SPECIAL TREATMENT FOR A SPECIAL FISH

It often seems that muskie anglers are divided into two separate schools of thought when it comes to presentation: those who cast and those who troll. Many of the casters feel it is less sporting to troll. The trollers on the other hand feel that their technique is superior method for fishing for trophy-sized fish. Whatever the reasoning, it is hard to imagine why anyone would consciously put limitations on their ability to make the most effective presentation to deal with whatever the fishing situation demands.

Learning the various techniques and presentations requires time and practice. Nothing can be accomplished without effort. The factors separating the novice from the expert are the abilities to gain precise boat control and to select the best presentation to suit the situation. The wise angler knows that he or she will be faced with a variety of situations and there are no magic methods that always work. Never close any of your options when fishing if you want to be consistently successful. Above all be versatile!

As your angling abilities and environmental awareness grow through pursuit of the muskie, so will your respect for this most worthy animal. You will come to understand the fragile nature of muskie populations and the devastating influence of human-induced pressures on the aquatic environment such as shoreline development and over-fishing. By all means keep your special trophy fish and those that are obviously mortally wounded during capture, but remember the past and think of the future. Decisions which we make today while angling directly affect our chances for a record fish tomorrow. Without the participation of muskie fishermen today, there would be no big lunge in anyone's future.

Muskellunge is a very special fish when we consider its colorful history, rich mythology, and unique environmental niche. I leave you with the motto of Muskies Canada, an organization of anglers working to insure a future for this special fish: "Limit your kill, don't kill your limit!"