Muskie Bob's Forum

[MuskieBob]

Per our conversation on Tuesday, July 20, I will try to summarize my
views, as a fisheries biologist, on considerations for handling large
muskellunge (that's the long version of "muskie" since I'm being
scientific).

In terms of what is best for the fish, releasing it at the side of the
boat without removing it from the water has the best chance of not
injuring them. This of course makes it hard to get both the angler and
the fish in the same picture unless the angler feels like a refreshing
dip in the lake to swim alongside the fish for his picture.

If the fish must be brought into the boat, then the factor to consider
is proper support for the body of the fish without placing excessive
stress on any single part of the fish. If the fish will fit into a net
this is a good method since the body of the fish is supported along most
of its length when it is in the net. The newer nets that are rubber
coated and/or knot-less do not remove near as much of the fish's slime
coat as old versions. The benefit provided by the support of the net
outweighs the negative impacts from losing a small amount of slime
(which they will replace if they are released in good condition). If
the fish is too large to net, then 2 people working together to hold the
head and rear portion of the body in multiple locations is second best.
One uses a firm grip on the gill cover (without touching the gill arches
themselves) or possibly a mechanical jaw gripper and the other person
grasps in front of the tail and uses a second hand to support the fishes
body somewhere in the rear 1/3 of the fish. It is not recommended to
lift a large muskie from the water using a single point such as just a
gill cover or just a jaw gripping device.

Once in the boat, the main factor to consider is again to avoid
suspending a large fish vertically from a single point such as holding
them vertical by one or both gill covers or with a jaw gripper. The
gill cover, gill arch, or the jaw itself can be damaged when the fish
struggles and the simple weight of the fish hanging vertically can
damage internal organs. Probably the best option is to hold the fish at
an angle (not vertically or horizontally) by gripping a gill cover (or
jaw) and wrapping the other arm around the fish supporting its rear 1/3
with the entire forearm. Or at least use the second hand to support the
fish somewhere in the area of the anal vent. Do not hold the fish
horizontally with one hand under its belly as this can likely damage
internal organs from the weight of the fish pushing on a single point.
As a side note, we have found that a wet towel draped over the eyes of
the muskie will often help quiet them and make handling easier.

An excellent option once the fish is in the boat and the lure has been
removed is a cradle that supports the entire length of the fish's body.
These also work well for holding the fish in the water alongside the
boat while reviving them prior to release and are also excellent for
avoiding injury while weighing a fish.

The main emphasis in all this should be to minimize the time a fish is
out of the water and to avoid suspending a large fish from a single
point or in a vertical position. Maybe try some pictures kneeling next
to the fish and holding the head up slightly while most of the fishes
body weight rests on the deck. Or develop a sling or cradle where the
fish is fully supported, but still visible for pictures.

In the end, if the fish is to be released, anglers should make every
effort to handle it in a responsible manner so it can be released in
good condition to continue growing and providing more excitement for the
next angler lucky enough to run into it.

Please feel free to contact me if there are any questions or if further
information is needed. Thank you.




Jeffrey Braunscheidel
Fisheries Management Biologist
MDNR-Fisheries Division
Lake Erie Management Unit
26000 W. Eight Mile Rd, Southfield, MI 48034-5916
(248) 359-9048
email "braunscheidelj@michigan.gov"

><((((º> ><((((º> ><((((º>
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Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame
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