I was just thinking about all the time I have put into this sport the last 3 years and only the 5 fish I have caught. I know its the passion thats keeping me going. I think thats the key to musky fishing personally. If you dont have the passion for these fish your going to get frusterated to quickly and want to give up (even though musky fishing is full of frustration lol). But if you have a passion for this sport your going to fish hard and know sooner or later your going to get that big old pig and all the time you have put into it is 100% worth it. I know now that im a musky hunter for life, and no matter what I'm going to go out on the water with a good attitude and put fish in the net! Whats everyone elses opinion on this? what keeps you going out and chasing these amazing fish?
Posted 5/5/2009 5:30 PM (#376254 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 692
Location: Pelican Rapids, MN
Que the music...
When I branched out on my own to start fishing for muskies, I was one of those kids that fished for everything that would bite. I had a life altering event that drove me to try and focus on certain things in my life - Fishing was one of them. Naturally Musky was the fish to primarily chase since it probably takes the most focus to catch out of all freshwater species. I fished for them on and off for a couple of seasons only landing 2 legal fish. I had caught many more after that but was still lacking the confidence I needed to someday follow a dream to be a musky guide. I got a chance to fish with a renowned minnesota multi-species guide and I just absorbed every ounce of information and positivity he gave off. Over the next few seasons, I was catching fish hand over fist. The rush I felt was greatly needed and quickly became an addiction. This addiction led me far from home, my college degree, my profession, and my family. I moved 600 miles north to live my life an pursue muskies on a daily basis - and eventually (6 years later) try to get paid to do so. It was probably the best decision I have ever made. I owe this fish a debt of gratitude as it has led me to a peaceful existence, my wife, some great friends, a dream profession, and residency in the greatest state in the US - Minnesota - Cheesy I know, but it's the truth.
So as for passion, I stay stick with it - No excuses, no giving up. That's what it takes to be a musky fisherman.
Posted 5/5/2009 7:29 PM (#376278 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 402
Location: Eagle River, WI
Jerry, I agree with everything you said and that is a great story. There is one problem with it though. Everyone knows that Wisconsin is the greatest state in the U.S.
Posted 5/5/2009 9:28 PM (#376312 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 19
Listen, I have only caught 1 musky in my life, and that was a year ago. I waited 6 years, starting at age 8, with more than 250 hours on the water since. I never gave up or even thought about doing so. Just give it time.
Posted 5/5/2009 10:01 PM (#376320 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 692
Location: Pelican Rapids, MN
Some people just go out, and from day one pull muskies out of their arse. They don't sweat it out, they don't experience the heartache or doldrums. In return they never "pay their dues" - to them it is just catching a critter... The fish lose their lore and mystery, and those people will never get it. 2 days without a fish to them is a slump. They become overinflated one trick ponies... WOW, I sound bitter.
Posted 5/5/2009 10:56 PM (#376335 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 646
Location: In a shack in the woods
I'll admit it, I hated musky for a Long time. I thought why would anyone want to waste all that time and get excited just to see a fish. I would fish them a couple times a year. I'd seen some and caught some little ones. It was my joke when I had a musky follow bass fishing I had a good day for a musky fisherman too. LOL last fall something changed though. Beleive it or not I got sick of catching 3 to 6 lb smallies. Went to the baitshop and bought 2 inline spinners, a mania doc, and a m/g spinnerbait. I had an idea where to start from always seeing them bass fishing and went out on the search. I am not sure when in the next 3 days the bug hit but it did somewhere in there. First day 1 fish followed to the bait 3 times. Me being a rookie I had no clue what to do and messed it up. 2nd day took my girlfriend with to a different lake. I set her up with ultra light for crappie while I muskyfished. Within ten minutes she could a little sunny, little perch, and a 20" musky. All I heard for 3 hours was how she caught a musky on 4lb line. Closer to evening I had a hit on the doc and missed it, switched to the m/g and 5 casts later had a follow tried my feeble attempt at doing an 8 then fish swam away. Next cast caught a snakie northern got it in the boat and flopped of in the aluminum bottom boat making a bunch of noise. I told him to be quite but he didn't listen. LOL 3rd cast musky hit, I set the hook and nothing there. Reeled up and m/g blade was wrapped with hook but musky was still following so I tried to 8 again. Fish hit and I missed cuz of fouled hooks so I pulled it out and fixed it then castes out about 10 feet ( I was shaking from adrenaline by this point), fish followed again and I started doing half circles around the boat, just as I was about to turn the fish hit right in front of my girlfriend, she screamed and I landed the fish. No fight left in it. It was at boatside for more than 20 mins though prior to being hooked. 3rd day raised 1 but screwed figure 8 up again. I went quite a few days this fall without seeing one but just kept thinking of the one that hit boatside. I did catch a 38 that was a fighter right before ice up. I now have a lake wood hybrid box filled to the gills and 3 soon to be 4 musky combos. I am sorry jerry if I didn't pay musky dues but I have paid lots of other fishing dues in this great state of mn. I am also fishing lakes that have a lot of musky in them, no monsters but lots of low to mid 40's with a few low 50's. I raised 3 to 7 fish a day most of the fall casting green weeds. Still need figure 8 practice though.I would like to continue my success but doubt it will happen. I have about 15 lakes on my to do list this summer, not ones I have fished my whole life. I think Its the challenge like jerry said. Ever since I caught this bug I have read everything a can get my hands on and it is soaking up like a sponge. Just trying to figure out more about this elusive fish. I guess I am an official addict. LOL
Posted 5/5/2009 11:11 PM (#376339 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 692
Location: Pelican Rapids, MN
When I was referring to "one trick ponies" that "Don't pay their dues", I wasn't referring to people who go out and TRY regardless of their success - I was referring to those individuals who effortlessly catch a fish and all the sudden they are the experts. You did it yourself, like many, by trial and error.
I think you are crazy though, getting sick of 3-6 pound smallies. They're a blast!
Guest
Posted 5/6/2009 8:08 AM (#376371 - in reply to #376247) Subject: RE: Passion
The next cast Ben......
Your just a pup...and 3 years experience is just the start...the biggest thing is you have made it this far!!! I think the first couple years are the hardest...LOT to learn...not a lot of fish caught to keep you going etc.
So keep plugging away...you live in a good area so hit the water when you can with as many GOOD fisherman as you can and you will continue to catch more and more fish....
Posted 5/6/2009 10:09 AM (#376393 - in reply to #376247) Subject: RE: Passion
Posts: 221
I started musky fishing 19 years ago when I was 8. I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba but my second home was The Turtle Flambau Flowage. I spent many summers there with my Uncle teaching me to Musky fish. That is definatly what got me going. Following Muskies, even ones just by the dock....heck just the Bull Sessions I would have with the older experienced Musky guys at Donners Bay, all had an effect on making me the rediculously obsessed Musky fisherman I am today.
Unfortunalty around 15 years old being a Punk and chasing girls became #1 priority until I was about 22.
The last several years, I've come back to what really matters and have fished pretty hard. Now I'm on a missing like Jerry. This summer I'll be on the water 4+ days/week. I'm currenlty renovating my house to sell so I can move to Kenora full time and chase/guide Muskies everyday.
My passion has turned to obsession, not sure if it's a good thing or not.
Posted 5/6/2009 10:49 AM (#376400 - in reply to #376393) Subject: RE: Passion
Darcy, I love Winnipeg! You ever fish Lake Winnipeg much? Are there any muskies in there? The walleyes are unbelievable there, but if there are any muskies in there they got to be freakin huge!
Posted 5/6/2009 10:54 AM (#376402 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
My obsession with the sport began when I was a teenager. That was...a long time ago. I have spent much of my life chasing Muskies across North Amrerica, and probably, at least for the sake of my career, shouldn't have. I undoubtedly squandered a successful career doing something else, I just can't imagine what.
Over the years, I've met some muskie anglers who have become good friends which is the best part of the sport, IMHO. Watching my sons become better than average anglers has been really cool, and meeting Sue and finding a 'best friend' in her company on the water has been a blessing.
With 35 years under the belt fishing Muskies and working in the surrounding industry (and I'm still standing, somehow), some days the passion isn't what it used to be, especially when 'muskie' folks who I trust or consider a friend or associate, or even those who have never met me or know a #*^@ed thing about me take their shots over the bow. I guess if you live in this atmosphere, you will have that sort of thing. Sorta has a tendency to dampen the spirit if you are as gullible as I and believe that most folks, no matter what the subject, mean well at heart.
It only takes a couple threads like this one to correct that attitude, plus a reminder that the small minded folks are a minority just as they are in most things, and that Muskie anglers for the most part are generous, good folk just looking to enjoy the sport. Witness the Operation Muskie auction....
SO I'm looking very much forward to the opener up here, and to fishing league with Norm and Andy and Sue this summer. I'm looking forward to my annual trip to the Goon, and to the Outings on Vermilion and up in Presque Isle. I'm looking forward to sharing a boat with Beav again, too. Slamr needs to get up here and eat some venison, and take a cast over by that rock. TJ and I will get some good hat camera video, I hope, and maybe Norm, Mike and I will get out on pelican again. Theeeeeedz needs to take a break and visit, that monster on George isn't getting any younger.
I just noticed I haven't talked catching or not catching. I guess when one has as many years at this as I, the focus changes ( at least it did for me), and the passion begins to focus more on enjoying and sharing the overall experience.
Posted 5/6/2009 10:55 AM (#376403 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 8781
35 years fishing for me, this will be season # 6 fishing for muskies. Loved them and hated them, cursed at them, lost sleep over them, dreamed about them, obsessed over them. Had some great days, had some miserable ones too, and lots in between. Made a lot of friends, lifelong friends I suspect. Made a few enemies along the way, too. Is it passion? Obsession? Maybe an unhealthy addiction? Who knows. I try not to think about the time or the money I've got into it, or what I could have done or be doing with either one. All I know is I keep on going back, just like I always did, and that first cast in the spring still feels like it always did. I've spent the past few months getting to know my new girlfriend, and a wonderful woman she is. Along the way, I've found myself trying to explain my love for fishing, why on earth a man would spend that kind of money on a little piece of land 400 miles away just because of fishing, and what musky fishing is all about, what it means to me, why I do it. What it is that draws us to the water even when its raining, windy, and 38 degrees. Explaining that to someone who has never heard of it before is not easy.
During this time I've been wondering if I'll still be able to fish going forward, if life and other priorities, a serious relationship, a woman in my life, will take its place. Unsettling thoughts to say the least. But then last week she said a few things that put my mind at ease. She told me that if I ever stop fishing she will kill me. Then she said three words I will never forget. We all know those three words. She meant them. Then she said 4 words that are going to make some of you jealous: "you need a boat!" And another 4 that will make the rest of you jealous: "take me musky fishing!"
I have a feeling I will be fishing as long as I am able...
Posted 5/6/2009 11:01 AM (#376406 - in reply to #376371) Subject: RE: Passion
Posts: 86
Location: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Guest - 5/6/2009 8:08 AM
The next cast Ben......
Your just a pup...and 3 years experience is just the start...the biggest thing is you have made it this far!!! I think the first couple years are the hardest...LOT to learn...not a lot of fish caught to keep you going etc.
So keep plugging away...you live in a good area so hit the water when you can with as many GOOD fisherman as you can and you will continue to catch more and more fish....
Now get that boat going Cory
Hahahaa a lot of fisherman have said im wise behond years. but of course I have a lot more to learn, and im excited to learn more. At age 17 I'm more then happy with the sport im completly obsessed with!
Posted 5/6/2009 12:15 PM (#376427 - in reply to #376406) Subject: RE: Passion
Posts: 1245
Location: Madtown, WI
I must not have been logged in since my last post was as guest....
Hook up Ben with as many guys in your area over there and fish with them. There are some REALLY good fisherman that I bet would take you under their wing....many of them on this board. Time on the water with the right folks will grow your knowledge by leaps and bounds!!
Posted 5/6/2009 3:58 PM (#376488 - in reply to #376427) Subject: RE: Passion
Posts: 86
Location: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
C.Painter - 5/6/2009 12:15 PM
I must not have been logged in since my last post was as guest....
Hook up Ben with as many guys in your area over there and fish with them. There are some REALLY good fisherman that I bet would take you under their wing....many of them on this board. Time on the water with the right folks will grow your knowledge by leaps and bounds!!
Good luck this season!
cory
I would love to go out fishing with a real die hard musky fisherman. It sucks because i'm the only one in my family that fishes period. So its hard to find people to go out with besides one of my fishing buddies but he is constantly working : ( haha is it just that easy to ask someone to take me out with them and learn a thing or two?
Posted 5/6/2009 4:00 PM (#376491 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 8781
Ben, there is probably a Muskies Inc chapter close to you. Have you thought about joining? It's a great way to meet a whole bunch of crazy musky anglers that fish in your area.
Posted 5/6/2009 4:06 PM (#376493 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 86
Location: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Yes I know there is, Ive been wanting to do but i dont even know what has been stopping me. I just spent all of my money on a boat so I'll prolly sign up in the next couple of weeks. Im just going out on a limb here but if theres anyone thats willing to take me out and teach me a thing or two I would appreciate it very much. There is still some work to do on my boat and I probably won't have it ready towards the end of june.
Posted 5/6/2009 10:29 PM (#376588 - in reply to #376247) Subject: RE: Passion
Posts: 1184
Location: Iowa Great Lakes
I know in my off course years I drank enough to buy a new 620 Ranger loaded to the gills. I got into this muskie addiction late in life ( if you call 38 when I started old) I find myself figure 8ing a 1/8 oz jig when casting for eyes now, I spend most my open water season chasing them almost nightly after work and every weekend. I started doing tourneys this year and so far having a blast. I'm not in it to get rich but to learn new water and hopefully learn period. I don't put up a ton of numbers a year but enjoy every minute on the water hunting these fine fish. Nothing other than maybe Elk have given me the excitement of the hunt muskies do. Yes I have the obsession and only regret is I didn't find that obsession 20 years ago.
B-Arnold
Posted 5/7/2009 3:59 PM (#376707 - in reply to #376247) Subject: RE: Passion
And now for the flipside: my passion is about dead. After 25+ years of doing it, and I'm by no means an old man, I'm just about done fishing for muskies. I have all the gear, the boat with space-age electronics, and have boated some pretty nice fish in the my time. Seen some monsters, lost a few of those. But the thought of driving 45 minutes for the closest muskie fishing opportunities (the Fox Chain in Illinois) where the fishing is considered poor to bad by most, it just doesnt do it for me anymore.
Add 2 more hours to that drive and the fishing is OK, but still the chance for a monster is slight even for the best of area guides. Northern Wisconsin is a 3 day adventure, and I dont get vacation pay, so that means a trip to MN means at least 2 unpaid days. The wife hates when I go fishing, she won't fish with me anymore, and the idea of going fishing and then having to discuss whether or not I should have gone coming up in marital therapy does a lot of damage to the fun that is supposed to come from going fishing. My only week to true trophy waters (Canada) was always with the wife, see the proceeding sentence.
The economy sucks and not only can missing work days mean not getting paid for those days, but if I lose my job I could be facing 7-9 months of no job. Lose the job and I lose the ability to pay for the boat that I don't use.
Posted 5/7/2009 4:08 PM (#376709 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 402
Location: Eagle River, WI
WOW! If I felt that bad I would probably just dig a hole in the backyard and lay down in it.
I think you need to get away and catch some fish to re-kindle that old flame.
Posted 5/7/2009 4:21 PM (#376713 - in reply to #376707) Subject: RE: Passion
Posts: 8781
B-Arnold - 5/7/2009 3:59 PM
[...]
Anyone else ever been here?
Last year in Canada. Three days without a fish. Hot, tired, hung over, sore, mad, thinking about how much I spent just getting there, morgage to be paid, bills, wondering how long I was going to have my job, borrowed money from my parents to pay for the trip...
I remember thinking "this is ---ing stupid! I'm done! Selling my stuff, done!"
One (liquid) attitude adjustment and a good meal later I decided to spend the last few hours of daylight fishing, since that's why I was there... A couple casts into the evening, a 49.5"er came along and reminded me why I fish. And it's not the fish.
B-Arnold, I don't know who you are, but I think you're more frustrated with why you can't fish than you are "about done fishing"... Hang in there man. I had a four year stretch where I fished one time, came home to my girlfriend all pissed off asking "so... how was FISHING?! Did you have a good TIME? You LOOK like you did, you're all TAN... Wanna know what I did all day?!" (i can guess, you sat on the phone with your mother bitching about what a rotten boyfriend I am leaving you home alone...)
Posted 5/7/2009 5:26 PM (#376729 - in reply to #376247) Subject: RE: Passion
Posts: 433
Location: Cedarburg, Wisconsin
"But if you have a passion for this sport your going to fish hard and know sooner or later your going to get that big old pig and all the time you have put into it is 100% worth it. "
That's it in a nutshell!
Every year that passes I want that fish more and more. It eats at me, gnawing away from the inside, like being horribly hungry only I can't make the feeling go away. Only one cure and maybe that won't even work but I'd sure like to try it!
That's why I can fish for days without a trace of action and just keep coming back fishing harder and harder. It's a happy kind of madness.
Posted 5/7/2009 5:52 PM (#376731 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 135
Location: Irvine, KY
Ive fished my whole life but didnt get into muskies till recently, but im addicted... I know that passion. At 22 ive never spent so much $$ on anything in my life... especialy for the one fish Ive caught and maybe a dozen or so that ive had encounters with. But its worth every penny, Im learning the lakes around here fairly well and ive been fishing with some good sticks soaking up everything I can. I know before too long ill be putting fish in the boat on a regular basis.
Ive even chosen to go into nursing as my profession... not because ill enjoy it. Just so I can spend more time on the water doing what I do enjoy, chasing muskies. Fishing has always been there for me, no matter what. Since I was a kid its been the one thing I would always rather do over anything... minus high school when I was mostly busy with cars and girls, and the first year of college partying... still I always managed to go back to the water.
Ive been there. having to worry about car payments and rediculous credit card bills (no mortgage yet) and having to put up with a girlfriend acting just like esoxaddict described... the first two years werent as bad, but by the third year I began to pursue muskies and the bitching escalated beyond reason. We're no longer together, my credit cards are paid off and destroyed, my car is close to being paid off, Im returning to college in the fall, I own a boat now and I fish pretty much anytime im not behind the bar pouring drinks. Im still single after a year and Ive never been happier... The next girl will know my love of fishing, or there wont be a next girl. I made that promise to myself when we split up, to never give up on fishing... muskie fishing
Posted 5/7/2009 5:53 PM (#376732 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 1529
i was a fortunate kid. in diapers i was started. the days on l.st clair fishing when commercial tugs chugged by to tend nets. that era has gone along with my dad. thru the years the chase was a burning desire. . after being a guide and switching in the latter past 20 years baitmaking, its a way of life. passion is just that. now its so gratifying to help out the young guns out.. hearing the stories of paying dues is a great reflection of my past years. i will never ever be sorry i have chosen to chase the most ornery, humbling fish in the great lakes
Posted 5/7/2009 7:02 PM (#376742 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 692
Location: Pelican Rapids, MN
Arnold, I'm sorry to hear that you're in such a tough spot. Sounds like more than the pains of fishing has got a hold of you. Not trying to get all Dr. Phil on you, but take it from someone who suffers from chronic depression. It's really not about the fish you catch, it's the experience, the break, some alone time... Well, the on "The Chain", There really is no such thing as alone time... For the wife issues, I suffer from those as well. I live on a fricking musky lake, guide for a living, am deeply embedded in the industry and my wife still wants me to quit. It is an issue constantly. Sounds to me like you are getting it from multiple angles, and the last thing you should do is give up something you enjoy. Granted you ever really enjoyed it? IMO - passion never dies, it only gets clouded by life's BS.
Posted 5/7/2009 9:09 PM (#376771 - in reply to #376729) Subject: RE: Passion
Posts: 86
Location: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Almost-B-Good - 5/7/2009 5:26 PM
"But if you have a passion for this sport your going to fish hard and know sooner or later your going to get that big old pig and all the time you have put into it is 100% worth it. "
That's it in a nutshell!
Every year that passes I want that fish more and more. It eats at me, gnawing away from the inside, like being horribly hungry only I can't make the feeling go away. Only one cure and maybe that won't even work but I'd sure like to try it!
That's why I can fish for days without a trace of action and just keep coming back fishing harder and harder. It's a happy kind of madness.
Thats exactly how i feel!!!!! MUSKY FISHING = LIFE!
Posted 5/8/2009 1:46 AM (#376816 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Location: Northern Wisconsin
i dont feel so bad when im not catching fish. if i go out fishing for bass or walleye and dont catch anything i feel like it was an AWFUL day and i might as well have been fishing for muskies. if you dont catch a muskie, its just muskie. also the thrill of a follow, boat side strike, topwater strikes, and just the fun of casting big lures is why i do it.
Posted 5/8/2009 2:16 AM (#376818 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 656
Location: Forest Lake, Mn.
Jasondag and Sworrall:
Thank You to both of you for 2 of the best posts I've ever read on a fishing message board. You both hit the nail on the head with each of yours, first reply posting.
Posted 5/8/2009 2:40 AM (#376820 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 656
Location: Forest Lake, Mn.
Just thinking more about this topic and some of the replys, This is for all the guys who are having problems with their wives or girlfriends because of muskie fishing.
When my wife and I started going together she had never been into the outdoors. The outdoors to her was sunbathing in a bikini in the backyard or at the pool. I changed that!! Over the years I taught her to fish and to camp in a tent and sleep on a bedroll on the ground. If I can do it, you can to. GET HER INVOLVED! Start her out slowly like I did. Sunfish from the shore and camping in state parks while sleeping in the back of a truck or van instead of a tent. Then work your way into the other fishing and camping events.
A lot of the old timers to this board know this, but for the new folk. I lost her to brain cancer 5 years ago. When she was told that she had terminal cancer I asked her what she wanted to do with the time left her. She said she wanted to go with the Muskies Inc group to Canada one last time. This was at least 8 months away. The docs said at that time she only had 6 months or less. She made the trip!!! and lived another 10 months beyond that. Though it was the last time we fished together.
Since she died, I have become a sponsor of my M.I. chapters annual tournament here in Walker Mn. I have started the Mary Villnow Memorial Award. I donate $1.000. cash. $500. to the 1st place woman in the tournament, 300, to 2nd and 200 to 3rd. I have given the award to a 12 year old girl. a woman who had never fished in her life and caught a 50 inch fish to win the award, also, to the woman who had fished the tournament for years and never won anything, and many other gals who had either fished with their partner for years or were just starting to. I am told by this years tournament director that particpation by women in the tourny is up 10%
My point is, I am still trying to encourage the gals to get out and fish. The best moments of my life were spent fishing, and muskie fishing in particular, with my wife. I want you guys and gals to experience what we shared.
Guys, the reason your gals are so against your fishing is because she isn't included. She feels neglected. Take her with you. Teach her, mentor her. and watch her interest grow and watch the complaints go away. But remember to go at her pace. Should I get lucky enough to find another gal, believe me she will learn too.
Posted 5/8/2009 7:13 AM (#376829 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Location: SE Wisconsin
Wow, that was hard to read.
A "musky fisherman" is so because of their passion. A married man is so because he has a passion for his wife. I wrote this in a story, When Hunters Collide, "To the serious angler, musky hunting is more than a hobby, it’s a genuine love for a passion." I always said I have two loves in my life: 1) My wife, & 2) The outdoors.
To be truly happy as a man who shares two passions such as many of us here on this board, what FishPoop emphasizes is truly the golden key to a fullfilling life.
Posted 5/8/2009 10:08 AM (#376851 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek
Good thread, Ben. I fish Namekagon quite a bit, shoot me a PM the next time you'll be fishin it, my wife and newborn might let me out a Sat. or Sun.
I started muskie fishing at age 7, we vacationed in N. Wi. before all the cabins got remodeled and the lodges still served breakfast to anglers before they went out. The cabins were built in the 30's, very rustic with huge (to a 7 year old) muskie mounts on the walls and my dad and our guide would swap stories about "jingle jaws" and other huge muskies that got away. We'd go to Hayward to the hall of fame and look at the mounts there. Back then to me every lake and every cast had the possability of the legendary 70lber and when a 35 incher followed up to the boat it was thrilling and terrifying at the same time. Don't know how many times I pulled my lure out of the water and away from a hot fish cause I was scared.
Whenever I'm in a slump I like to head back to some of those widerness pothole lakes just to remember when muskie fishing wasn't all about the catch but the thrill of the chase.
Posted 5/8/2009 11:33 AM (#376875 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 692
Location: Pelican Rapids, MN
Fishpoop, it isn't always that easy - My wife isn't into it at all - She has tried - She has been through the gauntlet of fishing - Sunnies, bass, pike, walleye, and some muskies - Her PB is a 52" 40 pounder. The only time she will go is if she gets to sunbathe in the bow while we troll. Rod goes off, she gets it, that's how it works.
As for her issues with my fishing, it has nothing to do with what I'm doing but the fact I am away from her. She admits, it is something that is going to take a while for her to get used to. Hopefully someday she will!
Posted 5/8/2009 12:05 PM (#376882 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Location: SE Wisconsin
Her personal best is the one in the picture you posted under the "There's his, and then there's HERS" thread? My God, that's why she's not into it. . . She mastered it right off the bat, while the rest of us are looking for that elusive 50, she's got 2 more inches under her belt with over 40lbs to boot. She get that casting by the way? The look on my wives face when she ripped into her low 30" was priceless. . . Can only imagine a 52"
Posted 5/8/2009 4:16 PM (#376933 - in reply to #376247) Subject: RE: Passion
Posts: 692
Location: Pelican Rapids, MN
Here's the story - Beautiful August evening 75-80 degrees - Slight south breeze - and hour or so before sundown. We had just returned home from dinner with some friends, and I wanted to go out fishing because there was a storm on the way - Supposed to hit about midnight - I asked her if she wanted to go out - She enthusiastically replied "YES". We got in the boat, left the dock halfway across the lake she decides she has changed her mind because she forgot her sweatshirt - 80 degrees for God sakes! Anyway, she whined long enough that I said fine but we are going to troll back. I put out a couple of baits, one being a Pink/blue/white raddog I got made up for her in '05. Not even a hundred yards down the break and she got ripped... Had trouble getting the rod out of the rod holder and lost the fish. I put the lines back out and about two hundred yards later as it started to drizzle the rod started screaming. I handed her the rod and the battle ensued - The fish didn't surface for like 3 minutes - which we all know in musky fishing is an eternity - It then surfaced off the port side bow - She was near the stern and couldn't really see it. She asked "how big is it" - I replied "BIG". She asked if it was over 50 - I said don't worry about it just get it to the boat - I netted it - Measured it and snapped some pics right before it started to rain. The fish was a giant. It swam away with vigor, and I had Lax did the replica, (see below) My wife has stuck her nose in the air about fishing ever since. One night in a spat, I told her she didn't deserve a fish like that - Big mistake! She still fishes with me about twice a year for about an hour or so. I even rented a cabin for the season on LOTW this year and she is not interested in going at all!.... Some women!
Edited by Jsondag 5/8/2009 4:23 PM
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Posted 5/8/2009 5:21 PM (#376938 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 83
I was fishing for Smallmouth, it was 1987. I pitched a rattle trap at a cement pier, and a decent muskie followed it back to the boat. It got my heart beating a little faster. That's what drew me into it.
I started getting out a lot, and learning more. By 1990, I was doing pretty good at it, and had a 20 fish season. I slacked off a bit on the musky fishing after the 91 season, but continued with it at a lesser pace.
After work on Fridays, we would stop for a few at a near by Bar and Grill. The owner Fished muskie too. He lived two blocks from me, and we went fishin a couple times. He had totally different spots than me, and was good at it. He was interested in scuba and I always wanted to go diving.
In 1996, we quit talking, and took some SCUBA courses. A regular at his bar was an accomplished diver, and he showed us the ropes. After a dozen dives, we started diving some of our prime spots. We had some good ones. We found that with a little work we could get close to some of the fish. Still photography was tough, so in 2001 I got into underwater video. If you think a Follow is a rush, try going nose to nose at less than a foot!
Posted 5/8/2009 8:18 PM (#376954 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 724
Location: Southern W.Va.
I am 55 years old and saw my first musky in 1966, my uncle caught it on the Little Kanawha River here in W.Va.. I never had a musky to hit a lure till about 1970 or '71 on Middle Island Creek . Caught my first 2 weeks later , a hugh fish of about 25" or so. It took me another 20 years to hook and catch my next musky but the passion for these fish has never left me. I can still close my eyes and see that 25"er jumping about 2' out of the water, a 5" Rapala hung in the side of it's jaw, head shaking along with my knees. I still get weak knees when I hook one and I don't think I'll ever get over it. To me , it's a love of the fish that I consider to be the hardest to fool and it's that one on one contest that I look forward to each and every time I go out. Pound for pound, a smallmouth will probably outfight a musky but nothing shakes me up like seeing a 4 footer comming hard to a bait and then turning away like it was saying, "Maybe next time".
God , I love these fish !!!
Posted 5/9/2009 1:42 AM (#376992 - in reply to #376875) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 656
Location: Forest Lake, Mn.
Jsondag - 5/8/2009 11:33 AM
Fishpoop, it isn't always that easy - My wife isn't into it at all - She has tried - She has been through the gauntlet of fishing - Sunnies, bass, pike, walleye, and some muskies - Her PB is a 52" 40 pounder. The only time she will go is if she gets to sunbathe in the bow while we troll. Rod goes off, she gets it, that's how it works.
As for her issues with my fishing, it has nothing to do with what I'm doing but the fact I am away from her. She admits, it is something that is going to take a while for her to get used to. Hopefully someday she will!
Perhaps I came across to strongly or arrogant. If so, I'm sorry. I realise that not everyone is cut out for fishing. Just as trying to get me to golf or play tennis would be a total waste of time and effort. Everyone has to be true to themselves. I also realise that I got just a little lucky when I found Mary, in that she was willing to go along with me.
Jerry, I'm sorry that your wife cant seem to generate any interest. You've tried and it's not happening. Perhaps in time, it will.
Still, I do stand by some of the things I said. At least in general terms. I'm sure my comments won't apply to everyone who has some trouble getting their "better half" on the water. As Jerry points out. Yet, I'm sure that in some cases the gals feel leftout or second best to muskie fishing. In those cases, if any of you guys can try and generate some interest from your gal in going with, then I am positive that you'll find some of the problems disapppear.
Also, you might have to do some compromising too. You might have to endure the opera, or mall shopping, picking out curtains, etc Doing things she likes as a trade off to getting her in the boat.
But enough relationship advice from "Dear Abby" Heck, I can't seem to find a date. lol
Posted 5/9/2009 2:43 AM (#376993 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 692
Location: Pelican Rapids, MN
Poop, I'm not arguing at all, I know that these forums can lead to and seem argumentative but I wasn't going in that direction. I was just stating, people kill for and dream about catching a fish like she did - And she has no appreciation for that or game / lifestyle in which muskie fishing is. That is okay with me - She doesn't have to share my PASSION. However, I hope she can understand my feelings toward it some day. Relationship advice, would be how to get my wife to stop trying to make me go on a diet!
Posted 5/9/2009 12:40 PM (#377025 - in reply to #376247) Subject: RE: Passion
Posts: 24
There is one thing I believe in when fishing is discussed. I believe it was put here for our relaxation. No matter what specie you fish for, for pleasure, to win tournaments or any other reason, I believe that fish feel negativity. Could be bad women, wine, or job...etc.... I have had them all. The more I worried about the others the less fish I caught. Even after a heart twisting divorce, I wanted to catch fish badly, but before they would bite I needed to relax and stop the negative vibes down my rod. They made me want them more when I could not catch them which made me learn to relax. I.E. They were put here for our relaxation. Everyone finds the niche' on how to relax to stop the vibes. You just need to find yours. Drugs, booze nor dr. phil will help you find inner peace. Look inside grasshopper.
Posted 5/10/2009 1:17 AM (#377097 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 656
Location: Forest Lake, Mn.
Jerry
No offense was taken on my part. Just was making sure that none was taken on your part or anyone else's either. Just trying to help you all get the gals in the boat with you. Sometimes it works and sometimes not. As for diet advice... YOUR ON YOUR OWN. LOL !
I admit that I don't seem to have the passion for fishing I once did. I keep trying to but as stacker points out perhaps it's the negative vibes that seem to get in the way. I seem to find more interest in trying to help others fish, or encourage the gals to fish, than in actually catching a fish myself. I seem to enjoy just drifting across the lake more now than beating the water to a froth. This poem I wrote sums up my passion for fishing.
Come with me
To where the eagle soars on silent wings
The buck snorts
And the chickadee sings.
Come fill my heart with gladness,
to where the loons call,
And muskies strike with savage madness.
Where towering pines leap for the sky
Their soft scent fills the air.
And gentle winds sing a lullabye.
Where rushing waves against rocky shores crashes
While thunder shakes the ground,
And wind driven rain stings with whip like lashes.
Oh come with me, come with me!
To where the campfire flickers and dances.
Heating our supper, warming our bones.
While our eyes steal longing glances.
Yes, Oh Yes, say you'll come.
To where sharp eyed owls hunt in the night
And Polaris blazes in the northern sky
As the ghost dance of the Gods fills souls with fright.
Listen, hush, listen!
To a land so silent, you can hear your heart pound
To wolves howling that shivers the spine
As you lay nestled in your bed upon the ground.
Pray, Yes Pray!
To our Father the Creator,
That we cherish and love the wild places.
That mankind hasn't become a wanton destroyer.
Stay, Yes stay!
Here in this land of water and pine,
As side by side through life we journey.
And forever and ever your love will be mine,
Until the end of all time.
Posted 5/16/2009 10:53 AM (#378611 - in reply to #376933) Subject: RE: Passion
Posts: 90
Location: Ohio
Jsondag - 5/8/2009 5:16 PM Here's the story - Beautiful August evening 75-80 degrees - Slight south breeze - and hour or so before sundown. We had just returned home from dinner with some friends, and I wanted to go out fishing because there was a storm on the way - Supposed to hit about midnight - I asked her if she wanted to go out - She enthusiastically replied "YES". We got in the boat, left the dock halfway across the lake she decides she has changed her mind because she forgot her sweatshirt - 80 degrees for God sakes! Anyway, she whined long enough that I said fine but we are going to troll back. I put out a couple of baits, one being a Pink/blue/white raddog I got made up for her in '05. Not even a hundred yards down the break and she got ripped... Had trouble getting the rod out of the rod holder and lost the fish. I put the lines back out and about two hundred yards later as it started to drizzle the rod started screaming. I handed her the rod and the battle ensued - The fish didn't surface for like 3 minutes - which we all know in musky fishing is an eternity - It then surfaced off the port side bow - She was near the stern and couldn't really see it. She asked "how big is it" - I replied "BIG". She asked if it was over 50 - I said don't worry about it just get it to the boat - I netted it - Measured it and snapped some pics right before it started to rain. The fish was a giant. It swam away with vigor, and I had Lax did the replica, (see below) My wife has stuck her nose in the air about fishing ever since. One night in a spat, I told her she didn't deserve a fish like that - Big mistake! She still fishes with me about twice a year for about an hour or so. I even rented a cabin for the season on LOTW this year and she is not interested in going at all!.... Some women!
Sir
I read this post and seen the Pic of the Fish, My Wife goes with me, she almost bothers me to go fishing, anytime it looks like a nice morning she runs in and says LET'S GO FISHING !!! :-) and most of the time she hooks the boat to the truck and has everything ready to go by the time I tie the lures on.
About the Fish Replica, I went to the LAX website to check prices, I was uh, a little surprised at $12.50 an inch and by surprised I mean we have a local Taxidermist that charges $10 an inch and he is REAL good, I have always said I will just take a lot of Pics and release the fish as I don't want to kill any Muskie, I let them go to grow bigger.
Well if I ever get a monster I see I will more than likely keep the fish for a Taxidermist because $2.50 an inch savings adds up on a big fish, I know I will never catch one big enough to warrant a mount but is there any other places that do replicas ?
How old is your Wife? maybe she will mellow with age, who knows? my Wife is 42 and as I said above, she loves fishing and I have a feeling she will only get worse if she ever catches a Muskie, she gets excited over 2 Lb Bass so even a 36" Muskie might send her over the edge, she already wants to buy every lure she sees but those are cheap ones for Bass, if I let her she would empty the Bank Acct on fishing!
Good Luck in the future because only time will tell
Posted 5/16/2009 2:09 PM (#378639 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi.
i don't know if i should shed a tear or just throw up
lambeau
Posted 5/16/2009 3:26 PM (#378644 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
taking 50 inches as an example, that's only $125 difference between Lax and the "real good" taxidermist you describe. $500 is expensive, so is $625, they're closer in price to each other than not. it's worth every dime.
if that's out of a person's price range, other options exist: commissioning an artist to do a painting, getting one of those life-size photo prints, etc...or just save up for a couple years, the advantage of replicas is you can get them made any time you want in the future, unlike skin mounts which must happen right away and must kill the fish. the value of big muskies in realized in sharing them with each other...by putting them back.
Posted 5/16/2009 6:26 PM (#378672 - in reply to #378644) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 90
Location: Ohio
lambeau - 5/16/2009 4:26 PM taking 50 inches as an example, that's only $125 difference between Lax and the "real good" taxidermist you describe. $500 is expensive, so is $625, they're closer in price to each other than not. it's worth every dime. if that's out of a person's price range, other options exist: commissioning an artist to do a painting, getting one of those life-size photo prints, etc...or just save up for a couple years, the advantage of replicas is you can get them made any time you want in the future, unlike skin mounts which must happen right away and must kill the fish. the value of big muskies in realized in sharing them with each other...by putting them back.
Yeh, I don't want to kill one at all, I would probably splurge for the extra money if it ever came to that, I will never catch one that big but here in Ohio I know a lot of people that say a $125 is a $125 and I can not control other people.
I just get the camera ready, pull them out, take a picture and put them back in, if it is hot out and the Fish fought hard, I don't even take a picture but these are only 36"-40" fish also.
I would love to catch a Hog Muskie but I am happy catching the ones I do catch, the only people around our area that kill Muskie's is the Bass Clubs and Bass Anglers, they beat them with a club & dump them, it makes me ill when I hear of this
Posted 5/16/2009 7:04 PM (#378679 - in reply to #376247) Subject: RE: Passion
Posts: 477
Location: Iowa
This was a good thread, I can see it going south now. Let's try not to talk about killing muskies now.
Edited by Lone Stone 5/16/2009 7:07 PM
Guest
Posted 5/16/2009 7:58 PM (#378696 - in reply to #376247) Subject: RE: Passion
Passion....? I guess, maybe at one time in my life. Now I would refer to the experience more as a "reverence". A personal adventure in the journey the fishing and the industry has provide for me along with the friendshipship made along the way.
This is more than the catching and killing, or not killing, of trophies. This is about a relationship with the outdoors and all God has created. Put the politics of our industry aside with the kill or no kill and replica vs. skin mount. This is really about our personal connection to friends and land and water and our Creator.
Fishpoop... and I'm sure many more of us on board here, has had a truely life changing experience which relates in some way to the outdoors and fishing. This is what bonds us together in our brotherhood. We must keep that in mind when the politics of our industry tends to divide us.
This is more than whose is bigger or replica vs. skin or musky vs. walleye or any of that.
It's about what we each take from this experience and cherish within our own heart.
That....is what this has all meant to me .............
Posted 5/17/2009 12:51 AM (#378732 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 656
Location: Forest Lake, Mn.
Guest:
Thank you for your kind words and your understanding of the message I'm trying to get across. I'm not the only one who's had a life changing event. I read all the time on these boards about a brother or sister fisherperson who's struggleing with a major calamity in their lives and my heart goes out to each of them.
All, I'm trying to do is relay a little of what I've learned about life and fishing and passion and share it with whoever is willing to listen. In doing so, perhaps, I can do something positive for that person and also have something good come out of my loss.
Fishing should be about more than inches, pounds, dollars, etc. But enough pontification by me.
suickster
Posted 5/18/2009 11:31 AM (#378964 - in reply to #378728) Subject: RE: Passion
Posted 5/18/2009 10:51 PM (#379114 - in reply to #376247) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 626
Location: ashtabula ohio
wow, how do ya start..it is truly a serious passion..one of the few i have. i usually only fish with god.. meaning i cant get anyone to go with me...would love to have a woman that digs the outdoors and the water like i do. i dont even look for one anymore.the only things the broads around here are interested in, is your portfolio and what you do for work..and its always the first line out of there mouths when youre on the barstool and one meets y our eye...!anymore i just tell em.."i exist" and take a chug... anyway, its my 10th year and still lookin for the fifty, have seen her at chautauqua..one lazy lass.. and here at west branch...the "devil fish" i call her..last and only sighting was on 06-06-06..if shes still alive she will be pushing 55" which is almost unheard of around here.. i started out at 10 in the 70s with panfish{thanks uncle jack}from fla..no one in my family fishes. my father had serious sea sickness so he stayed away from boats and water all together..crazy though, he was an ace b-25 bomber in ww2...so one day uncle jack came to visit and told me we should go down to that pond at the bottom of the hill and fish. took me to the hardware store, got rod and reel, some worms and the rest is history. progressed from bass to pike and now to the queens of the lake. i really like what steve said about "sharing the experience" i love to see others hook up more than myself... if more people only knew the joy of being out there, they would be so much less stressed. my friends dont understand.."did you catch anything?" "no, saw one though.." why do you even go if you dont catch anything". its the experience of being on the water. we get to go out and play in gods wonderland with his creatures whenever we want..most times i think we are truly in heaven when fishing...so that being said, im takin my best pal from childhood fri. hes never been before so needless to say i will ask for some luck from above..hey it cant hurt right..? didnt mean to go linder on you guys..its just how i look at it...god bless, muskieheads!
Posted 5/18/2009 11:29 PM (#379119 - in reply to #377097) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 16632
Location: The desert
fishpoop - 5/10/2009 1:17 AM
Come with me
To where the eagle soars on silent wings
The buck snorts
And the chickadee sings.
Come fill my heart with gladness,
to where the loons call,
And muskies strike with savage madness.
Where towering pines leap for the sky
Their soft scent fills the air.
And gentle winds sing a lullabye.
Where rushing waves against rocky shores crashes
While thunder shakes the ground,
And wind driven rain stings with whip like lashes.
Oh come with me, come with me!
To where the campfire flickers and dances.
Heating our supper, warming our bones.
While our eyes steal longing glances.
Yes, Oh Yes, say you'll come.
To where sharp eyed owls hunt in the night
And Polaris blazes in the northern sky
As the ghost dance of the Gods fills souls with fright.
Listen, hush, listen!
To a land so silent, you can hear your heart pound
To wolves howling that shivers the spine
As you lay nestled in your bed upon the ground.
Pray, Yes Pray!
To our Father the Creator,
That we cherish and love the wild places.
That mankind hasn't become a wanton destroyer.
Stay, Yes stay!
Here in this land of water and pine,
As side by side through life we journey.
And forever and ever your love will be mine,
Until the end of all time.
Thanks, after flipping burgers, while doing 5 knots having the wind whipping out my coat, I can whisper this poem to the mermaid lying on my nautical themed Pashmina afgahn. Poseidon, look at me.
Posted 5/19/2009 8:20 AM (#379155 - in reply to #379114) Subject: Re: Passion
Posts: 90
Location: Ohio
luckymusky - 5/18/2009 11:51 PM wow, how do ya start..it is truly a serious passion..one of the few i have. i usually only fish with god.. meaning i cant get anyone to go with me...would love to have a woman that digs the outdoors and the water like i do. i dont even look for one anymore.the only things the broads around here are interested in, is your portfolio and what you do for work..and its always the first line out of there mouths when youre on the barstool and one meets y our eye...!anymore i just tell em.."i exist" and take a chug... anyway, its my 10th year and still lookin for the fifty, have seen her at chautauqua..one lazy lass.. and here at west branch...the "devil fish" i call her..last and only sighting was on 06-06-06..if shes still alive she will be pushing 55" which is almost unheard of around here.. i started out at 10 in the 70s with panfish{thanks uncle jack}from fla..no one in my family fishes. my father had serious sea sickness so he stayed away from boats and water all together..crazy though, he was an ace b-25 bomber in ww2...so one day uncle jack came to visit and told me we should go down to that pond at the bottom of the hill and fish. took me to the hardware store, got rod and reel, some worms and the rest is history. progressed from bass to pike and now to the queens of the lake. i really like what steve said about "sharing the experience" i love to see others hook up more than myself... if more people only knew the joy of being out there, they would be so much less stressed. my friends dont understand.."did you catch anything?" "no, saw one though.." why do you even go if you dont catch anything". its the experience of being on the water. we get to go out and play in gods wonderland with his creatures whenever we want..most times i think we are truly in heaven when fishing...so that being said, im takin my best pal from childhood fri. hes never been before so needless to say i will ask for some luck from above..hey it cant hurt right..? didnt mean to go linder on you guys..its just how i look at it...god bless, muskieheads!
Good Post, I can't wait to get my Kids on a Muskie, I have a lot to learn but hopefully I can luck into a few when the Kids are with me.
Posted 5/19/2009 2:49 PM (#379243 - in reply to #379163) Subject: Re: Passion
It is clear that Muskie Expos should have a booth with a licensed psychiatrist. Lots of money to be made saving you guys from yourselves. Do not buy health insurance without the ADDICTION coverage.
Passion
