Naivete Trumps Enthusiasm @ Newton!

[Pharticus]

After the haul we had yesterday, couldn't resist running back up to Newton today. REALLY wanted my first TM. Had my kindergartener with me, so we only had 90 minutes till school...

Within 5 minutes of fishing, I hooked into a 30ish" TM... and promptly lost him. NEWB MOMENT: I was so enamored watching it skulk up to my spinnerbait, that when my lure finally disappeared, I just started reeling and whooping... and never set the hook. Oops. (Now, I didn't actually hear the guys in the boat 40 yards away laughing at me, but I suspect they must've found it amusing to hear me squeal in triumph one moment, only to moan in defeat mere seconds later.)

That's alright, though. We caught 28 bass (all under 13") before I had to run him to school. Then I begged the Mrs. to let me keep fishing - and headed back up.

Spent the first 90 minutes working the dam. I was throwing a bright orange/chartreuse spinnerbait, a white spinnerbait, a Heddon plugger, a white 2" power grub, a christmas 2" power grub, and an unknown 4" swimming-minnow-thingy-from-the-bottom-of-the-tacklebox. (Yes, I had 6 poles rigged with me in the boat... No experience on the lake to speak of, so figured I'd better plan on trying everything.)

Caught numerous small bass from up against the rocks with the grubs. Pulled in a couple of 1 pounders with the spinnerbaits, and managed to get multiple TM to follow the bigger stuff. In fact, at one point when I thought I had a big one convinced to bite, a 14" largemouth raced up and nabbed the bait first - startling the TM away. I'm not sure I can be about that, because a fish on the line is a fish on the line, but we'll move on.

Couldn't get the TM to commit as I made my way along the dam. Decided to change lures. Threw on my KVD 1.5 crankbait. You know, the one I was convinced would catch me every landlocked lunker along the Wasatch Front... the one I NEVER bother to try because it hasn't been proven for me...

Well, I tied it on, cast parallel to shore, but about 12 feet out... and BAM! Fish on! And by "fish", I mean "leviathan"! H-O-L-Y C-R-A-P! This thing was a brute! It didn't help that I was running a Zebco 33 with a Shakespeare crap-rod, either. No leader. Prespooled mono...

[url "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zNfy0cjJRU"]Biggest fish I ever caught (and this link is my proof).[/url]

Sadly, the story doesn't end so beautifully. I had no way to get it in the boat. I thought I would let it wear itself down for a while (7 minutes of that), and then I hoped to bring it alongside the boat and grab it by the tail. (For some reason this made sense in the moment.)

Long story short, the cheapo monofilament gave out and there is now a TM with a KVD sponsored lip-piercing swimming around. <sigh>

Even though that was a Hero-To-Zero moment, it was still great fun.

Spent the rest of the day fishing, but only managed 60+ bass in the 4-9" range and somewhere around 8-10 in the 12-16" range. And one perch. (Weird, because yesterday we caught dozens and dozens of perch...)

So this weekend when I head down south to visit the family, I will be sure to steal the old fishing net that's been collecting dust for almost 20 years - and thereby ensure that I can put the toothy beast in the boat, take its glamourshots, and then send it back on its way...
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[EvilTyeDyeTwin]

Sounds like you need a bigger net. I wonder how that TM did not take the LMB on the line as live bait[]! Setting the hook can be required for those TM's but usually they are so agressive that you do not need to do so. I know the frustration of going hero to zero. A friend of ours got one to follow his lure...then when it got boat side it slammed the lure and broke the line at the same time! His line never even went straight! What a disappointment. For the record he put on a steel leader and caught another one shortly after. Glad to see that it was not a complete skunking up there. Thanks for your report.

P.S. That video is awsome..thanks for posting that too.
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[FishWisconsin]

[font "Trebuchet MS"][size 4]
[center]Your Musky story is a one, but one that unfortunately occurs way too often.
[center]Feel free to check evey dead musky you see for a KVD 1.5 crankbait.
"Neva Eva Kill a Musky"
[center]
[center]Before You Go: [/size][/font]

[center][font "Trebuchet MS"][size 4]Get Educated, Spend the Money on the Correct Equipment, Be Prepared, and be then get ready for the one of the best freshwater fights available.[/size][/font]
[center][font "Trebuchet MS"][size 4][/size][/font]
[center][font "Trebuchet MS"][size 4]Tools and Traits for Properly Releasing Muskie
[/size]By
Tim Allard[/font]
[center]
[font "Trebuchet MS"]Muskie fishing is one of the fastest growing areas in sport fishing today. Ask any long-time muskie angler if fishing pressure is increasing, or look at the growth of muskie lure manufacturers, and you'll be convinced that muskie fishing is on the rise. With more anglers pursuing these predators every year, the need for proper releasing techniques is crucial to ensure the survival of post-release fish and sustain the sport fishery. [/font]
[center][font "Trebuchet MS"]
A muskie recuperates prior to returning to its watery haunts.
[/font]
[font "Trebuchet MS"]The Right Tools and Gear
When muskie fishing, you need the right tools to fish, to play and to release a muskie without exhausting or over-stressing the fish. The right tools begin with your fishing equipment. Your set-up should include heavy action rods, and reels with high ratios and large spools to quickly retrieve line. Spool reels with quality line with a minimum rating of 65-pound-test. The terminal end should have steel leader with strong snaps and ball bearing swivels.[/font]
[font "Trebuchet MS"]You will need the right tools to land and release these big predators. Opinions vary on the best device to land a muskie, but nets and cradles (large enough to comfortably hold, or pen, a muskie) are two popular options. You will also need tools to help cut and remove hooks from the fish's mouth, including: long-nosed pliers, hook cutters, jaw spreaders, and hook-removers. Remember, cutting hooks can be faster than removing them with pliers, but it is critical to remove all the hook pieces. Pieces left in the fish can lead to infection and, potentially, death.[/font]
[center][font "Trebuchet MS"]
Pictured left to right are some common tools for releasing muskie: hook cutters, measuring tape, long-nose pliers, and jaw-spreaders. [/font]
[font "Trebuchet MS"]Have the Knowledge
You've just spent a couple hundred dollars on a quality net, a rod and reel combo, a dozen lures, and the latest release tools. Better yet, you're on a beautiful lake and have a hefty muskie at the boat. Adrenaline rushes through your body, but are you prepared to safely land this fish? This is an important question anglers new to muskie fishing need to ask themselves before fishing. Lipping a trophy bass, or netting a fat walleye, requires skill and confidence, but handling big, aggressive fish is more demanding. The good news is there are many ways to learn how-to land and release muskies properly.[/font]
[font "Trebuchet MS"]One of the best ways to learn is by doing. I'm thankful to the experienced anglers that I've fished, and continue to fish, with who have helped me learn how-to properly release fish. Joining a club like Muskies Canada or Muskies Inc. will connect you to a wealth of muskie information. Hiring a credible guide is another way to gain first-hand experience. Reading publications specific to muskie fishing and attending seminars at fishing shows are two other ways to boost your release know-how.[/font]
[font "Trebuchet MS"]Confidence and Patience
"Zen and the art of muskie fishing?" you ask. No, but these two traits will go a long way to ensure you properly release fish. When working in close quarters with muskie, you must be confident in your actions; this is where the right tools and knowledge will really pay off. For example, if you're leaning over to grab a shovelhead and you hesitate just as the fish thrashes in the net, the situation could quickly get dangerous to both you and the fish. Most multi-season, muskie anglers know stories of hooks in hands and fish freak-outs. Being confident when handling muskie will likely save you a hospital visit, but it can't guarantee it - that's part of the allure of muskie fishing.
Being patient comes into play on many levels in fishing, but let's focus on how it relates to releasing these toothy brutes. After hooking a muskie you intend to release (which should be almost always) you're responsible to do it properly. Muskies may battle hard during the fight, but require time to recuperate before swimming away. Maybe it only takes 10 minutes, some fish may take 20, and some can need more than an hour of boat-side support. As a responsible angler, you must be patient enough to hold and support that fish as it regains its strength before being able to strongly swim out of your hands. If you're not prepared to spend the time to properly release a fish, you shouldn't be fishing in the first place. It's that simple.[/font]
[font "Trebuchet MS"]Be Organized
Being organized is more than just having the right tools and gear accessible in a tidy and hazard-free boat. It's fishing with a partner and knowing your responsibilities once a fish is hooked. While one battles the fish, the other should ready the release tools, camera, measuring tape and landing device. [/font]
[font "Trebuchet MS"]Having a plan for playing and releasing fish, and keeping all tools needed within reach, reduces handling time and overall stress to the fish. Furthermore, a planned and properly executed process for landing, handling and releasing fish will ensure the fish is kept in the water as much as possible. Key to any successful release is keeping the fish (especially its head) in the water at all times, and only removing it for a quick photo if necessary. Some anglers let the fish recuperate in a net or cradle after the hooks are removed before handling the muskie again to take a picture. When photographing fish, a good rule of thumb is to hold your breath as you lift the fish out of the water. When you need to breathe, so does the fish and it should quickly be returned to the water to minimize harm.[/font]
[font "Trebuchet MS"]Release methods for muskie can spark debate among anglers concerned with preserving the fishery. I've tried to stay clear of any controversial topics in this article, providing some best-practices for releasing muskies. Try these tips the next time your on the water for proper muskie releases[/font]
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[Pharticus]

You're right. I accept the rebuke and appreciate the guidance given.
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[CVfisher]

Good on ya for catching that first musky. A quick review of this board will show you that only a small group of people in this state are "qualified" to catch musky. The rest of us are nothing more than low down idiotic fish killers. I catch a lot of muskies, but I never put reports about it on here because that small group really dont like to hear about you fishing for "their" fish. Dont let it discourage you, get up there and get some more.
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[CoyoteSpinner]

[quote Pharticus]You're right. I accept the rebuke and appreciate the guidance given.[/quote]

Don't know that I'd take it as "rebuke" - though I now what CVF is talking about!

WisconsinFisher - seen your post before - have you considered making it into a PDF so it could be more easily downloaded, saved, printed? Might be helpful - it is good information.

But - as Pharti said - had 6 rods rigged. I've had rods rigged ready for the big-boyz, while busy panfishing for my precious perch. Meanwhile - some big-ass musky comes along and snaggles either my gulp worm, or eats my perch I just hooked up! (my story from last fall) Stubborn son of a gun never got hooked (don't think) just refused to let go.

Now before someone slams me - I don't recommend this approach, and read the comments below the vid. They could have done better, but bottom line - got it in quick, got measured, photo, and return - all fingers intact! And no net. (meant to say - jump in to 2min mark to get to the action, unless you like seeing guys cast/reel, and talk)
[center][url "http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/board/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=47878&mid=358979"]Landing a Musky w/o a net[/url]
[/center]
I do need to get me some good wire/hook cutters! For removing hooks from fish or people! But one other tool that seems highly recommended is the "[url "http://www.pastikas.com/online-store.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=509&category_id=32"]grabbit tool[/url]" - only $20 - keeps your fingers away from teeth. Seems a bit slicker than some of the other hook removed tools (plus wrist strap is a BONUS!)
[center][inline The_Grabb_it_Hook_Remover.jpg]

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[left]Hoping to find me some on Saturday. I know Ben's gonna be up there. If anyone else is - say hi. I'll have my BFT hat on most likely!
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[Pharticus]

I'm pretty sure it was a rebuke. Telling me to go find my lure on the fish I murdered is kinda hard to interpret any other way. [] But that's okay. I was ill prepared, so I can accept some righteous indignation.

As a point of clarification, though, it wasn't as though I had NO game plan. I had 3 (good) rods rigged with steel leader. Had my gloves. Had my needle nose pliers. I had anticipated grabbing any potential TM's by the gillplates. After seeing all those teeth and 2 pointy treble hooks thrashing about, however, I opted to avoid self-impalement and try for the tail grab... Unfortunately, the rod I hooked him on was an $8 clearance combo I found at Kmart last week, and it just couldn't withstand multiple brief runs by the fish while I hoped to wear it down...
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[thefriends03]

Agreed. I have caught my fair share too. I haven't had too many problems bringing mine in, fortunately. And I don't plan on changing any methods of mine. If someone wants me to do it the "proper" way, they can donate to this poor student's tackle. []
But I keep them in the net in the water except to take a picture and take the measurements.
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[thefriends03]

Nice post. Too bad you didn't have a net, but that video is sweet. I don't use anything fancy on my setup - definitely not 65-lb test line - but I have landed 8 this year, and it has been a blast. Last Saturday, one of them tried to eat my net, and I have some holes in it. But, it still worked and I landed another last night. It was a small one - only 33.5". I tried to get the pic off my phone, but for some reason I can't. Anyways, if you ever need someone to fish with, let me know. I am all for meeting new fishing friends. And you will get one soon enough!
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[TyeDyeTwins]

Wow sounds like fun. Thanks for the video too. As was said before "if only you had a really long handled net" you woulda had that one in the boat for sure. Oh well there is always next time right? Whenever a fish gets away with my lure in it's mouth I like to say it has some bling to remember what not to bite next time! Mouth jewelry ha, ha, ha!

I am sure the group around you was snickering a bit. I always do while hearing guys ice fishing yelling "I got one, I got one" only to hear "(*^%%# ,I LOST IT!)" minutes later. That is the joy of fishing I guess. Have fun out there and better luck to ya next time. Looking forward to your report of round #2 with the TM's of Newton. Go get them tiger!
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[Wildcat94]

phart - hey buddy i was out there and saw you hook into the musky, looked like a nice fish to bad ya lost it. We also observed you catching the bass. Good on ya for taking your son fishin!
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[lavaman]

You'll get him next time, Pharticus!
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[CoyoteSpinner]

Ok - gotcha. I missed the preceding commentary, just seen his "article" before, and figured he was reposting some 'helpful' info.
Like you say - you had your pliers, not your fillet knife at the ready!!! Unless you're well gloved - might avoid them gill-plates too!

Wouldn't worry it - with all that head shaking - I think most fish are pretty good at ditching a hook given time. Caught a trout that had a hook sticking out it's butt - followed by a split shot, and then a snapswivel. Got me a new rig setup AND a fish!

FishWisc: Might suggest a softer tackle approach might come across better for your intent. If you haven't seen it - give [url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/forum/Utah_Fishing_Forum_C55/Utah_Fishing_General_F58/gforum.cgi?post=689603;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;page=unread#unread"]this post [/url]a read. There's been a fair bit of 'bashing' and I know the mods are making efforts to reel it in, and keep the peace.

I took the liberty of saving your "document" (minus the slam) - into a DOC and PDF file. I'll pm them to you in case you're done with this thread.
Wonder if there's a place for a sticky, or help-file that such info could be stored for future Musky students.

Ben - what I want to know is how in the heck you pull those suckers up through an Ice Hole! Drill two holes - grab the tail from one, and .... guess you get 'em under the chin ? Carefully!!
I'll have to come have you show me!
I got an 'ice fishing gaff' though I've never used it. Um - don't think I'll bring it to Newton or PV anyway!!! [crazy]
But the next big brown that wraps up my camera cord might be in for a 'pokey'.

And as for "never" kill a Musky - I dunno, I've heard Musky/Pike can be pretty good eatin, where allowed. Outside of Newt/PV I gather theres a 1-fish over 40 reg. Lots of You-Tube vids demonstrate various fillet approaches. I'll bet they steak up pretty good!
But - until there's a breeding/stocking system in place, I'll be one to respect all C&R (so what's UP with that program anywho!)

To Pharty - you coming back out on Saturday (now that you're HOOKED)

[EvilTyeDyeTwin]

[quote CoyoteSpinner]

1) Ben - what I want to know is how in the heck you pull those suckers up through an Ice Hole! Drill two holes - grab the tail from one, and .... guess you get 'em under the chin ? Carefully!!
I'll have to come have you show me!
2) I got an 'ice fishing gaff' though I've never used it. But the next big brown that wraps up my camera cord might be in for a 'pokey'.

3) And as for "never" kill a Musky - I dunno, I've heard Musky/Pike can be pretty good eatin, where allowed. Outside of Newt/PV I gather theres a 1-fish over 40 reg. Lots of You-Tube vids demonstrate various fillet approaches. I'll bet they steak up pretty good!
But - until there's a breeding/stocking system in place, I'll be one to respect all C&R (so what's UP with that program anywho!)
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1) I have wondered how to get a Muskie through the ice as well. The 2 holes trick is harder than it sounds with a manual ice auger!

2) I know what you mean by big browns in the ice hole. I had a MASSIVE Brown at Rockport last year and it was so wide I could not get it through the hole. As I debated on how we were gonna get him up he spit out the hook and said goodbye....I immeadiately threw back in the line and got a nice Rainbow....maybe trout do school? A gaff woulda made a happier ending to that story!

3) From what I hear TM's taste kinda like Bald Eagle and Baby Seal[]. On pike if you cut them correctly there are 5 fillets to be had (2 lateral, 2 tail and a back fillet). Wonder if the same goes for TM's?

To the orginal poster....don't worry about leaving some bling in the mouth of your TM....that sorta thing happens all the time to people who have never heard of BFT before and when using hooks....ya some fish get hurt. I want to thank you again for writing up your post about your TM catch. Reports like yours are very informative and a pleasure to read compared to...well I will not go there. KEEP THE POSTS COMING.
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[thefriends03]

I will be getting some lip grippers this year. It will make it easier for me through the ice this upcoming season. The three I landed, as soon as I was able to get their heads in the hole, they started coming right up the hole. It made it easy to grab them. Of course, I had gloves on when I grabbed them. But they had literally come halfway out of the hole on their own.
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[Old_Coot]

[quote Pharticus]You're right. I accept the rebuke and appreciate the guidance given.[/quote]

That is a great attitude Pharticus. It is guys like you that learn, change, and share lessons learned to others that there ought to be more of. Good on ya man.

Oh, that video was in fact still cool to watch.
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[Pharticus]

[quote CoyoteSpinner]To Pharty - you coming back out on Saturday (now that you're HOOKED)[/quote]

Not sure what my schedule looks like. I play basketball Saturday morning, but if my work is done for the week, I'll bring the boys up with me.

I think I'm going out tomorrow, too, for just a little bit in the morning (or maybe I'll work first and take them all out after school). My 5 year old now asks each morning if we're going fishing. And I just want to be a good dad. [angelic]
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[gaardvark]

Took my daughter up last night, I wanted perch, she wanted muskies. I got skunked, she did not. We were bank tangling, and she just kept throwing a big old crank on a saltwater rod until I heard those magic words. "Dad, I got one!"

It ran about 35 inches long. No specific measurements, we were in a hurry to get it back on it's way. And FWIW, it was released without having to do any nursing. I got it by the tail to try, and it was gone in a flash.

That was a big toothy grin on the fish and on the 12 yo daughter.
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[thefriends03]

Now that is an awesome post! Congrats to your daughter. I am sure you were just as happy as she was.
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