Muskie Catch and Release

This article was written by a fellow muskiefool by the name of John Underhill. I think it is a worthwhile read for all would-be anglers as well as seasoned vets, whether they fish esox or not. This is essentially his article with a few edits on my part - Raf.

Introduction & History

Some friends and I saw the real need for a factual, usable release manual that could be used to educate and incorporate real C&R practices. This is our compilation; I hope it aids you in the release of Muskie and Pike bringing some philosophical understanding of the principals and needs for conserving some of our greatest resources "ESOX". We feel it’s paramount to teach and learn from others when it comes to Catch and Release(C&R), no matter what State, Province, Country or species we seek. Releasing your trophy is the kindest act you can impart on your favorite activity and to the future of fishing.

The bottom line is C&R works. Here are some things to keep in mind when implementing the practice. Also, some food for thought if you are not convinced that C&R may be the best option for you, your family and friends.

The first written mention of sport fishing (C&R) was in ancient Chinese history between 1122-221 B.C.. Imagine being 20+ centuries ahead of the times. We now jump forward 2-3000+ years. During the last century, Trout anglers took the forefront on this practice knowing it was the only way to maintain and manage the fragile native trout fisheries. It was from one of these fishing experiences that Ray Scott founder of B.A.S.S. started the "Don't Kill Your Catch" program and implemented the first C&R Tournament in the early 70s - a stunning success.

Muskie Angler and conservationist Hugh Becker started a tagging system of his own many years before the Muskies Inc C&R program was started. He also commissioned and funded the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) to conduct Catch and Release tagging surveys in the mid seventies. That effort established the MNDNR's acceptance of using C&R as a management tool that they have endorsed and promoted for all species since. He also used this information to assist Dr Crossman of the Ontario Royal Museum and Mr. Art Oemcke of the Wisconsin DNR. In his passing, he is still making a positive impact on the entire Muskie world through the Hugh Becker Trust and Foundation.

During the 1970s, milestones were occurring in Muskie fishing around Minnesota. Dr.Gerald Jurgens released a 50 inch fish in 1972 that made many reconsider their harvest practices. The MNDNR commissioned Leech Lake guides were funded by Hugh Becker to tag fish. At this time the MNDNR felt all fish died after release rendering C&R useless for management purposes; they were astounded at the number of recaptured fish and the fish that survived against the odds. One fish in particular that Roger Larson, a long time Leech Lake Guide caught he felt was good as gone, he said he knew the fish wasn't going to make it - until it was recaptured larger and healthier the following year. Chan "Doc" Cotton released over 100 fish from Leech Lake in one season during the late 70's, that act was a milestone in Muskie C&R, some that didn't know Doc thought it was impossible and ridiculous.

By the mid 80s, some Muskies Inc members and Muskies Magazine Editor, Rod Ramsell took C&R and conservation to the next level. Stating in the magazine that "Pictures of released fish will always take top priority over kept fish as long as I am editor" and setting specific guidelines along with his perception of a good release photo.

Muskies magazine was also publishing articles such as "Too Big To Keep" by Dave Johnson after Catching and Releasing a Huge 55 inch Monster from the St. Lawrence River. The Magazine and more of its members were rethinking their approach to harvested fish, how they promoted the fish on the cover, in the content, and in the tournaments they sponsored.

A small but growing number of Muskies Inc members were preaching "Total C&R" touting the phrases "Release’em All", "Dead Fish Don't Breed" (D.F.D.B.) and "Catch Photo and Release(CPR)". These ideas and actions were seen by some as "Too much". Many of these men were labeled "Elitists" or "Muskie Nazis", but the fish responded by growing larger and in greater numbers.

The In-Fishermen guys were now showing Huge Muskies and fish of every species being released every week on television. Along with Muskie angler Bob Mehsikomer on Simply Fishing, these men took C&R to the masses as did Bass anglers Roland Martin, Bill Dance and many other Bass fishing celebrities.

Today, Muskies Inc & Muskies Canada members release 99.9% of all the fish they catch and are at the forefront of stocking and regulatory changes to improve the resource. Knowing that C&R is the only management tool that effectively grows Big Muskies, anglers have shown without regulations to accompany conservation and education these fragile fisheries can be destroyed within a very short time and in some cases may never return to their former glory. There are hundreds of these examples across North America. When you see a size limit increase or a possession decrease you should understand this is done to improve your fishery.

Catch and release is one of the most important tools in fisheries management of Muskie, large Pike and, other species, its benefits are lauded around the world.

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