Thank you for at least viewing my post. It was quite an exciting night. I let the board "brew" for a while on purpose. Wanted to give the critics a chance to vent a little. When I got home tonight the post was frozen. I appreciate the concern and expected it as I have been a member of this forum from long ago. It is not my first musky nor is it my first decent musky. It is my first Vermilion musky after 9 vacations and my first 50 incher. Don't know if there'll be another. It was a solo effort for which I am quite proud. There were 3 other boats on this spot at sundown (I'm assuming some M1st'ers) but my goal was to fish it at moonrise (11pm). Most of the boats fishing all the "community spots" (of which this was one) headed in around 10 pm. I waited my turn and this was the result. Those who know me best understand the pains I've taken to rehearse this night on much smaller fish and non-musky fish. I will verify she was out of the water for just over 2 minutes which I agree is a bit long. Nightime temps, low 50's, short fight, in the water for bait removal with cut off hooks, camera already set up securely in the stern, no tripping or floundering for equipment, every action deliberate, completely solo effort. Take notes if you fish alone. Didn't have a bump board, granted. But she's released for another chance to spawn and bite another lure (if someone is as lucky as me!) She swan off fine with minimal prompting.  Thanks for your balanced comments, Lambeau. To others who are also concerned (and I won't take that right away from you) this video and the additional time it took to shoot was not for you. I only chose to share it with you knowing I have friends on this site from Minnesota to Ohio who would be excited about my success. Ultimately, it was for myself, my wife and kids. They will watch it years from now and smile knowing I did my best to catch a memory and release it for another day. And, they will tell their kids about it. Enjoy the experiences you have and share them with someone. It'll make them smile too!

Good luck to those who also believe there's a 50 out there for you!

Stephendawg

You too, Mikie! It was a great week for all of us, eh?

Dawg