08-02-2004, 10:44 PM
[url "javascript: addTag('cool')"][cool][/url][#0000ff]Hey Leaky, quit gloating. It's okay to play with those bad boys, but ya don't have to make us feel jealous. Glad you have had a chance to wrestle some.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There are several considerations when it comes to matching wits and strength with a big toothy critter like a tiger muskie. First, if you caught it by accident, on tackle meant for something smaller, you can only hang on and enjoy the battle...for however long it lasts. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you manage to wear the brute down, then you face a decision: do you plan to keep the fish, or are you going to release it? If you do want to hang it on the wall, then you can work it into shore and slide it up on the gravel. That's the best way to land large fish from a tube.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you want to release a muskie (as you should), then you must plan for the release as soon as you hook it. Don't play it any longer than necessary. If you work it a long time on light gear, you will completely wear out the fish, and decrease the chances of it surviving when released. Apply as much pressure as you can, without breaking your line or rod.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Don't net a fish you want to release. Use longnose pliers to grab the hooks and twist them out, without taking the fish out of the water. It is almost impossible to grab a large muskie behind the head, like you can with a "hammer handle" pike. And, unless you want some fast weight loss, do not try to "lip" one, as you would a bass.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The only safe way (for you and the fish) to land a muskie by hand is to simultaneously grab up under the gill cover with one hand, while grabbing the caudal peduncle (tail) with the other. This takes skill and should not be tried if you have not practiced on other smaller fish. You can injure the gills of the fish. It is also a "one chance" situation from a tube. If you set your rod down, while reaching for the fish, and you miss your grabs...you are likely to lose both the fish and your rod as the goosed muskie reacts.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Big tigers are too precious to be caught only once. If you hang one on an inexpensive lure, and do not want to risk damaging or killing the fish, then be prepared to sacrifice the lure. Either pop it off once the fish is close, or cut the line if the lure is deep inside the fish's mouth. The difference is that if it is a large plug with multiple trebles, you should make an effort to immobilize the fish and get the hooks out. A large plug with a bunch of trebles stuck in its throat will not insure the survival of your fish.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have landed large specimens of several species both from the float tube and from the bank after working my way to a more stable fighting platform. I prefer to finish the fight on the water whenever possible, but you have to let the circumstances tell you what is best.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Keep on keepin' on.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]There are several considerations when it comes to matching wits and strength with a big toothy critter like a tiger muskie. First, if you caught it by accident, on tackle meant for something smaller, you can only hang on and enjoy the battle...for however long it lasts. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If you manage to wear the brute down, then you face a decision: do you plan to keep the fish, or are you going to release it? If you do want to hang it on the wall, then you can work it into shore and slide it up on the gravel. That's the best way to land large fish from a tube.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If you want to release a muskie (as you should), then you must plan for the release as soon as you hook it. Don't play it any longer than necessary. If you work it a long time on light gear, you will completely wear out the fish, and decrease the chances of it surviving when released. Apply as much pressure as you can, without breaking your line or rod.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Don't net a fish you want to release. Use longnose pliers to grab the hooks and twist them out, without taking the fish out of the water. It is almost impossible to grab a large muskie behind the head, like you can with a "hammer handle" pike. And, unless you want some fast weight loss, do not try to "lip" one, as you would a bass.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The only safe way (for you and the fish) to land a muskie by hand is to simultaneously grab up under the gill cover with one hand, while grabbing the caudal peduncle (tail) with the other. This takes skill and should not be tried if you have not practiced on other smaller fish. You can injure the gills of the fish. It is also a "one chance" situation from a tube. If you set your rod down, while reaching for the fish, and you miss your grabs...you are likely to lose both the fish and your rod as the goosed muskie reacts.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Big tigers are too precious to be caught only once. If you hang one on an inexpensive lure, and do not want to risk damaging or killing the fish, then be prepared to sacrifice the lure. Either pop it off once the fish is close, or cut the line if the lure is deep inside the fish's mouth. The difference is that if it is a large plug with multiple trebles, you should make an effort to immobilize the fish and get the hooks out. A large plug with a bunch of trebles stuck in its throat will not insure the survival of your fish.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I have landed large specimens of several species both from the float tube and from the bank after working my way to a more stable fighting platform. I prefer to finish the fight on the water whenever possible, but you have to let the circumstances tell you what is best.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Keep on keepin' on.[/#0000ff]
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