and you clearly do not understand A. how to fish them and B. the fishery itself. Maybe you need to adjust your tactics or gear if you are having trouble contacting fish.[/size]
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[size 2]I am also unsure as to where you get your idea of "kill fest". Tiger muskies are complete catch and release, like you read. No matter what the tournament series allows. You clearly don't like what the Division does, perhaps they stole your lunch money as a child or something, but these guys know what they are doing. A few beers and a keyboard doesn't make you a biologist, sorry to dump rotenone on your parade.[/size]
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Ratstar,

Thanks for taking Pineview off the board.

Yes, we do need this brought up on a board like this...this is why the board is here, for open, honest discussion about all aspects of fishing.

I believe your club was born via this board, and the results from your events are posted here. Please don't advocate sensoring as to what can be discussed.

I personally appreciate all your club is doing, and will do in the future to promote proper fishing management in Utah.
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Ditto on that!
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You are correct we rose from this board, and like posting here.

I was simply stating this could have been brought up to me first. I am a very open person and willing to chat with anyone about any subject, so if you've got a suggestion or a comment on how I or any of my club members do things, feel free to ask. I enjoy the more direct approach.
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