Internet pro, weekend angler, or guide? Why does this concern so many people? Someone tell me why this matters! Other than for a select few, muskie fishing is a hobby, or a sport. Yes, we're dedicated in a way that is probably UNHEALTHY, but very few of us depend on it for a livelihood.

For those who do, more power to you. I know I personally wouldnt and probably couldnt drag my ass out onto the water day in and day out to put clients on fish. Clients who can barely cast, clients who break rods, reels, clients who dont want to fish in the rain, or the cold, or the heat. But for the rest of us, why does it matter?

Like it or not, muskie fishing is growing. I hope it grows more and more. I personally love that I now have a zillion reels to choose from, as many rods, and more baits out there than even ToddM could accumulate. As much as I do throw bucktails and suicks, its nice that these a mud puppy, and a pikie minnow arent the only choices for muskie fisherman to throw. The added people do add more pressure to the lakes, but their numbers also add to the rosters of those who can voice their opinions on stocking, size limits, and season dates. Boats are now built with muskie fisherman in mind, we have 2 magazines to choose from and 3 major muskie focused websites to read while not fishing (read, working).

MOST would agree thats a GOOD thing, but of course some dont. But being that the sport is growing, the majority of muskie fisherman arent able to spend every free waking moment on the water. Maybe its family obligations, or distance, or boatless-ness (great new word, I think), or maybe muskie fishing is a love, but not the only loved activity available. For those of you who do spend all your free time muskie fishing, GREAT! But for those of you who dont, or cant, I think its a shame when others in the muskie community would make you feel like you're less worthy because you're not able or willing to put as much time in.

Just fish.

Egos are fun to poke at. They get all red in the face and pout.
Just another fish