Posted 8/13/2016 9:29 AM (#827156 - in reply to #827151) Subject: Re: 60" 72LB?
Location: Ontario
muskie-don58 - 8/13/2016 8:33 AM
Terrific Muskie 4 sure
Beautiful clean fish but why the need for the exaggerating silly story?
Not many anglers can claim they’ve landed a fish in the world-record range, but Tom and Tim Berger can.
The father-son team hooked a muskellunge (muskie or musky, for short) that was 60 inches long July 26 while fishing in Ontario, Canada’s North Channel.
“We’ve seen and caught a lot of big fish up there, but nothing like this,” said Tim, a resident of Orion Township and 1991 Lake Orion High School graduate.
“This was a monster,” said Tom, an Oxford resident. “When you see one that big in real life, it’s almost hard to believe. Just the mass. Unbelievable.”
This muskie’s girth measured 31 inches.
“That’s my grandson’s waist (size),” Tom said. “This fish was so thick all the way back to the tail. We couldn’t bend the fish to get it in the net completely.”
The Bergers didn’t have a proper scale aboard their boat to weigh the beast, but based on the measurements they took, they estimated it weighed about 72 pounds.
“This definitely dwarfed all the other ones that we’ve caught up there,” Tim said.
“It was a dream come true,” Tom said. “We’ve been fishing for so many years, trying to hook a big one . . . I can’t even tell you how many hours we have (spent) on the water.”
To put this great fish’s size in perspective, it’s important to know that, according to the International Game Fish Association, the all-tackle world record for muskie is 67½ pounds and 60¼ inches long with a girth of 33½ inches.
It was landed by Cal Johnson on Lac Court Oreilles, a large freshwater lake near Hayward, Wisconsin. The famed catch occurred on July 24, 1949.
The Bergers, along with Orion resident Ethan Beckman, were trolling in 17-foot deep water along the edge of a weedbed near a 120-foot drop-off when they encountered this giant muskie.
They had four lines out, one of which contained a jointed wooden lure handcrafted by Ziggies Muskie Lures in Marine City.
The lure’s pattern is called “$9 Bass” and that’s the one that piqued this hungry, underwater predator’s appetite.
“It looks just like a smallmouth bass,” Tom said. “It’s a great bait.”
When the fish hit, they definitely knew it.
“(The reel) just started singing,” Tom said. “It peeled out so much line at first, it was crazy.”
Beckman grabbed the rod and commenced the fight. But after about 10 minutes, he was worn out, so Tim tagged in, while Tom drove the boat. “It was a battle,” Tim said.
“The rod was just bent right over – looked like a C,” Tom noted.
They were using a 60-pound test leader attached to 30-pound test main line.
“We fish purposely for big fish with big equipment,” Tom said. “You don’t catch big fish on little, teeny hooks and line. That just doesn’t happen with a muskie.”
Several times, Tim managed to get the muskie close to the boat, only to have it take off on another run. “To get it in the boat was a chore,” Tom said.
They tried netting it, but that was easier said than done.
“I have a large muskie net and it wouldn’t even fit,” said Tim, who noted it was only able to cover about three-quarters of the fish.
They were finally able to get it alongside the boat and unhook it while it was still in the water. “It wasn’t hooked deep,” Tim said.
The muskie was too heavy to lift with the net. “It would have broke the net,” Tim said.
So, using one hand to hold the outside of the gill plate and the other to support the belly, Tim hoisted it out of the water and into the boat. It was so massive and he was so fatigued that Tim stumbled a bit.
“That’s not like me,” he said. “I was worn out. I was definitely tired from the fight.”
The whole battle lasted at least 40 minutes. “He’s stronger than me,” said Tom, referring to his son. “I couldn’t have done it.”
Once the fish was in the boat, they worked quickly and efficiently to measure and photograph it for posterity. “I started snapping pictures pretty fast,” Tom said. “We were all hyped up. It was a beautiful specimen.”
Instead of keeping the fish and turning it into a trophy to hang above the fireplace, the Bergers opted to let this mighty muskie live to fight another day.
“We have always let big fish go,” Tom explained. “That’s our habit.”
“I didn’t see a need to kill the fish,” Tim said. “The fish was in very good shape, very healthy.”
So as to not put too much strain on it, the muskie was only out of the water for about two or three minutes before being released.
Tom described the feeling of watching it swim off as “rewarding.”
The Bergers are no strangers to muskie fishing. The father and son have been angling in this area of Ontario for decades and staying at the Bay Villa Lodge in Whitefish Falls. Tom’s been going there for 54 years, while Tim’s been making the trip for more than 30 years. Closer to home, they fish Lake St. Clair.
“I’ve caught a lot of muskies. We’ve caught several in the 50-inch range,” Tim said. “I’ve never seen or had one this large up there. It was the fish of a lifetime for us.”
“We caught a 54-inch (muskie) on Lake St. Clair a while back and we thought we would never exceed that,” Tom noted.
For Tom, the best part of the whole experience was being able to share it with his son.
“That’s what fishing’s all about,” he said. “That’s priceless.”
Edited by lifeisfun 8/13/2016 9:55 AM
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Posted 8/13/2016 10:40 AM (#827161 - in reply to #827148) Subject: Re: 60" 72LB?
Posts: 720
Giant. Those size fish are certainly in the system. I've seen two in my life that were 60-62" cruising on the surface. One day 'Clair' is gonna bite. They may have just got her though.... Or her sister.
Posted 8/13/2016 11:23 AM (#827164 - in reply to #827148) Subject: RE: 60" 72LB?
Posts: 101
Nothin for nothing, however, an over 40 min fight with a 60" fish..... and it was released alive... that's along time for a big girl to be pullin...(most I've ever battled is maybe 5-8 min, 40-50" ski's)...and they were armed with Muskie gear per say, and picked clean from the water...... not that it didn't happen but...looks like a 48"-50" class fish... IMO
And agree, I've boated a 55" and a 52" in the last 2 years and I couldn't hold em out like that....my 55" went from below my knee to my shoulders held on an angle...I believe Gerry posted it on here a while back...If it's 5ft and 70lb... it's one hell of a fish, and he's an Olympic weight lifter.
Posted 8/13/2016 2:21 PM (#827171 - in reply to #827148) Subject: Re: 60" 72LB?
Posts: 299
Wow! Now that's a story! So funny! 40 minutes and a brutal fight! Man....I've landed Tarpon on Fly in the 150# range and it only took maybe 20 minutes. That is surely a super fish! That Muskie must have saltwater in its blood. Funniest story of 2016! I'm all for positive vibes and not at all jealous so before you attack me just know I'm trying hard to believe the story! I wish it was true!!
Posted 8/13/2016 7:16 PM (#827184 - in reply to #827179) Subject: Re: 60" 72LB?
Posts: 243
Location: South Central Wisconsin
Nice fish for sure! Figure his hand is 6-7 inches. It will easily be a 24 inch girth fish. I can even see a bit more. The guy doesn't seem to be very tall.
Posted 8/13/2016 9:50 PM (#827196 - in reply to #827148) Subject: Re: 60" 72LB?
Posts: 1023
I have a buddy that catches an incidental 48" Muskie every other year. when I took him Muskie fishing he held his 36" and called it a 40+.
They all look really big when u first start catching them, even for big fish anglers like the guys above. Lol.
Posted 8/14/2016 8:07 AM (#827212 - in reply to #827148) Subject: Re: 60" 72LB?
Posts: 1220
So, let me restate the rules: if you post a photo with no specifics, you will receive two days and 46 posts of the most heart-felt congratulatory and admiring applause you ever saw. If you post length, you will be a liar. If you add girth, you'll also be mentally incompetent. If you add the name of the lake, you will be burned at the stake.
As one of those guys who drives those "really obvious" musky rigs, I can tell you that I seldom get away from a busy ramp ( or a gas station ) without being told of the "60" or bigger fish their brother-in-law got just last week. Now, a calmer and older guy, I simply reply, "Wow, that's a really nice fish!"
Posted 8/14/2016 8:15 AM (#827213 - in reply to #827148) Subject: Re: 60" 72LB?
Location: Ontario
Junkman, you forgot to incorporate in your first paragraph what happens if you provide details on how long you had to battle the fish, and how many people had to take turns to get her in the bag
Posted 8/14/2016 8:22 AM (#827214 - in reply to #827212) Subject: Re: 60" 72LB?
Posts: 1082
Location: Aurora
First of all, i had no idea De Niro was a muskie hunter fishing under the guise of "Tom".
Also, he looks healthy but who knew he'd put on so much weight?
Posted 8/14/2016 3:17 PM (#827238 - in reply to #827148) Subject: Re: 60" 72LB?
Posts: 743
I know this a long shot..and yes, i did the standard google search, but does anyone know how to get a hold of Berger? Tim or Tom? i think i may have released this fish 5 or 6 years ago, but i need a photo of the other side of the fish to confirm.
Posted 8/14/2016 3:25 PM (#827239 - in reply to #827238) Subject: Re: 60" 72LB?
Location: Ontario
tomcat - 8/14/2016 4:17 PM
I know this a long shot..and yes, i did the standard google search, but does anyone know how to get a hold of Berger? Tim or Tom? i think i may have released this fish 5 or 6 years ago, but i need a photo of the other side of the fish to confirm.
I would think if you contact the guy (C.J.Carnacchio Editor)
who added the article he should be able to do something about it.
Jim Sherman Publisher
C.J.Carnacchio Editor
Eric Lewis Ad Manager [email protected]
Address: 666 S. Lapeer Road, Oxford, Mi 48371
Phone: 248-628-4801
Fax: 248-628-9750
Posted 8/14/2016 10:12 PM (#827262 - in reply to #827148) Subject: Re: 60" 72LB?
Posts: 556
No doubt a BIG FISH---just look at the head and Girth. I have no Idea by looking at the pics if it was 55-57- or 60"...but it is big. I am not a huge guy but I just picked up my DOG ( A lab ) who is about 65 lbs...And I can hold her out away from my body using my arms similar to the picture with that fish. I would have no problem holding her there for a couple minutes for pictures-== so I think some might be wrong in stating that he could not hold a fish weighing 72# ( an estimate mind you ) out like that. It is a VERY LARGE FISH and Congratulations to the anglers whatever the true size........
Posted 8/15/2016 5:55 PM (#827338 - in reply to #827148) Subject: RE: 60" 72LB?
Posts: 36
Location: Honor, MI
I call BS to the whole story. From the size, to the "fight" to the test of line and leader. Take a look at the recent Michigan state record 58"/58#''er, and tell me which is bigger.
Article says there were 3 men in the boat and 4 lines out. Ontario fishing regulations clearly state 1 rod per person is allowed which means that this fish was caught illegally. I'm glad I'm not the only person to catch this fact. Having written Larry Ramsell,
he confirms others have made him aware of it as well. I only hope someone notifies the
Canadian Ministry. I'd love to hear the word "busted." I'm sure there are some out there who would say I'm jealous. Well, I suppose you'd think i was jealous of the guy who tried to register a 12# largemouth as a new Michigan Record several years ago, a fish bigger than my PB. Turns out the Michigan DNR had scale samples sent to a lab that determined this "record" was a Florida strain bass. Busted.
Posted 8/16/2016 5:06 AM (#827369 - in reply to #827338) Subject: RE: 60" 72LB?
Posts: 63
greyghost - 8/15/2016 5:55 PM
I call BS to the whole story. From the size, to the "fight" to the test of line and leader. Take a look at the recent Michigan state record 58"/58#''er, and tell me which is bigger.
Article says there were 3 men in the boat and 4 lines out. Ontario fishing regulations clearly state 1 rod per person is allowed which means that this fish was caught illegally. I'm glad I'm not the only person to catch this fact. Having written Larry Ramsell,
he confirms others have made him aware of it as well. I only hope someone notifies the
Canadian Ministry. I'd love to hear the word "busted." I'm sure there are some out there who would say I'm jealous. Well, I suppose you'd think i was jealous of the guy who tried to register a 12# largemouth as a new Michigan Record several years ago, a fish bigger than my PB. Turns out the Michigan DNR had scale samples sent to a lab that determined this "record" was a Florida strain bass. Busted.
I think they were within the regulations to be fishing with 2 lines each.I believe they were fishing in Whitefish Falls which is in Zone 10 and considered part of the Great Lakes(Lake Huron in this case) where two lines are permitted.See regulations below.
Fisheries Management Zone or Zone – The province is divided into 20 Fisheries Management Zones for which there are general regulations that establish open seasons, limits and size limits (where applicable) for popular fish species (see also Exceptions, page 7).
Hook – A hook includes a single-pointed or multiple-pointed hook on a common shaft but does not include a snagger or spring gaff. The number of hooks includes any single-pointed or multiple-pointed hooks that are part of a lure.
***Hooks and Lines*** – An angler may use only one line, unless otherwise stated in the regulations. Two lines may be used when angling from a boat in parts of the Great Lakes (see exceptions to the general regulations) and for ice fishing in many areas (see Ice Fishing, page 11). A fishing line must not have more than four hooks attached.
Immediate Release of Fish – All fish that are caught unlawfully or are illegal to possess (e.g., during the closed season, of prohibited size, or are in excess of the catch and possession limits) must be immediately released at the place and time of capture. This includes fish that may be injured during catch. This rule does not apply to invasive species like goby which should be destroyed and not released back into any waters (see General Prohibitions).
Lead Sinkers and Jigs – It is illegal to use or possess lead fishing sinkers or jigs in Canada’s National Parks and National Wildlife Areas. Further information is available at www.ec.gc.ca/flf-psp/ default.asp?lang=En&n=80A2A&AF-1
Live Holding Boxes – If you use a live holding box or impounding device, it must be clearly marked with your name and address and it must be legible without having to lift the box, unless it forms part of or is attached to a boat. Any fish in holding boxes are part of your limit. Always monitor fish in your possession; allowing fish to waste is an offence. Catch and retain possession limits apply to live holding boxes.
Livewell – A livewell is a compartment designed to keep fish alive. For a livewell to be used to selectively release Bass, Walleye and Northern Pike, it must be attached to or form part of a boat, hold a total volume of not less than 46 litres (10 gallons) of water, have the capacity for water exchange and be mechanically aerated at all times when live fish are being held in it (see Ontario’s Catch and Retain Rules, page 9). Remember, live fish may not be transported overland without a permit. Livewells should be drained before leaving a waterbody.
Muskellunge – For the purposes of this summary, Muskellunge includes Muskellunge and hybrids of Muskellunge and Northern Pike.
Open Seasons – Fishing season opening and closing dates vary depending on the species and the area. Dates are inclusive: all dates including the first and last dates stated in the summary are open or closed. It is illegal to attempt to catch fish for which the season is closed, even if you are going to release them. Fish accidentally caught during the closed season must be immediately released back to the water. Unless stated otherwise, species that are not listed (such as sucker and Rock Bass) have a year-round open season.
Pacific Salmon - For the purpose of this summary, Pacific Salmon include Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon and Pink Salmon.
Size Limits – All size limits refer to total length which is a measure from the tip of the mouth with the jaws closed to the tip of the tail, with the tail fin lobes compressed to give the maximum possible length. Provincial regulations are established using the metric system.
NOTE: If you catch a fish in a restricted size range, you must release it immediately (see Units of Measure).
Sunfish – For the purpose of this summary, sunfish includes Pumpkinseed, Bluegill, other species of the genus Lepomis and their hybrids.
Units of Measure – There are many units of measure referred to in the summary. Provincial regulations are established using the metric system and converted to imperial measurement units for the convenience of anglers. The following short forms are used:
• km = kilometre (or mi. = mile) • m = metre (or ft. = feet) • cm = centimetre (or in. = inches)
GENERAL PROHIBITIONS – IT IS ILLEGAL TO:
• Transport live fish, other than baitfish, taken from Ontario waters or to transfer or stock any fish into Ontario’s waters without a special licence to transport or stock fish.
• Transfer live fish or live spawn from one body of water to another without the authorization of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
• Possess any of the following live invasive species: Rudd, Ruffe, Bighead Carp, Black Carp, Grass Carp, Silver Carp, Round Goby, Tubenose Goby or any member of the snakehead family.
• Use live fish other than those listed as baitfish (page 10) for bait.
• Fish for or possess any species of Fish listed as Endangered or Threatened under the provincial Endangered Species Act and/or federal Species at Risk Act.
• Sell or buy any recreationally-caught fish (including taxidermy mounts), crayfish, leeches, frogs, fish eggs or spawn. Only holders of commercial fishing or commercial bait licences may sell their catch.
• Possess a spring gaff, snagger or spear gun within 30 m (98 ft.)?of any waters. A spring gaff includes any device which uses a mechanical spring, other than the fishing rod under tension, to set the hook for an angler. No person shall take fish with a gaff, snare, snagger or spear gun. A gaff, other than a spring gaff, may be used to assist in landing fish caught by lawful means.
• Catch a fish by impaling or snagging it with a hook through any part of the body other than the mouth – any fish hooked in this way must be released immediately.
• Take fish by any means other than angling, spear, bow and arrow, net or bait fish trap.
• Possess a spear for the purpose of fishing on or within 30 m (98 ft.) of the edge of any waters except when fishing in accordance with the regulations (see Non-angling Methods, page 11).
• Use artificial lights to attract fish except:?– to fish for smelt, or to fish for Lake Whitefish or Lake Herring
with a dip net?– if the light is part of a lure attached to a line used in angling.
• Use dynamite or other explosives to take or destroy fish.
• Fish within 25 m (81.8 ft.) of a pound net or fish culture cage.
• Fish within 22.9 m (75 ft.) downstream from the lower entrance to any fishway or canal, obstacle, or any device designed to assist fish around an obstacle.
• Abandon fish or permit the flesh to spoil, if the fish is suitable for human consumption.
Posted 8/16/2016 3:13 PM (#827475 - in reply to #827461) Subject: Re: 60" 72LB?
Posts: 36
Location: Honor, MI
Thanks tomcat! I'm really done with this thread. As far as I'm concerned they found the fish floating belly up, if you look closely you can make out the mold. LOL. But for anyone who doubts what I've said I'll to take Larry Ramell's word to the bank, eh?
Posted 8/16/2016 3:28 PM (#827479 - in reply to #827475) Subject: Re: 60" 72LB?
Location: Contrarian Island
some of the fish on the interweb are pretty funny this year... 38 lb skinny 50s, 58 inchers from Indiana, now a 72 lber ... bumpboards and accurate scales are optional!
Posted 8/17/2016 4:35 PM (#827643 - in reply to #827461) Subject: Re: 60" 72LB?
Posts: 63
tomcat - 8/16/2016 1:46 PM
they were fishing in a 1 line per angler area. for sure. i'm positive.
Today I called three Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources offices.The Main Office in Peterborough,the District Office in Sault Ste.Marie and the Field Office in Blind River.Two of the offices have returned my call and the third will be getting back to me tomorrow.The two that have returned my call have both said that the river from Whitefish Falls that leads and flows into Lake Huron is considered part of Zone 10 and fishing with two lines per person is permitted when entering Lake Huron from the Whitefish Falls river system.
In the article it stated that the father and son were staying at Bay Villa Lodge which is situated at the mouth of the Whitefish Falls river system that flows into Lake Huron.The Bay Villa Lodge is a stones throw from Lake Huron so it would only be logical to come to the conclusion that they were fishing the lake when they caught the Muskie and therefore legally fishing with 2 lines each as stated in the Zone 10 regulations for 2016.
Posted 8/17/2016 6:38 PM (#827648 - in reply to #827643) Subject: Re: 60" 72LB?
Posts: 45
Lake Of The Woods - 8/17/2016 5:35 PM
tomcat - 8/16/2016 1:46 PM
they were fishing in a 1 line per angler area. for sure. i'm positive.
Today I called three Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources offices.The Main Office in Peterborough,the District Office in Sault Ste.Marie and the Field Office in Blind River.Two of the offices have returned my call and the third will be getting back to me tomorrow.The two that have returned my call have both said that the river from Whitefish Falls that leads and flows into Lake Huron is considered part of Zone 10 and fishing with two lines per person is permitted when entering Lake Huron from the Whitefish Falls river system.
In the article it stated that the father and son were staying at Bay Villa Lodge which is situated at the mouth of the Whitefish Falls river system that flows into Lake Huron.The Bay Villa Lodge is a stones throw from Lake Huron so it would only be logical to come to the conclusion that they were fishing the lake when they caught the Muskie and therefore legally fishing with 2 lines each as stated in the Zone 10 regulations for 2016.
that is not zone 10 its zone 14. zone 14 is 1 rod a man. its right in the regulations book its been like that since the dawn of time
Posted 8/17/2016 6:52 PM (#827650 - in reply to #827479) Subject: Re: 60" 72LB?
Posts: 1767
Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin
BNelson - 8/16/2016 3:28 PM
some of the fish on the interweb are pretty funny this year... 38 lb skinny 50s, 58 inchers from Indiana, now a 72 lber ... bumpboards and accurate scales are optional!
Posted 8/17/2016 7:18 PM (#827655 - in reply to #827648) Subject: Re: 60" 72LB?
Posts: 4269
Location: Ashland WI
Rocky1 - 8/17/2016 6:38 PM
Lake Of The Woods - 8/17/2016 5:35 PM
tomcat - 8/16/2016 1:46 PM
they were fishing in a 1 line per angler area. for sure. i'm positive.
Today I called three Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources offices.The Main Office in Peterborough,the District Office in Sault Ste.Marie and the Field Office in Blind River.Two of the offices have returned my call and the third will be getting back to me tomorrow.The two that have returned my call have both said that the river from Whitefish Falls that leads and flows into Lake Huron is considered part of Zone 10 and fishing with two lines per person is permitted when entering Lake Huron from the Whitefish Falls river system.
In the article it stated that the father and son were staying at Bay Villa Lodge which is situated at the mouth of the Whitefish Falls river system that flows into Lake Huron.The Bay Villa Lodge is a stones throw from Lake Huron so it would only be logical to come to the conclusion that they were fishing the lake when they caught the Muskie and therefore legally fishing with 2 lines each as stated in the Zone 10 regulations for 2016.
that is not zone 10 its zone 14. zone 14 is 1 rod a man. its right in the regulations book its been like that since the dawn of time
Posted 8/18/2016 6:33 PM (#827782 - in reply to #827148) Subject: Re: 60" 72LB?
Posts: 829
Location: Maple Grove, MN
I think its a nice fish, but not the giant they are claiming. That is still a fish of a lifetime for many people and nothing to be ashamed of. But, somehow it seems they sort of ruined the whole thing by exaggerating. Seems a little sad to me.
Posted 8/19/2016 6:21 PM (#827910 - in reply to #827461) Subject: Lake Huron Zone 14 Two Line Area
Posts: 63
tomcat - 8/16/2016 1:46 PM
they were fishing in a 1 line per angler area. for sure. i'm positive.
Ok,I spoke with Mark B. a Conservation Officer that works out of the Sault Ste.Marie Ministry of Natural Resources District Office.Turns out he knows some Conservation Officers I know in Kenora when working for the MNR there,huh,...small world,...but I digress.
So,we discussed the one line and two line areas in Zone 14 of Lake Huron.He confirmed that the only two line area in Zone 14 is along the the St.Marys River at Sault Ste.Marie from the Compensating Works(Lock Systems) heading downstream to Hay Bay(3.5km east of Bruce Mines) in the North Channel and due south from there to where the Canadian-American Lake Huron boundary line is.
That is not the way it was explained to me when I initially spoke with someone at the Main Office in Peterborough and then made my post here.
Well,it is crystal clear to me now that the two anglers in the article were fishing illegally.
Also,Conservation Officer Mark B. told me a story of an angler from the USA who they caught last year with 52" 57lb. Muskie that was 2 inches short of the legal size limit for Zone 14.It cost that angler $5,000.
He also was telling me that he was talking to some anglers fishing 'Hog Bay' in Zone 14 near Midland and said they caught 18 Muskie in one day.Is anyone familiar with fishing this area and if so did you also get high numbers of fish?
The attached photo shows the two line area for zone 14 and is contained within the red dashed line.
Edited by Lake Of The Woods 8/19/2016 6:26 PM
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60" 72LB?
