Damn

[carl schenk]

Guess I have to sometimes take the bad with the good. Caught a chunky  44” muskie and saw that one hook was entangled in the net, but since the fish was laying stationary and straight I did a quick measurement, knowing it might take a few minutes to get the fish free. Mike F was at the launch leaving and I was checking to see if i needed a witness. Called him and told him it wasn’t as big as I thought it might be and told him he could leave. Turned my attention back to the fish with long nose pliers in hand and turned the fish over so I could see where it was hooked. Damn..buried in the eye socket. Cut all points on both hooks and dipped the net and the fish swam right off, but I’m sure it’ll never see on that side again..done for the night. Not eager to get back out..

[Scott McKee]

Carl, tough break. We love these fish, but we try to stick big hooks in their yap every time we go fishing. Unfortunately hooks will find their way into sensitive areas from time-to-time. It happens. It sucks when it does, but it will happen. We can take solace in the fact that if it wasn't for hardcore release anglers like most of us are, there wouldn't be many who are as dedicated to protecting them. The very least we can do as musky anglers is to release these fish as quickly and safely as we can. We owe them that. If you did the best you could, go home and sleep well tonight.

[Jim Kinner]

One eyed fish can live many years.

[John Miller]

yea I caught Sid at 45 inchers and several other one eyed musky over the years. never good, but this fish seems to have a good chance of scrounging out a living.

[Tony Scime]

Carl,

I've caught a good number of one-eyed muskies over the years, all in seemingly good condition. I've even caught a couple of totally blind muskies in surprisingly healthy condition. They seem to adapt.

Tony

[John Pensyl]

Got a 52 a couple years ago with one eye completely gone and the other skinned over. Had no trouble tracking down and swallowing twin 10s at aunset. Nature finds a way