Now, assess how the musky is hooked.
catch and release), and it’s up to us to keep them going. With all the fish that you and others most likely release safely, one loss probably won't ruin the lake. In this manner, you can have your musky and release it, too. A downrigger is a device used on boats that allows a troller to fish a lure at a constant, specific depth [source: Idaho Fish and Game].And since we know the importance of depth in muskie fishing, this is a pretty valuable tool. 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. For that reason, my favorite fish to Because encounters with muskies are often few and far between, many anglers – especially those who hook muskies while pursuing walleyes or bass – often don’t know the best way to handle these prized fish for photos. Can the hooks be easily removed with the pliers? In the interest of better musky fishing, let’s look at the right way to release a musky. A deeply-hooked fish may require use of the jaw spreaders, and with 16-inch pliers you should be able to reach even the deepest of hooks. Of course, it’s best to practice CPR – catch, photo and release – on muskies, but what is the best way to hold them for a quick photo?As the video shows, you basically have two choices; both methods do an excellent job of supporting a muskie’s weight. Although mu… Stocking has expanded the fish’s range, and catch-and-release is widely accepted by musky anglers. Natural reproduction may be relied upon even more in the future to sustain musky populations. This video is unavailable. If more than one point of a treble hook is buried you may need to cut one of the hooks to get the lure off the fish’s face. Also, when the season opens in 2015, minimum size limits in waters such as the St. Lawrence and Niagara River will be 54 inches and for inland waters, 40 inches. Based on this practice, trophy muskie can be released alive and offer an exciting catch for the next angler. Use the camera’s flash to prevent shadows, fill the frame with the lucky angler and his musky, and squeeze the shutter. Then, lift the fish over the gunwale and place it in the water. Take the musky head-first and swing through with the net as your partner (the lucky guy who hooked the fish) leads it toward you.
Not only will you end up catching more muskies, but the longer you fight a fish the less its chance of survival. Untangle the lure from the netting and set it aside where it won’t be in the way. Speaking of hands, some kind of gloves to protect your fingers from a muskie’s gill rakers and teeth, and your lure’s hooks, is a smart investment. This alone is a testament to the effectiveness of catch and release efforts currently in place.The most important precautions anglers can take are to avoid targeting muskie under stressful conditions and to use the appropriate tools and handling techniques described below. The muskellunge (Esox masquinongy), also known as muskelunge, muscallonge, milliganong, or maskinonge (and often abbreviated "muskie" or "musky"), is a species of large, relatively uncommon freshwater fish native to North America.It is the largest member of the pike family, Esocidae.The common name comes from the Ojibwa word maashkinoozhe, meaning "ugly pike", by way of French masque … Drew Cushing, aquatic section chief for the Division of Wildlife Resources, provides the following tips to help ensure that tiger muskie caught by anglers will live once they're released. However, many muskie anglers practice voluntary catch and release. Watch Queue Queue Captain Matt Pierson on the release. Based on this practice, trophy muskie can be released alive and offer an exciting catch for the next angler. Catching tiger muskies is one thing. Musky_Mo16 - 9/23/2017 9:01 PM Honestly, just do your best. Don’t let go of this grip even if the fish thrashes. Based on this practice, trophy muskie can be released alive and offer an exciting catch for the next angler.While direct harvest of this species rarely occurs, it is imperative to reduce mortality of released fish. How to Catch and Release Tiger Muskie - Duration: 9:38. Muskies are tricky little creatures, so fishing for them involves a lot of precision. It’s important that you keep the musky in the net while unhooking it, taking it out of the water only briefly for a short picture. The same methods work for northern pike (below), too.Special note on the gill hold method shown in this video: When you initially lift a muskie vertically, move to the horizontal hold as soon as possible to support the fish’s weight. Now, rather than bringing the fish into the boat, simply leave it in the water and lay your net’s rim on the gunnel. Successfully hooking a fish and getting it to the bank or boat is a challenge in itself but only half of the battle.Next, the sharp hooks need to be removed from the bony mouth full of teeth.Call toll-free in *Maryland* at 1-877-620-8DNR (8367)