It was a chilly one when Josh Hulbert picked me up. It was cloudy and still dark at 7:30 am. It seemed a storm was brewing. I used to hate this time of year for the cold dark mornings, but now that I live in Wisconsin, I don’t mind them so much because this is normal for October, and normal in October means if you go fishing, you might find a big muskellunge. We were going fishing and we met my usual partner in crime, Bob Butler, at a remote boat launch.
There are a lot of musky days on this blog that have ended with a skunk regardless of perfect crappy October conditions. But not today. Though the sun poked out and almost screwed us up, the threat of nice weather didn’t last long. Honestly, it was a gift to have a couple hours of good weather to raise the temperature from 35° to the upper 40°s.
At noon the sun sank behind the clouds and a breeze picked up. Soon it was wind that was listed at 12-15 mph with gusts to 30 mph. I believe where we were it was all gusts. It’s hard as heck to row a drift boat in such conditions so our turns rowing were shorter but more frequent.
Around 2:20 pm we were in a slow part of the river and I was rowing against the gale, digging the oars deep and forcing them through the water. I was propelling my best to keep Bob and Josh in casting range to the bank. It didn’t feel too good on my torn shoulders but any pain I felt was all worth it when I heard Bob go tight.
Bob was behind me fishing from the back when I heard his wading shoes shuffle and then he let out a grunt. I spun to see what was up and his musky rod was doubled over. I could tell immediately Bob had a big musky on.
When I say big, I mean huge. This musky held deep but every thirty seconds or so Bob would bring him up and we’d get a glimpse. Josh went into action with the net. I jumped clear and in one mighty thrust Bob leaned on his fish enough for Josh to slip the net under. Landed!
I’m not a fan of bringing such a big fish in a boat. Especially so fresh. These fish aren’t done fighting even when you have your hands on them. And when they are out of the water its worse. Rather than chance the large fish getting injured by bringing it in the boat, I rowed us to shore. Bob got out to hold this brilliant creature while Josh popped out his measuring board. The musky was 45” and fat!
Josh and I rattled off photos as Bob kept his trophy calm in the water. Every time the fish gave Bob the chance, he raised him slightly and we clicked away. Then, when we were confident we had some shots, Bob released his magnificent catch back to the wilds of the Great Northwoods. We should all love the dark stormy days of October!
Jeff,
Great Catch!
Tad
Bravo! I’ve never seen resting the net handle on the oar for leverage. Great technique for those 45 pounders!
Beautiful fish, congrats Bob! Amazing just to see those fish.
I’m glad everyone is enjoying this blog – as you should. Any time we can see where one of the great oversized FRESHWATER species is thriving is a magnificent thing. Trust me, through my worldly travels, giant freshwater fish are not thriving.
I’d like to mention more detail about the size of yesterdays musky. It was 45 inches long and hefty in girth. The few big ones over 44″ that I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing often show signs of old age and can be thin and covered in wars scars. This fish was immaculate. Absolutely gorgeous! I didn’t hold this one but with the experiences I have with 20lb lake trout officially weighed over 20lbs, big pike, muskies and barracuda, I would estimate this one at 20-24lbs. Let’s call it 22lbs. Not a bad day on the water near home on a cold dark October day!