World Record Muskies

[John Jarosz]

I usually take what I read on the internet with a shot-glass of grey goose (except for what's on this site) but did come across this article.

http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/excursions/post/muskie-anglers-enjoy...

Whether the article is or isn't true isn't what interested me since there are so many "faked" and "photo-shopped" fishing stories on line but the fact that the article talked about "catch & release" is what warmed my heart.  Just a few excerpts from the article:

"Both anglers are being lauded for participating in the IGFA’s fairly new length-record program."

"...as a means of encouraging anglers to release their catches after a quick measurement."

"The best part of this story, and muskie anglers are sure to agree, is that both are still in the river, and are likely to be significantly larger the next time they’re caught."

From the article, it looks like the IGFA switched their record calculations from a length-measurement method to a length only method since the old weight method required the fish to be taken to a scale and eventually die.

Any comments out there?  Did the IGFA really switch their methods to encourage C&R?  If they did, they should really be congratulated.

...and all from the St. Lawrence!

[Scott McKee]

I'm ecstatic IGFA has an all tackle release record system in place for muskies.  I'm all for anything that deters anglers from harvesting muskies.  This system doesn't seem to be catching on with musky anglers seeking world record status, however.  The current "record" is barely over 50 inches and was caught in 2011, with the two fish in the article pending approval.  Accordingly, there are records caught and released just about every day throughout the muskies  range.  In fact, two members of our club released world records this year alone (Cullen Veiders 51.5" and Carrie Keane 52"), and Chris Kempf just missed with his harbor 50" slob. Our members have released a slew of "world records" over the years.  "Both anglers are being lauded for participating in the IGFA’s fairly new length-record program."  On the Niagara and in the Buffalo Harbor, releasing big (and all) muskies is habitual, which is something we can all be very proud of.  Our club has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to releasing muskies, I just didn't know there were so many world record anglers amongst our ranks!

[Stephen Glassic]

The IGFA just opened the All Tackle Length World Record category in 2011. In order to participate, you have to purchase a kit which included their official measuring device. I am not sure what else is included in the kit. The measuring device can be rolled out over a bump board for the measurement and I believe it is measured in centimeters. The measurement method is from the tip of the jaw to the V of the tail (not the tip and no tail pinching). So the official measurement could be easily three or four inches less than a measurement done at the point of the tail while squeezing it. There is an application that has to be filled out and a clear photo of the measurement as well as a photo of the angler holding the fish horizontally must be included. I think the entrant also has to be a member of the IGFA, so there is also a membership fee. I'm not sure if there is a fee to enter the fish. So there is at least two, maybe three fees involved with entering a fish.

The first fish was caught aboard Water Wolf Charters with Bob Walters in the Carlton Island area on a 12' Swim Whiz (I wonder if it was the Berger King rig). The second one was caught with Mike Lazarus in the Gananaque area on a Legend Perchbait and Mike tagged it before releasing it.

I am sure that as this new program catches on, the record will be busted several times. Maybe if the club or someone in the club has the kit, it could be used during tournaments, etc. to grab the record for the Niagara or the Buffalo Harbor. But we may not want that kind of publicity for the area. There are pros and cons (probably more cons) to that.

Here is a couple other links to articles in the Syracuse Post Standard about both fish.

St. Lawrence River muskie possible new 'All Tackle Length' world re...

Two potential, world record-setting St. Lawrence muskies caught wit...

I can't believe all the ridiculous comments on the article that John posted. They were good for a few laughs.

[Scott McKee]

 The comments are fantastic, Steve.

[John Jarosz]

Steve...thanks for the two Syracuse links... good reading.  It surprised me a little, though, to read that he had a fluoro leader but the best part was still that the IGFA is recognizing a length-only measurement for their records.  It just doesn't make any sense at all to take a fish, with obviously fantastic genes, and to  kill it to prove it was the biggest.  I'm glad the IGFA, the boat's charter captain and the fishermen did what was right in releasing it.  It could have easily gone the other way.

And you're absolutely right about the publicity.  Notoriety is easily a two-edged sword and I'm not sure it would help the fishery in the Bflo/Niag region.  It would bring in a lot of outsiders who would take but give nothing in return, except tourist dollars, and that wouldn't help the fish at all.

[Stephen Glassic]

Yes John, it is a double edged sword. If there was a record fish caught in the fishery and it attracted more anglers to the area, it might not be bad if they all supported catch and release and the IGFA All Tackle Length program. There does seem to be a growing number of anglers who support catch and release but there will likely be some who will not. Thanks to the NMA and other organizations, catch and release has been continually gaining more support.

If there was a significant increase in the number of anglers using the fishery bringing money to the area, it could bring the possibility of Federal and State funds to enhance the fishery but there could be irreparable damage before that could happen. On the other hand, it is hard to convince them to invest in the fishery simply on the thought "build it and they will come". Not to mention all the studies that have to be done.