August 11 report - recapture and UGH

[Tony Scime]

Re-capture of a tagged muskie and a super-UGH experience.

Went out a few times the last couple weeks. First couple times I was working on identifying a leak in my previously dry boat. Found the leak (new motor support bolt) and had it re-sealed. Now dry again. 

Did hook a few muskies in the meantime, two were quick losses. One was a nice size fish I hooked on a tube drifting along the trench in UN12. Hit hard and fought to the surface where it did a rolling jump. On the landing it knocked off the black tube. 40 to 45 incher I'd guess.

Today was strictly a muskie trip. Weather looked nice (for muskie fishing). Started at 6:30am at Frenchman's. First drift with the black tube saw the line go slack, reeled in and set the hook. Reeled the fish in, about a 36 incher.  Netted and decided to tag the fish. Which I did. As I was about to let the fish go I noticed a strange looking piece of weed hanging from the other side of the muskie's dorsal fin. Checked it out. It was a moss covered tag. Shoot. Sometimes I do stupid things. Didn't try to read the tag, it was covered with slime and my eyes aren't that sharp anymore. But it's my first re-capture in the tagging study. Now the fish has 2 tags, one on each side of the fin. 

About an hour later I was drifting near Strawberry in about 20 feet of water. I turned on the electric and maneuvered to slightly deeper water. As the motor accelerated and turned the boat I felt a heavy weight at the end of my line. Wasn't unusual to trigger a strike when I change speed or direction with the electric. At first I wasn't sure if it was a snag or not. But I felt some "give", so I knew it was a fish. A very heavy fish. I fought it to the boat. The closer it got the larger it looked. When I got it to the boat I realized it was a very large and strong muskie. It stayed deep and pulled me around the front and to the starboard side of the boat. This was the first fish that I can recall that controlled me and not the other way around. It was a powerful fish.

It decided it didn't like the starboard side so went to the front. I was just holding on and following. At least hook(s) were holding. It finally came to the surface thrashing and shaking it's huge head. I was able to get it within netting distance a few times, but just couldn't get it in. It wasn't like a 40 or even a 45 which you can often pull into the net.  I was thinking I wasn't going to be able to net this fish on my own, and that maybe I should try hand-landing, although I was apprehensive about the tube letting go if I tried. This was a long, thick, fish with a huge head. The largest I've hooked in the river in 15 to 20 years. After another short run the muskie seemed to tire. She just lay there for a moment ... resting, but still just out of reach. Maybe this was my chance. I began to pull her towards the net. The tube popped out. She just lay there for a moment. Just out of reach, I thought maybe I could net her .... but she gathered herself and slowly swam away. 

All I could think of was the deep and troubling prose of Carl Schenk .... UGH!

It never really bothered me to lose a fish. But this was a special fish and I really wanted to net her. It will haunt me for a while. But she beat me one-on-one. I know the risks when I fish alone. I'll submit her as a 47 (I'm sure she was bigger) for record purposes only. Not a catch.

To make matters worse my camera wasn't running. I had turned it off to conserve battery and space during my last snag and forgot to turn it back on. 

I shook for what seemed a half hour after losing this fish. This was strange. I've never experienced that sensation before, and I used to catch and even lose quite a few large fish. Just been a while. But never, ever recall shaking.

Didn't feel like fishing much more after losing her, but stuck it out for another couple hours. Hooked one more muskie which I lost half way to the boat. Felt nice, but not a monster.

Boy, I love this sport.

UGH.

[John Jarosz]

Darnnnn! One to remember for quite a while. Nice report.

[John Pensyl]

Definitely the stuff that remains burned into the back of your eye lids when you close your eyes for a while. That's the second recap I've heard of so far. Riley and his brother boated a 45 with a tag last week.

[carl schenk]

I feel for your experience Tony. Hopefully you'll have an equal fish come along and help ease the pain..worked for me. lol. I tagged a 36" on June 22 and tagged a 45" on June 27 close to where Riley caught his fish. I lost a heavy feeling fish last Tuesday and spent hours fishing what I hoped was his address on Thursday. I have the feeling you'll be doing the same...Good luck!

[Bob Piazza]

Dam.......that sucks but at least you got to see it. The worst is losing a big fish you never saw and were left wondering what and how big it was.... At least you know there are still a few hogs to catch. Keep at it and good luck!

[0yplv8q89cnq9]

Man,Tony what an experience and story!Better to have and lost than to never had...or something like that ;)

[Josh Ketry]

Awesome report!   Sean Leary had a 19" walleye on the other day and fish that he said was about triple in size came up and tried to eat the walleye.  Maybe related?

Also, you have never had your hands shake?   Happens to me every big fish (even the ones I net for my friends).   It is part of the reason I am addicted.  

[Brett Cournoyea]

Nice to hear of fish swimming that make a veteran shake

Awesome

Last Thurs was a good fishing night, got two to hit in just a few minutes trolling, then went on for fishing for dinner, got a smallie and a nice walleye in minutes,, all looked promising, until my boat blew a coil and we had to limp home

tight lines to all

[Jay Nannen]

Wonderful story Tony!  I felt like I was there on the boat watching.  That fish reminded you of why we go fishing.  Hope you never lose that feeling and your hands always shake when the big one gets away.  As a great author said:  "I am haunted by rivers."

[John Miller]

Sounds like quite an adventure Tony. I think the BIG ONES that get away are just as exciting and memorable as the big ones we catch. It's all about the feeling we get when we reminisce about the encounter. Be happy you got to experience the fight and observe her in all her glory.

[Tony Scime]

John, I think you're right. I probably remember and reminisce about the big ones that got away moreso than the ones I've caught. Maybe because there will always be a bit of mystery with the ones we've lost.