Releasing Muskies
Muskie fishing these days is a huge sport. There are thousands of serious Muskie fishermen out there. Thanks to the efforts of organizations like Muskies Inc. with stocking programs plus catch and release we have Muskies in our lakes and rivers all over the country. We know everyone is doing their best to release the fish they catch, but we must also be aware of the stress we put on these fish from being caught. After a Muskie is netted, un-hooked, lifted up and into the boat for photos, and in many cases put on a bump board to take measurements, all that time out of water can add up to more stress then the larger fish to withstand. We need to do better, to reduce handling time, especially on the larger Muskie's. Another problem is fishing too deep or when the water temperatures are too high. "Do Not" target fish deeper than 15 feet and stop fishing Muskies when surface temps are over 75 degrees. If we pay closer attention to when and how we fish, plus better handling of the fish we catch, the payoff will be huge, in more ways than one.
Tools needed for a safe release.
1. Large rubber coated knotless mesh, landing net.
2. Long reach hook removing pliers.
3. High quality bolt cutter.
4. Fish handling gloves.
5. Large jaw spreader with attached cord.
6. Cap light.
7. 60 inch floating tape measure.
(1.) At the lake before heading out, put all release tools and components where they can be easily accessed and make sure all occupants who will be in the boat know their location.
(2.) The deck of the boat is your workshop, it is important to keep it organized so when you hook a Muskie, the net is easily accessible and not tangled up with rods and lures.
(3.) When fishing in low light, you need clip-on cap lights or head lamps, so you can see fish when netting and removing hooks.
(4.) Do not fish for Muskies when surface temperatures are over 75 degrees, plus continue to check surface temperature throughout the day and if you change locations on the lake.
(5.) Never target fish deeper than 15 feet. Bringing Muskies up from deeper water, 25 feet or more can be a death sentence.
(6.) Remember when a big Muskie strikes the clock starts running. That fish is now in a high stress mode and every second counts. Once that fish is in the net, it's go-time. You need to grab your release tools and start the process of getting this fish free of hooks.
(7.) If you need to open its jaws to remove hooks, carefully slide your gloved hand under the gill plate, making sure not to grab the gills. Clamp down on the outside with your thumb to hold the fish securely. Leaving most of the fish in the water, lift its head just enough to gain access to hooks.
(8.) In only exceptional cases where it is difficult to get access to deep set hooks should you use a jaw spreader. Jaw spreaders add a lot of stress to a fish so do not work to long with a spreader in place and always make sure the fish is secure in the net. You also need to secure a cord to the jaw spreader, incase the fish would get free and swim off, still have the spreader in it's mouth.
(9.) If any hooks do not come right out with the hook removing pliers, do not waste time, use the bolt cutter to cut hooks free, close too their entry point.
(10.) If hook removal takes more than a couple minutes the fish can tense up and start fighting being held. Let the fish back down in the net to recover. Never work on removing hooks for more than a minute at a time and a Muskie doesn't live laying in the net with it's belly up, adjust the net so the fish is in a more natural position.
(11.) The best way to ensure a giant Muskie is released safely is directly from the net. Drop the net down on one side and float the fish out slowly. If you want to measure its length, you can do that, in the net or as you guide it out. Use a 60” floating tape measure for Muskies.
(12.) If you feel you need better measurements, you can guide the fish from the net directly into a Cradle. A good Cradle has a measuring tape built in. You can also measure its girth in the cradle if you wish at that point.
(13.) If you need a photo of you holding a fish, please remember this should be done only after the fish has been observed in good condition with hooks removed. When lifting a Muskie out of the net, make sure to support it in two locations if possible. The best is to grab it under its gill plate, not touching the gills and under its body about halfway back. Take only one quick picture or video well holding the fish up and away from your body. Do not put a fish in your lap or lay it down on the bottom of the boat; the slime layer on a Muskie is extremely important to its survival, you need to do everything possible to protect it. After a quick photo get the fish back in the water to swim away.
(14.) Bump Boarding a large Muskie is not a good for the fish, so if you need to do it, make it fast and be sure to wet down the bump board first.
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Helpful tips.
