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| I heard he caught another monster yesterday, close to 50 pounds, Anyone have a picture? |
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| If he did...he be 'da man! :thumbsup: This be his time of year... |
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Location: The desert | His son has posted on another board.....a 48 lber. 52.75x27.5
A big fish! |
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Location: Elgin, IL | He did. Huge fish again, congrats Tom. |
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| I know Rick posts on here too, so he may add to this later or start his own, but here's what I posted elsewhere:
Tom Gelb's 48.0 # 52 ¾ “ Length 27 ½ “ Girth Musky - 11/27/07
My dad doesn't get on these boards, but since his fish last year I've spent some time on here and other boards reading what people have to say.
He gave me the ok to post these pics. (The specs in the subject are from Lax's and his certified scale.)
As a heads up to all who will question it, he tried for ~ 2 hours to revive it in 24 mph winds, 12 degree air temp (probably ~ 0 wind chill), and snow - by himself - and once he actually blew to shore he actually stood in the water while still trying to revive it... I'm sure Heiting will share the whole story when he gets back as he did with the first fish... or possibly Lax on another board.
Matt Gelb
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Location: Des Moines IA | Was it the 50lb blue DR again? |
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Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | After getting the opportunity to meet Mr. Gelb and talk with him numerous times this past summer, all I can say is what an incredible fisherman. Congrats to you Mr. Gelb! |
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Posts: 311
| Congrats Tom......Nice fish......... |
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| Congrats on another WI monster. Tom has proven again that his row trolling methods(just a guess) are the way to go in the cold weather. He seems to have this figured out as I know he has taken many, many big fish over the years. Great Job !!!! |
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Location: Ft. Wayne Indiana |
Gorgeous fish for sure. |
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Location: Elk River, Minnesota | I do... He caught one heck of a nice fish, tried his best to release it, and was unsuccessful...simple as that.
Great fish Tom!!
Edited by VMS 11/28/2007 7:55 PM
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Location: Brookfield, WI | And here I've been going around all proud of my belly.
WOW.
Kevin
Potato soup. |
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| Why is it when someone can not successfully release a fish do some people act like they've killed a human being ! It's a fish, a fish ... not something that matters so much that it should cause such an uproar ! I love the sport as much as anyone but I would never point a finger at another angler and try to belittle them for taking a trophy .Fantastic work Mr.Gelb , I admire your guts for fishing in weather that would keep most people indoors. |
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Location: minocqua, wi. | girth looked more like 27 instead of 27.5 |
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Envious, thanks for saying what needed to be said.
'Why is it when someone can not successfully release a fish do some people act like they've killed a human being !'
Keying on the fact he tried to release the fish up to and including standing in the water with her. |
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Posts: 76
| huge fish if some one like gelb says he did all he could for the fish i believe them. huge fish |
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| If someone with Tom Gelb's experience can't successfully release big fish row trolling by himself in late Nov. no one can. Maybe it's time to modify that technique somehow........ |
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Posts: 341
| Awesome fish!
I’m just curious if he caught it on Tuesday night? I was supposed to row with Adam on the same lake that very night, but the weather was too intimidating for me (not Adam) to even consider putting it on the line. What an EXTREME fisherman is all I have to say!
Congrats
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Posts: 1764
Location: Ogden, Ut | Amazing fish Tom. My congrats to you; simply a fantastic accomplishment.
S. |
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Location: Boulder Junction | Congrats to Tom on a great catch. Luck is the meeting of preparation and opportunity! ...and literally thousands of miles row'd during November cold since 1985! Nobody deserves it more and I'm happy for you. |
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Posts: 1530
| listen folks. the guy did everything possible. getting in frigid water attempting to revive a big girl shows. the man has a standup character period. i know if i got wet in this time of year id be dead. congrats on a true tropghy and a grand effort. thats all any true musky hunter can ask for. |
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| in response to the post above:
"If someone with Tom Gelb's experience can't successfully release big fish row trolling by himself in late Nov. no one can. Maybe it's time to modify that technique somehow........ "
..the same 'row trolling in extreme weather alone' method questioned above was used by tom just the other day (11/15) to release a 48 x 25 pig ... and he has been successfully releasing fish in extreme october and november weather for years and years |
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Posts: 512
Location: Appleton | It's a legal fish and he can choose do with it as he sees fit. Nobody should judge someone for keeping a fish. You can disagree (as I do) but it's up to the angler. Congrats on another huge fish. Most of us only dream of getting ONE that big and now he's done it at least twice. |
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| Congrats Tom on another HUGE fish! |
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Posts: 97
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan | Im not trying to start anything, but I have a quick question simply based on my lack of experience in the musky world. Was he not able to revive it because the fight was so long, because it was badly hooked, something with the fish's bladder system or what? Again not trying to take anything away from him because that is an amazing fish and well within his rights, but I was just curious. |
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Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | I'll just come out and say it: if you bash the angler for this fish not being put back in the water, it's going to be deleted. Rules is rules is rules. |
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Posts: 999
| Mike he choose not to release the big fish from last year, this one he did try to release. |
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| Congrats Mr Gelb!
1 of the 10 guys that I will never question.
Period.
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Location: Davenport, IA | Very nice fish...to people questioning the release.....older bigger fish are harder to release....its pretty simple. Obviously this fish was about as big as they get. They aren't going to swim off like a 30"er...give the guy credit for trying to release it. |
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Posts: 85
| Amazing fish from a guy who is a true steward of muskie fishing, C&R, and a great representative our sport. Hats off to you, Mr. Gelb.
Talk to a fisheries biologist. Some of these obese fall fish are in fact essentially sterile, meaning the energy a typical female would be expending to generate eggs for the upcoming spring spawn is not used, resulting in the excess girth/fat. Kinda like me sitting on the couch watching football. Last year's Gelb fish had almost not eggs in it, supporting the scientific theory. So, it's not like the lake's reproductive supply was diminished. Above that, he tried to release..... 'nuff said.
One point not mentioned......score another for Wisconsin in the "big fish" race. Nice to see the neighboring state score one. Now, just stay over there all of you! 
Chris |
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Location: Rhinelander. | Envious, I agree with you toatally, its just a fish. Chill pills for those that need them. Congrats Tom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pfeiff |
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Location: Rhinelander. | I guess I have to say it!!!!!!!!!!! With attitudes like some people have here its no wonder that Mr. Gelb himself does not post or visit the site as his son said. He had every right to keep the fish last year and he did so. I hope he enjoys the mount on his wall for many years to come as I know I would. I hope someday I am invited to his house to see the mount as I'm sure it is very impressive. He tried to release the fish this year but was not successfull. Ya know what S--- happens, he tried and I applaud him for that effort. As I said and Envious said its just a fish and a very old one at that. I know many of you would have kept either fish as I know I would have. Whats wrong in saying I kept the fish of a lifetime? When we start to get that uptight over a trophy here and there being kept we need to to seriously step back and chill out. Its a fish and not on the endangerd list.
Pfeiff |
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| ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE FISH. Congratulations !!! |
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Location: Land of the Musky | That fish is awsome! Congrats if you are reading this!!! |
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Location: Aitkin, Blaine, Minnesota | I am disappointed another huge fish is dead. I have no ill will towards tom or anyone who thumps one on purpose or not. I am wondering if we can learn anything here. I am with Mike Hulbert as I dont get it. I am of the school of thought that a well seasoned veteran is better at C&R than others, able to handle big fish with skill and composure. Also able use the tools properly for succesful release.
What I think we may learn- Were their any mistakes made that Tom remembers or factors that may or may not have played a part in the death. I am not on a mission to have an inquistion or crime scene investigation. I would simply like to know some details. It is "just a fish", but this kind of attitude could be slippery slope to justfying a thump and undoing some amazing history of unselfish C&R. From the sounds of it, Tom has unselfishly C&R'd many fish. |
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Location: Michigan | Gongratulations Tom Gelb on another late season Elephant! |
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Really now, it's simple. He tried to release the fish, tried hard, and it DIED. END of controversy, end of 'I don't get it's'. How hard is that to grasp? Congratulations to Tom on a true pig.
How inclined do you suppose Tom or anyone else is going to be to give any more information than already provided if your goal is to criticize? #*^@, get over yourselves. This will NOT become another argument. The story is what it is, and I will personally NOT let anyone work Mr. Gelb over, not one of you have earned the right or the privilege. |
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Location: Musky Tackle Online, MN | I have to believe the conditions made a successful release more difficult. 20+ mph winds, 12 degree air temps. Fish tend to release much easier in the cold water. But bitter cold air temps tend to tip things the other way. It's always important to plan ahead and know what you're going to do when you get a fish. Bitter cold air temps just add to the equation of things that might make a successful release more difficult. Just something to think about before hitting the lake this time of year.
Aaron |
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | And, AWH, I hope at Tom's age I'm able to FISH, much less row troll in brutal conditions. |
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Location: Waukesha, WI | Congratulations on a fine catch Tom.
MCMI #35 |
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Location: Musky Tackle Online, MN | Steve Worrall - 11/28/2007 10:35 PM
And, AWH, I hope at Tom's age I'm able to FISH, much less row troll in brutal conditions.
You and me both! Not to mention getting in the water in those types of conditions to try to revive the fish. Steve, I wasn't knocking Tom. Simply pointing out one of the obstacles Tom might have faced. Obviously, from what was stated by his son, he gave a great effort to get her to go.
Aaron |
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Location: Aitkin, Blaine, Minnesota | Steve,
I hope you wer not directing that at me. I am truly interested what you more experienced guys think. Was it the weather ,was the fish badly hooked , etc. Thats all. I truly dont know. From sites like this I have learned all of my C&R techniques. So excuse me for wanting some info. All i ever read is I tried to revive her.
I also want to when did everyone get so sensitive? "Lighten up francis" |
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I wasn't. I was directing it at a couple posters I had to delete multiple times. That said, I believe Mr. Gelb's son said their entire story will be out soon, and I suspect our friends at Lax may provide us some of that information. The post was not from the angler, it was from his son, I believe.Matt, thanks for the images and story, and please tell your Dad congratulations for me.
Aaron, yup, know exactly what you are saying.
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Location: Rhinelander. | Whats not to get? A fish that size probaly exhausted itself out with the fight. Then the weather conditions made it even harder for Mr. gelb. If you know anything about him you would know that if he said he tried to release he did his best> I'd rather see it on the wall then think it was turtle food. I don't see where any of you can't grasp the fact the some fish die. Everyone who has released a fair amount of fish has probably had one die on them. They can't all make it. Thats all there is to grasp.
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Posts: 255
| Great fish Tom!! Obviously we all want every fish released. But the story was presented by Matt and I have no reason to not beleive him. Shame on anyone who speculates Matt or Tom as being untruthful. The truth of the matter is it is a legal fish and he can do what he wants.
I was crucified when i kept a 53" musky when I was unable to successfully release it alive after a 1 hour attempt. People don't care what you say. They are so hell bent on their stance. Education not Criticism. Trust me it is much more effective. I am sure Tom is not in need of education he is well aware of what works. I defend his decision no matter what. I have been there! Congrats Tom. I think I might see if i can go fishing with him the whole last week of the season next year-Just in case!!! LOL!!
Edited by Musky53 11/28/2007 11:22 PM
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Posts: 156
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | First off, Tom great fish!!! We all dream of catching a fish that big 24/7 especially in WI! I'm sure you tried your hardest to release her!! Getting in the water my hats off to you!
On the other hand what can we learn? I'm curious what the water temps were compared to the air temps? Seemed darn cold at 15 degree air temps if I remember correct. In peek summer months I have read a lot on how extreme hot weather can be "bad" on a musky while out of the water. If 90 degrees air temp, surface temps lets say around 80 degrees but how about ten feet down? 15 degree air temps water surface temp not even sure? 35 degree? That is a big temp difference too, comparing the peek summer temps? I'm not an ice fisherman but catching a musky through the ice and cpring it seems like it cannot be very good either? Lot of questions that can or cannot be answered.
I do know trying to release a fish this large is a lot more difficult than smaller siblings! They put out huge amounts of energy during the fight. |
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| alright - i hesitate to do this... i can't beleive i've let myself get sucked into this as much as i have (actually i can believe it), but i'm darn proud of my dad for the two big ones he's caught here at the end of the last two seasons... he's worked at this skill for many years (starting in the early 50's, getting back into it in the early 80's) and as a side note - his last kept fish was in 1982 prior to last year's 51 + lber. 1982. That's hundreds and hundreds of his own CPRs and hundreds of other CPRs by those in his boats (including a few dozen - and all mind you - of mine)... i can appreciate everybody's opinions, and whether or not any of the above justifies anything is up to each individual as has already been discussed ad nauseum last year and this - this is just my addition and perspective. the one last thing i'll note is that these last two fish may or may not have ever reproduced again and may or may not have ever been caught again if released last year/revived this year, but from my perspective and the stories that i hear and that i am told, these fish have done and will do a lot of things for a lot of people in the eagle river and vilas county community, as well as the wisconsin musky fishing community overall.
(i'm obviously expecting for there to be both positive and negative posts after this one... my dad knows this stuff is out here (as is noted in his email) as everyone tells him about it, and knows he's getting positive feedback from some, negative feedback from others, and a combination from some... anyway... here's the email he sent to a few folks that will hopefully answer some questions...
(as noted, comment as you may after this, but when i talked to my dad it actually sounded like he was initially more upset that the musky died than happy that he caught it...)
from the email, subject: the bad and the good news:
The Bad news is that it died.
The good news is that I caught it.
So here is the story.
Caught about noon on Tues, 11-27- 07
Three days after the full moon and about 1:20 hour after moon set.
Weather: Wind gusting to 24 mph, snow and 12 degrees air temp
Fish hit an 8” Tuff Shad- silver scale and black.
The lure was 16 feet down over about 34 feet H20.
Weighed at Eagle Sports scale 47 1/4 # 52 ¼” Length 27 ½ “ girth
Weighed at Lax certified scale 48 # 52 ¾ “ Length 27 ½ “ girth
The fish fought very hard and was hard to get in as the boat was blowing with the wind. I could tell it was big. Very good fight. But when I got it to the boat, the front (7/0) treble was completely in her mouth. The jaws were pined shut, 2 points in the bottom and one in the top. At boat side and it was beat and fairly still. But I could not get the hooks loose, a spreader did nothing and I could not get at the hooks to cut them. So I had to put her in the net, which I guess was a bad move. Finally got the head up and finally some of the twisting had exposed one of the hooks. After lots of trouble I managed to cut one of the hooks out. (I have lost most of the strength in my hands, so it was really hard to cut them.) I finally managed to get the other two cut and the bait out.
I tried to hold her upright, but she was really to long for the net. So I got the net out and tried to hold her upright at boat side. This didn’t really work as the boat was blowing downwind crossways and I could not hold her head first and was dragging her backwards. I finally got her along the boat on the down wind side, but she would not stay upright. She got away from me twice and just floated on her side. I had to row back up wind to get her. I finally drifted to shore and got out. She was whipped and didn’t even move. I held her upright and tried to get her moving, but at that point she was almost gone. I probably spent another 20 minutes and could not get her upright.
All this took to about 2:00. I finally gave up and put her in the boat, with lots of trouble.
If someone had been with me to hold the boat, I probably could have save her, but no such luck.
I know I am going to take a bunch of heat on the Musky message boards. But I tried as best I could to get her revived. I don’t need another mount!
***end of email***
have at it everybody...
Edited by mattgelb 11/28/2007 11:57 PM
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Mr. Gelb, thank you for the email and the story. Again, congratulations to Tom on a very bittersweet fish, and extreme congratulations for working as hard as he does ( and you do) and releasing the hundreds and hundreds of big fish over the years.
No need to worry about taking ANY abuse here, it's not going to happen. It's a shame that sort of critical bull#*#* happens anywhere, this is a classic example of trying as hard as could be expected to release a big girl.
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Location: The desert | Now, what's not to get? Congrats on the monster Tom! And thank you for all you have done for the sport and the countless CPR'd fish! |
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Location: Musky Tackle Online, MN | mattgelb - 11/28/2007 11:53 PM
comment as you may after this, but when i talked to my dad it actually sounded like he was initially more upset that the musky died than happy that he caught it...
I've had that feeling once in my life and that was just on a 46" fish that I think might have died. I can only imagine the sick feeling that must go through someone on a fish of a lifetime like that. I've never met Tom. But to me, that quote right there says a lot about him as a fisherman and his intentions. And the story within that email definitely backs that up. Congrats on a great accomplishment on boating a monster. Unfortunate that it couldn't have turned out better.
Aaron
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Posts: 2024
| Case closed, IMO. AWESOME CATCH, MR. GELB!!!! Ignore the naysayers! You did all you could (a surgeon can't save EVERYONE he/she operates on), and then some it sounds like! |
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| I've never had the pleasure to meet Mr. Gelb but he has always been one of my musky heros. Congradulations on another great catch.
I do a lot of salmon fishing and I noticed when the fish have there mouths "hooked" shut with a treble that they do not fight nearly as well as one that can open there mouth. Probably they can't get a good water flow through there gills. We always keep the salmon so I don't know how they release compared to one that can breath while fighting but it's not surprising that they would have a harder time reviving since they basically culd not get any oxygen the whole time the fought. |
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Location: Athens, Ohio | "have at it everybody... "
OK! Fantastic fish, even more: fantastic angler and a brave man to be out in those conditions. Tuff Shads rock, another monster falls to a West Virginia bait. My congratulations to the Gelb family and my hopes for many, many more. m
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Posts: 280
| My congratulations to Tom!!
One thing to remember.....for everyone who is in favor of REPLICAS rather than skin mounts. I would assume [?] that Rick Lax will be casting Tom's fish as well as skin mounting it. I would also assume [?] that this NEW blank will be made available to the musky world. These molds don't last forever and the opportunity for NEW molds are welcomed by any taxidermist/mold maker.
I hope I'm not assuming too much, but if I'm not mistaken [?] you can purchase a replica of Tom's 50+ from last year. My hat is off to Tom Gelb.....
Those of you who prefer replicas.....you now have another blank size to choose from!!
Take a look at the replica Rick Lax made of Tom's fish from last year..........it is difficult to make a replica from a fish that has been released. 
Also...a BIG "congrats" to Rick Lax for being chosen to mount another "Brute"!
Best Regards,
Doug Petrousek
Edited by fins355 11/29/2007 7:31 AM
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| Great fish and great story. Way to go Tom. This does prove one thing.
Tom's = 47 lbs, Spray's = 69 lbs. No Way Spray. |
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Location: Avilla, IN | Exactly right Jimbo.............Spray's fish supposedly weighed almost 50% MORE than Gelb's recent monster................YEA RIGHT!! |
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Location: Racine, Wi | Very nice fish Tom, and great story. He's been a musky fishing icon for years, and has done more for this sport than most of us can wish. The only bad thing, is it makes me want to call in sick tomorrow and give 'er one more shot. |
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Location: Lebanon,Mo | congrats to you mr. gelb and everything you have done for the sport. please ignore all the negative feedback you get on a forum. i hope to be out in those conditions at your age. a true blessing!!! |
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Location: Algonquin, ILL | WOOHOO Great Fish Tom!!!!!!
Thanks for trying to release her but as most of us know a sucsessful release does not always happen
Rick Lax: Hope you can have the Beast ready for display at the Harper Show
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| HUGE fish!! Way to go Tom.
It really is no wonder that more pros and guides don't frequent this site anymore...with all the self proclaimed experts telling them why they are wrong.
You are perfectly entitled to your opinion and disappointment that this fish died. You can wish that it survived, but you are not entitled to degrade Mr. Gelb for the circumstances surrounding this fish.
Fish die...this one just happened to be HUGE.
Just sit back and imagine how you would feel if you were Matt Gelb...coming to a website to attempt to defend your dad about a FISH...to a bunch of people that have never even met him.
I'll just say that Matt has handled this much better (calmer) than I would. Editor's Note:
Many Pros and Guides DO frequent this site, they simply don't post much.
sworrall |
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Posts: 1086
| Awesome fish Tom! Congrats!
Yeah...it was said perfectly up above....surgeons in an operating room with perfect conditions and all tools and skills necessary can't save every patient. That's just a simple fact of life, with all living things.
What's to learn from this? Simply this: Just as every person in this world "has their time" spoken for them at some point...so does every fish. You can think you're the worlds best fisherman out there and you can think you never make one single mistake and you can think your releases are perfect every single time and you can think you've never killed a single muskie....WRONG! No one can be so naive. To be that naive is just ignorant. If you fish for muskies, guess what, it's pretty safe to say, you've killed a few yourself. Intentionally? No. That's not what I'm saying. I'm saying you have maybe seen every fish swim away and think they're perfectly healthy and think they're going to live to fight another day. But guess what....when that fish's time is up, it's up. Simple as that.
We muskie anglers can try all we can to save every single fish that we come in contact with. It's just completely unrealistic to think every fish will survive. Get with reality and understand this. Otherwise...quick sticking hooks in them and quit fishing for them.
It's just really a shame that someone can no longer get excited about catching a nice fish and no longer be able to share that moment, story or photos with anyone because of the backlash they'll get from the community.
Fishing is supposed to be an enjoyable sport, one that is hopefully a sport shared with others, one that should hopefully build and strengthen friendships and commeradery among other anglers....that...negative naysayers like this is what takes that magical spark away from this sport.
Pretty sad when fishermen such as Tom Gelb would have to probably fish in a vacuum by himself and to never share any of his catches or experiences with anyone else just to avoid the attacks and naysayers. Ten bux tells me he fishes for himself and his own self enjoyment...not to gain the acceptance of others. So...he's entitled to do as he sees fit with a legal fish.
He tried all he could do. Simple fact of the matter is..that fish's time was up. And that's that. It's better that he brought it on to land than left it for dead floating out there rotting away. And yes...like what was said above...many anglers from here forward, will now benefit from Tom's fish by the way of now having that mold to work from. For every mold made....that one fish has to be spared.
Lots of great things said by many here in this thread.
It really does get old reading these same threads over and over and over again with the same content and same bashing from the naysayers.
Imagine all of the other anglers out there catching huge fish that know the likes of the internet arm chair fishermen in places like that...that consciously never come on these boards to post their photos and tell their stories. Probably a smart move...but sad that they can't do that...all at the same time.
To each their own...
Again...congrats Tom! And thanks for the mold. I can only hope maybe one day, be fortunate enough to encounter a fish of that caliber..and then be able to call up Lax and ask to have a replica made using the mold from your fish!
Edited by MACK 11/29/2007 8:23 AM
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Location: nationwide | I agree with Baldy, if this were my dad and he was geting ripped for keeping a fish, regardless of if he tried to release it or not, Sworrall or Slamr would block me from the site, probably forever.
I will also say if I get a fish from the flowage that size there are no chances of it being released.
Congratulations on your fish Tom, and go get another next fall.
Corey Meyer |
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Location: Grand Rapids, MI | Great fish Tom, kudos for going the extra mile to get her to swim away. Here's some perspective for those that have bashed Mr Gelb last year and this year…
There are a number of guides and anglers (some visit this site and some don't) that put 200+ fish in their boat each year. Even if we use a conservative release mortality of 3-5% their boat has still killed 6-10 fish in a season. 30-50 muskies over five years would be dead because of these people. Hmmm…
We all do our best but sometimes fish just die, for no reason. Some happen at the boat and some we’ll never know about, that's the reality of this game. |
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| Great fish Tom! Congrats to you.
I have but one thing to say. When you read the negative posts, just consider the source. You don't have to explain yourself to any of them. |
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| refresh my memory , did he choose to keep last years fish or was it unable to be revived ? MD |
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Posts: 238
| Many many congrats Mr.Gelb on a super fine fish,awsome just awsome!Thanks for the story Matt as it brought back memories of my own being helplessly blown around in horrid conditions while trying to deal with a big fish,to those that
have experienced it,you know what i mean and to those that havent its much easier said than done!I myself had a big 48 incher die on me due to taking a bull dog super deep and tearing out a gill arch during battle,it brought a tear to my eye but ya know what?S&%#$t happens.Am i going to stop muskie fishing or throwing bull dogs?DEFFINETLY NOT its a part of this sport thats going to happen if you fish muskies,plain and simple.Its not what we want but it does happen.On another note as i had no intention of mounting the fish that died on me i had friends and family over and we ate it.It was delicious.The ony muskie i have and probubly ever will eat unless something unfortunate happens like this again.
Edited by kawartha kid 11/29/2007 9:27 AM
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Posts: 8844
| Anybody here think they could have done any better?
Seriously, think about what some of you are saying.
How many of you would even be out there on a day like that, row trolling on top of it? And if you hooked into a fish of that size, you really think you could have done a better job? What, are we going to blame the guy for fishing now?
Tom has has released more big muskies than 90% of the people posting here have ever SEEN, and years before most of us were BORN.
Frankly, I'm ashamed to be associated with those of you with that sort of attitude and ZERO respect for someone like Tom. What is it, jealousy? Short guy syndrome? Small pecker? Or do any of you actually believe you could have done any better?? And how many of you would walk up to Tom and say what you've posted here? You ought to be ashamed of yourselves. You probably consider yourself to be sportsmen, too, don't you? Stewards of the resource even?
I've got a better description, but I can't post it here.
Mr Gelb, I'd like to offer you my sincere congratulations on a tremendous catch. Some day I hope to catch one like that. If it dies? I'll offer no apologies to anyone, nor should you. Most of us will be lucky to release half the fish you have in your lifetime.
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Location: WI | Congratulations to Tom! Makes me want to get some oars for my boat! Way to go. You should be proud. |
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| Nice EA!!
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| Best post on this thread, EA! |
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| I assume the details of the stomach contents, egg sack development and age will be posted on this site when they are known? |
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Location: Rhinelander, WI | I agree GREAT POST Esoxaddict! Couldn't have said it better.
Nail A Pig!
Mike |
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Location: Georgian Bay, Ontario | Congratulations to Tom for catching another giant this season. I repsect the fact that Tom has the courage to post the story of the catch and pics of this impressive fish despite the fact his 2006 catch faced so much controversy.
Anyone that doesn't understand the risks associated with muskie fishing needs to get their heads out of the clouds. I am sure that Tom took all the necessary precautions to ensure he had the correct tools for a safe release... the bottom line is that sometimes the fish cannot be revived and they die. Even the ones that swim off often die!! Anyone who thinks otherwise is naive and probably shouldn't fish for any species let alone muskie. The only way to ensure the safety of the fish is not to fish for them at all!!
I am a proponent of CARE... have been and always will be. I dont claim to have a higher moral or ethical standard than others, I just think that the hunt is more exciting than the kill!! My opinion...
That said, I would never judge anyone that chooses to keep a fish that met the minimum size requirements for a particular region since it is their personal choice. I may not like it but I am in no position to criticize nor is anyone else since I ended up keeping a giant 56 1/2 x 26 1/2 three years ago that could not be revived despite my best efforts.
The armchair anglers that make all these self righteous comments about catch and release and the morals and ethics of keeping fish need to get off their high horses. I am willing to bet that guys like Tom Gelb have done more for the sport than they ever will...
The truth is most of those guys that are so quick to criticize Tom couldn't carry his tackle box!!
Tight lines, y'all...
TITAN
(Mike Dalakis)
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Posts: 1938
Location: Black Creek, WI | Congratulations to Tom should go without saying. Awesome fish!
The "controversy" over this kind of stuff never ceses to amaze me. So... I'll throw gas on the fire just for my own amusement.
Perhaps here is an example of why increased size limits are a double edged sword? Yup, that fish was larger than 50 inches... so in most cases it still would have been a legal fish to harvest. However, on virtual "catch and release" waters with a 54" limit that fish would have been forced to be turtle food... and most turtles are hibernating this time of year... so it most likely would have been completely wasted.
Considering the example presented by Will Schulz.... and the ability to harvest a fish should it croak seems like a nice option. Sure, many fish released that then subsequently die probably had a nice photo taken of them for a graphite replica... but what about in a scenario like Tom's where a good photo was unlikely to be obtained? Should we ban fishing for muskies alone? Ban musky fishing when winds exceed 20 MPH? Ban fishing when air temps drop below freezing?
Just how much regulation is required over education?
I am so thankful Tom was willing to share his experience with us.... despite the dire consequences of everyone's opinions. For me... the glass will remain half full... not half empty. |
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Posts: 785
| Wow, back to back years man. I'd like to catch one that big in my lifetime, but back to back years.... Thats Crazy. Congratulations on being da man! Nice pictures as well, like the beard (good for winter fishing... hehe).
On a side note, no one (including Tom I'm sure) wants to see a big skii die but the only way to completely avoid that is to not fish for them (sorry, can't do that), and by getting these fish to Lax it will ensure big fish being released in the future. In order to have replicas of monster fish, a monster fish first has to die to make the mold. One of the few times I consider the loss of a big fish to be a good thing.
... and it doesn't matter anyway, he did all he could, and thats good enough for me. Congrats again man, and sorry all of us gomers are hashing over your catch, oh, and I wouldn't be caught dead on the water in 25 mph wind, and 12 degree air temps, thats just crazy! |
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| Incredible fish for sure. And to think he stood in the water trying to revivie it in this weather... that should be respected.
Another great fish, Tom. |
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Location: Otsego, MN | Congrats to you Mr. Gelb that is a awesome fish! Fish die people, there have been some fish that size dead this fall on Mille Lacs do to an unsuccessful release, and I know they did not get a bashing like this one. A fish can die any time you catch it! If you don't want to kill fish then I guess we should all stop fishing. |
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Posts: 582
| For those questioning whether he should have been fishing or not under these conditions, you are on a slippery slope. Any angler fishing alone at any time of the year could be confronted with an awkwardly/deeply hooked fish and difficult release proposition. I am sure that Tom Gelb is upset that he couldn't get her released. Most of us are likewise disappointed that this big fish has been removed from the resource. What are you going to do about it? As has been said over and over, fish sometimes die no matter what you do.
But to start suggesting that he shouldn't have been out fishing at all, because he was alone and because of these weather conditions, leads us down the wrong path...for the reasons expressed by jlong above.
Again, fish sometimes die when deeply impaled on multiple, large, sharp treble hooks and then are fought to exhaustion. Last I checked, we all use large sharp hooks and then fight the fish until it is exhausted enough to be netted, and therefore, we all risk killing a fish every time we wet a lure. Sure, we take precautions. But none are foolproof. If you are truly upset about this fish dying under the circumstances described above, you really need to question yourself. Maybe you shouldn't be fishing for muskies at all.
On the other hand, I completely disagree with the justifications provided by some who are suggesting that this fish, and Tom's fish from last year, can be harvested from the resource with no adverse biological consequence because they aren't producing eggs. I find it hard to believe that most or all fish of this caliber are "ready to die" and are "infertile". I've seen way too many pictures of huge spawning female muskies to believe that once they hit a magic size they no longer can reproduce. Neither this fish or last year's fish look like they are on a downward spiral as far as overall health goes, and I don't believe that most fish of this caliber are about to be turtle food and die of old age. Besides, releasing big fish is positive for the resource and community for many, many reasons--not just for egg production. |
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| ManitouDan - 11/29/2007 9:04 AM
refresh my memory , did he choose to keep last years fish or was it unable to be revived ? MD
I believe there was a later addition to the original blurb last year that he did try and release that fish also, but was unsuccessful, however I am not positive, as it appears those threads are missing about last years fish. Looked for them and the particular story about attempted release, can't find them. Was it a gill freezing thing last year?
Amazing fish. Great catch. |
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| My pants are wet. OOPS! Unbelievable fish, congrats to Mr. Gelb.
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Location: Racine, Wi | One thing I just noticed because I'm a dork and eating lunch.
Tom caught this fish on Tuesday. Most of us were probably on the boards bickering about something. He was out in the great fall weather toughing it out for a big girl. We were all sitting on our butts fishing through the internet.
Who's the musky fisherman of the group here?
Once again, great job Tom. |
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Posts: 80
| A sincere congratulations to you Tom. YOU are the Man. nothing more to add E.A. summed it up in a nutshell in his post. |
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| This thread truly is amazing....
Is there anything that won't get criticized? A guy catches a fish pushing 50 pounds less than a year after he catches a legit 50 pounder, tries his best to release both and gets thrown to the dogs. Guys post pics and get hammered by armchair photo analysis experts who argue that a fish has a girth or length that is an eighth of an inch smaller than what was reported. They are told that a personal best or that 50 inch milestone isn't significant because a fish was skinny, has a scar on it's side, they know the lake too well, it's an easy body of water to fish, they caught it trolling, they had "perfect conditions," and on and on. You put in time to stock fish and are told it wasn't a good weekend to stock fish because water temps were too cold, it was too rough, it was too calm. You post a pic of a fish and you are hammered for the way you are holding that fish....
For anyone who criticized Tom Gelb for keeping the 50 pound fish last year, I have to ask how many 50 pound fish have you successfully released? Anyone criticizing his fish this year, how many 47 pound fish have you successfully released? It's not as if he was out there looking to fill up a trophy room. They guy is out there because he loves the thrill in pursuing these fish. When he was out in freezing temps, a stiff wind, and row trolling on top of it, many fancier, shinier, more expensive boats were tucked away because it was too cold on Tuesday.
There are better ways to spend our time than to bicker. When there are efforts to increase size limits, change season dates to protect spawning fish, educating others about muskies so they are better understood and are not "eating all of my walleyes/bass/panfish/etc.," in order to protect the fisheries we have and to ensure that we are leaving them in a good condition for our kids and grandkids we spend our time splitting hairs over a fish having a 26 or 26.5 inch girth, vilifying a guy for doing what he could to release two enormous fish, or arguing about what state is better.
The egos need to be kept in check guys. When you lose the ability to congratulate someone for a true accomplishment such as these two fish that he caught, a first 50, a multiple fish day, a personal best, then the ego has gotten out of control. Could be jealousy, could be short man's disease, could just be someone who got beat up on the playground too much as a kid and now feels the need to take it out on others behind the safety of a computer screen...who knows. What I do know is that the Wisconsin season isn't even closed yet and there is a thread like this full of nonsensical arguing....so a good long winter of reading stuff like this should kill off plenty brain cells.
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| Tom - I'm jealous! Louie S. |
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| That fish is amazing, congrats. I hope to catch one that big someday! |
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Location: Illinois | THAT MAN IS MY HERO!!!!
CONGRATS, YOU ARE THE MAN!!!
U-N-B-E-L-I-E-V-E-A-B-L-E ! ! ! |
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Posts: 170
| I'm going hunting...but I wanted to add another atta boy on this fish. I forgot if it was this or another "discussion" re: this could have been a record some day. Yep, "could" have...but many fish peak out at the 52ish" mark.
Whatever...I'm not getting into this crap. It's going to be a loooooong winter for some folks.
Thought I'd add about 2.5 cents before this one turns to dust....too bad it has to be ripped apart like this. Sad... |
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Location: Rhinelander, WI | Tom made the decision on his own to keep last years fish, please read the following and at least stop arguing that point.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=554999
You know what’s cool, Tom most likely isn’t even reading all this crap because he is probably out fishing right now. We are all just POSERS when you think about it!
Nail A Pig!
Mike
Edited by MRoberts 11/29/2007 2:06 PM
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Location: Wishin I Was Fishin' | Great fish.
Thanks for sharing the story.
I look up to Tom. He truely is one of the sports greatest!
It is my dream to be still fishing at his age and doing it everyday.
Edited by Jomusky 11/29/2007 3:02 PM
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Posts: 9
| That is a REDICULOUS (in a good way) FISH!
It's even better that Mr. Gelb EARNED that fish! Like many have said - I'm sitting in a cube farm typing at a computer. I got chilly at my lunchtime smoke break... and he's out on an open lake 7 hours north ROW TROLLING. That's dedication and love for the sport! (and apparently how you meet a world class fish!)
Mounts or replicas are not cheap - the fact that he's having it mounted even though he doesn't necessarily need or want it shows the respect he has for the fish and muskies in general. And now I know there will be a replica blank for when I get mine! (not gonna get it sitting at this desk, but it's fun to dream!)
Congrats on a fantastic fish! |
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| All you people who are complaining should also not be getting replica mounts because they needed to use a real fish to cast the form from so you replica is killing fish! |
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Location: Verona, WI | Am I missing something - I haven't seen anyone ripping Mr. Gelb on this?
Congrats on the monster fish - I would love to row troll something like that. Knowing how light my row troller is that fish must have drug him around forever.
Shane |
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Location: Wisconsin | Congradulations Mr. Gelb on another HUGE FISH,
Also I do not think that a person of your caliber needs to try and explain himself to any of us. YOU ARE THE MAN !!
Tom P |
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Location: Brookfield, WI | It's obvious there has been a lot of disagreement about what happened with Mr. Gelb's fish. Since I barely qualify as a fisherman, I hesitated for three pages worth of posts before I felt like I could chime in.
It's now 3:30 Thursday afternoon, I'm all fidgety, and this has been going through my head all day, so I'm going to put it out there.
I hope Aaron Kampman gets three sacks, Brett throws three touchdowns, and the Packers win tonight!
I also hope when I'm Mr. Gelb's age I have the stength to swing a golf club and get in and out of a golf cart, much less row troll in freezing temperatures and catch giant muskies by myself. I think the technique utilized to catch that fish is astounding, and his dedication to getting it done is almost frightening. Thrill of the hunt indeed.
Go Pack! Go Tom Gelb!
Kevin
It's chili tonight, it's chilly tonight, it's chili tonight. |
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Posts: 568
| that fish looks like a 30 inch girth in some of those pic's. HUGE. I can't believe he has the patience/endurance to row troll a week with no hookups . At 70 ??? I think he needs to pee in a cup !!!!!! I'm sure he wished the fish would have lived so he would not have had any of this happen, but stuff happens. We can't stop fishing for them. MD |
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| Nice Job Tom
Truly one of the masters of this game!!!!
J Sobieck |
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Posts: 311
| This website is about "positive" and "informative" posts and threads, which is why I visit this site............I have learned alot about musky fishing and met a bunch of great people from this board............. |
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Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | We have some pretty strict moderating policies here at MuskieFIRST that we attempt to follw very closely and we take these policies very seriously. We understand that there will always be a percentage of muskie fisherman that will not appreciate these rules nor will they agree with our policies. However, we do sincerly hope that we constantly provide these users and all others with quality muskie fishing information that is both educational as well as entertaining. If you find positive value from this site, we sincerly hope that as MuskieFIRST and all OutdoorsFIRST products grow and develop we will be able to bring to you a quality product. |
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| MRoberts - 11/29/2007 1:59 PM
Tom made the decision on his own to keep last years fish, please read the following and at least stop arguing that point.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=554999
You know what’s cool, Tom most likely isn’t even reading all this crap because he is probably out fishing right now. We are all just POSERS when you think about it!
Nail A Pig!
Mike
I respect you as a source, and googled the same "official version" but have a distinct memory of a post on here after last years fish, saying that he tried to release that fish before keeping it, and I believe it was Sworrall himself who posted it after receiving it from someone, but it also might have been another poster. Of course I am getting on in years, and as an indicator, I notice my oatmeal no longer has any taste or smell to it...."
I believe some other posters remember that also and the two stories seem somewhat at odds with each other.
Edited by firstsixfeet 11/29/2007 4:29 PM
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Location: Hastings, mn, 55033 | "You know what’s cool, Tom most likely isn’t even reading all this crap because he is probably out fishing right now. We are all just POSERS when you think about it!"
I guess you can look at it that way. Of course many of us this site are also fathers, husbands etc. And most in that situation find that on a Tuesday(or Thursday) afternoon they're most likely at work. Kids need food, clothes, braces and a college education. The wife needs help around the house, wants christmas lights put up and taken down etc. See for many of the people on this board, fishing on Tuesday afternoons could make you a "true" muskie fisherman, but at the cost of your wife, kids and boss all thinking you were a POSER! |
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Location: Waukesha, WI | The Musky Fugitive
Alright, listen up, people. Our fugitive has been on the swim for ninety minutes. Average fin speed under uneven surface temperatures barring injuries is 4 miles-per-hour. That gives us a radius of six miles. What I want from each and every one of you is a hard-target search of every weed bed, rock bar, sand flat, primary break, secondary break, piers, boat docks, and channel bouys in that area. Checkpoints go up at fifteen miles. Go get him.
hopefully somewhat humorous in amongst the stupidity filter. Isn't this the riddler thread?
Go Green Bay |
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Posts: 76
| I gotta hand it to the moderaters on this topic. Deleteing all the negative posts is exactly what I would have done. Seriously excellent job. People don't want to hear that crap. The people that are trash talking and getting their posts deleted should also be happy that the moderaters are keeping them from making themselves look stupid.
Tom, awsome fish. Don't feel like you owe us an explanation for anything.
As long as the moderaters are keeping this topic clean, I don't see any reason for it being locked. Let as many people congradulate Tom that possibly can. WHAT A FISH!
Edited by IntroC 11/29/2007 9:37 PM
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| was this 2 am or 2 pm? You are an animal for fishing in these conditions but if this was at night my respect goes even higher
Great Fish!! |
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Posts: 341
| It was the day he reported...at 2am there was 35-50mph gusts....no way!
Still extreme conditions, his hands must have felt like fly swatters handling that fish for 2 hours.
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Actually, this thread has been pretty easy to care for. There were not any really negative comments, just a few that were either misinformed or qualified for Addict's 'filter' description. |
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Location: Twin Cities | Awesome fish, unbelievable. My hat's off to Mr. Gelb no matter what and especially after getting into the water himself in those conditions. That's really asking for trouble when alone.
I'm fairly new to this site, but not hte internet. Sure do seem to have a lot of "everyone's a hero from behind a keyboard syndrom" going on with fish sizing. Good lord people, if some of you spent as much time studying up on next season or something actually useful rather than telling other people how big or small their fish is or what they did wrong keeping it, this could be an even better site. It's no wonder people avoid these places or don't post at all. That's truly a shame. |
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Uhhh, traffic here hasn't exactly been slow lately, J. We hope folks here feel pretty comfortable they won't be needlessly abused and can expect this to be a basically friendly place to visit no matter one's stance on any subject of debate. Sure, the debate gets heated at times, but most of our visitors pretty well self police and the atmosphere here stays pretty clear as a result.
Posting takes a desire to stick one's nose out there alittle, and it isn't for everyone, but we are certainly happy those who do are as informative and generous with good information as they are. |
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Posts: 1767
Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin | Does anyone know if there has been a bigger fish caught this year("verified" that is) from the Indiana-to-NW Ontario Region most of us hail from???
I can't recall seeing any photos of anything looking like this in '07..
Edited by Musky Brian 11/29/2007 11:31 PM
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Location: Oregon | Wow, what a fish! A cool story story too, wish I could have been there to see that beast come to the boat.
My guess is that fish was in bad shape as soon it came out of the water. If you take a fish out of the water in 12 degree air temps the gills will freeze almost immediately.
RM
Edited by RiverMan 11/29/2007 11:50 PM
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Location: The Sportsman, home, or out on the water | yackety shmackety, go pack, go whoever else.
Mr. Gelb,
Congrats on another pig. You have put your time in for sure. I look forward to seeing Rick's rep! |
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Location: WI | I didn't read all 5 pages.. but I have great respect for Mr. Gelb, and believe him to be one of the premier individuals in our sport today. Awesome fish Tom! |
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Location: Verona, WI | I think Jed hit it right on the head. At that temperature the fishing coming out of the water is going to be in pretty rough shape. Since it's a cold water critter it doesn't have any natural body heat to warm its body parts so it will move to whatever temperature its environment puts it in. Exposure to 12 degree air means 12 degree (and frozen gills). Something to ask a fishery biologist.
Shane
Edited by ShaneW 11/30/2007 1:07 PM
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2 big fish row-trolling in 2 years.
I think it's time to sell the motot-boat!
Seriously, seems funny to me that more people aren't focusing on that point, seems to be a bit of a pattern there for big fish.
Not going to knock Tom at all, things happen. I hope I can fish like that when I'm 70.
This does seem like a good case for fishing with barbless hooks though.
I do that often in windy conditions when I'm alone.
JS |
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Location: minocqua, wi. | i don't see where a barbless hook has anything to do with not running into an incedental problem releasing ... help me? |
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Location: Hastings, mn, 55033 | Perhaps with barbless hooks it would have been much easier to get the jaws unpinned and would have sped up the release. There would have been no need to cut hooks to get them removed. |
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| If I read the story right, Tom had problems un-hooking the fish, and he has problems cutting hooks.
Barbless hooks come out faster and easier, you very seldom have to resort to cutting them.
Pretty simple.
JS
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Posts: 354
| Matt,
I enjoyed getting the chance to meet you a while back. I hope that Tom's new grandkids are doing well. Tell your wife we miss shooting the bull with her here at work.
I have become a lurker on this and other boards. I just thought I'd come out to say "hello". Tell your Dad he is a true LEGEND! The next time he comes to town I'd love to pick his brain. Thanks for sharing the details.
Bill C. aka the greenduck
Edited by greenduck 11/30/2007 1:40 PM
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Location: minocqua, wi. | my comment above in no way is associated to the gelb fish ... on that i have no comment ... because basically it's none of my business (there's my comment) ... but, separately, i don't see the difference in a hook with or without a barb as it relates to the fish and the unhooking of same or inhaling of same.
and fishboy ... if many had their way ... they would be driving boats with planer boards trolling trout, twins, tom, long and big carr right now ... be careful what you wish for.
it's interesting to see how everyone feels they should be answered to by others ...
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Location: Lake Forest, Illinois | Congratulations Mr. Gelb on a yet another giant. I think we should all focus on the real story here...you are doing something in inland WI waters that nobody else is doing. Absolutely amazing...way to go!!
Sean Murphy
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| "Does anyone know if there has been a bigger fish caught this year("verified" that is) from the Indiana-to-NW Ontario Region most of us hail from???
I can't recall seeing any photos of anything looking like this in '07.."
I assume verified means killed and yes there has been a bigger fish killed in MN this year.. |
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Location: Lake Forest, Illinois | My wife boated a 52 x 26.75 app. 47 pound fish while fishing with Jodi Mills in Georgian Bay, this Oct. Fish was released. I am certain that wasn't the only 45+ pound fish to come out of Ontario in 2007! |
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Location: Eastern Ontario | Guest - 12/2/2007 10:16 AM
"Does anyone know if there has been a bigger fish caught this year("verified" that is) from the Indiana-to-NW Ontario Region most of us hail from???
I can't recall seeing any photos of anything looking like this in '07.."
I assume verified means killed and yes there has been a bigger fish killed in MN this year..
I know for sure many bigger ones have been released from out east. I know I had an Eagle River resident release a fish over 45lbs from my boat in September.
I also hear of a bigger fish killed last week but not sure about all the facts.
It's a shame that two years in a row that the biggest fish in WI was taken out. It is quite an accomplishment for the angler but there's probably more bad then good to come from it.
Catch and release really works I swear.
Edited by Trophymuskie 12/2/2007 11:47 AM
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| Congrats to tom and the gentleman above...very nice fish...both using unique and older traditions.... |
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Location: The desert | I know for a fact that Tom's fish wasnt the biggest fish caught in WI this season. Just because you dont see it on the internet, doesnt mean they arent caught. |
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| i know a 58 and this one http://www.bountyfishing.com/members/2ca65f58e35d9ad45bf7f3ae5cfd08...
all free and still swimming
Edited by ron f 12/2/2007 2:27 PM
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Location: Green Bay, WI | Trophymuskie - 12/2/2007 11:39 AM
I know for sure many bigger ones have been released from out east. I know I had an Eagle River resident release a fish over 45lbs from my boat in September.
I also hear of a bigger fish killed last week but not sure about all the facts.
It's a shame that two years in a row that the biggest fish in WI was taken out. It is quite an accomplishment for the angler but there's probably more bad then good to come from it.
Catch and release really works I swear.
Although it is a magnificent catch and I congratulate Mr. Gelb on his success, I can assure you that this was not the longest fish caught in Wisconsin this year. Although I do not claim to compare myself to Mr. Gelb in any way, I personally saw two that were caught that were longer. Both were released. One was 53.25" on a bump board, and the other was just under 53" when measured in the water with no tail-pinch, and a slight curve to the fish. The girth on the 53.25" wasn't measured (she'd had enough of us and swam away before we could get it done, lol.), but the other fish measured 26.5" girth. I think the one we didn't measure was fatter though! In any event, both fish were very well documented; one on video camera, and the other by four other people besides the angler. Several pictures were taken.
I agree with the sentiment of the barbless hooks though--in fact I went to barbless hooks on a couple types of lures towards the end of the season, and liked it so much that I will be going completely barbless for next season. It truly does make a significant difference in releasing the fish. And as for reducing the likelihood of catching the fish, I will leave that answer to Pointer. But after what I saw this fall, I have no concerns...
TB
Edited by tcbetka 12/2/2007 2:39 PM
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Posts: 626
Location: ashtabula ohio | man...the guys a living legend in muskie fishing.. total congrats to you tom..!! they will look fabulous next to each other on the wall...!!! god bless, tom pallotta. |
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Posts: 1767
Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin | Thanks for the pic Ron, that's a freeking hawg too |
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Posts: 1207
Location: Pigeon Forge TN. | Hey Matt,
I haven't been on any board for a long time now. I got that very same email directly from your Dad, I have known Tom for some time now and I can't speak enough for his integrity with musky fishing. If Tom said he tried all that time to get her revived than I personally believe every effort possible that he could do was done to save that fish. I stand by Tom all the way and his integrity speaks for itself.
Congrats , Tom, on a great fish and the effort you used to try to keep her alive, That is great Sportsmanship in any aspect.
Stan Durst |
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| Congratulations Tom on another beautiful fish! Pretty impressive to see a man his age battling the elements to obtain a BEAST!
On another note I hate seeing some of you giving the guy a hard time about the fish not making it. The man tried his best and stuff happens, besides I know many people who would have mounted this fish of a lifetime. I know this year I lost a real nice fish in Rhinelander Musky League that bit through a 100lb leader and I am still sick about it! Guys that are true avid Musky fisherman feel bad enough when this happens so to those who have a hard time with what happened here need to back off! Lets not make a guy feel bad when he should be standing tall and proud of the effort he spent to boat this gorgeous fish!
Congrats Tom!!!!Overfield |
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| I think Tom has an amazing skill and see absolutly nothing wrong with having to keep a fish, especially 50/50 +. I live in Eagle River and have never meet Tom. Wish I could sit down with a couple beers and shoot the #*#* with him sometime. I am a young man but I push my fishing and hunting skills to the limit just like he does trolling. Your end results are always rewarding. He tried to bring the fish back and he couldn't, big deal. Sometimes I wish I could do that with a trophy whitetail! My next project is building a wood strip row troller and its because of Tom Gelb and the love of fishing and nothing else. |
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Posts: 41
| Magnificent muskellunge, congratulations!!!
Don't feel bad about it going belly up, that is going to happen from time to time. We all know you did what you could but in the end I won't slight a man for keeping a fish of a lifetime like this one. Hey, they're just fish.
The whole catch and release movement is wonderful but a little bit too fanatical at times IMHO.
Fish -even muskies- are a renewable resource and keeping one of these fish-of-a-decade monsters isn't going to have any negative impact on the fishery.
A BIG plus here is that Lax Taxidermy now has access to another of these ultra rare giants and that is going to go a long way toward improving reproduction mounts so this in indeed a very good thing in that sense and this fish WILL have a very positive impact on the whole that way. |
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Posts: 73
Location: Tennessee | That is an amazing fish I can only imagine taking. It is sad to see the people wanting to bash someone for keeping a legal fish whether they tried to revive it or not, it is their fish, period. The fact that Mr. Gelb went to the extremes he did to catch it then to try to release it should be more than enough for anyone. I see this same mentality in deer hunting when people complain about the size of a buck or someone taking a doe. It is legal, it is the hunters' decision, enough said. Can't say something good don't say anything. Congrats to Mr. Gelb on massive fish. |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. |
Go Habs Go! |
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