Board Member Comment by John Pensyl on February 19, 2022 at 9:17pm

53 would actually be the largest recorded musky from the niagara, ever...

Comment by Rick Kustich on February 19, 2022 at 9:46pm

We got a good measurement but poor photos. The photo doesn't do the fish any justice. It doesn't show its true length. Nick admirably wanted to get it back in the water as quickly as possible. 

Board Member Comment by John Pensyl on February 19, 2022 at 10:18pm

Not doubting, just adding to the rarity of the catch.  53" is longer then any musky ever recorded in the upper niagara river.  When you say 53" is the biggest fly caught musky on the niagara, its an understatement. Its not just big, its the biggest ever.  

Comment by Rick Kustich on February 19, 2022 at 10:33pm

We both recognized it as a once in a lifetime occurrence for sure. I think we were both in stunned disbelief when it went into the net. 

Comment by Rick Kustich on February 21, 2022 at 9:39pm

Hey John, based on the recent Catch and Release report it looks like there have been five bigger fish recorded by the club, all in the early to mid 2000s. It's quite impressive that you have been in the top ten for the last nine years. 

Board Member Comment by John Pensyl on February 21, 2022 at 10:41pm

Rick, none of those fish were from the niagara river. All from erie and Buffalo harbor. River fish rarely exceed 50bl inches with 52 being the observed top end. We can thank the ice boom and the delayed spawns and the shortened growing season in the ice water for that

Comment by Rick Kustich on February 22, 2022 at 7:35am

Oh yes I get it now John, and that was back in the day when the harbor was hot. Yes the boom certainly creates unnatural spring conditions. 

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