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Muskie Fishing -> General Discussion -> LOTW biggest Musky???
 
huskerwatson
Posted 2/20/2013 4:25 PM (#619087)
Subject: LOTW biggest Musky???


Thanks to all who answered my question about Mille Lacs compared to LOTW.

Anyway one gentleman said that he had about a 60"-62" musky short strike his spinner. Which by the way just happened to be between lil rasberry and big rasberry across from Red Wing Lodger where I caught my first Musky on LOTW (40incher).

So I got to wondering what is the LOTW record Musky???

62" would have to be a 60lbs + fish wouldn't it?

IAJustin
Posted 2/20/2013 4:50 PM (#619095 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 2088


58Lb-4oz ..back in 1932, and as we know the record keeping back then was extremely accurate. You can probably count on one hand the # of true 50lb muskies caught out of LOTW the past 20 years, but hard to tell with the popularity of C&R, there are about 5 people on this earth that I would believe when they "say" I saw a 60" muskie....and that's because they have handled several dozen 56-59" muskies...funny thing is none of them ever see 60" muskies.

Edited by IAJustin 2/20/2013 4:52 PM
Ja Rule
Posted 2/20/2013 5:15 PM (#619111 - in reply to #619095)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 415


IAJustin - 2/20/2013 4:50 PM

58Lb-4oz ..back in 1932, and as we know the record keeping back then was extremely accurate. You can probably count on one hand the # of true 50lb muskies caught out of LOTW the past 20 years, but hard to tell with the popularity of C&R, there are about 5 people on this earth that I would believe when they "say" I saw a 60" muskie....and that's because they have handled several dozen 56-59" muskies...funny thing is none of them ever see 60" muskies.


I completely agree with this post.

Edited by Ja Rule 2/20/2013 5:16 PM
Guest
Posted 2/20/2013 5:12 PM (#619109 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


I knew the doubt would surely come out on my encounter. But there's a strong possibility that my encounter of a fish of this size wasn't a fluke my PB is a 52" for LOTW That same week. And when you catch a 50" + fish you say it's BIG which was earlier that day and when you a see a beast of that size you just know that it's all of that. But it's only a sighting I never had hooks in it but it was about a foot from the boat and we got out the measuring tape and put them at the same place on the side of the boat that's what the tape read give or take a few that's why I said 60 to 62.
BNelson
Posted 2/20/2013 5:38 PM (#619119 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Location: Contrarian Island		yup, something called "buck fever"! ;o) every inch over 50" the fish gain so much mass/size that even the most experienced guys aren't going to say they saw a 60-62 incher...... I know a guy who personally has caught over 50 fish over 50" and he had one up last year on LOTW and when asked how big he was honest and said "I simply am not sure" and he's been in the boat with 55-56 inchers... sorry guest but if your pb is 52... you probably saw a good 54-55... ; ) no disrespect intended.

Edited by BNelson 2/20/2013 5:39 PM
Guest
Posted 2/20/2013 5:46 PM (#619122 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


U must have missed the part when I mentioned we put the tape on the side of the boat. Just curious
BenR
Posted 2/20/2013 5:51 PM (#619125 - in reply to #619122)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


Guest - 2/20/2013 5:46 PM

U must have missed the part when I mentioned we put the tape on the side of the boat. Just curious


I think we all read it, you should get a replica of the side of the boat. BR
IAJustin
Posted 2/20/2013 6:20 PM (#619130 - in reply to #619125)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 2088


BenR - 2/20/2013 5:51 PM


I think we all read it, you should get a replica of the side of the boat. BR




Cha ching!
mtcook16
Posted 2/20/2013 9:26 PM (#619191 - in reply to #619125)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 546


Location: MN
BenR - 2/20/2013 5:51 PM

Guest - 2/20/2013 5:46 PM

U must have missed the part when I mentioned we put the tape on the side of the boat. Just curious


I think we all read it, you should get a replica of the side of the boat. BR


ZINGGG!
T_Peterzen55
Posted 2/20/2013 9:30 PM (#619193 - in reply to #619191)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 117


I think its just a waste of time to talk about a "sighting" of a Muskie that is 60-62"

Tamarack
Posted 2/20/2013 6:21 PM (#619131 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


Rueban, one of our guides, guided a guy to a 58 incher about 4 or 5 years ago. Our biggest last year was 54" and yes she was released. Our guest caught her 1 minute from our camp.
Reality
Posted 2/20/2013 6:40 PM (#619137 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


Doug Johnson's biggest is 56", a few 54"s and a handful of 53"s.
Dick Pearson has a single 54" from two summers ago, and a handful of 53"s.
Those guys have more big muskies between them on LotW than any other two people on the planet, so it gives you a very good idea of what's realistic for ultimate size.
IAJustin
Posted 2/20/2013 6:49 PM (#619144 - in reply to #619137)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 2088


Bill Sandy has several over 55..up to 57" and a client got a 58" many moons ago. There are a few (very very few) muskie in LOTW in that upper 56-58" range....is ther a 60" fish in LOTW, given its size umm maybe? BUT.... catch it, bump it,... preferably video it......before calling it a 60"...since its never been done on that lake before.
5th lake Brad
Posted 2/20/2013 8:54 PM (#619179 - in reply to #619144)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 537


Location: Gilberts IL/Rhinelander WI
IAJustin - 2/20/2013 6:49 PM
.since its never been done on that lake before.



While I do agree with you, saying its "never" been done before, may be a little far fetched. Not every person that has ever caught a musky on LOTW has recorded it, publicized it, or even measured it. Just sayin, we've all heard the stories of huge fish. "Never" may not be true.
Ray
Posted 2/20/2013 9:15 PM (#619188 - in reply to #619179)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???


5th lake Brad - 2/20/2013 8:54 PM

IAJustin - 2/20/2013 6:49 PM
.since its never been done on that lake before.



While I do agree with you, saying its "never" been done before, may be a little far fetched. Not every person that has ever caught a musky on LOTW has recorded it, publicized it, or even measured it. Just sayin, we've all heard the stories of huge fish. "Never" may not be true.


Agree.. If you would of asked anyone last year or most of this years that Michigan had 55# muskies in it 99.9% would of said no.. If you would of asked the most experienced Musky guys in Michigan that Lake Bellaire would produce a musky that size 100% would of said NO.. Same goes for that MN state record tiger musky.. No one would of believed there was a tiger that big in MN but there was..
Will Schultz
Posted 2/20/2013 9:39 PM (#619198 - in reply to #619188)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Ray - 2/20/2013 10:15 PM
5th lake Brad - 2/20/2013 8:54 PM
IAJustin - 2/20/2013 6:49 PM .since its never been done on that lake before.
While I do agree with you, saying its "never" been done before, may be a little far fetched. Not every person that has ever caught a musky on LOTW has recorded it, publicized it, or even measured it. Just sayin, we've all heard the stories of huge fish. "Never" may not be true.
Agree.. If you would of asked anyone last year or most of this years that Michigan had 55# muskies in it 99.9% would of said no.. If you would of asked the most experienced Musky guys in Michigan that Lake Bellaire would produce a musky that size 100% would of said NO.. Same goes for that MN state record tiger musky.. No one would of believed there was a tiger that big in MN but there was..

LOL! Really? You might need to evaluate who you think is an experienced guy in Michigan.

Ray
Posted 2/21/2013 10:00 AM (#619314 - in reply to #619198)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???


Will Schultz - 2/20/2013 9:39 PM

Ray - 2/20/2013 10:15 PM
5th lake Brad - 2/20/2013 8:54 PM
IAJustin - 2/20/2013 6:49 PM .since its never been done on that lake before.
While I do agree with you, saying its "never" been done before, may be a little far fetched. Not every person that has ever caught a musky on LOTW has recorded it, publicized it, or even measured it. Just sayin, we've all heard the stories of huge fish. "Never" may not be true.
Agree.. If you would of asked anyone last year or most of this years that Michigan had 55# muskies in it 99.9% would of said no.. If you would of asked the most experienced Musky guys in Michigan that Lake Bellaire would produce a musky that size 100% would of said NO.. Same goes for that MN state record tiger musky.. No one would of believed there was a tiger that big in MN but there was..

LOL! Really? You might need to evaluate who you think is an experienced guy in Michigan.



Will,i am from Michigan and have been fishing muskies for 27 years.. You know there is big muskies,i know there is big muskies but most would of disagreed with us.. You and i both have seen thread after thread on this forum saying it wasn't possible.. Didn't mean to offend you..
Will Schultz
Posted 2/21/2013 10:40 AM (#619337 - in reply to #619314)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Ray - 2/21/2013 11:00 AM
Will Schultz - 2/20/2013 9:39 PM

Ray - 2/20/2013 10:15 PM
5th lake Brad - 2/20/2013 8:54 PM
IAJustin - 2/20/2013 6:49 PM .since its never been done on that lake before.
While I do agree with you, saying its "never" been done before, may be a little far fetched. Not every person that has ever caught a musky on LOTW has recorded it, publicized it, or even measured it. Just sayin, we've all heard the stories of huge fish. "Never" may not be true.
Agree.. If you would of asked anyone last year or most of this years that Michigan had 55# muskies in it 99.9% would of said no.. If you would of asked the most experienced Musky guys in Michigan that Lake Bellaire would produce a musky that size 100% would of said NO.. Same goes for that MN state record tiger musky.. No one would of believed there was a tiger that big in MN but there was..

LOL! Really? You might need to evaluate who you think is an experienced guy in Michigan.

Will,i am from Michigan and have been fishing muskies for 27 years.. You know there is big muskies,i know there is big muskies but most would of disagreed with us.. You and i both have seen thread after thread on this forum saying it wasn't possible.. Didn't mean to offend you..

No offense intended Ray, I don't know you and don't know anything about you. I just didn't agree that 99.9% would have said no to Michigan and 100% of experienced guys in Michigan would have said no to Bellaire. I guess "experienced" is a relative term and anyone that has caught ten muskies could be considered experienced but the guys I know that are experienced would have that lake on their short list of water that could produce a 55# fish in Michigan.

Glad we have new regs starting on April 1st. 

Ja Rule
Posted 2/21/2013 8:24 AM (#619270 - in reply to #619188)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 415


Ray - 2/20/2013 9:15 PM

5th lake Brad - 2/20/2013 8:54 PM

IAJustin - 2/20/2013 6:49 PM
.since its never been done on that lake before.



While I do agree with you, saying its "never" been done before, may be a little far fetched. Not every person that has ever caught a musky on LOTW has recorded it, publicized it, or even measured it. Just sayin, we've all heard the stories of huge fish. "Never" may not be true.


Agree.. If you would of asked anyone last year or most of this years that Michigan had 55# muskies in it 99.9% would of said no.. If you would of asked the most experienced Musky guys in Michigan that Lake Bellaire would produce a musky that size 100% would of said NO...


Apparently you don't know anything about musky fishing in Michigan.
Ray
Posted 2/21/2013 10:04 AM (#619317 - in reply to #619270)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???


Ja Rule - 2/21/2013 8:24 AM

Ray - 2/20/2013 9:15 PM

5th lake Brad - 2/20/2013 8:54 PM

IAJustin - 2/20/2013 6:49 PM
.since its never been done on that lake before.



While I do agree with you, saying its "never" been done before, may be a little far fetched. Not every person that has ever caught a musky on LOTW has recorded it, publicized it, or even measured it. Just sayin, we've all heard the stories of huge fish. "Never" may not be true.


Agree.. If you would of asked anyone last year or most of this years that Michigan had 55# muskies in it 99.9% would of said no.. If you would of asked the most experienced Musky guys in Michigan that Lake Bellaire would produce a musky that size 100% would of said NO...


Apparently you don't know anything about musky fishing in Michigan.


i am from Michigan and have been musky fishing for 27 years so i do know a thing or two or three..
Ja Rule
Posted 2/21/2013 11:09 AM (#619356 - in reply to #619317)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 415


Ray - 2/21/2013 10:04 AM

Ja Rule - 2/21/2013 8:24 AM

Ray - 2/20/2013 9:15 PM

5th lake Brad - 2/20/2013 8:54 PM

IAJustin - 2/20/2013 6:49 PM
.since its never been done on that lake before.



While I do agree with you, saying its "never" been done before, may be a little far fetched. Not every person that has ever caught a musky on LOTW has recorded it, publicized it, or even measured it. Just sayin, we've all heard the stories of huge fish. "Never" may not be true.


Agree.. If you would of asked anyone last year or most of this years that Michigan had 55# muskies in it 99.9% would of said no.. If you would of asked the most experienced Musky guys in Michigan that Lake Bellaire would produce a musky that size 100% would of said NO...


Apparently you don't know anything about musky fishing in Michigan.


i am from Michigan and have been musky fishing for 27 years so i do know a thing or two or three..


I didn't mean to be such a jerk about it, but your original post suggested otherwise.
Moltisanti
Posted 2/20/2013 8:46 PM (#619176 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 639


Location: Hudson, WI		You never know. I have only seen a few fish over 50" on Cedar Lake in St. Croix County in 20 years of fishing it...and never caught any. But the walleye guys out there have apparently never caught one under 50 inches, with several reliable reports of fish "at least 6 feet long."
ARmuskyaddict
Posted 2/20/2013 9:36 PM (#619195 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 2026


I am giving up musky fishing to hunt for Bigfoot! With a Bulldawg of course!
Kirby Budrow
Posted 2/20/2013 9:48 PM (#619202 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 2389


Location: Chisholm, MN		No reason to doubt a 60 being in one of the quality Canadian lakes, but claiming you saw one and know it's that big because you measured your boat is just outrageous. Actually made me laugh!
IAJustin
Posted 2/20/2013 9:56 PM (#619206 - in reply to #619202)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 2088


where's Larry R?..how many non-controversial (this is key) 60" muskies have ever been caught? I personally doubt there is a 60" muskie in LOTW, right now..not impossible just extremely unlikely! - and I love LOTW, have had conversations with Pearson,Johnson and Sandy... Sandy "saw" a beast that he will look you in the eyes and say for sure was 60"...but that was 12+ years ago.. that fish is most likely dead, and while I believe him how do you know it wasn't 59.5" until you measure the #*^@ thing?

Edited by IAJustin 2/20/2013 10:03 PM
jchiggins
Posted 2/20/2013 10:23 PM (#619211 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 1760


Location: new richmond, wi. & isle, mn		" I think there's a squatch in these woods "
wiswimbait
Posted 2/20/2013 10:30 PM (#619212 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 61


Location: Janesville wi		Saying there isn't a 60 incher (or 70 pounder) out there in one of the big fish lakes is almost as silly as saying you know there is because you measured your boat.
huskerwatson
Posted 2/20/2013 11:11 PM (#619217 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


Original poster....

Never ment to stir up so much passion, but here's the real deal....

I KNOW that there is a 60"+ musky in LOTW without a doubt...

You know how I know, because I'm going to catch it this summer, just sayin'

Fish on boys....
sworrall
Posted 2/20/2013 11:14 PM (#619219 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 32958


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin		Well said...
ARmuskyaddict
Posted 2/20/2013 11:20 PM (#619221 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 2026


I was just joking around with the bigfoot comment. But I too believe there are plenty of giant muskies out there. It's water, we don't know what's under there. CPR hasn't been around that long and isn't exclusively practiced. If we keep the fisheries healthy, some of those 50 inchers are much more likely to make it to 60+ in lakes with big fish genetics and good forage. Now, catching them is another story.
ILmuskie
Posted 2/21/2013 8:03 AM (#619268 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 371


Location: Dixon, IL		Monster 60" musky might be old fish and see many lures for years! Might grab large sucker and not eat for a week. Throw size 20 double cowgirl or 18 inch Suick! Ha! Ha!
Eagle schmeagle
Posted 2/21/2013 9:09 AM (#619280 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


There are no 60" muskies in LOTW...They are all in Eagle!!!
jdeezay74
Posted 2/21/2013 9:25 AM (#619291 - in reply to #619280)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 256


Location: plant earth		A lot of us play the lottery in hopes to win big 1 in 70,000,000 or so odds. I believe your odds of catching a fish that size are better than that. Fish like that are rare but winning the lottery is to but theres that possibility. Ask the fellas that have caught fish that size. I guess when the PERFECT situation arises anything is possible.
Larry Ramsell
Posted 2/21/2013 9:16 AM (#619282 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 1301


Location: Hayward, Wisconsin		IA Austin wrote: "where's Larry R?..how many non-controversial (this is key) 60" muskies have ever been caught? I personally doubt there is a 60" muskie in LOTW, right now..not impossible just extremely unlikely! - and I love LOTW, have had conversations with Pearson,Johnson and Sandy... Sandy "saw" a beast that he will look you in the eyes and say for sure was 60"...but that was 12+ years ago.. that fish is most likely dead, and while I believe him how do you know it wasn't 59.5" until you measure the #*^@ thing?"

LR: Heeere I am...while I published a list of over 40 historical references of muskies over 60-inches (up to 74-inches, which I do NOT believe) in my book and I know of a couple since publication, I can honestly say that only a small handful of them aren't controversial or highly questionable. None of them were from Lake of the Woods, in my opinion, one of the most prolific bodies of muskie water on the planet. Likewise, there has never been a verified 60-pounder from there either (as with MN, LOTW anglers must be more honest than those from other past record-claimed waters!).

To say one that size doesn't exist in LOTW would be a mistake without draining the lake. Who knows what evil lurks out there?

And by the way, I agree that "If you don't measure it, you shouldn't say it"! Did I tell you about the one I lost two years ago?....
Mudpuppy
Posted 2/21/2013 11:00 AM (#619349 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


If Middle Eau Claire lake can produce a 60" musky, varified by none other than Art Oemke, then several lakes have that potential. Been fishing these critters for 50 years and the following is my best guess for a 60" fish.

1. Georgian Bay
2. St. Lawrence River system and tributories.
3. Lac Seul
4. Lake St. Clair
5. Green Bay

It could happen on any large lake with a strong forage base at any time. A 60" musky is freak of nature like an 8 ft. human, but it can and does happen. LOTW, Eagle,Nippising, Cass, Mille Lacs, any fo the laqrge Wisconsin River impoundments all have the potential to produce a freak.....Gentlemen, thats what keeps us coming back.

Catch and release is much tougher on 50" fish over 40" fish. But releasing large mature muskies increases the odds of a 60' turning up. I hope I live to see it.

Mudpuppy
Guest
Posted 2/21/2013 11:09 AM (#619358 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


if someone does catch one please take a picture of it on a bumpboard clearly showing it hit 60" ;o)
IAJustin
Posted 2/21/2013 11:12 AM (#619362 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 2088


Mudpuppy - I would put Vermilion firmly @ #4 for chance at a 60"....legit 57-58" fish have been caught each of the past 4 years, don't carry the mass of Mille Lacs fish in general...but there is some extremely long fish in V.

Edited by IAJustin 2/21/2013 11:14 AM
Will Schultz
Posted 2/21/2013 11:21 AM (#619367 - in reply to #619362)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Location: Grand Rapids, MI		Mudpuppy, I love the 8' human analogy it's going to become my favorite way of describing the chance of anyone ever catching a 60" or 65# muskie. Sure... but how many 8' humans are walking around? Love it. So much more manly and realistic than saying they're unicorns.
Guest
Posted 2/21/2013 11:37 AM (#619372 - in reply to #619362)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???


IAJustin - 2/21/2013 11:12 AM

Mudpuppy - I would put Vermilion firmly @ #4 for chance at a 60"....legit 57-58" fish have been caught each of the past 4 years, don't carry the mass of Mille Lacs fish in general...but there is some extremely long fish in V.


And what is your consensus that V fish don't carry as much girth as Mille Lacs fish based on?
IAJustin
Posted 2/21/2013 11:25 AM (#619370 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 2088


Will, not sure who started the analogy but its been said before...and I too think its relevant

http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/board/forums/thread-view.asp?fid=15...

IAJustin
Posted 2/21/2013 11:46 AM (#619380 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 2088


Jason, Lee,Luke,Greg and others measuring girths....call them liars if you wish.
Guest
Posted 2/21/2013 12:21 PM (#619405 - in reply to #619380)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???


IAJustin - 2/21/2013 11:46 AM

Jason, Lee,Luke,Greg and others measuring girths....call them liars if you wish.


Everyone is supposed to believe you because you can name drop.

Because Luke has never measured a big girth fish on V? lol Wonder why he spends his entire fall there. Maybe not this fall since he and his wife had a baby.

Jason only fishes V in the summer which is a great time for big girth fish (rolls eyes). But he fishes Mille Lacs in the fall, wonder why he thinks Mille Lacs has girthier fish?

I presume your talking about Lee Tauchen who doesn't spend that much time on V.

Greg who? Thomas? Who never spends time on the V. Ask him, he hates rocks and loves weed fishing thus doesn't spend any time on the V.

Saying a 60" fish does or doesn't exist and pretending that is fact is proposterous. As is saying one lake has girthier fish than another when both lakes have been known to kick out huge fish. No one truly knows what's swimming in any of these lakes. Just get out and fish and enjoy your time on any of these bodies of water and know that you are one cast away from the biggest fish in your life. Whether that fish is 60" or 54" is irrelevant, it's the biggest fish you've ever caught and that's what matters.
hoosierhunter
Posted 2/21/2013 11:55 AM (#619388 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 427


With a lake that size anything could be possible, for someone to say there is or is not is crazy.
ARmuskyaddict
Posted 2/21/2013 12:00 PM (#619392 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 2026


You are relying on bragging board posts and guides for that info? Guides rely on info getting out to make their living. Many serious musky fishermen shy away from bragging boards. Especially on their local lakes. Just look at the results of the potential world record poll a while back.

http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/board/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=80...
IAJustin
Posted 2/21/2013 12:05 PM (#619397 - in reply to #619392)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 2088


ARmuskyaddict - 2/21/2013 12:00 PM

You are relying on bragging board posts and guides for that info? Guides rely on info getting out to make their living. Many serious musky fishermen shy away from bragging boards. Especially on their local lakes. Just look at the results of the potential world record poll a while back.

http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/board/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=80...

Is this to me? No, for the most part I'm relying on what they have told me, face to face, so you are now saying these respectable guides are inflating the girth measurements of all the 53-56" muskies they put in there boat in the fall, to increase business?
Brett Carroll
Posted 2/21/2013 12:00 PM (#619393 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 696


Location: Northern Illinois		Ok...I think I'm in the minority after reading most of these comments. I feel that there is so much big water on LOTW to not have a 60" fish. An area we fish is Sabaskong Bay in Morsen and also Kenora area of LOTW. We take 2 different trips and the biggest we've caught is 54". Another group that goes up the same time has caught a 57", 56", 3 55"s, and a bunch lower. I saw the 56" picture on a bump board but none of the others were on a bump board photo. Now, as far as Sabaskong goes the water is so massive there that it would seem that at least one fish over 60" is swimming. Obviously, I don't know but I sure hope I can show it someday.
NickD
Posted 2/21/2013 12:30 PM (#619408 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 299


Maybe the next few years is the time that LOTW will produce that next step up fish from the verified 57-58in fish. The last 10-15 years have been above average temperature wise and with the 54" limit being implemented in roughly the same time frame odds have to be better than normal. The large waters out east seem to produce fish in the upper 50 to tickling 60 mark every year. Either more are making it to the internet or there are more fish getting big cause an average MN joe like myself is hearing more and more about these huge fish that guys like Capt. Clark are catching. Are the fish out east bigger because of the water or moderated climate?

Over the years the In-Fisherman has had articles about waters for the next world record of various species. They always talk about windows where waters can produce the biggest of big fish. Climate change, water changes, and other factors are mentioned. Seems like the biggest of fish aren't available every year.

Maybe the biggest enemy for a truly big fish in LOTW is the shear # of muskies. Seems like the higher the density of fish of any species the smaller the maximum size.

Catching the biggest fish in the lake has a lot to do with "chance". Having knowledge of the water and being a better fisherman increases your odds but I don't care who you are if you don't put a lure in front of the fish you want to catch you aren't gonna catch it. There are a LOT of spots on the woods for the biggest fish in the lock to move around on.
ARmuskyaddict
Posted 2/21/2013 12:47 PM (#619422 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 2026


IA,
It was to you, but more rightly your statement. Re-read my post without thinking I am attacking you, or the guides. My point was there are probably bigger fish out there. I am saying to you that not everyone talks about their big catches. I am pointing out guides whose only job is to fish and go from place to place have a vested interest in getting the word out about their big catches. That's how they make a living, by getting customers. I do not intend to rip on those guides, as from what I hear most are great guys and very good fisherman. Nor am I in any way accusing them of inflating the info they put out. I am also pointing out that, according to the poll on OFM, many on this site say they wouldn't talk about it. I also point out many do not talk about their local lakes as it brings in more pressure possibly.

I feel there could be big musky in any of the waters discussed, including Vermillion, and especially LOTW. "Relying exclusively" on the experience of guides you know, or anyone you know or read about online for that matter, doesn't tell you what else is really happening out there under the water. There is probably more going on than we think. 56-58 inchers may continue to grow, and those are caught on Vermilion, as well as Lake of the Woods.

Musky Brian
Posted 2/21/2013 1:02 PM (#619430 - in reply to #619422)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 1767


Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin		Interesting discussion...I have spent a ton of time on LOTW the last few years and also have quite a few years under my belt on other big fish water like Eagle and Vermilion...This past year I know of 3 guys ( me included) that saw the biggest fish they have ever seen in their lives on LOTW. I know the one I saw was VERY special...she actually got fixated on my trolling motor and then surfaced again about 50 yards away. Can't put a definite number on it, but I am about as certain as I can be that it was clearly on the north side of 55", built like a tank and free of scars like you see on some of the old fish...took me days to get over it. Wish I would have had my ruler ready to conduct a proper boat side measurement of the follow
ARmuskyaddict
Posted 2/21/2013 1:09 PM (#619435 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 2026


Bring an elctroshocker instead...
Brad P
Posted 2/21/2013 1:37 PM (#619455 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 833


You can sure tell the season is closed.

Some of you debating this topic should go down to the research forum and read the thread on Maximum Size Potential. One of the concepts tossed around down there is that a 60# or even a 70# specimen is not typical, but also not impossible. I believe the example given was Yao Ming and Minut Bol in terms of humans. When seeking a fish of that proportion you are looking for the genetic freak, so in that sense any argument about "typical size" is rather irrelevant, you aren't looking for a typical fish.

It is certainly possible that in a body of water the size of LOTW there exists such a specimen. That statement isn't based on scientific fact, it is based on probability. How can anyone know for sure that it does or does not swim? I do agree with the generally held view that such a monster is "more likely" to be caught in a system such as the Great Lakes or large inland waters with significant populations of large, high fat forage, but that is also a statement of probability.
IAJustin
Posted 2/21/2013 1:42 PM (#619458 - in reply to #619455)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 2088


Brad P - 2/21/2013 1:37 PM

You can sure tell the season is closed.

Some of you debating this topic should go down to the research forum and read the thread on Maximum Size Potential. One of the concepts tossed around down there is that a 60# or even a 70# specimen is not typical, but also not impossible. I believe the example given was Yao Ming and Minut Bol in terms of humans. When seeking a fish of that proportion you are looking for the genetic freak, so in that sense any argument about "typical size" is rather irrelevant, you aren't looking for a typical fish.

It is certainly possible that in a body of water the size of LOTW there exists such a specimen. That statement isn't based on scientific fact, it is based on probability. How can anyone know for sure that it does or does not swim? I do agree with the generally held view that such a monster is "more likely" to be caught in a system such as the Great Lakes or large inland waters with significant populations of large, high fat forage, but that is also a statement of probability.



Thanks Brad that exactly what I was trying to convey, and did a dam poor job or doing so. I love LOTW, I wouldn't have spent 207 days (12-14 hrs) fishing it recently if I didn't. I hope there is a 60" muskie in LOTW!
Matt DeVos
Posted 2/21/2013 4:31 PM (#619537 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 584


I've spent a lot of time on LOTW myself. Biggest was 52.5", but I've seen a few that were substantially bigger...how much bigger? I have no idea. I don't have any frame of reference for fish >54".

Part of the allure of big water is the unknown. On a place like LOTW, you can fish an entire lifetime and still only scratch the surface. LOTW has 65,000 miles of shoreline. The circumference of the earth is 25,000 miles. Think about that for a second and then think about how many muskies are probably in the lake, and how many prime spots exist that rarely if ever get fished.

If it's possible for muskies for attain 60"+ as a maximum length, my guess would be that there are probably a few in LOTW.

Edited by Matt DeVos 2/21/2013 4:33 PM
Guest
Posted 2/21/2013 6:02 PM (#619564 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


you guys speak as if you know how many fish over 55 inches are in lake of the woods. this isnt a lake with 4 reefs every fish in the lake uses getting pounded left and right. this is a lake some spots don't see any pressure throughout the course of an entire season and several AREAS that get fished just a couple times per year. almost a million acres of water. get real. there are more fish over 50 inches in lake of the woods than any lake in minnesota. its just a tougher body of water to fish. minnesota you throw a double 10 or bulldawg all season and you will see and catch fish. you have to change it up on lake of the woods.
Guest
Posted 2/21/2013 6:05 PM (#619565 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


there are also more fish in the 40 to 49 inch range on lotw. minnesota is on the decline and there will be more out of state guides and guides who have been muskie fishing for less than 10 years than 50 inchers soon.
dougj
Posted 2/21/2013 8:51 PM (#619607 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 906


Location: Warroad, Mn

Interesting thread!

Lots of nice fish in the LOTWs. Not very many 60"ers, at least I've never seen one in 50 years of trying.

Doug Johnson

TC MUSKIE
Posted 2/21/2013 8:58 PM (#619609 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Location: Minneapolis		I think that about wraps up the discussion right there! ^^^
Guest
Posted 2/22/2013 7:21 AM (#619650 - in reply to #619609)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???


TC MUSKIE - 2/21/2013 8:58 PM

I think that about wraps up the discussion right there! ^^^


because ONE person has not seen one?
ldahlberg
Posted 2/22/2013 7:26 AM (#619652 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


This post is pretty funny.
Ask yourself, has a 60" ever existed? The answer is yes, but not many.
(I have a published photo from Jim Peterson's Outdoor news from the early 1970's of a 60" fish caught in the Hayward area. Showed it in a seminar at the mn musky expo 3 years ago)
Next question, could it ever happen again? Duh...

But, I don't think the answer really matters. What matters is we HOPE they exist!

LD

jano
Posted 8/23/2013 6:52 PM (#659155 - in reply to #619652)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???




ldahlberg - 2/22/2013 7:26 AM

This post is pretty funny.
Ask yourself, has a 60" ever existed? The answer is yes, but not many.
(I have a published photo from Jim Peterson's Outdoor news from the early 1970's of a 60" fish caught in the Hayward area. Showed it in a seminar at the mn musky expo 3 years ago)
Next question, could it ever happen again? Duh...

But, I don't think the answer really matters. What matters is we HOPE they exist!

LD



it must be one of the sprays giant lol
Larry Ramsell
Posted 2/22/2013 10:18 AM (#619694 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 1301


Location: Hayward, Wisconsin		LD can you post that pic? I'm highly suspect of it.

I agree on the "hope" but the bogus records of the past gave "false hope"!

Edited by Larry Ramsell 2/22/2013 10:19 AM
Guest
Posted 2/22/2013 10:52 AM (#619700 - in reply to #619694)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???


Larry Ramsell - 2/22/2013 10:18 AM

LD can you post that pic? I'm highly suspect of it.

I agree on the "hope" but the bogus records of the past gave "false hope"!

There's no way a 60 came from Hayward without Larry hearing about it, and Doug is more than just one guy dude. He hasn't even seen one which almost rules out a 58-59 too if you think about it. I wonder I'd he's even heard of one, he's well connected there.
Guest
Posted 2/22/2013 11:37 AM (#619711 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


"This post is pretty funny.
Ask yourself, has a 60" ever existed? The answer is yes, but not many.
(I have a published photo from Jim Peterson's Outdoor news from the early 1970's of a 60" fish caught in the Hayward area. Showed it in a seminar at the mn musky expo 3 years ago)
Next question, could it ever happen again? Duh...

But, I don't think the answer really matters. What matters is we HOPE they exist!

LD

LD certainly knows what a 60" muskie would look like and I don't feel anyone should be questioning what he's saying. If he didn't feel the fish in the photo was legit he certainly wouldn't be showing it during a seminar.
Propster
Posted 2/22/2013 11:44 AM (#619713 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 1901


Location: MN		"and Doug is more than just one guy dude."

How many guys is Doug J? He doesn't look all that big to me?
horsehunter
Posted 2/22/2013 11:44 AM (#619714 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Location: Eastern Ontario		Maybe girth is not as meaningful as we think. 2 weeks ago Michael Lazaraus was talking of muskies ( St Lawarence ) taking on air and expanding when out of the water ( not particularly harmfull ). I personally witnessed this on a 56 inch fish this past December. This is something I had never noticed before. Michael also mentioned the real big fish coming into the river after the season ends December 15. Who knows what lurks out in the Great Lakes one can only hope. One thing I noticed was that the Nov-Dec fish in the Larry had MUCH more slime than I am used to on fish from inland waters. One biologist a friend of mine spoke to speculated that these fish were recently in from Lake Ontario and had been feeding on trout and salmon

Maybe girth only works for dead fish

Edited by horsehunter 2/22/2013 11:48 AM
ChadG
Posted 2/22/2013 11:45 AM (#619715 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 440


What about this one? Release record at 62"

Edited by ChadG 2/22/2013 11:51 AM



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horsehunter
Posted 2/22/2013 11:58 AM (#619723 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Location: Eastern Ontario		Chad if you believe that I've got a bridge to sell you
cave run legend
Posted 2/22/2013 12:07 PM (#619725 - in reply to #619723)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 2097


I bet the fishing pressure is going to increase on LOTW, lol. Everybody will think they have a shot at a 60".
IAJustin
Posted 2/22/2013 12:09 PM (#619727 - in reply to #619725)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 2088


cave run legend - 2/22/2013 12:07 PM

I bet the fishing pressure is going to increase on LOTW, lol. Everybody will think they have a shot at a 60".


You can have every resort on LOTW at full capacity..and IMO its not pressure, SO much water.
IAJustin
Posted 2/22/2013 12:07 PM (#619726 - in reply to #619723)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 2088


Actually that was one of the few I believed was 60" +, she is long ..Ottawa River fish correct? Whats the story horsehunter?
Guest
Posted 3/4/2013 6:51 PM (#622916 - in reply to #619726)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???


IAJustin - 2/22/2013 12:07 PM

Actually that was one of the few I believed was 60" +, she is long ..Ottawa River fish correct? What's the story horsehunter?


Well, Bill is maybe 5'8"on good day. The fish is in front of him. Its head is NOT at the top of Bill's. The tail is not in the picture.

Do math.

Not to mention, a couple years before this was "claimed" as the record. One of the original pictures hung in a small "Reel to Reel" repair and tackle shop just out side Ottawa. Written IN INK was 58.5 inches. The picture was taken back by Bill or his Brother? Then a short while later it was this 62 inch record...HUH?

I also happen to know the gentleman who was with him that day and took that picture. Grew up a block away from and attended the same school. He wont talk about that fish if you bring it with him....HUH? Wonder Why?

I am not saying that isn't big fish, it certainly is. But if you came from around here (Ottawa) you would understand why it is hard to believe anything from Bill Craig. I have heard the same(more or less) "we lost the world record story" so many times on different days. Not the same story... different people involved....but the same story if you catch my drift. Seriously the world record has been hooked and lost in that man's boat more times than you can shake a stick at.
Dan Klis
Posted 2/22/2013 12:35 PM (#619733 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


I have been fishing LOTW extensively since 1988 (four years were spenting guiding at Flag Island) and never seen what I would consider a 60" fish. And have fished with some very good anglers who know a thing or two about big fish, and none of them have ever seen one.

A friend who was one of the originals to fish Lac Suel claimed to have one on, and I believe him. I believe a couple of fella's named Radcliffe and Johnson may have seen one there also, but you would have to ask them.

Do I believe there is one in the lake? That's why I am a property owner on LOTW and try and spend most of my season there. My goal is too catch a 60 incher, no kidding.
Guest
Posted 2/22/2013 1:56 PM (#619753 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


one man can only be in one place at a time. because one single person has not seen a 60" fish on LOTW does not mean they are not there. this could be doug johnsons year and i hope it is.

we don't see or catch our biggest our first time or year out unless you fish one of those minnesota aquariums, st clair, or get just get lucky. you obviously have not strayed far from those places if you think seeing or catching the biggest fish in the system is automatic for even the best and most experience muskie fishermen.

there was a 60 inch muskie caught on LOTW last year and there are reports of others over time. the fish caught last year was seen by MULTIPLE boats taking crappies off their lines until finally being caught a few days later. i was on my way to that area to toss pounders around for a few hours the very morning she was caught. just before take off we got the call that she had been landed by one of those crappie guys. and to think it was caught in an area 99 percent of muskie fisherman would not have even thought of fishing.
Musky Brian
Posted 2/22/2013 2:30 PM (#619762 - in reply to #619753)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 1767


Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin
Guest - 2/22/2013 1:56 PM

one man can only be in one place at a time. because one single person has not seen a 60" fish on LOTW does not mean they are not there. this could be doug johnsons year and i hope it is.

we don't see or catch our biggest our first time or year out unless you fish one of those minnesota aquariums, st clair, or get just get lucky. you obviously have not strayed far from those places if you think seeing or catching the biggest fish in the system is automatic for even the best and most experience muskie fishermen.

there was a 60 inch muskie caught on LOTW last year and there are reports of others over time. the fish caught last year was seen by MULTIPLE boats taking crappies off their lines until finally being caught a few days later. i was on my way to that area to toss pounders around for a few hours the very morning she was caught. just before take off we got the call that she had been landed by one of those crappie guys. and to think it was caught in an area 99 percent of muskie fisherman would not have even thought of fishing.


I find it hard to believe a legitimate 60" musky was caught last year on LOTW and somehow, someway never made into any type of media or social media outlet. This isn't 1970 anymore, pretty hard to keep something like that quiet if it were legitimate...I'll be happy to eat crow when the photo is posted
Dan Klis
Posted 2/22/2013 2:16 PM (#619757 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


Guest,

Appreciate your feedback, please read my last sentence. I do believe 60 inchers exist on LOTW and am fortunate to fish with Doug Johnson a great deal ( we are neighbors)

Tell you what, if I catch one I will keep it.

Dan
Dan Klis
Posted 2/22/2013 3:13 PM (#619774 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 153


I find it hard to believe one was caught. Do crappie fishermen normally carry a ruler that long? I thought theirs ended at like 15 inches.
guest
Posted 2/22/2013 4:17 PM (#619789 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


We musky fishermen should know by now that we do not have a chance at getting a 60" fish. The only people that I know see numerous 60"ers and that catch those 60"ers are bass, walleye, and panfishermen. It is also helpful to have a previous pb in the low 30" range and to measure it with string, a net, or against an oar for accuracy.
Guest
Posted 2/22/2013 4:47 PM (#619795 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


Granted this is not a musky, but the following is a photo of what I consider to be one of the greatest freshwater angling records of all time; a 15 1/2 lb. NORTHERN strain largemouth bass caught from from under the ice in Massachusetts. The fish was taken in a pond not otherwise known to produce big bass and smashed the former state record largest LM bass by over 40%! If such a genetic freak exists in the bass world, why not in the musky world? I'm not sure what the largest musky caught in LOTW might be, but in my neck of the woods (MN) a similiar genetic freak - 40% larger than the next largest ever caught in the state - would weigh upwards of 75lbs and certainly be over 60" in length. I prefer to keep the dream alive whether I'm fishing in MN or LOTW! Brian

Photobucket
BenR
Posted 2/22/2013 4:59 PM (#619798 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???


If the upper range for people are 7 feet, a 40% genetic freak would be just under 10 feet tall. That would be around 2 feet taller than the current record for tallest person in history. I think a 10 foot man and 60 inch muskie are similar in possibilities. BR
MuskieMark01
Posted 2/24/2013 11:30 AM (#620144 - in reply to #619798)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 209


BenR - 2/22/2013 4:59 PM

If the upper range for people are 7 feet, a 40% genetic freak would be just under 10 feet tall. That would be around 2 feet taller than the current record for tallest person in history. I think a 10 foot man and 60 inch muskie are similar in possibilities. BR


Nope. That bass was 40% heavier, not 40% longer. A 10 foot tall person would probably weigh well over double what a 7 foot tall person with (the same build) would weigh. I actually think the extent of that bass record holds a fair bit of weight in a discussion like this. It definitely suggests that SERIOUS outliers happen here and there.

The bass example does differ a bit from this conversation in the sense that the bass was caught in an area where bass don't usually reach their maximum size. Muskies in MN are pushing the limits of their size capabilities, so I would expect such a dramatic record to be a bit less likely, but it raises an interesting point nonetheless.
The unicorn
Posted 2/22/2013 6:33 PM (#619808 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


There are numerous 60" muskies caught every year in MN alone not to mention all the other bodies of water in the US and Canada. What you are all forgetting is how smart a fish of that caliber is. They have learned to avoid muskie baits altogether and if you want a real shot at one you need to catch it while crappie or walleye fishing. They also can sense when their is a bump board or measuring device in the boat and if you carry these...you have no chance. Most are measured by an oar or net handle...some by the keen eye alone.

Just start hanging out at the local baits op and you will soon realize how many of these fish actually exist.

The Unicorn
horsehunter
Posted 2/22/2013 7:02 PM (#619812 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???




Location: Eastern Ontario		I had a guy tell me ( with a straight face )the head was on one side of the boat and the tail was on the other. This was on a lake that I would be surprised if it had ever produced a 53 inch fish and very few 50's.

His boat a 25 foot cabin crusier
todd booth
Posted 2/23/2013 9:35 AM (#619879 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


There are enough musky fishermen in the this world fishing the big name lakes and if LOW has a 60 inch capability someone will catch it. Don't believe in the lottery either on catching a big one.

Regarding Michigan and big muskies up north many people have gone there since the early 1990's to get one. I fished that lake where the michigan record is now in October 1999. I was not the only one there either. Several big fish were caught and released in that area but never publically displayed. None where over 58 pounds.

Regarding long fish don't assume long fish are heavy. A 60" fish caught in Moon River area that was under 40 pounds. I also remember a 57" muskie caught out of Sparrow Lake that weighed 23 pounds. Sometimes those old long fish are full of diseases and don't eat well.
Legend
Posted 2/23/2013 9:10 PM (#620041 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


The Legend of all Legends, Craig Stapon claims to have seen a few 60s in his time throwing LOTW. How come he gets to see so many of them and we don't?
esox99
Posted 2/24/2013 8:35 AM (#620094 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 95


I love this post; not only fun reading but this is the stuff muskie dreams are made of.

The biggest muskie I've ever photographed on any lake was "only" 55.5 inches; I got a very good look at one on LOTW a few years back which I would consider several inches longer than that one. It hit a 29-inch pike 3 times; twice at boatside.

Kevin
horsehunter
Posted 2/24/2013 11:45 AM (#620150 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Location: Eastern Ontario		If a new world record is ever set it will be by a heavy fish not a long fish.
keithtrophyfishn.com
Posted 2/25/2013 3:48 PM (#620522 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 42


Location: Ontario		In 2007 a guest from Wiley Point havested a 56" lots of pictures and a video used to be on-line but was removed after people critasized the handling. Biggest fish with video evidence I know of on a measuring tape. I hear "STORIES" of unreal sized fish every season
Jomusky
Posted 2/25/2013 8:37 PM (#620627 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 1185


Location: Wishin I Was Fishin'		LOTW is an amazing place to fish, it's not about how big your fish is, just go fish and enjoy every minute of it.
rpieske
Posted 2/26/2013 4:05 PM (#620978 - in reply to #620627)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 484


Location: St. Louis, MO., Marco Is., FL, Nestor Falls, ON		Well, I have only been fishing LOTW for 61 years, almost exclusively for muskies.  As a summer resident I have logged countless hours on LOTW.  In all that time, I have only seen two fish that might, and I say MIGHT, have been 60".  One I had along side the boat and marked the boat but I never got a ruler or bump board.  Heck, I never landed the fish.  But it was an experience that I still see in my dreams.  Maybe this year......
esox911
Posted 2/27/2013 4:19 AM (#621193 - in reply to #620978)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 556


60"er of course there is a possibility of 1 in LOTW. Known 55-56"ers---lots of water and lots of Big Fish. Has 1 ever been caught out there ??? Maybe--I just think that any angler who would have caught it might have wanted to at least show off a picture of it. Has anyone ever even produced a PIC of a LOTW 60 ? But I am glad the lake has the reputation of BIG FISH and the hope of a 60" er keeps it interesting for everyone out there.
fishcrazed
Posted 2/27/2013 5:56 AM (#621198 - in reply to #621193)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 171


Location: indiana		there was one caught in crow lake, which is right across the road, about three years ago. caught by a bass fisherman.
123
Posted 2/27/2013 9:35 AM (#621275 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


Okay, while not 'caught' and not on 'LOTW', what about BobM's giant that he hooked - and lost - on film?? THAT was a massive fish. Biggest I've seen on film for sure. I s/w to both the anglers who were in the boat for that event and both think that that fish was noticeably larger than their personal bests - and both anglers have held 57"ers. Say what you want about BobM, but that was a historic fish on his line right there. Was THAT a 60??? My opinion, for what it's worth, is that if it wasn't, it sure was close.

Brian
ARmuskyaddict
Posted 2/27/2013 9:51 AM (#621283 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 2026


We are all reminded of Bob's giant every week... I am not saying 60 inchers are not around though, as I think they are. Does a TV add 10 pounds to a musky too?
Mudpuppy
Posted 2/28/2013 5:27 PM (#621948 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


I would be mighty surprised if a 60" did not exist in any one 10 or 12 best waters, but it sounds to me if someone catches a 60" musky he or she will immediately be called a liar. As for me if I ever catch a 60" musky, I am going to keep the genetic freak, whose already made a full contribution to the gene pool. Call me a musky butcher if you want, but by God I'm going ton enjoy the "I told you so."

Let all the nay sayers discredit old records, there has to be a 60" musky somewhere, its only three inchs longer than the several proven 57 inchers documented and acccepted.

I'm an eternal optomist, its what keeps me coming back for 45 years.

Mudpuppy
muskediem
Posted 3/1/2013 11:56 AM (#622132 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


I love these conversations that can go nowhere, but keep on going. I've been into musky fishin for over 20 years, just a weekender at it, but this conversation reminds me of being 20 again and wondering if that big fish will ever be caught. Hasn't yet, but there are some big ones every year up to 55 or 57 or 58, but not a 60. Could there be, yes. Do the odds favor it being caught? No. Have fun and do your serious talking come spring.
Kingfisher
Posted 3/2/2013 3:43 PM (#622404 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 1106


Location: Muskegon Michigan		Name: (I left his name out)
City: I left his address out.
State:
Zip:
Angler Class: Male
Fish Information:
Date Caught: 10/04/2007
Time: 5 pm
Length: 60.00 Inches
Weight: Not Specified
Girth: 28.50 Inches
Fish Depth: 2 Feet
Lake Depth: 12 Feet
Kept/Release: Released
Species: True Muskellunge


I grabbed this off muskies INC lunge Log. It is one of the only fish listed over 60 inches by Muskies inc. Hundreds of thousands of fish listed and just a couple at or over 60 inches. Of course this is not verifiable but it does show how rare they are reported. Ill see if there is one listed from Lake of the woods. This one was from Lac Seul.

Edited by Kingfisher 3/2/2013 3:50 PM
Kingfisher
Posted 3/2/2013 3:49 PM (#622408 - in reply to #622404)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 1106


Location: Muskegon Michigan
Date Caught: 09/04/1981
Time: 6 pm
Length: 57.00 Inches
Weight: 46.00 Pounds
Girth: Not Specified
Fish Depth: 3 Feet
Lake Depth: Not Specified
Kept/Release: Kept
Species: True Muskellunge
Weather Information:
Sky: Partly Cloudy
Wind Direction: North West
Wind Speed: Moderate
Lake Information:
Lake Name: Lake Of The Woods
County: Ontario
State: Ontario
Lake Bottom: Rocks (small)
Structure: Junk Weeds
Lure Information: This is the largest fish listed by Muskies inc from Lake of the woods. Mike
Kingfisher
Posted 3/2/2013 3:56 PM (#622410 - in reply to #622408)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 1106


Location: Muskegon Michigan		I only found one fish listed in Muskies inc at 60 inches even. Not a lot of people claiming them there.
leech lake strain
Posted 3/2/2013 4:45 PM (#622421 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 541


not lotw but sign man charters in new york has a 60 x 29.5 on his website! take a look at that pic and tell me it aint! he has lots of photos of giants on there!
Kingfisher
Posted 3/2/2013 5:02 PM (#622427 - in reply to #622421)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 1106


Location: Muskegon Michigan		let me help you out.

http://www.1000islandsfishing.com/muskie.htm

He has several real slobs on that page. I have never hear anyone say Clarke was a Liar. Everything I have heard about him has been outstanding.
NWAguide
Posted 3/3/2013 7:23 AM (#622526 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


Nearly 1,000,000 acres of water. 65,000 miles of shoreline. 14,500 islands. there is a 60" fish somewhere on LOTW.
Kingfisher
Posted 3/3/2013 12:38 PM (#622606 - in reply to #622526)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 1106


Location: Muskegon Michigan		Maybe there is but until someone catches and confirm it? It is just speculation. I would accept a picture on a 60 inch bump board would you? I mean how friggin hard is it to get a picture of the measurement? My bump board is 60 inches long that would mean the fish would be touching its nose to the bump end and hit the end of the 60 inch mark. One guy holds it the other takes the picture. Yet no one has done this to my Knowledge. Big fish look big so pictures with out a measuring device dont really do it do they. I think Clarke's clients fish looks like it could be 60 or a 57 or 58 or even a 59. Hell, it might have been a 61 for all I know. No pic on the bump board no proof. Mike
esoxaddict
Posted 3/4/2013 7:19 PM (#622926 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 8865


There's a guy in our club who claims to have seen a 100" muskie. Now.... I'd be inclined to believe 60" on some waters, coming from the right source who I'd trust has seen enough big fish. But in my ten minutes of interaction with this guy, who is old enough to be my father, there were at least 6-7 times where I thought "aw bullsh*t. How %^&$ STUPID do you think we ARE, man? You see this gray hair? I was born at night dude, but it wasn't yesterday!"

Just because its in the Lunge Log doesn't mean it's legitimate.. I'd bet this guys entries are inflated regularly by at least 6".

DarcyCox
Posted 3/5/2013 8:29 AM (#623027 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 7


There are tons of 60" Muskies in LOTW!!!!


...just ask any cabin owner around Kenora. Everyone has one under their dock!

Honestly, besides a couple odd balls on LOTW, the top end is 55".

BUT! Bill Sandy got 56.5 last year... so they are out there.

Edited by DarcyCox 3/5/2013 8:32 AM
Musky_Slayer
Posted 3/18/2013 9:26 PM (#627806 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 280


Location: Pewaukee WI		Fish position themselves in feeding locations based on thier size, a 60" fish would have access to the best forage and would be the hardest to catch
BenR
Posted 3/18/2013 9:28 PM (#627807 - in reply to #627806)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???


Musky_Slayer - 3/18/2013 9:26 PM

Fish position themselves in feeding locations based on thier size, a 60" fish would have access to the best forage and would be the hardest to catch


How does a fish know how big it is?
esoxaddict
Posted 3/18/2013 10:10 PM (#627816 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 8865


Ben, it doesn't, obviously. But a fish of that caliber would likely not be inhabiting the areas that we fish. And there's nothing we cast or troll what would be a worthwhile target for such a fish. I'd be willing to bet that somewhere out there, there IS a 60" muskie. But fishing how and where we fish, and with what? We ain't never gonna see it my friend. The largest fish we encounter would need to have a full belly to reach 60#.

A fish doesn't know how big it is, but biology tells it what volume of foold it needs to eat and what amount of energy is worth expending to eat such volume of food. That pretty much rules out us catching the largest fish in the system with the lures we throw.
jonnysled
Posted 3/18/2013 10:12 PM (#627817 - in reply to #627816)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 13688


Location: minocqua, wi.		where do they live and what do they eat then? you got a bowl for this roach?
IAJustin
Posted 3/19/2013 12:38 PM (#628006 - in reply to #627816)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 2088


esoxaddict - 3/18/2013 10:10 PM

Ben, it doesn't, obviously. But a fish of that caliber would likely not be inhabiting the areas that we fish. And there's nothing we cast or troll what would be a worthwhile target for such a fish. I'd be willing to bet that somewhere out there, there IS a 60" muskie. But fishing how and where we fish, and with what? We ain't never gonna see it my friend. The largest fish we encounter would need to have a full belly to reach 60#.

A fish doesn't know how big it is, but biology tells it what volume of foold it needs to eat and what amount of energy is worth expending to eat such volume of food. That pretty much rules out us catching the largest fish in the system with the lures we throw.


EA i don't agree, plenty of 55-57" fish get caught ever year on our presentations. You think a 60" fish knows she is 3" longer than a 57"? Research shows a large musky prefers baits roughly 20% of there length....that's only 12" for a 60" fish....a pounder going through the water has a profile of 14-15" long and the appearance of an easy meal. Hungry 55" muskies don't turn down 10" believer's, 60"ers wouldn't either..the issue is there are dang few 60" fish anywhere, if they were even somewhat common (like 55") they would be getting caught.

Edited by IAJustin 3/19/2013 12:40 PM
esoxaddict
Posted 3/18/2013 10:31 PM (#627826 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 8865


Jon, I think they are largely out in deep water. They are feeding on ciscoes, redhorse, whitefish, etc. Their food is forage that is larger than what our lures represent, and typically deeper than we fish them. When they want to eat, they eat. And they don't move up onto the structure we usually target in order to do it.

It's similar to late fall fishing - you can always find a few small agressive hungry fish shallow on "traditional" structure. You can catch those fish casting your joe run-of-the-mill glider, or rubber bait, etc. But if you want a BIG fish, you're going to be out fishing live bait, close to bottom, in the areas where the big fish are likely to congregate. And you'll likely sit there for 4-6 hours waiting for that one feeding window that lasts for 20 minutes if you're lucky...

Catching the largest fish in the system, in my opinion, is a similar game. There's just not many of them. There might be ONE. There might be TWO, depending on that particular ecosystem. But those fish GOT big and GOT old by not acting like other fish, and NOT feeding like other fish.

I'd venture to say that the biggest fish we are catching today are the biggest fish we are ever going to be catching, short of the absolute freak of nature fish caught under the absolute rarest of rare conditions, in the best of the best waters.

And there are so few guys out there willing to put in the time hours and effort and fishless hours and days to catch "that one freak fish", that it's likely to stay that way.

I say that 60" and/or 60# is possible. And we might just see one over the next 5 years. But it's NEVER going to become common.
Ryan Marlowe
Posted 3/19/2013 12:55 AM (#627857 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


Wow i cant believe i read threw most of this junk. Owning Figure 8 Baits and having some of the best true info and access to many pictures on bumpboards, its easy to say there sure is alot of dreamers.

Id fish eagle hands down for bigger fish. Ever since iv brought and sold hundreds of bumpboards the b.s. size has went down in inches and has kept anglers more truthful. Id love to run a contest where the biggest fish of the month gets a wicked prize package to keep em honest.

U guys are starting to sound like the "dainty" bass anglers that in prefish have these magical bags or giant bass, and when comes to the scale its all excuses.
Guest
Posted 3/19/2013 4:18 AM (#627868 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


people catch 50"s on LOTW all the time, 53"s are caught by the dozens every year, a 55" is pretty rare yet caught every year, verified 57" fish have been caught, and 58 and 59 inch fish have been reported on LOTW and VERIFIED on other lakes. is it possible that doug johnson, dick pearson, and the mighty muskie tackle shop owner on the most northern section of the lake just have not caught one yet?

since they get to be 58-59 inches and only a few that size have been reported in the entire world what makes you think a 60" fish does not exist? common sense will tell you it is possible. having a normal brain will tell you they exist and they exist on LOTW too. do anglers cover every inch of LOTW every second of the day throughout the entire year on every single square foot of water? not a chance.

the majority of you guys seem think eagle has more bigger fish than LOTW. are you out of your mind? do you have a better shot on eagle? probably. but most of you that have gone have had the privileged of having guys who spend their life on that lake give you tons of spots on an already smaller body of water than LOTW with far fewer potential big fish spots and throw double tens. i'm surprised you don't read more thank yous about how guys like herbie have shared such valuable info with you all. i would like to thank him and guides on other lakes for making them seem like they put out 56 inch fish like there is no tomorrow and giving ,y favorite lake a reputation for not being big fish lakes because guys like him have not posted a FEW pictures of fish over 55 inches online.
Esoxman22
Posted 3/19/2013 11:22 AM (#627963 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 208


Location: Northern Wisc.		If i recall, in the sportsman connections book for Oneida county in Wisconsin, Reported a 60" specimen coming out of Sweeny lake. Sweeny lake is 191 acres max depth 18ft. Granted it was only one fish and there probably isn't another fish in there over 50, but a 60" none the less. If one can be in a 191 acre lake then they can be anywhere. They are out there, just have to find a dumb one thats never seen a lure before....lol
Guest
Posted 3/19/2013 5:10 PM (#628149 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


IA Justin you know as well as anyone that a 55 inch fish is not common and they are not caught as often as something drastically smaller. The bigger they are the rarer they are. Some fish just stop growing. How many fish over 55 inches were being caught before the double cowgirl phase or better yet all the stocking that has been done? Not even close to as many that are caught now.

Whats crazy is how lake a, lake b, lake c, and lake d can all produce different average size muskies and different maximum size muskies yet be fairly similar in characteristics, forage, size, and location.

So many factors play into whether a fish does or does not reach 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 inches. I have seen some of the most "skilled" or "experience" muskie fishermen that know EVERYTHING there is to know about muskie fishing and what to and what not to do handle a fish like a moron. Kind of like those same guys who demand you figure 8 after every cast and the next cast after they make the statement do not figure 8. This happens in videos all the time.

Point is that there are a lot of things that are keeping these fish from reaching there maximum potential. Say a fish finally reaches 50 inches after beating the odds of survival. Then its caught by a lucky angler. She reaches 53 and is released yet again. Now she is 55 inches and caught by a walleye guy. We all know what usually happens when that happens. Then there is the case of death by the nature of the fight, catch, and release process.

Okay enough BS. Do some research (you would have already done it if you were a fishermen since the age of three or so and actually have an interest in animals and nature). White Sharks, Anacondas, Pythons, Crocodiles... Top predators that reach enormous sizes. So many reports of HUGE animals bigger than they are thought to be and only a few of the true GIANTS have been verified. Watch professional sports lately?

The does a 60 inch fish know its 60 inches and not 57? Probably not. But the general nature of a fish in good health versus a fish approaching the end of its life could be the main factor. Maybe 60 inchers only eat dead fish. Would that be so hard to believe?
Ryan Marlowe
Posted 3/19/2013 6:50 PM (#628201 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


Eagle does have bigger fish. There is something about that system that just grows bigger fish. At one point i had 1200 gallons of discus in tanks and there was one particular tank that was smaller that produced larger and more consistant discus. My point being just because lotw is bigger does not mean theres bigger fish.

Iv fished eagle under a dozen times and have caught my largest fish and also another 50 plus with lots of 45 plus to throw in. I would love to say lotw produces larger fish but it simply is not accurate. I know for a FACT that eagle right now produces larger fish. Iv also learnt eagle and little of what i know on it completely on my own

Facts are facts, if they are not caught and proven they are not there. The argument of a 60 in lake of the woods is PROVEN and the "belief" 0f a dreamed 60'' is just that.
IAJustin
Posted 3/19/2013 7:25 PM (#628210 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 2088


Guest, my point is there are several thousand 55" muskies living right now, thus the reason they get caught.
BNelson
Posted 3/19/2013 7:28 PM (#628211 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Location: Contrarian Island		whooooa there fella...do tell how you claim that eagle produces larger fish? is this on average? is this the top 5% caught a year or what? from what I know, I'd actually say LOTW kicks out more 50 plus fish for sure and what are say the top 5 caught out of Herbies the last 10 years? stack those up against the top 5 caught on lotw the last 10 years and we have some data to talk about... I've only fished lotw once, and eagle once but from all the dudes I know of fishing both lakes on a yearly if not more basis your claim that eagle kicks out bigger might not be right...both have huge fish that is for sure...

Edited by BNelson 3/19/2013 7:34 PM
jonnysled
Posted 3/19/2013 9:10 PM (#628257 - in reply to #628211)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 13688


Location: minocqua, wi.
BNelson - 3/19/2013 7:28 PM
what are say the top 5 caught out of Herbies the last 10 years? stack those up against the top 5 caught on lotw the last 10 years and we have some data to talk about...


doesn't sound like a fair comparison ...
Guest
Posted 3/19/2013 11:35 PM (#628313 - in reply to #628257)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???


Just from one fisherman's approximate boat stats....

I have spent about 65 days on Eagle, if not more
I have spent about 50 + on LOTW, not all in what I would consider "prime" parts of the lake

number of 50" caught ...Eagle, but not by much
number of 50" fish SEEN...Eagle
biggest fish we ever actually got in the boat...LOTW
biggest fish seen...LOTW

I'm not ready to make any definitive conclusions about which lake has bigger fish.I think there are less places for them to hide on Eagle ( not just lake size, there are less quality musky spots per acre imo). So in terms of strictly big fish discussion, I do not think it is a slam dunk either way.
Ryan Marlowe
Posted 3/19/2013 7:58 PM (#628226 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


Brad you are exactly right, lotw has numbers and your shot at a fifty may or may not be just as good as Eagle. But there for sure is a longer LEGITAMITE fish caught at eagle lake.

Like i said i own the shop on lotw and its better advertisemnt for me to say lotw but it simply not true. For the little iv fished Eagle iv seen it with my own eyes. Maybe some could say im extremely lucky at eagle and thats how iv come out with that conculsion.

Then i go to the LEGITAMITE pictures and reports between the two lakes and eagle has it edged out. What really has changed my mind is the CEA attending eagle lake and the numbers of huge fish caught during there outing. If i were to put in man hours and factor in size eagle clearly has lotw beat.

Admitting that eagle has bigger fish does not help my business but its the truth
Matt DeVos
Posted 3/20/2013 5:02 PM (#628614 - in reply to #628226)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 584


Ryan Marlowe - 3/19/2013 7:58 PM

Brad you are exactly right, lotw has numbers and your shot at a fifty may or may not be just as good as Eagle. But there for sure is a longer LEGITAMITE fish caught at eagle lake.


I don't intend to contribute a peeing match over whether either Eagle or LOTW have the bigger muskies, but I just don't know how anyone can claim to have such certain knowledge either way.

Both lakes have huge muskies. Eagle is big water, but at ~65,000 acres its really just a drop in the bucket of million acre LOTW. I don't care how many years anyone has been fishing LOTW, it's just impossible for anyone to really "know it" or claim to know, for fact, how the maximum attainable sizes compare, e.g., I'm pretty sure Whitefish Bay (which by itself is well more than 1/2 the size of Eagle) holds some awfully, awfully big muskies and it doesn't get pressured much...so who knows what's lurking there. Then factor all of Sabaskong, all of the NW Angle, all of big basins north of Sunset Channel....that's a heck of a lot of water to claim to have factual knowledge of.

I've been to LOTW ~20 times and have been to Eagle just once, albeit with a guy who happens know Eagle really well. I will say that the average size fish that I saw on Eagle was probably bigger than the average I've seen on LOTW...but at the same time, we've had days on LOTW where we've moved very considerable numbers of 50"+ fish, sometimes in the span of just a few hours.

Both are tremendous fisheries and both have world class potential.
87
Posted 3/19/2013 8:54 PM (#628253 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


according to this thread bill sandy's got a 56.5 on lake of the woods last year. i'm sure tons of people on this board alone caught a fish over 50 inches out of lake of the woods. every single 50 inch fish caught on lake of the woods is not talked about amongst the entire "muskie world."

are we really talking an inch or two here? eagle puts out bigger fish because the average size 50 incher is an inch or two more? i agree your chance at a 50 may be slightly better on eagle with it being fairly smaller with a much smaller amount of prime looking spots (to us anyways).

would the majority prefer to have a shot at a 50 plus a legitimate shot at a 48-49 along with a 46 and some lower 40 inchers with a total of at least a dozen fish between two guys on LOTW? or would you prefer a slightly longer 50 inch class fish and the possibility of another 50 incher? the fish in lac seul are about 5-100 inches longer than the fish in lotw and eagle.

i do like your shop though mr. marlowe
ARmuskyaddict
Posted 3/20/2013 1:15 AM (#628331 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 2026


People shrink when they get old. Do fish??? Ha! As far as size goes, sharks can tell who is the bigger shark, so I assume musky can as well. There will be pecking orders. Every animal species has one. Just look at the line at McD's for proof.
Guest
Posted 3/20/2013 1:48 AM (#628336 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


does anyone know if anyone has ever caught a bluegill on lake of the woods?
tswoboda
Posted 3/20/2013 12:46 PM (#628475 - in reply to #628336)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 349


Guest - 3/20/2013 1:48 AM does anyone know if anyone has ever caught a bluegill on lake of the woods?
 

 After 5 pages of reading, finally a post that makes it all worth while!

 haha thanks for the laugh

fishcrazed
Posted 3/20/2013 6:08 AM (#628356 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 171


Location: indiana		i have caught bluegill on lotw and one was just shy of sixty inches. no pics on bumpboard though. i have heard bluegill on eagle are larger.
sworrall
Posted 3/21/2013 12:39 AM (#628700 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 32958


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin		The biggest muskie in LOTW is the one that's longest from it's nose tip to it's tail tip, and measures exactly that way on a bump board, too. Argue that.
dfkiii
Posted 3/25/2013 10:14 AM (#629578 - in reply to #628700)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Location: Sawyer County, WI		If the MDMWRKP establishes a program for certifying bump boards and the bump board in question was certified within the past 90 days, there would be no argument to your statement.

sworrall - 3/21/2013 12:39 AM
The biggest muskie in LOTW is the one that's longest from it's nose tip to it's tail tip, and measures exactly that way on a bump board, too. Argue that.


Edited by dfkiii 3/25/2013 10:16 AM
tswoboda
Posted 3/25/2013 3:21 PM (#629643 - in reply to #628700)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 349




sworrall - 3/21/2013 12:39 AM The biggest muskie in LOTW is the one that's longest from it's nose tip to it's tail tip, and measures exactly that way on a bump board, too. Argue that.

Steve, I hate to be "that guy" here, but you did challenge for an argument...

I realize this thread has primarily been about length, but when talking about fish size a term like "biggest" most commonly refers to weight (i.e. MDMWRP), so here is my argument:

The "longest" muskie in LOTW isn't necessarily going to be the "biggest" muskie in LOTW.

Pappy
Posted 3/21/2013 4:58 PM (#628860 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


Do you pinch the tail to measure or not? I say YES.
sworrall
Posted 3/21/2013 5:01 PM (#628861 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 32958


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin		Pinch whatever you want.
Spallgard
Posted 3/24/2013 8:09 PM (#629472 - in reply to #628861)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 87


Location: Red Wing, Minnesota		I love this site. I feel it is one of the best of it's kind.

However, after reviewing this thread I'm fairly certain that If I was ever lucky enough to boat a 60" fish, I would not post it up here.
sworrall
Posted 3/24/2013 11:57 PM (#629499 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 32958


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin		I would.
sworrall
Posted 3/25/2013 4:22 PM (#629649 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 32958


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin		Or, it could be.

These days, in the spirit of CPR, it's length. Used to be weight when we thumped 'em. Not so much any more.
Larry Ramsell
Posted 3/26/2013 6:59 AM (#629793 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 1301


Location: Hayward, Wisconsin		Personally, I would be happy with the longest and/or heaviest muskie in LOTW. Although it has NEVER produced a bona fide/certified 60-pound muskie, one never knows what evil lurks out there!
jonnysled
Posted 3/26/2013 7:09 AM (#629794 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 13688


Location: minocqua, wi.		would you be confident with a fluorocarbon leader catching that fish Larry?
Guest
Posted 3/27/2013 7:41 AM (#630067 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


i caught one muskie under 40 inches fishing lake of the woods last year between the last week of june and the last week of october with an average size of probably 43 inches. that one fish under 40 inches was caught at the end of june along with the other smaller fish caught by others in the same boat. after june i was only in the boat for 2 muskies under 40 inches. one in july and one near the end of october. only one 50 for myself and i only saw about 2 or 3 behind my bait and one behind a Pike that i could say were 50 but there were LOTS of huge muskies caught on lake of the woods last year. i'd say the average size on lake of the woods is more than long enough. again we are talking a couple inches here. come on. imgine if bill sandy, doug j, and everyone vacationed on the minnesota side, whitefish bay, or other areas practically untouched. more, larger fish would be caught imo.
Larry Ramsell
Posted 3/27/2013 4:14 PM (#630201 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 1301


Location: Hayward, Wisconsin		NO!!
Cam
Posted 8/19/2013 9:47 PM (#658290 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


My dad caught a 54 1/2 muskie - thing is it, it was a male.

I understand that males do not grow as big as the females - this muskie was exceptional.

oly67
Posted 8/20/2013 8:14 AM (#658323 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 174


I wish I would not have read this post. I have been going to Sabaskong for about 12 years with only one fish over 50" to my credit. Last year, after a week of fishing and only catching a 45" for my biggest of the week, I was drowning my sorrows at Green's in Nestor Falls. While walking out the door about 1:30 am, I was approached by a shadowy figure just outside the shine of the street light. He was wearing a trenchcoat and opened it up to show me several pictures of 55" plus muskies velcroed to the coat. He told me that they all came from an area called the Northwest Angle and he knew a guy that knew a guy that had a resort over there called Baystore Camp. He claimed that the fisherman that stayed there had a hard time catching anything under 45"(eaters?) and quite often would see and/or catch fish over 55", sometimes in the 60" range.
So I called early this summer and booked a trip for this September and now you guys are saying there are no 60 inchers over there either. We already paid our deposits so we are stuck going there. Since there are no really big fish over there either, would it be smarter for us just to let the camp keep our deposits, don't waste any more money going up there, and just stay at home and watch Oprah reruns for the week?
By the way, the guy in the trenchcoat DID have his clothes on, the fish pictures were not taken on bumpboards, and I think the guy's name was Frank or Fred or something like that..................
Nershi
Posted 8/20/2013 10:57 AM (#658365 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Location: MN		You should change your trip to Green Bay. There was a 64 caught over there this Spring.
Mike Ruff
Posted 8/21/2013 12:46 PM (#658634 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


To Larry Ramsell
Did you do any checking on the possible 63-64" from White Fish Bay.
Caught & released maybe late 90's.
Jan 2001 Vol 26 Special issue of In fisherman.
Steve Martinson, I believe.
Just Curious
Guest
Posted 8/21/2013 1:56 PM (#658658 - in reply to #658634)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


Also Larry,
You wrote an article on the best musky waters in the U.S. in musky hunter not too long ago where you mentioned a 60 incher washed up dead on the shores of mille lacs after choking on a carp during the summer of 2012. Do you have any more details on this?
ILmuskie
Posted 8/22/2013 7:34 AM (#658769 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 371


Location: Dixon, IL		I know some monster muskies in LOTW! What about Chippewa Flowage? I know this lake is heavy fishing pressure and many resorts. I read about someone found bone jaw that suppose to be around 60 lbs. Other is guy caught 18 lbs catfish and something grabbed it. Found large teeth marked on catfish's belly. BIG musky grabbed 18 lbs catfish in Chippewa Flowage.

LOTW and several other lakes seem getting better and better than 10 to 20 years ago and big thanks to catch and release!
Larry Ramsell
Posted 8/22/2013 8:04 AM (#658774 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 1301


Location: Hayward, Wisconsin		Mike: Very hard to follow up on released fish...no way to verify unless there is a photo on a bump board, so no I didn't pursue it. Was it 63 or 64? Or less. And so it goes.

Guest: I tried to get more info on that Mille Lacs fish, but was unsuccessful. Guess the guy that found it didn't want more publicity.

ILmuskie: Always have been lots of "stories" of monster muskies in the Chip, but strangely, none of them ever get put on a scale (except the "one" that was likely loaded by Louie the Liar). Yes there have been some huge jaw bones found, but to put a weight to them is ludicurious and unrealistic. A mid 50 inch fish can have a HUGE head and the stories begin from there. Saw the catfish, but unrealistic to "guess" how big the muskie was that grabbed it...great story though!

Almost all muskie lakes have been getting better since the advent of catch and release and expansion of the muskie range...NOW is the best time in history to catch a big muskie and with 100 times more muskie anglers out there now with equipement and skills that far surpass those of "yesterday", if there were numbers of 60-inch muskies out there, they would be getting caught!!
Guest 1
Posted 8/22/2013 10:43 AM (#658827 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


"A mid 50 inch fish can have a HUGE head and the stories begin from there."

Can a mid 50 inch fish also have a TINY head?
ILmuskie
Posted 8/23/2013 7:47 AM (#658997 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 371


Location: Dixon, IL		I think that HUGE head is old fish and tiny head is fast growing fish. Illinois and other southern state and Ohio that muskies grow fast but very rare over 40 lbs. Fast growing might have life short! Lot of shad in Illinois, Ohio and southern state. I know some shad in Wisconsin and lower Minnesota so Muskie eat shad and other like sucker, ciscoes and live little longer than in Illinois.
Guest 1
Posted 8/23/2013 10:48 AM (#659054 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


Have any of you ever seen a young, fast growing, mid 50 inch fish with a TINY head?
123
Posted 8/23/2013 11:09 AM (#659059 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


Thought the 18lb catfish-eating musky was just another fabricated story? If memory serves, the musky supposedly came out of the water and shook the catfish violently while in it's jaws, yet the puncture wounds on the soft underbelly of the catfish were oddly pristine. No tearing or shredding as one would expect having had such an encounter with a massive, furious musky. Seems like more folklore from an area full of it.

ToothyCritter
Posted 8/23/2013 3:21 PM (#659112 - in reply to #659059)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 667


Location: Roscoe IL
123 - 8/23/2013 11:09 AM

Thought the 18lb catfish-eating musky was just another fabricated story? If memory serves, the musky supposedly came out of the water and shook the catfish violently while in it's jaws


And this is a true story as well. Muskynado!!



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ILmuskie
Posted 8/23/2013 7:01 PM (#659156 - in reply to #659059)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 371


Location: Dixon, IL
123 - 8/23/2013 1:09 PM

Thought the 18lb catfish-eating musky was just another fabricated story? If memory serves, the musky supposedly came out of the water and shook the catfish violently while in it's jaws, yet the puncture wounds on the soft underbelly of the catfish were oddly pristine. No tearing or shredding as one would expect having had such an encounter with a massive, furious musky. Seems like more folklore from an area full of it.



I found out about it from Musky Hunter magazine about few years ago and I see photo of 18lbs catfish and large teeth marked on belly. They measured it to compare of I think 40 lbs so the marked is much bigger!

Edited by ILmuskie 8/23/2013 7:02 PM
Guest 1
Posted 8/23/2013 1:59 PM (#659094 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


"Yes there have been some huge jaw bones found, but to put a weight to them is ludicurious and unrealistic. A mid 50 inch fish can have a HUGE head and the stories begin from there."

Putting a weight to the huge jaw bones may be ludicrous and unrealistic but determining a likely body length from them isn't. If the jawbones found on the Chippewa Flowage were indeed large enough to have come from a fish over 60 inches this should not be written off.
BNelson
Posted 8/23/2013 2:03 PM (#659096 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Location: Contrarian Island		I'm with Larry ... seems lots of guys see 60 inchers but none are ever caught. I might believe it from someone that has caught a few 57-58s as they might be a little bit more credible but still...something called Buck Fever... yah maybe there are a couple out there..but not in the #s it seems that are floated around out there by guys who's pb is under 55"..just think of when you 1st saw your 1st 50 incher in the water... now see a 55.... now take that up 5 full inches.. um ok... if they are really there, wouldn't they be caught..... once in a while.... just maybe...?!

Edited by BNelson 8/23/2013 2:05 PM
Brett Carroll
Posted 8/23/2013 2:54 PM (#659102 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 696


Location: Northern Illinois		I always thought the larger the body of water the larger the fish. That does not mean that a rare "freak" could not have grown to record size in a smaller body of water. I look at the Wisconsin state record walleye that is 18 lbs and was caught on High Lake! The lake combined with Fishtrap is just barely over 1000 acres. And then were talking about lakes as big as LOTW...seems like it would have a couple "freak" muskies swimming around somewhere in it. Whitefish Bay maybe? Just seems like it would be the case.
Guest
Posted 8/23/2013 3:27 PM (#659114 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


Brett Carroll - 8/23/2013 2:54 PM

seems like it would have a couple "freak" muskies swimming around somewhere in it.


I agree but so far the freaks have been topping out at around 57 inches. Another three inches on top of that is a lot. Hopefully someone gets one on a bump soon.

Geust 1, I would be interested to know how they can determine length from skull size. Genetics vary from fish to fish so I would think it would be hard to develop a scale that is accurate for that type of thing.
Guest1
Posted 8/23/2013 3:41 PM (#659127 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


"Geust 1, I would be interested to know how they can determine length from skull size. Genetics vary from fish to fish so I would think it would be hard to develop a scale that is accurate for that type of thing."

I would be interested to know how you or anyone else coud write off a set off jawbones that are large enough to have come from a 60 plus inch fish?

FlyfishMN
Posted 8/23/2013 4:48 PM (#659140 - in reply to #659127)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 59


Location: Minneapolis, MN		I'm curious... For those that have caught larger muskies in LOTW (54+) were they related to very deep water (40-50+) or are you still finding them in the shallow water areas (20-30 ft)? Would think the really big fish would be feeding more on open water ciscos/lake trout vs. the panfish, perch, walleyes in shallower water.

We had our first super tanker up numerous time this past month (1st time to LOTW) and she was within a couple hundred yards of 80+ ft.
Nershi
Posted 8/23/2013 5:29 PM (#659148 - in reply to #659140)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???




Location: MN
FlyfishMN - 8/23/2013 4:48 Would think the really big fish would be feeding more on open water ciscos/lake trout vs. the panfish, perch, walleyes in shallower water.



Wouldn't those big fish follow the whitties and tullies up shallow in the fall when they spawn?
BNelson
Posted 8/23/2013 5:46 PM (#659150 - in reply to #659148)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Location: Contrarian Island		"very rare" Justin? seems dpearson and a few others get some legals per year.. and those are the ones we hear about.... not sure I'd say they are 'very rare' on lotw but def harder to come by... I know the guy I fish with had one up last year he guessed it at "I don't know big" and he has been in the boat with quite a few very very large fish... still doubt it was 60.
to put it in perspective. a 60" fish is 20% bigger than a 50". Think of a 40"er then a 48"er following you in. HUGE difference right. now take a 50" and then think of something 20% bigger.. I guess we all like to dream of the biggest thing that swims in hopes of catching it...but I just have to laugh when I hear all the sitings of 57-60" fish by guys who maybe have a few 50s and haven't had one in the boat 55"... but yet they think they can accurately guess a fish 10% bigger... not to be a Debbie downer but like Larry Ramsell pointed out, if they were out there with the sheer # of anglers and casts made, they would get caught. the biggest fish don't always get off ...they simply get bigger in our minds after they get off !
IAJustin
Posted 8/23/2013 5:22 PM (#659147 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 2088


there are not a lot of fish caught on LOTW over 54" a true legal is a very rare fish for sure.... Have had one in my boat and know of several others caught that were miles from 40' of water. 20-30 feet of water will still hold whitefish the entire year that far north.
jano
Posted 8/23/2013 7:45 PM (#659166 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




one thing is sure,even if some really look like 60 inch long it's always hard to believe.for me the recent supposed 60 inch fish is not true.you don't caught and release a fish that long without a bumpboard pics.it's pretty easy to add a inch or two it will stay unnoticed even by the best size guesser.the thing is 2 or 3 extra inch to a 58 incher is gigantic.it's really not like adding 2 or 3 inch to a 40 inch fish.some guys seems to don't realize the growing rate slow down with age and size.i think lotw don't even produce a 50 lbs each year so i would be surprised to see a 60''.yeah it's a big lake but there is also a ton of anglers too.
Fisher
Posted 8/23/2013 10:32 PM (#659202 - in reply to #659166)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 427


Location: Roseau		A ton of anglers on lotw??
That is funny, thousands of spots to fish and i maybe see 10 b oats tops a day out casting. Today saw 1 boat casting and fished for 7 hours.
BenR
Posted 8/23/2013 10:39 PM (#659203 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???


Some of the best anglers in the world, with best equipment cannot catch 60's on lotw, larry, ottawa, mn, does a 60 live, perhaps, but to think they are just out smarting people because they are elusive is silly. The 60 inch musky is like big foot, odds are probably not, but I would not be surprised if we found one. BR
Kingfisher
Posted 8/23/2013 11:31 PM (#659217 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 1106


Location: Muskegon Michigan		Muskies inc is the largest data base in the world on released Muskies. Over a quarter million entries in the lunge log. Only one entry (CLAIMING) 60 inches. Not verifiable and not from Lake of the woods. I have to agree with Ryan Marlowe that since the advent of the Bump Board he truth is easy to verify. I would accept a picture on a Bump board. The fish would have to take up the entire board. 60 inches is 5 feet. So Michigan now has a verified 58 inch fish. She had little in her stomach and no egg mass. 58 inches, 58 pounds . No one will ever convince me she did not at some time weigh 65 or more.
To say Muskies can not get to 60 inches is foolish. It is also foolish to say that Muskies grow to 60 inches as none of us have ever verified one. I like Larry's statement, " Who knows what evil lurks there" I believe we have a verified 58 inch 58 pound fish. She most likely would have weighed more in April toting 5 to 7 pounds of eggs. Add in a couple 3 pound suckers and she is a unicorn. But we will never know how heavy she COULD have been. She's dead and she did not come from Lake of the Woods. She came from a lake that can not even be compared to Lake of the woods in size. In fact it is only the third or forth largest lake in this chain. I would not have guessed a 58 fish were possible from this lake and yet there it is. Larry's words ring again, who knows what evil lurks there? Also when we speak of Lac Seul remember you can not keep one of any size from there so that is bump board only and can never own the world record.

I am at the point now where I say why travel to Georgian bay or the St. Lawrence when I have world record producing waters 3 hours from my front door.

The truth is when we place absolutes on things like the size of fish or how big a White Tail buck can get or how fast a man can run? we are asking mother nature to prove us wrong. This world will keep surprising us with new records, new species and new stories. So Ill take a few words from Full metal Jacket and replace a few words.

These are great times we are living in bros, we're jolly green giants walking the earth " with Musky Rods"
wdykstra
Posted 8/23/2013 11:36 PM (#659218 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 64


A lodge owner in the kenora area fished muskies hard on lotw in his younger years and fished them when they used to club them at the boat with a 2x4. He told me a about 2 fish he is positive were over near the 60 inch mark. One of them ate a nine inch suick and bit his Dacron above his 12 inch leader. He said they followed the fish as it jumped for 20 minutes trying to spit up the suick. The other they hit 6 times with a 2x4 and the fish eventually got off and swam away as if nothing had been done to it. These fish are certainly uncommon and a true dinosaurs. It gives us something to shoot for.
Larry Ramsell
Posted 8/24/2013 6:57 AM (#659235 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 1301


Location: Hayward, Wisconsin		Interesting to see myths and passed on "stories" mixed with reality. I grew up believing in the lies of the late 30's; 40's and early 50's. Those have mostly all proven to be untrue. Interesting too, to see how so many "want" to believe the "stories"...catfish muskie and all. Most prone to same, call the bodies of water the stories come from their muskie water...coincidence?

Was just discussing this topic with a fishing partner last week. Of all of the historical "record" muskies, so far only Coleman's 60 pound 8 ounce fish from Eagle Lake seems to withstand logic and scrutiny, however documentation is slim. This was the first (and perhaps only?) "verified" 60 pound muskie ever caught...just barely over 60 pounds. And it wasn't 60 inches...

Sorry guys, I just don't believe there are 70 pound muskies out there. But hey, prove me wrong! Again, who knows what evil (or wonder) lurks out there! 60 inchers, I do believe in and know of a few that were legit; some of them weighing far from what one would think they would/should weigh.
Cwill108
Posted 8/24/2013 8:23 AM (#659242 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 2


If a little lake like lake bemidji can produce a 57" Muskie, than I am sure lake of the woods has some bigger then that. You have to remember alot of spots on lotw hardly get touched and such a huge body of water the odds of u being at the right moment at the right time are next to nothing. The fish is that big for a reason, it's not stupid.
IAJustin
Posted 8/24/2013 8:43 AM (#659244 - in reply to #659242)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 2088


A size of a lake does not have always have a direct correlation between how big each species will ultimately grow. LOTW has largemouth too, doubt there are any 12 pounders in there.

A muskie can get just as big in 6000 acres as in 600,000...IMO you just need the right conditions and you need to let them grow...Leechers obviously grow long and Bemidji is full of big whitefish. Whats crazy is there are some tiny (under a 1000 ac) lakes in MN that have kicked out 56"+ fish.
Propster
Posted 8/24/2013 10:28 AM (#659258 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 1901


Location: MN		Uh, yea they are kind of stupid. They'll eat a 2 x 4 with hooks. Are you now attributing their rarity of getting caught to intelligence?
Kingfisher
Posted 8/24/2013 11:07 AM (#659265 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 1106


Location: Muskegon Michigan		I would say and believe that larger fish in smaller bodies that have been repeatedly caught and released get conditioned and smarter if you can call it that. I dont think fish get smarter with age but get conditioned to artificial lures. Big fish are harder to catch for the simple reason there are fewer of them . Add in some conditioning , pressure and ample natural forage they become harder to catch. This is why double tens are already slowing down on Lake st. Clair as the top big fish producers. The fish have seen thousands of them and been hooked enough times to shy away now. I dont buy into fish being intelligent but do believe they get conditioned to certain artificial lures, sounds and tactics.
Kingfisher
Posted 8/24/2013 11:30 AM (#659268 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 1106


Location: Muskegon Michigan		As for 70 pounds, we can all believe in 58 pounds. In the old research forum we talked in depth about stomach contents and egg mass. This 58 pound fish had neither. So she was 58 in September with no eggs and the backbone of 13 inch small mouth bass in her belly. One two pound bass and she is 60 pounds. One 5 pound pike and she is 63 pounds. Add in mature eggs? Who knows what evil lurks there ha ha ha . Ill say this , the best chance you have at catching something bigger then this 58 pound fish on hook and line is either early spring before the spawn or Late fall just before ice up. You have go after them when they are at their peak weight. I do not believe this Michigan fish was at her peak weight.

I have heard two reports now of two different guys having what they thought were Browns taken off their lines by something off White Lake in Lake Michigan this past spring. The guys were trolling plugs for Browns behind planer boards. Both cases involved fish that were smaller being reeled in and wham the rod doubles over drag rips and the fish is gone. Muskies or Big Pike are the consensus here. A Musky in Lake Michigan in March could be in her prime weight. For the next three seasons I will be targeting early spring(sucker run and trout runs) and late fall(Whitefish spawn) in Lake Michigan around three drowned river mouths, Muskegon, White and Manistee. I am also fishing the Antrim Chain as many times as I can get up there. Mike
Guest 1
Posted 8/24/2013 11:52 AM (#659273 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


"A mid 50 inch fish can have a HUGE head and the stories begin from there.""

Can a mid 50 inch fish have the same size head as a low 60" fish? Specifically which species of fish have head sizes that vary greatly? In most organisms, growth ceases at maturity but fish continue to grow throughout their life and the head grows along with the body.

Apparently some people "want" to believe a huge skull or jaw bone could not have belonged to a 60 plus inch muskie that may have been a world record. If a skull or jaw bone is indeed large enough, I feel its more likely than not that the fish was much longer than a mid 50 inch fish.





sworrall
Posted 8/24/2013 4:41 PM (#659316 - in reply to #659273)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???





Posts: 32958


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin		More likely than not?

Catch one. Then it's real. Until then, it's another story, and a LOT of stories come from over that direction.
Hunter4
Posted 8/24/2013 5:26 PM (#659327 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 720


As a friend once said "I know there is legacy somewhere in here. I just can't find it through all the bull---t". Lake of the woods has giants. No doubt about it. But Steve's right catch a one and its real.
Kingfisher
Posted 8/25/2013 7:47 AM (#659405 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: Re: LOTW biggest Musky???




Posts: 1106


Location: Muskegon Michigan		Catch one ,verify it (PROPERLY) and its real. Lots of people say they catch them and said they caught them but were they real? 58 inches and 58 pounds is real. I am betting this new 58 pound world record is going to fall several times in the next 10 years. I am also betting we end up pretty close to the 65 pound mark. I am also betting the next one comes from the great lakes area. Mike
Guest 1
Posted 8/25/2013 1:46 PM (#659456 - in reply to #619087)
Subject: RE: LOTW biggest Musky???


"More likely than not?

Catch one. Then it's real. Until then, it's another story, and a LOT of stories come from over that direction."

Are you implying that a skull or jawbone that EXISTS and is large enough to have belonged to a 60 plus inch muskie is nothing more than a story? Apparently to you the bones from dinosaurs are also meaningless because you haven't seen a living dinosaur.

Prove the huge skulls or jaw bones are from muskies much shorter than their size indicates. Until then they should not be written off.



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