Fish-On! Chapter 12

Muskellunge (Esox Masquinongy Mitchell)

No other fish has captured the imagination of anglers to the same degree as the muskellunge, the largest member of the pike family. It is frequently described as "the fish of 10,000 casts" because of the often-held view that it is extremely difficult to catch. Commonly called muskie or lunge, this voracious predator is the stuff of countless stories. Tales of seven-foot-long muskies and muskies attacking pets, livestock, and even people abound in every locale in which they exist. Some of these stories are true and others are not. True or not these stories will endure. The muskie's reputation for savage brutality and its arrogant disdain for the anglers who pursue it are legend. And while legends may be fact or fiction they are all surrounded by a romantic shroud -- a mystique!

What is it about the muskie that causes people to fantasize so? Certainly their ferocious appearance and barracuda-like teeth give the impression of something sinister. Their frustrating habit of following anglers' lures right to the side of their boats and in plain view illustrates a complete lack of fear. Of course, the fish's ability to attain such great size -- they are the largest fresh water predator -- contributes to its larger-than-life image.

Much has been said and written about the "muskie mystique," that aura that seems to place muskies above the status of mere fish. The credibility of many of these stories is unquestionable. Skilled anglers with considerable experience as muskie fishermen can relate incidences of extraordinary muskie behavior or exceptionally large fish. One famous St. Lawrence River guide, Brendon Reid of Gananoque, Ontario, is certain that he has had a fish that was close to seven feet long and almost 100 pounds, not once but three times!

A fish story? Brendon has guided on the famed river since 1927 and has caught two 58-pound muskies and more than 100 over 40 pounds. Still not convinced? He also has a scale the size of a quarter identified by biologists as a muskie scale from his last encounter with this monstrous muskie. That is almost four times the size of a scale from a 40-pounder!

There are also stories of fish like "Jingle Bells," the huge muskie with so many lures attached to its body -- from its always successful efforts to avoid capture -- that it clanged like a bell as it swam. A myth? Certainly, but throughout the history of muskie angling there are many cases where it is extremely difficult to separate fact from fiction.

Perhaps the single most important factor contributing to "the mystique" is that muskies are a highly visible fish. Even as fry and fingerlings, they are often seen lazily cruising along the surface giving the appearance of casually sunning themselves. Their frustrating habit of following lures without striking also adds to their visibility.

Unlike any other fish, muskies are not spooked by the presence of anglers. Their strikes can be spectacular and they are very unpredictable. Their great size makes them attractive, though most anglers regardless of their skill will never catch a 40-pounder. But it is the visibility above all that perpetuates the "mystique" -- the chance of seeing a monstrous muskie, mouth open, razor-like teeth following your bait.

As one would expect, a fish that exhibits such eccentric behavior has attracted an equally eccentric following of anglers. Most of the serious muskie anglers I know pursue no other species. Those that do usually do so very casually and not with the same urgency.

They are a group dedicated to the pursuit of trophy fish. When they catch a fish that is not up to their high personal standards, they usually release it. Unlike many anglers who hope for fair weather, they couldn't care less -- the best time to fish is whenever you can. And most are keen conservationists, understanding that as top predator, muskies have a special niche in their environment.

With such ardor and respect for their quarry, many anglers have organized for greater efficiency. Muskie Incorporated of the United States and Muskies Canada have both been leaders in the preservation of this special fish. They have worked to stop destruction of spawning areas, aided research projects that will better allow us to manage this fragile resource, and started public awareness programs for the voluntary release of any muskies that are not kept as trophies. To help promote the latter, either organization will provide a certificate or patch in appreciation of an angler's concern for this special fish.

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