JohnMG
06-14-2011, 06:38 PM
After spending over 20 years away from the flowage I went back for a week in August of 2009 and another in August of 2010. I saw action both weeks but did not get a musky in the boat. Business recently brought me within an hour away so I squeezed in a day and a half and finally got a 37 incher in the boat. I fish alone and in 2009 I rushed my net job and let up a little pressure on a still hot fish when I reached for the net too soon. It was enough for the fish to get off. A few years before that I lost a nice one on Lake of the Woods fishing with a friend whose net was far too small. The fish didn't fit well and a hook got caught on the outside of the net. This time I was patient and the big frabill got the job done. Plus, as I rarely handle muskies the big net allowed me to keep the fish in the water, settle down, get my tools and have a seamless release. After catching plenty of smallmouth to 20" and nice pike up to 36" I really did find it true that even a very average sized musky felt like a special trophy. Hopefully I can keep my plans for another August trip and get another. I know this is not an unusual catch but for a guy who lives and works far from the northwoods, it's pretty great.