If you are familiar with Muskie fishing and the tenets of Muskies Inc. then you know the importance of handling your fish properly to enable a successful release. Proper release tools as well as a conscious effort to not stress your fish and protect the slime coating is imperative. As you may have seen in the MI magazine there are recommended ways to hold your fish for photos.
However, there is an aspect of muskie catch and release that is not mentioned as often but can be equally important to the healthy release of your fish. It is the psychological state of your fish. Once that big girl ends up in your net she begins to realize she has been duped. And if she's been around for a while it's probably not the first time. This event can play havoc on a fish's self esteem. Embarrassed to face her counterparts she may swim off in shame, head hanging low with chagrin.
This is where you can help. You see it inferred in the second picture above but it is a subject not often talked about.
The Muskie Hug
Here you can almost feel that big joyous smile on this fish's face as Jeanine imparts a big loving Muskie Hug on her:
Jim's hugs include a soothing song before returning to the water. This big girl can't seem to get enough of Jim's rendition of Total Eclipse of the Heart. On the figure 8 you can hear Jim begin, "Turn around, every now and then I get a little bit lonely and you're never coming round..."
Some like to partake in a little playful exchange. As Curt queries, "Who's a big girl? Who's a big girl? Yes you are."
So the next time that big girl visits your boat, show her some love. Sent her back healthy AND smiling.
- Bill Kopp
It's always so far and few between catches for me, I take advantage of the little time I get with the pretty girls. After a long day on the water, I imagine the fish singing back to me "Every now and then I get a little bit helpless and I'm lying like a child in your arms" Besides, I'm just following proper precedure per M.I.
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