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Posts: 10
Location: Youngstown, Ohio | Hello everyone,
I just returned from my annual musky fishing trip and I was wondering how the lake I fish compares to other musky lakes. We go up to a small lake that is a tributary of Lake Nipissing, but I would like to try a couple new lakes next year if the possibility of better fishing is there. For 3 guys, fishing 10 1/2 hours a day for 7 days we caught 15 musky(biggest were 44" and 37 1/2"), 110 Northern pike(2 were 31") and an 18" bass. Is that "good" for a normal musky trip or do you guys usually have better or worse luck than that? Any response would be greatly appreciated in helping me chose another lake to try next year. I live in Ohio and our trip is usually 11-12 hours in a car. I was hoping to cut that down or at least stay the same. If I could find some place closer that has the same potential I would love to give it a try.
-Thanks again
Matt |
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Posts: 1310
Location: Washington, PA | Shameless promotion:
Check out my 2004 Kawartha outing post. |
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Posts: 10
Location: Youngstown, Ohio | I know a lot of people don't like to give up the place where they fish and I totally understand. I won't give up the little lake that I fish to just anyone either. I'm more curious as to if our catch totals for the week are below, avg or above what most people witness on their outings. If our catch is below or avg. then I might look at somewhere else to fish for a change of scenery. Thanks
Matt K. |
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Posts: 32957
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Two fish per day for three anglers is really pretty good. Size/quality is dependant on the waters fished and the conditions. I have had trips where we got several in the upper 40 to mid 50" class in just a few days, and on the same waters (Wabigoon) have blanked on muskies. I target big pike waters that also have good quality muskies, so I would like to see pike in the upper 30" to low 40" class too. Was your trip sucessful? Absolutely. Could you do better? No idea what that water kicks out. I do know there are many lakes and river systems that can and do put lots of big Esox at the angler's rod tip! |
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Posts: 366
| 15 muskies in a week is pretty good, especially this time of year. The largest two being a 44 and 37.5 tells me that it is probably more of a numbers lake. But that's only cause I've heard half of the story. How many other fish did you see, most importantly how many Big fish did you contact. In my current disposition the thing that matters most to me is big fish. No, not because I'm so priveledged that I'm disappointed with anything under four feet, but because breaking fifty is a desire that burns inside of me above anything else now. I have come close, but we all know what they say about horse shoes and hand grenades. So my point is, are you happy with what you caught? If so, that's all that matters, cause if you start trying to compare yourself to many of the individuals on this site you'll wind up frustrating yourself. Take for instance the Hulbert's week, they for sure had thee greatest week I've ever heard of, and most likely one of the greatest trips in existence! Impossible to compete with, I don't care what kind of stories you've been told. In my time fishing muskies there have been many more weeks when I would have killed for a week like yours than the times I would have outdone it. Although for me, one fish could carry the weight of 15. Don't get me wrong I still love all muskies and would be happy with your week. Don't forget that catching muskies is not the only factor of a good trip, for the reason that I am sure there will be a few trips that lack that factor.
Congrats
Ryan Anderson
On the water, happiness is the only barometer that I need. |
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Posts: 366
| The other thing I wanted to mention in response to your original post is my favorite lake is eleven hours from home, so I share your desire to reduce the driving time. I have fished probably 15-20 muskie lakes closer than that and a couple even further. Within the maximum range I have traveled of 16 hours, my favorite body of water is well worth the drive. Time, as always, is limited so spend your week on the BEST waters you can find, within reason. Don't worry about the differance of a few hours driving. In the long run I think you'll be much happier than gaining a half a day on a lesser lake. At least that's my opinion, for I am in this for life, without parole.
Ryan Anderson |
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Posts: 10
Location: Youngstown, Ohio | Thanks for the replies,
We actually saw and or had contact with at least 4 other BIG muskies (45"+). The lake I fish is very small compared to most other muskie lakes, but I know there's potential for a 50". I think that is the dream of all muskie hunters. Good luck during the fall season.
Matt K. |
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Posts: 2361
| If you like the area you are fishing, and the fish population seems stable, I would keep fishing there. Your description of the results sounds like doing better on a regular basis might be iffy, but I guarantee you could go a lot of places and do worse. |
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