I re-read some of the American Fisheries Society Special Publication 15 tonight, as I remembered some of this debate from the LaCrosse Symposium and a Northern Wisconsin study. From 'Factors Affecting Population Quality' it says, paraphrased:

Two parameters were used to define quality--density of legal sized muskies and an index of the size structure at the beginning of a season.

The greatest adult densities occured in the more shallow, dark water lakes, with stocking being a contributing factor, as was higher angler exploitation.

The best quality was found in deeper, clear lakes, with lower angler exploitation as a factor, plus competition from Northern Pike.  Concern toward biological characteristics producing  a 'Female muskellunge fishery' asked that this system type's characteristics be carefully examined due to slower growth and higher mortality of males if a higher size limit was imposed.  Both populations related to sechhi disk, mean depth, and growth coefficient of males.

Bottom lining it:

'The definition of a trophy is largely sociological.'

 (That's for sure. Why did 'trophy' become 50"? Why not 48"? Or 53"?)

'The great variabliity in population characteristics, especially growth rates in Wisconsin Lakes suggests that optimum growth potential could be reached by managing each lake in accordance with it's specific conditions, rather than by uniform management goals and regulations. Mangers are also encouraged to obtain a better biological definition of the term 'trophy management' (if that is the program goal) prior to setting individual lake restrictions.'

That, everyone, was written in 1984. The statewide limit was 30". There were fewer muskie lakes at the time, and less care to managing the fish as a trophy. Release rates were 32%, considered really good at the time. Catch rates at the time averaged 0.038 fish per hour.

Now the statewide limit is 34", with several lakes and systems at between 40" and 50". there is much to be learned from future management of some of the more promising waters as 'trophy fisheries', if indeed we can agree what a trophy might be, and what  use/application for sportfishing on those waters might apply.

The DNR is preparing a series of fact sheets regarding this issue, which I hope to bring to you in the form of a link to the documents very soon. The offices in Madison are eager to continue informing the public to the goals and impacts of this program. I think if we collectively take a deep breath and let this process work we will all find a way to get our overall goals met towards a quality trophy waters management program in the state.

The muskie world  needs another International Symposium. It was expensive back then. REALLY expensive. I know, the company I worked for was a sponsor. It will be extremely expensive today, but should be considered. The people who spend their day every day looking out for the fisheries in this state should be listened to as should those from Canada and the other states that have good quality muskie fisheries. Anyone out there willing to kick in a half million to get this done?