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| I had an unusual encounter with a musky last night. After hand landing a nice ski, I noticed it had a tail cramp. Never seen this before. When viewed from above, the fish looked like a "J". The tail was "locked" in a curved position and the fish was very stiff. It made me a little nervous actually... but after gently wiggling her tail for her a few times it loosened up and she eventually finned off under her own power.
I checked my records, and this is the ONLY fish that I have ever caught in water that exceeded 80 degrees. Next warmest water temp I had success in was 78... with all others at 76 or less. Surface temp last night was about 81 degrees. Do you think the warm water had something to do with this "cramping"? Has anyone else seen this behavior? |
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| I've had it happen with Pike but in cooler water. Old time guide I fished with said it was "Shock" of being hooked.
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| I have seen this happen on ocassion what I was told it is from lactic acid build up in the muscles similar to us getting a charlie horse in a leg muscle
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| MD has it, I think. As the fish resists the pressure from the line, and exerts itself during the fight, lactic acid builds in the muscle tissue, causing stress and what you experienced.
Old school treatment if the fish is very stressed is a solution of non iodine salt and water to 'freshen' the fish, then lots of air temp fresh water, then release. That is the basis of the livewell solutions that are used in some Walleye/Bass tournaments. I am not certain about any online supporting info, will take a look as I pack for a road trip.[:0] |
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| I think it's because of the stress combined with hot water temps! I don't like to fish waters where the watertemps are over 22°C. Pike need reviving for so long it just can't be good for them! I know, after catching my 112cm pike two years ago in such hot water, that I won't be fishing those lakes until they cool down. |
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| Have never personally observed this condition in warm water temps, but have seen it on more than one occasion in cold water. Don't know for sure if it's cramps, lactic acid build up or what, but do know that after slight massaging, the fish always appeared to swim off naturally...[:)] |
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| The females get cramps every spring.[;)] I believe JohnMD has the correct answer.[:)] |
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| Has happend a few times to me summertime trolling on Pewaukee in the warmer water temps. You just have to take your time with them and they will be fine. |
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| Do you think a hook rigged tube of ben gay might make for a good "throwback bait" ??????? |
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