First Tiger Musky at Newton

[joatmon]

I fished Newton on Saturday 10/21/23 in my canoe. Tried to stay on the outer weed line and fishing a drop shot rig with a CowboyPirate-inspired pugly bug (?) on top and 2.5” gulp minnow about 8” below that. My drop shot weight was another 16” below the gulp minnow. I caught one largemouth on the pugly bug and three on the gulp minnow. I also caught one bluegill on a worm on a plain white tungsten jig. 

But the thrill of the day was catching my first tiger musky, also on a quivering gulp minnow. Not very big (16-18”) but when it was in the canoe loose with me I had visions of needing emergency care (see photo). Trying to get it balanced on my bump board for a photo, even with one strap around just below the gill plate, it flexed, flipped, and flopped over the side. Kind of like trying to catch a loose high pressure hose (I imagine)! Still a thrill and glad to cross another species off my life list.